The dragons are back. The war is back. "Game of Thrones" is back. The third season has gotten off to a slow start, but the finale of last week's episode proved that fans are about to get what they've been waiting for. The episode closed with a powerful, confident Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) corralling her newly acquired slave army. She gained control of the warriors in exchange for one of her precious dragons that rebelled against its new owner, burning him to a crisp before returning to its true owner. Daenerys gained the respect of her new army and her colleagues with her cunning and brutality against the slave owners and his minions.
And season three won't stop there. Next week's episode, "Kissed By Fire," will bring fans more of what they love. In episode five, the title suggests we may see more of the Wilding, Ygritte. The Wildings typically use the title phrase to describe redheads, so could we finally see sparks fly between Ygritte (Rose Leslie) and Jon Snow (Kit Harington)? It's about time.
Beric Dondarrion (Richard Dormer), leader of the Brothers Without Banners will battle the captured Hound (Rory McCann) and call upon the Lord of the Light to show them wisdom and truth. The Hound's fate now rests in the hands of the God's.
Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) are still with the Boltons, who repeatedly toss Jaime aside like a rag doll. They bring him to Lord Bolten, who accepts him with a daunting grimace. Things are about to get worse for the King Slayer.
Back in Kings Landing, Lord Tywin (Charles Dance) meets with Cersei (Lena Headey) and Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) to inform them of Lady Olenna's (Diana Rigg) plan to wed Sansa (Sophie Turner) and her grandson, Loras (Finn Jones). According to the book, the conniving Lannister's spoil Lady Olenna's plans and have Sansa marry Tyrion. How will this reflect on Tyrion's girlfriend who also happens to be Sansa's trusted maid?
Tensions remain high in King's Landing as a powerful Daenerys approaches with her dragons and loyal army. Soon enough, an epic storm of blood, swords and fire will hit Westeros with full force. Winter is coming.
"Game of Thrones" airs Sunday nights on HBO.
By Peter Lesser
