As far back as the Season 1 prologue the White Walkers have been an omnipresent and insidious undercurrent of the series; while the Great Houses squabbled over precedent, weddings, trials, and subterfuge, the Army of the Dead was slowly building power in the North. Now their time has come.

The Long Night, the Battle for the Dawn, the greatest battle sequence ever put to film, call it what you will the episode delivered an intense and harrowing experience. From the final fiery charge of the Dothraki, to the iron will of the Unsullied foot, to the relentless, merciless onslaught of the Army of the Dead, the episode is filled with the epic battle sequences we’ve come to expect from director Miguel Sapochnik, as well as some intimate character moments in the face of insurmountable odds. This is Day battling Night, Hope in the face of Despair, Life vs. Death… Ice and Fire.

Things start to ramp back up this week as the Ironborn take Winterfell, damning Theon in the process, Jon meets a new wildling, Littlefinger visits Tywin at Harrenhal and nearly blows Aria’s cover, Jaqen H'ghar grants another wish, Marcella is shipped to Dorn, a riot breaks out in the streets of Kings Landing, Danny negotiates (poorly) for ships in Qarth, Robb continues to court Talisa, and Osha helps the young Starks escape.

King Renly’s campaign comes to an end, Dany mingles with the Qartheen nobility, The Night’s Watch reaches an ancient stronghold, Cersei withhold’s valuable information, Stannis absorbs the remnants of his brother’s army, Arya serves at Twin’s war council, Tyrion visits the Alchemist’s Guild, Xaro demonstrates his ambition, Jon embarks on a covert mission, and Arya whispers her first name to the God of Death.