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(HBO, Helen Sloan)
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- While many are still reeling over last week's rape scene between Sansa and Ramsay (and Theon), tonight's episode of 'Game of Thrones,' entitled 'The Gift,' which was written by show creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, focuses on several storylines including Sam and Gilly's relationship, and how karma is finally catching up with Cersei.
As Jon Snow and Tormund prepare to depart Castle Black, Sam bids Jon farewell and gives him a dragonglass arrow.
Sam, Gilly and her baby are spending time with Aemon Targaryen, the blind Maester whose health is failing. As Aemon caresses the baby's face, he is reminded of Egg, his younger brother Aegon, who became king. Shortly thereafter, Aemon dies.
Sam performs last rites, officially ending Aemon's position in the Night's Watch, before igniting the pyre.
At Winterfell, Theon enters Ramsay and Sansa's chambers, to find a sleeping Sansa. She awakens and begs Theon for help and gives him the candle to take to the broken tower. Sansa insists that Theon remember and respond to his true name. He agrees to help her ... or does he?
Ramsay talks with Sansa, telling her how pleased he is that she's attractive. Sansa mentions that if Ramsay's mother gives birth to a son, he will be the rightful heir to the throne, because Ramsay is a bastard. Ramsay informs her of Jon Snow's rise in stature and is now Lord Commander. Ramsay leads Sansa to the courtyard where a flayed body is on display. It is the body of the old woman who befriended Sansa in her chambers.
As Gilly is harassed by two soldiers, Sam comes to her rescue. Unfortunately, Sam takes a real beating as the soldiers gang up on him. Just as the soldiers begin to grope Gilly, Sam makes one last stand, accompanied by the white wolf. To show her gratitude, Gilly kisses him several times, initiating what would be Sam's first romantic encounter.
The slavers hold an auction, trying to fetch a good price for Jorah and Tyrion. One bidder is extremely interested in Jorah, and buys him. Tyrion panics at the thought of being left alone, and begs the buyer to purchase him, as well. After Tyrion offers a one-sided demonstration of his fighting skills, the buyer agrees.
Daenerys is in bed with Daario talking, and she senses his jealousy over her impending marriage to Hizdahr. Daario suggests that she marry him, but she refuses.
At King's Landing, Olenna goes in search of the High Septon, unaware that she is speaking with him. She is there representing her grandchildren, begging for their freedom. After getting nowhere with her usual acerbic tongue, Olenna threatens to stop the crop deliveries, which would force starvation of the people, but the High Septon doesn't back down.
Tommen is still in shock that Margaery is in jail...and he's absolutely powerless over doing something about it. Cersei is getting her machination on, with the constant manipulating of her son's position, and getting things done in the kingdom - her way.
Jaime talks with Myrcella, explaining why he's come to Dorne. She's not trying to hear it.
Bronn and the Sand Snakes bide their time with small talk while in their prison cells. One of the Snakes entices him, and he soon has difficulty breathing. She informs Bronn of the slow-acting poison, which coated the edge of her dagger. She wears a necklace containing the antidote, but only agrees to give it to him if he declares her the most beautiful women he's ever seen.
Jorah and Tyrion wait their turn to enter the fighting pits. Jorah watches the fights and notices Daenerys in attendance. He suits up and makes his way into the pit ahead of schedule, attacking, and beating, the other fighters. He removes his mask while standing before Daenerys. She wants him taken away, but Tyrion interrupts and makes his presence known.
Cersei visits Margaery in prison, bringing her a bowl of food. Margaery has a few choice words for Cersei, tossing the bowl in the Queen Mother's direction.
Cersei then speaks with the High Septon regarding the possible punishments in store for Loras and Margaery, and he has so much to say, knocking Cersei from the proverbial high horse she's been riding for so long.
The High Septon gives Cersei a dose of her own medicine, and she's not pleased.
With Episode 9 looming on the horizon, it's difficult at this point to predict what it will entail. What do you think we can look forward to in Episode 9? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
'GoT' Asides:
Memorial Day 'GoT' marathon: Have you missed any episodes from the current season? Beginning at 4pm tomorrow, HBO2 will air all seven episodes of the current season back-to-back.
In case you haven't seen it, HBO.com offers a bio on Theon Greyjoy.
Jonathan Cordner of Whatculture.com takes a look at the 10 most shocking scenes of Season 5 to date.