"Game of Thrones" has become more extreme than ever as the show featured a brutal, bloody fight and a shocking sacrifice this week. Season 5's penultimate episode held nothing back as Jon Snow returned from Hardhome, Daenerys had a front row seat to a brutal slaughter, and Stannis Baratheon made a disturbing decision that changes everything.
After last week's carnage at Hardhome, Jon Snow and what's left of his Wildling allies returned with him to Castle Black. Alistair Thorne, who was in charge of the castle and The Wall while Jon was away, reluctantly let them in. None of the Night's Watchmen were happy to see the Wildlings trudge in.
Later, as Jon thought about the men that he lost at Hardhome, Alistair told him, "You have a good heart Jon Snow, but you'll get us all killed."
Ramsay attacked Stannis' camp and set everything on fire. As a result, Stannis' army lost tents, horses, supplies, and weapons. Davos warned Stannis not to continue, but he refused to back down. He ordered Davos to ride to Castle Black to bring back food and water. Davos wanted to bring Shireen and Selyse with him, but Stannis didn't allow him to do so. Before leaving, Davos visited Shireen, who was reading "The Dance of Dragons." He gave her a toy stag before heading to Castle Black.
With Davos gone, Stannis decided to take Melisandre's advice and sacrificed his own child to the Lord of the Light. Stannis stopped by Shireen's tent to talk. Still reading the book, she explained the story to her father. He hugged her, and asked her to forgive him.
As she walked out of the tent with the toy stag in her hand, she saw Melisandre waiting for her. Shireen was tied to a stake and burned. As she screamed, Stannis could do nothing but live with his decision and listen to her beg for her life.
Meanwhile, it's time for the Great Games at the fighting pits in Meereen. Daenerys hated every moment of it, but her fiancé, Hizdahr, insisted that this is their way of life. Jorah walked into the ring and a look of combined shock, terror, and betrayal crossed Dany's face.
Jorah defeated all of his opponents and suddenly threw a spear at Dany, killing a lurking Son of the Harpy assassin who was about to kill her. Chaos erupted in the arena as men in gold masks began killing everyone in sight. Jorah and Daario teamed up to protect Dany, and Tyrion saved Missandei from almost getting killed.
Daenerys closed her eyes and Drogon flew into the arena and started killing everyone who threatened the Mother of Dragon's life. Drogon was struck by spears, but before he could get slaughtered, Dany climbed on his back, and they flew out of the arena.
"Game of Thrones" airs on Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO.
