HBO has gone rogue on letting fans know anything about the season 8 of Game of Thrones. We didn’t get to officially know the title of GoT s8 episode 1 until it had already aired. But, this time, we may have got a pretty good idea regarding the episode 2 title.
Before continuing to read, please bear in mind that this article may contain spoilers. Before the airing of the season 8 premiere, a redditor u/jorywea78 shared two photos and claimed that he/she knows the title and description for the first two episodes of GoT season 8. The said leak came from a French cable channel guide.
The first claim was that Episode 1 title will be ‘Winter Is Here,’ which seemed to be little straightforward. But, it turned out to a wrong (but close) prediction. Upon airing, it was known to be titled ‘Winterfell.’ However, the description turned out to be on the right spot. It had suggested that it would focus on Jon and Daenery’s arrival in Winterfell.
Now, let’s come to the leak about Game of Thrones episode 2 of season 8. It is alleged to have been titled ‘The Rightful Queen,’ which seems to directly referring to Dany. It may have connections to her reaction towards the news that Jon Snow is actually a Targaryen, and the rightful king.
She may not take it in a good way, we should consider this condition. Also, the title could prove to be wrong or slightly off the table. So, we should take it with a pinch of salt. As per the French translation, Jon and Dany will assemble their troops for the battle with the army of the dead.
What makes it even more interesting is that this leak has come even before the episode 1 had aired. The big takeaway is still the title. Even if this is true, HBO may change it between now and Sunday. It seems to be hinting towards what may come in the upcoming episode.
When the Jon Snow news being a Targaryen will become public, the real challenge for Daenerys will begin. She will get to know that not only her lover is a Targaryen, but also a stronger claim to the throne. She would take this news in stride, but based on the history of the show, that seems like the least likely outcome.
Episode 1 runtime was 54 minutes, episode 2 will run for around 58 minutes long. Then, the remaining four will have a run-time of around 80 minutes. The season 7 finale also had the same length. Episode 3 will be the longest of all seasons – 1 hour and 22 minutes. It is unfortunate that we don’t have any info regarding the upcoming episodes’ titles.
It’s because HBO has become obsessed with stopping all leaks. The last four episodes will be more like a movie than series’ episodes. Owing to their time-length, they will have more ground to cover than usual to wrap up the story quickly.
As per the trailer for GoT S8E2, it will entirely revolve in Winterfell. It will heavily focus on Daenerys accusing Jaime Lannister of his many crimes. Tensions will rise between Dany and Sansa Stark. In the meantime, Tormund Giantsbane will return to Winterfell. He will let Jon know that they have left with a very little time to spare.
Jorah Mormont seems to be receiving a sword that looks like a Valyrian steel sword Heartsbane from Samwell Tarly. Theon Greyjoy is also on his way to Winterfell to help Jon and company. Meanwhile, Yara is heading towards Iron Islands, planning to take her home back from her evil uncle, Euron.
If this works, the island could work as a nice backup plan in case the Night King prevails at the Battle of Winterfell since White Walkers can’t swim. It looks the HBO’s fantasy show is preparing the Iron Islands to play a major role in the ultimate season. But, we won’t be hearing much of that for next couple of episodes.
Game of Thrones season 8 episode 2 will air on HBO at 9 pm ET on Sunday, April 21, 2019.
