Longtime competitor-families like the brutal Boltons and the cunning Tyrells lay in ruins.
That meant trouble for Cersei Lannister, newly-crowned Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
Enemies to the east, Cersei says.
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Enemies to the west.
Enemies to the south.
Enemies to the north.
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The East brings Dany, allied with her despised brother Tyrion and the fleet controlled by Yara Greyjoy.
From the West come more Greyjoys, led by their own newly-anointed king Euron.
Cerseis in a tight spot, but shes not concerned.
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Whatever stands in our way, we will defeat it.
Danys in it to win it.
I was born to rule the Seven Kingdoms, she promises us.
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Perhaps Dany would be wise to temper her ambitions.
Melisandre seems to be back in Dragonstone, after departing south from Winterfell last season.
Has she allied herself with Danys forces, thereby achieving the oh-so-rare Triple Crown for alliance-shifting?
Is Daenerys Stormborn the ruler promised by the Red God?
Meanwhile, up North, Jon is holding court in Winterfell.
Things are going great!
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Except things arent going great because we cant have nice things!
Your father and brothers are gone, yet here you stand, Littlefinger whispers to Sansa.
The last best hope against the coming storm.
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Its still unclear what Littlefingers endgame is here.
Is he trying to turn Sansa against her half-brother?
Official bloodlines are important in Westeros, and Sansa could make a claim to being her fathers final heir.
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But then theres Lord Baelishs reference to the coming storm.
Is he referring to the coming wave of White Walkers and ice-zombies from up north?
Has Littlefinger developed an environmental conscience???
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running from some unseen evil.
Yes, Arya Stark has aimed north on her return trip to Westeros.
Unclear if Arya is aiming to reunite with her remaining family members or continue her vengeance quest.
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But hey, gang, this show isnt just about battle and political gamesmanship and monstrosities and climate change.
Its also about love!
Grey Worm and Missandei look to be finally entering the will they stage of their long-simmering relationship…
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….BUT FORGET THAT!
See, gang, season 7s notjustabout Starks and Lannisters and Targaryens.
(NOTE THOUGH: Its probably mainly about Starks and Lannisters and Targaryens.)
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Theyre running from something, its snow.
Kit Haringtons such a pro that he doesnt complain.
But between scenes, while theyre reapplying blood makeup and pouring mud onto him, he checks Instagram.
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And maybe then a single tear falls down his face which totally adds to the performance.
Also, the Dothraki have arrived in Westeros!
And so have the dragons!
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Horselords + Dragons = Death for the Lannisters?
Speaking of life and death!
Could this be poor noble Ser Jorah Mormont, last seen in the early stages of the debilitating disease?
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For ongoingGame of Thronescoverage, follow my colleague James Hibberd on Twitter, @jameshibberdfor the latest news.
Game of Thronesreturns July 16.
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