IN PHOTOS: What happened during ‘The Last of the Starks’

MANILA, Philippines – If you thought Episode 4 would be a breather from the suspense of “The Long Night,” you might be new to the phenomenon that is Game of Thrones. 

The latest episode of the popular show’s final season picks up from the aftermath of the Battle of Winterfell, where, as everyone expected, thousands perished.

** SPOILERS FOR THE EPISODE FOLLOW **

Episode 4 sees Jon and Daenerys push forward with their plan to defeat Cersei over at King’s Landing – never mind that, as Sansa pointed out, their forces are still very much tired and weary from the long night that was the battle against the Night King. 

“The Last of the Starks” was quite an emotional rollercoaster, with several main characters bidding their goodbyes – some of which were permanent.

The episode also finally reveals to several more characters Jon Snow’s true identity – the implications of which aren’t quite clear yet. 

Here are stills from Episode 4 as released by HBO: 

The episode begins on a rather somber note, as the forces at Winterfell mourn the deaths during the previous battle. 

(And yes, that’s the Stark pin on the late Theon “Good Man” Greyjoy.) 

The survivors, of course, celebrate their hard-fought win against the Night King. But not everyone is in a celebratory mood. 

It’s not quite a happy ending for the newly-minted Lord Gendry Baratheon. Despite the events in Episode 2 and his declaration of love, Arya turns him down. She is no lady, after all.  

Dany and Jon finally confront each other over the implications of his identity. As the legitimate son of Dany’s older brother Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, Jon has as much – if not a greater – claim to the Iron Throne. 

She begs for him to keep it a secret. But like Ned before him, Jon chooses the noble path and tells his siblings – the last of the Starks. 

Despite their promise to keep it a secret, Sansa tells Tyrion of Jon’s real identity. 

Both Arya and The Hound make their way out of Winterfell.

…and Jon bids goodbye to Tormund, Sam and Gilly… and Ghost. 

Euron Greyjoy leads a sneak attack against Daenerys’ forces – including her dragons. Rhaegal is among the first casualties. 

Missandei is captured by Cersei… and later meets her end at the hands of the Lannister queen. 

…who finally announces that she’s pregnant. 

Tyrion attempts to convince Cersei to wave the white flag. Of course, she doesn’t. For good measure, she executes Missandei. 

Greyworm and Dany’s faces say it all. 

The next episode, which would be the second to the last in the final season, is gearing up to be a wild one with a huge battle ahead and possible shifts in allegiances. Emilia Clarke (Dany) herself said it’s going to be an even “bigger” battle than the Battle of Winterfell. (WATCH: ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 8, Episode 5 trailer)

Game of Thrones, which is based on the book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin, airs every Monday at 9 am and 10 pm in the Philippines over HBO. It’s available on demand at HBO Go beginning 9 am Mondays. – Rappler.com