'Game of Thrones' Season 8, Episode 2 Preview Breakdown: Jaime Lannister Gets a Cold Northern Welcome

The first episode of Game of Thrones Season 8 finally aired Sunday night, after a nearly two-year hiatus. One fan favorite character didn't get much screentime this episode, but his appearance was certainly a memorable one. The final scene of this week's installment saw Jaime Lannister, shorn of his golden armor (and sporting a distinctly grayer mop of hair), as he arrives at the gates of Winterfell, only to be greeted by Bran Stark. It seems Jaime will find himself closer to the center of the action up north in next week's episode, but clearly not everyone is happy to see him.

If you haven't seen the episode 2 preview already, you can check it out above or below, along with a new behind-the-scenes featurette for the first episode of Season 8.

Dany's back in full Mad Queen mode, and clearly not glad to see the man who became infamous for killing Aegon V Targaryen when his back was turned. "When I was a child, my brother would tell me a bedtime story about the man who murdered our father," she tells Jaime in Winterfell's Great Hall. "About all the things we would do to that man."

Dany and Sansa aren't getting along, but one thing they seem to have in common is hating the Lannisters (other than Tyrion) with a flaming passion. "You never should have trusted Cersei," Dany tells the flame-haired Lady of Winterfell.

"You never should have either," Sansa says placidly. The teaser then cuts to a moment where the two exchange heated glances, presumably during their "welcome reception" for Jaime in the Great Hall.

The preparations for battle with the Army of the Dead continue, seemingly at a much more hurried pace than in the first episode. Gendry continues to work in the forge, overseeing the production of as many dragonglass weapons as he can. Jon broods in the crypt in front of Lyanna's statue, and Dany comes to comfort him. Tormund arrives at Winterfell (presumably bringing Beric and Edd with him, though they aren't shown here) and warns Jon of the Night King's approach. They don't have much time. There's some quick cuts of a catapult, people running in the castle's central courtyard, the passionate kiss between Missandei and Grey Worm we saw in an earlier Season 8 trailer, and Arya testing out her archery skills.

Notably absent from the episode 2 teaser: Cersei, Bran, Bronn, The Hound, Sam, Beric and Edd. Not necessarily anything to worry about, but it could suggest they don't play major roles in this installment.

The final moment of the trailer shows Tyrion standing on the ramparts of Winterfell, shrowded in darkness. Concern lines his face and a stoic row of Unsullied soldiers stands at the ready behind him. There's some serious Blackwater / Battle of Castle Black vibes, and the music is tense and ominous. Winterfell is some serious trouble.

Game of Thrones airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO.

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