Game of Thrones Monday: Unleashed

(WARNING: This post contains SPOILERS for "Game of Thrones" season 6, episode 2, so if you haven't watched it yet, please skip ahead to the collectibles. Now, on to our GOT recap).

Season six of "Game of Thrones" has gotten off to a rocking start, emphasized by Monday night's episode, "Home," which gave the entire GOT storyline a nice shove forward. The episode opens with Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) experiencing an out-of-body experience thanks to his studies with The Three-Eyed Raven (Max von Sydow). Bran flashes back to the past, where a young Ned and Benjen Stark are training in Winterfell. This scene also introduces Bran's aunt Lyanna Stark, an important character in the GOT mythos (rumored to be Jon Snow's true mother) and a young Hodor (Kristian Nairn), whose real name is revealed to be Willis. Bran's training with The Three-Eyed Raven has only gotten started, and we expect more long-standing questions to finally be answered as that training continues.

Bran's flashback wasn't the only thing to accelerate the overall story this week. We learned that a confrontation between the Lannisters and the High Sparrow's (Jonathan Pryce) fanatical followers is likely imminent as Jaime Lannister (Nicolaj Coster-Waldau) and the High Sparrow engaged in a tense confrontation. The always-reliable Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) demonstrated his courage and guile by unleashing Daenerys's two captive dragons, which the mammoth beasts seemed quite pleased about. It will be interesting to see what happens now that Rhaegal and Viserion are out of chains. Arya Stark's (Maisie Williams) situation improved as well when her mentor, Jaqen H'ghar (Tom Wlaschiha), returned to shift her assassin evolution from "beggar girl" to whatever's next. The episode's biggest shock came when the ever-vile Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) murdered his father Roose (Michael McElhatton) after news of a legitimate heir threatened Ramsay's authority. One thing we know for sure about Ramsay as his psychotic machinations continue: His dogs are ridiculously overfed.

Tom Wlaschiha and Maisie Williams in "Game of Thrones"

The Grejoys got back into the mix as Theon (Alfie Allen) revealed he would leave Sansa (Sophie Turner) in the care of Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) and Podrick (Daniel Portman) in order to return to the Iron Islands for help, this time well aware of his past mistakes (though leadership of the Ironborn is in question following the murder of their leader, Balon). And finally -- a fulfilling resolution (er, sort of) in the Jon Snow saga, as the Wildlings -- led by Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju) and the giant, Wun Wun -- arrived just in time to imprison Jon's killers while Sir Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham) convinced Melisandre (Carice van Houten) to attempt to resurrect Jon despite her newfound self-doubts. And while Davos, Melisandre and Tormund leave discouraged when Melisandre's spell seems to fizzle, the viewer learns otherwise as Jon's eyes flash open and he takes a deep breath. But will it be the same Jon we all know and love, or something else entirely...?

OK, folks, on to more GOT goodies as this already exciting season continues to be unleashed.

Hodor and Bran figure, Dark Horse

Hodor and Bran figure by Dark Horse

Dark Horse has released several high-quality "Game of Thrones" collectibles, including some great action figures. Case in point is this detailed 9" figure of Hodor (or is it Willis?) and Bran.

Faceless Man coin, HBO

Faceless Man coin by HBO

     

This collectible iron replica of Arya's prized coin is 1" in diameter and comes with a handy pouch. Valar Morgulis. 

House Targaryen poster, Joshua Budich

House Targaryen poster by Joshua Budich

Artist extraordinaire Joshua Budich served up this beautiful print of Daenerys's loyal supporters, though it was done before Tyrion and Varys joined her crew. Notice the Iron Throne waiting in the background.    What else does HBO have in store for us "Game of Thrones" fans? Tune in next week and we'll see.