Game of Thrones season 7 episode 2: Show execs on Nymeria, Theon, more

Tonight, Game of Thrones season 7 episode 2 gave you many moments that you didn’t know you needing — including a Nymeria appearance! That was one of the more simple scenes over the course of the hour, but somehow, it may have also been the most effective in terms of delivering a genuine emotional punch that felt in line with how the characters involved would feel. Arya would, of course, want her direwolf back, as it is a reminder of her earlier years; however, Nymeria also is aware that Arya sent her away with a rock a warning. She has no incentive to now abandon the family that she’s found in the wild. Both survive, and both are able to move forward.

In the After the Episode clip that aired following tonight’s “Stormborn,” we got a sense of what showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss had to say about this and many other storylines that took place over the hour. Take a look below for some quotes!

On Arya and her reunion – “The scene harkens back to season 1. We last saw Nymeria when Arya made her run away … She knew that Cersei was going to kill her [and that was her motivation] … She, of course, wants her to come back home with her and be her companion again, but Nymeria has found her own life.”

On Jon heading down to Dragonstone – “Jon’s position as a king and a leader is nothing he [wanted] and nothing that he sought out … He makes this decision [to visit Daenerys] and it’s a much different leadership decision that he’s experienced before … He has a good sense of what he’s facing, and he has a better sense of what he’s facing than anyone [in the room]. He’s seen [the Night King and the White Walker horde], and [nobody else has].

On Daenery’s Dragonstone gathering – “I don’t think there are that many situations in film and television where you see four women coming together discussing strategy and war. We didn’t really [plan it like that in advance] … We knew that these [subjects] had to be discussed … I think it’s a scene that, had it been the exact same information put forward by a bunch of old, grizzled guys with gray beards, I think it would have been a lot less interesting.”

On Euron turning up and causing mayhem – “This is where you see that this guy isn’t all talk, that he can actually do the things that he’s talking about.”

On Euron’s decision to flee rather than saving his sister Yara – “That’s something that is going to be a part of him the rest of his life … This experience triggers [that history] … He’s falling apart again.”

In the end, you do hate Euron for the choice, but also recognize that this is a part of his character.

You can read more about everything that transpired in this Game of Thrones episode by heading over to the link here right now. Meanwhile, be sure to also take a look at the preview for the next installment while you’re at it. (Photo: HBO.)