The speed run

Lord Eddard Stark, ruler of the North, is summoned to court by his old friend, King Robert Baratheon, to serve as the King's Hand. Eddard reluctantly agrees after learning of a possible threat to the King's life. Eddard's bastard son Jon Snow must make a painful decision about his own future, while in the distant east Viserys Targaryen plots to reclaim his father's throne, usurped by Robert, by selling his sister in marriage.

Catelyn's actions on the road have repercussions for Eddard. Tyrion enjoys the dubious hospitality of the Eyrie.

Eddard's investigations in King's Landing reach a climax and a dark secret is revealed.

Catelyn must negotiate with the irascible Lord Walder Frey.

Daenerys must realize her destiny. Jaime finds himself in an unfamiliar predicament.

War grips the continent of Westeros. As Tyrion Lannister tries to take his strong-willed nephew in hand in King's Landing, Stannis Baratheon launches his own campaign to take the Iron Throne with the help of a mysterious priestess. In the east, Daenerys must lead her retinue through a desolate wasteland whilst beyond the Wall the Night's Watch seeks the aid of a wildling.

Arya has a surprise visitor; Dany vows to take what is hers; Joffrey meets his subjects; Qhorin gives Jon a chance to prove himself.

A massive battle rages for control of King's Landing and the Iron Throne.

Tyrion awakens to a changed situation. King Joffrey doles out rewards to his subjects. As Theon stirs his men to action, Luwin offers some final advice. Brienne silences Jaime; Arya receives a gift from Jaqen; Dany goes to a strange place; Jon proves himself to Qhorin.

The Night's Watch takes stock. Varys meets his better. Arya is taken to the commander of the Brotherhood. Daenerys exchanges a chain for a Whip.

Robb presents himself to Walder Frey, and Edmure meets his bride. Jon faces his harshest test yet. Bran discovers a new gift. Daario and Jorah debate how to take Yunkai. House Frey joins with House Tully.

Joffrey challenges Tywin. Bran tells a ghost story. In Dragonstone, mercy comes from strange quarters. Daenerys waits to see if she is a conqueror or a liberator.

Tyrion lends Jaime a hand. Joffrey and Margaery host a breakfast. At Dragonstone, Stannis loses patience with Davos. Ramsay finds a purpose for his pet. North of the Wall, Bran sees where they must go.

Stannis and Davos set sail with a new strategy. Dany meets with supplicants. Tyrion faces down his father in the throne room.

Mole's Town receives unexpected visitors. Littlefinger's motives are questioned. Ramsay attempts to prove himself to his father. Tyrion's fate is decided.

Jon Snow and the rest of the Night's Watch face the biggest challenge to the Wall yet.

An unexpected arrival north of the Wall changes circumstances. Dany is forced to face harsh realities. Bran learns more of his destiny. Tyrion sees the truth of his situation.

Arya makes progress in her training. Sansa confronts an old friend. Cersei struggles. Jon travels.

Stannis confronts a troubling decision. Jon returns to The Wall. Mace visits the Iron Bank. Arya encounters someone from her past. Dany reluctantly oversees a traditional celebration of athleticism.

Cersei seeks forgiveness; Jon faces a new challenge; Arya plots to cross a name off her list; Tyrion sees a familiar face; and Daenerys finds herself surrounded by strangers.

Bran trains with the Three-Eyed Raven. In King's Landing, Jaime advises Tommen. Tyrion demands good news, but has to make his own. At Castle Black, the Night's Watch stands behind Thorne. Ramsay Bolton proposes a plan, and Balon Greyjoy entertains other proposals.

Tyrion seeks a strange ally. Bran learns a great deal. Brienne goes on a mission. Arya is given a chance to prove herself.

Ramsay surprises his audience. Jon retaliates. Dany is true to her word.

Alliances are made, the High Sparrow is holding trials at King's Landing, Daenerys is sailing for the Seven Kingdoms and a new King of the North is crowned.

Arya gets to the final destination. Daenerys takes it upon herself to strike back.

Jon's mission continues north of the wall, but the odds against his ragged band of misfits may be greater than he imagined.

Cersei sits on the Iron Throne; Daenerys sails across the Narrow Sea; Jon Snow is King in the North, and winter is finally here.

Winterfell fights the Army of the Dead.

Varys betrays his queen, and Daenerys brings her forces to King's Landing.

In the aftermath of the devastating attack on King's Landing, Daenerys must face the survivors.