‘Game of Thrones’ recap: Yara has a plan, and it involves dragons

Princess Yara Greyjoy (Gemma Whelan) is determined to claim the Salt Throne of her native Iron Islands. And Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) is equally determined to defeat House Lannister and seize the Iron Throne at King’s Landing.

Given that Yara has a fleet of fast ships and Dany has three dragons and a newly acquired army of Dothraki horsemen, perhaps an alliance is imminent on “The Broken Man,” Episode 57 of HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”

Yara and her younger sibling, Theon (Alfie Allen), stole the finest ships from the Iron Islands and fled for their lives. This after their father, King Balon (Patrick Malahide), was murdered by his brother, Euron (Pilou Asbaek).

Now the only threats to Euron’s nascent rule are his missing niece and nephew.

Fierce Yara seems capable of overthrowing her uncle. But can Theon pull his weight? Sadly, he’s a mutilated shell of his former self after being physically and psychologically tortured by sadistic Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) at Winterfell Castle.

“If you’re so broken that there’s no coming back,” Yara says to her brother, “take a knife and cut your wrists. End it. But if you’re staying, Theon, I need you!”

Her plan?

“We’re gonna sail to Meereen,” Yara reveals. “We’re gonna make a pact with that Dragon Queen. And we’re gonna take back the Iron Islands. Are you with me?”

Judging by Theon’s look of steely resolve, it appears he’s a man once more, not a battered mouse.

Over at King’s Landing, meanwhile, Queen Margaery (Natalie Dormer) acts like a pious follower of the Faith of the Seven by memorizing sacred texts and converting her husband, King Tommen (Dean-Charles Chapman), to the strict religion.

“I only pray your grandmother follows your lead,” the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce) tells Margaery. He’s referring to Lady Olenna Tyrell (Diana Rigg), who he calls an “unrepentant sinner.”

“You must teach her the new ways as she taught you the old,” the High Sparrow counsels. “Or I fear for her safety, body and soul.”

“Go home,” Margaery urges Olenna. “Find comfort in prayer and good works.” Before Olenna departs, however, Margaery slips her a secret message.

It looks like House Tyrell will fight back against the High Sparrow and his fanatic followers. And perhaps Olenna will be aided by her hated rival, Tommen’s mother, Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey).

“We need each other,” Cersei insists. “You love your granddaughter, I love my son. It’s the only truth I know. We must defend them.”

In other developments:

• Cersei’s twin brother, Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), aims to capture Riverrun Castle for his loathsome ally, Lord Walder Frey (David Bradley). The castle is currently held by Brynden “The Blackfish” Tully (Clive Russell), who won’t go quietly. “I was born in this castle. And I’m ready to die in it,” Brynden vows.

• In the frozen North, Jon Snow (Kit Harington) convinces the Wildlings to join him in marching on Winterfell and ending Ramsay’s tyrannical reign. Jon also gains support from 10-year-old Lyanna Mormont (Bella Ramsey), who pledges 62 of her fearsome warriors to the cause.

• Jon’s half-sister, Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), survives an assassination attempt by the Waif (Faye Marsay). But Arya is wounded and without support as she limps through the streets of Braavos.

• Finally, Sandor “The Hound” Clegane (Rory McCann) reemerges after Arya left him for dead two seasons ago. Sandor was rescued by Septon Ray (Ian McShane), who’s dedicated to bringing “a little goodness into the world.” Alas, Ray and his people are slaughtered while Sandor was off chopping firewood. Sandor’s next move? It likely won’t have anything to do with goodness. More like medieval-style revenge.

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