Only four episodes left! Episode 2 was much like episode 1. A set up with a lot of interaction between key characters. The real stuff starts next week. A look at what happened:
1) All about Jamie
The first 20 minutes of the show was about Jamie. His interactions with Tyrion, Bran and Lady Brienne were strong. Even Daenerys backed off with him. It was Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's acting at its best.
2) Setting up
The whole show was a setup for the big battle. In essence, it was a continuation of the first episode. Lots of characters connecting. Cool to watch, but not much action. And no deaths! (I think we will see many of those next week).
3) The big battle
We are now set up for the big battle with the dead. My guess is lots of deaths. Surprised they did not send Arya to kill Cersei. And we really did not need to see her have sex with the useless Gendry, did we? It felt uncomfortable because we have watched her since he was a child.
4) The Greyjoys
Theon showed up and did not do much. But he did arrive and he is on the side of the living. How long does he survive? His relationship with Sansa is interesting now as well. And he is going to protect Bran?
5) The key moments
There we so many great interactions. Jamie knighting Brienne. The whole scene with all of them together (who knew Podric could sing?) And Jon told Dany his real background. You can tell all he cares about is beating the Night King. Does anyone else fear he dies in this battle? Only four episodes left. Next week should be huge.
Not a great episode but not bad. Suspect the next one will be huge. This should be an all time battle. Can't wait to see what happens!
Despite red flags, here's how Astros still control their own destiny
Aug 18, 2025, 12:30 pm
Jordan Westburg hit a three-run homer among four hits with a career-best five RBIs and Dean Kremer pitched seven sharp innings to give the Baltimore Orioles a 12-0 win over the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Kremer (9-9) allowed just three singles and struck out seven. Grant Wolfram and Corbin Martin finished the six-hitter.
The Astros were shut out for the second time this series after Brandon Young came within four outs of a perfect game in Baltimore’s 7-0 win Friday night.
Westburg hit an opposite-field shot to right-center off Shawn Dubin in the fifth to make it 5-0. He added RBI singles in the seventh and eighth. His four hits matched a career high.
Houston starter Cristian Javier (1-1) left with an illness after allowing one run in three innings. The Astros used five relievers before outfielder Chas McCormick threw a scoreless ninth in his second pitching appearance this week.
The bases were loaded in the third when Jesús Sánchez robbed Gunnar Henderson of a grand slam with a leaping catch into the seats in right field. Jeremiah Jackson scored on the sacrifice fly to make it 1-0.
Sánchez robbed another homer in the seventh with two on when he reached into the seats to snag a fly ball hit by Samuel Basallo, who was making his major league debut. Basallo, the Orioles’ top prospect, drove in two runs with a single in Baltimore’s five-run eighth.
Key moment
There was a brief delay in the top of the eighth when a fan jumped onto the field and ran around before being tackled by security, handcuffed and escorted off the field.
Key stat
Dubin has allowed 11 hits and 11 runs over 2 2/3 innings in his last three appearances.
Up next
Orioles LHP Trevor Rogers (5-2, 1.43 ERA) opposes Red Sox RHP Dustin May (7-8, 4.67) Monday night in the opener of a two-game series at Boston.
Houston RHP Spencer Arrighetti (1-3, 6.38) faces Detroit RHP Jack Flaherty (6-12, 4.76) as the Astros visit the Tigers Monday night.