'Game of Thrones' Season 5, Episode 9 recap: Stannis' obsession with victory; the Great Games massacre

As every true 'Game of Thrones' fan knows, Episode 9 of any season of this show is usually a no holds barred hour of action and story, setting the stage for the finale. Last week's episode whetted fans' appetites for what this season finale may possibly contain. At the Baratheon camp, a concerned Melisandre senses something is amiss, and shortly thereafter, the camp erupts in flames. It is assumed that Ramsay Bolton's impromptu army of 20 men attacked under the cloak of night. Davos tries to present the handful of options left to Stannis, but he's not listening. Stannis knows he has no other choice than to follow Melisandre's original plan. Jon Snow returns to The Wall with what's left of the Wildlings, feeling defeated. Sam unsuccessfully tries to get him to look on the bright side of things. Stannis makes a list of demands he wants Davos to deliver personally to Jon Snow. Davos suggests Selyse and Shireen accompany him, but Stannis refuses. Davos presents Shireen with a gift, a hand-carved doe, before departing for Castle Black, thanking her for teaching him to read.

In Dorne, Jaime pays Prince Doran a visit, and is surprised to see Myrcella among those present, along with Prince Trystane and Ellaria Sand. Doran will allow Jaime to return Myrcella to King's Landing, but with a few conditions. Jaime is concerned about Bronn, and Doran leaves Bronn's fate in the hands of his son, Trystane. In Braavos, Arya is selling her wares in the marketplace when she spots The Thin Man, as well as a boat containing Lord Tyrell pulling into port. She recognizes one of the passengers – Meryn Trant. Arya follows Tyrell and his entourage as they make their way to the Iron Bank. Later that evening, she follows Trant to a brothel, and through a chance encounter, may or may not have been recognized. Back at the House of Black and White, Jaqen inquires as to her whereabouts, and she lies to him. Back in Dorne, Doran commands Ellaria to swear her allegiance to him, or face death. Begrudgingly, she acquiesces, much to the chagrin of her daughters. Oddly, Ellaria does a 180° and has a pleasant, civil conversation with Jaime regarding the importance of giving in to the heart's desires.

Back at camp, Stannis visits Shireen and she tells him about the fable 'Dance of the Dragons.' Stannis has an honest talk with his daughter, explaining to her how a man must fulfill his destiny, no matter how much he may hate doing so. She urges him to do what he must do – unaware that she is co-signing on her own death warrant in the process. Stannis allows Melisandre to offer Shireen up as a royal blood sacrifice to the Lord of Light. It's a known fact that whenever throngs of villagers and royalty are assembled for any kind of celebration in an episode of 'GoT,' there will be major bloodshed before the event ends. Welcome to the Great Games of Meereen, which takes place in the fighting pits. Daenerys, Tyrion, Hizdahr, Daario and Missandei are given premium seating for the event. The second bout features Jorah. Hesitantly, Daenerys motions to the contestants to begin. But the bloodshed in the arena pales in comparison to that in the stands as the Sons of the Harpy make their presence known and set out to massacre as many spectators as possible. Just at it seems the Sons of the Harpy will slaughter several of the series' most beloved characters, Daenerys summons her 'babies' and Drogon arrives in the nick of time, and reduces a great number of the Harpy to crispy, charred, carcasses. Does Episode 9 live up to your expectations? Are you excited for the season finale? Well, Sunday isn't that far away!