Game of Thrones series 7 episode 2 - a no-spoiler review of Stormborn: our characters' pasts catch up with them

After the season opener of Game of Thrones series seven deftly set the scene, the question hanging over episode two was just what showrunners David Benioff and D.B Weiss would have play out across it.

We were promised a more action-packed series, and going into the second instalment many viewers will have be wondering just how much of that action we’ll see start to kick in.

The premiere set up a template of strategising interspersed with much-needed character updates and a significant enough payoff to keep fans happy. In the latest episode Weiss and Benioff seem content to stick with the format, but how long will viewers be?

Daenerys has come home but the jury is out on how long she'll stay there, or how at home she'll be there. We see her looking inward at Dragonstone, considering herself and her team. As teased in the episode description for Stormborn, the Mother of Dragons gets an unexpected visitor, but are they friend or foe, and has she perhaps been a bit too welcoming?

Meanwhile Cersei summons a reluctant ally, while Jaime tries to galvanise their loyalty. After she isolated herself quite so spectacularly at the end of last series, it’s difficult to buy into any attempt on Cersei’s part to forge bonds. You just know she’d rather be going it solo.

One of her few friends delivers what could be some useful info, but what will the Iron Throne’s current occupant do with it?

A trip to the Citadel, which is no less disgusting than last week but for different reasons, sees Sam learning fast, while that stubborn streak of his gets more pronounced by the episode.

Jim Broadbent gets a lot more screen time as archmaester, which is always enjoyable if only because he’s such a great actor. And the Harry Potter comparisons just wont quit.

Across the board there’s a real sense of the past catching up with our characters, which is very satisfying for those with an intricate knowledge of the Thrones’ web.

While last week's show spent a lot of time eyeing the future, this week’s episode proved that history can only be forgotten for so long. There were plenty of reunions, several of which neatly demonstrated that old friends can threaten as well as support.

Past conflicts reared their ugly heads, which will inevitably happen as more alliances are made. That’s the problem with friendship groups - only the Queen Bee has the privilege of picking them.

There’s also a real sense that you can't make a cake (or win a throne) without breaking eggs. Expect to see some shattered before the episode is out.

Soppier GoT fans will enjoy some rare warm moments from a series where romantic alliances are largely neglected in favour of political ones.

The showrunners still need to be careful not to be slain by their own swords (or rather promises of action packed episodes). Game of Thrones has never been the paciest of shows but it will need to move faster if we’re going to get this wrapped up in two shortened series.

There’s definitely action, but perhaps let’s call it pre-action, a starter before we get to the meatier, main course battle.

Overall, Stormborn is a satisfying episode, with a real sense of things slotting together. By the end though, even the most patient viewer will likely be well ready for some drama. Luckily, there’s more than a hint of some serious excitement to come, along with a timely reminder to never get too comfortable.

Game of Thrones series seven will air on Mondays at 2am and then again at 9pm on Sky Atlantic. You can also watch new episodes on Now TV