Tyrion Lannister's trial by combat finally arrives, with Oberyn Martell fighting Gregor Clegane to settle two grudges at once — Tyrion's life and the decades-old rape and murder of Oberyn's sister Elia. Around it, four other plots tighten: wildlings sack Mole's Town and put Castle Black next on Mance Rayder's road, Theon Greyjoy is forced to impersonate his old self to deliver Moat Cailin to the Boltons, Daenerys exiles Jorah Mormont after Barristan intercepts proof he once spied for King Robert, and at the Eyrie, Sansa Stark drops the Alayne cover, lies for Petyr Baelish about Lysa's death, and steps out as a co-conspirator. The duel itself turns on Oberyn's need for a public confession — he gets too close, and Gregor crushes his skull while admitting to everything.

The hour is built around two characters making themselves over by choice.  ...