While the structure of Cole's death feels unusual, several other major characters from House of the Dragon's predecessor show, Game of Thrones, also die towards the beginning of an episode. Robert's death takes place towards the beginning of the seventh episode of Game of Thrones season 1, "You Win or You Die." Renly BaratheonMuch like his older brother, Renly Baratheon's (Gethin Anthony) death kicks off another Game of Thrones episode. Stephen Dillane (Stannis Baratheon) in Game of Thrones season 5 Episode 10, "Mother's Mercy" | Photograph by Helen Sloan/Courtesy of HBO3. Conleth Hill (Varys) in Game of Thrones season 8 Episode 5, "The Bells" | Photograph by Helen Sloan/HBO5.