"Game of Thrones" season 7 episode 5, which aired on HBO Sunday, Aug. 13, brought back a character that has been missing for at least two and a half seasons. Davos (Liam Cunningham) found Gendry (Joe Dempsie) back in King's Landing at his former home in the slums of Flea Bottom.
Since returning to his home, Gendry has been keeping a low profile while doing what he did best as a blacksmith. It did not take Davos much to convince him to join the cause as the Seven Kingdoms are about to defend themselves from the biggest war of their lives against the Night King.
When did he appear first?
Joe Dempsie was first introduced as Gendry in the "Game of Thrones" season 1. Ned Stark (Sean Bean) talked to him because he suspected that he's the bastard son of King Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy).
Gendry had more right to sit on the Iron Throne than King Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson), who was a Lannister. But before he could learn the truth and stake his claim, his real father and Ned Stark were killed off, which set off the wars against the different kingdoms on "Game of Thrones."
Why did he disappear?
Gendry left King's Landing with Arya Stark (Maisie Williams). He went on the run when he learned the Lannister army was ordered to hunt and execute him.
In season 2 of "Game of Thrones," he and Arya became prisoners at Harrenhal, but Jaqen H’ghar (Tom Wlaschiha) helped them escape.
While encamped with the Brotherhood without Banners, The Red Woman, Melisandre (Carice Van Houten), brought Gendry to Dragonstone where Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane), his uncle, was holed out. He learned the truth about his father, but Melisandre only needed his blood for sacrifice.
Ser Davos helped Gendry escape, and viewers last saw him rowing his boat to an unknown destination.
After Stannis' and his daughter's death, he is the only living Baratheon.
Why is he back?
Joe Dempsie told The Hollywood Reporter that producers of "Game of Thrones" told him after his last scene that his character will be disappearing from the show. They have not, however, fired him.
"We like your performance and your character, but we have plans for him further on down the line," Joe Dempsie said about what producers told him.
He learned in mid-2016 that the show would be bringing back Gendry for “Game of Thrones” season 7.
"When Davos turns up, I think he feels that this is the calling he's been waiting for," the actor said, adding he looks up to Davos. Hence he agreed to join the war.
What's the future for the character?
It's unclear what will happen to Gendry next on "Game of Thrones," but Joe Dempsie said his character might not have any desires to be king. Meanwhile, fans of the show want his character and Arya Stark to end up together.
