This is it. Our last season 6 episode before Game of Thrones – finally! – returns to our screens tomorrow night. “The Winds of Winter” is a more than worthy end to a (mostly) worthy sixth season, and even surpasses the drama, tension, and grandeur of episode nine, “Battle of the Bastards.” It begins with a bang (compliments of Cersei) and ends with a long-awaited journey across the Narrow Sea. Are you ready for one last trip down memory lane? Let’s talk a walk together.
Right from the bells tolling, to the King’s Landing players silently dressing for the trial of Loras and Cersei, to those first piano notes, you know that something big is on the horizon. The opening sequence is the most stunningly well put together 20 minutes of Game of Thrones, ever. Miguel Sapochnik’s cinematic direction, Ramin Djawadi’s gorgeous and haunting “Light of the Seven,” and the superb acting of everyone involved combine to create a series of scenes that keeps you on the edge of your seat – right up to the inevitable conclusion.
As the trial begins (with Cersei mysteriously MIA), Loras is brought into the sept looking thoroughly submissive and broken by his captivity. He confesses his crimes, gives up his claim to Highgarden, and stoically submits to mutilation at the hands of the Sparrows. Margaery remains in control, holding Mace back as Loras is cut and later confronting the High Sparrow about the unexpected punishment. She also questions Cersei’s whereabouts and is informed that Cersei never left the Red Keep. Not to worry, Lancel is on the case!
Meanwhile, Grand Maester Pycelle has been summoned to Qyburn’s creepy lab full of creepy children. As they approach Pycelle, Qyburn apologizes for what’s about to happen and tells him, “Sometimes before we can usher in the new, the old must be put to rest.” The music becomes more frantic and chilling as Pycelle is viciously stabbed to death. Back at the sept, the all-too-easily distracted Lancel has abandoned his mission to fetch Cersei to pursue a mysterious boy (because a kid running around alone must be up to no good) into an underground tunnel. Lancel gets a stabbing of his own and collapses.
As Cersei calmly and expectantly stares out at the sept from her chamber, Margaery becomes increasingly concerned and tells the High Sparrow that something is wrong, only to be rebuffed (you know nothing, High Sparrow). The music begins cycling – like it’s counting down to something – while Lancel (agonizingly slowly) drags himself past leaking barrels of wildfire. He sees it puddled on the floor with candles that have burned almost all the way down, and realization dawns. The situation becomes desperate as Margaery tells the High Sparrow that they all need to leave and Lancel tries to blow out the candles, but to no avail. The wildfire ignites, the sept explodes, and Cersei drinks her wine and smirks with satisfaction.
Riding high on her victory, Cersei torments an imprisoned Septa Unella. Cersei pours wine on Unella while chanting confess, then does some confessing of her own (now that she’s free from any repercussions). Unella believes Cersei is about to kill her and says she’s ready to meet the gods, but Cersei has much worse in store. As Zombie Mountain approaches the bound septa, she begins to scream. Cersei takes her leave – chanting “shame” as she goes.
The real shame is on Cersei, though, as she neglects to check on her son, Tommen. She made sure that Zombie Mountain prevented him from going to the trial, but after the explosion happens Tommen is left all alone. You can see the devastation and emptiness on his face before he removes his crown and walks to the window, falling silently to his death. Farewell sweet Tommen. You were too good for this world.
Over in the Riverlands, Jaime is oblivious to the devastation being wrought in King’s Landing as he attends a celebration of the Lannister/Frey alliance and recapture of Riverrun. Bronn teases him about all the women who appear to be flirting with him. Jaime isn’t interested – “Not blonde enough?” Bronn asks – and passes them off to Bronn. Walder Frey comes over and makes himself unwelcome, praising their great victory and calling them both kingslayers. Jaime clearly doesn’t appreciate being compared to Walder and insults him and his family, telling him no one fears the Freys – they fear the Lannisters. “We gave you the Riverlands to hold the Riverlands. If we have to ride north and take them back for you every time you lose them, why do we need you?” Burn, Jaime, burn.
Cutting back to King’s Landing, Cersei looks over her dead son with sorrow, resignation, and – perhaps – relief? as the prophecy she has always feared is completed. She tells Qyburn to burn him and place his ashes in the rubble of the sept, so he can join the rest of his family there. Cersei now has nothing left to lose but power, which is a terrifying prospect.
We finally get our first look at Oldtown (which is as beautiful as we imagined), as Sam and Gilly arrive for Sam’s maester training. Sam proceeds to have an awkward encounter with the Citadel’s chief desk jockey, who is uninformed about Lord Commander Mormont’s and Maester Aemon’s deaths and tells Sam his presence is “highly irregular.” Nevertheless, he allows Sam to use the library while he fetches the archmaester. Sam takes him up on his offer (sorry Gilly and baby Sam, but…books!), and the library is everything Sam – and the rest of us – has ever dreamed.
Up in the North, Jon broods about growing up and being shunned from the family table during feasts because of his bastard status. Melisandre reminds him he was lucky – at least he had a family and feasts. This moment of introspection is interrupted when Davos storms in and finally confronts Melisandre about burning Shireen. She tries in vain to defend it as necessary, but a heartbreakingly emotional Davos reminds her it was all for nothing – Stannis and all his men died anyway. As Jon decides whether to execute her for murder, Melisandre insists the Lord of Light isn’t done with her; she can help Jon fight the great war still to come. Jon allows her to live but exiles her to the south, saying he’ll have her hanged if she returns.
Later, Jon stands on the battlements of Winterfell watching Melisandre ride off into the snowstorm. Sansa approaches, and they have a heartfelt conversation about Sansa being instrumental to winning back their home. She apologizes for not informing him about the Vale coming to the rescue (about time, Sansa). Jon reminds her that they need to trust each other; they must present a united front against their enemies. As he walks away, Sansa tells him a white raven arrived from the Citadel. Winter is finally here…six years after Ned Stark first warned us about it.
Olenna Tyrell may have lost her family, but her sharp tongue is on full display as she meets with Ellaria and the Sand Snakes. Olenna shuts them up in quick succession (for which the viewing audience is forever grateful) telling them to “let the grown women speak.” Ellaria offers an alliance to ensure their survival, but Olenna’s future is gone – she’s not after survival anymore. Ellaria counters offering vengeance and justice, before Varys appears to finish with “fire and blood.” It looks like Team Dany has some new recruits.
Meanwhile, Dany is letting one of her team go as she tells Daario he must remain in Meereen to keep peace after she leaves. Dany wants to be available for a marriage alliance and doesn’t want her lover tagging along to Westeros. Afterward, Tyrion attempts to console her telling her that self-sacrifice makes for a good ruler and that he believes in her, after not believing in anything for a long time. Daenerys gives him a gift – a Hand pin – and names him “Hand of the Queen.” It’s an emotional moment for Tyrion: he is accepted and respected, not grudgingly because of his family name, but for who he is.
From one Stark sister to another, as we see Sansa dealing with a jerk of her own. Littlefinger approaches her in the godswood, apologizing for interrupting her prayers, but Sansa is “done with all that.” She asks what he wants and – shockingly – he actually tells her. Littlefinger admits he wants the Iron Throne, with Sansa ruling at his side. He moves in to kiss her, and she thankfully has the good sense to stop him. Before she walks away Littlefinger tries to drive a wedge between Sansa and Jon (again!) by telling her she is the future of House Stark, not some “motherless bastard born in the south.” I’d love to see you say that Jon’s face, Baelish.
Farther north, Benjen leaves Meera and Bran near the Wall – at the weirwood where Jon and Sam took their Night’s Watch vows. He must stay behind as the magic embued in the Wall prevents the undead from passing through. Bran has time for one last vision, so he touches the weirwood and – the moment we’ve all been anticipating! – he is taken back to the Tower of Joy.
Bran looks on as his father rushes inside the tower to find his dying sister, Lyanna, in her “bed of blood.” Their brief reunion is touching but sad, as Lyanna confesses she wants to be brave but she doesn’t want to die. Ned denies this, frantically telling the attendants to help her, but Lyanna stops him and tells him to listen. She pulls Ned close and whispers an unintelligible name before begging Ned to protect him: “Promise me, Ned” (I’m not crying, you’re crying!). Lyanna’s attendant then hands a baby to Ned, and – as the camera closes in on the baby’s face – it cuts to Jon Snow. R+L=J (mostly) confirmed.
Jon of course still knows nothing, as he meets with the assembled northerners and Vale soldiers in Winterfell’s great hall. The men are debating what to do next – many want to go home and wait out the winter. Jon tries to convince them of the threat they face to no avail. Thankfully, the ferocious little she-bear Lyanna Mormont comes to the rescue, taking the rest of the North to task for not stepping up when it was asked of them. Lyanna proclaims Jon her king – despite his bastard status – and the rest of the men join her, calling Jon the “white wolf” and chanting “the King in the North!” All except Littlefinger of course, who looks at Sansa smugly (does he have any other expression?) and causes her smile to falter. And they call Jon a bastard?
Down south, Jaime finally returns to King’s Landing to find the sept destroyed, with smoke still drifting over the city. He spurs his horse on to the Red Keep, arriving in time to see Cersei’s coronation as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms – as the score plays a particularly foreboding combination of “Light of the Seven” and “The Rains of Castamere.” Jaime looks none too pleased as he stares at Cersei on her throne, but she glares back in defiance. I sense trouble in twincest paradise.
The final scene reveals more trouble for the Lannisters on the horizon – literally! – as we see Daenerys finally set sail for Westeros with her new fleet. Varys (who must have borrowed Littlefinger’s jetpack) has arrived with Martell and Tyrell ships in tow. The Greyjoys, the Dothraki, and the Unsullied are all aboard and ready to help Daenerys take back her family’s throne. The music swells, Dany looks expectant and regal, and the dragons soar overhead with the promise of fire and blood to come. She has waited six long years for her moment, and it’s finally arrived.
Memorable Quotes:
“Only a fool would trust Littlefinger.” – Sansa to Jon
“Well, father always promised, didn’t he?” – Jon to Sansa after hearing winter has come
“The last thing you’re ever going to see is a Stark smiling down at you as you die.” – Arya to Walder Frey
“If Robert finds out, he’ll kill him. You know he will. You have to protect him. Promise me, Ned.” – Lyanna to Ned
“House Mormont remembers. The North remembers! We know no king but the King in the North whose name is Stark. I don’t care if he’s a bastard. Ned Stark’s blood runs through his veins. He’s my king from this day until his last day.” – Lyanna Mormont to the northern houses
“You’re in the great game now. And the great game is terrifying.” – Tyrion to Daenerys
Introductions: Lord Wyman Manderly, Cley Cerwyn (whose family was brutally flayed to death by Ramsay Bolton), and an adult Lyanna Stark, in the flashback that was promised.
Deaths: Pycelle, Lancel, Margaery, Loras, and Mace Tyrell, Kevan Lannister, the High Sparrow and countless other sparrows, noblemen and smallfolk; Tommen; possibly Septa Unella (depending on how long her torture lasted); Lothar Frey and Black Walder Rivers (dinner – and vengeance – is served!); Walder Frey; Lyanna Stark. Phew. Did I forget anyone?
Beautiful Death for The Winds of Winter, by Robert M. Ball
Winter is here!
Oh wow, this episode exceeded my expectations a thousand fold. There was not a wrong move here (tho how Arya killed the sons, carved them and made a pie without being noticed is a puzzle but maybe that was some magic that she was taught at the HOBW). Loved the slow start, the heightened awareness of what was about to happen, and the crowning , and the ships and dragon regal start for the west. And so it begins.
This is my favorite piece of cinematic work
Sansa’s emotionally reunion with Jon at Castle Black.
”I’m not a Stark.” ”You’re to me.” Sansa’s response to Jon
”Only a fool would trust Littlefinger.”
And some dumbasses still beliveves and fears that Sansa will betray Jon. LoL Poor fools.
Can’t believe this episode was over a year ago!
This was the best episode of the show hands down.This could even work as a series finale.I loved it.I teared up when it transitioned from baby Jon to Kit.Would have cried even more if it wasn’t four a.m lol.
Even though it’s my third favorite GoT, I can proclaim this one as one of the best TV episodes ever made. Really, this one exceeded my expectations and rivals even “The Incident” and “The End” from LOST (which are my two favorite TV episodes in general). I would not waste words on this… here is my review from last year, which took me nearly 2 hours to write.
Lord Parramandas’s 10th review
….uh….. what did I want to say…. Oh, I remember now…
Hello everyone and welcome to this year’s final review from Lord Parramandas! This is it. We’ve reached the end and we’ve entered the end game. Not long ago, I was sure that apart from Battle of the Bastards, nothing can surpass The Door this season. I was wrong! Outstanding! Incredible! Utterly amazing!… These are just a couple words to describe my opinion about the episode. Really, they exceeded my expectations and Sapochnik really needs to return next season. Now, to the main stuff:
King’s Landing: The soundtrack… the soundtrack! This is the only time that I got “LOST” feelings when watching GoT. Yes, that soundtrack clearly indicated that KL’s political storyline is coming to the end. I avoided spoilers as much as possible but I expected the wildfire explosion. But the moments before the explosion were so emotional! Loras being marked while his father is watching, Pycelle getting stabbed to death (this time I really felt sorry for him), Lancel finding wildfire storeroom and trying to extinguish the candles, people desperately trying to escape the sept. And then it happened… Lancel, Loras, Margaery, Mace, Kevan and of course the High Sparrow himself who went like Jesus in the air. Well at least their death was quick unlike septa Unella. God, I really don’t want to know what ser Gregor did to her. I’m glad that he removed his helm by the way. And Tommen just… jumped through the window. That scene really reminded me of the Grudge opening scene. And Maggy’s prophecy finally came true and Cersei herself was responsible for the last death.
Dorne: Here we meet one of the last remaining Tyrells who will probably not live very long due to her age. And Ellaria is back. Olenna quickly puts Sand Snakes into their places (Tyene didn’t have a single line this year) and enters into the alliance with Martells. And Varys appears and says the words that everyone was expecting from Doran. A brief but nice scene. I wonder who is the head of house Tyrell now… I know that Mace has two sisters in the books which are wed to lords Redwyne and Fossoway.
The Twins: At the end, lord Walder did not die from the old age but from having his throat slit in the middle of his supper. Yes, I suspected that serving girl from the beginning. The camera simply focused on her too much. I can say that I was initially worried about Jaime and Bronn as well when I saw the girl pouring wine. But thankfully they departed for KL. There are some minor things that bother me; did Jaqen just allow Arya to take one of the faces (which was by the way very pretty), how did Arya know exactly which sons to kill and how did she manage to hide/dispose of their remains? Nevertheless, Walder Frey died (peacefully?) while choking from his own blood. A fitting end for a traitor. Now his sons can easily tear themselves apart for his legacy.
Back to King’s Landing: All hail to queen Cersei of house Lannister, First of her Name, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. Well, I would rahter say: All hail to queen Cersei, the new Rhaenyra Targaryen, queen of remains of King’s Landing who managed to achieve the throne by combining actions of Aerys II. the Mad King and Maegor I. the Cruel. (Cersei I mean, not Rhaenyra). And I see that someone has already replaced Jaime in the KG. Now all we have left is that Daenerys comes and takes it away from her and that Jaime fulfills his duty as “little brother” by… well, I think we all know.
Meeereen: So, it was Daario and not Grey Worm or Missandei who was left behind. Well, I guess that’s the last we’ve seen from him. It wasn’t nowhere as touching as the goodbye from ser Jorah (which is nowhere to be seen – maybe his story is over as well? Maybe he went to Valyria to live amongst his own?) but still a conclusion. And then followed the scene with Tyrion. I said many times before that I’m not a fan of Daenerys (or maybe the actress) but a couple more of these scenes and I may actually start to like her. I’m sure that dreams of the many came true: Tyrion became Hand of the King, well in this case Hand of the Queen. I can say that I was happy but mainly for Tyrion because he is currently my second favorite character and was my favorite for all previous seasons (currently the title is held by Sansa). And then followed even bigger dreams, that came true. Daenerys left the freaking Meereen and renamed the place as “Bay of the dragons”! The scene really reminded me of Agamemnon’s army LEAVING for Troy (2 minutes 35 seconds onwards)
The Oldtown: The sight of lord Leyton’s Hightower was beautiful. And the flock of white ravens leaving it… Winter has come. And I can say that Gilly is beautiful as well, even more than at Horn’s Hill. After a funny scene with the maester (“are you comfortable?”) Sam’s dreams finally came true. He entered the Citadel’s library (which somehow reminded me of the one in Name of the Rose, although less creepy). Gilly’s issue will apparently have to wait till next season.
The North: Melisandre’s and Davos’s conflict finally reaches the climax when he angrily confronts her and Jon about Shireen. I’m glad he didn’t just kill her as some presumed. And I’m glad that Jon didn’t execute her either, considering that she brought Jon back to life and that Davos asked her to do that in the first place. I can say that this was probably the best performance of Liam Cunningham I’ve seen to date. It was the first time we’ve seen his vulnerable side. Well, Jon had to resolve the issue by sending Melisandre away. Now, I wonder if that was the conclusion of her storyline as well… I’m sure living for 400 years is not easy. She may be young on the outside but old and weak in the inside. I’m sure death could have been in some way a gift for her.
Then follows the scene with Sansa. Well, apparently the issue with LF was resolved pretty quickly. Jon was grateful to her and she was sorry for not telling him. And she actually encouraged him to take the position of Lord of Winterfell in place of her. So much talk about power-hungry Sansa… Well, off to the Godswood where LF finally reveals his intentions – achieve the IT with Sansa on his side. And Sansa replies him with “I’m sure that’s a nice picture” and storms off. I think LF will be trouble in the future.
Further North/The Red Mountains of Dorne: As expected, Benjen’s role was just a cameo one. He brought Bran and Meera back to the Wall and he proclaimed himself as a dead man. Well, he really doesn’t look particulary alive. I hope we see him in the future, either with or against the Night King. But even more, Bran finally got to see what is in the Tower! First, I have to praise the actor who played the young Ned. When I first saw him in the trailer for Oathbreaker, I said: “Oh, what an annoying person.” Then, the Tower of Joy changed my opinion about him and in this scene, he totally sold me, along with the girl who played Lyanna. It was heartbreaking, his final efforts to save her (“Fetch me water. Where is the maester?”), her lines about not being brave (“I don’t want to die”), her final words to him (that we haven’t heard)… I was really really worried that we won’t see the baby but thankfully, I was wrong. The baby slowly opens his eyes…
Back to Winterfell: …and the camera focuses on Jon in Winterfell. I think the message was pretty clear. The baby was him. He is the son of Lyanna Stark. The scene that followed is easily one of my favorites this season. All lords who refused to help, apologized to Jon and Sansa. Lord Manderly was more than I expected (it’s pity we haven’t seen more of him), lord Glover was there and so was lord Cerwyn, well lord Royce was a bit of an ass at first. And of course “The North knows no king other than King in the North whose name is Stark – When I first read these lines in ADWD, I never thought that they came from such an awesome person, who would enter the story at some point. Lyanna Mormont was OUTSTANDING in this scene, a true northern lady. THE KING IN THE NORTH! It somehow reminded me of Robb’s scene in season 1 but way more powerful. Everyone cheered, everyone! Well all but one. No, thankfully it wasn’t Sansa but LF. I was soooo worried that she will show anger at the coronation and when I saw her SMILE at Jon, I was sooo relieved. But the look LF gave her did worry me. Is he their enemy now? Or will he try to turn Sansa against Jon? I wish Sansa all the fortune… in the wars to come.
Well that concludes the review itself. Like I said above, this episode surpassed the Children, Blackwater, Hardhome and even the Door, earning its place among the top 3 with only Battle of the Bastards (rank 1) and Watchers on the Wall (rank 2) ahead of her. The lord’s verdict is clear. Now I can proudly declare that season 6 surpassed season 4 in both rating average ( 8, 10, 9, 10, 10, 8, 8, 9, 10, 10) and rank average (ranks 40, 17, 28, 12, 4, 34, 33, 23, 1, 3) and has officially become my favorite GoT season. But this time the review is not over yet. There is something I really need to say.
I want to thank everyone who contributed to this site, either in form of articles or the comments. I’ve never NEVER been so hyped for GoT episodes before and without this site, it would simply not be the same. Yes, there were some tense moments, especially with Markus and Chad during the season and there were moments when I thought I overestimated the site in terms of positivity. But at the end, the good outweighed the bad. Especially big THANKS goes to Dee for staying positive through the entire show. Again, THANK YOU ALL FOR UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE and I can guarantee that Lord Parramandas and his reviews will return next year for next season (and off-season as well)!
With best regards from Lord Parramandas!
Lord Parramandas,
*third favorite GoT episode
I loved this episode. Especially, the KL sequence. The music, cinematography, direction, acting were all perfection. I remain in awe at the level of shock I experienced watching Tommen step out the window. I knew he would die, yet that scene may jump off the couch and scream “Oh my God!!”
I’d love to read the script for this episode.
Jenny,
I’ll pretend this is the series finale tbh.
Ah, here we are, at long last, on the eve of Season 7 and at the conclusion of our journey down Memory Lane. And we couldn’t possibly end it in a better place.
“The Winds of Winter” is, in my opinion, the greatest episode of this entire remarkable series, and my favorite hour of any television show ever. Thanks to Miguel Sapochnik’s visionary direction, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss’s exceptional writing, superlative work from the entire cast, and of course, Ramin Djawadi’s transcendent score, every single individual beat in the entire hour is exceptional. And if that weren’t enough, all of those elements unite to create a complete product that achieves the titanic task of becoming something even greater than the sum of its many incredible parts.
The opening sequence in King’s Landing, with Sapochnik’s visual brilliance and Djawadi’s musical genius woven together in perfect harmony, stands tall in my opinion as the single best scene the show has ever done to date. And that was only the beginning of what this finale had to offer. A new King rising in the North! A new Queen seizing power in the south! Dany finally leaving the east behind and sailing west, towards home and the promise of the endgame! And of course, we had the long-awaited confirmation of the story’s most important and beloved theory. I don’t cry easily, but the first time I watched it, this episode reduced me to tears – twice. I still occasionally tear up on rewatch, but fittingly enough, often at different points than I did during that first viewing. The episode is that rich and rewarding. There’s always something new to discover.
I would ask why they can’t all be like this, but this particular, beautiful confluence could only have happened now, after all the blood, tears, trials and frustrations that the characters and the audience have endured since the series began. This episode paid off six years worth of emotional investment in breathtaking, spectacular fashion. If the series had ended here, I honestly could have accepted it, because in my estimation, this episode reached the peak of cinematic craft that few movies and TV shows ever do. The fact that we get 13 more episodes after this, and there’s even a chance that the creative team behind this episode could top this accomplishment? I consider that a blessing in and of itself.
Some superlatives get used so often that their power gets diluted, but in this case, such exceptional terms are warranted. Simply put, this episode is – in every conceivable way – a masterpiece.
Flayed Potatoes,
Please don’t loose hope.I’m still praying lol.
This episode never gets old. Not even on the 100th viewing. Everything came together in a perfect storm, the script, the music, the acting and direction, and especially the opening sequence and its crescendo, signaling the beginning of the end of the overall story. It’s really a masterpiece.
The High Sparrow was ultimately such an arrogant fool. I confess (and it’s good to confess, 😉 ) that I enjoyed the look on his face the moment before he went booooommm….
To the memorable quotes, I will add at least one other:
“Tyrion Lannister, I name you Hand of the Queen.”
WHAT a moment for Tyrion! Finally, at long last, validation of his worth as a human.
Jared,
Great recap as always, Jared. I have this episode to watch for today, finally finishing my yearly rewatch.
I tried to post this comment a few days ago in another thread, but it got lost or sent to Spam. This is a good place to try to repost it.
***
I find it fascinating that viewers are so divided about whether Tyrion has a romantic attraction to Dany. I think it’s a testament to Peter Dinklage’s incredible acting that, in the pinning scene, he played Tyrion’s multiple emotions so subtly and deftly that one cannot say for certain.
I, for one, am firmly in the camp that believes Tyrion is besotted. If this turns out to be the case, I’ll find it refreshing that it’s such a different relationship for him: Dany’s ambition and social standing rival his own, and although her beauty would be the proverbial icing (a lot of icing) on the cake, it wouldn’t be the chief driver of his esteem for her. As others have noted, she respects him, needs him, and has elevated him to the highest position at her side based on what he happens to value the most in himself: his mind. It would be fundamentally different from his relationships with his other two loves (you’re beautiful/let’s have a roll in the hay/uh-oh, I have feelings for you now/let me protect you).
I also thought Tyrion and Dany had sparkling chemistry from the very first one-on-one conversation in the pyramid. I do realize that the majority of the fandom seems to be waiting with bated breath for Jon and Dany to meet, but to be honest the idea of them getting it on just makes me go, Meh. Booorrriiinnnggg.
I have very mixed feelings about Tyrion and Sansa renewing their vows. As I’ve noted in earlier comments, I believe his kindness to her and protectiveness of her—both of which far predate their ill-fated marriage—will prove to be critical during negotiations with the North. Sansa has absolutely no reason to trust Dany, but every reason to trust Tyrion. I think each will be genuinely happy to see the other alive and safe, as much as anyone is “safe” on Planetos. But they’re very different creatures. Tyrion has always had a zesty appetite for carnal pleasures, and an appreciation for good company regardless of the class of said company. He truly enjoyed his sojourn at Castle Black, had a wonderful rapport with Bronn, and given the chance, I’m sure he would have a splendid time gallivanting about the woods with the Brotherhood and Sandor. (As an aside, I’ll note that Tyrion misses nothing and forgets nothing: He was always dismissive of the Hound, but he’ll not have forgotten that the Hound saved Sansa from the mob, nor the exchange they had afterwards.)
Sansa, on the other hand, has been profoundly damaged by Ramsay and still prefers to breathe rarefied air. I cannot imagine that she and Tyrion would be able to satisfy each other in the bedchamber, and I really cannot imagine them ever agreeing on vacation plans.
But hey, I could be totally wrong. We may yet see a second wedding night, and a joyful ascent up the stairs, and a smiling Tyrion raising a glass to Sansa and saying, “And now my watch is ended.”
Test.
Comments getting caught in Spam again!
ash,
I would very much doubt that Arya carved the Frey boys – “all” she had to do was kill them then take a couple of their fingers and put them in an ordinary pie to freak out Walder.
That said a great nod to the Frey Pie of the books!
The best GOT episode ever.
Ser Not Appearing in this Series,
Oh yeah i know – but to do that still would have been difficult without being discovered. This being said, i didn’t and still dont care because in the end, it was a fantastic scene! And that allows me to forgive all sorts of stuff.
Best episode of Game of Thrones
The best episode of the show so far, with every single scene powerful in its own way. The Sept explosion was undoubtedly the best executed sequence across the show, but the RLJ reveal followed by the King in the North scene was the most emotional for me.
She tries in vain to defend it as necessary, but a heartbreakingly emotional Davos reminds her it was all for nothing – Stannis and all his men died anyway.
Was Shireen’s sacrifice really all for nothing. It did not help Stannis in any way, but the snows did melt, allowing Melisandre to reach the Wall in time, just before Jon’s assassination. If it really was the sacrifice that melted the snows, in a way Jon might owe his second life to this horrific incident.
Interested in seeing the S7 battles to see how much Sapochnik was missed.
ghost of winterfell,
Can’t add anything to what has been said absolutely incredible episode as someone said above a perfect storm. As for Shireen her legacy was in helping Gilly to read. BTW I know most of you haven’t long to go but spare some thought for those of us who won’t see it until Monday at 9pm😣
I am not sure we’ve seen the last of Daario Naharis… there could be more to the story. During the battle in the pit of Meereen. Daario twice said “Protect Your Queen”… not “Protect Our Queen”… like maybe Daenerys Targaryen is not Darrio’s Queen. Just an observation that might lead to something in the final 13 episodes.
The Winds of Winter is very good but… My favorite scenes are the Tower of Joy and when The song of ice and fire Jon Snow the prince that was promised was declared the King in the North… the king of oh you know the rest…
and My very favorite scene of the episode is when Daenerys Targaryen names Tyrion Lannister the Hand of the Queen… I cry just thinking about it….:-)
I like the final season 6 scene a lot seeing Tyrion Lannister with his right hand man Varys standing behind him and to Tyrion’s left is Queen Daenerys with her right hand women Missandei behind her and also because it reminds me of of the final scene of season 4 (you know what I’m talking about) Arya is sailing away to Braavos while the song The Children is playing!… simply EPIC
Yes to those saying that this was the best episode of GOT. Perfectly executed.
No matter how many times I watch this episode, it elicits the same emotions: heartbreak (Tommen’s suicide, ToJ), exhilaration (the KITN, Dany’s departure) and satisfaction (Bye bye to Walder Frey). And I never tire of hearing Ramin’s exquisite “Light of the Seven.”
I won’t try to further bestow superlatives on this episode. Others have described it wonderfully. Instead, I am more interested in the questions it raises.
– There is an interesting wildfire pattern in the series. The Mad King wanted to use it but was prevented by Jaime, Tyrion used it at the Blackwater and Cersei used it at the Sept of Baelor. Only Lannisters have actually used wildfire. Perhaps Jaime is the next one to use it?
– It will be interesting to see the rationale behind the Citadel’s releasing of the white ravens. Had they received information from Aemon about it (and yet they hadn’t received any information about his death)? If Aemon had told them some stuff over the many years he was there, I hope Sam stumbles across it this season.
– Sometimes Bran touches a weirwood tree for visions, other times he doesn’t. I wonder if there is a difference? Also, does the NK use the weirnet as well? I wonder what happened to weirnet central after Bran/Meera escaped and BR/Leaf were slaughtered? I’m interested in what is “lingering too long” in a vision. Is it a time length or is it an emotional investment metric?
– Daario in charge of ‘Dragon’s Bay’? What forces did Dany leave behind to keep the peace? Second Sons? I’ll just suspend my disbelief regarding Dragon’s Bay management and the logistics of getting to Westeros for fear of dragonbringer’s wrath. I think Dany will eventually hear that Dragon’s Bay has destabilized dramatically.
– KitN 2.0 was stirring but loaded with pretense and drama (not just between undead Jon and semi-sane-in-need-of-psychotherapy Sansa). There are a lot of hypocrites in the north.
– Did Arya steal masks from the HoB&W or can she kill someone and steal their face on the spot? Is there a formal ritual?
– I have always wondered if someone else of significance, like Ashara Dayne, was with Lyanna Stark during her delivery but the show never went that direction. Will the handmaidens near her matter later? I wonder if Bran will revisit the ToJ for more info, divert to the Harrenhal tourney instead, or has enough been seen regarding Lyanna?
Great episode. Sapochnik and groundbreaking TV seems to be the default for GoT. I will miss his style.
If you raise the volume as high as it can go, you can hear Lyanna says ”His name…”, the rest can be seen if you follow the lip movement and I can’t help but see her lips utter ”is Aegon.”
I honestly find it weird they would name Jon Aegon considering there was another Aegon in Rhaegar’s family… really weird in my opinion.
Lord Parramandas,
Did they say the names of children Rhaegar had with Elia in the show? I can’t remember. Maybe it’s a show only thing? But I definitely see Lyanna say ”Aegon”.
Sapochnik is by far the best and most creative director the series has had to date.
The storyline in the south of Westeros this season is bookended by two housecleanings of supporting characters; of the two, the Sept explosion is obviously a lot better-done than the earlier one. I was kind of disappointed we didn’t get to see more of a reaction from Olenna, though, just to give Diana Rigg something different to play. Anyway, a justifiably well-regarded sequence.
The King in the North scene feels like the finale to an arc we never saw.
Daario getting left behind on the basis that Dany might need to make a marital alliance in the same episode where Jon is crowned king is a tad obvious.
stefan666,
Rhaegar’s children’s names were mentioned once, in episode 304 (by Thoros of Myr).
Sean C.,
Oh okay, thanks. I guess it’s not that weird considering Targs give a lot of the same names throughout history.
Hodors Bastard,
Love this idea – maybe he uses it against Dany, or perhaps his sister and Euron? Interesting
I don’t know about the ritual (except for the bathing) but I always assumed Arya did steal some (but if she is not no one how can she use them?)
I was quite affected by that “skill” and how she attained it. If she didn’t steal the faces, Arya basically killed a random girl in order to exact revenge on Walder. Not a huge deal (if she was a deserving Frey), but it doesn’t bode well for Arya’s overall sanity.
Best episode of the series and all TV
It’s really incredible… I will begin rewatching it in a couple minutes (finally finishing my yearly rewatch) and I’m sure it will give me feelings again. While it’s my third favorite GoT episode, I could easily proclaim it as one of the best TV episodes overall. Yes, two LOST episodes still hold a title of my favorite TV episodes overall but this one is a big rival to them.
For those in UK Iwan Rheon is a guest on Thronecast on Monday 10.10pm after GOT.
Monday is turning into a lovely evening.
This is, for me, undoubtedly the best Thrones episode ever. Acting, writing, costuming, the score and the direction – the list goes on and on, but what it comes down to is every aspect of this episode is sheer perfection.
The opening sequence flows beautifully and is almost like a mini-episode in itself. Cersei told us in No One that she chooses violence, and in one violent act she wipes out her KL enemies in one fell swoop. Well, apart from Unella and Pycelle, her gifts for the Mountain and Qyburn. They get their own special brand of Team Cersei treatment. The Light of the Seven is one of the most stunning pieces of music I have ever heard, and I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve clicked on it on YouTube. It is haunting, and beautiful, and builds up throughout the sequence to a crescendo.
After watching this episode, not only did I want Miguel Sapochnik to direct everything I watch, I wanted Ramin Djiwadi to score everything I watch.
Season six give us a number of heart-breaking deaths (more than a year later, I’m still not over Hold the Door). One that really touched me was that of Tommen. He may have been king, but I don’t believe Tommen had ever really taken a decision for himself in his entire life – not until this moment. He had been manipulated by his mother, grandfather and advisers; even by his wife. He had been tormented by his brother, Joffrey. The people he should have trusted most were the ones who tried to bend him to their will. And finally, in this episode, we see Tommen take charge of his life. And his choice in this moment is to end it.
Tommen knows instantly what has happened, and why. He knows his wife, brother-in-law, father-in-law, great-uncle and cousin are dead. He knows the High Sparrow and much of the court are dead. He knows countless innocent people are dead. And he knows his mother is responsible.
Joffrey died in Cersei’s arms, and Myrcella in Jaime’s. Sweet, sweet Tommen, who never thought badly of anyone, died alone and by his own will.
And Tommen’s death – the death of her last child – hardens Cersei. We’ve all seen the memes. Cersei is here to protect her children and blow shit up. And she’s all out of children. The one thing holding her back is gone. Jaime should be very afraid.
Speaking of Jaime, I love the scene between Jaime and Walder Frey as they discuss their respective kingslaying. Jaime considers his murder of Aerys to be honorable in its own way, as it was an act intended to save the lives of the population of King’s Landing. He sees that Walder Frey wanted only vengeance and selfish gain, and to end imagined slights and wrongs. He hates Walder Frey as much as those who call Jaime Kingslayer hate him.
A season after leaving Castle Black, Sam finally arrives in Oldtown. We saw far too little of Sam in season six. But he is now in Oldtown, and we have a fantastic scene with a receptionist maester before Sam gets to see something he has dreamed of his entire life. The visuals of the Citadel library are stunning, and I cannot wait to see more of it in season seven. This scene is a taster of things to come.
Jon was barred from the welcome feast held in honor of King Robert in Winter is Coming, and now he stands at the head of the great hall. By the end of the episode, he will himself be a king. It has been a tremendous journey for someone who, when we first saw them in season six, was dead. Like, deader than dead.
Davos’s grief for Shireen is heart-breaking. Although we know her burning was at Melisandre’s instigation, she makes a pertinent point, and one which Davos will need to grapple with – her parents both agreed to it. Stannis, the man Davos blindly followed for years, agreed to the burning of his own child.
Jon is merciful to Melisandre, and I think there are two reasons for it. Firstly, I think he sees the truth in her statement that she can be useful in the Great War – even if Winterfell is not the place for her at this moment in time. Secondly, she raised him from the dead. But for her, Jon would be dead still and there is no guarantee Winterfell would be back in Stark hands or that Sansa would have found some sort of protection.
The scene on the battlements is one I remember fondly along with Jon and Sansa’s reunion. In such moments, they are the only two Starks to have found one another again. And I think it means a lot to Jon, who wasn’t close to Sansa growing up, to hear her say that she considers him a Stark. We also get one of Jon’s rare smiles in this scene. Along with a reminder of Ned and promises.
Olenna schooling the Sand Snakes is a scene of genius. This is the sort of alliance that will need to be formed to fight the Night King. The last time a Tyrell came to Dorne, he was assassinated. A hundred red scorpions, wasn’t it? There has been enmity between these two Houses in the past, but they have to set it aside as they have a common enemy – Cersei. It is this attitude that will be needed should the living wish to triumph over the dead.
And I love the chilling end to the scene. Vengeance. Justice. Fire and Blood.
With an excellent switch to Meereen, Daenerys ditches Daario and names Tyrion Hand of the Queen. I love the point you made, Vanessa, about Tyrion being named Hand not because of his name but because of his own merit. For the first time in Tyrion’s life, that is the only thing that matters. And I tend to think of Tyrion’s success here coming not because of his family name, but in spite of it.
The next scene takes us to the Twins, and to the death of the third and final architect of the Red Wedding – Walder Frey. As with her execution of Meryn Trant in Mother’s Mercy, Arya carries out her execution with a real sense of Northern Justice. As we saw when Ned executed Will the Ranger in Winter is Coming, Arya makes it clear to Walder Frey who she is, that she has sentenced him to death, and why she has done so.
With Walder’s death, we have come full circle since the Red Wedding. Winterfell is back in the hands of House Stark, and the three architects of the massacre are dead. And, in true Thrones style, the deaths of Tywin, Roose and Walder all have close callbacks to the deaths of Talisa, Robb and Catelyn.
Plus, Frey Pies!! Arya obviously picked up more from Hot Pie’s ramblings than we anticipated.
It has taken since we met him in Lord Snow, but Littlefinger has finally told us what he truly covets – the Iron Throne. And he wants Sansa by his side. A mini-Catelyn he can mold into his own perfect woman.
I love how this scene links into the next. Who should the North rally behind? The true-born daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark, born here at Winterfell? Or a motherless bastard born in the south? Then we go to Bran, and his parting from Benjen before seeing the scene we’ve all wanted at the very least since Oathbreaker, but, if we’re honest, since the mystery of Jon’s parentage was first raised in Winter is Coming.
I could write a few thousand words on the Tower of Joy scene. I will try to be brief, but that really isn’t my forte. Sorry.
This scene is epic and heart-breaking and just about every positive superlative you can think of. Aisling Franciosi – and I’ve said this before – has less than three minutes of screen time. And in that very short space of time, she gives a beautiful and compelling performance as Lyanna. A scared young woman, one who knows she is dying, and who feels how bittersweet this reunion with her brother is. She knows she isn’t leaving the Tower of Joy alive, but her son can. With her final breaths, she implores Ned to protect her child from Robert Baratheon, uttering those three words that will haunt Ned for the rest of his life. Promise me, Ned.
For Bran, this scene is a further demonstration of how curiosity killed the cat. He was desperate to see what was in the Tower, and now he knows. He understands why Ned was so reluctant to speak of his sister; he understands who that child she died birthing is.
The Light of the Seven is a piece of music I praised loudly above; The Tower is equally haunting and beautiful. To my untrained ear it combines both Goodbye Brother (the Stark theme) and My Watch is Ended (the piece playing at the end of Oathbreaker). And it unites both this scene and the next, in which we see the child Lyanna pleads with her brother to protect morph into someone we know very well – Jon Snow.
And before we can wrap our heads around the reality that R+L=J has finally been revealed, we are into a full-on council scene. When Jon speaks of the Northerners, the Knights of the Vale and the Free Folk fighting together, it is not simply a recitation of fact, it is a reminder to everyone else in the room that the Free Folk fought for him under the banner of House Stark. Not everyone in the room can say the same thing.
Lyanna Mormont kills in her speech to the Northern lords. Bear Island remembers, and so does she. She has done a turnaround on Jon since they first met in The Broken Man, when she reminded Jon that he was a Snow. Clearly, he has since proved himself a son of Ned Stark. As much as it was tactical suicide to ride out to Rickon (something Jon would never think twice about) I think it is instrumental in bringing Lyanna and many other Northerners to his cause. He proved his love for his true-born siblings by risking his own life to ride out to Rickon rather than simply leave him to die.
So much focus on Sansa and LF’s reactions to Lyanna Mormont’s pronouncement and to Lords Manderly and Glover bending the knee, but I like to focus on those of Davos and Tormund. In Battle of the Bastards, the two of them speak about following Jon as opposed to Stannis and Mance; both state Jon is not a king. Now he is. Tormund is of the Free Folk, so he will not kneel. But it is clear long before now that he follows Jon Snow. And he is surprised when Jon is declared king. With Davos, there is a pronounced second in which Davos looks up at where Jon sits, and then he raises his sword. Davos’s last king had a birthright to a throne, and he followed him blindly. This time, his intent is to follow the man rather than the title. Perhaps he has been spending too much time with Tormund.
As for Jon himself, he is clearly touched by Lyanna Mormont’s show of loyalty. As it is hard to earn her praise, it is received with pride. Since Winter is Coming, Jon has wanted to be seen as someone worthy of being named Ned Stark’s son. When these lords declare him their king, he finally has that validation he has always craved. Like Tyrion, Jon has been shunted to the side for most of his life (though for a different reason) and in this moment, his achievements are finally recognized not because of his name, but in spite of it.
I love that the final three scenes relate to the three main “rivals” for power in the forthcoming season. We leave Jon as he is named King in the North, and then travel to King’s Landing, where Cersei is being crowned. And Jaime has just re-entered the city having seen a smoking crater. The event he killed a king to prevent, has been partially brought about in his absence. And his son is dead.
The last sequence gives us a visual on the alliance Daenerys has put together. We see Yara and Theon aboard their ship, out at sea. There are ships with Unsullied and Dothraki. As well as the Greyjoy ships, there are those bearing the banners of House Martell and House Tyrell. Not to mention those with the three-headed dragon of House Targaryen. Finally, we see the dragons and Daenerys herself, flanked by Tyrion, Varys and Missandei. She is heading for Westeros, for the Iron Throne, for home.
I want to go home, Daenerys told us in Winter is Coming. Now that winter is here, she is.
I cannot say enough about this episode. Everything works; everything is perfect. Though, I have to admit that if there is part of this episode I re-watch over and over and over again, it is the Tower of Joy sequence followed by Jon’s coronation. It has taken sixty episodes, but we finally have an answer!
Alba Stark,
This comment deserves a standing ovation. Truly. I loved reading every word that you had to say about this magnificent, unparalleled episode. 🙂
Everyone literally has said everything humanly possible on this episode. And I agree with all of it.
This episode will never get old.
Alba Stark,
Amazing comment, both recap and analysis! You summarized the episode really well!
Alba Stark,
Very well said Alba. I could have gone on for pages about this episode, but unfortunately that wasn’t possible. And the TOJ scene breaks my heart every time; I get emotional just thinking about it. For book readers especially, that scene nails what we’ve imagined in our heads and validates the theory we’ve debated for years. Everything about it (as with the opening sequence) just clicks. Perfection.
I just finished rewatching this episode and thus wrapped up my yearly rewatch. God, the feelings were stronger than ever and I’m seriously considering to put this episode on the top of my GoT ranklist now… well, I will see when S7 airs (Monday in my case).
Alba Stark,
Alba, that was the perfect analysis of what I consider the best telly episode I’ve ever seen. Brevity may not be your forte–how fortunate we all are that you wrote such an expansive essay.
Jared,
Alba Stark,
Vanessa’s analysis is already great, but both of you, Jared and Alba, knocked it out of the park with your own. Bravo! This thread deserves so many more comments, honestly. I’m gonna tweet the shit of it for the next few hours…
Luka Nieto,
I have been so busy today. My weekends suck because i have no time to come on here. I am just about to write my thoughts. Cant believe BOTB had so many comments (likely ppl assuming the role of writers and saying what should have happened hahah jk) and this one barely has any. I blame the weekend. Hahaha
This concerns me that you arent going to like whats coming
🙁
I’d love to blame the weekend… but to be honest, I think you were right the first time — the Battle of the Bastards Memory Lane was so packed with comments because a lot of people wanted to re-write the episode so it fit their conception of how it should have been. Lots of heated arguments there. Since this episode is so universally loved… not a peep! It’s sad some people only want to participate in a discussion when they are complaining about something. We should change that, right here and right now!
Until the premiere, let’s give this thread some love, guys!
Well, ill start with the obvious: Directing, Visuals, Cinematography, CGI, Score, Acting 11/10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely blows my mind how this is a TV show
Favorite moments; The burning of the Sept has to be, by far, one of the best sequences of TV or MOVIE even that i have ever scene. I remember being on the edge of my seat and as soon as the music started my sister and i coould not believe what was unfolding infront of us. Cersei’s emotionless expressions and Marg’s concerns are very memorable to me and always find so intense and heartbreaking (Marg). Was sooo sad to see her go.
– When Arya revealed herself i couldnt stop cheering. I am so happy she finally avenged the red wedding. I know i know.. shes a child and assassin and this should be concerning. But this is also a TV show with dragons and undead people. Arya being present at the red wedding has always been one of the most heartbreaking moments for me on this show. I wad completely surprised by this scene with Walder and loved it.
– Dany and Tyrion is one of my favorite sweet scenes of the show (we dont get too many of them). It brings me to tears every time. The same goes with Sansa and Jon on the balcony. I thought it was so sweet and loving, and i am happy they discussed that she didnt tell jon about LF.
– LF please die, slime ball.
– Bran’s vision was so intense and emotional. Lyanna brought tears to my eyes and then the cut from baby to Jon was soooooooooooooooooooooo AMAZINGGGGGG i stood up and yelled the first time i watched it, even though i had kinda known. Some people i know who have seen the show did not expect this at all hahaha.
And then obviously, Jon being hailed king in the north (cant believe its not in the top 101 OMG) is one of my FAVORITEEEEEEE SCENES of the show.
– Dany sailing to westeros, finally was so beautiful and exciting. I cant believe its been almost a year since we saw that, and now in a blink of an eye will have to wait so longggggggggg again
🙁
This is absolutely one of favorite pieces of art to watch and i garuntee i can watch it over and over again forever!!!!!!
100%
I am not going to lie I skipped most of the comments on that thread because i knew it would be like that, which is why i blamed the weekend hahaha
But i agree with you!
Jared,
Fantastic as always
Alba Stark,
Wow, absolutely loved this write up so so much. Amazing. You touched on some scenes i didnt mention in my not-so- eloquent post lol And agree with everything you said.
I can’t either, to be honest. Amazing scene. Lyanna shouting “The North Remembers!”; Wyman Manderly proclaiming him “The White Wolf!”; and, especially, Lord Glover mournfully saying “I did not fight beside you on the field and I will regret that until my dying day. A man can only admit when he was wrong and ask forgiveness” gives me chills every time. That last one is probably thanks to Tim McInnerny, who is a wonderful actor and in episode 7 makes you feel the Glovers’ pain and their reasoning for not supporting them; yet, in the finale, he also makes you feel his deep regret for not having done so. Amazing actor, surrounded by many others, in an amazing scene.
Luka Nieto,
Yes, you said it so well.
Actually my sister and friend and I were discussing how amazing the acting was for lord Glover. Just wow!
Dee Stark,
I completely agree with you. Everything came together so well for this episode. Every scene was outstanding. I can’t think of another episode where I loved absolutely everything about it like I did with this one.
I was SO happy to learn the actor would return in season seven. I just hope they give him some dialogue; he deserves it. Lyanna Mormont is awesome, but I hope she isn’t the only Northern Lord to have a say this season.
When even Dorne is great, you know you’ve got something special 😛
Luka Nieto,
Ha – no kidding! Of course, every scene involving Olenna is pretty great. 😋
Hi Carole – Could you not perhaps watch the simultaneous broadcast at 2am on Sky Atlantic or do you have to be up early on Monday morning for work? I’ll certainly be watching it at that time with my two daughters who are also GoT fanatics. No problem for me as I’m retired and seldom go to bed before 3am in any case 😉
I’ll also re-watch it at 9pm on Monday (followed by Thronecast), but since Sky Atlantic started to do that ‘simcast’ for the last few seasons, I like to see when its aired at 9pm in the USA, so as not to get any spoilers the next day on websites such as this one 😉
We’re all ‘champing at the bit’ as I’m sure many of us are for S7 to start… Its been such a L O N G time in coming!
Great – I hope that moron Jonathan Ross isn’t invited on again as a guest! Once was enough on that ‘Thronecast – War Room’ the other day! Ahrrrrr 😀 😀 😀
Black Raven,
I would normally watch before work about 6am but I am now about to go on holiday and the hotel doesn’t have WiFi in the bedrooms only the bar area. I’d be a bit embarrassed to go down at 2am lol. My husband thinks I’ve lost the plot as it is. We are out Monday so I can either find somewhere to watch or wait till 9pm. Whichever I’ll be avoiding Watchers!
I echo the comments of many on this topic. This episode was epic, monumental, awesome, with brilliant directing and the cinematography superb. For me also, the Winds of Winter was best ever episode/finale of any season.
The build up at the start with Ramin Djawadi’s ‘Light of the Seven’ gradually building up I could see something monumental was about to happen. Just the scene of the Mountain stopping Tommen going to the Sept was enough. It was only a matter of time before the shit hit the fan with the Sept blowing up with Cersei at the window in the Red Keep and raising her glass in approval – I loved it, especially when the bell (ding dong) came crashing down on some unfortunate and unsuspecting towns folk outside. As the saying goes ‘shit happens’! Although I was pleased to see the demise of the HS along with his Faith Militant, it was sad to see most of the Tyrell family wiped along with Kevan Lannister. However it was good to see Cersei dole out her revenge on Septa Unella using the Mountain as a weapon for all that humiliation she had gone through – Shame -shame – shame 🙂
Another great scene were Sam and Gilly arriving at the Citadel and Sam looking in awe when invited into the magnificent library It will be interesting see how Sam’s story arc progresses in S7 knowing that he took his father’s sword Heartsbane and what information he can find in the Citadel which may help to destroy the WW and their Army of the Dead.
Quite how quick Arya got to The Twins from Braavos so fast or Varys and Olenna to Dorne is a mystery, but perhaps there must be more Jet Packs in Westeros than the one LF uses 😉
I loved the bit when Arya finally got her revenge on Walder Frey – “Where are my sons?” “But they are HERE my Lord” as he opens up a pie and sees a finger… and then Arya’s line – “It will be the face of a Stark you see before you die” I bet the old bugger never expected that. Yet another one off her hit list 😉
The scene with Dany making Tyrion ‘Hand of the Queen’ was great also. I bet he never saw that accolade coming either. They make a great pair although I doubt in a romantic sense. Just the high respect they have for each other.
The speech in Winterfell with Lady Mormont declaring Jon King in the North and then all the lords pledging their fealty was great, but LF didn’t look too happy about that. It will be interesting to see how that plays out in S7? Sansa knows what he’s like and doesn’t trust him.
Finally of course that expression on Jaimes face when he see Cersei crowned – First of her name, etc is going to cause some problems. He never expected that, but he probably knew it was her who blew up the Sept of Baelor and from the trailers it would seem he still supports her? Guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Ah the final Scene with Dany sailing off to Westeros, with her Dothraki and Unsullied armies, the Greyjoys and the Martells and not forgetting to mention her dragons means only one thing? Expect to see some serious ‘ass kicking’ in S7. The battle scenes both on land and probably on sea also are going to be awesome 🙂
This episode is rated #1 all time over the 6 seasons by the Tower of The Hand voters – and that is saying a very great deal as there are many unforgiving contributors there when it comes to book comparisons (perhaps it helps that this is beyond the scope of the books so far).
And with good reason, this really does show that each season is much better considered as an entire 10 episode arc rather than individually. All the strands that have been woven come together in this finale in a very satisfying way, and sets up the next season on a knife edge.
Very definitely for me it is one of the best episodes if not THE best episode in the series so far. And as a finale IMO it exceeds even ‘The Children’ which I loved so much. It’s great achievement considering that the major action is contained at the start of the episode that it manages to hold the viewers’ interest and suspense right until the end with less climactic but enthralling scenes.
Did I mention that I love it?!
r-hard,
Well us “dumbasses and fools” could of course be wrong, and I mostly hope we are, however, you seem pretty sure that your own prediction is the right one based on a couple of utterances by an unreliable narrator. Sentiments that were stated pre-KITN.
I’m a lifelong cinephile, and this episode is one of my very favorite hours of film on the big or small screen. It continually astounds me that, while television networks (especially HBO) and streaming services (such as Hulu) keep upping the ante on incredibly innovative, quality programming, Hollywood seems to have largely lost its creative drive and, in some ways, moved backwards. Off the bat, I cannot think of a single female character in a big-screen Hollywood production* of the last five years that has been even half as impactful as Cersei in GoT, Skyler in Breaking Bad, or June/Offred in The Handmaid’s Tale.
And of course, in terms of sheer scope, ambition, and grandeur GoT stands head and shoulders above the rest. Even though D&D occasionally stumble and, consequently, their writing is not my favorite (that honor goes to Vince Gilligan of Breaking Bad), the show is, hands-down, my all-time favorite. I expect to re-watch it for the rest of my life.
*I should note that I’m specifically referring to American film here.
Dee Stark,
Dee, your recap comments are always a delight to read and this one is no exception. I agree with most of your points (except that I wasn’t THAT thrilled when Arya killed Walder) and of course, I can really sense how much you liked this episode. I hope to see more of your comments when S7 finally airs (you don’t need to shout you “fainted” during the episode though… just be positive. 😉😉😉). Sadly, I need to wait till tomorrow to watch it (not till the evening though) but I’m sure the journey will again be awesome. Don’t forget, my reviews will most likely be on Oz’s threads this time.
Good summary, great comments on a superb episode. The two points that, for me, stand out are “Well, father always promised” and the cut from the baby to Jon’s face.
I’ll watch it again this evening… then set the recorder, and tomorrow morning first thing I’ll see the new episode.
I’m so tempted to stay up for it but don’t think I’d stand the pace properly – and then wouldn’t get to sleep for a good while after all that excitement! We’ll see… but I can watch as soon as I wake up!
Luka Nieto,
I didn’t know that… amazing!!!
My DH binge watched the show from season 4 (he’d stopped watching, got busy with other things ) but saw how much I loved it and talked about this coming season and wanted to catch up. Love his reactions. He’s at this episode and we’ll watch it together. Hes going to be blown away – and i’ll love watching it again. Actually I can’t count how many times Ive watched it. Truly amazing.
Wolfish,
Totally agree with you about lack of creativity in film- seems like Hollywood is all about sequels and retelling the same story over and over. This episode is so not like that. This was the most perfect ending to a mostly fantastic season. Can’t wait to see what they do next!
Ah, I presume you have one of those Sky digiboxes that will record programmes so you can watch them at your convenience? I’m not so fortunate… The model I use is quite old and doesn’t have that facility.
Although I do have a Sky HD box (it belonged to a friend who sadly passed away last year), I would need to get my viewing card re-programed to match up with it. Even then, I’m not sure if I can record programmes as being outside of the UK, I don’t have an internet connection to it. Sky would smell a rat if they saw my IP address was a Spanish one and block my card !!!
Even if that didn’t happen, I believe to get the facility to record shows is another charge to the subscription? I already pay some 40 quid a month (all the packages minus the films and sports) and I can do without wedging out more dosh to Sky!
It ain’t cheap 😉
Hands down for me the best ever episode of Game of Thrones and I really thought Hardholme would never be topped. The acting, the story, the music, the pacing over a lengthy episode everything just comes together absolutely perfectly. Will this ever be topped in the final season?
A perfect 10/10 from me.
Hi again Carole. Well, I hope you manage to find a WiFi hotspot and be able to see it later. I wouldn’t ‘give a monkeys’ and still creep down to the bar before 2am. The hotel bar would be probably closed at that time… A pity as a few stiff drinks may help to curb your excitement, but may well have the opposite effect 😮
If you do manage to see it from the bar, don’t shout or scream when a monumental scene or event happens else you’ll wake up the rest of those sleeping in the hotel 😀
Enjoy your holiday…
Black Raven,
Indeed Sky ain’t cheap! I only have the basic package because I watch things on Freeview and there’s really only one reason I’ve kept on Sky (no prizes for guessing what). I talked them into a discount but that was over a year ago and it’s gone up again. If I didn’t have the ability to record on the Sky+ box I’d have ditched them and gone for NOW TV, though that is of course still Sky.
And recording gives me the opportunity to fast forward through the ads…
Black Raven,
Totally agree! Heck you might be surprised and see some other guests there as well who want to watch it!
Is there no catch-up service on Sky?
I have NOW TV and can watch a programme any time after it’s been aired, for as long as it’s available.
10/10 episode…the opening sequence is utter perfection, as is the ToJ reveal. The music to both is incredible.
Love reading the reviews on the page, and in the comments too! Great work all round!
Alarm set for 1 45am! Cant wait!
Grandmaester Flash,
Yes, there’s a catch-up, with a limited time in which to watch it. So for this I do the recording which persists as long as my sky box keeps working. But Black Raven might not have that possibility.
You’re right and certainly with the Sky box I’m currently using. Once S7 has aired I’ll test out the Sky+ HD box I have, but will have to get my viewing card matched to the serial number. Its just ‘tooooo riskyyyyyy’ to play about doing that now and I’d be well pissed off if I screwed up my card in the process 😮
TBH, its a real pain in the arse having to do this! Was never like that in the past and one could use their viewing card in any sky box which had a ‘video-crypt’ slot.
In the meantime – roll on 2am. I can’t wait 😀
ash,
😀 😀 😀 – Yes, that wouldn’t surprise me at all!