You mean we have to wait MORE than a year?!
Game of Thrones has always delivered a mixed bag of final episodes in the past. The first few years often delivered tiny segments dedicated to every single main cast member.
But, luckily for us, The Winds of Winter is something special. Not only does it offer some compelling presentation but it sets up the eventual end game which we’re sure will be nothing short of spectacular.
It would be hard to top the epic cinematography of the previous outing, Battle of the Bastards. However, the unique style of this episode is evident from the opening sequence at King’s Landing, which covers well over 10 minutes. A beautiful backing score accompanies Cersei’s trial, and her ruthless plan which incinerates the Sept of Baelor and everyone inside (Sorry to all the Tyrells, not so much to the High Sparrow).
We had an inkling from Bran’s visions that wildfire would come into play, but surely some fans couldn’t have contemplated the lengths Cersei went to. Even the almost pitiful suicide of her son Tommen barely scathed her emotional barrier. Lena Headey is outstandingly tyrannical in this episode, and as she sits on the Iron Throne, we fear for the state of the seven kingdoms, as well as the Lannister bloodline.
The rest of the episode touches on other players such as Bran, Olenna and Littlefinger, whilst Arya’s revenge on Walder Frey is predictable but so wonderfully satisfying. We also revisit Bran’s visions at the Tower of Joy, and get confirmation (more or less) that Jon Snow is indeed the Stark-Targaryen super hybrid destined to conquer the lands and bring piece as Azor Ahai. Okay, so a lot of that was elaboration – but we know Lyanna Stark is his mother, so surely a certain deceased brother of Dany’s is his father. Right?
The fluidity and piecing together of the finale is so epic we notice the change of shots and production far more than we usually would – from the baby to man Jon Snow shot, to the visually mesmerising Targaryen fleet, it is really incredible television.
Speaking of that fleet, the final shot of the episode is one all fans have waited for. The Targaryen fleet, complete with Greyjoys, Dothraki (and horses), Unsullied, Varys, Missandei, Tyrion, Daenerys and her three super sized dragons, is on its way to Westeros. It sets us up for the final two seasons, the first of which is delayed by a few months (get the tissues), perfectly.
Season 6 as a whole had its superb moments, and while perhaps not the best season overall, had the best battle scene to date with Battle of the Bastards. Arguably the show’s best episode ever is this finale. Winter is here, and soon, The Night King will be too. With those creepy blue eyes…
Feature photo credit: popsugar.com
