The best episode of the Game of Thrones, especially the scene of Cersei Lannister revenge and the repercussions of the matter on King Tommen Pritheum
244 Reviews
I actually cried
askeland8910 January 2019
You can ignore my 10/10, this episode goes far beyond IMDB's rating system.
If Battle of the Bastards is perfection we need a new name for Winds of Winter. It simply does not get any better than this. I don't use the word "Flawless" lightly but it's the only word that comes to my mind when thinking of this episode.
I showed this episode to my parents who generally hates the adventure/fantasy genre and it convinced them to give the show a a chance.
The visuals, the acting, the score and basically everything about this episode is impossible to resist regardless of your taste.
Television at it's absolute finest!
The beginning of the end
TouchTheGarlicProduction26 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
What a fantastic season finale. It had everything I could have hoped for and more (except maybe Cleganebowl and Lady Stoneheart... you can't have everything). I was admittedly quite nervous going into this episode; there was so much they had to stuff in. There was the distinct possibility of this episode becoming way too crammed with things and coming across rushed, like last season's finale did. Well, I can now safely say that I need not have worried. This episode balanced everything marvellously. There were massive violent twists and big moments, but they were laced in equally with touching little character interactions. In fact, the sequence that I had assumed would be the climax of this episode ended up being at the very beginning. And what a wonderful sequence it was. Ramin Djawadi did excellent work with the score accompanying the scene; it really helped to draw out the tension.
During the first three seasons, there were certainly a lot of story lines, but they all tied back into one central story-line for the most part; the war of the five kings. The Red Wedding changed all if that; sent everyone their separate ways. As a result, the story lines drifted farther and farther apart from each other as time went on. That was fine in season 4, when they were all very eventful. But in season 5, when we were in a slower stage of the story, some people felt understandably frustrated. There was no sense of general momentum running through the whole of the show. D&D knew this, and so they were anxious to get through it as quickly as possible which led to some of it coming across rushed. People started saying that the show had lost its edge. But I don't think that's what it was. I think it was just in the middle chapter. The "Two Towers" of the Song of Ice and Fire saga. What this season has done is brought things back together. These characters, with their new experiences, are put back into the game. The middle chapter is over, and that has never been clearer than it was at the end of this episode. Three sides have emerged. All the houses have rallied to one side or another. Every story-line comes into play at the end of this episode and it is thrilling (except for Gendry... I guess he's still rowing). Things are in place for the final two seasons. Here we go.
One last note; I'm pretty sure that thing suspended from the ceiling in the Oldtown library is the sun thing from the opening credits. That's a pretty cool detail.
During the first three seasons, there were certainly a lot of story lines, but they all tied back into one central story-line for the most part; the war of the five kings. The Red Wedding changed all if that; sent everyone their separate ways. As a result, the story lines drifted farther and farther apart from each other as time went on. That was fine in season 4, when they were all very eventful. But in season 5, when we were in a slower stage of the story, some people felt understandably frustrated. There was no sense of general momentum running through the whole of the show. D&D knew this, and so they were anxious to get through it as quickly as possible which led to some of it coming across rushed. People started saying that the show had lost its edge. But I don't think that's what it was. I think it was just in the middle chapter. The "Two Towers" of the Song of Ice and Fire saga. What this season has done is brought things back together. These characters, with their new experiences, are put back into the game. The middle chapter is over, and that has never been clearer than it was at the end of this episode. Three sides have emerged. All the houses have rallied to one side or another. Every story-line comes into play at the end of this episode and it is thrilling (except for Gendry... I guess he's still rowing). Things are in place for the final two seasons. Here we go.
One last note; I'm pretty sure that thing suspended from the ceiling in the Oldtown library is the sun thing from the opening credits. That's a pretty cool detail.
Best episode yet!
golea_alina26 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I love that most of the fan theories came true. I love the fact that even though Jon Snow is a bastard (as far as others know) he's still held high by the northeners. I absolutely loved little Mormont, she shows her claws and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. The actress is the best one they could have casted.
I completely agree with how things turned out in King's Landing, it was the most poetic scene i've seen come to television as of yet.
That was the last place I expected to see Varys and i'm happy to see Littlefinger's game didn't turn out the way he wanted. I believe Game of Thrones fans finally got an ending they deserved and a fistful of justice has been done.
The ending made me take a deep breath and I patiently await the quake of the next season.
P.S> Ser Davos's performance was outstanding, it brought me tears and made me care for someone I didn't knew I cared for anymore.
I completely agree with how things turned out in King's Landing, it was the most poetic scene i've seen come to television as of yet.
That was the last place I expected to see Varys and i'm happy to see Littlefinger's game didn't turn out the way he wanted. I believe Game of Thrones fans finally got an ending they deserved and a fistful of justice has been done.
The ending made me take a deep breath and I patiently await the quake of the next season.
P.S> Ser Davos's performance was outstanding, it brought me tears and made me care for someone I didn't knew I cared for anymore.
The greatest season finale that has ever been on TV.
thejokerdodig26 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Episode 9 of Game of Thrones is usually the best of the season and the following finale is more of a lay down for stories to come. But not this season. After Battle of the bastards which was a masterpiece we all thought this was going to be a calm down finale but hell no. We got another masterpiece.
Let me start of with negatives cause there really isn't anything negative about this episode other than, since the episode was called The winds of winter I expected some bit of White walkers.
Now the positives. Everything. Everything really. Music was a real standout. Blowing up the sept was great, tragic end to Margarey and Tommen too but true highlight was Cersei, the best and most complex villain on Game of Thrones and on TV probably. "Long may she reign!". Now long may the White wolf, the king in the north Jon Stark/Targaryen(finally confirmed yeahhhh). Lyanna Mormont was amazing once again. The flashback was great. And everything Dany, finally leaving Mereen and sailing to Westeros. That end with that music was epic. And yes Arya is back too in the best possible way. 10/10 - masterpiece of television.
Let me start of with negatives cause there really isn't anything negative about this episode other than, since the episode was called The winds of winter I expected some bit of White walkers.
Now the positives. Everything. Everything really. Music was a real standout. Blowing up the sept was great, tragic end to Margarey and Tommen too but true highlight was Cersei, the best and most complex villain on Game of Thrones and on TV probably. "Long may she reign!". Now long may the White wolf, the king in the north Jon Stark/Targaryen(finally confirmed yeahhhh). Lyanna Mormont was amazing once again. The flashback was great. And everything Dany, finally leaving Mereen and sailing to Westeros. That end with that music was epic. And yes Arya is back too in the best possible way. 10/10 - masterpiece of television.
The best episode i have seen in my entire life
hh-228968 August 2019
So Fricking Epic
cafesmitty26 June 2016
How can you write a review and not have any spoilers? I will attempt that. Game of Thrones doesn't disappoint and which each episode, you think you can't be surprised any further and you do. This episode was magnificently Shakespearean. It moves the story forward and it ends in an acceptable place. This thing played like an orchestra. Dare I say it..it has Godfather like quality to it. It is better than any movie I've seen in a long time and you will be very excited to talk about with your other GoT friends. And its so nice to see how each of these characters are so different from Season 1 Episode 1. Its just simply a brilliant show.
They cranked it up to 11
girugacotton26 June 2016
They threw out everything I knew about last week's episode being a 10/10 and made their own rating system for this week's episode. How do you top the best episode of television of all time? Apparently with far and away the best television episode of all time. I expected the credits 20 minutes in and realized there was still almost an hour left.
I was an early cynic/critic of this season and I feel that was was a justifiable opinion but that was the best movie of the year and it was a TV show.
Hell they even made the sand snakes interesting again by infusing Olenna who is the absolute best when it comes to banter. Watching her crap all over them was the fan service everyone deserved.
Everything was shot beautifully, everything was perfectly paced. Everything was everything.
I was an early cynic/critic of this season and I feel that was was a justifiable opinion but that was the best movie of the year and it was a TV show.
Hell they even made the sand snakes interesting again by infusing Olenna who is the absolute best when it comes to banter. Watching her crap all over them was the fan service everyone deserved.
Everything was shot beautifully, everything was perfectly paced. Everything was everything.
Wow
andresvicunat4 October 2018
Winter is Here
ThomasDrufke26 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Coming off one of the best episodes of any show of all time with last week's 'Battle of the Bastards', it was going to be hard for Game of Thrones to create something even remotely as great. To me, 'The Winds of Winter' may be even better. Not only did it give us the final shot we wanted (Daenerys riding to Westeros), but it also concluded just about every major season 6 arc in the most satisfying way possible. I don't often praise the writing and directing in TV Shows, but if there was ever a time, it is now.
As episode 9's central conflict was the battle for the North, the trial in King's Landing was the big event in episode 10. And boy did it not disappoint. I think just about everyone was getting fed up with the High Sparrow, so to see him go up in the flames of wildfire was extremely overdue. With that said, Cersei's descend into madness didn't go without its unfortunate consequences as both the king and the queen met their end. Tommen's suicide seemed like a fitting way for a coward like him to go out. On the other hand, I was definitely sad to see Margaery go. I always figured if she were to meet her end it would be at the hands of Cersei, but I thought there was going to be more to her story. Luckily, we still have a few Tyrell's laying around.
At first, I was confused as to why we were getting any sort of Sand Snake/Dorne scene in the finale, but when I saw Lady Olenna Tyrell, it all started to make sense. It makes perfect sense that the Tyrell's and Sand's would combine their armies, with the help of Varys, alongside Dany's to take on the Lannister's. Is there really any question Dany will have no issue taking on the Lannister's army now? Some of the Ironborn, Dothraki, Unsullied, Tyrell's, Dorne, and let's not forget 3 dragons. Come on now.
Mixed in with plenty of big momentum shifters were some small but important scenes with Sam at the Citadel and Arya checking someone off her list. The somewhat comedic scene where Sam discovers the library after struggling to get past the so called gatekeeper wasn't entirely necessary, but it was nonetheless cool to see the vastness of knowledge that place holds. However, the Arya scene was easily one of my favorite moments of the night. I was glad to see the Starks finally got some sort of redemption for the Red Wedding even if it was Arya taking her murderousness one step further.
The next big Stark reveal came from another one of Bran's vision, as he finally got to see the conclusion of the Tower of Joy sequence. Not that Jon Snow's mother being Lyanna Stark came as a surprise to anyone, but it finally set those theories straight. Sure, we didn't get to hear all of what Lyanna said to Ned that day in the tower, but if the not-so-subtle transition from the baby to Snow's face meant anything, I think we have another Targaryen on the loose.
Speaking of which, that brings me to the ever-so-satisfying second "King of the North" moment with the North finally embracing (and remembering) who the true leader of Winterfell is, and their name is Stark. It would have been nice for that moment to feature Sansa as well, especially after all she's been through, but both are deserving. I also shouldn't forget just how good that scene between Daavos, Melisandre, and Jon was. Well written, acted (particularly from Liam Cunningham), and directed. Seems like the theme of tonight.
Of course, it's not a great Thrones episode without Tyrion, who now serves as the hand of the *Queen*. Or how about watching Maester Pycelle meet his deserved end. Or Cersei torturing Septa Unella AKA the same lady? Or even the look of disgust on the face of Jaime as he watched his beloved Cersei take the throne. This episode featured just about every major character from this show and gave them each a fitting end to their arcs this season. I honestly can't speak high enough about the direction from Miguel Sapochnik and writing from David and Dan. Even just looking at the flawless transitions from scene to scene deserve tons of credit. It will go down as one of my favorite episodes of the series thus far, and certainly most important.
+Impeccable direction
+Winter is here
+Cersei goes mad
+Arya checks Frey off her list
+King of the North
+Tyrell's and Sand's team up
+Dany rides towards the throne
+Daavos
10/10
As episode 9's central conflict was the battle for the North, the trial in King's Landing was the big event in episode 10. And boy did it not disappoint. I think just about everyone was getting fed up with the High Sparrow, so to see him go up in the flames of wildfire was extremely overdue. With that said, Cersei's descend into madness didn't go without its unfortunate consequences as both the king and the queen met their end. Tommen's suicide seemed like a fitting way for a coward like him to go out. On the other hand, I was definitely sad to see Margaery go. I always figured if she were to meet her end it would be at the hands of Cersei, but I thought there was going to be more to her story. Luckily, we still have a few Tyrell's laying around.
At first, I was confused as to why we were getting any sort of Sand Snake/Dorne scene in the finale, but when I saw Lady Olenna Tyrell, it all started to make sense. It makes perfect sense that the Tyrell's and Sand's would combine their armies, with the help of Varys, alongside Dany's to take on the Lannister's. Is there really any question Dany will have no issue taking on the Lannister's army now? Some of the Ironborn, Dothraki, Unsullied, Tyrell's, Dorne, and let's not forget 3 dragons. Come on now.
Mixed in with plenty of big momentum shifters were some small but important scenes with Sam at the Citadel and Arya checking someone off her list. The somewhat comedic scene where Sam discovers the library after struggling to get past the so called gatekeeper wasn't entirely necessary, but it was nonetheless cool to see the vastness of knowledge that place holds. However, the Arya scene was easily one of my favorite moments of the night. I was glad to see the Starks finally got some sort of redemption for the Red Wedding even if it was Arya taking her murderousness one step further.
The next big Stark reveal came from another one of Bran's vision, as he finally got to see the conclusion of the Tower of Joy sequence. Not that Jon Snow's mother being Lyanna Stark came as a surprise to anyone, but it finally set those theories straight. Sure, we didn't get to hear all of what Lyanna said to Ned that day in the tower, but if the not-so-subtle transition from the baby to Snow's face meant anything, I think we have another Targaryen on the loose.
Speaking of which, that brings me to the ever-so-satisfying second "King of the North" moment with the North finally embracing (and remembering) who the true leader of Winterfell is, and their name is Stark. It would have been nice for that moment to feature Sansa as well, especially after all she's been through, but both are deserving. I also shouldn't forget just how good that scene between Daavos, Melisandre, and Jon was. Well written, acted (particularly from Liam Cunningham), and directed. Seems like the theme of tonight.
Of course, it's not a great Thrones episode without Tyrion, who now serves as the hand of the *Queen*. Or how about watching Maester Pycelle meet his deserved end. Or Cersei torturing Septa Unella AKA the same lady? Or even the look of disgust on the face of Jaime as he watched his beloved Cersei take the throne. This episode featured just about every major character from this show and gave them each a fitting end to their arcs this season. I honestly can't speak high enough about the direction from Miguel Sapochnik and writing from David and Dan. Even just looking at the flawless transitions from scene to scene deserve tons of credit. It will go down as one of my favorite episodes of the series thus far, and certainly most important.
+Impeccable direction
+Winter is here
+Cersei goes mad
+Arya checks Frey off her list
+King of the North
+Tyrell's and Sand's team up
+Dany rides towards the throne
+Daavos
10/10
This is the best i had ever watched in my life
eleve-734767 December 2020
Tasting as denial
ZeTomes28 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Was this episode good? Well, one might say that, but only if compared with the majority of what is happening on the TV... Was this episode worthy of the quality of the first 4 seasons?... Nope... Have I felt a punch in the belly just for thinking that I am going to have to wait for more than 1 year for the next season? Nope.
Have I tasted the cold blood of mad vengeance as the North remembered, while watching Arya slicing Frey's throat in two halfs? Ahh.. I really tried, but I couldn't. I just felt Maisie Williams posing as a bad ass for the cameras... the plausibility of the moment shatters itself in pieces when her last almost fatal encounter is recalled (soups and a chit chat are indeed miraculous but I guess the real secret is in fact the poppy's milk).
I paused and recalled what I've felt in the "Red Wedding" episode. I keep insisting in remembering it, as a Stark does not want to forget, in its quality, the intensity, the astonishing performance, the superb cinematographic moment I'd watched. I didn't want to but my face was being washed by the tears even if I did know at that time what was going to happen....
Back to Earth, I'm sorry fan boys, but the scene Arya is doing the Stark Vengeance (Shazam!) is a poor mimicry and a failed attempt to recreate the emotional turmoil felt on the "Red Wedding". Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark) was perfect, and her character is the only legitimate candidate to the "throne" of vengeance. It's not by coincidence that the writer chose to create Lady Stoneheart. Maisie Williams's (Arya) acting seems pathetic (not her, her actor direction) compared to the abyssal depth of what happened to her family's character.
I have always been a severe critic of special effects, because as in the "Uncanny valley" hypothesis, when something is saturated with the intention to make appeal using sensationalism, surprise, etc. (baroque effects) usually the effect is the opposite: pardon me if I forgot to mention you my dear Sir fervent zealot who will never understand that. Game of Thrones first seasons were very thoughtful and moderate when using special effects. I clapped the ingenuity of that. I clapped the focus on realism, the theatrical dramatizations...
What I saw on this episode, were green "gooey blobs" smelling like perfumed plasticine splashing around as much artificially as it is possible. The music was annoying and predictable as a repetitive Hans Zimmer soundtrack. I cursed myself because again I wasn't feeling anything although I was trying since the beginning... I tasted the moment with my papillae gustatory at maximum but the last flavour persisted as a pretension of Epic and I decided to stop to force myself to think that I was enjoying the show. This episode was more like a catwalk of show-offs than anything else. Gore for gore, blood for shock.
The last few moments were a surprise:
I enjoyed watching the Little Finger confessing his ultimate desire. Liam Cunningham (Ser Davos) once more superb in his role, transporting the elegant fine arts of Theatre to his character;
Bella Ramsey's impeccable acting inspired like a muse all the actors around, and the characterization of the scene was emotive and intense. The clans once again pledging for the North was one the best scenes of the season. I felt the Starks again, but generally speaking, I haven't felt George Martin at all in the season except in these precious isolate gems of dramatization.
Have I tasted the cold blood of mad vengeance as the North remembered, while watching Arya slicing Frey's throat in two halfs? Ahh.. I really tried, but I couldn't. I just felt Maisie Williams posing as a bad ass for the cameras... the plausibility of the moment shatters itself in pieces when her last almost fatal encounter is recalled (soups and a chit chat are indeed miraculous but I guess the real secret is in fact the poppy's milk).
I paused and recalled what I've felt in the "Red Wedding" episode. I keep insisting in remembering it, as a Stark does not want to forget, in its quality, the intensity, the astonishing performance, the superb cinematographic moment I'd watched. I didn't want to but my face was being washed by the tears even if I did know at that time what was going to happen....
Back to Earth, I'm sorry fan boys, but the scene Arya is doing the Stark Vengeance (Shazam!) is a poor mimicry and a failed attempt to recreate the emotional turmoil felt on the "Red Wedding". Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark) was perfect, and her character is the only legitimate candidate to the "throne" of vengeance. It's not by coincidence that the writer chose to create Lady Stoneheart. Maisie Williams's (Arya) acting seems pathetic (not her, her actor direction) compared to the abyssal depth of what happened to her family's character.
I have always been a severe critic of special effects, because as in the "Uncanny valley" hypothesis, when something is saturated with the intention to make appeal using sensationalism, surprise, etc. (baroque effects) usually the effect is the opposite: pardon me if I forgot to mention you my dear Sir fervent zealot who will never understand that. Game of Thrones first seasons were very thoughtful and moderate when using special effects. I clapped the ingenuity of that. I clapped the focus on realism, the theatrical dramatizations...
What I saw on this episode, were green "gooey blobs" smelling like perfumed plasticine splashing around as much artificially as it is possible. The music was annoying and predictable as a repetitive Hans Zimmer soundtrack. I cursed myself because again I wasn't feeling anything although I was trying since the beginning... I tasted the moment with my papillae gustatory at maximum but the last flavour persisted as a pretension of Epic and I decided to stop to force myself to think that I was enjoying the show. This episode was more like a catwalk of show-offs than anything else. Gore for gore, blood for shock.
The last few moments were a surprise:
I enjoyed watching the Little Finger confessing his ultimate desire. Liam Cunningham (Ser Davos) once more superb in his role, transporting the elegant fine arts of Theatre to his character;
Bella Ramsey's impeccable acting inspired like a muse all the actors around, and the characterization of the scene was emotive and intense. The clans once again pledging for the North was one the best scenes of the season. I felt the Starks again, but generally speaking, I haven't felt George Martin at all in the season except in these precious isolate gems of dramatization.
A (Fodder) Feast for Crow(d)s (of braindead fans)
Ar_Pharazon_the_golden28 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Surprise. An episode even worse than the previous one. I understand lots of people loved it. I saw the ratings. In disbelief. Because it was unthinkably bad. Unthinkably. Before I attack every single part of it (save the music), let me single out two scenes:
One, we finally get little needed confirmation that Jon Snow is Lyanna's son. This is made clear to anyone who had doubts in Bran's vision. Afterwards, the camera zooms in on the baby's face. And zooms out on Jon's, directly, shamelessly saying "we think fans are complete morons and may need this visual confirmation". Now, it would bother me less, if not for the fact that the entire story, every single thread of it, is written as if aimed at an audience that is composed of idiots who need this sort of visual aid.
Two, Varys. He conveniently appears in Dorne in time to know already about what JUST happened in King's Landing. At the end of the episode, he's on the ship with Daenerys. If you noticed that and didn't think that the writers are far, far worse than Ed Wood, well, I give up.
I had expectations from GoT. Not because it is based on a series of books that doesn't consider the reader a fool, but because the show itself lived up to these standards for four and a half seasons. Now, Chuck Norris films are more coherent.
But let's take it from the top:
Cersei decides to blow up the Sept and everyone in it. She has been repeatedly been described as a selfish, cruel woman who would however do anything for her children. So, logically, she kills everything and everyone her last living son loves. Then he kills himself, but life goes on apparently. Nobody cares, not for the fact she blew up the city, not for the fact she took the throne (how?). Her plan of course relied on her not being taken to the Sept earlier, on one of Qyburn's sparrows luring Lancel directly to the source of the wildfire (why) and then not killing him so he can have a chance to prevent it. Murdering all allies, check. Being left with no support from anyone, check. Make son hate me for the rest of eternity, check. Oh, wait, he killed himself. Boo-hoo. To be fair, Cersei does stupid things in the books too. Just not quite that stupid.
Lest we forget, that is exactly how D&D treated Stannis. Go on and on about how much he loves his daughter, then kills her. Cersei does the same, then doesn't really care all that much. Exactly like with Stannis, D&D once again exhibit their abysmal lack of understanding of what a plot twist is. That it needs to make sense, rather than just go against what you spent much time establishing.
Meanwhile, Jaime dines with Walder Frey. Then Walder Frey is confronted by Arya, who has easily teleported back to Riverrun, and using the skills she spent much time mostly failing to acquire, she kills him. Hooray, said fans who don't care if that made sense.
Towards the end, Jaime teleports himself back to King's Landing.
Speaking of teleportation, the queen of thorns has teleported to Dorne, invited by the Sand Snakes and Elaria, who apparently called her a minute after the explosion. Varys is there, but also super- positioned in a ship with Daenerys, who is now best friends with fan favourite *hint* Tyrion, because the show has decided to suddenly become the wet dream of those fans it thinks it's addressing. Which translates to "suddenly, le wild convenience appeared, and everything goes the ludicrous Daenerys way". Teleporting Varys, teleporting ironborn, last episode's joke of a battle, Daenerys moving to Westeros where, conveniently ( when has anything gone wrong for her?) no one is left to challenge her. Hooray, said Daenerys fans, who have long lost any demands for things to make sense.
In the North, we learn two things that shed more humiliating light to previous goofy scripts: Sansa admits she knew about the teleporting knights of the Vale, but...said nothing...because....uh......uhmm.
Also, Davos really didn't know what had happened to Shireen. Which means his complete indifference towards Stannis' fate makes even less sense. The northern banner-men proclaim Jon Snow king in the north (it's getting real easy). After Petyr has told Sansa every decision he makes is towards an end that sees him on the iron throne with Sansa at his side. Even, apparently, giving her to Ramsay Snow. Hooray, said fans who don't care if anything in that story-line ever made any sense.
I'll admit I was wrong about Sam - he did reach Oldtown this season. Just quickly enough to ascertain that all this teleporting nonsense is not because a long time passes between scenes, but because Benioff and Weiss really don't have a clue.
Lastly. Cersei's coronation was framed as a season finale. But these people are so sick, so deranged, they couldn't resist. They HAD to close in exactly the same way they closed most seasons and a bunch of mid-season episodes. With a scene that's meant to portray their favourite character in epic light. But instead causes explosive diarrhea.
I really don't understand who likes the direction the show has taken. Anyone who was watching closely, anyone who was paying attention, whether they read the books or not, can see that there is no coherence, no continuity, no logic left.
I understand the conventions of TV shows, but not in this case. It wasn't the way GoT was. Not for a while. If Daenerys sailing west with her buddy Tyrion, Jon being proclaimed king in the north, and Arya taking revenge makes you happy regardless of the fact that for these things to happen you watched a dreadful mess of a show, I'm sorry. You don't deserve what GoT was. You deserve what it has become.
One, we finally get little needed confirmation that Jon Snow is Lyanna's son. This is made clear to anyone who had doubts in Bran's vision. Afterwards, the camera zooms in on the baby's face. And zooms out on Jon's, directly, shamelessly saying "we think fans are complete morons and may need this visual confirmation". Now, it would bother me less, if not for the fact that the entire story, every single thread of it, is written as if aimed at an audience that is composed of idiots who need this sort of visual aid.
Two, Varys. He conveniently appears in Dorne in time to know already about what JUST happened in King's Landing. At the end of the episode, he's on the ship with Daenerys. If you noticed that and didn't think that the writers are far, far worse than Ed Wood, well, I give up.
I had expectations from GoT. Not because it is based on a series of books that doesn't consider the reader a fool, but because the show itself lived up to these standards for four and a half seasons. Now, Chuck Norris films are more coherent.
But let's take it from the top:
Cersei decides to blow up the Sept and everyone in it. She has been repeatedly been described as a selfish, cruel woman who would however do anything for her children. So, logically, she kills everything and everyone her last living son loves. Then he kills himself, but life goes on apparently. Nobody cares, not for the fact she blew up the city, not for the fact she took the throne (how?). Her plan of course relied on her not being taken to the Sept earlier, on one of Qyburn's sparrows luring Lancel directly to the source of the wildfire (why) and then not killing him so he can have a chance to prevent it. Murdering all allies, check. Being left with no support from anyone, check. Make son hate me for the rest of eternity, check. Oh, wait, he killed himself. Boo-hoo. To be fair, Cersei does stupid things in the books too. Just not quite that stupid.
Lest we forget, that is exactly how D&D treated Stannis. Go on and on about how much he loves his daughter, then kills her. Cersei does the same, then doesn't really care all that much. Exactly like with Stannis, D&D once again exhibit their abysmal lack of understanding of what a plot twist is. That it needs to make sense, rather than just go against what you spent much time establishing.
Meanwhile, Jaime dines with Walder Frey. Then Walder Frey is confronted by Arya, who has easily teleported back to Riverrun, and using the skills she spent much time mostly failing to acquire, she kills him. Hooray, said fans who don't care if that made sense.
Towards the end, Jaime teleports himself back to King's Landing.
Speaking of teleportation, the queen of thorns has teleported to Dorne, invited by the Sand Snakes and Elaria, who apparently called her a minute after the explosion. Varys is there, but also super- positioned in a ship with Daenerys, who is now best friends with fan favourite *hint* Tyrion, because the show has decided to suddenly become the wet dream of those fans it thinks it's addressing. Which translates to "suddenly, le wild convenience appeared, and everything goes the ludicrous Daenerys way". Teleporting Varys, teleporting ironborn, last episode's joke of a battle, Daenerys moving to Westeros where, conveniently ( when has anything gone wrong for her?) no one is left to challenge her. Hooray, said Daenerys fans, who have long lost any demands for things to make sense.
In the North, we learn two things that shed more humiliating light to previous goofy scripts: Sansa admits she knew about the teleporting knights of the Vale, but...said nothing...because....uh......uhmm.
Also, Davos really didn't know what had happened to Shireen. Which means his complete indifference towards Stannis' fate makes even less sense. The northern banner-men proclaim Jon Snow king in the north (it's getting real easy). After Petyr has told Sansa every decision he makes is towards an end that sees him on the iron throne with Sansa at his side. Even, apparently, giving her to Ramsay Snow. Hooray, said fans who don't care if anything in that story-line ever made any sense.
I'll admit I was wrong about Sam - he did reach Oldtown this season. Just quickly enough to ascertain that all this teleporting nonsense is not because a long time passes between scenes, but because Benioff and Weiss really don't have a clue.
Lastly. Cersei's coronation was framed as a season finale. But these people are so sick, so deranged, they couldn't resist. They HAD to close in exactly the same way they closed most seasons and a bunch of mid-season episodes. With a scene that's meant to portray their favourite character in epic light. But instead causes explosive diarrhea.
I really don't understand who likes the direction the show has taken. Anyone who was watching closely, anyone who was paying attention, whether they read the books or not, can see that there is no coherence, no continuity, no logic left.
I understand the conventions of TV shows, but not in this case. It wasn't the way GoT was. Not for a while. If Daenerys sailing west with her buddy Tyrion, Jon being proclaimed king in the north, and Arya taking revenge makes you happy regardless of the fact that for these things to happen you watched a dreadful mess of a show, I'm sorry. You don't deserve what GoT was. You deserve what it has become.
Fantastic!
Tareq924826 June 2016
Even though there is no fights and action scenes in this episode but it is indeed as good as The battle of The Bastards episode. firs of all : the music... God! the music is good probably the best thing in the episode it will get you hooked from the first second. The events unexpected and perfect and very well done and brings moments we've all been waiting for and we find out about either the most famous theory is right or not. The acting is great as usual. and what really makes this episode great that it's full of important events and prepares for a great next season and it closes a good season in a great way. Finally, this is how drama should be made. great drama with great dialogues and acting.
Incredible!
jerianne-139067 February 2019
Best season finale in TV history and best episode to date for Game of Thrones
rubendr30006 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I don't have enough words to describe the magnificence of this episode. This has got to be the best overall episode in TV history. Battle of the Bastards was a masterpiece itself, but this episode brings so much more. Its the suspense, the music, the action and everything else that makes this episode far superior than the last epic battle. It is by far the best episode of the season, and the show itself! Not only did the episode conclude most of the story lines that were in question (like, when will Danerys head to Westeros?), but it sets the stage for an epic Season 7. The death of Tommen was very unexpected, as well as the death of Margaery. This shows how brutal Cercei can be when she feels threatened or cornered. I am sure she is capable of destroying the whole city if the odds turn worse for her. This episode truly showed who she really is, and what she can become.
The episode in its entirety is outstanding. The directing and musical production was brought to a whole new level. It is that attention to detail that makes Game of Thrones the best series to have EVER aired on TV! I sure hope that Miguel Sapochnik gets chosen for the remaining episodes of season 7 and season 8. Only he has proved what this show can really be and what it is worth.
The episode in its entirety is outstanding. The directing and musical production was brought to a whole new level. It is that attention to detail that makes Game of Thrones the best series to have EVER aired on TV! I sure hope that Miguel Sapochnik gets chosen for the remaining episodes of season 7 and season 8. Only he has proved what this show can really be and what it is worth.
An Benchmark for how an SEASON FINALE should be done !!!
sanjaylathish27 June 2016
How do you top one of the best episode in the TV history??simple, By creating another episode with absolute perfection. DAMN Miguel Sapochnik is one hell of a director(Gift,Hardhome, BoB and now WoW), producers should use him to direct every episode of the coming seasons. WOW Just WOW what more can you say, this is how a season finale should be done, with perfection,clarity and little bit of anxiety for the next season. The episode started slowly , but it picked up on the way and it was great seeing every questions, stories are cleared and connected without losing the clarity. Acting was just top notch, Ser Davos was breathtaking, Lady Mormont damn she is one hell of a actress, the dialogues and the expression was superb and rest was below these guys.(not too down :P) The best thing was the BGM it was Hans Zimmer like, TAKE A BOW RAMIN DJAWADI, you were the soul of this episode without you it would not have the desired effect. It would take one hell of a episode to break the bar set by WoW (hoping for one). if you missed this, for any reason watch it at the earliest, because it is something that should not be missed :)
The greatest thing ever on TV.
erenleromer20 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
After another flawless episode like "Battle of the Bastards", "The Winds of Winter" sets the bar higher. During its 68 minutes it never disappoints the audience: Beginning with the flawless scene of the explosion of the Sept of Baelor, through the scene of Daenerys' fleet, every moment is absolutely breathtaking. Tommen's suicide, Cersei torturing Septa Unella, Arya's revenge on Walder Frey, "King in the North!" in Winterfell and Bran's vision are the perfect scenes, which makes the episode spectacularly glorious. Besides the scenes, the direction, the writing, music, and Lena Headey's performance are the other highlights of the episode. "The Winds of Winter" overtakes Breaking Bad's respectably perfect "Ozymandias" in terms of excitement and greatness on TV.
TV has never had a greater hour in its history. Game of Thrones will probably never have a greater episode- though I gladly wish to be mistaken about this (since TV REALLY needs such great moments), I think nothing on TV will ever surpass this.
TV has never had a greater hour in its history. Game of Thrones will probably never have a greater episode- though I gladly wish to be mistaken about this (since TV REALLY needs such great moments), I think nothing on TV will ever surpass this.
Best episode of anything ever
jwcalifo15 August 2020
Finally!
Rainey-Dawn19 September 2018
Season 6, episode 10. It is Cersei and Loras Tyrell's trial day. Cersei will get her revenge. Davos confronts Melisandre about Stannis Baratheon's daughter death in front of Jon Snow. Jon Snow is declared King of the North by several houses supporting him. Sam and Gilly make it to the Citadel. Bran learns a Stark secret. Lord Frey ends up with Arya as a surprise guest. Daenerys sets sail to Westeros - finally!
10/10
10/10
It was incredible TV.
punch8713 November 2019
We've talked a lot this season about "table setting" and "moving the chess pieces around the board." But the season finale has wiped the board almost clean, and reconfigured the remaining players into a pretty clear alignment for the rest of the story.
Spectacular
kiwiclangaming26 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Wow. Just, wow. Game of Thrones has done it again. Unlike the Season 5 finale which felt rushed and anticlimactic, this episode was jam packed with both satisfying conclusions and managed to set up the penultimate season perfectly.
SO MUCH HAPPENS, and yet it doesn't feel rushed. The pacing is absolutely FANTASTIC. From the initial slow build up in Kings Landing, to the final scene where Dany is FINALLY crossing the Narrow Sea everything was spot on.
The Arya reveal, the wildfire explosion, the R + L = J confirmed after 20 years of speculation, Jaime's redemption arc still swinging strong, finally seeing Oldtown for the first time (the city I've most wanted to see from the books) and THA KING IN THA NORTH!
And the music, the music was absolutely superb, something that's been consistently fantastic throughout the show.
The only potential problems I had with the episode was Cersei being stone cold seeing Tommen (seemed a bit out of character for me) and Varys being in two places at once (after the whole end of Arya's Braavos story line I have doubts about stuff like this). Hopefully it's not bad writing, but I guess we will see in a year.
Regardless, the positives HEAVILY outweigh the negatives. Amazing episode all round, 10/10.
SO MUCH HAPPENS, and yet it doesn't feel rushed. The pacing is absolutely FANTASTIC. From the initial slow build up in Kings Landing, to the final scene where Dany is FINALLY crossing the Narrow Sea everything was spot on.
The Arya reveal, the wildfire explosion, the R + L = J confirmed after 20 years of speculation, Jaime's redemption arc still swinging strong, finally seeing Oldtown for the first time (the city I've most wanted to see from the books) and THA KING IN THA NORTH!
And the music, the music was absolutely superb, something that's been consistently fantastic throughout the show.
The only potential problems I had with the episode was Cersei being stone cold seeing Tommen (seemed a bit out of character for me) and Varys being in two places at once (after the whole end of Arya's Braavos story line I have doubts about stuff like this). Hopefully it's not bad writing, but I guess we will see in a year.
Regardless, the positives HEAVILY outweigh the negatives. Amazing episode all round, 10/10.
An average final of a bad season
francep30 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
(sorry for my English) The last episode continues on the path mapped out by the whole season and much of the previous season: things happen because they must, no logical sense; characters do things without following their personality and without showing a shred of intelligence. Tyrion and Littlefinger are now 2 morons: OK... The Cersei plan is so absurd that obviously works. The plan of Arya is so silly that obviously works (by the way the mask is on loan?). It's been 10-15 years since the start of rumors about father Jon's and (surprise!) the father is a Targaryen. This whole season has been full of absurdities, huge holes in the plot, unbridled use of teleportation, characters who do foolish things and this last episode is no exception. It is just a spectacular episode and all those colors and those forced twists have impressed the audience. But it's all smoke and special effects. No substance.
Sorry, no (season 6)
bribrina30 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Masterly crafted characters, poignant dialogues and political equilibria ruled by subtle manipulation. Does that ring a bell? That was Game of Thrones — or rather, that's A Song of Ice and Fire. Seems to me that the TV show writers sacrificed all that made GoT a paradigm-shifting show to the Lord of Light, because, really, in Westeros one does not blow things and people up (and survive — politically and literally) because "it feels good". In a work of fiction which is so often also about journeys, people do not teleport from Braavos to the Twins, or from Meereen to Dorne and back. In this new version of GoT, the North seems to remember only when it is convenient; two of the most enticing characters of nowadays pop culture, Tyrion and Littlefinger, seem to have undergone lobotomy — one trying to make small talk with Grey Worm and Missandei like a crazy person at a bus stop, the other hitting on Sansa as though he hadn't sold her to a sadistic rapist. OK, I get it: we are in a hurry to wrap things up. I am as annoyed as anyone else at GRR Martin's incapability of converging to an end, but his inability to do so is due to his unwillingness to compromise the consistency of his characters and (yes, too many) story lines for a quick and dirty end. And this is something I have the uttermost respect for.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
