From the moment Game Of Thrones first played this trailer for the 5th episode, speculation has been running wild as to what might occur during what is being called “The Last War.”
What initially stood out was what exactly Euron was looking at up in the sky, but little did we know that this moment was just the tip of the iceberg (more on that later).
The episode started with Varys writing what we all know (that Jon Snow has a stronger claim to the Iron Throne) on a piece of parchment. One can’t help but wonder who he was writing to. Perhaps he is a spy? We find out that Dany has been in mourning since the death of Missandei, but she’s coming to understand the threat of Jon’s claim. She confronts Tyrion about spreading the truth. It was hard to tell if she was broken up about the death or if it was more about what she knows is coming if she is ever to sit on the throne.
It becomes apparent that she’s willing to do what is necessary to secure her claim as Dany makes quick work of Varys (who had thoughts of treason) and has him executed. However, what stood out to me was the side-eye Jon gave Dany as Drogon burned Varys. Tyrion is still pleading his case for mercy on the citizens of Kings Landing. However, it seems as if the Mother of Dragons is now taking a different approach. As he is leaving the throne room at Dragonstone, Dany threatens Tyrion if by chance he fails it will be the last time.
Tyrion learns that her forces captured Jaime. This news immediately leads him to head to the camp where he is being held to free him. He makes Jaime promise that he will free his sister and help in averting the bloodshed to come. One of my favorite shots of the episode was the preparation of Kings Landing and just seeing Arya, The Hound, and Jaime casually waltz in. The buildup to the battle was better than the one for “The Battle Of Winterfell.”
The Golden Company and Euron got into position, and that’s when hell arrived. Dany attacked using the sun to her advantage destroying Euron’s Iron Fleet and laying waste to the Golden Company while opening up the gates to King’s Landing.
Qyburn advises Cersei of the dire circumstances, but she is at this point delusional. Amongst the destruction, Jaime is trying to make his way to her sister. While this is all going on, we still don’t know where either the Hound or Arya is. What was striking was seeing Cersei’s army surrender quickly to Dany’s unified legions.
One of the more powerful moments was seeing Cersei’s face as she heard the bells of surrender ring out. Dany is then overcome with emotion and launches another attack decimating what was left of Cersei’s forces. Jon quickly realizes that Dany has become the one thing he dreaded.
Seeing Euron and Jaime battle it out was deeply rewarding. I was not happy to see Euron strike Jaime down. I did love seeing Jaime rallying as if to say that if I’m going to die then so will you. One of the more touching moments was seeing The Hound persuade Arya that her revenge towards Cersei wasn’t worth it. However, fans did get what we were clamoring for when The Hound faced off against The Mountain.
– Photo: Courtesy of HBO
Jaime eventually makes his way to Cersei. They ultimately make it the dragon skulls where Tyrion said there was a way out for them. But the aftermath of the Dany’s siege has blocked all exits. Jaime and Cersei end up dying in each other’s arms as they are crushed by falling rubble. Arya has several near-death experiences which I think set her up for a showdown in the finale but who knows with this show.
Game Of Thrones did keep with tradition in bringing the carnage in the 2nd to the last episode of the season. Do I think this will be the most shocking event to occur in Season 8? Not even close! Dany has destroyed all of her enemies and so much more. Will she wipe out everyone to ensure that her reign goes uncontested?
Dewey Singleton has been reviewing new releases in television and film for many years. Dewey's reviews have been heard in multiple markets (Houston Atlanta, Tampa). Dewey's past work has been with awardswatch.com, awardsradar.com, and bleeding cool. Dewey is a proud member of the CCA.