This season came in hot, as the prior one ended with Tyrion Lannister murdering his father, Tywin. Season 8's problems were significant, but it did enough right to remain deeply engaging TV.īest bits: The absurdly-good final 10 minutes of The Battle of Winterfell, Ser Brienne, Daenerys' death, Jaime and Tyrion say goodbye, Cleganebowl. How do you end sprawling, high-pedigree show like Game of Thrones? That's a tough task. Weiss and David Benioff's decision to curtail season 7 and 8 into shorter seasons necessitated the fast pace that hamstrung these stories. Jaime going back to Cersei despite Cersei sending Bronn to kill him and Daenerys' abrupt descent into the Mad Queen were both massive eyebrow raisers. Yet there were issues that were conspicuous to say the least.
(Again, generally.)īrienne becoming Ser Brienne, the last 10 minutes of The Battle of Winterfell, Cleganebowl and the death of Daenerys were all standout, truly great Game of Thrones moments. It ranks above season 7, though, because the pace generally isn't as discombobulating and its key moments generally more satisfying. The final season was like structurally like season 7, in that it was predominantly injured by its pace but kept alive by its key moments. Over a million people signed a petition to have it remade, but maybe the backlash was inevitable. Season 8 is possibly the most polarizing season in all of Game of Thrones. An interesting roadblock, but still just a roadblock. The High Sparrow was just a roadblock for Cersei. Plus, there was the anticipated return of Hot Pie.īest bits: Arya comes home, Littlefinger dies, Jon meets Daenerys, Jon and Theon, Jaime Lannister finally bails on Cersei. Jon's exoneration of Theon Greyjoy and the Stark sisters' commemorating Ned Stark were inspiring, and the whole White Walker dragon thing set the stakes high. Arya Stark's Winterfell return, the death of Littlefinger and Jon meeting Daenerys for the first time are scenes to be YouTubed for years to come. Characters travel to and from Winterfell, Dragonstone, The Wall or King's Landing in a scene or two, when previously such journeys would take at least an episode and often most of a season. The season is notorious for playing loose with time and space. The problem is the whole season was essentially one moment after another. Season 7, broadcast a whole lifetime ago in 2017, had some of terrific moments. It probably goes without saying, and maybe it doesn't even matter anymore, but Game of Thrones spoilers below.ĭaenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow in season 7.Ī bad Game of Thrones season is still good TV. Game of Thrones is pretty darn great even at the worst of times. Most of the criticisms below come from holding the show to a high standard and comparing Game of Thrones against itself. But a startling act of treachery directed at young Bran may end up postponing their respective departures.With the story completed (fret not, a prequel and a play are on the way), and with two years of distance from the finale, we can go back and analyze which of its chapters were the best and which were the worst.Ī note: Somebody has to come last in every race.
Unable to refuse his old friend and king, Ned prepares to leave for King's Landing, as Jon Snow decides to travel north to Castle Black to join the Night's Watch, accompanied by a curious Tyrion.
Robert arrives at Winterfell with his wife, Queen Cersei, and other members of the Lannister family: her twin brother Jaime, dwarf brother Tyrion, and Cersei's son and heir to the throne, 12-year-old Joffrey. Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea in Pentos, Viserys Targaryen hatches a plan to win back the throne by forging an allegiance with the nomadic Dothraki warriors by giving its leader, Khal Drogo, his lovely sister Daenerys's hand in marriage. Returning home, Ned learns from his wife Catelyn that his mentor, Jon Arryn, has died in the Westeros capital of King's Landing, and that King Robert is on his way north to offer Ned the position as the King's Hand. A Night's Watch deserter is tracked down outside of Winterfell, prompting swift justice from Lord Eddard 'Ned' Stark, and raising concerns about the dangers in the lawless lands north of the Wall.