Here it is, eight years later we have reached the finale of Game of Thrones. Some of us have been with it since the beginning, some of us actually listened to the age restrictions. What we all have in common though is the feeling of “really, that’s who sits on the Iron Throne?”
Spoilers ahead, it’s not my fault you decided to prioritise academics above GoT.
My emotions after this final episode are…mixed, to say the least. I definitely didn’t love it but I also didn’t hate it.
This seems to be the general consensus, with Jana Jacobs (22), final year BAcc student, saying that she is fine with most of what happened but that some things bother her. An example she mentions is Jon having to be banished for killing Dany while Tyrion went from imminent execution to living in King’s Landing as hand of the king.
Matthew James (23), a final year BAcc LLB student, echoed this, saying that “the way it ended, what actually happened, was alright” but expressed his regret that the writers rushed the story too much and didn’t give enough development.
The mother of dragons surveys her conquered kingdom.
So, things that I liked from this episode – the imagery and symbolism. The shot of Dany with Drogon’s wings behind her is one of the examples of excellent cinematography in this episode. The symbolism of Drogon destroying the Iron Throne was also very fitting for the shift in regime.
Drogon nudging Dany to check if she’s alive was heartbreaking and beautiful as well. I would just like to know where in the Seven Hells he’s flying to.
Brienne writing down Jaime’s legacy was incredibly touching. Not what I would do at all in that situation but I applaud her nonetheless. Her honourable behaviour and earnestness just once again show why she is such a good knight.
Bran being king was an interesting twist. And by that, I mean I’m politely disappointed.
“They built up Jon Snow for nothing,” says a disappointed honours Actuarial Sciences student, Suveer Nundlall (22).
Tyrion gives a rousing speech to the group of nobles.
This episode ends with Arya going to explore what is west of Westeros, Sansa being the queen of the North, Jon banished to the Wall and Bran warging into things while letting other people make decisions regarding his six kingdoms. Well, I’m proud of 50% of the Stark kids.
Jacobs points out that the Night Watch is now pretty useless with the Whitewalkers gone and the wildlings as allies, thus leaving us to wonder what Jon Snow will do for the rest of his life.
The Unsullied are heading to Naath which makes me wonder why they care what happens in Westeros now. At least they all got to finally take off their helmets and seem like individuals for the first time. Khaleesi would be happy about that one thing, I believe.
Although I don’t agree with Tyrion’s reasoning for why Bran should be king, I did really appreciate his speech on stories and their importance. So, whether you think this last season was awful, average or awesome, at least we were all brought together and had the joy of sharing in this community.