Death, dragons and double-crossing – today’s Game of Thrones finale was a satisfying end to the season.
But, it certainly wasn’t the shock-fest some fans were predicting.
Here are the five moments from the final episode of season seven that had the TV WEEK team talking – and how these moments may shape next year’s finale season.
1. TEAM STARK
GOT loves a good bait and switch. And this was one of its best. All season the show was building up the sibling rivalry between Sansa (Sophie Turner) and Arya (Maisie Williams). It appeared Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen) had manipulated Sansa to the point where she thought Arya was her enemy. Turned out, the sisters were playing Littlefinger. And, in a genuinely surprising moment, Sansa ordered Arya to slit his throat.
What now: A united House Stark will likely face the White Walkers.
Goodbye, Littlefinger. You won’t be missed.
2. THE DRAGON AND THE WOLF
After playing handsies on the boat last episode, it was only a matter of time before Jon (Kit Harington) and Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) got down to business. The sight of Jon’s naked bum might have been enough to put a smile on the faces of many GOT fans. The interesting part was the sex scene occurred right after we learned, conclusively, through Bran’s (Isaac –Hempstead Wright) visions that Jon is indeed a Targaryen and the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. And, also that he’s now having sex with his auntie. Ewww…
What now: What remains is for Jon and Dany to find out about Jon’s true parentage. And whether this will change how they feel about each other.
Relationship status: it’s complicated.
3. THEON’S BACK!
Love him or hate him – there is no denying Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) has been through hell. He sold out both the Starks and the Greyjoys. But here was Theon’s redemption. First, Jon told him he was both Stark and Greyjoy. And, this seemed to give him the courage fight to the death with fellow Ironborn, Harrag (Aussie Brendan Cowell).
What now: Theon will travel to King’s Landing to rescue his sister, Yara (Gemma Whelan).
Will Theon be able to rescue Yara?
4. CERSEI IS STILL CERSEI
C’mon, did anyone really think Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) would agree to a truce with Daenerys? Proving she’s still the dirtiest double-crossing in the kingdom, Cersei told Jon, Dany and Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) she’d join forces with them to fight the White Walkers in the north. But, she really wasn’t going anywhere. The meeting between enemies in the dragonpit did not turn out to be the bloodbath many predicted. The most shocking turn of events came later when Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) defied his sister, choosing to honour the truce. And it looked like he was going to pay for his decision with his life. Perhaps he still will.
What now: Cersei might be buying another army. But what good will they be if the dead march south.
Relationship status: complicated doesn’t begin to cut it.
5. SPEAKING OF MARCHING SOUTH…
Certainly the most visually impressive moment of the episode was saved for last. As many expected, the dragon formerly known as Viserion had a big role to play in the finale. Last week, the Night King killed the dragon and then turned him into a blue-eyed zombie thingy. Many had wondered what kind of power an ice dragon might have. And this week we found out – the devastating, war-winning kind. In possibly the only really jaw-dropping moment of the finale, the dragon used its ice-fire (if that’s what we’re calling it) to bring down The Wall at Eastwatch.
What now: Night King wins. Game over. Or, its dragon v dragon in a real battle of ice and fire!
