#GameOfThrones: 8 episodes you should watch before Season 8
'Game of Thrones' announced that the eighth and final season would air in April 2019. Over 7 seasons, the show intricately detailed power struggles, politics and character development across the Westerosi families. With the beginning of the end almost five months away, this would be a perfect time to start re-watching 'Game of Thrones'. Here are 8 episodes you should watch before Season 8.
The blood in the Sept of Baelor
'Baelor' was the episode that kicked off the political turmoil in Westeros that has not stopped yet. In a domino moment, it all started when Ned Stark was beheaded by the tyrannical Joffrey Baratheon against the advice of his mother, Cersei. The death of the character, who fans believed to be the protagonist, proved that no one was safe in 'Game of Thrones'.
The Battle of Blackwater
As Stannis Baratheon's army sailed towards Westeros, the Lannisters were challenged for the first time. Tyrion expertly handled the city's defense, wiping out chunks of Stannis' fleet using wildfire. 'Blackwater' also saw Cersei's understanding of female power and the extreme measures she would take to protect her children. Most importantly, it gave fans a taste of the massive battles 'GoT' was capable of producing.
The Rains of Castamere
The Lannisters displayed their ruthless behavior in this episode, sending 'their regards' to the rebel, Robb Stark. Ned's eldest son was on the warpath to avenge his father's execution, till the Lannisters made a deal with Walder Frey. The entire Stark army was massacred in what became the 'Red Wedding'. And, now the rains, weep over his halls, with not a soul to hear.
The battle at Hardhome
'Hardhome' was one of the highest points of Season 5 as fans saw the power of the White Walker army. As they descended on the remaining Wildlings and Night's Watch members, a fierce battle erupted. Jon escaped, but the Night King's chilling threat was clear. The battle was coming to Westeros. Most importantly, the episode showed Valyrian steel was capable of killing White Walkers.
The man who held the door
'The Door' remains one of GoT's most tragic episodes. In a show plagued with deaths of beloved characters, Hodor's death still hurts. The adorable half-giant heroically sacrificed himself, holding off White Walkers, allowing Bran and Meera to escape. However, the tragedy was his destiny to 'hold the door' or 'Hodor'. Further, the episode proved the extent of Bran's powers as the Three-Eyed Raven.
Battle of the Bastards
The episode showed the long-awaited showdown between Jon and Ramsay Bolton. Jon's courage shone through as he faced a mounted attack with his sword drawn out. This battle will go down in television history as one of the most elaborate ones. More importantly, we finally saw Winterfell returning to the Starks, as Ramsay met a befitting end, being fed to his hunting dogs.
The Spoils of War
The episode remains remarkable for Arya's return to Winterfell and proof of her skills as she spars with Brienne. However, most notably, the episode shows Jaime's heroism for the first time. Jaime's transformation from an arrogant knight to a courageous hero was completed when the one-handed Kingslayer lifted a spear, charging at Daenerys to try and end her rebellion.
The Dragon and the Wolf
The finale showed an intense meeting at King's Landing Dragonpit. Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen met Cersei, requesting her assistance in fighting White Walkers. Cersei refused, despite proof, causing a rift with Jaime. The episode revealed Jon's Targaryen lineage. It also showed Arya, Sansa teaming up, killing Littlefinger and the Walkers breaking wall using a dragon. It perfectly reminded fans of Season 8's inevitable war.
