'Game of Thrones' S08E06 review: Subverted expectations are over now
Game of Thrones has finally ended. It was one of the best shows ever created and for the most part, lived up to its name. The last season had faced some controversies with the quality of writing and character development but this episode seemed like an apt conclusion to the saga, albeit with its own flaws. Here's our review of The Iron Throne.
The aftermath of Daenerys' decision
Turning into the Mad Queen, Daenerys burned down King's Landing in the previous episode. This one begins with Tyrion exploring what's left of the place. He soon finds his siblings buried in the rubble. It is not a fitting conclusion for Jaime or Cersei's arc, but this is the best we could get, I guess. Greyworm executes the remaining Lannister soldiers (while Jon protests).
Cinematographers have done some phenomenal work on the series
Soon, we catch the first glimpse of Daenerys. With Drogon in the background, she looks like a dragon herself. Beautifully shot! Emilia Clarke, an outstanding actor, gives a rousing speech in a foreign language and still makes you feel the chills. Tyrion throws his 'Hand' pin away, rejecting the queen in public view, and is subsequently imprisoned. The episode has some brilliant point-of-view shots.
Jon Snow is horrified and befuddled
He is appalled as he surveys the Landing with Ser Davos. He meets Arya, who doesn't have that random mysterious white horse now, and she tries to talk some sense into him. When Jon visits Tyrion in prison, he says the same thing as Arya- Jon's legitimate claim to the throne will soon become a threat to his family. Jon doesn't seem too convinced.
The Queenslayer is here. He's not the one we wanted
After Dany's speech about 'liberating' the world, Jon goes to meet her (take note of the ice-covered Drogon!). They talk and he finally becomes convinced that she's now turned into a dictator. They kiss and he fatally stabs his queen. Whatever Dany built in 7 seasons, gets destroyed in one episode! It would've been, however, much more satisfying to watch Jaime kill Cersei. #TheTrueQueenslayer
All hell breaks loose after the queen dies...Not!
You'd think that there'd be tremendous repercussions after Dany's murder. The Unsullied would riot, the Dothraki (why are there more now!) would pillage and murder mercilessly, there'd be chaos! But no. Jon gets imprisoned and a peaceful council meeting is held with the Stark siblings, an unnamed Prince of Dorne, Edmure Tully, Samwell, and other Lords and Ladies deciding the future course of action.
Taking the future course of action
Tyrion is brought before the council as the members threaten each other over the fate of Jon Snow. Greyworm asserts that Tyrion isn't allowed to speak. So Tyrion gives a long speech about who should be the next king. There's also a joke about democracy and a 'funny' moment with Edmure Tully. I assume that everyone just forgot about Daenerys' death and moved on.
The new king of the 'six kingdoms' can see everything
Everyone decides that Bran Stark should be the new king. Everyone swears fealty to him, except Sansa, who secedes the North from the Seven Kingdoms. It is surprising that Yara Greyjoy didn't ask the same freedom for the Iron Islands. Bran, who was super useful during the Great War, appoints Tyrion as his hand. They unanimously decide to send Jon to the Night's Watch.
And thus the story concludes
The Iron Throne is no more. Drogon burned it and took off with Daenerys' body. Greyworm takes his armies and sails for Naath where certain butterflies await them. There's a small council meeting with Tyrion as the Hand, Bronn as the master of coin, Sam as the archmaester, and Ser Davos as the master of Grammar. It's hinted that Bran can warg into Drogon.
The happily-ever-after shots with the Stark siblings
Sansa is the Queen in the North. Jon Snow becomes the new King beyond the wall, and Arya sets to explore the region in a Stark ship. All we needed was a shot of Ned Stark looking down upon his children from the heavens with pride and it would've made the show perfect. Also, do notice Tyrion's Honeycomb and Jackass joke. Google it.
Opinion: Let's find another show with the same potential
The season wasn't a good one. It was, however, better than several other shows out there. This conclusion is definitely not what we deserved but at the end of the day, it is someone else's story and as GRRM famously said, "Art is not a democracy. People don't get to vote on how it ends." Verdict: Let's unite and find another show to relish.
