Game of Thrones wrapped up its sixth season last night and what a finale it was. To be honest, I was expecting a bit of a low key episode after the epic Battle of the Bastards we had last week. But the show runners decided to send us out on a high note by giving us an absolutely amazing episode. We were just panning on talking about the finale as part of our Season 6 recap tomorrow, but there was just too much that happened, so bonus article! Obviously spoilers abound here, so proceed with caution if you haven’t seen the episode.

10 Thoughts on the Game of Thrones Season 6 finale

 

1. The musical intro was artfully done.

The intro to the episode was a fantastic piece of television. The musical scoring, combined with some amazing cinematography, built up the episode from the start with no small amount of tension. You just knew something big was happening. The piano music definitely helped set the mood as viewers got to watch the major power players in the city getting ready for the Trial of the Seven. I loved it and my hat goes off to the director and crew for creating such an engaging piece with only minimal dialogue.

2. All hail Queen Cersi, long may she reign.

I must admit, I was not expecting that. I knew that Cersi usually has a plan, but I didn’t expect her to go with the nuclear option. She managed to take out every major player in King’s Landing with one fell swoop. First, Poor Grand Maester Pycelle ended up stabbed in the pits of the Red Keep by Cyburn’s “little sparrows”.  Not exactly how he expected to go out, I’m sure.

But then, Cersi decides to blow up the Sept of  Balor. Thats right, she lit up the wildfire that’s been stored under the city since the reign of the Mad King Aerys and takes out the High Sparrow, most of the faithful militant, the Tyrells, including Queen Margery, and also her uncle Kevin, Hand of the King. It was quite a stroke of geniuses…except for all the collateral damage of course. Who knows how many commoners died in the explosion. Jamie Lannister looked none too happy on his return to King’s Landing and I think he’s going to be pissed. This is exactly what he tried to prevent when he killed King Aerys. I have a feeling that will be coming back to bite her.

3. The short reign of Tommen

Tommen has to be one of the worst kings since the Mad King. He was manipulated by just about every person who came into contact with him and I think that he was clearly too young to wear the crown. He should have stuck to spending time with his cat, Ser Pounce. And when he finally realized what his mother had done, he jumped out the window, killing himself. Tommen was definitely not ready for the spotlight that came with the crown. I can’t say I’m going to be sad to see him go, as he was a sucky king. But I still feel bad for him at least a little.

4. Arya Stark Surprise

I can’t think of a more fitting way for Walder Frey to go then getting his come-upins from Arya. Fresh off the boat from Bravos, Arya wastes no time in putting her training from the House of Black and White to good use. She kills Walder’s sons, puts them in a pie, and serves it up to him. And when she removes the mask of the serving girl and ends his miserable life, I let out a cheer. Thank you show runners for such a good ending to that miserable old coot. Walder Frey met his end in the same halls where the Red Wedding took place. It was a fitting end.

5. Septa Shame is going to be full of regret

After dust settled from Cersi’s revenge, she decide she wasn’t quite done yet. She managed to capture the Septa that was her jailer, the one who asked her to confess every day, and eventually clanged the bell on her walk of shame. You know this isn’t going to be pretty as Cersi isn’t one to let things go. She started by pouring wine on the Septa’s head, all while confessing her sins (finally). The poor Septa thought Cersi was just going to kill her. She clearly hasn’t been paying attention. I think this Septa is going to be in for a rough go. I have no idea what Ser Gregor was doing to her when the door closed, and frankly I don’t want to know.

6. The truth about Jon Snow

The theory about Jon Snow’s real parents have been floating around for a very long time. It was all but confirmed by the show after Sansa and Peter were going through the Stark crypts. But after Bran decides to visit the past, we finally got the real truth. Jon Snow is not Ned Stark’s bastard, but the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. This has some pretty big implications. Meaning as a Targaryen, he actually has a legitimate claim to the Iron Throne. Also, does he possess the same magical powers that Daenerys, such as fire immunity and dragon bonding? Right now, Bran is the only one that knows the real truth, but I’m sure it will come out eventually.

7. The King in the North

While both Sansa and Jon agreed that Sansa should lead the North, the houses of the North had other ideas. After an inspired speech from Lyanna Mormont, the bad ass girl who leads Bear Island, Jon is called to be the King in the North. My first thought, of course, was why Sansa didn’t just legitimize Jon, much in the way that Roose Bolton did to Ramsay. Regardless, it looks like Jon’s army has grown. I can’t see him marching south though, not with what he knows is on the other side of the wall. And now that Winter is offically here, I’m curious as to what Jon’s next plans will be.

8. The Red Lady’s banishment

You had to know this confrontation was coming. Once Ser Davos found the burned out deer toy  (which was odd in itself, as that should never have survived), you knew he was coming for Melisandre. He confronts her in front of Jon, hoping to get permission to execute her. She makes a good case to Jon as to why he needs her, but in the end, he banishes her to the South. I almost feel bad for her, as she doesn’t seem like an evil person. Perhaps she was just caught up in trying to do what was right by her god. Where she goes next is anybody’s guess. But I could see her bumping into Arya along the way. She did say in an earlier season that they would meet again…

9. The Dorne-Tyrell Alliance

The Dornes and the Tyrells have long hated each other. But after Olenna’s family is murdered by Cersi, she puts aside old feuds while she looks for a fresh helping of vengeance. In an alliance brokered by non-other than Varys, Queen Daenerys now has the might of Dorne and Tyrell added to her invasion forces. I think the Lannisters in King’s Landing may be truly screwed. As an added bonus, I loved when Olenna smacked talked the younger Sand Snakes. We’ve wanted to tell them to shut up every time they are on screen, so thank you Olenna Tyrell for doing what we’ve all wanted to do.

10. Daenerys heads west

After 6 long seasons, Daenerys Stormborn Targaryen finally heads back to Westeros. To claim her throne, she now has the might of the Unsullied, the Dothraki Horde, the Iron Islands, and now, Dorne and Tyrell. Oh, and three fire-breathing dragons. That fleet looked damn impressive. She will be arriving at a war torn Westeros that has been fighting with itself for since season 1. Who is going to oppose this force? Time will tell but I can’t wait for Season 7 when she finally returns to her native soil. Also, as a bonus, she makes Tyrion her official Hand of the Queen. I almost shed a tear for him. After watching Tyrion get dumped on by just about everyone for six seasons, it’s nice for him to finally get some recognition.