The show jumped the shark/dragon way back in season 4 or 5. The story has spun out of control, with endless and pointless sideshows, and steadily deteriorating dialogue.
I mean, its not like we didn't have epics like the Mahabharata and the Odyssey already.
Right now one watches on because of the sunken cost fallacy.
It's funny to watch this show with a bunch of normal people then come read the critique and comments. The "whatever they want" line was eaten up by everyone I was watching with.
1
Why all the hate for Dany? (And Mr. Egner - Edith was the real viilainess among DA's three daughters. it was Edith who blackmailed Mary, remember?)
2
I realize now the first episode of season 8 was exactly what it was supposed to be. Meaningless gratuitous sex with Bronn, lots of dragon with a smaltzy love scene, only a few bits of humour oddly thrown in, no real conversations, the horror of the ending - a child killed, put on gruesome display, then burning and screaming.
38 million people supposedly watched this. I hope they get it.
Weiss & Benioff are truly brilliant.
In response to some recent comments that may have been prompted in part by my initial comment: I agree nina, the Night King and Wights are alive - but they are assuredly not human (any longer). On the other hand, I am not so sure that Craster and his "wives", and the sacrifice of all their male offspring, was all that was keeping the Night King from an assault on humanity. Weren't the white walkers (according to Mance Rayder) on the march before Gilly and Sam took off with Little Sam, though if given the chance, I am sure the Night King would reclaim Little Sam as one of his own (presumably the reason the Wight that Sam dispatched was sent). Finally, William Mondi, while I personally thoroughly enjoyed the "Woodstock gathering" (so Kumbaya indeed), it really was necessary to set the dramatic table for the episodes to come. Jon's "bending the knee" to Dany has estranged him not only from the northern lords, but Sansa and Sam as well. And the reunion with Arya also carried a warning to Jon - do right by the Stark familiy, or else. Arya's reunion with Gendry also had a practical aspect - who better to craft that weapon thingie Arya designed? Ok, Arya and the Hound - that was pure viewer satisfaction porn, but Sansa and Tyrion - that showed just how much the horrors Sansa endured have given her a far superior understanding of realpolitik and tactical machinations.
7
@Julio
I liked your comment Julio. By humans I meant the living.
The Night King and the Wights are alive. Watch the Wights... they have thought and their eyes move. The dead are just the army. If you watch past episodes where there was Wight contact, you will see the humans start the fight.The promise to the Night King has been broken and the human's have aggressively invaded their space. They are coming to get Little Sam. Maybe the wall (with spells) was meant to protect the dead, not the other way around. Humans are the danger. Jon Snow was actually correct in pointing out the living were just playing (with so much horror) at thrones.
2
Here goes...I’ve rewatched the series several times but caught something I never paid attention to before over my last watch. In season 7 when the Maesters were speaking after Sam stormed out, they were laughing about all the - in their minds - ridiculous stories they had heard over the years, one being that Aegon Targaryen would be struck down by the King of the Iron Islands. Unfortunately, I think this might have meaning, that being said, Euron is a ridiculous character and is as annoying as the Sand Snakes, maybe even more so. If so, I’m going to madder than I was when “Lost” ended and I needed someone to explain the ending. For Jon to be potentially struck down by the leader of “White Snake” would be disastrous. I’m hoping I’m wrong and this was just a comment in passing but I’m having a nagging feeling. I think Dany could be a goner only because she has “bend the knee” Tourette’s, it’s getting stale. We get it, you have 7 or so titles and can ride a dragon.
7
There are no "comments in passing" in Game of Thrones.
4
@JP
The Archmaester was referring to the seer Lodos, who foretold that Aegon I would be stopped by krakens returning from the deep and defending the Iron Islands. That prophecy failed to come true, ere the reason the Maesters were deriding Sam.
2
Thanks so much to everyone who referenced the similarities between S8 E1 and S1 E1. I just watched the latter and it was such a surprising treat. I highly recommend you do the same, if you can. Going to try to watch as much of the first season before Sunday as possible. Enjoy!
4
My prediction is that the ending will conclude with a missing pregnant Daenerys Targaryen, three dead dragons, little Lyanna Mormont installed as temporary regent of the seven kingdoms (because she's the only aristocrat left and has more ruling sense than anyone), a gaggle of odd lot, main character survivors as her supporting council ... plus one dragon egg. (Surprise! ... Rhaegal was a girl.)
3
Seriously, it may have been a year and a half in real time but with streaming, 50 articles a day each with 500 comments was there any need for the Woodstock gathering of the opening episode... I mean it was one of six final episodes!! So Kumbaya but it seemed like a waste to me
Cersei is #1 on Arya's hit list. Arya tends to achieve what she sets out to do. I'm waiting for that.
10
I'm sure most assume I was writing a joke with my last comment about Little Sam, but I wasn't. The question 'What does the Night King want?' started the thought. Until recently there were dead stragglers, never a full on assault. Quite possibly, the baby boy donation is what had stopped it. One has gotten away. Why else include that story line? The prince (boy) that was promised (to the Night King). The horrible pattern with a boy child at the centre. Just a thought...
10
@nina
I think the wights are the baby boys. In series 3 episode 8, when Sam killed the Wight, the Wight didn't try to kill Sam, just crushed his sword and pushed him out of the way. A hundred ravens were watching. Maybe the aggressors have been the humans all this time. Invading their space, etc.
If Little Sam is the target, what will Bran be doing?
1
I want Arya to ride a dragon. She dreamed of it all her life. Jon shouldn’t be the one. (Tyrion is a possibility now that we’ve lost Shereen.)
1
The night walkers are the human race--insatiable, simply desirous of covering the earth and destroying all of nature. Their only goal is self perpetuation. Climate change reference is Ice= concrete. Those "human" characters fighting the night walkers represent nature engaged in the survival of the fittest. They're always seeing each other after a long while apart and saying "oh, you survived!" "You're alive" "Cold little bitch" etc. Bran is above it all. He's pure spirit-- "almost" a man who's emerged from a TREE with a face. He represents the spirit of Nature which will survive.
5
Trust Sansa to ask the key question: how to feed all these people?...and is anyone else concerned about the Unsullied camping out in the snow? the Dothraki? can't be too fun for them.
11
I simply am incredulous at how much this show has caught on. From what I've seen,it looks pretty childish and cliche ridden. Are people maybe confusing complexity with quality? But then, this is a society where grown men covet car replicas made from Legos.
@Lance Kozlowski The books and the show construct a detailed world with whorling subplots within subplots that is quite diverting, but is also a meditation on the nature of power and the existential threats of nuclear war and climate change. It's not for everyone, obviously, but your conclusion that "it's society" and "something something Legos" is neither constructive nor accurate.
12
I am always in the marketplace for a great recommendation of a series, so, please share what you’ve enjoyed.
Not to get too indulgent by going down the rabbit hole of historical, cranky reactions, but, I still feel terrible b/c I am the only one I know who intensely disliked E.T., and, for that matter, the popular food tie-in, rieses pieces.
As they say “de gustibus non est disputandum”, no?
3
@Marian Turnberry good to meet a fellow ET disliker.
Why is golden-haired Jaime now a brunette?
6
@PrairieFlax
He's gone to the dark side -- from Cersei's point of view.
2
@PrairieFlax Both Jaime and Tyrion have lost their Lannister gold hair color over the course of the series. I think of it as a visual cueing of their departure from the family loyalty fold.
7
@PrarieFlax
The two previous responses are valid. Or, like Sansa, Jamie disguised his hair color to pass unnoticed through the unfriendly north.
5
i want everything to go to sam...fortunes, dragons, the lot.
9
@bearsrus
Since his father and brother are dead, he is now the heir -- if someone wants to restore the family to the lands.
3
I was surprised how many folks I work with (ok, about twelve) railed about this episode, especially the ending.
I think it was a great beginning to the end, as “cheesy” as some took it.
The reunion between Snow and Arya was touching. The conversations...oh, I love the conversations!
I thought it was great, including the last shot!
12
From the tribute to the opening episode of the first season, to the long-awaited reunions, to the way that, as far as I can recall, every (still living and human) major and secondary character, with the exception of Gilly, received at least a little face time, to Jon finally riding a dragon (ok, even if the dragon riding duet scene was a bit cheesy and derivative), it was all immensely satisfying. I found it all somewhat reassuring, in that character story lines will not be forgotten in the epic struggles to come. On a different note, I am puzzled by what exactly Bran thinks will be gained by having Sam inform Jon of his Targayen lineage. Dany still controls the Unsullied and the Dothraki, and Jon has already proven, time and time again, that he should leave thinking to others. If he stays true to form, he will probably disclose his big reveal without regard for the consequences - starting with upsetting the delicate balance of the "army of the living" by driving an even bigger wedge between Sansa and Dany.
9
I agree, but other major characters that didn't get any screen time were Brienne and the Night King.
4
@DanStackhouse
Brienne was behind Sansa (in the receiving line) when Jon and Danerys rode into Winterfell
2
Thanks Addypose! There were a couple of glitches when I saw it, so I missed about 2 minutes overall, and some of those seconds must have been Brienne silently standing in the background.
1
Just me, or were there an awful lot of trebuchets under construction at winterfell? The coming battle scene promises to be something...
3
@PH Wilson
I hope they are also making arrows. Volley after volley of flaming dragonglass-tipped arrows along with the equivalent of dragonglass grape shot and burning torch heads hurled from trebuchets would at least carve the dead forces down to size.
Unfortunately the formula for wildfire and the know-how to build Qyburn's scorpion are still in King's Landing.
5
Clearly ,Dany is an insecure woman and having three dragons did not cure her. Only using all tools at hand to exterminate everything capable of adding to her problem with having been a victim in the very beginning of being mounted by her husband ass first keeps her focused on freeing fellow victims of getting in up the ass.
Therefore Jon who has been raised from the dead still seems to have that magic when the knight king had his boot on his neck but had bigger "fish" to fry,namely the dragon Viserion.The KNIGHT King:
Now there is a leader that Never gets insecure.
No wonder why Dany:Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons...open her legs to Jon who must give her that immortal secure feeling and having his baby may mean her future son will be mother and son sitting together on the Iron throne just like goddess Aphrodite and her son Eros and Jon then could be the fertilizer to make the corn grow...
3
"Dragons Ed"... hehehe
1
Some questions that are puzzling me- any thoughts?
1. In the weeks/months it took to march the Unsullied and Dothraki to Winterfell, are we to believe that Sam never received a raven informing him that he is now Lord Tarly?
2. Why is no one speaking to Bran? Arya, Sansa and Sam have also had months to quiz Bran about his powers and presumably use them to prepare for the battles ahead. We've seen multiple characters discuss military strategy over the years- why isn't Bran giving regular status updates on the enemy?
3. Why wasn't there a collective freak-out at the news that the Night King has a dragon?
Thanks!
17
1. The sometimes Nightwatch, sometimes Maester-trainee Sam is ineligible for the title, I think?
2. Bran isn’t exactly the life of the party—if you were holed up in a castle with him in the middle of winter, how often would you take the long way around to avoid him?
3. Only about a dozen people saw the undead dragon—they might have been keeping that little tidbit a little under wraps rather than risk panic....
7
@PH Wilson
1. Good point re Sam's ineligibility for a lordship. I was thinking though that it seems odd that Sam got the news about his father and brother from Dany rather than via raven. Even Qyburn got the news about the wall falling via raven (presumably). Why would Sam be in the dark about the deaths of his family members?
2. Maybe- he was awfully creepy with Sansa re mentioning her wedding night to Ramsey, so I can understand why she might avoid him. But Arya and Sam? Makes no sense.
3. Everyone heard Bran say, "There's no time for this, the Night King has a dragon", and yet the news was received without comment. Why would they assume the Night King could raise a dragon? And wouldn't that drastically alter your military strategy now the enemy has air power?
Hmmmmm
3
My confusion in regard to the Samwell scene is that when Dany informs him that his father lost his title and lands as well as his life, then Sam assumes his brother has them. If the father lost those things then how would they be passed down to the brother (should the brother have lived) and I wondered what happened to Sam's mother and sister. Sam did not know of his father and brother's death because the raven went to the Citadel and there is a scene where the individuals in the Citadel state to each other that they could not bear to tell him yet. Also is it clear that Tyrion is no longer married to Sansa since Sansa married Bolton after she fled from Kings Landing and the marriage to Tyrion was never consummated?
4
Has anyone noted that Sam's reveal to Jon was written in a way that made no sense? He says: your mother was Lyanna Stark, your father was Rhaegar Targaryen, you were never a bastard. Jon's natural response to that would be: even if that's true, doesn't it just make me a different bastard? Everyone knows that the already-married Rhaegar Targaryen abducted and presumably raped Lyanna - that's what set off Robert's Rebellion, remember?
Sam totally fails to mention the key elements that make Jon the heir: that Lyanna ran off with Rhaegar willingly, that Rhaegar was granted an annulment, and that the two of them were married.
Sam says vaguely "Bran and I worked it out', which is meant to serve as a stand-in for the audience for all that imformation that we already know. But this is a case of the all-too-common sloppy screenwriting that imputes to characters knowledge simply because it is possessed by the viewer. Not the level of writing we came to expect from this show.
14
I believe Sam did talk about the annulment. Her willingless, though more romantic, doesn’t matter in terms of being a bastard or not.
4
True, Lyanna's willingness is only relevant to legitimacy in that it led to a wedding, but one can also hypothetically imagine a 'swordpoint' wedding - we've seen enough of those.
I rechecked and the only explanation Sam makes to Jon is 'I had a high septon's diary; Bran had... whatever Bran has.' (Which is pretty funny.) To us that is a reference to the annulment, but it wouldn't be to Jon. I'm having trouble imagining he would infer all the details lightning fast just from 'a high septon's diary'.
It's interesting your mind filled in all the details because you already knew them - I'm sure mine did the same at first. Perhaps that's what the writers are counting on.
2
@joel88s Rhaegar did not rape Lyanna. Rhaegar was calumniated by Targaryen enemies. Rhaegar and Lyabba were in love.
2
Did they actually know wine is bad for foetuses? Seems a little anachronistic. Maybe Cersei wasn't drinking wine last season because she really was pregnant and had morning sickness (a misnomer if there ever was one).
8
@Carole OI watched the scene again and it looked like she was either pretending to drink the wine or that she only took a tiny sip. The scene with Braun being hired to kill her brothers was very strange to me.
1
Season 8 - Episode 1: The Comfort Zone
With only six episodes left and multiple story lines to wrap up, certain fans expecting the unrelenting, unforgiving brutality of game of thrones were left disappointed at the final season opener. A trip down memory lane, reuniting old friends, a gratuitous dragon flight sequence, albeit under the foreboding winter and shadowy tension leading up to the inevitable conflict. Fans were largely allowed to indulge, relax and reminisce without any major characters dropping like flies or shocking plot twists. The majority of events came as little or no surprise given the ending of season 7.
It's in its tranquility where the genius of this episode lies...
A year and a half since the end of season 7 has not been wasted on planning simple nostalgia. Fans are being carefully and purposefully lulled in a false sense of comfort and security. Nobody is under any illusions of what the show is capable of (red wedding) however can't help but long for the survival and ultimate happiness of characters they've invested so much in over the years.
Producers Weiss & Benioff, and indeed writer George R.R. Martin have set us up perfectly for the upcoming, heart breaking, knife-in-the-back moments that we somehow know are coming but won't expect. Buckle up, Winter is here and it's gonna hurt.
18
@Dara
And I think Sansa is going to one of these heart breaks - she may even become a night walker.
1
@silva153
Many if not most of our favorites will come back as servants of the Night King, unless half the army of the living is tasked with carrying torches and plenty of 100 proof into the hand-to-hand phase-- like Soviet commissars carrying out Stalin's Order No. 227 in WWII.
I've read that we are going to see one of the longest-- if not the longest-- battle scenes ever filmed and if it's against the dead the heartbreak of the Red Wedding will be written over with a new level of horror! Or will the northern army make short work of the army of the dead and all this build-up is merely a shell game-- and the real fight will be afterwards with Cersei and her Golden Company for the Iron Throne?
4
@Dan
I've seen what looks like Sansa as a potential White Walker in the HBO trailer plus that gown she wears in the promo photos sure looks like she is covered in Dragon Scales -
1
A lot of speculation about Bran and the Night King. My guess is that his quip about being "not quite a man" referred to the fact that he only has the use of half his body. He can compensate for his inability to fight physically, by overcoming the Night King mentally.
Bran wargs into the Night King during the Final Battle, weakening and distracting him long enough for Jon to kill him, but when the Night King dies, so will Bran.
9
@dc777
The previous Three Eyed Raven tells Bran that when the Night King comes Bran will be there waiting for him - either Bran's Power of Knowledge or his capacity to wrag are good potentials for destroying the Night King. I'm looking forward to seeing who is the final weapon against Night King and his generals. There are several scenarios that could be used.
3
If the Night King can raise the dead and he's heading for Winterfell, why is Sansa not burning all her ancestor's corpses in the crypt? Also, if the dragons are compelled to serve those with Targyrian blood, wouldn't that make it unlikely that Jon could take the loyalty of the dragons away from Danny? She has inherited the bloodline from both parents while Jon is half Stark. (Sorry if these thoughts have already been posted on this feed but I can't possibly read all 500 comments.)
3
This episode felt lacking in dialogue and any of the brilliance that made this series Game of Thrones. The only good performances were shown by Samwell and Tormund.
5
"Spin art of the damned"...BRILLIANT!
4
Baby Sam is the prince who was promised and the Night King didn't get him.
2
Spin art of the damned...had to chuckle at that one. Poor Ned!
4
Last night we rewatched the season 4, episode 10. So many things going on!
I am sad about the descent of this show that had focused on dialogue, intrigue and strategy into simple and obvious mega-spectacle format.
8
Now we know the reason for the incineration of the Tarlys in season 7. It produced a difficult scene on Sunday when Queen Daenerys seeks out Sam to thank him for curing Jorah Mormont, and instead admitted to him she had his father and brother roasted to a crisp. "Well, I did offer to let them off if they only bent the knee." Cold comfort that.
But if you think that was problematic, just wait till next week when Jon "Call me Aegon" Snow has to tell Dany he's cutting ahead of her in line. "Based on what? The word of the guy I just told I burned his father and brother? Yeah, right."
17
@Fred Musante based on what Sam saw in the old book at the citadel. or am i wrong about this?
2
@nina You are right - but what good is that if it isn't one of the books he stole/borrowed when he left the Citadel?
1
@nina
Technically, Gilly found that information and Sam actually seemed as if he didn't process it at that moment.
6
My biggest quibble with the episode: why wasn’t Jon Snow at all grossed out to realize he’d slept with his aunt?
3
Because he's a Targaryen...
8
@ModerateThoughts
Because incest is relative!
10
@ModerateThoughts
Because it hasn't sunk in yet that he's sleeping with his aunt. I think when he realizes it, it is going to break him.
2
When John Snow says to Bran "“Look at you You’re a man.” and Bran replied "Almost" There is some speculation that Bran is the Night King. or was it just that Bran was in a wheelchair
1
@John Holmes I actually took this as Bran referencing thur fact that he's never laid with a woman, which could make him not yet a man grown in the eyes of some.
5
Neither. Bran was speaking in a mystical sense. As in, he isn't quite a man because he is no longer exactly human. He is the three-eyed raven now!
36
I actually thought it was because Bran was now the 3-eyed Raven, therefore not truly a man anymore.
14
Has nobody mentioned that the Crypts of Winterfell were in the intro? The devil is in the details...
11
@Giovanni Ciriani
Yes look at the visuals of the intro and what about the feather that is featured in the crypts. I can't help but think back to Little Finger's gift to Robin and the description of that falcon as being the strongest of all these falcons/birds of prey.
1
Cersei’s wine goblet continues to possess enough character that it’s earned at least a mention as 1st Wine Grip. It’s placement, usage and frequency in scenes is that conspicuous, somehow.
Also, we saw many long-awaited reunions of the living in this episode, but think of the legions of characters who have died.
How many familiar undead characters have united and how many of these will be recognizable faces? An army’s-worth for starters, maybe?
What will the allegiances be b/w the living and the dead? For example, will the two living dragons know that their undead sibling dragon is now a bad guy in the heat of battle?
Only one death in this episode? Is that a record for lowest body count in an episode?
And lastly, I have said this from the beginning. I am in this series for the dragons. The dragons have been the best part of this show, starting as those beautiful, scaly non-living baubles. Now look. For me? I loved the dragon scene! I got goosebumps! So good.
The actors are fabulous, too, but those dragons are something else.
10
@Marian Turnberry lots of arrow to stranger/ soldier slayings on the Greyjoy ship when Theon came to save the day for his sister, as well as an axe to the head of the guard outside the door. And then there was the pinwheel boy lord, a grim and horrific work of art...
1
Absolutely hilarious. "And instead of the dowager countess’s bon mots, we got Bran, just sitting there creeping everybody out."Thank you.
10
A couple of observations: very clever of the episode to be bookended with young boys (young boy climbing the tree and the death of Ned Umber). Not sure of the meaning but a clever device. And secondly the focus on the plot concerning Cersei remaining in Kings Landing I feel detracts from the magnitude of the fight in the North against the white walkers. After all, if there is another battle waiting to be had down south then the fight against the white walkers isn't necessarily the greatest of all time. I hope I am wrong.
4
OMG! Hilarious! Jeremy Egner, thank you, that was one of the most entertaining and laugh out loud reads I've had in a long time. For the super fans and the super inquisitive only but who cares, bravo!
5
I have never watched the show. The review I just read of the first episode of the last season reminds me of why I didn't start in the first place. Maybe I'll binge watch sometime but there are better things to do.
Honestly, none of us here care.
34
@Barbara
Hey Barbara, despite the fact that I have better things to do than binge watch, I did anyway. I joined the club although nobody cares or should care.
5
@Barbara why come here to leave a perceivable negative comment, then, when you are so vastly uninformed to form that opinion? You are missing out on some excellent binge watching, simply because you haven't given yourself a chance to see for yourself. It took me three tries with the first episode until I finally realized what I had been missing for years. I am not a fan of violence for violence' sake, nor do I normally watch things with imaginary monsters (walkers, dragons); but I stepped over those prejudices to become addicted to this series, as well as the entire first trio loft of The Lord of the Rings. Game of Thrones speaks of the good and the evil of which we are all capable; it addresses pitfalls of monarchy, of family hierarchy, of bloodthirsty cravings for cruel power, of nasty dictatorship that continues in politics worldwide to this day. Hopefully, in the end, good will truly prevail; but I can't guarantee that it will, nor can I assure that the twists and turns getting us there will be easy, or pat. Take it from those of us here who earnestly love the story: give it a chance. You might be happy that you did, and you will then be ready for many hours of captivating viewing.
9
I realize that the show is set in a kind of medieval time frame. But please, please, please can’t it be better lighted? Half the time it’s a struggle to see what’s gong on.
21
@Subject to change.
I have this problem with a LOT of shows these days..... makes me wish for the horrible old days of just filming during the day time but not lighting the scene correctly & calling it "night", as in every Sean Connery James Bond film ever.
6
For the first time, GOT felt like just another TV show and it wasn't even all that interesting. Now if John Snow had fallen off that dragon into the abyss.......
11
@Sipa111
Completely agree, I have enjoyed each and every episode of this fantastic series and scoffed at critics (especially the read the books ones). This episode was cheesy and soapy, and felt like it could be just any other show. The CGI for the dragon ride was also very poor, what happened? I hope it isn't a sign for the next episodes...
1
I think Cersai will give her baby to the Night King and she'll become his queen.
22
@Tracy
As someone commented least season when I floated a similar theory, “What an inhuman punishment for the Night King.”
21
@Tracy I haven't seen this theory at all anywhere, but as soon as I read this I said I think you nailed it! It would also be a throwback to Craster.
2
And Qyburn is definitely going to reanimate Cersei after Jaime or Arya kill Her so she’ll be the perfect bride for the Night King
3
New beau bonding while flying dragons? Straight lift from "Avatar".
6
@solonNAH, ITS A straight lift from every single tale ever written with dragons and youths.
6
Overall it was a satisfactory season premier. I wish episode 1 was a little longer as I do feel that certain scenes were rushed. The scene when Sam tells Jon his true parentage should have been longer. Too bad it came after Sam found out how his father and brother died. I knew he wouldn't feel too badly about his father given the way he was treated by him. HIs brother was obviously a different story. Loved how the Hound in spite of his harsh words toward Arya had a little smile when he said that being cold hearted also kept her alive. She learned her lessons well. I believe that Jamie and Cersei will kill each other in the end. They came in together and will go out together. I never believed she was pregnant.
How did those at The Wall survived the Night King's attack?
When Jamie shows up at Wintefell the first person he sees that he recognizes is Bran. I wish Bran had said to him: "I've been waiting for you." For a number of months I've been watching seasons 1-7 prior to season 8. I caught so many details that I missed the first time around. When the series is done I would like to watch it from beginning to end one more time.
18
@Angela I think that Sam gave both his father AND his brother too much credit. Randyll did not just die out of lordly pride but predjudice. And his dumb firstborn chose to do the same. Or am I the ONLY person who remembers Tarley's speech about how much better it is to have evil Cersei than Danerys JUST because Dany was foreign?
5
@VolitionSpark
tribalism will get us every time - I'm glad that Sam took the family sword and that he may now, if he wants take back his rightful claim as heir. Talk about just rewards and karma that Little Sam, the hated Wilding, could someday become Lord Tarley.
3
We all know Lady Mary would have incinerated people if she had the ability to do so.
29
My biggest quibble - the whole incident with Samwell Tully. Awkward in a way that would never have happened other than to create drama!
4
I doubt too many GoT fans (myself included) watch Downer Abbey. May want to find a better analogy for the next episode!
4
@Chicago Paul don't be so sure. Some of us appreciate costuming, scenery etc. AND acting. There are many reasons for watching both.
39
@Chicago Paul You'd be wrong.
9
@Chicago Paul loved it, truly I did.
3
I had a feeling that once I saw the first episode of Game of Thrones that I would like it and have not changed my mind about it since. I almost stopped watching after they killed Ned Stark, I was so angry about that, but continued through all seven seasons, watching main characters drop like flies quite frequently. The only death besides Ned Stark's that bothered me was the death of the dragon (now resurrected to serve the Night King). I love the dragons. I was pleased with the first episode of this season and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out, especially now that Jon knows about his real ancestry. Having enjoyed the the deaths of Joffrey Lannister and Ramsay Bolton (let's face it, they were both nasty people) I fervently hope that at some I will be treated to a slow and painful death of that hellish Cersei Lannister - preferably at the hands of Arya Stark. After that, I'm good with whoever winds up ruling the Seven Kingdoms.
30
@Ann
A lot to like in your comments, Ann. For me this has been the best show even in this platinum television age; the multitude of unique characters, developed through time, the twists and turns of the plot, the spectacle, costumes, the fighting, the magic, the mix of fantasy and real human drama. I too cheered during that incredible episode when Joffrey got his just desserts. Not every episode scores 10, but many do, so give Weiss and Benioff loads of credit for capturing the length and breadth of the novels and giving us such riveting fun.
15
While nice to feel the familiar story beats play out as character meets character and storylines intertwine going into the final conflict, I was disappointed that after season upon season that began, ended, or was punctuated with reminders of the importance of the threat from the North, this first episode completely dodged any direct entrance by the Night King. Further, we are once again left wondering why the Night King's forces seem to crawl at a glacial pace while our beloved living heroes zip along the interminable King's Road at lightning speed. The narrative seemed to place Jaime's departure from King's Landing concurrent with Jon and Dany's departure from Dragonstone and the destruction of Eastwatch, and yet the closest of these events to Winterfell is playing itself out like the farthest.
My big prediction for the first episode was that the Night King would raid King's Landing on his undead dragon, and it seems to remain a possibility now that all the key melodrama has been neatly packaged into a throw-away introductory episode that was really no more than a last act for Season 7.
3
@Matt, that should have read "don't forget". Also, walkers are non-thinking slow movers and have to navigate around bodies of water (unless frozen over into ice). kinda like medieval walking dead, I suppose, but with more flair :)
@Matt Don't dorfer Bran's comment that there was no time for reunion squabbles or greetings, with the breech of the wall and walkers heading south.
Jaime-Brienne-Tormund is so last season. Close watchers know that Sandor Cleganne is destined to win Brienne’s heart, just as we know Pod will be the one to kill Bronn if he attempts to fulfill Cersei’s charge.
7
At first I hoped Gendry and Sansa would be a match, but now think they are setting up Sansa to be like Eliz I - she will end up the ruler and "married" to the kingdoms.
6
@Rosie
I agree with you about Sansa ruling. However, I think Sansa and Tyrion will reaffirm their marriage and lead the Seven Kingdoms until Jon and Danerys’ child comes of age.
5
I thought metoo was about stopping abusive behavior, not gender nudity ratios in TV shows. The fact that people seem to be using the movement as a way to roll back the sexual revolution is yet another demonstration of the residual puritan impulse that seems to underlie so many American political movements, right and left alike.
21
@Phil. So true. What does @metoo have to do with GOT at all?
5
@Phil
Yes, yes, agreed 100%
1
The real stunner was when Arya told Sansa that she was the smartest person she ever knew. While not spared George R. R. Martin's deep-seated sadism toward female characters, Arya in her tomboy role has been allowed to rise above the inflictions. Sansa, the perpetual damsel in distress until recently, had to continually make the poorest choices (resist ways out) to put herself in a bad way. Youth and stubbornness could offhandedly be used as justifications, but circumstances alone weren't enough.
8
Dany knows Jon Snow’s heritage.
4
Our house binged season7 again to get ready and we’re not disappointed. Episode 1 did not feel disjointed from the story.
7
@Denver7756
As did I and I agree that it definitely helped prepare you for Season 8 Episode 1. Yet, the whole episode, as noted, just seemed very rushed to cram in as many storyline catch ups as possible.
8
@Common Sense time is short!
Jon snow and ramsay bolton had the battle of the bastards. Daenerys and Sansa are waging the battle of shade. sigh. for someone so clever, sansa is being surprisingly petty.
the dragons inspire such different reactions. in the opening scene, arya is transfixed with wonder but is almost mowed down by a woman running in fright. viewers believe jon's ease with dragons is easily explained by his parentage but it's easy to see how he would simply try to get along with these animals that inspire such devotion in his beloved
5
@Andie
I loved how MW played that scene and how it connected right back to her scene with Tywin when she was telling him the history of dragons and their riders.
1
Jon snow and Ramsey Bolton had the battle of the bastards. Daenerys and Sansa are waging the battle of shade. Sigh. For someone so clever Sansa is being surprisingly petty.
The dragons inspire such different reactions. In the opening scene, Arya is transfixed with wonder but she’s almost mowed down by a woman running away in fright. Viewers believe Jon’s ease with dragons is explained by his parentage, but it's easy to see how he would simply try to get along with these animals that inspire such devotion in his beloved.
2
I thought at the beginning we were watching a flashback to Bran before he was crippled by Jaime, the we saw grownup Arya watching the parade. Nice touch. Start with a Bran stand-in and end with Bran staring down the man who tried to kill him.
I thought it was a good show. Did what it had to with the reunions, set up some plot lines moving forward and inched the story toward the coming war.
I'm surprised at the complaints about the dragon flight. I think it may have been the longest we've seen them fly and they were thrillingly beautiful. It was, to me, just spectacular.
I'm also surpised at all the folks who hate the show and never watch it and are still checking reviews and commenting after seven freaking seasons.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the episodes, and the rest of these reviews.
32
@Bruce Daily precisely!!!
1
Sansa and Dany are incapable of reaching across the aisle to come to a consensus. Jon is torn between his cousin, Sansa, and his aunt, Dany. Cersei will betray them. So the White Walkers will win, the Night King will sit on the Iron Throne, and he will build a wall around all of Westeros to keep out foreigners and illegals.
16
Cersei - Kings Landing
Yara’s - Iron Islands
May have a problem with a Dead Dragon flying around.
2
Will Jaqen H'ghar reappear, as Rhaegar Targaryen?
3
Why does it matter that the dead can't swim? Boats exist, right? If the Dothraki can get over their fear, and then over the water, why not the dead?
I'm sensing a scene were everyone retreats to the Iron Islands, and then watches a fleet of ships with dead men on deck.
Then they just have to sink the ships. Or burn them.
4
Also the dead can just walk along the sea bottom and back up onto an island. They had no problem getting the dragon off the bottom of that lake.
9
yup. and the ice dragon and can also carry some of them over in a targeted attack
6
I thought Cersei slept with Sloppy to have cover for the real baby.
15
@BL or to create a baby to stand in for the one she lied about
1
I don't believe that Bronn would kill either Jaime or Tyrion, much less both, for any amount of gold. And I think Cersei is smart enough to know that as well. Which makes me wonder if Qyburn is up to something else here.
20
@gwilson
I like your theory, but Bronn spent a fair amount of time over all the seasons reminding us just what a mercenary he is. His only true loyalty seems to be to gold.
And while it seemed strange that Cersei didn’t approach him, herself, that can be explained by
Two things that surprised me and thought would be brought out in reviews - Littlefinger.
There was no mention of Littlefinger's trial and execution?
Second, either corny or funny - Bran waiting in the courtyard - telling sam he is "waiting for an old friend" - Jamie. A reminder of Hannibal Lecter/Silence of the Lambs - "having dinner wiht an old friend".
10
@HK
Actually, Hannibal's line was "I'm having an old friend for dinner" - one of the all-time greatest movie double entendres.
10
@HK Littlefinger had his throat slit by Arya's hand during his trial in front of her sister. His death was well deserved!
3
Wow. It is unbelievable the number of people who have taken the time and made the effort to read this article and write a comment just to say "I am far too superior to waste my time and effort on this rubbish". LOL for the terminally snobbish.
My predictions: 1. The "Jon and Dany" story arc mirrors the "Jon and Ygritte" arc - with the same ending (sorry, Dany). 2. Tormund gets the girl, after Jamie completes his redemption by sacrificing his life to save hers. 3. No one ends up on the Iron Throne - because the throne gets destroyed by dragon fire and the Kingdom reverts to it's pre-conquest independent parts. Jon goes back to being King in the North, Tyrion becomes King in the South, Edmure is finally released from the dungeons and rejoins Roslin to jointly rule as the Lord and Lady of Riverrun and the Twins. It turns out that all the Night King and the White Walkers really wanted was to find someplace warm to move to, so they are permitted to pass through and take over Dorne. (OK, that last one was a joke. I think.)
22
Commentary at the end: "Only Targaryens can ride dragons."
Clip from the recap at the beginning: NIght King riding a dragon.
12
@Ed Boltz
Yes - but the Night King is a magical construct and Dead, the counter point to Living and this may be the difference. Additionally, in the series, it seems like the Night Kings generals are made from living sacrificial victims like the Craster male infants so there must be a connection between living and dead and dragon riders in this time period. If you look at the official HBO trailers one of the sections has Dany riding a dragon who is sending out the same white fire as Viserion which could end up being another connection between Dead and Living and Targaryens as dragon riders.
1
@Ed Boltz dead dragon
@Silva153
If the Night King’s ability to ride a dragon is because he’s dead and a magical construct, then could Jon’s ability to ride be because he, too, is dead rather than his Targeryen lineage?
"Overall it was a somewhat soapy but generally very satisfying setup for the final run of “Game of Thrones,” as the sides coalesced for the wars to come. "
What??? Sorry, that was as flat a season premier as I can remember—bland, tepid, and dull.
8
Next comes the revelation that Tyrion is a Targaryen. Bran was staring at him.
Was disappointed. Expected it to be like the dragon pit reunions. Don't think it was written by Weiss & Benioff and wasn't well directed either.
6
@nina I agree about Tyrion. We have to know as I’m sure his father did that he’s no Lannister. He will be riding a dragon, maybe if Jon is injured and it’s mid- battle and he’s needed.
Firstly, the first episode of every season (except the 1st) is disappointing, as they reacquaint us with characters and introduce storylines to the plot. The subsequent episodes are always better than the season premier.
Secondly, after Jon rose Rhaegal I wondered if the smoldering stare the dragon gave him was not just of suspicion but of wonder and recognition of Targaryen blood. I suspect that Rhaegal may truly become Jon's dragon. A power shift between Dany and Jon seems to be where the plot is heading. I expect the dragons will each choose their own master as well.
30
@Rob D
Same could be coming for Tyrion as he had his own encounter with dragons in the pits.
1
@Rob D Wow! i never would have thought that but you may be right! The dragon can sense Targaryen blood , so the stare from Rhaegal. This could become extremely interesting! OMG!
4
"Ghoulish arts and crafts" -- and we're back folks.
15
Where is Ghost during all this?! has been MIA for quite some time!
35
@MA My understanding is that the show uses all of its CGI budget on the dragons so Ghost can't be seen. Also, more tragically, the dog who played Ghost passed away between the filming of season six and seven, I believe, so they will either have to all CGI or find a new suitable dog.
5
From what I hear, the CGI to produce Ghost is just too expensive. But I'd predict there will be a deus ex machina moment, someone will fire a crossbow at Jon and Ghost will leap out of nowhere and take the bolt for him.
1
@MA Good question
Small detail, but I think all of y'all haven't mentioned the Princess Bride reference, when Gendry tells Arya, "as you wish". It seems to be telegraphing that they'll end up a couple. Maybe Gendry will even wind up on the throne as the true heir to Baratheon.
38
@Dan Stackhouse Well in the first episode Robert does say to Ned "I have a son, you have a daughter, we'll join our houses." Of course he was talking about Joffrey and Sansa but...
12
@ Dan Stackhouse, Robert Baratheon usurped power and became king only after The Kingslayer Jaime killed the Targaryen king. The Baratheons hold very little historic claim to the throne.
6
@Rob D
I hope that Brienne has a scene that reveals the true story behind the killing of The Mad King. While it does not excuse the terrible things Jaime did it will be at least one important part of the history of the King Slayer. The Mad King really would be burned all to ashes and Dany is taken the advice not to be the Queen of Ashes.
4
Okay, the speculation that Yara would be eight months pregnant -- by Euron -- when Theon found her was incorrect.
But I'm pleased to post that I've figured it all out now. It came to me in a revelation on the drive to the Y today. Anyone who doesn't want to know how the series ends should stop reading now.
All, save one, die. The Night King wins. There are no more gratuitous deaths, but all the characters are killed, most heroically. The lone exception is the child of Jon Snow and Dany, born on the ill-fated retreat from the North. Dany, like virtually every other woman in the series, dies in childbirth. This all takes place a long time ago and the swirling pattern the White Walkers leave their victims in is a reference to a galaxy far, far away. With her dying breath Dany names her child Anakin, First of his Name. As he was conceived on a dragon's back in mid-flight, he had already received the nickname Skywalker (not quite, but the history books clean it up). The Night King takes the child to his mentor, Darth Sidious, and resumes his duties as Darth Maul.
As the credits roll at the end of Season 8 it is revealed that Disney has purchased both the Game of Thrones rights and Marvel Comics. A new GoT theme park will open in Orlando, with characters from Frozen populating The North. The Game of Thrones series will immediately be re-cast and re-filmed, in a darker, grittier format featuring more animated characters.
37
The new opening gives me vertigo.
8
I always found it hard to watch this show. I tried maybe 4 times over the years, finally giving up when some red headed lady gave birth to black smoke in front of a gate that wound up killing a cute male character who appeared to be worth watching (I think his name was Renley or something). I was laughing for an hour. The show also seemed to be so dark, like literally. I couldn't see anything on the screen. I also thought, maybe rightly, maybe wrongly, I knew exactly where this was going to end up and whose story this was all along, the literary evidence was in my favor, although the claim to the throne was not. Being someone who can't not go to the party and who has huge FOMO issues, I am watching the last season from Europe (I recently moved here). I still think my theory is right. As for the dragons, the point is that Jon can and is allowed by the dragon to ride him. Eventually, I think the dragons will have to choose between Dany and Jon and they will choose Jon. Neither will end up on the throne though. The working title of the last book, which was changed, probably not to give anything away, was "A Time For Wolves", not dragons.
@Jonny Walker He scrapped that title like 15 years ago though, in favor of the slightly less spoilery "A Dream of Spring"
2
@Jonny Walker George's working title for the last book is "A Dream of Spring", not "A Time For Wolves"
1
@Jonny Walker It takes some intelligence and a good attention span to be able to follow the convoluted story. You gaze in wonderment at the sets, special effects, and the complexity of the many characters and the customs and cultures that exist in this storyline!
2
Instead of glorifying HBOs epic why don't you call them out. They could have produced a quality show, instead they maintained their own low morale standard. In a society that claims to abhor violence, sexism, and sexual assaults Games of Thrones has enthralled/entrapped millions into watching and apparently loving what it is pandering and brain washing so many young into accepting porn and violence as totally fine amusement.
How pathetic and two faced is Hollywood? Every producer, writer, actor, and individual is responsible for this hypocrisy. If they think that young teens and others do not have the filth engrained in their minds and are not negatively impacted by this they are just delusional and it is all about the $. The outrage voiced toward directors, politicians and sports figures when they are found out to behave just like all the characters that Hollywood continues to portray and yes glorify is twofaced and contemptuous.
Given everyone's rapture over this show, I gave it a shot (trying to fast forward by the trash), but cannot stomach the destructive nature and mass brainwashing of this so called entertainment.
For a reputable news source, why don't you do the real story - why don't you rise to higher standards, not sink to the lowest!
2
@MG What violence or sexism in the show is every lauded or presented as a role model or anything positive? Every major female character who has had to face sexism and abuse has risen above it to take charge of her own destiny: Sansa, Dany, Brienne. Their being raped or brutalized has never been held up as exemplary or the norm: it's a horror, over and over again, that must be overcome. The entire world is Hobbesian: brutal, unyielding, unfair. That's the whole point: how do the "good" endure in such a world?
Also, you have complex, layered characters who test our own allegiances and morals: that's quite a feat for a television series - and a fantasy, no less.
Game of Thrones is actually one long morality tale - and you've missed the moral.
91
Interesting puritanical viewpoint. Not sure if it's the violence or the sex that you're so opposed to, but I hate to tell you, both are inherently part of all human history, and thus involved in most stories we tell each other.
So this show, and most of the rest of HBO and other 'Hollywood' entertainment, is just not for you. I'd steer clear of the Bible too, there is a ton of sex and violence throughout that novel.
71
@MG Really? If Game of Thrones is based on the Middle Ages, then what we see is quite real, magic and sorcery notwithstanding. I like the fact that it's raw. Not that the f-bomb has any functional value left, not even as an intensifier. Our everyday discourse has seen to that. But it gets the class thing right. And it is quite subversive when it comes to its portrayal of the upper class and its value to society as a whole. But the lower classes don't escape censure either. Nor do the religious come off looking so good. Nor the intelligentsia (the Maesters). Incidentally, knightly chivalry is unmasked as empty posturing and naivete. Bronn is refreshingly honest and he was a sell sword. But even his lower class cynicism begins to grate after a while. There is nothing more satisfying than after some cynical posturing, he and Tyrion admit that are happy to see each other. Friendship matters and both realize that as outsiders they've had a meeting of the minds. And that it is real. The growth of Sansa, Arya, Danaerys, Jon and Samwell is deeply satisfying. I'm pulling for all of them, although the writers have introduced a hint of imperiousness and sense of entitlement into Danny's behavior. Owning dragons will do that to a person. So don't be so tough on a show that seems to get the seaminess of life quite right. We are not looking so much to be elevated as to be reminded that life is messy and often unfair.
47
More than any other extant U.S. newspaper, The New York Times refuses to own up to its past. Remember when The Times declared Game of Thrones to be a pile of rubbish?
Remember when NYT journalist Ginia Bellafante dismissed the show as "costume-drama sexual hopscotch" and as "boy fiction patronizingly turned out to reach" young women?
In fact, let us quote Bellafante's final paragraph:
"[Game of Thrones] serves up a lot of confusion in the name of no larger or really relevant idea beyond sketchily fleshed-out notions that war is ugly, families are insidious and power is hot. If you are not averse to the Dungeons & Dragons aesthetic, the series might be worth the effort. If you are nearly anyone else, you will hunger for HBO to get back to the business of languages for which we already have a dictionary."
https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/15/arts/television/game-of-thrones-begins-sunday-on-hbo-review.html
But, wait, there's more...
Remember when NYT op-ed columnist Ross Douthat called Game of Thrones "a disappointment and even a failure," "hopelessly confusing and convoluted to anyone who hasn’t read the books," "baffling and shallow," and declared the show to be a sad "lesson is the difficulties of doing sustained world-building outside of the pages of a fantasy novel"?
Yet now, in 2019, The New York Times assures us they always loved the show and never doubted its greatness.
Come on . . . Own up.
17
I don't read this article as stating a forever love for the series. I recall the negative opinion as written in the initial first episode review, from 2011 - but, come on - this is going on eight years later, with varying writers and commentators. Why rake the Times over the coals for a very old review? Here? If this eats at you, head over to another newspaper or tv network discussion, where there are plenty of people to agree with you. Or, if you are willing to maintain an open mind and read ALL varying sides of the fan base, stay here and read the articles without spending so much time researching for links to old reviews. I remain ever grateful for their knowledge and their views.
4
@Sándor Well considering the articles were written by two different people, it hardly seems fair to make the statement you're making. The NYTimes publishes articles of all different points of view, and even if the entire paper staff hated GoT when it first came out, don't you think it's possible that some of them have come around or changed their views in the 8 years since that first article was written?
9
@nina
Actually, I read The New York Times precisely because I enjoy "keeping an open mind." After all, The Times is the only extant U.S. paper to confirm the existence of a Loch Ness-type sea monster imperiling modern shipping lanes:
https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/11/archives/mauretania-sights-sea-serpent-entry-in-the-ships-log-proves-it.html
(Be sure to view the article in the Times Machine to view the fact-based illustration.)
1
Oh, critics. There was version of them damning Shakespeare with faint, artfully snobbish praise, too. No one else will say it, so I will - Thrones is brilliant theater. The themes are timeless and universal, never tritely or tediously drawn. The plot is both deliciously complex and urgently engaging - it's far too intelligent and significant a tale to be dubbed a 'soap'. The characters are astoundingly rich and distinct - so affecting and memorable that years after being left hanging for an ending the rabble on twitter have forgotten their differences and got each one trending separately. The beautiful spectacle never overmatches the raw human story - it suits its epic weight well. It's really a very classical drama, and speaks to the human condition in a way that's particularly resonant at this moment in history. If I were being paid to write this I'd have to remember to throw in something arch and snotty. So grateful that I'm not.
30
GOT is fun, well acted, and very dramatic. Great special effects. But Shakespeare, really, you need to cool your jets.10 years from now, let alone hundreds of years from now, no one will be memorizing GOT texts. As far as speaking to the human condition it only speaks to the sad fact of human's slaughtering each other on a regular basis, and if your in a fight it is very good to have dragons.
4
Umm, first let's go to Euron's comment to Tyrion at their first gathering at Kings Landing in the dragon pit. Euron verbally assaults Tyrion "you shouldn't even be alive, we don't let people like you live on the Iron Islands." Perhaps a prophecy for Cersei's unborn child that Euron will believe is his "prince in her belly?" Foretelling Cersei will die in childbirth like her mother and the last heir of the Lannister's will be a replica of his Uncle Tyrion? Ah revenge can be so sweet. Secondly, the Night King's success would not be possible without dragon Viserion. Will a dead Viserion recognize Jon a.k.a. King Aegon Targaryen as his real master and save the day for the Seven Kingdoms?
8
And maybe that is why Jon had to die and come back, so the dead dragon would recognize him? I don't like your Cersei prediction, though. If Arya doesn't get to cross Cersei off her revenge list via application of Needle between the eyes, I'll be very disappointed.
14
Even though Samwell despised His Father/Brother the importance of Family is Inbred in Westeros.
He did steal the Family Sword after all. Now let’s see what happens when he is asked to take the knee.
3
Why is the NYTimes devoting so much space, even on the front page, to coverage of a hyped-up TV show?
Many readers have no interest in TV pablum.
Journalistic standards at the NYTimes appear to be slipping
in many respects.
Why are you unaware of the following for Game of Thrones, all these years into it? Millions of viewers have a lot of interest in this particular pablum. It would be silly not to have some coverage of it.
33
@Shrug
"Many readers have no interest in TV pablum."
So move on to the next article instead of pretending not to understand why the NYT would cover a pop culture phenomenon.
I don't follow Sports; should I bully the the TImes into abandoning all coverage of the over-hyped World Series and Super Bowl?
26
@Shrug This article is not on the front page of the paper. If you actually read it, you'd know that. If you simply read the website, you ought to know that the stories that appear there are based on the "Top Stories" or "Most Popular" algorithms. You see articles that their computer system knows lots of other people are reading, or that it thinks you would like. You don't see the ACTUAL front page unless you click on the "Today's Paper" section.
This article appears in the Arts & Entertainment section of the paper, where it belongs. What exactly is it that you're so upset about?
20
All right! Three naked hookers and a murdered child. After two years of Martin-free PC mediocrity, GOT is back! Perhaps now the 837 Empowered Females will begin knocking each other off in earnest.
2
“Post = #Me-Too” ? Give me a break.......I have watched this show from the very beginning and consider it the best series ever presented. I even binge watched some of the episodes this week on HBO. One of the most memorable scenes for me is when Grey Worm first sees Missandei washing her clothes ! A show where Drogon burns a little girl to death should not even be discussed with “Post=#Me-Too” rhetoric.
5
The undead are able to create complicated works of art? Damn. We are seriously doomed.
8
@Katharine “Always the artist”: https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/game-of-thrones-children-forest-carvings/
1
Dragon glass is neato and all, but I want one of those Lord of Light swords, like Beric's lightbringer. Great for wights of all ages! Dany's coat was to die for, eh? Where did they stop for the tailoring? Of course, like most of you here, I like the show, but it's fun to snicker at some of the silly detail. It's become part of the experience, so don't take it so seriously!
17
" Fun fact: Sunday’s premiere was the first post-#MeToo episode of “Game of Thrones.” The show celebrated by plying Bronn with nude prostitutes. It was a “Thrones” throwback — the series has mostly abandoned the gateway gratuitous sex of early seasons — and perhaps one last kiss-off from a show that’s been known to tweak its scolders. (See also: the close-up of the venereally afflicted actor in Season 6, after complaints about insufficient male nudity.)"
Come on, Jeremy!!:
The Session opened with a joke about men without full "gear down there"! While the series biggest army without full gear “down there” marched into Winterfell!
King of the North has bent his knee for his aunt :) and another man without full "gear down there” rescued his sister in exchange for a blow in his face and a secure death served by the living dead!! :)
Women are otherwise queens and ladies in what is left of this series. Most men in the series have given their hand, face, heart, life and their "equipment down there” for love of country and women…
That way, GOT is 100% #MeToo approved !! :
10
What a let-down. Sappy, soapy, romanticizing; attempted pageantry that isn't impressive (let's face it: Winterfell is a muddy dump). "Hey Jon, honey, let's take a dragon ride to a magical glen of waterfalls!" GOT "has become a 'dragon-delivery device'" indeed! The only good part was the naked prostitutes.
2
I fell aleep in the middle enough said
1
Narcolepsy is a rough thing to deal with, sorry.
30
@Dan Stackhouse lol, another good one, Dan
2
So how exactly are the Queen and Jon related?
1
Jon's birth father was the Queen's eldest brother.
2
@vivian She’s his aunt. His father is one of her dead brothers.
2
@Vivian C.F. her older brother was Jon's father
I'm going to defend the dragon riding scene. Sure, it was maybe a little cheesy in the context of a brutal show, but it wasn't THAT bad. Plus, any levity is offset by the whole accidental incest thing.
18
@Peter - Agreed. I think a) this country takes itself too seriously along with all its TV shows and 2) somehow this country has forgotten how to laugh and simply enjoy.
14
@Peter I felt like the primary reason for that whole scene was to show that the dragons trust and know Jon Snow as a Targaryen--especially the way the dragon's eyes focused in on Jon with what looked to me like some kind of dawning recognition or ownership. I also think that remote location was a foreshadowing; when the inevitable show down comes between Jon and Dany, will one banish the other to that location, since only the two of them (and the dragons) know about it? So I disagree with the critic that this scene was unnecessary romantic fluff.
9
Lets just explore military tactics for a moment: John's dragon takes the Ice King head on, Dany's swoops in from 5000 feet higher up and burns the Ice King right off Viserion's back. And then, assuming the zombies- (Yes, Zombies! Why can't we call them that anymore?) don't just fall over, Rhaegal and Drogon just incinerate the rest. It would take ten minutes.
10
@Neil That's why the War of the Dead will be over by the beginning of Episode 3, and the rest of the season will be all the allies turning on each other to decide who gets the Iron Throne.
6
@Neil
Check the HBO trailers and the sections showing dragons and the Ice Fire as well as the opening series sequence - Interesting visuals depicted showing Lanisters Lion - Wolf - Faceless Men or First Men.
1
IMO either Jon or Daenerys maybe both will die during the battle with the White Walkers. This will happen before Daenerys even knows about the problem.
3
For those who couldn't handle the dragon ride, we've been through so much war, murder, torture and sadness. Some of us needed that ride to sustain us for what is surely to come.
20
That scene at the end where (the now non-blond) Jamie realized it was Bran who is staring at him in the wheelchair is fantastic. If he had any wits about him, he should wave at Bran with his metal right hand, as if to say "hey, look, I'm disabled now too, so, even stevens???"
23
@David Ho Somehow I'm imagining a somewhat more sober version of that karmic conversation will take place next week. (Of course every conversation with Bran is a sober one now.)
i would love it if you could talk a little about the sets and the production and how many crews were involved in each show, the work that goes in to each show is staggering and for me adds a level of appreciation to sharing the unfolding with you all.
13
@Dancer4Life They had two recent articles that touched on this a bit. I liked https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/14/arts/television/game-of-thrones-hbo-producer.html and there was also https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/05/arts/television/game-of-thrones-locations.html?action=click&module=RelatedCoverage&pgtype=Article®ion=Footer -- both of which give nice insight into the show.
4
I agree about the dragon-riding sequence, which was fit for the cover of a Dragoriders of Pern paperback edition. But since it's obvious that the course of true love will not run smooth, and since the cogs are almost all in place for a great ending, let's hope the writers have all the hokey out of their systems.
4
@Elizabeth
Brain Match! I was thinking of Pern too,
@Elizabeth, that would be a great follow up series!
Impossible to ignore:
-Walls fail
-We must override partisan rancor to save the Earth
-Cersei = Trump's transactional sinister cynicism
-Good guys don't assure turn out
-Bad guys can usurp Good guys' dragons
-Sansa= Pelosi's clarity
19
@Sara creation of the Night King by Children of the Forest: often our reflective, overreaction to act of threat/terror that creates bigger problems (Iraq war 2).
Winter is coming: it doesn’t matter who wins presidential elections unless we address the global climate catastrophe that’s coming in 12, 13 years.
9
@Sara Sansa is rapidly developing Pelosi's acerbic wit as well. We may soon need a new category of "Sansa burns":
- "What do dragons eaT, anyway?" (You have to spit out the T.)
- "I used to think you were the smartest man alive."
-"Did you bend the knee to save the North, or because you love her?"
1
These shows are so overhyped! It’s all in the marketing.
We all know by now that the Hallmark moments are just a set up to tragedy. And the various personal conflicts over who killed who in the not so distant past will tear apart even the most solid alliances. More drama will build for these side issues until the reality of their situation sets in. I hope.
5
Can't believe so many people watch it, I got bored after the third episode of the first series....
1
@cla114
And yet, here you are!
40
@cla114 ...Yet here you are reading the articles and commenting on something you haven't paid attention to? Fishy.
34
I'm so happy I came back to GoT after a long hiatus, if only so that I can fully enjoy these hilarious write-ups. Keep going!
5
What didn't make sense to me was that Samwell Tarley would not have been devastated to learn of the deaths of his father and brother, both of whom disliked him. His father went so far to also pass along his hatred to his daughter in law and grandchild. That situation would not improve over time. A normal reaction would have been a shrug, a smile, or perhaps Tyrion's response of an arrow while daddy is sitting on the toilet. This did not ring true. Nor, by the way, did the whitewalkers hauling the dragon out of the water. For zombies who cannot swim, who found a chain in the wilderness, swam to the bottom of the frozen lake, and put the chain around the dragon's neck? But it's a story and entertaining.
29
@j Agree.
In addition, Daenerys acted properly. Her captives failed to follow her command to bend the knee and surrender. To dissuade others from following the Tarlys, she had the Tarlys executed.
No different than what Jon Snow did to Janos Slynt.
Much less cruel than Medieval English rulers. Prisoners who couldn't be ransomed off were killed.
8
@j Sam's father hated him, but I never got that sense about Dickon. I think the brothers loved each other but were put in an impossible position when father decided to pass over his eldest in favor of his younger, stronger, thinner son.
8
@Gort She did not act properly. They were prisoners, they were within his power. If she had her men seize them, and they were killed resisting capture, that would be one thing. Even allowing them to honorably be beheaded (which a defeated noble might have expected in this situation) would have been acceptable.
She BURNED THEM ALIVE, a method of execution only used by one other person native to Westeros; her sociopath father.
She should have sent them to a dungeon and held them until Sam's mother or Lord Randyll's liegelord could get together a ransom. Or she should have released the lord and kept his son as a hostage against his good behavior. Or she should have executed the lord and allowed his son to inherit.
She showed in that one scene how patently inept she is at ruling, and why she does not deserve to sit the Iron Throne.
9
Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the GOT writers/editors for the phone-in series discussion last week; the 45 minutes passed far too quickly, and I appreciated also the comments of a call-in participant who spoke of the emphasis of love and honor in the show and how characters are often forced to choose between the two. Again, many thanks!
6
@nina how do i find out about such events? good onya, thanks for sharing.
I signed up to receive the newsletter, and there was an email with an invitation, based on my receiving the newsletter. xx
Notice this article doesn't even mention G.R.R. Martin and that says all that needs be said about the new storyline. There is a lack of political incorrectness that Martin's writing incorporated. This is a GOT for the whole family now. Still a good show, but completely lacks all the unpredictability of Martin's writing.
3
@Cato, Perhaps, but each season premier has been but a setup for the following episodes which inevitably are far superior to the first.
3
@Cato
“… for the whole family now.” You have a rather strange concept of “family entertainment” — Bronn’s scene especially.
11
Great recap. Mr. Seaborn and I are rabid GoT fans, so we forgive the corniness of some of the scenes. Unfortunately, the dragon-riding one will go down in GoT annals as the worst since the Dorne Sand Snakes made their appearance. And frankly, Daenarys' demise can't happen soon enough -- she's shown her true colors from Day 1.
9
@Seaborn So glad I'm not alone in seeing her ineptitude and utter lack of worthiness to rule. I can't wait for her to die either.
And yeah, the Sand Snakes were definitely the lowest point in this entire series. I laughed out loud throughout the entire scene when Euron killed them.
2
The bad: confirming that frolicking nude prostitutes are alive and well (minus the STDs) in Winterfell, the needless romantic dragon flight and waterfall-side kiss in front of a disapproving son, Arya flirting, all the cheesy one-liners, Tyrion's uncharacteristically naive "hope this works out!" attitude, Jon Snow failing to recognize any of the same things that have hurt (and killed) him in the past, and much more.
The good: the last brief scene, in which Jaime lands at Winterfell only to be confronted by Bran -- ending the episode in a reference to the first episode ever of GoT, Bran doing more from the confines of a wheelchair than anyone to advance the plot, like prodding Sam along to tell Jon Snow the truth of his parentage, Sam delivering the message in his own blunt but sensitive way, and the symbolic burning of the child as a "message" left by the Night King, eerily recalling all the dead (some unborn) children of GoT.
15
@Andrei The flight was the low point of the episode. The writers really blew that one, playing it for a jovial dare from Dani instead of the Targaryen blood that it is. The "1000 years together" waterfall moment can be a foreshadowing however. We will see.
3
I think this episode did what it needed to do: it's fairly dripping with exposition, but there's no alternative (except, as you say, to drag it out - and to what end?).
The scene in which Sam tells Jon the truth needed to be at least twice as long: they should never have rushed through that pivotal scene. It needed to matter more and it should have felt that way.
Some people here are complaining about Tyrion seeming "stupid" since last season: I think he's conflicted and I think it's all an intentional set up for something else. So I would give that time.
Pilou Asbæk is an excellent actor but his scenes are simply annoying; his character is one-note, one of the few GoT characters with no layers and no complexity. When he's on screen you just want him off. It's a shame.
18
Ned Umber became Ned Ember. Love the new credits. Has Jorah said hello to Lady Mormont? How will that go?
18
I wondered what Jorah and Lyanna’s relationship was? Is he her father that abandoned her?
2
@Anne C
Jorah and Lady Mormont had a conversation. Jorah tried to convince her to take refuge in the crypts, arguing she is the future of their house. Lady Mormont answered categorically: she will fight. She called him "cousin."
Sad to see that season 8 seems to continue the marginalization of Tyrion. The author has provided one of the most interesting and unique characters in pop culture and they’re letting him go to waste.
33
@Max, the character of Tyrion lost his way when they ran out of source material, imo. Much of the most clever and interesting dialogue from the first several seasons was word-for-word from the books. When Benioff and Weiss had to start making everything up, the action and pace of plotting ratcheted up, but the quality of the characters’ dialogue went down.
3
@Max, I hope he comes back in full glory. My favorite character. I think he will- he’s pivotal...also I think we’ll see he’s also part Targaryen.
2
I am still trying to figure out how the white walkers got the chains around the dragon's neck after it had been killed and fell into the lake. They can't swim and that was a major plot point. Hmmmmm?
31
@Deborah Why did they just happen to have four 100 yard lengths of ship chain on them? Are there any ships in all of Westeros that need a chain that big? How would a medieval level blacksmith forge it? Very weak part of the episode.
15
@Mhevey Season 7 was rife with plot holes. Didn't make it any less entertaining, but the writing seemed to suffer without textual guidance from Martin. They knew where they needed to end up, but they took a lot of liberties to get there. Hoping Season 8 is executed better. Enjoyed episode 1 for the most part.
12
Hard Holm the port where Jon first saw the Walkers is an abandoned port of men. Chains there , most likely
7
Let's hope that this last season is so busy that all sex scenes are left out.
The scene with Bronn and the three pleasurettes last night was dismal.
That man deserves better!
Deserving nothing at all was Cersi, and I suspect that's what she got. Ick and double-ick on that slime ball she bedded.
Bad eunuch jokes from the Imp?
Longing gazes from a real eunuch, Gray Worm? And, will we find out what level of castration he was subjected to this season?
There are 5 levels of mutilation and this show treats them all the same.
They are not.
This tale was made on a healthy respect for sex; yes, even its earlier incest and rapes were better than what we got last night.
And what of the sex lives of the zombies?
Have we found out yet what their motivation is supposed to be? How will we know?
Hopefully, GOT will stay with the humans.
Much more interesting... even with Cersi's slimy bedding partners.
Get on with it!
5
The look on his face when Qyburn mentioned the pox was priceless though
15
@rosa
Is Gray Worm an eunuch at all? Was he in hiding?
This is the kind of show we thought we would really enjoy.
And then we watched the first episode. In it we saw a lot of gratuitous nudity. Why?
We soldiered on for awhile, hoping it would turn around, but then turned it off, forever, when a child was killed, murdered.
Women's breasts and murdered children? This is the best that TV has to offer us these days?
Where are peoples' standards?
So, we have purchased the DVDs of the Andy Griffith Show, the Mary Tyler Moore show, Twilight Zone, etc. We'll go into old people mode and long for the "good ole days."
Folks--enjoy GoT if that's your thing. But we don't care for watching children getting murdered and excuses for making women into sex objects.
2
@Dan Yes, the graphic violence in GOT is horrifying but what was even more horrifying was seeing the paintings from the Prado in Houston after Season 2 and realizing that kind of violence is definitely part of human history. Many of the paintings relate to eras using torture and incest in the royal families frequently resulting in dwarfism and other genetic ills.
What keeps me watching is the superb story telling, the more upstanding characters navigating that sort of world, and the impeccable acting that ensures you do not become numb to the worst human impulses.
29
@Dan: What's wrong with sex? An essential component of our being--it's life, and not shameful. And I'm sorry to tell you, children get killed in wars. Should we not be reminded of that?
15
@Dan Is this the first episode you ever watched??
6
Was anyone else bored?
10
@Susan what would require a viewer to not be bored?! there were a LOT of things that happened to enlighten us last night, and we were given time to mentally absorb the reunions as we shore up for tense battle scenes and mayhem ahead. There was beauty, drama, comedy, incredible music and acting.... which I am sure will only intensify from here on out.
12
Favorite scene: band of Wall refugees and assorted hangers-on creep into a deserted castle/outpost/large country home and encounter a child nailed to a wall, the centerpiece of a collection of human body parts arranged in the shape of a pinwheel. Quips observant onlooker: "It's a message."
7
@Ed reminded me of Young Frankenstein. "werewolf! There, wolf; there, castle".
8
@Ed in visual style it reminds me of some of the “Hannibal” tv show’s crime scenes.
I do not think the last season will disappoint, despite what some may perceive as a slow beginning. Whatever the criticisms of the show the acting and attention to detail is top notch for a series. I will miss it when it is over. And a shout out to the incredible level of talent among the cast, my personal favorite being Lena Headey. I appreciate the outstanding entertainment.
17
"Bug-eyed suitor"? That's just mean. It's fair enough to call out a character's foibles or affected mannerisms, costume or makeup, but lay off the actor.
6
@Troy I think the actor bugs his eyes out as a character choice.
17
@zula Fair enough, if that's the case. But if I had to choose one adjective to describe Euron it would be "libidinous", "lecherous" or "lascivious".
2
@Troy. Thank you. Plus Pilou is HOT.
1
Where is Ghost? They are evacuating Castle Black - wasn't he there? That was the missing reunion!
24
@Kateyb That was the one reunion conspicuously missing last night. I'm hoping that ghost, being the white Direwolf, won't become a blue eyed white walker before we get a chance to see him fight along side the rest of our assembled heroes.
3
@Rick Bartz, DC
And Nymeria with Arya! All I want is a reunion more permanent than last season's brief encounter. Aren't there rumors of a huge wolf pack forming? Maybe wolves can bring down white walkers?
1
@Anita
Ghost attacked the one in Lord Commander Mormont's chamber, then Jon had to burn him. But he definitely was helpful in knowing there was trouble. It would be interesting if Ghost joined up with Nymeria's pack! Plus, Bran can warg into the direwolves minds as he did with Summer, so interesting if he can join the fight through one of the wolves!
GOT is a high tech roller coaster ride. It was built on gore ,violence ,and breasts and doesn't pretend to be anything else. It's not high art, it is not a commentary on today's political climate, if you are watching it to learn something about life you bought the wrong ticket. It is adult cotton candy and nothing more. A bit "soapy", well duh. It's not King Lear and should not be viewed in that vein.
16
I dunno, King Lear has mad kings and scheming daughters and eye-gouging. Fewer dragons though.
16
@Xoxarl
My post was not a critique of GOT. But I doubt that 100 years from now people will memorizing the text of GOT in schools and breaking down the art of the Red Wedding in seminars. At least I hope not.
The parallel between Cersei-Jaime and Sansa-Arya is getting stronger, with the whole "family first" thing, Queen-and-Queensguard, etc. This fits in with Sansa's open idolization of Cersei.
And thank the gods for getting tyrion and varys back together where they belong.
3
@Patrick
In one hundred years, our era will undoubtedly seem like Clara Bow to the inhabitants of the early 22nd century - much like the early 20th now seems to us. The concept of screen spectacle has taken enormous jumps in the past 25 years, and though GOT seems impressive to us, it will likely look laughably antique a century from now.
1
I don’t understand all the people who write to share their contempt and/or disinterest for the show and its fans. We get it, you have better taste and haven’t fallen prey to the general decadence of standards in Western civilization (o tempora, o mores). Surely you have better things to do than wasting your time on a GOT discussion board: isn’t it time to re-read Proust in the original French?
166
@Luca: Well said! O mores indeed. I suspect ol' Cicero would have enjoyed a bit of sexed-up bloody drama at the theater, which appears to have been run of the mill in his day. The cultivated person can enjoy highbrow and lowbrow in equal measure; one does not preclude the other.
11
@Luca. I’ve read Proust (in English), and I love GOT!
6
Bran is Proust..Right?
6
I’m going to miss these people so much!!
24
Time and space in this tale are confounding. And Bran can see everything, the past and the future, and he spends his time sitting in a muddy courtyard staring into space? And the people around him, knowing Bran has these gifts, never bother to ask him anything? "Hey Bran, if you've got a minute, can you tell me where exactly that army of the undead is, so I can pull the washing in from the line? And by the by, how do I make out in the big war?"
And as a sailor, I watch the fleets through my fingers. They sail like street cars on a route, against all wind and sense. Theon's fleet sails directly into Yara's fleet from the opposite direction. What, Theon's got inboards?
And as for preparing for an existential war, nobody seems to be working that hard to improve the defense of Winterfell or anywhere else. A lot of nattering about relative position in the hierarchy, but no peasants out, you know, digging a bigger moat.
Me, if I were Sansa, knowing that Cersei was pulling one over on me, I'd set up a bunch of road signs in front of the Army of the Dead that say, "This way to Knights Landing. As many people there as the WHOLE NORTH. We guarantee it!"
35
@matt Bran cannot see the future, only the past and what is happening in the present.
2
@matt
Bran can see only the past and the present. He explained this to Sam.
6
The Northmen are seen digging a moat in the Dragon flying scene
3
Worst episode ever. Didn’t advance the story. Dragon riding was more Harry Potter than GOT. And then there were 5
10
Am I the only person who has despised Dany forever?
8
@TKGPA: Yes.
4
@TKGPA: No. She's annoying.
4
After 18 months, tons of hype, there was no way this episode was going to be satisfying.
It’s clear that this had to be a transition episode, get us back into the story and line things up for the finale.
Still, kinda disappointed with Arya and Jon’s reunion.
6
@Rex Daley
Can't agree with you - for me one of the most poignant scenes in the entire episode was Jon asking Arya if she had ever used Sting and her answer. Coming from how she took down Frey and all his men - it was a heart ache scene to me.
2
I found the first episode reductive, repetitive and boring. Sansa resembles Agnes Moorhead in the Magnificent Ambersons more and more, and all the arguments had in the last season, boring enough, just repeated. Of course, the scene with Daenerys and Jon at the waterfall echoed Jon's love of Ygritte, actually a good moment in the script in the midst of pure treacle.
1
When the dragon ride ended, I immediately turned to my husband and said, “Do you think they are planning on building a dragon ride at Universal, next to Harry Potter World?
13
That's so funny! I told my husband the very same thing! Wouldn't surprise me.
4
@SWC they can put it right next to LittleFinger's Whorehouse and across the street from the drink stand that sells Milk of the Poppy.
9
@ADP
Finally, a reason to visit central Florida again.
Very enjoyable review. A lot happened within a short time span. We really could've done without the Jon and Daenerys disneyesque sequence of dragon flying, pure fluff, as well as being distracted with thoughts of Dumbo.
5
The drop bomb quips of irony and "humor" were so out of character, it made the reunions feel like a wrap up revue. Corny. Stop it.
11
I loved the episode, especially the dragon ride! I had my hand clapped over my mouth the whole time. It represented for me Jon finally coming into his own, with the dragon certifying his true identity. It seems that the Night King may in fact be a Targaryen, the Mad King “reborn” in death.
The scene as Tormund and company approach and enter that castle was truly frightening. It was as good as any scary movie, and when the kid opened his blue eyes, I actually screamed. I know, I’m a wimp!
17
@Sherry
No, you're not a wimp. That was a good old fashioned scare!
1
Does anyone remember what horse movie the dragon ride was taken from?
@Patrick Reminded me of the banshee riding from Avatar.
3
@Patrick It reminded me of the Neverending Story!
GOT has, at least in my mind, done an excellent job of creating images of powerful women. Women who are certain of who they are and what they can accomplish. They certainly are not simpering appendages. As for the prostitutes: well they ply a trade for a demanding market but the group last night did not go scurrying out of the room, they strode out.
19
As much as I LOVE watching the East Coast feed at 6pm, I now realize that I might have to get blackout curtains to catch everything because quite a few scenes simply don't stand up to daylight in the viewing room - big chunks of nothing but darkness on the screen.
Otherwise loved the episode (minus the joy ride, of course).
8
I was a tangled bundle of nerves by the time the final season premiered last night, so I found the rollout of reunions more welcoming than an immediate plunge into a battle scene that will surely kill off more than a couple of my favorite characters. The one bit of the hour that seemed unnecessary to me? That love fest high on a far-flung craggy mountaintop, with the adoring faces of two dragons staring back to smitten lovers. please. that one ranked, for me, way down there with the jolting cameo appearance of - ew! - ed sheeran, a ridiculous move on HBO's part that shattered the fourth wall of drama and reminded us that we were watching not ancient history (I know, I know, but still...), but rather a modern day media nod to a current musical star. We didn't need "cute" dragons staring back into the camera to remind us that the moment was meant to be destined and magical.
all in all, I relished the reunions, salty and sweet, frustrating (yes, Bran, the incomplete man) and necessary to pull loose strings together into a tangled knot before they inevitably fray once again. Stay tuned!
10
I agree with some other fans that the long-awaited season premiere was a bit "meh," as other seasons' premieres have been. Most of the reunions seemed rushed or underwhelming (save Arya and Jon). It felt as if we were "getting these out of the way." I hope the remaining five (!) episodes will be a major upgrade. Sophie Turner provided the best acting of the bunch in this episode.
7
I've probably read the books and watched every season as many times as some of the most rabid fans. I even took a very expensive private Game of Thrones tour in Ireland. Here's my two cents, with the most ridiculous comment first. What was going on with Emilia Clark's yellow tinged makeup--or was it just my t.v.? Have the writers immediately, and perhaps too soon, foreshadowed Danaerys's fall, and prejudged her motives? If anything seems anti Me Too, this was it for me. Yes, she wants the crown, but through 7 seasons, she has repeatedly demonstrated how much she cares about people. Frankly, the Tarlys gave her no choice in terms of her decision to execute them. It was a wiser decision, say, than Ned Stark's concerning Cersei and her children. Finally, the show gave short shrift to the Big Reveal. Sure, we all knew Jon Show's parentage, but this should've been more of a "say what!, prove it, I don't believe you" over minutes, not moments. Kit Harrington didn't do good acting, and the writers under-wrote. Anyway, overall, this was a satisfying first episode considering what needs to be accomplished in a season with only 6 episodes. I think I've just over-indulged in GOT prior to this season.
8
@sehoy I am curious as to how Sam, Bran, and Jon are going to convince everyone else of Jon's parentage. Of course, when they pay attention to the lack of sparks between Jon and Danaerys, everyone might be willing and eager to believe they are related.
8
@Kat It's very likely Sam has the book from the Citadel recording the union of Jon's parents. As for proving that Jon's parents are Jon's parents, how does anyone prove that claim? Bran's sight seems to be regarded as having proven itself as accurate.
7
@Kat - glad someone brought this up. Are the people going to accept the word of a boy seer (who, in the eyes of the people, could have an agenda, even if he really can see everything in the past) and an entry in a maester's diary? Even if the one living witness makes an appearance (which I doubt) people are not going to accept his word, either. A king rules by the will of the people. That goes for Dany, as well - she needs to start realizing that.
5
There were no subtitles on HBO NOW. This was very disappointing to those of us with a hearing disability.
12
Check your settings. I watched on HBONow with a group of friends and we used closed captioning.
13
@Al I'm echoing others to say, yes, they definitely worked last night! Check again before next week. I'm sorry you missed out -- we keep subtitles on in case we miss anything (and there's nearly always something), so I'm sure it was a disappointment for you.
2
@Al - I have hearing issues as well, and the captions worked fine on my HBO Now feed.
2
The dragon outing was fluff, reminded me of Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder going for a joy ride over Gotham. I suppose it was necessary at some point, but a predictable romantic interlude.
That said, the episode led me to remember the finale of Season 2: Dany walks through a tunnel with a torch, opens a door and walks through a fire-bombed Iron Throne room a la World War II's Dresden. This is how it will end. Ruins abounding. I can't imagine that it's been lost on the writers, in the currency of #MeToo and women's rise in politics, that any male will reign at the end. Dany will lose Jon in that "bittersweet ending" George R.R. Martin has mentioned, with her reigning (over not much, mind you), travel at last back to the Iron Throne to see the destruction first-hand, with Jorah and Missandei surviving at her side.
9
@James L.
Dragon outing isn’t fluff; it’ll be proof to Dany that Jon is a Targaryen.
30
@James L. I thought the dragon rides were a great action payoff for viewers - rollercoaster-like thrills, long awaited. Good that’s out of the way now, though. Winter is coming, work to do.
4
@James L. Agree that the dragon ride was "over the top" and had shades of a new ride at Disney World. Dany will need very little convincing of Jon's blood line as he is the only other "human" who can get close to the overgrown lizards.
2
James Poniewozik wrote in the NYTimes 2 days ago that GOT had given into its action oriented fans and become all stabbing and no blabbing. This episode clearly proves him wrong.
14
Arya and Gendry have to end up together - King and Queen of the North or Kings Landing? Solid thought that the Knight King is actually Mad King Targaryens, especially since he clearly can ride a dragon and seems to have planned to capture and ride one.
25
@PZM Why didn't I think of. that? The same rules would apply in death as in life? So: Maybe someone else's comment about trying to steer the undead army toward King's Landing would work -- lord knows he'd have it out for any Lannister.
Oh, wow, and this means Jaime is really toast.
@PZM
I'm under the impression that the Night King and resulting White Walkers was created by The Children of the Forest in their ancient past not in the period this Targaryen Mad King. The Night King and White Walker were defensive weapons that have now the destructive force against all the humans and their creators
3
I loved this first episode! If "only Targaryens" can ride dragons, as the writers stated in the after talk, then Dany and Jon are Targaryens - which Jon learns - but also the Night King must be a Targaryen. The Night King claimed the dragon, Viserion. Perhaps he is, Dany's father the Mad King? This would make him Jon's great uncle. Jon is now riding the dragon named after his own father, Rhaegal Targaryen, who is more of a good guy. Also, Jon is rescued from certain death by a long ago presumed dead Stark uncle, who puts him on a horse headed to the gap and civilization.
21
@mjpezzi - this is my theory too and fire + targaryens = ??? remember, fire was rebirth for Dany and her babies.
2
@socal60 Likely Jon will get torched by the bad dragon, survive and take out the Night King while he stands dumbfounded. Then the people of Westeros will know he's the the true heir to the throne. Then the question is if Dany backs off.
@ADP My guess is that if they go this route, Dany won't make it. It'll be some kind of a touching death, but I don't think they'd leave us with such an uncomplicated, happy ending where good triumphs without any loss.
1
I liked this episode but the dragon riding scene reminding me a bit too much of Jake and Neytiri riding mountain banshees in Avatar.
11
@George I have to agree because I kept thinking about the Avatar "Flight of Passage" ride in Disney World! Haha.
1
I got more of a Princess Jasmine and Prince Ali vibe
3
@George I made a similar comment very early this morning on one of the ET articles.
The episode was satisfying, but it also augur that the next 5 will have be a rush job that cannot possibly lead to a satisfying conclusion. Entertainment conglomerates time and again pull this nonsense. They produce amazing episodic television series that they bring to disappointing conclusions for a variety of commercial reasons. HBO should have given the last two seasons of GoT the full ten episode runs they deserved at a minimum. While it rushes to end the original GoT, HBO conjures up prequels and all kinds off-shoots that are doomed to fail.
21
Long shot, and my pick: Tormund Giantsbane and Brienne of Tarth rule as King & Queen. (And their spinoff/sequel is a comedy.)
13
Great fun review. Helps fill the time till next week. I kinda rolled my eyes with the dragon ride. But then realized, that dragon gaze we were lead to see as judgy was really the deep genetic connection to Jon based on his blood. I wonder if and when the time came and a dragon had to choose whose orders to follow, who to incinerate, who locked them up and who set them free and so forth. There may be soapiness at times but the show is amazing at laying out the breadcrumbs.
32
@Jenthis helps me to see that scene in a different way. thanks!!
1
@Jen My speculation is Jon rides a dragon in the fight against the Night King, (who rides bad dragon), get's torched as the bad dragon sneaks up on him, then Jon survives the fire and kills bad dragon while Night King gets pinned below him. Dany probably already got shot down by one of those spears. Then the battle against Cercei will look more like a fair fight since all dragons will be gone.
2
The oddest and most frustrating thing about last season and last night's episode is how Bran knows everything, but is content to sit and stare blankly instead of sharing all this vital information with everyone, especially as they bicker in the great hall. What's the point of being the Three-eyed Raven if he only releases info on a need-to-know basis?
77
@Josh Being able to see everything that has happened doesn't mean (a) He knows what to look at (e.g. not knowing who Jon's father and name was until Sam told him) (b) that he understands what he's seeing, (c) that he knows what to do about what might happen next or (d) what is the endgame?
12
Dude stayed out in the cold all night, waiting for his “old friend” Jaime to show up.
9
@Lexington
We have to remember that Bran was not properly prepared to become the successor Three Eyed Raven there were a great many things and events that he did not receive. How much and to what degree this will effect the coming battles and future hopefully will not lead to tragic failure.
2
Just a set up folks. All will be praising that the series was the best ever put on TV after the next 5 episodes.
14
Really wish you'd spent more time formulating this comment or not said it at all, it comes off as flippant and tone-deaf:
"Fun fact: Sunday’s premiere was the first post-#MeToo episode of “Game of Thrones.” The show celebrated by plying Bronn with nude prostitutes. It was a “Thrones” throwback — the series has mostly abandoned the gateway gratuitous sex of early seasons — and perhaps one last kiss-off from a show that’s been known to tweak its scolders..."
14
@Karen
I agree Enger missed an opportunity to explain the role of nudity in the show. Bronn left three nude women to answer Cercei’s summons. The criticism of the nudity and rapes has always been a bit myopic. Each rape was a nadir to contrast with the coming rise to power. The young girls who were debased and raped in earlier seasons are now powerful women ruling their people and leading armies to save mankind.
6
Scolders?
It was not satisfying at all. Somewhat boring.
19
@JJ
I thought so too; but after all the hype, I'm not sure what I was expecting.
6
@JJ
Agreed. Put me to sleep.
1
All the Dany lines about the dragons were ridiculous. And she and Jon look ridiculous riding them.
20
@JJ They are setting up the scene where Jon rides a dragon in battle, this was practice....
Thank The Seven the Unsullied have warmer clothing!
16
Uh.....yawn. Precisely what happened that we didn't already know? Oh, I suppose Theon's sister escaped. As for the rest? Hollywood finally got GOT.
9
High school pettiness with lots of costumes for the rubes.
Ratings gold.
4
The appeal of GOT totally escape me.
4
@Imperato Thanks for your comment.
5
Yeah, I don’t like golf.
4
Jon will have to choose sides: he’s either with Sansa, his cousin, or with Dany, his aunt. When Sam asks Jon if Dany would’ve given up her throne to save Westeros from the White Walkers, he may realize that Dany is ruthlessly ambitious, someone who incinerated Sam’s father and brother for not bending their knee to her. I would like to see Jon claim the Iron Throne, to which he is the rightful heir, now that he has his own FA/-18 hornet, Dragon Rhaegel. Dany might win the Iron Throne just because it is now the #MeToEra, but George RR Martin doesn’t impress me as a slave to political correctness. I think the White Walkers will kill everyone so none of the human characters will win the game of thrones. Instead a corrupt wight will sit on the throne and he will build a wall around Westeros to keep everyone else out.
5
MeToo is not political correctness. It is some being able to speak up without victim blaming.
11
I was extremely disappointed in the previous season when, after the Night King killed one of the dragons, he somehow found a humongous chain to use to pull the dragon out of the frozen lake. To me, that was beyond absurd. Where would he have found that enormous chain lying around? Was it crafted by the army of the dead on the spot?
It was totally unnecessary because the Night King has the power to raise the dead by simply raising his arms and badabing! the dead become walking popsicles. So why didn't it work with the dead dragon? They could have saved themselves a great deal of time and money if the Night King used his power to do that.
In spite of that huge disappointment, I'm tuning in to see what it all comes down to in the final episode. It had better be good or I'll demand that HBO give me my money back...ten years worth.
21
It’s funny what breaks our suspension of disbelief. When I saw the movie Independence Day, I accepted it all until Jeff Goldblum connected to the alien computer on the first try. At that time, connectivity was hit-or-miss, and the bain of my worklife. Connecting anywhere was a challenge, but to an alien computer? No way!
15
@James Tynes As much as my disbelief is suspended I agree that the big chain was hard to buy into. The dragon was under water (OK, so his power wouldn't work) but if the wrights can't swim or travel under water how did they even attach the chains? Or perhaps the "can't get to the islands" is a herring?
3
@James Tynes presumably the White Walkers pillaged the chain in one of their zombie ransacks of villages and the wall (during construction?) Plenty of opportunity for them to find a chain and munch on the people who owned it in order to obtain it.
1
Cersei should take what's left of the Lannister money and head for Essos. Her behavior seems unrealistic. Surely she's too smart to just wait things out in her dark, empty castle and depend on a mercenary army.
4
@Jess "It’s funny what breaks our suspension of disbelief. " (See above.) Its odd, too, what that which breaks our suspension of disbelief, is taken to reveal about us
1
@Jess I do buy it, and here's why: Cersei is consumed with hatred of pretty much everyone. She has no compunction anymore about being nasty even to Jamie, the one person in Westeros who loves her. She just doesn't care anymore. All she wants is the power to rule with impunity, and she'll do anything to accomplish this end, even sleep with a creep like Euron and dismiss all counsel that doesn't jibe with her aims.
4
I think Dany's insistence that everyone bend the knee to her will put her at greater odds with Sansa, which will force Jon's loyalty. I watched the episode twice. Right before the two riders arrive to tell her the dragons aren't eating their normal share, she begins to say (about Sansa), "She doesn't have to like me, but she does have to respect me. If she can't respect me..." She is interrupted here and doesn't complete her thought. What? What will you do, Dany? Fry her like you did poor Sam's kin?
44
I agree, I think that was an important comment and points to Jon’s upcoming dilemma in choosing sides
2
Overhyped rubbish. The success of shows like this is 100% in the marketing and the gullible public who swallow the hype.
5
@Leejesh nope. I’m a writer and critic, long ago an English major, I read literary fiction as well as popular novels, and have a lifelong love of movies, growing up with tv in the ‘50#. GoT is great television, eye popping and psychologically smart, wedding Breughel-influenced visuals and epic themes to contemporary personalized drama. I dig it and love going for the dragon rides. Perhaps there are flaws, but I’ve never felt cheated even by chains or returns-to-life. Cersei blowing up the elite after her mortification; the Red Wedding; Jaime losing his hand; the many trials of Tyrion; Arya’s development, Danys with the horsemen, Jon w the wildings - layers of unfurling narrative thanks in part to GWWM’s fertile imagination - I’m probably representative of why people find this show enthralling, and I don’t fall for hyped entertainments like the Marvel Universe, Star Wars, Transformers or the more sophisticated versions either.
33
@Leejesh
You must have watched it then.
4
@Jazzmandel Amen! Always put aside my Goethe and Thomas Mann to watch an episode of GOT.
4
Tonight’s episode gave audiences a preview. Nothing more! Nothing less! The people of the North are right to be wary of Daenerys. Her family has a reputation as incestuous nut jobs. The Lannisters were incestuous nut jobs. Barthenons were nuts. Who burns their child alive? Starks seem like reasonable people, but they were also optimistic and trusting. After all the misogyny on the show, the women make sense. The women are pragmatic. Jon Snow, Aegon Targaryen, learned that Ned Stark, his uncle, lied to him. He was not honorable. Surprise! If you want to rule, you must be ruthless. Cersei learned it. By the way, Arya must kill her. Poetic Justice! Jaime Lannister arrived to help. Sensible! Please allow him to live and to help! Then kill him! Aegon Targaryen better stop the optimistic. He is the heir to the throne. Why waffle? If he sits on the Iron Throne, the show would come to a correct conclusion. We watch it today. What will viewers say in ten years? What will viewers say in twenty years? Shows must have durability for decades.
PS: I gave Breaking Bad a shot after the show concluded.
8
@Tonya
Ned Stark acted honorably. His obligation was to his sister and the promise he made to her on her deathbed to protect her newborn son. He bore years of embarrassment and his wife's anger over an infidelity never committed so that his sister's son might live. Stark understood that the only way to keep a secret is not to tell it.
23
@Tonya I hope you liked Breaking Bad - an incredible series!
1
“I’ve always had blue eyes,” sId Tormund Giantsbane.
76
@Addypose Loved that!
2
I thought the most interesting part was the very beginning. No, not the procession, but the opening credits with the new location models of the breached Wall, the Last Hearth, Winterfell, and King’s Landing.
Also, what were those images in the blades?
The first was an image of the dragon breathing fire on the Wall (already happened).
The second wasn’t clear. A direwolf on the left, a man holding a severed head on the right, and a castle with something I didn’t recognize in the middle?
The third: A full grown dragon surrounded by three baby dragons, and a shooting star projectile in the distance?
48
@David The second is an image of the Red Wedding; the third represents Dany "giving birth" to her 3 dragons. Or so I've read :)
4
Agreed, I was completely rapt by the new opening. I’m gonna watch it 4-5 times tonight to look for more details
3
The images are the red wedding
1
No love for Bran??? He's going to get them through this thing and is an enormous technical advantage. The closer on the episode of him and Jaime locking eyes. Can't wait for next week. Better than a thousand zombies!
17
Who is the Night King? There could be a surprise there.
10
@Dissatisfied - Agree. If "only Targaryens" can ride dragons, as the writers stated in the after talk, then Dany and Jon are Targaryens - which Jon learns - but also the Night King must be a Targaryen. Perhaps the Mad King.
8
The Night King is about 7,000 years older than House Targaryen. If he’s from any House that still exists, he’s a Stark.
When did they say ONLY Targaryens can ride dragons? Because GRRM has explicitly said that’s not the case in book lore. I know the two are different, but I’ve never seen the show runners make that statement.
6
@Dissatisfied. It's been rumored to be Anderson Cooper. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/game-of-thrones-anderson-cooper-becomes-a-white-walker-60-minutes/
3
Um, Love “Quadrangle.” You forgot about The Hound — the only person in Westeros who’s ever made Brienne smile.
14
A bizarre thought occured to me: What if the last two standing are Dany and Yara, ruling together as co-queens and lovers?? Please no!!!
3
I think Sansa, Lady Mormont, Arya, skeptical Northerners will temper their cynicism when they get a glimpse of the Wight Walkers. Seeing is believing, and the question of who sits on throne is irrelevant, until the Walkers are defeated. It's called survival.
8
Reading this review, and especially the comments, drew me into considering why I watch GOT, and eagerly anticipated this episode. I am not one who, through their comments, signals their superior station above the hoi polloi by picking apart the scenes, bemoaning the elements of soapy melodrama. I sometimes wonder why they bother watching at all.
But no matter, I come to surrender into the writers' story, to suspend my critical judgement and just enjoy the ride. It is called entertainment.
169
I'm with you. I just sit back and enjoy the spectacle. I find the comments and podcasts entertaining also but I sometimes wonder " Do these people know that it's not real?"
11
I wonder how many saw Bronn getting paid a handsome reward to assassinate Tyrion and Jaime? Every episode presents a surprise. That was it for me.
There also looks like a new romance brewing between Arya and Gendry. Gendry will convince Arya the Hound is there to watch both their backs.
My guess is the three dragons do not survive and neither will Dany and Cersei.
4
I suspect that thing with Bronn is a contrivance to get him out of King’s Landing so he and Lena Heady don’t have to see each other. There’s no plot reason to keep them apart anymore, since they’re 2 of 4 named characters left in Kings Landing, just the fact that the actors can’t be in the same room together.
4
I was disappointed with the premier last night. I found it, well, boring.
I don't know what marketing genius came up with the idea to have a two-year hiatus between S7 and S8, and unless a viewer wanted to re-watch past episodes, I honestly forgot some of the threads that were so compelling last year.
I dunno. It just seemed tired last night. And it made me tired to watch. I am not giving up on the show, but with all the hype it was for me a real letdown.
8
@Len
Good point about the long gap between seasons. I'm retired and was able to take the time to re-watch almost all of Season 7 (and reading plot summaries of those I didn't watch) so I wasn't at all lost watching the Season 8 opener. Without that retirement bonus, I know I'd have been scratching my head trying to remember all the connections.
7
@Delbert
Have to agree with you that it made a big difference to rewards the show before last night...and remember all the details......but two years was pushing it.
2
Yes, the gap was long between S7 & S8 but I got to binge watch the entire series umpteen times before last night. Anticipation and reading about all the predictions is what 'great' TV is all about. And finally last night, I got to escape to Westeros and start to see how my predictions began to pan out.
Hey, you could always watch the news every day and watch the destruction of 'our world' in real time.
I would say the wait was worth it and there is even a Love story thrown in.
12
Loved every minute. Including the “dragon ride”. The dragons are sentient characters, not mindless WMD’s that are and will be integral to the plot line, not a pair of Toyotas idling with the keys in for the getaway. I will thrill when Jon Snow also rides one to the rescue. The story arc is building to the crescendo now with all of the threads of the last 7 seasons weaving together. There was the prosaic and the existential. Came away with the typical sense of dread that GOT engenders: no one is safe and everyone may be brought low either by their own actions or beliefs or by forces larger than themselves. Bravo!
36
Can't believe the fawning attention this show gets. Only good thing about it is the benefits to Northern Ireland.
4
I'm just appalled that a fantasy TV show seems to be grabbing the headlines across the world.
Here in UK, GoT is front page stuff - along with all sorts of clever writing and highbrow cartoons drawing parallels between Series 8 and Brexit.
8
@nolongeradoc That is a weird comparison: GOT is high-octane drama with complex characters and a tight narrative plot, Brexit is Benny Hill-style comedy with a bunch of clowns running around for no purpose other than to make us laugh at their pratfalls. Not the same genre at all!
35
I think it was Aristotle who said that spectacle is the lowest form of entertainment.
6
@Thomas Caron
But one has to admit that the rabble always enjoys it.
Me, I join the rabble for this.
19
Usually I look to reviews to solidify my own opinions, whether or not they agree with the reviewer. Unfortunately, this author's flexing of his journalistic muscle seemed to be more concerned with being snide, cutesy, and overly self-congratulating rather than attempting a serious review/recap. Some of us (millions?) find Game of Thrones to be a satisfying and exciting entertainment. Lady Mary would agree.
27
As usual, I tried and failed to make it through reading the recap. I can’t imagine sitting through the show. I made it through less than half of the first episode. It seemed then and seems now (in recaps) to be both laughable and completely witless. Pretty people though.
1
@Deborah
Well, thanks for going to all the trouble to come in here to tell all of us who do like the show. Care to share your favorites, so we can return the favor?
48
I am happy not to be among those who have spent more than 60 hours of their precious time following this Harry Potter for adults. I do not think I missed anything important or worthwhile. I had more time to read interesting books, see my children, listen to enraptured music, walk outside and talk to my husband. Life is good!
11
So why are you spending your time reading a review of a show you don’t watch and writing to the comment section of said show?
129
@Christine
Hmmm. I still find time to read interesting books, see my kiddo, listen to good music, walk outside and talk to my husband. I also work 12 hours a day at a job I love and I'm an actively engaged citizen of our democracy.
Yet I still manage to enjoy Game of Thrones. And I do it all without being pretentious and boring.
97
@Christine After spending 6AM - 7PM on Sunday engaged in all manner of family friendly pursuits (the playground, the library, a puppet show, baking cupcakes and a hike), I personally was glad for a little adult content with a glass of wine as the kiddos slept. That feels precious to me.
34
"The only things she has ever demonstrably cared about was Jaime and her children." Really? 'Were' or 'are' would be the plural verb to go with the plural subject.
Aside from that, may of us really, really love the dragons. Goddess knows, they are at least as fascinating as the 'who is whose now incestuous relative' stuff.
Lastly - although not finally - while I have admired Sansa's transformation into a tough woman, I found her clear obsession with retaining her title disgusting in the face of the annihilation of human kind.
3
@her behavior is a lot like someone holding high office now, only she is literate and thoughtful.
3
@chris “Aside from that, many of us...” I believe is what you wanted to write. Don’t criticize grammar if you are going to make a mistake yourself.
2
And Arya saying Sana’a was the smartest person she knew seemed oddly out of place. Sansa certainly hasn’t been that.
12
The only thing that was good about the premiere was the quality of the picture. None of the characters seemed like themselves. It was as though all new actors had been cast. Even the zombie kid on fire seemed cheap.
And I thought we were getting movie-length episodes?
I expected the first few episodes of season 1 to be shaky. But we're in season 8 now. Come on.
I'm not going to worry about staying on top of season 8.
5
@Andrew Hart
I cannot agree with you about the acting, but my spouse and I did find the shortness of the episode surprising.
We had been talking about how the whole thing could be wrapped up in one season (especially as compared with some previous seasons). And, then, the first episode, the season setting episode, was just over.
7
She is so beautiful she carries the show all by herself.
1
I was surprised at how the Northerners were so concerned about who's title is what. Expected more long term, end of the world concerns. They didn't even seem relieved at the dragons. I also assumed that the armies brought their own provisions as well.
8
@moodbeast It’s called Game of Thrones. The entire eight years has been about who is king or queen.
5
In the South, there’s not much tolerance for debate about who’s on the throne!
I really enjoyed the premiere, and thought this was a great write-up. There are certainly going to be a lot of perfectionist complainers, but I thought this first episode did a lot to tie everything together, and what we have to keep in mind is, there are only 5 episodes left after this to wrap it all up.
One major concern I didn't see answered yet is, this ep. was 60 mins and the final six were supposed to be 90 mins each. What gives? If we've only got five hours left, they're going to have to speed up major events.
We had a great recombination of all the major players, good guys mainly at Winterfell, bad guys at Kings' Landing (also Bronn, guessing which gal was poxed), and no check-in with the real bad guy, the Night King. Jaime did terrific work conveying the mixed emotions triggered by seeing Bran, with no dialogue at all.
Overall I loved it and am dying to see more. But is it going to be 90 mins per ep now?
29
@Dan Stackhouse
BTW it comes back the 28th. HBO does holidays.
1
Apparently the first 2-3 episodes will be like 50 minutes or so, and the last 3 will be 70-80 minutes. HBO kinda played us on that one
6
@moodbeast Incorrect! According to TV Guide and the HBO website; season 8 will air every Sunday until May 19th.
What is your reference?
5
The quality of this show has plummeted since season 3. The entire story arcs of Arya in Braavos and the High Sparrow in Kings Landing were fluff, as the showrunners treaded water, hoping Martin would push the story forward with the books.
What had been an exquisitely enjoyable yarn with as much feel of "realism" as one can get from a fantasy plot involving dragon magic and armies of the dead has descended into something having the texture and taste of oatmeal.
The waif didn't know where to plunge the dagger to kill Arya and took a bit of blood and bubbles in the water as proof she was dead? Cersei's blowing up of the Sept and many of Westeros' finest inside is forgiven between seasons? There isn't even an attempt to maintain a sense of time and space anymore. Ships can now sail around the world in days if not hours, ravens can similarly fly across continents and back while bands of heroes stand on a rock in the north surrounded by wights, and human armies can make marches from the Narrow Sea to Winterfell before the army of the dead can get there from Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. I and nearly every other loyal fan could keep going with such increasingly difficult-to-ignore issues wherein the suspension of disbelief has become nigh impossible.
Still I hope they pull off a miracle. Tonight wasn't necessarily a failure, but it wasn't a phoenix rising from the ashes either. Winter is here, the dead are coming. I dread seeing my favorites-- and I have so many-- die and join them.
10
good setup save for the "romantic" dragon ride through the canyons, as if they were fighters in a star wars movie. There was actual, old GOTs complex dialogue that went in unexpected directions. I hold out hope that last season's "jump the sharp" expedition north of the wall and the resulting zombie dragon can be overcome.
6
I was glad to see a lot of human drama in this episode. It wasn't a splashy episode, but they did a good job of re-establishing various storylines and character conflicts. I'm hoping Tyrion gets back his wit. Dany has annoyed and bored me for the last four seasons or so. I'm hoping and assuming that she's not going to make it to the Iron Throne. It seems like it has to be Jon Snow, but with who by his side?
The dragon ride was fine by me. It's an important plot point. Jon can ride a dragon. He's the final of three prophesied dragon riders. It sets up the revelation that he's a Targaren. And it is a fantasy after all. Surely there's room for a little wonder and magic. I just hope the show works more with character this season having set all the heavy plot machinery into place with the last few seasons.
27
I watched Season 7 again. Doing so confirmed my impression that the complex tone of the initial seasons had been replaced with shallow, feel-good, Hollywood super-hero fluff. There was barely a scene in Season 7 not blatantly designed to invoke cheers from teenagers.
My initial thought from Season 8 was the redheaded wilding should clearly have died when the ice-wall collapsed. But the days of popular major characters being killed off are long gone... ...possibly to return in the very last episode. The popular characters these days seem to have nine lives.
The focus on writing pithy one-liners for the characters to say seemed to continue the theme of getting a theater audience to cheer at all the right moments. The entire idea of surprising the audience with unexpected plot twists or nuance seems to have evaporated.
Similarly, the dragon ride seemed to come directly from Avatar and struck me as rather cheesy.
Bran's gift of seeing the past and present everywhere is a problematic plot device. It would seem to eliminate the need for Raven messengers and possibly military planning of any kind. At least there would be no element of surprise, depending on the strength, clarity and frequency of his visions.
Having almost everyone gather in Winterfell does open up possibilities and the show can still go out on a strong note. But I cannot help but get the impression that Seasons 7 and 8 have been the emotional equivalent of the last 20 minutes of Lord of the Rings.
21
@Mark W. Miller
My husband voiced the same skepticism re: Tormund Giantsbane. My explanation: he and Dondarrion were on top of the wall when the undead dragon attacked. Their escape was made by running inland across the top of the wall and not down the steps of Eastwatch castle. Unseen by the dead and separated from them by the height of the wall.
7
For all of the drama, melodrama and spectacle, this show still manages to sneak in clever little tells that are very satisfying to the observant eye. Take how this season opening skillfully bookended the entire arc of the series with its opening and closing shots:
It starts with a boy not unlike young Bran from the very first episode, climbing everything just to get a view of the grand and exciting world... and ends with older Bran, who has now literally seen everything, staring down gravely the literal consequences of his boyish curiosity. Clever indeed.
92
@Drew Emery That actually mirrored Arya climbing to get a view of the royal Lannister parade entering Winterfell, just as this boy was climbing to get a view of the royal Targaryen/Snow parade entering Winterfell. Bran climbed, too, of course, but later, and for different reasons.
18
@Annie Towne
To further correct your correction, the season one royal parade was Barrathean, not Lannister
So much fun to watch the murderous looks, bared teeth and flaring nostrils in this episode - and that was just Drogon after watching Jon and Dany snogging after that “loin stirring” dragon riding scene!
12
Arya dropped The Hound from her list at the end of Season 4 because she thought he was toast. Is he back on her list? I'm wondering who they show her shooting next week.
4
I'm still digesting the episode and so am not sure how I feel about it, but that dragon ride scene was so impossibly cheesy and awful. The Jon/Dany romance has rung hollow from the beginning for me, and not because of the incest part (although that surely doesn't help).
I rewatched the earlier seasons in recent weeks and was struck by how natural and engrossing the romance between Jon and Ygritte was (I'm sure it didn't hurt that the actors themselves were falling in love). It was playful, curious, vulnerable...all things falling in love really is. Dany has been so stern and single-minded throughout the series that it is hard to imagine her falling in love, and her behavior toward Jon suggests she loves him only because other characters keep saying she does. Maybe Emilia Clarke is just limited as an actress. I don't know. But it just seems like it's happening because the plot demands it. And it's not good.
I think Jon may end up killing Dany, or at least defending someone vulnerable from her wrath at great cost to himself.
56
Mb defending Sansa
Not sure why people seem to dislike the magic dragon ride. I thought it was important to set the stage for Jon eventually or possibly wrestling one dragon from Dany.
33
@Jake
I enjoyed it, but I have a 50" HD TV and a good soundbar. It's important to know that the dragons accept Jon, and we saw Rhegal (?) giving the smooching couple an admonishing look. Dragons are highly intelligent creatures.
5
I enjoyed the episode. Absolutely was delighted with the 'spin art'. Thrones is a great deal more fun than almost any other film or TV show in the last 10 years.
Watch all the boring films like Roma you want, I'll soar with dragons.
24
The speculation is this recap (and elsewhere) about what Cersei’s glass of wine means in the context of the “is she?” or “isn’t she” plot point is maddeningly, ridiculously, anachronistic and culturally specific. Come on, people! Do you really think that knowledge of the supposed hazards of a glass of wine in the first trimester has reached King’s Landing? It hasn’t even reached 2019 France.
66
@Hope Diamond I think the point is that she previously used her 'pregnancy' as an excuse not to drink--so clearly, there is a sense of the hazards of it during their time.
20
I think too it gives the show too much credit. These guys are speeding through what easily could be two more seasons in hours. Yeah, the original story carried all sorts of plot clues and prophecies but last night we saw Martin’s twenty-year plot knot (how do we get all of these characters together?) worked out by simply plopping all the major characters in Winterfell with barely a half sentence explanation. I don’t think we can analyze everything the way we’d like to!
4
@Hope Diamond
Have you seen last season, or ever been to France... ?
Okay...so I understand that GOT is all about the human (and dragon) relationships...but does anyone have an actual clue as to how to defeat the”dead”? Why even bother walking around with a sword anymore. And Team Gendry better get working on building a large number of dragon glass ballistas!
One more complaint. After 8 seasons, couldn’t take come up a single Dothraki character that we could be rooting for. Sadly they have become literally the cinematic equivalent of “meat in the room”...a mere device for narrative development and another example of the series’ bloated human landscape. How about a quirky guy who puts on all of their mascara?
19
@Woodson Dart They've established that the dead can be killed with Valyrian steel, dragon glass, and fire.
At the end of the last season, when the search party was hunting wights, Jon killed a White Walker with his Valyrian sword, and all the wights with the Walker dropped dead immediately. One of the characters asks how that happened and Jon says that the White Walker was probably the one who turned those people into wights. Later in the episode, one of the characters points to the Night King and says "he turned them all" I.e., he is the one who turned all the dead into his soldiers.
So basically they're setting up a tried-and-true conceit from the "we're overwhelmingly outnumbered by zombies" story: if you kill the leader, all the lesser bad guys will fall.
41
It has been my observation that a clear indication of a show running for too long is when the plots starts to be driven by weak decision-making. Such as, Option 1: Send a small expedition of the most skilled warriors, including the king, to search a vast inhospitable area in order to capture an undead so they can convince a weak, vulnerable, unpopular, and untrustworthy Queen for a truce, without reason to believe it would work. Alternative: Fight and remove said Queen with some loses but no critical loses. Somehow option 1 won the day.
During said expedition conveniently the white walker kills a dragon which they recover from the bottom of frozen lake (thanks to a giant chain which they stumbled upon a year back and kept around just in case). Then... their team of Undead SOF Frogmen dove in the frozen lake tied the giant chain on the dragons neck deep under water.
S8E1 was all right nothing to write home about "the soapy" part was very uncharacteristic for GOT. I am hoping this episode was just a setting the scene and the story will picks up. At this point, I think Tyrion has to die, lately he has made so many wrong calls, even worst, he has made it pattern that I do not see how his horrible calls do not kill him.
Otherwise, my favorite part of the episode was the trailer for "Chernobyl".
18
My feelings towards Dany and Sansa seem to have crosses paths and reversed over the last few seasons. Originally I thought Sansa was entitled and insufferable and was all Team Khaleesi, but now I think Sansa is just about the sanest person left alive and the only one with a healthy sense of dread and suspicion.
The dragon riding scene was really, really embarrassing. And seeing Jon frolic near a waterfall again made me miss Ygritte, who would have laughed in Dany’s face and called her all sorts of colorful names for storming North and expecting the Wildlings and First Men to just sit down and take it. Have you learned nothing, Jon Snow?
298
The new discord between various factions of the North who need to stick together against both White Walkers (and eventually Cersei) made me think of the Democrats trying to keep a consensus against Trump and the GOP
41
GOT has gone on much too long. It was almost like a chore watching it tonight (yet still more engaging than most TV).
And the one thing that has never been established - as with so many villainous forces in sci-fi and sword and sorcery - what exactly is the Night King and the army of the dead looking to gain?!
25
@Common Sense
I'd say the army of the dead is a metaphor for a bacterial or viral invasion. Sorry to hear it was a chore to watch. The final season will hopefully have a spectacular episode similar to the end of the seventh season when Cersi destroys the Great Sept of Baelor. That episode was emotionally exhausting.
6
@Common Sense
I do not understand people who claim to hate a show but watch it and comment on it. That is even less sensible than picking at a scab.
16
@Common Sense Yet you're still evidently watching.
1
How about the reeds? And, any chance Brandon won’t say anything about Jaime?
5
MIA:
Melisandre
The Umbers
The Glovers
Elephants
And, as always, Ghost!
12
For all those who are disappointed that there are no elephants, consider for a moment the outcome of elephants vs. an undead frost dragon. It is just too sadistic and tragic a scene for most of us to bear. So yes, no elephants. No ewoks either, not this time.
9
Ned Umber was the wight child burned by Tormund, Beric and Dolorous Edd.
The Glovers retreated to Deepwood Mott whe Jon showed up with Danerys.
The elephants couldn’t make the sea cruise.
2
@Zilly The boy who was burning in the pinwheel art of the dead was Lord Umber.
4
Who cares about such a stupid movie? What a waste of time.
1
@Dolly Patterson. It's a television show. And you obviously cared enough to read the re-cap and comment . . . or at least to click into the recap in order to comment!
8
@Dolly Patterson
^tremble ye peons in the presence of an *intellectual*
13
I do not understand why people are calling Jon's first ride "unheroic" and a "waste of time"??? What should he do? Just jump on and shout "dracarys"? If that is what was expected from Jon, I am afraid that his character has been largely misunderstood.
47
@Lesser_evil
Jon is implicitly contrast with the arrogance of Theon's uncle (I forget his name). Everything Jon does is done with humility. Jon is so naturally good and noble that he's tolerable only because he loves the ladies. He would seemed contrived, otherwise. Anyhow, his trepidation with the dragon just accentuates Jon's lack of entitlement (or lack of a sense of entitlement). Jon is natively good at everything, but he won't start to eat, until everyone else is seated.
10
@Anti-Marx Exactly. Jon is the polar opposite of Euron Greyjoy (Theon's uncle). Even if he is born into royalty, and is the king of the seven kingdoms by birth, and chosen leader of people through service, he is a commoner. His lack of entitlement makes him stand out in the crowd, and that is refreshing in a show about royals.
6
The reunion nobody is discussing ... the writers/producers and gratuitous nudity.
14
The last episode must have a montage of deaths throughout the series accompanied by the Rondeau - of Mouret...
10 Superlative Awards for GOT Season 8 Premiere! Presented in chronological order:
Funniest Moment: Arya practically rolls her eyes as the Unsullied march in.
Most Patronizing Moment:
Dany calls Sansa and the North beautiful.
Most Disappointing Moment:
Lady Mormont whines and scolds Jon. (Teenagers)!
Grossest Moment:
That prostitute hits on Qyburn
Most Anticlimactic Moment:
Euron beds Cersei. Yawn.
Most You-Deserved-That Moment:
Yara head-butts Theon after he (finally) rescues her.
Most Melancholy Moment:
Varys reminds us “nothing lasts”
Most Cringy Moment: Jon swoops around on a dragon like Harry Potter in a game of Quiddich, trying not to fall off his broom.
Most Psychotic Moment:
That cackling-human-amputee-windmill thing, or whatever it was!
Most Awkward Moment:
Jamie sees Bran in wheelchair
What were your favorite superlatives?
135
Best Line: I wanted those elephants
15
Most underplayed reunion; Arya and Jon. We’ve been waiting for this for years and it was so ehhhh
10
Kidos - nine out of ten. Exception with Jon and his dragon riding.
5
The dragon ride: great spoof on Out of Africa with Streep and Redford in that plane soaring over the plains of Kenya. Only this time the girl is in control. GOT has some gotcha moments, to be sure.
23
@Rip
Made me think of Avatar!
2
Lost interest in mid-2nd season. Not keen to pay for HBO when I already have Prime and Netflix.
1
We’re all imptessed.
86
The one thing that needed to be done immediately was eventually accomplished in tonight's premiere. Preliminary discussions were held. The bow is drawn and tense: Jon knows The Big Secret and evil is on the march. Hopefully next week, the real thrills begin.
41
Is there any chance Qybird (sp?) has acted on his own in telling Bronn to assasinate Jaime and Tyrion? I read that the Battle of Winterfell (presumably against the walkers) occurs in the third episode. If so, it would seem the last three episodes would concern the potential conflicts between Dany, Cersei, and possibly Jon (after considering Sam’s criticism of Dany). Maybe they all fall and Gendry has the only remaining claim! Where was Brienne?
7
@Lisa. Qyburn professed to come with several wagons of gold. He could not do that on his own. Brienne was there, even though she did not get much screen time. Look at the picture of Sansa in the article waiting to greet Jon and Daenerys -- you can see her in the background next to Gendry.
2
@LisaYes. Looks like Gendry and Arya to live happily ever after.
1
One big reunion I sorely missed: Jon and Ghost. We were promised the return of Ghost this season, and I had hoped it would be in episode 1.
59
@Alyssa Newman -- The brief reunion of Arya and Nymeria last season must have meant something. I'd bet that Ghost and Nymeria are now leading a huge wolf pack and they'll be showing up to rescue one or more major characters.
44
@MAS Oh man we can only hope! I have been missing them since season 1!!!
2
You are absolutely spot on...and Nymeria, too.
2
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode with my family and some good friends, right from the brilliant countdown with snippets from the corresponding seasons’ finales, and the fabulous new title sequence, including visits to the crypts at Winterfell and at Kings Landing. I wish Arya had been happier to see the Hound, and I hope she soon realizes how much he really does care about her. Sansa is definitely the smartest Stark, and I hope Sam doesn’t do something rash and terrible to avenge his father and brother. Danearys learned another hard lesson in her desire to be an absolute ruler has real consequences - Sam saved a man she loves and she destroyed his family. Good stuff!
130
"I’ve told skeptical, fantasy-averse friends that “Game of Thrones” is not what they think it is."
Until, as you point out, that dopey dragon ride. It seems GOT has become meta-aware of itself as a pop culture phenomena and couldn't resist treating its audience like tourists. Inevitably, I suppose, GOT will be turned into an amusement park attraction, but until then, one hopes the creators stick to their gritty, nihilistic guns and avoid pouring syrup over the enterprise in the hopes of turning it into a family-friendly franchise.
Oh, and as for Bran acting creepy (one almost feels he'd joined a cult - perhaps the Guilty Remnant on The Leftovers), I suspect he's sitting on another bomb he has yet to drop. And it's a big one - a winking hint swerved awfully close this evening. Look out Samwell - you're in for a shock!
15
@Chris now I need to know- what is your theory about Bran and Sam?! What was the “winking hint”? Inquiring minds clamor for more
5
@Sam
Since your name is Sam, how can I deny you? You deserve another hint:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQyDpTypfZ0
1
As often as we complain about stuff. . .
I would like to commend HBO and their IT Department (and digital distribution network) for being able to handle the absolutely crazy amount of demand on their servers this evening.
It is no small thing to be able to do what they did tonight. I am sure some folks had issues, but I streamed in HD on HBO Now and had no issues at all.
296
@Jim I had the same thought! Last time around, I remember so much stuttering of the video, and this time around it was flawless.
11
@Jim They didn't handle it. I wasn't able to authenticate until shortly after the airing ended.
2
@Jim sigh, I’ll have to watch again because streaming problems paused play every few moments.
Varys had the most important foreshadowing comment : nothing lasts (camera shows Jon and Daenerys) Jon Snow will have to decide between her or family. It’s probably not gonna go well people.
47
@Hudson or, as Ramsey would say, ‘If you think this ends well, you haven’t been paying attention.’
3
Can’t wait for the Army of the Dead battle.
Hopefully they are grateful.
The best thing I saw Sunday night was the title—
The Final Season
I do hope the little man gets the sword throne or whatever it’s called, but that’s whimsical thinking.
In fact - GOT - its own acronym now - is whimsy.
2
You're funny..... I see what you're trying to do, but it didn't work. Keep watching and pretend you don't if it helps you
3
My only disagreement is with your bit about drogon's "stink eye" when jon and Dany were on their date. I would bet anything that was Bran. Notice how keen he was on telling jon the truth after that.
84
Dragon joyride was total lame o and waste of 8-10 minutes of precious season 8 airtime
15
The dragon joyride was important. Yes it was smothered in kitsch, but we needed affirmation that the dragons were bound to Targaryens (and Brann,eventually), not just Danerys.
61
@Nature Voter
It reminded me of the Harry Potter movie (3?) when he rides the hippogryph.
6
Except the broader implications of Jon riding a dragon went completely unaddressed. She treated it as a “well just climb on up there” instead of Jon creating a mystical bond with this dragon by becoming its rider.
Based on what we know of dragons in the books, Rhaegal should be *his* now, not Dany’s. I guess it’s a little unique because she hatched all 3 instead of just Drogon, but based on the books dragonlore, once a dragon accepts a rider, the two are bonded until the dragon or rider are killed.
The show treated it as if he just climbed up on her spare horse and they went for a ride together
8
GoT seems to save its most hideous deaths for children on the show. They get turned into white walkers, burned alive as sacrifices, turned into walkers, pinned to walls and then burned... its very disturbing.
14
There have been some pretty hideous deaths all around, some bestowed by kids too. But it’s added to the no holds barred story to show that level of brutality to children - and infants for that matter...
2
@Alexandra Hamilton. At least Lord Umber was already dead before he was pinned to the wall and burned. Otherwise he would not have already been a wight.
1
This seemed more like a very long trailer to me.
12
@Traymn
I kind of agree. The plot has become so compressed, it almost feels like a greatest hits collection of plot points.
6
Just a few request from my friends at GOT....
1. Light a torch so we can see what is going on.
2. Arya, take out Dany and spare Jon the trouble.
3. Somebody haul Bran inside. I'm cold just looking at him.
4. For once, I agree with Sanza.
101
@Julie, doesn't matter if Bran is outside. He's a raven and all.
Wasn't Dany's coat to die for?
3
Do we think Missandei and Grey Worm were raising eyebrows at each other because of The North's lack of diversity? You know, when they're were riding to Winterfell at the beginning and everyone was watching? I might have only thought this because I read somewhere that the actor who plays Grey Worm called out the show for not having enough diversity. But it seemed pretty obvious The North is full of white people and they were "outsiders".
129
@Liv
It would seem odd if that explained their look as there is no diversity in Mereen either.
@Liv - Not that different from our North in terms of diversity
Here's hoping Jon puts Daenerys into perspective now that he knows what she did to the Tarly's as well as his actual lineage.
7
OMG will you all never get over the Tarleys? The Tarleys that will lead this world into the future still live. Randyll betrayed Olenna and denied his eldest son. Dickon followed in his father’s footsteps.
62
@AddyposeYes. They treated Samwell and his wife very poorly and refused him the family sword, which he then stole.
8
The show has been going downhill for a few seasons now, though with some bright spots. People say it is because it departed from the books, but volumes four and five were real stinkers. Nobody except the most extreme book fanboys would have watched the show if it had followed Martin’s later volumes. The books and the show have both been declining in different ways.
I still want to see how it comes out, but all the sordidness and the stupidity of virtually all the characters is really starting to grate on me. I am only watching for the spectacle now and the faint hope it won’t be a totally depressing ending.
18
They have these things called "remote controls" you can use to change the channel if you don't care for what you're watching .....just saying
6
@Donald But perhaps still better than the sordidness and stupidity in current times?
Great recap. The "soapy"-ness was unavoidable when there are big family and friend reunions going on (and how about that non-soapy one between Arya and the Hound?). Of course, the show ended with a most curious one with Bran and Jamie eyeing each other. I think Bran will be the one to argue for Jamie in what appears to be a hearing.
Speaking of eyeing, I don't think that was a stinkeye from Rhegal. Quite the opposite. All it needed was little animated hearts.
It's too bad the character of Euron wasn't fully developed. He had the potential to be Oberyn 2.0 with a psychotic streak.
I was surprised that it fell to Sam alone to tell Jon the truth. Loved that he did it moments after finding out Danerys killed his father and brother. The two most interesting last lines in a scene involved Jon and Dany. Sam's to John and Sansa to Jon. Good to have this show back!
29
@Pat
I don’t get why Sam should much care about his father and brother’s deaths. To recap: Dad hated him for his bookish ways, disowned him, threatened to kill him, and finally exiled him to the Wall. Of course, being burnt alive is a pretty grisly way to go, but it’s pretty standard stuff on GoT.
4
"...the neck-scale equivalent of 10-and-2 being “whatever you can hold on to....”
Please note that current driving teachers advise 7-and-5.
Using that positioning will save your arms from being broken by the airbag.
38
@Pdianek Frankly, the most "suspend-your-disbelief" moment I had was that Jon could stay on Rhagel clutching those slippery little horns. No way.
2
@Pdianek
Thanks for the driving tip!
1
If only Targaryens can ride dragons does that mean the night king is a Targaryen?
163
@SS you'd probably make concessions for someone who brought you back from the dead. My question is how did they attach the chains to haul him out of the lake when they can't swim?
61
Nope. The Night King is a Stark. The Night King was a “first man.” The Starks were “first men.” At that time the Targeryans were still in Valeryia.
Brann will ride Rhagel and defeat the Night King. Quoth the former Three Eyed Raven, “You will never walk again, but you will fly.”
193
@Addypose - in addition to his time travel / 3-eyed-raven skills, doesn't Bran have the ability to inhabit / control other creatures? I suspect he may get inside the icy-dead dragon Drogon, turn him against the Night King, and that's how he will fly.
87
Seems like a pretty mild winter so far. It's not particularly cold with just a dusting of snow and lots of sun.
9
Kind of like climate change.
5
Count me as one who prefers the interactions between the characters to the big battles. I'm Team Sansa all the way, though I'm going to start calling her Sansa Snark.
110
Here here!
The interactions make the show; people are just so used to the sexposition and death and uberpolitics, to the point they don’t realize that there’s a more delicate story going on underneath it all (and much subtler character interactions) that needs tying up in at least, say... a third of all cases. Can’t just leave those threads lying around! They get stuck in the vacuum cleaner, and no one likes /that/.
And Team Sansa is a wonderful place to be. What a great character! She’s very real, with pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, vulnerabilities and cunningness, in ways that other characters just aren’t. I just love that. Her hug with Jon was the most emotion shown on the episode, it feels like, but she’s also playing the game and using all her skills with Dany.
I love Dany too, but... damn, lady. We gotta swim like the devil himself to catch up with you in the deep end!
2
As always Jeremy, a concise and entertaining recap of the episode. I thank you for insight.
Ecstatic and delighted was I to see Tormund Giantsbane and “Dolorous” Edd survived.
Slightly disappointing was the reunion between Arya and the good Clegane.
As far as Sam’s angst over his brother’s death, meh, the acting was great, but let’s face it, his brother was never any friend of Sam. He was more than pleased to believe Hartsbane was going to be his.
This beginning of the end episode may have been milder than viewers hoped, but it neatly sets up the conflicts and final resolution to come.
Just remember, it all plays out according to the gods:
Tyrion is the Father.
Sansa is the Mother.
Bran is the Stranger.
Jamie is the Warrior.
Sam is the Smith.
Varys is the Virgin.
Cersei is the Crone.
Theon is the Drowned God.
Brienne, the Hound, Podrick, Tormund, Torgo Mudo and Missandei are the Tree Gods.
The God of Death is Jon.
The Lord of Light is the child of Jon and Danerys.
Valhar morghulis, but ry gods lys dit.
28
@Addypose
Funny- I have a completely different list of who fits the role of the seven:
Danaerys is the Mother with Cersei as possible 2nd.
Arya is the Stranger.
Jon Snow is the Warrior but maybe Jamie.
Gendry is the Smith.
Sansa is the Virgin.
Melisandra is the Crone.
Jon Snow could be the father to match Dany as the Mother but he hasn't really played the part of the Father. Ned Stark perhaps? But he's long gone...
11
You could be absolutely right. That’s what’s so great about this - it often defies expectations.
7
Cersei is the Crone, the goddess of wisdom? And Varys is the Maiden, the goddess of innocence and purity? Seriously?
2
I always enjoy Mr. Egner's thoughts after watching the show. They are full of wit, insight and the perfect amount of sarcasm. Look forward to the next five summaries.
44
Reminiscent of Season 1, Episode 1. In both episodes a royal procession comes north; Arya watches with the common folk; the masters of Winterfell turn it over to the visiting royalty; the lady of Winterfell wonders how they will feed all the visitors, there is a visit to the crypt where a Stark (or adopted Stark) is asked to serve. The final scene is the reunion of Brandon and Jamie, following the event in the first episode which put so many things in motion. All in all a nice consolidation episode.
298
@Marc Miner
good point about the callbacks to the fisrt episode. They even used the same music.
19
@Marc Miner. Great observations. Don't forget that Jon is a true Stark on his mother's side.
21
@Marc Miner
I was hoping to see Arya in a helmet
6
It was a great season opener; setting the stage for the battles to come yet leaving a lot of room for GOT surprises.
I could have done without the precious Disney-like dragon rides of Dany and Jon Snow.
I also hope we see more of Yara; she's too great a character to be absent for weeks. Still, I can't wait to see next week's episode.
23
Not a good episode, which is particularly discouraging given the gradual decline in quality the last three seasons and the fact they only have 5 episodes left to tie this thing up. Hope they can right the ship.
12
This episode scored a 6.5 out of 10 on the GOT meter. It was necessary, in that it set the ground work for all that will come in the next five shows. But, overall it was at best okay and at worst boring. Looking forward to the rest with the reunions now out of the way!
9
I want a whole episode of "Bran's Booth of Truth". He sets it up in the courtyard like Lucy in Peanuts and just reveals secrets all day. Also, Drogon is a total creep.
And I know this is not the most important storyline, but I must have resolution to Brienne's love life. Her fabulous face made an appearance for all of 2 seconds. Hoping it will be front and center next week.
239
@annabelle Make that "(He's not) Bran's Booth of Truth" :)
6
@annabelle Drogon is a total creep? Not getting that. He's a dragon. He mostly just does dragon things.
7
@David Ho hahaha...I know. Bran's so weird. Maybe he can change it to "The Three Eyed Raven is" then have a little sign that says either "in" or "out".
I joke about it, but I'm hoping it's not too late to improve this storyline. The concept of the Three Eyed Raven is difficult to grasp. I understand why the remaining Starks are confused by/dismissive of it. He's creepy now which is understandable -- being omniscient is kind of a full time, important job. Of course it would be fun, as a viewer, if he spent part of every show revealing everyone's motivations and inner secrets but it would make me happier if he were embraced as the Three Eyed Raven and was openly using his abilities to help them win the war. He mostly lurks around and it seems like Sansa is still, "oh, Bran's the Three Eyed Raven now (whatever that is)..."
4
My head was spinning from the opening sequence thrill ride and kept spinning for the next 60 mins
What an episode..well done to the writers, actors, director and crew.
72
This was a perfect re-introduction to the events of the series. Keep in mind that the show has been absent for over a year, and there’s gonna be a lot going down in these next 5 episodes. Many people that are thinking that this episode was “slow” or “uneventful” are right, but it’s for good reason. Many relationships and connections between the characters have to be set in order to progress with the possibly catastrophic events these characters will have on each other. It would have been impromptu for the show to cut right to the action before Jon and Arya see each other, or for Daenery’s arrival at Winterfell and the feelings of hostility that arise from it. Just as they have to get settled in to their new environments, as an audience we do too.
79
Episode 1 Season 8 was perfect set up to Epic battle ever recorded in Episode 3. If you been reading the previews. First two installments will be hour in length with the battle over an hour plus. In the final scene tonight, Bran starring at Jaime knowing it was he who threw him off the tower was worth episode 1 alone. Great ending. Stay tuned.
63
I. do. not. get. it. When this show first started, I heard so much about it that I caved and watched the first episode. Well, I tried to, didn't get very far after all the blood and gore out in the snow in the first few scenes. Tonight, after all the sturm und drang going around about the 8th season, I tried once again. Watched the entire first episode. All the way through. Considered watching episode two. For about a nanosecond. Decided taking out the garbage would be more entertaining. End of story.
7
It’s overhyped. It’s like trump winning 2016. If you talk, relay and again talk and relay the worst will be best.
5
The blood and gore of S1E1 is fairly tame compared to what came after. It sounds like GOT is not your thing. Fair enough. They’re probably discussing something you like over there *points*. Don’t let us detain you.
48
@Galway i'm sorry but no one really cares whether you like it or not. I, for of many, LOVE it.
56
That dragon joyride was perhaps the least GOT thing imaginable. It was like a segue into Aladdin. All that was missing was them both singing A Whole New World.
338
@Xoxarle Aladdin (which I've not seen), but a lot like Superman.
1
@Peter
Made me think of Avatar movie
8
I’m expecting a dragon ride at Disney next year!
9
My money is on the Night King to win it all. He kills everybody off and then takes his own life, freeing the writers and everyone else from having to write any sequels.
24
@larry Bennett But what about the prequels?
4
@Larry Bennett I sense that somebody from the upper AT&T-WarnerMedia management will in return kill the Night King for that, afterwards.
3
The horses and dragons are circling getting ready for the big battle to come - replete with the usual 24 sub-plots. The dysfunctional denizens of Westeros are back in action. Great! I could have used another half-hour or so.
41
I'm quite happy that they stuffed most of the reunions and the reminders of what happened leading up to tonight's episode into 54 minutes.
One wonders whether Jon's realization that Dany is his aunt will happen on-screen, and when (if) he's planning on telling her the news.
At least in tonight's episode, it seems that the women of the show––Sansa, Arya, Dany, Lady Mormont, Yara, even Cersei––are pragmatic and in the know in a way that most of the male characters aren't at the moment.
82
@mc There's a big difference between pragmatic and manipulative and ruthless.
6
Are you implying the female leads are manipulative and ruthless, and in turn, implying the male leads are clueless and ineffectual?
2
@mc
I completely agree about the women in the show.
And what’s the big deal about Dany and Jon being aunt and nephew? Victoria and Albert were first cousins and their descendants continued to intermarry. I’m sure that some members of European royal families are their own aunts (and cousins and grandparents, etc.). What’s a little consanguinity between lovers?
3
Absolutely worth the wait. Let's get them to Winterfell and then let's work our way to the end. Five more to go.
27
The clock is winding down and time is precious, so I could have done without the five minutes remake of Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder going off on a romantic flight.
207
This episode was so dark I could barely see anything - it was practically a radio show! Still, I’m glad it’s back.
107
This episode was such a let down after last season's build up to the cliff hanger (literally).
All exposition with very little real action. A set up for the next Act. I'm thinking this season is in three acts with about 2..3 episodes per Act so naturally the first episode of the last season is all talk / no action.
Still, all-in-all I am looking forward to the proceedings going forward for sure but this episode was a dud (hate to say it).
12
@Jon
Glad I wasn't the only one. And it certainly didn't help that I was watching the East Coast feed while it was still very light outside in CA. I may need to get black out curtains for the remaining episodes!
1
@EMH, I sometimes have that trouble, but did not for this episode. Check your set settings! OR, get a new one for E2! :)