Game of Thrones Review: The Winds of Winter (Season 6 Episode 10)

There’s a new King in the North – and a new Queen in Westeros. And, at long last, a Game of Thrones endgame in sight.

We never thought we’d see the day.

In an episode that has something for everyone, especially those thirsty for revenge, Game of Thrones weaves the storylines together in a masterful tapestry of death, vengeance, rebirth and  a healthy dose of “I told you so.”

Especially the last one.

For years, book and TV readers alike have speculated about Jon Snow’s true parentage, and in “The Winds of Winter,” Game of Thrones seems to finally answer the long awaited question.

Yes, Jon is a Stark, but he’s not Ned Stark’s son. Only his nephew.

We and Bran find out at the same time what we’ve suspected for years – Ned found his sister Lyanna bleeding to death in the Tower of Joy because, yes, she’d just given birth to a son from Rhaegar Targaryen.

Jon.

The true heir to the Iron Throne.

Before that, though, there’s his aunt, Daenerys Targaryen, who now rides to Westeros with an army, three dragons and the Hand of the Queen, Tyrion Lannister. This, potentially, bodes well for the Stark’s chances of getting an in with the Mother of Dragons, but not for the new Queen of Westeros.

Cersei Lannister.

Did anyone see that one coming?

The wildfire we saw coming, yes. Margaery and Loras deaths? We figured, though we would have liked it if it was just the High Sparrow.

Septa Unella’s torture, that we also saw coming. Even Tommen’s death was easy to foresee.

Cersei ending up in the Iron Throne, however, was not.

Neither was Arya carving Black Walder and Lothar, cooking a meat pie with them, and then serving it to Walder Frey.

Though, I will admit that’s almost as good as serving it to the Bolton’s.

Great Shakespeare reference, Game of Thrones. Points to you.

Arya using her faceless men abilities to finally extract revenge for the Red Wedding, however? That we saw coming.

In a way, even Jon’s coronation as King in the North was expected. Game of Thrones has played with our hearts for five years, but even a show like this has to deliver some payoff from time to time.

The time is now. Winter has come at last. The many mysteries of Game of Thrones are being revealed.

And the great war is coming. Not the one for Daenery’s throne, no. I anticipate that will be a swift one.

I mean the one in the North. The one against the White Walkers. The one that will require all the remaining Starks, Targaryens and even Lannisters to unite.

Are you excited? I’m excited.

Only about 10 months to go. Can I get chamomile tea or something?

Other thoughts:

• Some people can teleport and others just can’t. Jaime went from Riverrun to The Twins and then to King’s Landing in like three episodes, but Brienne can’t get from Riverrun to the North in time for the battle. Not to mention Varys going from Mereen to Dorne in like, the blink of an eye. And Littlefinger, always showing up where we least want him.
• If I could only explain how many times I yelled “DON’T TRUST LITTLEFINGER” at the screen.
• The music during that trail sequence was creepy as hell.
• Honestly, one of my biggest concerns during that whole thing was if the wildfire was going to kill everyone BEFORE Loras got that thing carved on his forehead.
• Also, children, Cersei? Children? Do they teach that in super-villain school or what?
• Oh, Margery Tyrell – I shall miss you. You were always too smart for King’s Landing.
• Tommen, on the same vein, was always too kind and sweet the survive the game.
• Were you thinking about Brienne or Cersei when you talked about those girls not being your type, Jaime? Inquiring minds want to know.
• Lyanna Mormont is the hero we deserve. Never come back, Jorah. House Mormont is better without you.
• Was I the only who legit teared up when the Northern Lords declared Jon King in the North? Robb would have been so proud. He really would have.
• Every second Kit Harington and Sophie Turner have shared together on-screen this year has been filled with the kind of quiet affection that only comes from liking each other in real like AND understanding your characters very well. Romance is easier to play, sometimes. And yet the bond these two share is not apparent even when they’re not speaking.
• Jaime looked anything but pleased to see Cersei in the Iron Throne. Valonqar anyone? (Cersei’s prophecy, in the books, states that she’d be killed by her valonqar, which is High Valyrian for “little brother”)

What did you think of this episode of Game of Thrones? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Game of Thrones airs Sundays at 9/8c on HBO.

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