This series has always been known to dish out profoundly gut-wrenching scenes, and this finale was just another example. If Season 5 hasn't been a bloodbath for you yet, there's more blood spillt in this episode than probably in the last nine combined. Jam-packed full of story lines, this is one the fans will never forget - for many reasons.
Starting from the beginning, this looked to be an epic tale through death and destruction. The Baratheon line is quickly being eradicated with the death of Shireen last week, and now both her parents. Selyse' suicide comes as slightly a surprise, but we could not blame her for that remorse she showed after witnessing the burning of her daughter. Of King Stannis though, his death is unclear as of yet. Brienne, unfortunately missed Sansa's sign at the window, but it seems in the end, got her revenge for the one King she could be loyal to, Renly Baratheon.
The only slight criticism I have for the finale is the rushed feeling of Stannis's death and Sansa' escape, which is no denying exciting for both Sansa and Theon. Myranda was the next to die as she took a tumble from the battlements. It's just a shame it wasn't Ramsey. Otherwise, this cliffhanger (literally) seems quite adequate, but will be agonising for those of us begging for Season 6.
In Braavos, we got mixed emotions. Firstly, we got to see Arya in full "badass" mode, turning Meryn Trant into a sniveling boy, before killing him permanently. But, we knew Arya's success must come at a price and she is forcefully blinded by Jaqen H'ghar in the midst of his trickery as a Faceless Man. Funny that she lost her sight, and the first weakness that she went for of Ser Meryn was his eyes.
Dorne went from diplomatic calm-ville to a surprising twist, which was all orchestrated by the deceptive Ellaria Sand. Owing to her failure earlier on in the season, she played the long game and allowed Myrcella to die in the end, just like many of the Dornish people with some exotic poison no doubt. Heaven knows, I thought the scene between Jaime and his daughter was quite beautiful until all hell broke loose. But that's Game of Thrones for you.
Talk about filling the time, we also had Tyrion, Daario and Jorah discussing what to do next following Daenerys' flight. I think it's a great decision to leave Tyrion in charge of Meereen and I'm intrigued to see how he does it. Equally, Daenerys' cliffhanger was tantalising as she's regrettably reunited with the khalasar under a new Khal. I wonder if they recognise her as the late Drogo's wife?
The best performance of the night, and probably the best scene of the episode was Cersei's atonement. Despite having a body double for the long shots, Lena Headey's performance is utterly stupendous as the walk of shame came about. Some might point out the unnecessary length of the scene, but I believe it showed the true nature of Cersei's character - one who has sinned pretty much all her life and now she is reduced to tears. There's no doubt she's want revenge, but for a few moments, the viewers won't be able to help feeling sorry for that torture. Also, Gregor Clegane has had a transformation at last, thanks to the ever loyal Qyburn.
Finally, we come to the Wall as developments happen in quick succession and mutiny unfolds. Sam decides to go to Oldtown with Gilly and the baby, a storyline that we will probably be following closely in Season 6 and Davos heard the terrible news from Stannis' field. But most significant of all, and probably something that will be discussed and scrutinised for the next ten months, was Jon's saddening death as his Night's Watchmen stab him to his death, not to mention Olly's betrayal. His only hope now is a miracle (which may not be surprising in GoT), but until an alternative appears, we can be sure that he's well and truly dead.
An episode that leaves a desolation in its wake, not to mention many teary eyes from the viewers as we say goodbye to a number of characters in one go. Those who are obsessed with the show will probably have no hope of surviving the gap between finale and premiere of the next season, but we'll certainly try. Following a stunning performance, that left me speechless for a while, I can honestly I'm very satisfied with how the season came about. Congratulations to D&D for their adaption - it's a winner!
9.6/10
Starting from the beginning, this looked to be an epic tale through death and destruction. The Baratheon line is quickly being eradicated with the death of Shireen last week, and now both her parents. Selyse' suicide comes as slightly a surprise, but we could not blame her for that remorse she showed after witnessing the burning of her daughter. Of King Stannis though, his death is unclear as of yet. Brienne, unfortunately missed Sansa's sign at the window, but it seems in the end, got her revenge for the one King she could be loyal to, Renly Baratheon.
The only slight criticism I have for the finale is the rushed feeling of Stannis's death and Sansa' escape, which is no denying exciting for both Sansa and Theon. Myranda was the next to die as she took a tumble from the battlements. It's just a shame it wasn't Ramsey. Otherwise, this cliffhanger (literally) seems quite adequate, but will be agonising for those of us begging for Season 6.
In Braavos, we got mixed emotions. Firstly, we got to see Arya in full "badass" mode, turning Meryn Trant into a sniveling boy, before killing him permanently. But, we knew Arya's success must come at a price and she is forcefully blinded by Jaqen H'ghar in the midst of his trickery as a Faceless Man. Funny that she lost her sight, and the first weakness that she went for of Ser Meryn was his eyes.
Dorne went from diplomatic calm-ville to a surprising twist, which was all orchestrated by the deceptive Ellaria Sand. Owing to her failure earlier on in the season, she played the long game and allowed Myrcella to die in the end, just like many of the Dornish people with some exotic poison no doubt. Heaven knows, I thought the scene between Jaime and his daughter was quite beautiful until all hell broke loose. But that's Game of Thrones for you.
Talk about filling the time, we also had Tyrion, Daario and Jorah discussing what to do next following Daenerys' flight. I think it's a great decision to leave Tyrion in charge of Meereen and I'm intrigued to see how he does it. Equally, Daenerys' cliffhanger was tantalising as she's regrettably reunited with the khalasar under a new Khal. I wonder if they recognise her as the late Drogo's wife?
The best performance of the night, and probably the best scene of the episode was Cersei's atonement. Despite having a body double for the long shots, Lena Headey's performance is utterly stupendous as the walk of shame came about. Some might point out the unnecessary length of the scene, but I believe it showed the true nature of Cersei's character - one who has sinned pretty much all her life and now she is reduced to tears. There's no doubt she's want revenge, but for a few moments, the viewers won't be able to help feeling sorry for that torture. Also, Gregor Clegane has had a transformation at last, thanks to the ever loyal Qyburn.
Finally, we come to the Wall as developments happen in quick succession and mutiny unfolds. Sam decides to go to Oldtown with Gilly and the baby, a storyline that we will probably be following closely in Season 6 and Davos heard the terrible news from Stannis' field. But most significant of all, and probably something that will be discussed and scrutinised for the next ten months, was Jon's saddening death as his Night's Watchmen stab him to his death, not to mention Olly's betrayal. His only hope now is a miracle (which may not be surprising in GoT), but until an alternative appears, we can be sure that he's well and truly dead.
An episode that leaves a desolation in its wake, not to mention many teary eyes from the viewers as we say goodbye to a number of characters in one go. Those who are obsessed with the show will probably have no hope of surviving the gap between finale and premiere of the next season, but we'll certainly try. Following a stunning performance, that left me speechless for a while, I can honestly I'm very satisfied with how the season came about. Congratulations to D&D for their adaption - it's a winner!
9.6/10