by Ben Miller
Boy howdy, that was an episode. Regardless of your thoughts on the final season, we can probably all agree that the penultimate episode, “The Bells,” was the MOST episode Game of Thrones has had in a long while, if not ever. Before we get to the big developments in the back half, let's focus on some of the other quieter scenes that really popped...
Varys knows who Jon Snow really is, but he keeps insisting he doesn’t want the throne. He finds his way into Danerys’ chambers and tells her as much, but you can finally see the cracks starting to form not only their relationship, but in Dany’s state of mind. I have not been very high on Emila Clarke’s performance in the past, but her fireside chat gave her quite the showcase and she sold the fractured psyche that the Mother of Dragons is currently residing.
Meanwhile, Tyrion snitched on Varys, leading to his immolation (RIP Master of Whispers), which led to Grey Worm and Tyrion discussing battle plans with Daenerys. At this point, she's emerging as the dark dragon she was always destined to be. Someone on Twitter pointed out that she has always had these overly violent tendencies, but has been persuaded in a gentler direction by her advisors. Since her advisors are dead or doubting her, she wants to burn down the city without caring about the women and children inside its walls. Tyrion makes a desperate plea for the safety of the people, while Grey Worm coldly awaits his orders. Seemingly getting his way, he leaves, but not before Dany reveals she captured Jaime trying to get back to King’s Landing.
Now, we arrive at what might be my favorite scene of the whole series. Tyrion convinces some guards to let him see Jaime, as we assume he will be letting him go free. It seems to the most recent in a long line of terrible decisions, but Tyrion provides some context, purporting the safety of the people if Jaime appeals to Cersei’s humanity and prevents an unnecessary battle. Not only is his logic sound and selfless, it leads to a wonderfully humane moment between brothers and sells the familial bond between Peter Dinklage and Nicolai Coster-Waldau.
And then the siege of King’s Landing. Apparently, Daenerys and Jon have learned from their strategic mistakes and use Drogon to full affect, decimating every scorpion on the walls and destroying the Iron Fleet and the Golden Company for good measure. Once the front gate is burned down, the Lannister army realizes they are beaten, Drogon takes a break, and the bells of surrender ring out. All seems well, until Dany goes full Dark Mother of Dragons and heads towards the Cersei, burning everything in her path. Despite all the chaos, the benefit of daylight does wonders for understanding of the scene, as well as giving director Miguel Sapochnik and cinematographer Fabian Wagner a chance to show off.
A few thing happen when Dany starts burning everything down. First, Arya actually listens to reason after The Hound tells her to leave and stay alive. Next, the remaining members of the Dany brain trust realize she has gone full Mad Queen. I have never been a big fan of Kit Harrington’s characterization of Jon Snow, but he wordlessly acts his ass off during the beginning moments of Dany’s burning revenge. The overarching theme for Jon has been the words from Ygritte: “You know nothing, Jon Snow!” Well, now Jon knows something, but we have to wait one more episode for him to do something about it.
Finally, as Cersei attempts to find some safety, we arrive at the long-anticipated Cleganebowl. The Hound goes burned face to bloated zombie face with his brother The Mountain and nothing will stand in their way. The Hound quickly dispatches a half-dozen guards, while The Mountain crushes Qyburn’s head down the stairs (RIP Qyburn, you creepy, creepy man). Blows exchange between the brothers, as the action cuts between The Hound getting pounded, and Arya trying to make it out of King’s Landing alive. It looks like we are about to have another Red Viper vs. The Mountain head crushing until The Hound puts a dagger through his brother’s eye. Welp, apparently that didn’t work either, so he spear tackles him through the wall and they both plummet to their deaths. RIP to The Mountain and The Hound -- the Cleganebowl was well worth the wait.
Cersei finally reunites with Jaime (following his dispatching of Westeros’ favorite John Varvatos-wearing pirate Euron) as the Red Keep falls around them. They end up deep in the bowels with their escape blocked, and we get Lena Headey’s Emmy speech. For the first time in the entire series, we actually feel some sympathy towards Cersei as she fears for her life. Jaime reassures her that their presence together is all that matters and they stand together before being crushed by falling debris. RIP to Jamie and Cersei.
This all culminates with a ton of collateral damage, Arya with a possible new name for her list, Jon ready to be the ruler he should have been, Tyrion trying to figure out where it all went wrong, and Dany sitting as the queen of ashes.
The more I think about the episode, the more I like it. It was technically a marvel and I can imagine a complete bitch to film. The sheer volume of what happened is staggering. We lost the main characters of Varys, Euron, Qyburn, The Hound, The Mountain, Jaime and Cersei, plus untold thousands of Golden Company, Iron Fleet, Lannister soldiers and innocent civilians. I can’t imagine a world where Jon and Daenerys both survive next week, but the death toll has certainly picked up.
Whew, I'm glad for the break (aren't you?) because that one was a lot to digest and decompress from. It will all come to a boiling head next week. Thank you for joining us for this final brief season. Eric and I will be here next week to help you finish off the series in style.