GAME OF THRONES: S8E2
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”
Starring: Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, Alfie Allen, John Bradley, Joe Dempsie, Gemma Whelan, Gwendoline Christie, Rory McCann, Kristofer Hivju, Ben Crompton
Writer: David Benioff, George R.R. Martin
Director: David Nutter
Studio: HBO
Last week, we focused on the reunions of a lot of characters. There were certainly more reunions in the second episode of the final season of Game of Thrones, but for the most part, I felt this episode focused on a different theme: Changes. Or, as Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) so aptly puts it: “The perils of self-betterment.” Here are some of my favorite moments in which we got to see just how far these characters have come.
Sansa Stark
When we first met Sansa (Sophie Turner), I could not stand her as a character. She was spoiled, she was a princess, and she had her heart set on Joffrey … *gag* (see what I did there?). Since then, poor Sansa has been through A LOT. She is a true survivor. You never want to see anyone endure what she has endured, and yet, she has taken those experiences and has become a stronger person for it.
Now, she is asking all the right questions. She is concerned with the practicalities. How will people be fed during this war? Most importantly, what happens to my family after the war is done? She asks Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) this latter question as Daenny thinks they’re bonding and basically leaves Daenny speechless.
One of my absolute favorite moments was her reunion with Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen). Theon shows up to Winterfell to pledge his services in defending it. Sansa can barely contain herself. They had been through so much together with Ramsay Bolton, and seeing them throw all formalities aside and hug each other was almost tear-inducing.
Jaime Lannister
Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) has been one of the most interesting characters to me for a while, and the more his story progresses, the more I’ve come to love this character. His story arc is arguably the most redemptive; he has gone from defiling his sister and defenestrating children to a humiliated yet humble knight trying to do the right thing for once in his life. Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) more or less forgives Jaime for his actions; if Jaime hadn’t pushed him, Bran would not have become the Three-Eyed Raven.
During a heart-to-heart around a fire, Tyrion remarks how the last time Jaime came to Winterfell, he came as a golden lion. Now, he is far less the warrior but much more the man.
During his reunion with Brienne (Gwendoline Christie), she is almost angry that he’s not saying anything insulting to her. By the end of the episode, Jaime more than makes up for the hard times he put Brienne through.
Jaime’s a beautiful, poetic story arc that has me so afraid that Jaime is about to die.
Jon Snow & Co.
Oh, how Jon (Kit Harington) has changed since the last episode now that he knows that he’s been banging his aunt. Oh yeah, and he knows he’s the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. Those kind of things get in the way of a relationship.
In addition to this, a great moment has the Night’s Watch Bros getting back together. Their numbers are greatly reduced, but Sam (John Bradley), Eddison (Ben Crompton), and Jon are back to their old ways giving each other crap while seeing to each others’ safety. Sam, to his credit, shuts down Jon Snow’s suggestion that he go down to protect Gilly (Hannah Murray) and their son. Sam is quick to remind them that he was the one who figured out how to kill the White Walkers. Speak of a character who has come a long way!
Tyrion and the Campfire Gang
Ok, so it wasn’t exactly a campfire, but that’s easier to say than “Around the Hearth” Gang. Regardless, this was a scene that will stick with viewers long after the series is over.
Jaime and Tyrion are having a heart-to-heart the night before the anticipated war. Jaime asks Tyrion why he’s not surrounded by whores like he was the last time they were in Winterfell. Tyrion says that would be too easy.
Others start to gather around the fire. Davos (Liam Cunningham), Brienne, Tormund (Kristofer Hivju), and Pod (Daniel Portman) are all there, leading Tyrion to comment they had all, at one time, fought against the Starks. Now, here they all are defending Winterfell. No one really expects to survive.
As the drinks flow, Tormund informs us he got so big by drinking titty milk from a female giant. TMI, Tormund. TMI.
Arya and Gendry
I said I’d like to see them together last week. Little did I know. Yep, that happened.
Arya lost her v-card, and the internet reacted by Googling Maisie Williams’s age.
While it seems like not a whole lot happened, there was a lot of character development and Dickenson-esque story arcs weaving together that created an episode full of heart and mirth, which is good, because … so many people are going to die next week. Rumor has it that the Battle for Winterfell is going to be bigger than the Siege of Helm’s Deep.
So what was your favorite moment? Did I leave it out? Who’s going to die next week? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
S8E2: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
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