Over the course of eight seasons, we have witnessed a war brewing. The battle of the Living versus the Dead culminated in season eight episode three entitled ”The Long Night.” And in this piece, we will go over three key takeaways from the episode.

SPOILER WARNING

If you have not yet seen the most recent episode of Game of Thrones. Then bookmark this article until you have finished watching it as there will be spoilers ahead.

Takeaway #1: New Dawn Arises

The battle of the living versus the dead left fans of Game of Thrones riding an emotional wave of ups and down. But the most significant surges of emotions was the final moments of the battle when Arya Stark killed the Night King. For years fans have speculated who could be ”the prince or the princess would bring the dawn” of the prophecy of Azor Ahai. Many fans believed it to be Jon Snow or possibly even Daenerys Targaryen that would conquer the Night King. Instead, it was the girl, Arya Stark, a princess of Winterfell.

There was a lot of foreshadowing leading into and within the episode itself. When Arya found herself amongst a hoard of White Walkers in the library, she would have to navigate her way to the other side quietly. We would also have a subtle call back to a brief training exchange with ”Sir” Brienne of Tarth with how Arya would stab the Night King. There are a ton of theories online and different videos about the symbolism with Arya’s rise to Night King Slayer.

This week the host of the Laracuente Ledger Network YouTube channel show, the Basement with Zach and I will be getting together to record our thoughts on the first half on the final season of Game of Thrones. So stay tuned to our social media outlets for more information.

Takeaway # 2: Who’s Left to Battle Cersi

This takeaway has two folds to it. First, who is left of the primary and secondary characters? Now, most of our beloved characters have survived. We have lost Theon Greyjoy, Jorah Mormont, Eddie Tollet of the Night’s Watch, Beric Dondarrion, and Melisandre. The loss in the battle that hit me the hardest I will say was little Lyanna Mormont. But she being one if the smallest in the war went out fighting and taking down the biggest creature in the battle. R.I.P Lyanna Mormont.

The second part of the takeaway question is about the forces that will march South to take on Cersi. We have seen the Dothraki forces basically wiped out. We have no idea how many Unsullied have survived. How many of the members of each family capable of fighting are left to battle against Cersi? This is a question that we now have to ponder as the show heads towards its inevitable conclusion.

Takeaway #3: A Divided Front

From the moment the Dothraki’s flaming swords were extinguished. It was clear that there were two-sided battling the army of the dead. The tension between Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen over who will sit on the Iron Throne (that they don’t have by the way) was apparent. They were able to combine their efforts because they understood that neither of them could survive without the other at this moment.

Then down in the crypts (where everyone was supposed to be safe), Sansa Stark would make jokes with Tyrion about the Dragon Queen. This would lead Missandi to become upset. Again, just another example of how divided the North is over Mad King Targaryen’s daughter. And that the fact that she’s looking to take control of the Seven Kingdoms, including reclaiming the North.

Extra Notes on “The Long Night”

This episode of Game of Thrones was the longest ever in terms of time. And it also contained the longest cinematic battle in history. And war/battle productions don’t appeal to everyone. Some may be turned off by the lack of hustle by the White Walkers in the library. Even though every zombie show makes it clear that disruptive sounds make them engage. And when it’s quiet, they meander about in a purposeless state of motion.

Because if we take anything too literally in cinema, we lose the ability to enjoy the product as a whole. Sometimes we just need to separate ourselves from reality (or the source material) to fully enjoy the experience as we’re meant to enjoy it. There are some many questions left unanswered, with so little time to find their conclusions. As this series winds to a close, we have to embrace every moment and savor it. Because we may not experience another show that captivates the entire world as Game of Thrones has now.

Once again, this week the host of the Laracuente Ledger Network YouTube channel show, the Basement with Zach and I will be getting together to record our thoughts on the first half on the final season of Game of Thrones. So stay tuned to our social media outlets for more information.