The finale of Game of Thrones has been a long time coming. This season has received mixed reactions at best. (But as I’ve stated throughout many avenues on the Laracuente Ledger Network.) Watching the entire series a second time through provided a more cohesive perspective. And the finale “The Iron Throne” was no different. So we will look at three takeaways from the final episode of Game of Thrones. And of course, spoiler warnings if you have not watched the finale.
Short-Lived Reign
The Mad Queen Daenerys of House Targaryen found herself “Queen of the ashes.” Something she claimed she did not want to be during the battle planning. But when “The Bells” rung that’s exactly what became of King’s Landing when Daenerys struck. Dany would give a tyrannical type speech to her army of Unsullied and Dothraki Blood Riders. And following a conversation with Tyrion and as the ashes fell, Dany would see her throne and be approached by Jon Snow. This conversation would lead to Daenerys asking Jon to help her conquer the world. From Winterfell to Dorne, anyone that would not bend the knee would suffer a Lord Varys type fate.
Jon Snow, being the morally conscious man that he has tried to be, struggled with Dany’s request. A request that goes against Jon’s moral compass. This leaving Jon with only one option. And as Jon stabbed the Mad Queen in the heart it was symbolic of the moment Jon was stabbed. Both Jon and Daenerys were stabbed by someone they trusted. (For Jon it was Ollie of the Nights Watch.) Thus ending the short-lived reign of the Mad Queen. And on a brief side note, the portion of the scene between Drogon and Dany was really worth heartfelt. As the child (Drogon) saw his mother (Daenerys) dead and tried to nudge her awake. Before burning down the evil entity that was the true cause of her death, the Iron Throne.
Bran the Broken
For years, fans have speculated, wondered, and downright asked what Bran’s purpose was on Game of Thrones. We have watched countless hours of Bran being dragged, pulled, pushed, and carried all over the seven kingdoms and beyond the wall. And all with seemingly no real purpose. Bran every disappeared for a season becoming the Three-Eyed Raven. And still, Bran felt pointless. Now we know why ”Bran came all this way.” as Bran is how the new King of the six kingdoms of Westeros. (The North seceded under Sansa.) Bran makes a logical choice for King, despite Tyrion’s claim that Bran has the best story.
Bran makes for a good choice as the ruler because he fits that criteria that would have made Jon Snow and his father, Ned Stark a good ruler before him. And that simple fact is because he doesn’t want to rule. The power corrupted less moral individuals. But Bran has repeatedly said that he wants nothing. And it’s because he doesn’t want the power that he has the proper disposition to rule.
Starks Finally Happy
For the eight seasons of Game of Thrones, we have witnessed the Starks challenges. But by the closing moments of the series finale Sansa was Queen of the (newly liberated) North. Jon Snow, who we still consider a Stark, is heading back to Castle Black as a member of the Night’s Watch. Allowing him to rejoin the real northmen (aka the Wildlings) beyond the Wall. We’d also get the moment the internet was waiting for when Jon would finally pet Ghost. And we’d also see the journey of Arya take her to a destination unknown. Arya will now explore what is West of Westeros.
There was never going to be an ending that would please everyone. But as a fan that was able to see many character arcs closed out. As well as many notes of foreshadowing given a decisive ending, I am satisfied with the series finale of Game of Thrones.
