Let's Talk Discuss: The Game Changing 'Game of Thrones' Finale

HBO

In the words of Jesse Katsopolis: “Have mercy,” or at least a little. “Game of Thrones” went full-blown “valar morghulis” in its fifth season finale, so it might be a shorter list to detail who survived the closing hour instead of naming those who perished. Out of the six deaths, four were not exactly heartbreakers.

The second fatality, in particular, experienced an all too merciful end (if it was indeed their end), given their reign of terror. In the Game of Thrones, justice should be closer to what it should be. The last death of the episode proved to be the most shocking and controversial, simply because it does not seem plausible.

Despite the series’ penchant for jaw-dropping deaths and its infamous “no one is safe” mentality, it’s next to impossible to believe the show is parting with Jon Snow. The lack of follow-up adds to the doubt he’s actually gone.

Panning away from a dying individual as their eyes glaze over; isn’t wholly indicative of their death. It feels like a giant cliffhanger, similar to how we left Theon and Sansa.

That is not to say GOT hadn’t gone for the jugular before and brought clarity to deaths that in the books were left open to a bit of interpretation (i.e., Ned Stark). As fans debate whether the death will remain permanent, only time will tell.

The show has a lot to lose either way. If the deceased rise again, they will have returned to their “anything goes” sense of danger. While if Snow remains among the departed, a lot of seeds previously sown for something seemingly epic to occur down the line will have amounted to nothing. It’s a double-edged sword.

Not so grey was the punishment heaped upon Cersei, easily one of the series’ top villains. After suffering stark imprisonment, she was ready to make a deal with the High Sparrow. Never one to break completely, she remained steadfast in her denials of her more major sins, and despite confessing to the lighter charges, she was given a harsh punishment.

Sentenced to walk completely naked from her prison to the castle at King’s Landing, her disposition began with her chin raised high, only to see her spirit diminish with every painstaking step.

If there was one point to take away from it all, vengeance is hardly ever as fulfilling as one might imagine. It felt excessively hollow after hoping to see the wicked Lannister get her comeuppance for everything she’s caused throughout the seasons when Shelly got it.

There was no victory to be had in her suffering. Actress Lena Heady’s performance was her best to date, as she gently let the mask of the ever-confident and constantly composed former queen slip to reveal something entirely shocking about Cersei Lannister, she’s still human.

Side Notes / Burning Questions: Is Jon Snow really dead? What will become of Sansa and Theon? Will Davos ever learn the truth about Shireen? Never underestimate the blood thirst of Olly. Are Sam, Gilly, and Baby Sam the first-ever recipients of a happy ending, or is it too good to be true? The only thing better than Tyrion taking a leadership position in Meereen was his reunion with pal Varys.

How awkward will Jorah and Daario’s search for Dany get next season? At least they know they have something in common. They can talk about…or not. Hell hath no fury, so what will Cersei plan to get even with her punishers? In light of the season finale, one thing is certain; “Thrones” has left fans with much to ponder over the next year.

[Featured Image by HBO]

Comments