Game of Thrones season eight episode one doled out the reunions with many characters seeing each other for the first time in years. With the number of locations featured in the show dwindled as it gears up for its climax, the HBO series is busy putting the players in place for what will be television’s biggest
Game of Thrones season eight episode one doled out the reunions with many characters seeing each other for the first time in years.
With the number of locations featured in the show dwindled as it gears up for its climax, the HBO series is busy putting the players in place for what will be television’s biggest battle.
Many of episode one’s highlights came via scenes that saw characters come face-to-face with people that previously shaped their time on the show and it made viewers extremely nostalgic.
Below are the five biggest character reunions featured in the season eight premiere.
Jon Snow and Arya/Bran Stark
Last seen: Season one, episode two – ”The Kingsroad”
Jon Snow (Kit Harington) has quite a crowd waiting for him when he returns to Winterfell, this time with Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) in tow, and it marks the first time he’s seen Arya (Maisie Williams) and Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) since season one. His encounter with Bran is quite obviously stunted considering Bran is now the Three-Eyed Raven, but his reunion with Arya – a moment fans have been waiting a long time for – didn’t disappoint. Upon showing him she’s still got her trusty weapon Needle, Jon asks her if she’s ever had to use it. “Once or twice,” Arya says.
1/70 70. Rickon Stark
Easily the most annoying Stark child − an impressive feat next to Bran − Rickon was at least handed one hell of a death scene: taken out by an arrow courtesy of Ramsay Bolton.
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2/70 69. Robin Arryn
Robin Arryn is remembered by most Thrones fans as being the 10-year-old breastfed by his mother (still weird). That’s about it.
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3/70 68. Renly Baratheon
The Rickon of the Baratheon brothers. His claim to the Iron Throne was tenuous, considering his older brother, Stannis, was still alive. When Stannis’s shadow monster came to kill him, it was only good news for the show.
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4/70 67. Leaf
A lot of mystery may surround Leaf, one of the show’s mythical Children of the Forest, but her noble sacrifice to save Bran, Meera and Hodor from a horde of wights robbed her of any worth.
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5/70 66. Tommen Baratheon
Another boring younger brother. Whereas Joffrey was pure evil, Tommen was innocent and, inevitably, very boring. His cat, Ser Pounce, was an asset to the show.
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6/70 65. Lysa Arryn
Lysa, the creepy sister to Catelyn Stark, was first seen with Robin Arryn, her 10-year-old son, latched to her breast. Her death − being pushed through the Moon Door − couldn’t have come sooner.
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7/70 64. Benjen Stark
Having gone missing in season one, Benjen returned during season six to save his nephew, Bran. The moment was a surprise to TV watchers − book readers, however, had long speculated that Coldhands was an undead version of the Stark.
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8/70 63. Syrio Forel
The ill-fated Syrio’s appearance way back in season one was a formative experience for one Arya Stark (Maisie Williams); he’s the one who helped her on her way to becoming the vengeful assassin fans know and love today.
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9/70 62. Jeor Mormont
Father of Jorah Mormont, Jeor was an honourable leader of the Night’s Watch − perhaps to a fault. After giving Jon Snow the sword Longclaw, Mormont inadvertently showed the Stark bastard that Valerian steel can cut through White Walkers.
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10/70 61. Roose Bolton
Let’s be honest: it’s hard to really like as scheming a character as Roose Bolton, the man who orchestrated the violent Red Wedding − the most infamous scene in the show’s six-year history that saw the death of Robb, Catelyn and Talisa.
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11/70 60. Ellaria Sand
Ellaria Sand may have been a more enticing creation on the page, but in the series, her screen time regrettably amounts to reacting to loved ones being killed off in increasingly awful ways.
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12/70 59. Grand Maester Pycell
The secretly sprightly Pycell had seen a lot of things in his time, but there’s an element of “unfulfilled potential” surrounding Glover’s character whose late betrayal of Cersei Lannister saw a grisly end to his life of luxury at King’s Landing.
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13/70 58. Three-Eyed Raven
Perhaps it was the casting of Max von Sydow that heightened anticipation for the Three-Eyed Raven in the series, but the half-hearted story arc left a lot to be desired.
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14/70 57. Gilly
Gilly’s long journey from Craster’s Keep to Winterfell sounds exciting on paper. But, unfortunately, she has been merely a passenger on Sam’s journey for far too long.
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15/70 56. Daario Naharis
The man who won the heart of Daenerys Targaryen, only to be left behind in Essos. Ed Skrein originally played the character, but was soon replaced after the actor landed a role in Deadpool.
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16/70 55. Shae
Oh Shea. Her ill-fated betrayal − sleeping with Tywin (Charles Dance) − was a slap in the face not just for lover Tyrion, but the viewer also.
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17/70 54. Grey Worm
Leader of the Usullied, Grey Worm remains unmoved at all times − unless around Missandei. While their romance can be heartwarming, it’s hard to invest in two characters who are so wooden.
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18/70 53. Talisa Maegyr
To be fair to Robb Stark’s wife Talisa, should she have avoided being murdered in arguably the most horrific way during the Red Wedding, she would most likely have been higher on this list. Alas.
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19/70 52. Shireen Baratheon
All the Greyscale-suffering Shireen ever wanted to do was read stories in her chamber, but due to her impressionable power-hungry father, Stannis, she was tragically reduced to ashes after being sacrificed to the Lord of Light.
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20/70 51. Viserys Targaryen
Viserys wanted the Iron Throne at any cost, giving away his own sister in exchange for an army. Dany, though, had other plans. Her new husband, Khal Drogo, covering Viserys in molten gold made for one of the show’s most memorable death scenes.
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21/70 50. Maester Luwin
The kindly Maester Luwin was one of the nicest characters in the first few seasons, becoming a stand-in father for Bran and Rickon while the Starks endured horrors elsewhere. He was eventually killed when Ramsay Bolton took over Winterfell.
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22/70 49. Thoros of Myr
Thoros spent the majority of his time on the show resurrecting Beric and was most recently seen wielding his flaming sword alongside Jon Snow beyond the wall.
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23/70 48. Mance Rayder
Ciaran Hinds brought an intensity to Mance Rayder, a character who would otherwise have got lost in the crowd. As a result, his death at the hands of Melisandre was unexpectedly affecting.
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24/70 47. Podrick Payne
Ever loyal, Podrick Payne has become a fan favourite for being surprisingly brave in the face of adversity. He and Brienne of Tarth make an excellent duo.
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25/70 46. Euron Greyjoy
While Euron Greyjoy may have only joined the show in season six, his presence was immediately felt. A wildcard character, Greyjoy’s cut-throat, power-hungry nature has proven exciting to watch.
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26/70 45. Jaqen H’ghar
Jaqen H’ghar − one of the Faceless Men of Braavos − had such promise, but ultimately ended up being the one responsible for sapping Arya’s story of the energy she’d had seasons before, alongside The Hound (Rory McCann).
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27/70 34. Missandei
Missandei has somehow managed to come up trumps within the new world order, being an advisor to Dany. However, her stilted nature can make for some awkward encounters − but at least she and Grey Worm are happy together.
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28/70 43. Ygritte
Ygritte − the Wildling lover of Jon Snow − will go down in Thrones lore for providing the series the with oft-quoted famous line: “You know nothing, Jon Snow.” Spoken with a northern accent, obviously.
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29/70 42. Hot Pie
Has an actor ever been more suited to a role? Ben Hawkey, after all, has gone on to run a bakery of his own, even selling Thrones-themed goods.
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30/70 41. Walder Frey
One of the orchestrators of the Red Wedding, Walder Frey was a lurching, terrifying villain. When Arya unmasks herself and kills the old man, it’s a sweet, sweet moment of revenge.
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31/70 40. Bran Stark
It says a lot that Bran Stark has become marginally more interesting since he sacrificed his personality in favour of becoming the spiritualistic heart of the series. His role in the final season looks set to be a huge one what with the long-standing theory that he could become the fearsome Night King.
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32/70 39. Gendry
The true heir to the Iron Throne. Gendry may have spent a few seasons rowing out at sea, but his return hints at big things to come for the Baratheon bastard.
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33/70 38. Yara Greyjoy
Lily Allen was initially wanted for the role of Theon’s sister. However, she declined: ‘I felt uncomfortable because I would have had to go on a horse and he would have touched me up and s***.’ Seeing as Allen’s brother, Alfie, had already been cast as Theon, it was probably for the best.
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34/70 37. Robert Baratheon
Mark Addy brought a certain gravitas to Robert Baratheon, making him a believably world-weary king. Despite only having a few scenes, his character’s presence is still felt on the show thanks to Gendry.
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35/70 36. Barristan Selmy
After being fired by the Lannisters, Selmy pledged allegiance to Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), bridging the gap between two of the show’s key characters. He was also a bloody good warrior.
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36/70 35. Margaery Tyrell
Margaery Tyrell was one of Game of Thrones’s biggest players, wheedling her way into the Lannister family politics and actually becoming Queen for a spell. Her number was up the moment she made an enemy of Cersei, and her fiery death, while underwhelming, was a huge moment.
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37/70 34. Osha
The underused Osha was our very first wildling, an unpredictable knife-wielding danger to the characters we loved. Her subsequent evolution into Stark servant was interestingly played, which made the fact she was sidelined for multiple seasons, before being brought back just to be unceremoniously offed, a travesty.
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38/70 33. Samwell Tarly
There’s a theory going around that Samwell Tarly, who trains as a maester, is actually the author of the Song of Ice and Fire − AKA the book series. In other words, Sam is George RR Martin. Go figure.
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39/70 32. The Mountain
The hulking Clegane brother known as The Mountain − now a zombie-esque servant to Cersei − may not have come face-to-face with lots of characters in the series, but his presence is known by all in Westeros. His biggest moment? Battering poor Oberyn’s head into mush.
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40/70 31. Ramsay Bolton
Ramsey cut off Theon’s penis and sent it to the Greyjoy’s father. He imprisoned and raped Sansa Stark. He killed Rickon Stark in front of his brother. And Ramsay eventually died by being fed to his own dogs. A terrifying death for a terrible human.
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41/70 30. Night King
The embodiment of evil. Why, exactly, the Night King marches South to destroy mankind remains somewhat a mystery. But, whatever the reason, he’s a terrifying foe. Winter has, as the Starks say, finally come.
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42/70 29. Beric Dondarrion
Beric danced on the outskirts of the series until its third season when he surfaced as the leader of the Brotherhood Without Banners. His introduction paved the way for the Lord of Light’s ability to resurrect the dead, a mystical sub-plot that would become very important for Jon Snow.
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43/70 28. Theon Greyjoy
While Theon starts as a cocky kid, after being neutered by Ramsay he becomes the annoyingly weak Reek. Thankfully, Theon comes back around again in the later seasons, but not without us still hating his guts for not saving Sansa sooner.
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44/70 27. Khal Drogo
To the world he’s now Aquaman, but for a brief time, Jason Momoa was Khal Drogo, the beloved Dothraki husband of his Khaleesi, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke).
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45/70 26. The High Sparrow
While at first a seemingly wise old man, the High Sparrow quickly becomes a tactical villain, using his newfound powers under King Tommen to turn King’s Landing into his own domain.
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46/70 25. Jon Snow
Every show needs a hero, and they do not come more obvious than Jon Snow. Rising from discarded bastard to King of the North, his climb has been one of the show’s best storylines. A shame, then, that Snow can be such a bland person, doing only what is right and seemingly having no faults.
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47/70 24. Stannis Baratheon
With his propensity to make tough decisions for the greater good, Stannis could have been a heroic warrior. However, the Baratheon brother’s continual fall from grace − including sacrificing his own daughter and murdering his own brother − were horrendous decisions that eventually doomed him.
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48/70 23. Hodor
Once you get over the fact that Kristian Nairn was essentially getting paid to repeat the word “Hodor” over and over, it’s hard to deny that Bran Stark’s protector was a heartwarming addition to the show. His death − the breathtaking “Hold the Door” sequence − will go down as one of the show’s most memorable moments.
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49/70 22. Melisandre
Lest we forget that Melisandre is actually a shrivelled old witch who has been manipulating men for hundreds of years. Her faith in the Lord of Light, though, could very well be misplaced.
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50/70 21. Tywin Lannister
Stannis was a horrible father. His two favourite children became incestuous lovers, and he blamed his youngest for the death of his wife. Without Tywin, though, the Lannister family would not be nearly as riveting as they are to watch.
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51/70 20. Arya Stark
Arya Stark, arguably the greatest character of the first few seasons, was one of the biggest victims of the series overtaking George RR Martin’s source material. Her limited screen time, due to being away from the central action, robbed us of classic moments, of which we’re sure she’ll be at the heart in the eighth and final season.
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52/70 19. Tormund Giantsbane
Tormund has some of the best lines in the series, particularly when expressing his admiration for Brienne. Here’s one of the least explicit: “I want to make babies with her. Think of it. Great big monsters. They’ll conquer the world!”
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53/70 18. Oberyn
Few shows can bring in characters midway through their run that have such an impact as Oberyn. The Viper quickly became a fan favourite, and his death remains one of the show’s most squirm-inducing moments.
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54/70 17. Olenna Tyrell
Olenna’s scenes were always ones to cherish. The Queen of Thorns was as cunning as the best of them and seemed like she could worm her way out of any situation, all from the comfort of her own chair.
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55/70 16. Jorah Mormont
Poor Ser Jorah. Dany may be 25 years younger than him, but that never stopped the disgraced warrior from loving her. He even fought off Grey Scale to fight by her side. If that’s not true love, then what is?
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56/70 15. Davos Seaworth
Liam Cunningham’s performance as the curt Davos Seaworth has quietly been one of the best things about the series since his introduction. As Jon Snow’s kingly advisor, he’s recently seen himself thrust into the heart of the series and, simply put, Game of Thrones would be a less enjoyable show without him.
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57/70 14. Eddard “Ned” Stark
Killing off a main character during a show’s first season was practically unheard of before Game of Thrones. Yet, as dictated by George RR Martin’s books, they cut off Sean Bean’s head without a second thought, setting the tone for everything to come. No death has impacted the Thrones quite as much since.
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58/70 13. Daenerys Targaryen
“Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons.” Every time Dany meets someone new, she forces Missandei to read out her entire CV. I guess everyone would if theirs was as impressive. Dany really has had a great journey to the top − a shame she could not have come to Westeros slightly earlier.
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59/70 12. Varys
Early on in the series, it was hard to pin down Varys, a slippery eel of a character who has “little birds” fluttering around Westeros, feeding back crucial information. Going into the final season, his true intentions are clear: he’s all for Daenerys taking the Iron Throne, even if he doesn’t live to see the day (“I have to die in this strange country, just like you,” Melisandre prophesied last season).
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60/70 11. Bronn
Perhaps the show’s best wise-cracking side-kick, Bronn only has one loyalty: money. Paired with either of the Lannister lads, Tyrion or Jaime, Bronn makes for excellent company.
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61/70 10. Robb Stark
Before Bodyguard, Richard Madden was the extremely temporary king of Westeros. Robb was a man of honour, trying to bring light to the Thrones universe. He was a likeable presence who ruled with his heart, an act that ultimately saw him die during the infamous Red Wedding in season three.
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62/70 9. Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish
There would be no Game of Thrones without Littlefinger. The silver-tongued manipulator had Jon Arryn killed, setting off a snowball that turned into an avalanche. As smart as he may have been, Littlefinger was finally outplayed by his own pupil, Sansa Stark.
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63/70 8. Brienne of Tarth
Brienne is a reassuring force of good in a world filled with scheming layabouts. She’s also one of the most deadly. Her time on the series has been spent protecting the likes of Renly Baratheon, Catelyn Stark and Jaime Lannister, the latter of which made for an interesting turn as it put her at odds with her loyalty.
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64/70 7. Sansa Stark
Sansa has perhaps had the most interesting story arc of any character on Thrones. Beginning as a clichéd annoying teenager, she gradually became a stone-cold killer, capable of holding Winterfell and outsmarting even Littlefinger. With any luck, she could sit upon the Iron Throne when the war is over.
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65/70 6. Sandor “The Hound” Clegane
From his regular delivery of the phrase”F** the king” to that chicken scene, The Hound is a reckless creation whose high ranking on this list can be attributed to the searing performance from Rory McCann. Most effective when paired with Arya Stark.
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66/70 5. Joffrey Baratheon
No character has been as hated by the fandom as Joffrey. His wicked ways and disgusting behaviour haunted the show’s first four seasons. You never knew what was going to come next: whether he was about to behead your favourite character or start crying to his mother. It made for thrilling television. But, as The Hound says, “F**k the King”.
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67/70 4. Catelyn Stark
The lady of Winterfell, Catelyn Stark, became the show’s honorary lead after the untimely beheading of her husband, Ned (Sean Bean) at the end of season one. As she tried to take control of spiralling events in the second and third run, Thrones was handed its most resilient character. Michelle Fairley’s guttural cry of anguish before meeting her tragic end during the Red Wedding will always be the show’s most horrific moment.
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68/70 3. Jaime Lannister
If the characters above Jaime in this list are the show’s greatest characters, Jaime is the show’s most disarming. The Lannister brother − the Kingslayer − started the series as a long-haired bad guy of the tallest order, but his humbling over the past few seasons have seen him inch his way into the hearts of viewers.
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69/70 2. Tyrion Lannister
Blamed for the death of his mother and hated for being a dwarf, Tyrion turned to drink and prostitutes to numb the pain. However, Tyrion has a fierce intellect, capable of outsmarting the toughest enemies (and offering cutting lines that George RR Martin says often take weeks to write). More importantly, despite being betrayed and cast away time and time again, Tyrion selflessly only wants the best for the people of Westeros. A true hero.
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70/70 1. Cersei Lannister
The Mad Queen, alone on the Iron Throne. Cersei has, over the course of seven seasons, seen her three children die, driven her lover/brother away, blown up a church with a half dozen major characters inside, arranged the death of her husband (King Robert) and attempted to have her other brother (Tyrion) killed multiple times. Yet, thanks to Lena Headey’s empathetic performance, you still feel sorry for the terrifying Queen of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. As one of the most complicated character to have ever reached television screens, there’s no denying her place as the best Thrones character to date.
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1/70 70. Rickon Stark
Easily the most annoying Stark child − an impressive feat next to Bran − Rickon was at least handed one hell of a death scene: taken out by an arrow courtesy of Ramsay Bolton.
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2/70 69. Robin Arryn
Robin Arryn is remembered by most Thrones fans as being the 10-year-old breastfed by his mother (still weird). That’s about it.
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3/70 68. Renly Baratheon
The Rickon of the Baratheon brothers. His claim to the Iron Throne was tenuous, considering his older brother, Stannis, was still alive. When Stannis’s shadow monster came to kill him, it was only good news for the show.
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4/70 67. Leaf
A lot of mystery may surround Leaf, one of the show’s mythical Children of the Forest, but her noble sacrifice to save Bran, Meera and Hodor from a horde of wights robbed her of any worth.
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5/70 66. Tommen Baratheon
Another boring younger brother. Whereas Joffrey was pure evil, Tommen was innocent and, inevitably, very boring. His cat, Ser Pounce, was an asset to the show.
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6/70 65. Lysa Arryn
Lysa, the creepy sister to Catelyn Stark, was first seen with Robin Arryn, her 10-year-old son, latched to her breast. Her death − being pushed through the Moon Door − couldn’t have come sooner.
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7/70 64. Benjen Stark
Having gone missing in season one, Benjen returned during season six to save his nephew, Bran. The moment was a surprise to TV watchers − book readers, however, had long speculated that Coldhands was an undead version of the Stark.
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8/70 63. Syrio Forel
The ill-fated Syrio’s appearance way back in season one was a formative experience for one Arya Stark (Maisie Williams); he’s the one who helped her on her way to becoming the vengeful assassin fans know and love today.
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9/70 62. Jeor Mormont
Father of Jorah Mormont, Jeor was an honourable leader of the Night’s Watch − perhaps to a fault. After giving Jon Snow the sword Longclaw, Mormont inadvertently showed the Stark bastard that Valerian steel can cut through White Walkers.
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10/70 61. Roose Bolton
Let’s be honest: it’s hard to really like as scheming a character as Roose Bolton, the man who orchestrated the violent Red Wedding − the most infamous scene in the show’s six-year history that saw the death of Robb, Catelyn and Talisa.
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11/70 60. Ellaria Sand
Ellaria Sand may have been a more enticing creation on the page, but in the series, her screen time regrettably amounts to reacting to loved ones being killed off in increasingly awful ways.
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12/70 59. Grand Maester Pycell
The secretly sprightly Pycell had seen a lot of things in his time, but there’s an element of “unfulfilled potential” surrounding Glover’s character whose late betrayal of Cersei Lannister saw a grisly end to his life of luxury at King’s Landing.
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13/70 58. Three-Eyed Raven
Perhaps it was the casting of Max von Sydow that heightened anticipation for the Three-Eyed Raven in the series, but the half-hearted story arc left a lot to be desired.
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14/70 57. Gilly
Gilly’s long journey from Craster’s Keep to Winterfell sounds exciting on paper. But, unfortunately, she has been merely a passenger on Sam’s journey for far too long.
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15/70 56. Daario Naharis
The man who won the heart of Daenerys Targaryen, only to be left behind in Essos. Ed Skrein originally played the character, but was soon replaced after the actor landed a role in Deadpool.
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16/70 55. Shae
Oh Shea. Her ill-fated betrayal − sleeping with Tywin (Charles Dance) − was a slap in the face not just for lover Tyrion, but the viewer also.
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17/70 54. Grey Worm
Leader of the Usullied, Grey Worm remains unmoved at all times − unless around Missandei. While their romance can be heartwarming, it’s hard to invest in two characters who are so wooden.
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18/70 53. Talisa Maegyr
To be fair to Robb Stark’s wife Talisa, should she have avoided being murdered in arguably the most horrific way during the Red Wedding, she would most likely have been higher on this list. Alas.
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19/70 52. Shireen Baratheon
All the Greyscale-suffering Shireen ever wanted to do was read stories in her chamber, but due to her impressionable power-hungry father, Stannis, she was tragically reduced to ashes after being sacrificed to the Lord of Light.
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20/70 51. Viserys Targaryen
Viserys wanted the Iron Throne at any cost, giving away his own sister in exchange for an army. Dany, though, had other plans. Her new husband, Khal Drogo, covering Viserys in molten gold made for one of the show’s most memorable death scenes.
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21/70 50. Maester Luwin
The kindly Maester Luwin was one of the nicest characters in the first few seasons, becoming a stand-in father for Bran and Rickon while the Starks endured horrors elsewhere. He was eventually killed when Ramsay Bolton took over Winterfell.
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22/70 49. Thoros of Myr
Thoros spent the majority of his time on the show resurrecting Beric and was most recently seen wielding his flaming sword alongside Jon Snow beyond the wall.
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23/70 48. Mance Rayder
Ciaran Hinds brought an intensity to Mance Rayder, a character who would otherwise have got lost in the crowd. As a result, his death at the hands of Melisandre was unexpectedly affecting.
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24/70 47. Podrick Payne
Ever loyal, Podrick Payne has become a fan favourite for being surprisingly brave in the face of adversity. He and Brienne of Tarth make an excellent duo.
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25/70 46. Euron Greyjoy
While Euron Greyjoy may have only joined the show in season six, his presence was immediately felt. A wildcard character, Greyjoy’s cut-throat, power-hungry nature has proven exciting to watch.
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26/70 45. Jaqen H’ghar
Jaqen H’ghar − one of the Faceless Men of Braavos − had such promise, but ultimately ended up being the one responsible for sapping Arya’s story of the energy she’d had seasons before, alongside The Hound (Rory McCann).
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27/70 34. Missandei
Missandei has somehow managed to come up trumps within the new world order, being an advisor to Dany. However, her stilted nature can make for some awkward encounters − but at least she and Grey Worm are happy together.
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28/70 43. Ygritte
Ygritte − the Wildling lover of Jon Snow − will go down in Thrones lore for providing the series the with oft-quoted famous line: “You know nothing, Jon Snow.” Spoken with a northern accent, obviously.
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29/70 42. Hot Pie
Has an actor ever been more suited to a role? Ben Hawkey, after all, has gone on to run a bakery of his own, even selling Thrones-themed goods.
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30/70 41. Walder Frey
One of the orchestrators of the Red Wedding, Walder Frey was a lurching, terrifying villain. When Arya unmasks herself and kills the old man, it’s a sweet, sweet moment of revenge.
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31/70 40. Bran Stark
It says a lot that Bran Stark has become marginally more interesting since he sacrificed his personality in favour of becoming the spiritualistic heart of the series. His role in the final season looks set to be a huge one what with the long-standing theory that he could become the fearsome Night King.
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32/70 39. Gendry
The true heir to the Iron Throne. Gendry may have spent a few seasons rowing out at sea, but his return hints at big things to come for the Baratheon bastard.
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33/70 38. Yara Greyjoy
Lily Allen was initially wanted for the role of Theon’s sister. However, she declined: ‘I felt uncomfortable because I would have had to go on a horse and he would have touched me up and s***.’ Seeing as Allen’s brother, Alfie, had already been cast as Theon, it was probably for the best.
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34/70 37. Robert Baratheon
Mark Addy brought a certain gravitas to Robert Baratheon, making him a believably world-weary king. Despite only having a few scenes, his character’s presence is still felt on the show thanks to Gendry.
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35/70 36. Barristan Selmy
After being fired by the Lannisters, Selmy pledged allegiance to Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), bridging the gap between two of the show’s key characters. He was also a bloody good warrior.
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36/70 35. Margaery Tyrell
Margaery Tyrell was one of Game of Thrones’s biggest players, wheedling her way into the Lannister family politics and actually becoming Queen for a spell. Her number was up the moment she made an enemy of Cersei, and her fiery death, while underwhelming, was a huge moment.
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37/70 34. Osha
The underused Osha was our very first wildling, an unpredictable knife-wielding danger to the characters we loved. Her subsequent evolution into Stark servant was interestingly played, which made the fact she was sidelined for multiple seasons, before being brought back just to be unceremoniously offed, a travesty.
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38/70 33. Samwell Tarly
There’s a theory going around that Samwell Tarly, who trains as a maester, is actually the author of the Song of Ice and Fire − AKA the book series. In other words, Sam is George RR Martin. Go figure.
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39/70 32. The Mountain
The hulking Clegane brother known as The Mountain − now a zombie-esque servant to Cersei − may not have come face-to-face with lots of characters in the series, but his presence is known by all in Westeros. His biggest moment? Battering poor Oberyn’s head into mush.
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40/70 31. Ramsay Bolton
Ramsey cut off Theon’s penis and sent it to the Greyjoy’s father. He imprisoned and raped Sansa Stark. He killed Rickon Stark in front of his brother. And Ramsay eventually died by being fed to his own dogs. A terrifying death for a terrible human.
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41/70 30. Night King
The embodiment of evil. Why, exactly, the Night King marches South to destroy mankind remains somewhat a mystery. But, whatever the reason, he’s a terrifying foe. Winter has, as the Starks say, finally come.
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42/70 29. Beric Dondarrion
Beric danced on the outskirts of the series until its third season when he surfaced as the leader of the Brotherhood Without Banners. His introduction paved the way for the Lord of Light’s ability to resurrect the dead, a mystical sub-plot that would become very important for Jon Snow.
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43/70 28. Theon Greyjoy
While Theon starts as a cocky kid, after being neutered by Ramsay he becomes the annoyingly weak Reek. Thankfully, Theon comes back around again in the later seasons, but not without us still hating his guts for not saving Sansa sooner.
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44/70 27. Khal Drogo
To the world he’s now Aquaman, but for a brief time, Jason Momoa was Khal Drogo, the beloved Dothraki husband of his Khaleesi, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke).
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45/70 26. The High Sparrow
While at first a seemingly wise old man, the High Sparrow quickly becomes a tactical villain, using his newfound powers under King Tommen to turn King’s Landing into his own domain.
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46/70 25. Jon Snow
Every show needs a hero, and they do not come more obvious than Jon Snow. Rising from discarded bastard to King of the North, his climb has been one of the show’s best storylines. A shame, then, that Snow can be such a bland person, doing only what is right and seemingly having no faults.
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47/70 24. Stannis Baratheon
With his propensity to make tough decisions for the greater good, Stannis could have been a heroic warrior. However, the Baratheon brother’s continual fall from grace − including sacrificing his own daughter and murdering his own brother − were horrendous decisions that eventually doomed him.
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48/70 23. Hodor
Once you get over the fact that Kristian Nairn was essentially getting paid to repeat the word “Hodor” over and over, it’s hard to deny that Bran Stark’s protector was a heartwarming addition to the show. His death − the breathtaking “Hold the Door” sequence − will go down as one of the show’s most memorable moments.
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49/70 22. Melisandre
Lest we forget that Melisandre is actually a shrivelled old witch who has been manipulating men for hundreds of years. Her faith in the Lord of Light, though, could very well be misplaced.
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50/70 21. Tywin Lannister
Stannis was a horrible father. His two favourite children became incestuous lovers, and he blamed his youngest for the death of his wife. Without Tywin, though, the Lannister family would not be nearly as riveting as they are to watch.
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51/70 20. Arya Stark
Arya Stark, arguably the greatest character of the first few seasons, was one of the biggest victims of the series overtaking George RR Martin’s source material. Her limited screen time, due to being away from the central action, robbed us of classic moments, of which we’re sure she’ll be at the heart in the eighth and final season.
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52/70 19. Tormund Giantsbane
Tormund has some of the best lines in the series, particularly when expressing his admiration for Brienne. Here’s one of the least explicit: “I want to make babies with her. Think of it. Great big monsters. They’ll conquer the world!”
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53/70 18. Oberyn
Few shows can bring in characters midway through their run that have such an impact as Oberyn. The Viper quickly became a fan favourite, and his death remains one of the show’s most squirm-inducing moments.
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54/70 17. Olenna Tyrell
Olenna’s scenes were always ones to cherish. The Queen of Thorns was as cunning as the best of them and seemed like she could worm her way out of any situation, all from the comfort of her own chair.
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55/70 16. Jorah Mormont
Poor Ser Jorah. Dany may be 25 years younger than him, but that never stopped the disgraced warrior from loving her. He even fought off Grey Scale to fight by her side. If that’s not true love, then what is?
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56/70 15. Davos Seaworth
Liam Cunningham’s performance as the curt Davos Seaworth has quietly been one of the best things about the series since his introduction. As Jon Snow’s kingly advisor, he’s recently seen himself thrust into the heart of the series and, simply put, Game of Thrones would be a less enjoyable show without him.
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57/70 14. Eddard “Ned” Stark
Killing off a main character during a show’s first season was practically unheard of before Game of Thrones. Yet, as dictated by George RR Martin’s books, they cut off Sean Bean’s head without a second thought, setting the tone for everything to come. No death has impacted the Thrones quite as much since.
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58/70 13. Daenerys Targaryen
“Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen, First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons.” Every time Dany meets someone new, she forces Missandei to read out her entire CV. I guess everyone would if theirs was as impressive. Dany really has had a great journey to the top − a shame she could not have come to Westeros slightly earlier.
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59/70 12. Varys
Early on in the series, it was hard to pin down Varys, a slippery eel of a character who has “little birds” fluttering around Westeros, feeding back crucial information. Going into the final season, his true intentions are clear: he’s all for Daenerys taking the Iron Throne, even if he doesn’t live to see the day (“I have to die in this strange country, just like you,” Melisandre prophesied last season).
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60/70 11. Bronn
Perhaps the show’s best wise-cracking side-kick, Bronn only has one loyalty: money. Paired with either of the Lannister lads, Tyrion or Jaime, Bronn makes for excellent company.
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61/70 10. Robb Stark
Before Bodyguard, Richard Madden was the extremely temporary king of Westeros. Robb was a man of honour, trying to bring light to the Thrones universe. He was a likeable presence who ruled with his heart, an act that ultimately saw him die during the infamous Red Wedding in season three.
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62/70 9. Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish
There would be no Game of Thrones without Littlefinger. The silver-tongued manipulator had Jon Arryn killed, setting off a snowball that turned into an avalanche. As smart as he may have been, Littlefinger was finally outplayed by his own pupil, Sansa Stark.
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63/70 8. Brienne of Tarth
Brienne is a reassuring force of good in a world filled with scheming layabouts. She’s also one of the most deadly. Her time on the series has been spent protecting the likes of Renly Baratheon, Catelyn Stark and Jaime Lannister, the latter of which made for an interesting turn as it put her at odds with her loyalty.
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64/70 7. Sansa Stark
Sansa has perhaps had the most interesting story arc of any character on Thrones. Beginning as a clichéd annoying teenager, she gradually became a stone-cold killer, capable of holding Winterfell and outsmarting even Littlefinger. With any luck, she could sit upon the Iron Throne when the war is over.
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65/70 6. Sandor “The Hound” Clegane
From his regular delivery of the phrase”F** the king” to that chicken scene, The Hound is a reckless creation whose high ranking on this list can be attributed to the searing performance from Rory McCann. Most effective when paired with Arya Stark.
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66/70 5. Joffrey Baratheon
No character has been as hated by the fandom as Joffrey. His wicked ways and disgusting behaviour haunted the show’s first four seasons. You never knew what was going to come next: whether he was about to behead your favourite character or start crying to his mother. It made for thrilling television. But, as The Hound says, “F**k the King”.
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67/70 4. Catelyn Stark
The lady of Winterfell, Catelyn Stark, became the show’s honorary lead after the untimely beheading of her husband, Ned (Sean Bean) at the end of season one. As she tried to take control of spiralling events in the second and third run, Thrones was handed its most resilient character. Michelle Fairley’s guttural cry of anguish before meeting her tragic end during the Red Wedding will always be the show’s most horrific moment.
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68/70 3. Jaime Lannister
If the characters above Jaime in this list are the show’s greatest characters, Jaime is the show’s most disarming. The Lannister brother − the Kingslayer − started the series as a long-haired bad guy of the tallest order, but his humbling over the past few seasons have seen him inch his way into the hearts of viewers.
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69/70 2. Tyrion Lannister
Blamed for the death of his mother and hated for being a dwarf, Tyrion turned to drink and prostitutes to numb the pain. However, Tyrion has a fierce intellect, capable of outsmarting the toughest enemies (and offering cutting lines that George RR Martin says often take weeks to write). More importantly, despite being betrayed and cast away time and time again, Tyrion selflessly only wants the best for the people of Westeros. A true hero.
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70/70 1. Cersei Lannister
The Mad Queen, alone on the Iron Throne. Cersei has, over the course of seven seasons, seen her three children die, driven her lover/brother away, blown up a church with a half dozen major characters inside, arranged the death of her husband (King Robert) and attempted to have her other brother (Tyrion) killed multiple times. Yet, thanks to Lena Headey’s empathetic performance, you still feel sorry for the terrifying Queen of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. As one of the most complicated character to have ever reached television screens, there’s no denying her place as the best Thrones character to date.
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Arya Stark and Gendry
Last seen: Season three, episode seven – ”The Bear and the Maiden Fair”
Gendry (Joe Dempsie) is the character that helped Arya most following the death of her father and it’s astonishing to think the last time they saw one another was mere episodes before the infamous Red Wedding. The son of Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy), now hard at work in Winterfell crafting weapons ahead of the forthcoming battle with the Night King, sees Arya for the first time after he was kidnapped by Melisandre – and it seems their feelings for one another hasn’t changed a bit. “I always said you were just another rich girl,” Gendry tells her, referencing their last encounter when he tells “noblewoman” Arya their classes will always keep them apart.
Sansa Stark and Tyrion Lannister
Last seen: Season four, episode two – ”The Lion and the Rose”
Sansa (Sophie Turner) and Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) spent quite a large chunk of time with one another during the third season of the show after she finds herself betrothed to him at King’s Landing. Despite his status as a Lannister, she became quietly respectful of Tyrion after learning he’s a far cry from the likes of Cersei (Lena Headey) and Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) and the two form something of a bond until she flees after the former’s murdered at their wedding. Her escape throws suspicion onto Tyrion who spends a season evading death for his “crime” – and this moment is referenced in the season eight premiere as the two meet once again. It truly seems like an age ago.
Arya Stark and The Hound
Last seen: Season four, episode ten – “The Children”
1/13 Cersei Lannister
Current status: Alive, sitting on the Iron Throne, probably drinking wine and plotting revenge against the Starks as her newly bought Golden Army comes to Westeros.
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2/13 Tywin Lannister
Current status: Dead. Tywin’s own son, Tyrion, shot him with a crossbow while he was sat on the toilet.
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3/13 Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane
Current status: Undead. The Mountain was poisoned by Oberyn Martell, only to be brought back from the dead by Maester Qyburn. Now, he stands by Cersei’s side.
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4/13 Meryn Trant
Current status: Dead. After training as a Faceless person, Arya tracked down Meryn in Braavos. Arya lured him into a trap, stabbed him in the eyes and slit his throat.
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5/13 Melisandre
Current status: Alive (although very, very old). Jon Snow banned her from stepping foot in Westeros. However, Melisandre has already prophesied her own death will take place in Westeros. Perhaps at the hands of Arya.
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6/13 Beric Dondarrion
Current status: Alive and currently at The Wall, hiding from the Night King’s zombie dragon.
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7/13 Thoros of Myr
Current status: Dead. Thoros was one of Jon Snow’s troupe who headed north of The Wall to retrieve a Walker. The idea was to present the creature to Cersei. On that journey, Thoros was attacked by an undead bear and eventually froze to death.
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8/13 Walder Frey
Current status: Dead. When Arya got back to Westeros from Braavos, Walder was the first person she went after. Using her new Faceless skills, she infiltrated the Frey household and slit Walder’s throat. She then stole his face and poisoned the rest of the Frey family.
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9/13 Ilyn Payne
Current status: Alive. Ilyn has not appeared on the show since season two. One of the reasons for this could be because Johnson was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. The actor/musician has since made a recovery, and could be back for season eight.
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10/13 Rorge
Current status: Dead. Rorge attempted to ambush The Hound and Arya on their journey to Eyrie. What he did not count on was being bested by The Hound. Arya then quickly learns Rorge’s name, adds him to the list, and kills him.
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11/13 Joffrey Baratheon
Current status: Dead. Joffrey was poisoned at the Purple Wedding (when the King was to be married to Margaery Tyrell). Although Tyrion was initially blamed, Olenna Tyrell was the actual perpetrator.
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12/13 Polliver
Current status: Dead. While travelling with The Hound, Arya bumped into Polliver (still with Needle) at a tavern. Polliver then offered to exchange a chicken for sex with Arya. Funnily enough, that did not go down well, and The Hound soon did away with Polliver’s men, leaving the thief for Arya.
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13/13 Sandor “The Hound” Clegane
Current status: Alive. The Hound was on the verge of death when Brother Ray came and saved him. He then joined Jon Snow and is currently on his way to Winterfell – where Arya awaits.
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1/13 Cersei Lannister
Current status: Alive, sitting on the Iron Throne, probably drinking wine and plotting revenge against the Starks as her newly bought Golden Army comes to Westeros.
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2/13 Tywin Lannister
Current status: Dead. Tywin’s own son, Tyrion, shot him with a crossbow while he was sat on the toilet.
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3/13 Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane
Current status: Undead. The Mountain was poisoned by Oberyn Martell, only to be brought back from the dead by Maester Qyburn. Now, he stands by Cersei’s side.
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4/13 Meryn Trant
Current status: Dead. After training as a Faceless person, Arya tracked down Meryn in Braavos. Arya lured him into a trap, stabbed him in the eyes and slit his throat.
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5/13 Melisandre
Current status: Alive (although very, very old). Jon Snow banned her from stepping foot in Westeros. However, Melisandre has already prophesied her own death will take place in Westeros. Perhaps at the hands of Arya.
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6/13 Beric Dondarrion
Current status: Alive and currently at The Wall, hiding from the Night King’s zombie dragon.
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7/13 Thoros of Myr
Current status: Dead. Thoros was one of Jon Snow’s troupe who headed north of The Wall to retrieve a Walker. The idea was to present the creature to Cersei. On that journey, Thoros was attacked by an undead bear and eventually froze to death.
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8/13 Walder Frey
Current status: Dead. When Arya got back to Westeros from Braavos, Walder was the first person she went after. Using her new Faceless skills, she infiltrated the Frey household and slit Walder’s throat. She then stole his face and poisoned the rest of the Frey family.
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9/13 Ilyn Payne
Current status: Alive. Ilyn has not appeared on the show since season two. One of the reasons for this could be because Johnson was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. The actor/musician has since made a recovery, and could be back for season eight.
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10/13 Rorge
Current status: Dead. Rorge attempted to ambush The Hound and Arya on their journey to Eyrie. What he did not count on was being bested by The Hound. Arya then quickly learns Rorge’s name, adds him to the list, and kills him.
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11/13 Joffrey Baratheon
Current status: Dead. Joffrey was poisoned at the Purple Wedding (when the King was to be married to Margaery Tyrell). Although Tyrion was initially blamed, Olenna Tyrell was the actual perpetrator.
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12/13 Polliver
Current status: Dead. While travelling with The Hound, Arya bumped into Polliver (still with Needle) at a tavern. Polliver then offered to exchange a chicken for sex with Arya. Funnily enough, that did not go down well, and The Hound soon did away with Polliver’s men, leaving the thief for Arya.
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13/13 Sandor “The Hound” Clegane
Current status: Alive. The Hound was on the verge of death when Brother Ray came and saved him. He then joined Jon Snow and is currently on his way to Winterfell – where Arya awaits.
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Many of the highlights in the HBO show’s fourth season came courtesy of Arya and Sandor Clegane (Rory McCann), also known as The Hound. But their time together came to an end after the memorable duel between The Hound and Brienne of Tarth, which left the former looking worse for wear. Arya leaves him for dead, despite his pleas for her to kill him, and the pair come face to face in the season eight premiere for the first time since. “You’re a cold little bitch, aren’t you?” he says to her, adding: Guess that’s why you’re still alive.”
Jaime Lannister and Bran Stark
Last seen: Season one, episode one – ”Winter is Coming”
The closing moments of episode one brings things full circle for Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who returns to Winterfell for the first time since season one. He immediately spots Bran Stark, whom he pushed out of the window way back in episode one. No character has had a bigger evolution on the show than Jaime and this moment seems to hammer home that exact fact for him. As he looks at Bran, it’s easy to sense his regret over past actions. It looks like hes going to have a hard time convincing others of this going by the trailer for episode two.
The final season of Game of Thrones continues every Sunday.
You can find our extensive ranking of every episode – from the worst to best – below.
1/67 Season seven, episode five: Eastwatch
There has to be a loser. ‘Eastwatch’ throws away one of the most important pieces of information in the whole show, Jon’s true parentage, as well as lots of good reunions. It’s the clearest example of how rushed the show has become in recent years, as its unpredictability gives way to conventional plot.
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2/67 Season four, episode three: Breaker of Chains
Jaime appears to rape Cersei next to Joffrey’s corpse. The scene is confused, unpleasant and different from the books in confusing and unhelpful ways.
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3/67 Season five, episode six: Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken
The Sand Snakes are just unbearably naff and this is one of their worst.
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4/67 Season 4, episode 4: Oathkeeper
At Craster’s Keep, much rape and murder of children. Unpleasant.
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5/67 Season one, episode two: The Kingsroad
The opposite of the rushed plot of the later seasons, this is basically a leisurely chat up the M1.
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6/67 Season two, episode eight: Prince of Winterfell
There is some good stuff with Arya and Jaqen H’ghar, but it’s mainly placeholder as they set up the Battle of Blackwater.
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7/67 Season three, episode 10: Mysha
Jon Snow and Ygritte’s goodbye at the climax of season three ought to have been much sadder.
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8/67 Season five, episode two: The House of Black and White
Lots of setting up. Jaime and Bronn plan to go to Dorne, Arya arrives in Braavos.
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9/67 Season seven, episode six: Beyond the Wall
This ought to have been one of the great battles: ice zombies plus dragons plus Jon Snow’s expedition. It looked spectacular, but everyone worried about teleporting ravens and speed of sound dragons.
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10/67 Season six, episode eight: No One
Some absolutely horrible banter between Grey Worm and Missandei.
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11/67 Season two, episode seven: A Man Without Honour
Pyat Pree kills the 13 in Qarth. Tywin talks to Arya about legacy.
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12/67 Season six, episode one: The Red Woman
Melisandre is a very, very old woman.
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13/67 Season two, episode two: The Night Lands
Lots of Tyrion talking in King’s Landing but not much else.
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14/67 Season six, episode seven: The Broken Man
The Hound meets Ian McShane. That’s about it in an episode full of preparations.
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15/67 Season three, episode one: Valar Dohaeris
A classic season opener that flits from place to place.
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16/67 Season two, episode four: Garden of Bones
Lots of grimness. Rat and bucket torture at Harrenhal. Robb Stark meets Talisa. Joffrey is cruel to Ros and Daisy.
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17/67 Season five, episode one: The Wars to Come
Mance Rayder refuses to bend the knee, is burned at the stake by Stannis before Jon shoots him with an arrow. A pretty good death actually.
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18/67 Season five, episode five: Kill the Boy
Season five is perhaps the weakest, and this is one of the weakest episodes in it, despite some good Bolton action and the Stone Men’s fateful attack on Tyrion and Jorah Mormont as they sailed through Valyria.
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19/67 Season two, episode one: The North Remembers
In the season two opener we meet Stannis at Dragonstone, and then Joffrey orders a tremendous infanticide. It was vaguely controversial at the time. Feels like a lifetime ago. ‘Power is power,’ Cersei tells Littlefinger, which was good.
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20/67 Season six, episode three: Oathbreaker
Jon Snow coming back to life really shouldn’t have felt flat. Yet it did.
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21/67 Season one, episode three: Lord Snow
Understandable given that it had to build an entire medieval universe, but 12 major characters are introduced here. That’s too many major characters.
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22/67 Season six, epsidoe four: Book of the Stranger
Jon and Sansa reunite, which is cool, Daenerys burns some more enemies, which is hot, good High Sparrow monologue to Margaery.
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23/67 Season three, episode six: The Climb
Theme of climbing. Thormund makes his way up the Wall; Littlefinger gives his most famous monologue, as he explains to Varys that chaos is ‘a ladder’.
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24/67 Season five, episode two: Sons of the Harpy
Mid-season doldrums, particularly acute in five, as Jaime and Bronn arrive in Dorne.
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25/67 Season five, episode seven: The Gift
The same, basically, except for Tyrion meeting Daenerys. Everyone gives each other presents.
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26/67 Season three, episode two: Dark Wings, Dark Words
Sluggish early-season number, although we meet Olenna and Margaery shows how skilful she will be at manipulating court.
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27/67 Season one, episode eight: The Pointy End
Until the later series, eight episodes are a bit hamstrung by setting up denouements to follow. This is true in season one, as the machinery creaks to set up the beheading they didn’t think could happen.
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28/67 Season three, episode seven: The Bear and the Maiden Fair
Even re-looking at what happened in this episode I still can’t really remember it, except for the fight with the bear. Oh yes, Mackenzie Crook! Forgot he was in this programme.
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29/67 Season two, episode five: The Ghost of Harrenhal
Two good moments: Renly is killed by the shadow, and Arya meets Jaqen H’ghar.
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30/67 Season six, episode two: Home
The demise of top lad Roose Bolton, as well as Balon Greyjoy, both sent to their ends by their families. Melisandre finally works her anti-death magic on Jon Snow.
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31/67 Season four, episode five: First of His Name
One of the good things about season four was that it was the only moment where, even briefly, it looked as though a kind of temporary stability had been achieved. Tommen is king, Sansa has escaped King’s Landing, Jon Snow and co get revenge on the mutineers at Craster’s Keep.
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32/67 Season two, episode 10: Valar Morghulis
The White Walkers attacking the Night’s Watch at the Fist of the First Men is a good laugh, but other than that there is a lot to get through, after the events of Blackwater in the previous episode, and the season two finale anticipates some of the rushed feeling that will occur later on.
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33/67 Season one, episode seven: You Win or You Die
Our first real glimpse of what Cersei will become, as she outmanoeuvres Ned Stark after Robert Baratheon’s death in a hunting accident.
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34/67 Season seven, episode one: Dragonstone
A superb Arya moment, as she wipes out the rest of House Frey, but mainly this is set-up for a season that packs a lot in.
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35/67 Season one, episode four: Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things
Ned working as policeman in Kings Landing to find out what happened to Jon Arryn.
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36/67 Season five, episode nine: Dance of Dragons
One of the most upsetting deaths in Game of Thrones, as Stannis Baratheon burns his friendly daughter Shireen alive to appease Melisandre.
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37/67 Season seven, episode two: Stormborn
Theon jumping off the boat after Euron overruns the Greyjoy fleet. Nice reunion between Arya and Hot Pie. Tyrion talks Daenerys down from incinerating King’s Landing.
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38/67 Season six, episode six: Blood of My Blood
Midseasoner. Cersei sends Jaime to retake Riverrun, while Arya is finally trained as an assassin. Can’t really remember it, to be honest.
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39/67 Season one, episode five: The Wolf and the Lion
Jaime and Ned have a brawl in the streets of King’s Landing in an episode that focuses on skulduggery rather than magic. If you ask me skulduggery always trumps magic.
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40/67 Season three, episode three: Walk of Punishment
The first moment where a character’s trajectory was really reversed. We’d disliked Jaime since the start, but when his hand was chopped off he began to win us back. The Blackfish schooling Edmure at shooting fire arrows was another highlight.
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41/67 Season four, episode one: Two Swords
The opening of the fourth series introduced the charismatic, enigmatic Viper of Dorne, one of the few good things other than wine to come out of Dorne. Also notable for an excellent scene with Arya and the Hound clearing out an Inn.
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42/67 Season two, episode three: What is Dead May Never Die
Introduces Margaery Tyrell and Brienne of Tarth, two of the best characters, and also sees Theon decide to betray Robb Stark. What is family? Who can you trust?
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43/67 Season three, episode eight: Second Sons
Built around Sansa and Tyrion’s unwelcome wedding, while in the north there is a display of how important Sam will be as he draws on reserves of bravery to dragonglass a white walker.
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44/67 Season four, episode seven: Mockingbird
Littlefinger dumping Lysa out of the Eyrie is probably the most dramatic moment here, one of his decisive power-stealing moments as he saves Sansa.
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45/67 Season one, episode one: Winter Is Coming
Can you remember a time before Game of Thrones? Re-watch ‘Winter is Coming’, marvel at the baby Starks, think on how many characters have died, reflect on your own mortality. You are much, much older than when Game of Thrones began. Your life is running between your fingers.
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46/67 Season one, episode six: A Golden Crown
Another dramatic death which is hard to remember now, as the miserable Viserys was put out of his grump with molten gold.
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47/67 Season two, episode six: Old Gods and the New
Theon takes Winterfell. Theon, you utter bastard. I hope you are punished for this.
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48/67 Season five, episode three: High Sparrow
A key Littlefinger episode, as he continues to manipulate Sansa, while Jon Snow executes Janos and, in King’s Landing, Cersei’s machinations are matched by Margaery’s.
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49/67 Season four, episode two: The Lion and the Rose
Joffrey, scratching at his throat, going purple, dying. Top stuff.
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50/67 Season four, episode six: The Laws of Gods and Men
An excellent mid-season episode, built around Tyrion’s trial but with lots of other things to admire that hint at the underlying economies in the Game of Thrones universe. Drogon barbecues some livestock, while the Iron Bank of Braavos refuses to bail out Davos and Stannis.
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51/67 Season three, episode four: And Now His Watch Is Ended
The full depravity of Ramsay Bolton is laid bare as he taunts Theon with a fake escape, while Commander Mormont is murdered at Craster’s Keep. But really it’s all about Daenerys, as she and her pets flame Astapor to the ground.
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52/67 Season seven, episode seven: The Dragon and the Wolf
It turns out Jon Snow is actually the true heir to the Seven Kingdoms, the remaining Stark children finally team up to kill Littlefinger, admittedly in overwrought style, and the White Walkers use their new lizard hairdryer to destroy the wall. There is far too much going on, especially the odd scene where Jon shows Cersei the wight, but nevertheless it sends you reaching for the popcorn and cheering along, which is more or less where we are at with the whole series by now.
HBO
53/67 Season three, episode five: Kissed by Fire
Most notable for Ygritte and Jon’s much-parodied love grotto scene, but also for the Hound’s duel with Bendric Dondarrion, which revealed his terror of fire. Nursing his stump in the baths, Jaime tells Brienne the truth about his assassination of the Mad King. Mid-seasoner.
HBO
54/67 Season five, episode 10: Mother’s Mercy
The denouement of the fifth series is the most sympathetic we ever see Cersei, as she completes her walk of atonement through the streets of King’s Landing, her hair cut and her clothes stripped. Strategically, humiliating Cersei proves not to be the masterstroke the High Sparrow thought it would be.
HBO
55/67 Season seven, episode four: The Spoils of War
Spoils aplenty. Arya returns to Winterfell and sees Sansa, then fights a brief duel with Brienne that shows just how much she’s learnt. It’s nothing on one of the great shots of the whole series, however: Daenerys riding Drogon above a Dothraki horde in full charge before incinerating the Lannister lines.
HBO
56/67 Season one, episode 10: Fire and Blood
We were promised dragons, and here they are, mewing atop the naked Daenerys. And one thing we know about baby dragons is they must grow up. This is Game of Thrones’ version of Chekhov’s rule about guns. You’ll keep watching until they torch something.
HBO
57/67 Season five, episode eight: Hardhome
As the big battles go, the showdown between the Night’s Watch and wildlings and the wights at Hardhome doesn’t quite match some of the others, but it is still dead cool, especially when Jon realises his sword works against the snowmen. If that wasn’t enough, Sansa also learnt that her family might be alive.
HBO
58/67 Season four, episode nine: The Watchers on the Wall
The big set-piece between the Night’s Watch and the wildlings. Not quite up to Blackwater’s standards, despite its battle specialist Neil Marshall being summonsed back to direct.
HBO
59/67 Season seven, episode three: The Queen’s Justice
There is too much crammed into this episode, which could have been spread over several hours, but it’s wonderful stuff all the same. Jon meets Daenerys for the first time, Sam cures Jorah of greyscale, Cersei obliterates the Tyrells. Best of all is Diana Rigg, at a table in her tower, bowing out from what is perhaps Thrones’ best overall performance.
HBO
60/67 Season six, episode five: The Door
Poor old Hodor. The death nobody wanted, as a wonderful character, played so sympathetically by Kristian Nairn, is finally given his due.
HBO
61/67 Season four, episode eight: The Mountain and the Viper
Other things happen: Littlefinger takes over the Vale, and the Boltons move into Winterfell, but the episode is mainly memorable for the central duel, as Oberyn seeks justice from the man who murdered so many of his relatives, and for one image above all, of the Mountain’s armoured fingers crushing Oberyn’s skull like a grapefruit.
HBO
62/67 Season one, episode nine: Baelor
Poor old Ned Stark. The death they said could never happen! Clearly they had not watched enough Sean Bean films.
HBO
63/67 Season six, episode 10: The Winds of Winter
Winter has come. It opens with peak Cersei, as she eliminates all her remaining enemies in one enormous blaze. Arya kills Walder Frey. The Jon Theory is confirmed. Tommen walks out of the window.
HBO
64/67 Season three, episode nine: Rains of Castemere
The Lannisters send their regards. Some would have this number one, and one could easily make the case. The Red Wedding was the scene that broke Game of Thrones out of its fandom and into broader popular culture, the point where it was no longer avoidable. Fury, anguish, love, surprise, pity, hate: it’s all here. The look Roose Bolton gives Catelyn Stark when she reveals the chainmail he is wearing to dinner might be my single favourite moment of the whole programme.
HBO
65/67 Season six, episode nine: Battle of the Bastards
Anyone who has seen Mel Gibson’s Mayan drama Apocalypto knows that running in a straight line away from arrows rarely works. So it proved for Rickon, setting up one of the great battles not only on TV but on any kind of film. Where in previous seasons battles had occasionally felt hampered by budget, most egregiously when Tyrion was knocked out and missed the whole thing, this was the full belt and braces. It was brilliantly directed, with aerial shots, as well as face-in-the-mud close-ups to convey the full grinding horror of the battle, and the grim relief of victory.
HBO
66/67 Season four, episode 10: The Children
The fourth season is the best all-round, I think, the high-point of character development before it started to be forced by the machinations of the plot in the later series. Brienne’s bloody brawl with the Hound leaves him bleeding and broken, as Arya heads off to Braavos. Tywin finally gets his comeuppance, a crossbow bolt on the loo, administered by his son, Tyrion, who then flees. And Stannis’s cavalry arrives to save Jon and defeat Mance Rayder and the wildlings in a pincer movement, having been persuaded by Davos.
HBO
67/67 Season two, episode nine: Blackwater
This is purely a personal view, but if Ned Stark’s death was the moment you sat up and paid attention, Blackwater was the where you started cheering at the TV. The scale, the splendour, the depth of character brought to bear on grand events: they all felt new, somehow. This might have been the last moment where we were equally rooting for both sides, except for one side to be consumed in an eerie green glow. Wildfire doesn’t care who your favourite character is.
HBO
1/67 Season seven, episode five: Eastwatch
There has to be a loser. ‘Eastwatch’ throws away one of the most important pieces of information in the whole show, Jon’s true parentage, as well as lots of good reunions. It’s the clearest example of how rushed the show has become in recent years, as its unpredictability gives way to conventional plot.
HBO
2/67 Season four, episode three: Breaker of Chains
Jaime appears to rape Cersei next to Joffrey’s corpse. The scene is confused, unpleasant and different from the books in confusing and unhelpful ways.
HBO
3/67 Season five, episode six: Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken
The Sand Snakes are just unbearably naff and this is one of their worst.
HBO
4/67 Season 4, episode 4: Oathkeeper
At Craster’s Keep, much rape and murder of children. Unpleasant.
HBO
5/67 Season one, episode two: The Kingsroad
The opposite of the rushed plot of the later seasons, this is basically a leisurely chat up the M1.
HBO
6/67 Season two, episode eight: Prince of Winterfell
There is some good stuff with Arya and Jaqen H’ghar, but it’s mainly placeholder as they set up the Battle of Blackwater.
HBO
7/67 Season three, episode 10: Mysha
Jon Snow and Ygritte’s goodbye at the climax of season three ought to have been much sadder.
HBO
8/67 Season five, episode two: The House of Black and White
Lots of setting up. Jaime and Bronn plan to go to Dorne, Arya arrives in Braavos.
HBO
9/67 Season seven, episode six: Beyond the Wall
This ought to have been one of the great battles: ice zombies plus dragons plus Jon Snow’s expedition. It looked spectacular, but everyone worried about teleporting ravens and speed of sound dragons.
HBO
10/67 Season six, episode eight: No One
Some absolutely horrible banter between Grey Worm and Missandei.
HBO
11/67 Season two, episode seven: A Man Without Honour
Pyat Pree kills the 13 in Qarth. Tywin talks to Arya about legacy.
HBO
12/67 Season six, episode one: The Red Woman
Melisandre is a very, very old woman.
HBO
13/67 Season two, episode two: The Night Lands
Lots of Tyrion talking in King’s Landing but not much else.
HBO
14/67 Season six, episode seven: The Broken Man
The Hound meets Ian McShane. That’s about it in an episode full of preparations.
HBO
15/67 Season three, episode one: Valar Dohaeris
A classic season opener that flits from place to place.
HBO
16/67 Season two, episode four: Garden of Bones
Lots of grimness. Rat and bucket torture at Harrenhal. Robb Stark meets Talisa. Joffrey is cruel to Ros and Daisy.
HBO
17/67 Season five, episode one: The Wars to Come
Mance Rayder refuses to bend the knee, is burned at the stake by Stannis before Jon shoots him with an arrow. A pretty good death actually.
HBO
18/67 Season five, episode five: Kill the Boy
Season five is perhaps the weakest, and this is one of the weakest episodes in it, despite some good Bolton action and the Stone Men’s fateful attack on Tyrion and Jorah Mormont as they sailed through Valyria.
HBO
19/67 Season two, episode one: The North Remembers
In the season two opener we meet Stannis at Dragonstone, and then Joffrey orders a tremendous infanticide. It was vaguely controversial at the time. Feels like a lifetime ago. ‘Power is power,’ Cersei tells Littlefinger, which was good.
HBO
20/67 Season six, episode three: Oathbreaker
Jon Snow coming back to life really shouldn’t have felt flat. Yet it did.
HBO
21/67 Season one, episode three: Lord Snow
Understandable given that it had to build an entire medieval universe, but 12 major characters are introduced here. That’s too many major characters.
HBO
22/67 Season six, epsidoe four: Book of the Stranger
Jon and Sansa reunite, which is cool, Daenerys burns some more enemies, which is hot, good High Sparrow monologue to Margaery.
HBO
23/67 Season three, episode six: The Climb
Theme of climbing. Thormund makes his way up the Wall; Littlefinger gives his most famous monologue, as he explains to Varys that chaos is ‘a ladder’.
HBO
24/67 Season five, episode two: Sons of the Harpy
Mid-season doldrums, particularly acute in five, as Jaime and Bronn arrive in Dorne.
HBO
25/67 Season five, episode seven: The Gift
The same, basically, except for Tyrion meeting Daenerys. Everyone gives each other presents.
HBO
26/67 Season three, episode two: Dark Wings, Dark Words
Sluggish early-season number, although we meet Olenna and Margaery shows how skilful she will be at manipulating court.
HBO
27/67 Season one, episode eight: The Pointy End
Until the later series, eight episodes are a bit hamstrung by setting up denouements to follow. This is true in season one, as the machinery creaks to set up the beheading they didn’t think could happen.
HBO
28/67 Season three, episode seven: The Bear and the Maiden Fair
Even re-looking at what happened in this episode I still can’t really remember it, except for the fight with the bear. Oh yes, Mackenzie Crook! Forgot he was in this programme.
HBO
29/67 Season two, episode five: The Ghost of Harrenhal
Two good moments: Renly is killed by the shadow, and Arya meets Jaqen H’ghar.
HBO
30/67 Season six, episode two: Home
The demise of top lad Roose Bolton, as well as Balon Greyjoy, both sent to their ends by their families. Melisandre finally works her anti-death magic on Jon Snow.
HBO
31/67 Season four, episode five: First of His Name
One of the good things about season four was that it was the only moment where, even briefly, it looked as though a kind of temporary stability had been achieved. Tommen is king, Sansa has escaped King’s Landing, Jon Snow and co get revenge on the mutineers at Craster’s Keep.
HBO
32/67 Season two, episode 10: Valar Morghulis
The White Walkers attacking the Night’s Watch at the Fist of the First Men is a good laugh, but other than that there is a lot to get through, after the events of Blackwater in the previous episode, and the season two finale anticipates some of the rushed feeling that will occur later on.
HBO
33/67 Season one, episode seven: You Win or You Die
Our first real glimpse of what Cersei will become, as she outmanoeuvres Ned Stark after Robert Baratheon’s death in a hunting accident.
HBO
34/67 Season seven, episode one: Dragonstone
A superb Arya moment, as she wipes out the rest of House Frey, but mainly this is set-up for a season that packs a lot in.
HBO
35/67 Season one, episode four: Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things
Ned working as policeman in Kings Landing to find out what happened to Jon Arryn.
HBO
36/67 Season five, episode nine: Dance of Dragons
One of the most upsetting deaths in Game of Thrones, as Stannis Baratheon burns his friendly daughter Shireen alive to appease Melisandre.
HBO
37/67 Season seven, episode two: Stormborn
Theon jumping off the boat after Euron overruns the Greyjoy fleet. Nice reunion between Arya and Hot Pie. Tyrion talks Daenerys down from incinerating King’s Landing.
HBO
38/67 Season six, episode six: Blood of My Blood
Midseasoner. Cersei sends Jaime to retake Riverrun, while Arya is finally trained as an assassin. Can’t really remember it, to be honest.
HBO
39/67 Season one, episode five: The Wolf and the Lion
Jaime and Ned have a brawl in the streets of King’s Landing in an episode that focuses on skulduggery rather than magic. If you ask me skulduggery always trumps magic.
HBO
40/67 Season three, episode three: Walk of Punishment
The first moment where a character’s trajectory was really reversed. We’d disliked Jaime since the start, but when his hand was chopped off he began to win us back. The Blackfish schooling Edmure at shooting fire arrows was another highlight.
HBO
41/67 Season four, episode one: Two Swords
The opening of the fourth series introduced the charismatic, enigmatic Viper of Dorne, one of the few good things other than wine to come out of Dorne. Also notable for an excellent scene with Arya and the Hound clearing out an Inn.
HBO
42/67 Season two, episode three: What is Dead May Never Die
Introduces Margaery Tyrell and Brienne of Tarth, two of the best characters, and also sees Theon decide to betray Robb Stark. What is family? Who can you trust?
HBO
43/67 Season three, episode eight: Second Sons
Built around Sansa and Tyrion’s unwelcome wedding, while in the north there is a display of how important Sam will be as he draws on reserves of bravery to dragonglass a white walker.
HBO
44/67 Season four, episode seven: Mockingbird
Littlefinger dumping Lysa out of the Eyrie is probably the most dramatic moment here, one of his decisive power-stealing moments as he saves Sansa.
HBO
45/67 Season one, episode one: Winter Is Coming
Can you remember a time before Game of Thrones? Re-watch ‘Winter is Coming’, marvel at the baby Starks, think on how many characters have died, reflect on your own mortality. You are much, much older than when Game of Thrones began. Your life is running between your fingers.
HBO
46/67 Season one, episode six: A Golden Crown
Another dramatic death which is hard to remember now, as the miserable Viserys was put out of his grump with molten gold.
HBO
47/67 Season two, episode six: Old Gods and the New
Theon takes Winterfell. Theon, you utter bastard. I hope you are punished for this.
HBO
48/67 Season five, episode three: High Sparrow
A key Littlefinger episode, as he continues to manipulate Sansa, while Jon Snow executes Janos and, in King’s Landing, Cersei’s machinations are matched by Margaery’s.
HBO
49/67 Season four, episode two: The Lion and the Rose
Joffrey, scratching at his throat, going purple, dying. Top stuff.
HBO
50/67 Season four, episode six: The Laws of Gods and Men
An excellent mid-season episode, built around Tyrion’s trial but with lots of other things to admire that hint at the underlying economies in the Game of Thrones universe. Drogon barbecues some livestock, while the Iron Bank of Braavos refuses to bail out Davos and Stannis.
HBO
51/67 Season three, episode four: And Now His Watch Is Ended
The full depravity of Ramsay Bolton is laid bare as he taunts Theon with a fake escape, while Commander Mormont is murdered at Craster’s Keep. But really it’s all about Daenerys, as she and her pets flame Astapor to the ground.
HBO
52/67 Season seven, episode seven: The Dragon and the Wolf
It turns out Jon Snow is actually the true heir to the Seven Kingdoms, the remaining Stark children finally team up to kill Littlefinger, admittedly in overwrought style, and the White Walkers use their new lizard hairdryer to destroy the wall. There is far too much going on, especially the odd scene where Jon shows Cersei the wight, but nevertheless it sends you reaching for the popcorn and cheering along, which is more or less where we are at with the whole series by now.
HBO
53/67 Season three, episode five: Kissed by Fire
Most notable for Ygritte and Jon’s much-parodied love grotto scene, but also for the Hound’s duel with Bendric Dondarrion, which revealed his terror of fire. Nursing his stump in the baths, Jaime tells Brienne the truth about his assassination of the Mad King. Mid-seasoner.
HBO
54/67 Season five, episode 10: Mother’s Mercy
The denouement of the fifth series is the most sympathetic we ever see Cersei, as she completes her walk of atonement through the streets of King’s Landing, her hair cut and her clothes stripped. Strategically, humiliating Cersei proves not to be the masterstroke the High Sparrow thought it would be.
HBO
55/67 Season seven, episode four: The Spoils of War
Spoils aplenty. Arya returns to Winterfell and sees Sansa, then fights a brief duel with Brienne that shows just how much she’s learnt. It’s nothing on one of the great shots of the whole series, however: Daenerys riding Drogon above a Dothraki horde in full charge before incinerating the Lannister lines.
HBO
56/67 Season one, episode 10: Fire and Blood
We were promised dragons, and here they are, mewing atop the naked Daenerys. And one thing we know about baby dragons is they must grow up. This is Game of Thrones’ version of Chekhov’s rule about guns. You’ll keep watching until they torch something.
HBO
57/67 Season five, episode eight: Hardhome
As the big battles go, the showdown between the Night’s Watch and wildlings and the wights at Hardhome doesn’t quite match some of the others, but it is still dead cool, especially when Jon realises his sword works against the snowmen. If that wasn’t enough, Sansa also learnt that her family might be alive.
HBO
58/67 Season four, episode nine: The Watchers on the Wall
The big set-piece between the Night’s Watch and the wildlings. Not quite up to Blackwater’s standards, despite its battle specialist Neil Marshall being summonsed back to direct.
HBO
59/67 Season seven, episode three: The Queen’s Justice
There is too much crammed into this episode, which could have been spread over several hours, but it’s wonderful stuff all the same. Jon meets Daenerys for the first time, Sam cures Jorah of greyscale, Cersei obliterates the Tyrells. Best of all is Diana Rigg, at a table in her tower, bowing out from what is perhaps Thrones’ best overall performance.
HBO
60/67 Season six, episode five: The Door
Poor old Hodor. The death nobody wanted, as a wonderful character, played so sympathetically by Kristian Nairn, is finally given his due.
HBO
61/67 Season four, episode eight: The Mountain and the Viper
Other things happen: Littlefinger takes over the Vale, and the Boltons move into Winterfell, but the episode is mainly memorable for the central duel, as Oberyn seeks justice from the man who murdered so many of his relatives, and for one image above all, of the Mountain’s armoured fingers crushing Oberyn’s skull like a grapefruit.
HBO
62/67 Season one, episode nine: Baelor
Poor old Ned Stark. The death they said could never happen! Clearly they had not watched enough Sean Bean films.
HBO
63/67 Season six, episode 10: The Winds of Winter
Winter has come. It opens with peak Cersei, as she eliminates all her remaining enemies in one enormous blaze. Arya kills Walder Frey. The Jon Theory is confirmed. Tommen walks out of the window.
HBO
64/67 Season three, episode nine: Rains of Castemere
The Lannisters send their regards. Some would have this number one, and one could easily make the case. The Red Wedding was the scene that broke Game of Thrones out of its fandom and into broader popular culture, the point where it was no longer avoidable. Fury, anguish, love, surprise, pity, hate: it’s all here. The look Roose Bolton gives Catelyn Stark when she reveals the chainmail he is wearing to dinner might be my single favourite moment of the whole programme.
HBO
65/67 Season six, episode nine: Battle of the Bastards
Anyone who has seen Mel Gibson’s Mayan drama Apocalypto knows that running in a straight line away from arrows rarely works. So it proved for Rickon, setting up one of the great battles not only on TV but on any kind of film. Where in previous seasons battles had occasionally felt hampered by budget, most egregiously when Tyrion was knocked out and missed the whole thing, this was the full belt and braces. It was brilliantly directed, with aerial shots, as well as face-in-the-mud close-ups to convey the full grinding horror of the battle, and the grim relief of victory.
HBO
66/67 Season four, episode 10: The Children
The fourth season is the best all-round, I think, the high-point of character development before it started to be forced by the machinations of the plot in the later series. Brienne’s bloody brawl with the Hound leaves him bleeding and broken, as Arya heads off to Braavos. Tywin finally gets his comeuppance, a crossbow bolt on the loo, administered by his son, Tyrion, who then flees. And Stannis’s cavalry arrives to save Jon and defeat Mance Rayder and the wildlings in a pincer movement, having been persuaded by Davos.
HBO
67/67 Season two, episode nine: Blackwater
This is purely a personal view, but if Ned Stark’s death was the moment you sat up and paid attention, Blackwater was the where you started cheering at the TV. The scale, the splendour, the depth of character brought to bear on grand events: they all felt new, somehow. This might have been the last moment where we were equally rooting for both sides, except for one side to be consumed in an eerie green glow. Wildfire doesn’t care who your favourite character is.
HBO
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