Winter Is Blogging 6.10: The Winds of Winter

Writers: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss.

Directors: Miguel Sapochnik.

Cast: Emilia Clarke, Kit Harrington, Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, Sophie Turner, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gwendoline Christie, et al.

Synopsis: Cersei stands trial for her crimes, while Jaime celebrates victory with Walder Frey at The Twins. Davos confronts Jon about Melisandre’s actions, and Littlefinger reveals his intentions to Sansa. Meanwhile, Bran continues his quest for knowledge in the far North as “winter” finally arrives.

The coverage of ‘Winds of Winter’ comes a little later than usual – but for good reason. The finale of Game of Thrones season 6 is seismic in delivery and implication and I owe it to you all to for exceptional coverage. Having spent more time divulging into the context, information and character development revealed in this episode, as well as considering the implications of the events we’ve seen unfold, we have a heck of a blog for you this week. So many characters evolved, so many faded away, and there was just so many resolved stories (for now) coming into focus as the season ended, with none of them ever feeling rushed. Let’s discuss, and as always, this is Winter is Blogging! As a side note, pay close attention to the grand scoring; it is absolutely mesmerising.

There’s a lot to take in within the final week of Game of Thrones, including the arrival of Jaime and Bronn at The Twins, where Walder Frey – perhaps the most detestable character left on series – is celebrating his victory over the Blackfish. So much so that he compares himself to the Kingslayer, who does not take kindly to being likened to such a meek old-man. Jaime makes a fantastic point in noting the uselessness of the Frey’s in the current political landscape of Westeros, and suitably foreshadows the sadistically satisfying end to Frey’s reign over The Twins – albeit by an unlikely hand.

But first, let me address some of the prevailing fan-theories and their canonical place by the end of the episode. The strong presence of Tully forces this season, as well as the reintroduction of the Brotherhood Without Banners led many to assume a much stronger chance of the long-awaited Lady Stoneheart making an appearance, but they will of course, be dissatisfied with her absence from the finale. However, with the events that play out in the North, leading to Melisandre’s banishment South, Jon Snow and Ser Davos may have sent her – perhaps exactly as the Lord of Light intended – to reunite with the Brotherhood Without Banners, and possibly even Ayra, for the revival of Catelyn Stark and her ‘fan-favourite’ alternate persona. Ayra is, of course, the completely unexpected assassin of Walder Frey, and she effectively reclaims The Twins in honour of the Stark/Tully families; a very unique place of potential rule should her mother return. For those not keeping track, The Twins now belongs to Walder’s heir, Stevron Frey – the now Lord of Riverrun and of House Frey, though he hasn’t been seen since season 1, so who even knows if he’s around.

It’s very difficult to ascertain the impact of the influx of Tully presence this series, or in what direction it at least points to. And if this season’s tendency to hint in decreasing levels of subtlety remains true – such as the trickle down reminders of Wildfire, obviously leading into the explosive season finale – then perhaps Lady Stoneheart, if she was ever meant to appear, will do so in the next (of two) season(s). Many cling to this hope, but let’s evaluate the situation. To introduce her into the series this late besmirches much of the characters value, and even undermines her in some aspects due to the events that have already taken place without her being present. She is a thoroughly interesting character, but in all likelihood, one that won’t be explored. Nevertheless, whether we see LSH or not, what’s important in Game of Thrones, are the little things, with that, back to Ayra!

The little things are what provide the most satisfaction, and it’s thanks to Ayra’s newest face-wearing escapades (this isn’t some convenient plot device by the way, remember, she changed faces in order to kill Ser Meryn Trant), she completes what we’ll call ‘The Red Trifecta.’ What is it? Well, let’s note the three major deaths of the Red Wedding. In order of occurence, we have Robb’s direwolf Grey Wind, who was (sadly) shot by crossbows. Robb, who was stabbed in the stomach by Roose Bolton, is the next to go, and finally, Catelyn, whose throat was slit by Black Walder. It’s worth nothing that the three major instigators of the ‘Red Wedding’ were Tywin Lannister, Roose Bolton and Walder Frey, who died by crossbow bolts, a knife to the gut, and a slit throat, respectively. It was in many ways, the final nail in the coffin, both for the instigators of the Red Wedding, as well as the audience, who gained a great deal of resolution from Walder’s bloody death.

The tension is fascinating throughout preparations for Cersei’s trail, and we quickly learn that she had no intent of ever facing judgement, neither from the High Sparrow nor the Gods. Seeking revenge for the humiliation that had been bestowed upon her and everything that has been taken from her, we see a truly unhinged Cersei. Utilising just some of the many hidden casks of wildfire beneath the city, a glorious cacophony of sound and anxiety leads up to the Great Sept of Baelor, with Margaery, Mace, the citizens of King’s Landing, the High Sparrow, and the Faith Militant all still inside being completely vaporised. Sister Unella does not get the same luxury though; the sweet release that she wants so that she may finally meet the Gods. No, Cersei believed Unella took great personal pleasure at her suffering, and as such, has left her alive and not-so-well, in the hands of Zombie Clegane. What he does with her is perhaps too abhorrent to show, or even imply, all we know is her screams.

Last week we certainly pointed out the possibility that this might happen, but absolutely none of us counted for the impact it would have on King Tommen. Though, what’s most interesting is watching Cersei’s story arc unfold, as she descends into what is strongly suggests to be a version of the Mad King that not only her late husband defeated, but the same one that Jaime sullied his honour for to stop. The brief moment and look they shared when Jaime walked into the throne room was both disconcerting and indicative of a growing fault in their relationship. Jaime stopped the Mad King from using the wildfire on the people of King’s Landing by stabbing him in the back, and yet that is exactly what Cersei has done in his absence. Jaime’s arguably skewed moral and ethical codes have now been met with one of the most difficult hurdles – does he let it slide because it’s the woman he loves? Or is the fleeting look of disgust in his eyes indicative of a much more nefarious plot that’s about to unfold between them?

Cersei has always craved power, and has acquired enough of it to sustain herself for this long by manipulating other people. By being able to so effortlessly influence the sources of this power has – over many seasons – slowly corrupted her, and she has become bittered with revenge and loss in the process. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, after all. What we have to ask ourselves is whether she willingly set the Sept ablaze with her son’s wife, father-in-law and others inside, fully knowing it would drive him to kill himself, and if this proves to be the case, how power-mad has she become, exactly?

With Cersei’s prophecy still in play, and all of her children now dead, there is but one part remaining: “And when your tears have drowned you, the valonqar (little brother) shall wrap his hands about your pale white throat and choke the life from you.” It was thought, by Cersei, and by most of the audience that Tyrion might be the threat to her life, but with the events that unfold in ‘Winds of Winter,’ could this be the confirmation that Jaime will be the one to take Cersei’s life, and if so, has she realised? Things may be getting a little interesting for Jaime soon enough, and with what is assumed to be a division of the Lannister house down the middle, it’s likely that Jaime will be shut out, or even demoted, with no army behind him. By this point, I think we’re all wondering who exactly will be Cersei have on-side for the inevitable battle when Daenerys lands in Westeros. I do however think there will be fire and blood coming from both sides of the coming storm, and here’s why:

Cersei has the Lannister army of approximately 8,000 troops, she has the Mountain, the stronghold of King’s Landing, a significant portion of the Wildfire left under the city, and perhaps most importantly Qyburn. This is a man with no limits, as seen by the brutal butchering of Pycelle, and his willingness for forbidden practices. if Cersei does indeed share some parallels with the Mad King, I strongly believe that sooner rather than later, Qyburn and Cersei will accumulate pull with and associate themselves with many members of the Alchemist’s Guild – the original crafters of wildfire. Whether it’s simply to replenish their stocks, or for something much more nefarious, we’ll have to wait.

Having also been established as a keen manipulator, and with no proof that Cersei herself committed the attack on the Sept, it’s highly likely that she’ll blame it on an enemy of the Queen, perhaps House Tyrell or the Dornish, both of whom she vehemently despises. Doing this will likely force any remaining Westerosi houses to abandon their relationships with the ‘traitors’ and align themselves with the Monarch to face the onslaught of forces at Daenerys’ disposal, and to face the supposed ‘traitors.’ Similarly, despite Euron Greyjoy desiring to marry Daenerys, and if his intentions within the book are anything to go by, to enact a much larger plan than to simply sit at the Iron Throne. It’s likely an alliance may be sought between him and Cersei, with the promise of destroying Yara and Theon, who threaten his claims, and for all intents and purposes for Euron, are deserters of their house. Should Euron indeed have any connection to the magical arts, or have control over any such beasts as a Kraken, it would seem that there is a pretty level playing field, should these events unfold. If controlling said Kraken, or whatever magical force he enacts needs a blood sacrifice from their family line, it makes sense why he was so keen on murdering his niece and nephew – let’s be honest, most dark magic comes at a cost. But again, speculation at this point.

Meanwhile, in Oldtown, we finally see Sam arrive to begin his training as a Maester – though whether he’ll gain much relevant knowledge in order to move the narrative forward is yet unknown, but judging by the size of the Citadel’s library, it’s easy to understand why so many Maesters are old – they probably spend a good portion of their lives on reading material. There are a few things of notable importance in this segment of ‘Winds of Winter’ which provide a lot of context, and even more subtleties. Perhaps they don’t mean a thing – but they might, and we’re here to look into them!

First off, did you catch the flock of white ravens being released as Sam and Gilly arrived at Oldtown? One raven is seen later in the episode and we’re informed that it signals the arrival of winter. Winter is no longer coming – it’s already here.

Secondly, it looks as if the Maesters and the Archmaester have much more impact on how the Westerosi people conduct themselves and how they govern their lives. The Conclave, for example, is the council of the Order of Maesters, a band of intellectuals who meet and discuss the changing weather patterns in Westeros. It would be them that sent the ravens, and back in season 2, the late Grand Maester Pycelle identified that it was the Conclave that also decided when the longest summer in living memory had ended – signalled too by raven.

Thirdly, and this one’s an important one – the Maesters get things wrong. When Sam and Gilly arrive, their records indicate that Jeor Mormont and Aemon were still the Lord Commander and the Maester stationed there, which means an obvious, albeit forgettable truth is present, that history is written by people. As such, it is prone to human error, and should these records never be updated, or updated incorrectly, those looking back through time would see plenty of inconsistencies with the history books. It’s a small, but consequential notion, and there’s likely to be something to it, or else why would they have shown it?

Fourthly, those who had a keen eye this episode probably spotted the glorious chandeliers of The Citadel, which appear to be the very same astrolabe-esque arrangement of rotating rings that we see in the opening credits. We also see a variety of focusing lenses throughout the library, and these are also notably apparent in the opening credits when zooming in to the places like Winterfell (which this episode sports the Stark banners, not the Boltons). Though they simply seem to be used to bounce light from one part of the library to another, it does make us wonder whether they have an alternate purpose. if the Citadel is built into the Hightower itself, one of the tallest buildings in Westeros, it could very well be used as a watchtower, as well as its intended purpose as a lighthouse.

Lastly, let’s address precisely what Sam might learn in the Citadel, there’s the small matter of Jon’s heritage, though that’s unlikely to have documented proof. It’s here though that Sam might learn the true nature and intended purpose of the horn that he discovered buried with the Dragonglass at the Fist of the First Men. Similarly, he may also learn, if the show-runners wish to make it canonical within the series, of the Dragonbinder, or the Hellhorn – inscribed with ancient Valyrian glyphs that supposedly bestows magical influence over a dragon and binds it to the will of another. Within the books, Euron Greyjoy finds the horn in the ashes of Valeria and bestows it upon his brother Victarion to persuade/and threaten Daenerys into marrying Euron. Victarion, of course, is not currently within the series, although we can certainly see Euron being certainly aware of, and potentially in possession of some magical knowledge. This includes the fan-favoured notion of Euron having the aforementioned Kraken under his control. If that’s not worth tuning in for, I don’t know what is.

I don’t know about you, but if this is the last we’ll see of Coldhands (though unlikely, as he says he will continue to fight for the living, past the wall) then I’m going to be pretty annoyed. Having dropped Bran and Meera off at a weirwood tree, what we’ve long thought is confirmed to be true; that there are magical inscriptions built into the foundations of The Wall that prevent the dead from passing. After leaving with the horse (did he at least drop them off near The Wall? Otherwise Meera’s going to have a tough time transporting Bran around) Bran pulls up a seat against the tree, and continues his vision-quest. It’s here that the long-awaited and somewhat controversial fan-theory is revealed, or at least implied to be true – that Jon Snow is the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. This would make Daenerys Jon’s aunt, and obviously him, her nephew. However, the only thing holding back complete confirmation is the fact that, even with volume and sound-enhancing suites, it seems as if Lyanna actually doesn’t say Jon’s name.

Now, in terms of Jon’s heritage, there are very few people still alive that may know the truth. Bran, and perhaps Meera will know, should Bran decide to tell her, and potentially Varys, who acted as advisor to the Mad King, and was very much as skilled with information trafficking as he is today, when Prince Rhaegar was abducted by Brandon Stark. Which does also raise an important question, if, when and how will Jon ever find out he is of Targaryen heritage? This scene also bears some possible evidence that Jon Snow is Azor Ahai come again – a warrior prophesied to end the Long Night, defeat the Others and is sent by the Lord of Light. Part of this prophecy states ‘born beneath a bleeding star,’ and in Bran’s vision quest, we see that Jon is born under the bloodied sword of Ned Stark, with a star engraved in it. Make of it what you will readers!

We knew it was coming, and we knew it’d be emotional, but seeing Ser Davos so visibly upset upon discovering the details of Princess Shireen’s cruel death definitely resonated and pulled at our heartstrings. He’s also quick to point out to Jon Snow what darkness lies within Melisandre, who is clearly ashamed of her poor interpretations of her visions. It’s a very difficult situation, because the Lord of Light has worked in a very indirect and mysterious sense throughout the series, if he is even real, and as such could very well have intended for these failings to occur as part of his ‘plan.’ There is simply no way of knowing, for Melisandre or any other Red Priest whether they are interpreting things exactly how they were intended to be interpreted, or whether they are interpreted extremely out of context.

The displeasure at the idea of housing a murderer of a child prompts Jon to banish her South. What lies directly South of Winterfell though, is Moat Cailin, then The Twins (Ayra’s current location) Harrenhal, and finally, King’s Landing. This had led to a lot of speculation as to Melisandre’s next course of action, ranging from reuniting with Arya, to preaching the Lord of Light in King’s Landing, now that the Faith of the Seven and the Faith Militant have all since been cleansed from the city with wildfire.

But let’s focus on the other elephant in the room. After Sansa meets with Littlefinger, who openly admits he desires to sit on the Iron Throne, with her by his side, she discovers that he has openly declared for House Stark, but recognises his self-servitude. There is a brief moment, where we see Littlefinger vulnerable enough to be analysed. His emotional attachment to Sansa, as well as his desires to the Iron Throne makes him somewhat easier to read – he asks her who the North will rally behind, the trueborn daughter of Catelyn and Ned Stark, or a motherless bastard.

Firstly, this indicates that he either a) has no knowledge of Jon’s heritage, or b) does so and is hiding it from Sansa. Secondly, the way he asks such a question indicates some spiteful precognition. It seems likely that Littlefinger was expecting the Houses of the North to rally behind Sansa, not Jon, and the look they exchanged at the feast when they declared Jon Snow the new King of the North indicates something sinister starting to bubble beneath the surface. Sansa recognises here Littlefinger’s expectation, and realises that he was wrong, the disdain that falls on her face may indicate an awareness of the fact that Littlefinger may now intend to harm Jon to get what he desires most – though in true Littlefinger fashion – indirectly.

But speaking of the Houses of the North, let’s hear it for Lady Mormont – first cousin of Jorah Mormont – who, yet again, seems to have some strange gravitas about her for her age, and successfully convinces the rest of the Northern houses to unite under Jon Snow. With Jorah in mind, it may be worth noting that his ex-wife, Lynesse Hightower, currently resides in Oldtown, and is the sister of Alerie Tyrell, the presumptive Lady of Highgarden, should Olenna perish. It’s quite possible that we may see Lynesse, or Alerie at some point in the next series, considering the huge shift in the Tyrell dynasty, the fact that Sam and Gilly are now residing in Oldtown, as well as the fact that House Hightower are loyal to the Tyrell family.

Though only brief, Dorne features in this episode, and many people are overly dissatisfied with the events that took place last time we were here. Thankfully, we get Olenna Tyrell to give each and every member of the Sand Snakes a verbal smack down of the highest degree, before both the Tyrell’s and the Sand’s decidedly unify at the prompting of Varys – and together, they bend the knee to Daenerys.

This was actually somewhat a little unexpected, but considering both the Tyrell’s and the Sand’s want revenge on Cersei Lannister, it’s obvious they’re going to side with the biggest, best loaded gun that’s aiming straight for her, and that just so happens to be Daenerys. This combined effort, with the other selection of forces that are rallying behind the Khaleesi are leading many to feel there are some very powerful alliances to be made in Westeros, simply because it feels as if Daenerys has accumulated everything she has needed and more; turning her into a powerhouse of a conqueror. This gives fuel to the potential alliances that Cersei may forge in order to be – at the very least – a half decent threat.

This takes us into Meereen! There’s a heartfelt declaration of love from the likes of Daario, and as Tyrion has pointed out already, this isn’t the first, or the last person to love her – perhaps alluding to the same feelings that Jorah professed earlier in the season. Feeling nothing in return when she instructs Daario to stay in the newly named Bay of Dragons, Daenerys echoes fears from recent episodes in which she and Tyrion liken her actions to the Mad King, but whether she turns Daario away because she has no feelings, or simply because she feels for someone else is not entirely clear.

What follows though is probably one of the most touching scenes we’ve seen thus far, albeit feeling a little undeserved. Tyrion and Daenerys have been getting along swimmingly recently, and there isn’t much on-screen development that shows why that is. Regardless, seeing the flashes of emotion on Tyrion’s face when Daenerys hands him a specially crafted Hand of the Queen pin for him to wear pulls even more on the heartstrings that Ser Davos tugged on earlier – anymore and they’re going to snap, Sapochnik!

What is easily tie with the exploding Sept of Baelor as one of the best shots of the ‘Winds of Winter,’ sees Daenerys – as predicted – finally sailing off from Essos, with the huge forces that she has amassed including that of: the Dothraki and Unsullied armies, the Ironborn, Dornish and the Tyrell fleets, not to mention the ships that she claimed from the Masters of Slaver’s Bay. With Tyrion, Varys, Grey Worm, Missandei, Yara and Theon on-board, it looks as if we’re sailing right into the biggest and best season of Game of Thrones to come. With Sansa at Jon’s side and Tyrion at Daenerys’ it’s easy to see how the two parties might get along, should they ever meet, but the rapidity of shifting landscapes in this series is something to be admired. Should Sansa or Tyrion die before the two parties have a chance to communicate, they may as well be two enemies, with neither party being able to vouch for the other to their respective leaders. This could hypothetically mean things could very quickly turn into a three-pronged war.

But let’s take a final moment to appreciate some of the finest parts of the ‘Winds of Winter.’ It was so fluid for a start, perhaps it was in part due to the slightly longer than usual run-time, that allowed it to flow without feeling rushed. With that being said, so many loose threads have, and are starting to come together in what we can only assume is going to be a season or two of what we’ve experienced in the last two episodes; war. Let’s get one thing straight though, the series is certainly not over, and it is as sure as Drogon is lethal got more surprises in store for us. Overall, the episode really went out on a bang (excuse the pun), and more than anything else really brought a sense of resolve to many characters and plot-lines. It has absolutely pushed everything it’s needed to in the right direction, and no-one gets left behind. Apart from Gendry, he’s long gone.

We want to hear your thoughts, did we miss something? If so, please feel free to discuss with us, and enjoy the many sleeps between this episode and the next season but remember, the night is dark and full of terrors. Until next year.

Game Of Thrones airs on HBO in North America, and Sky Atlantic in the UK and Ireland.