What were the 10 best moments of Game of Thrones, as endings finally came in “The Children”?
And so another season is over, all too soon. But even after the carnage of last week’s epic battle for the Wall, Game of Thrones wasn’t ready to bow out without revealing a few more twists. Every storyline had a weighty bit of development, and with all the shocks, tears, and murders, it’s hard to whittle down all of those great moments to a list of our 10 favorites. Nevertheless, we’ve done our best. Featuring some beautiful GIF magic from Tariq Kyle, you can re-live this week’s best laughs, shocks and one-liners again and again.
Check out our favorites below, and don’t forget to share your picks in the comments! This article contains strong language.
When Jon walked through the tunnel and beyond the wall last week, many of us feared the worst. One man against one hundred thousand aren’t good odds, even for the Crow who has already survived the impossible. So when he walked straight through the Wildling forces and into Mance Rayder’s tent by the King Beyond the Wall’s own invitation, it was anybody’s guess what was going to happen next.
“My people have bled enough.”
What you probably wouldn’t guess is that Mance Rayder would show compassion, respect, and a genuine desire for peace. Though he may rule armies of cannibals, savages and mindless murderers, the former Crow is the King Beyond the Wall in nature as well as name. It’s always the case in Game of Thrones that no character is truly good or evil, but it came as a shock to see such concern for the lives of Mance’s people, and respect for the fallen on both sides of the battle. His speech is also a reminder of the constant threat faced by Westeros, more important than petty politics and family feuds: Winter is coming for everyone.
Shae betrayed Tyrion when she gave evidence against him during his trial – but little did he know her biggest betrayal was about to come. After being released by Jamie, Tyrion had a bit of business to attend to before taking the long voyage to freedom. But when he arrives in his father’s chambers, he finds more than he was expecting – his former lover Shae, lying in his father’s bed.
“I’m sorry.”
Silently, the couple are locked into a tense fight to the death. Tyrion eventually wins out, tears pouring from his eyes as he strangles her. Peter Dinklage has always been brilliant, but this season in particular he has stolen every scene he is in. And none more so than here, where he quietly laments the revenge he so desperately needed.
After nearly two seasons of build-up, Bran finally arrived at his destination – the weirwood tree where the three-eyed raven dwells. Each season of Game of Thrones has introduced another fantastical concept: season 1 gave us dragons, season 2 brought witchcraft, the third saw resurrections, and so the fourth really had to up the ante. Well, they certainly did that with the introduction of ‘The Children’ – ancient, mysterious creatures with magical powers.
“You’ll never walk again… but you will fly.”
After saving (most) of Bran’s party from the animated skeletons, the mystical child leads the group down a new path altogether – as the young Stark finally comes face to face with the three-eyed raven (who looks remarkably like an old man in a tree). Let’s hope this new mentor can teach Bran a thing or two about his mysterious abilities.
Last time we saw Tyrion, he was sentenced to death by his father after the Red Viper was brutally murdered by the Mountain in a trial by combat. When his cell door opens the night before his execution, he is impatient for his impending death. But within seconds, his depression is transformed into utter bemusement and joy when Jamie enters. The bromance between these characters has been wonderfully developed, so Jamie’s rescue mission isn’t really a surprise, but it certainly is a relief.
“You’ve more friends than you thought.”
Adding to the shock factor is Varys’ part in Tyrion’s escape – the spider of King’s Landing, always so worried about keeping himself alive, has for once risked his life for that of a friend. Though Tyrion has made himself plenty of enemies during his time in the capital, he’s also made some important friends. He may be remembered as a sneaky, murderous, monster by many – but those that matter see him as the brave, compassionate and caring man we know him for.
Stannis has been mysteriously absent since the Iron Bank of Braavos granted him a loan, but it turns out he’s been busy while he’s been away. As Jon Snow and Mance Rayder seem to edge closer to making peace, the Baratheon forces descend – murdering thousands of the unprepared Wildlings and forcing the King Beyond the Wall to surrender.
“All the same, we do not kneel.”
As one King’s dynasty is dismantled around him, another demonstrates his discipline and destructive power. The Wall may be safe for now, but with a King in the North once more, Roose Bolton may not be as safe in his seat of power as he once thought…
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Breaking chains, making chains, and murder…
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