Judgement and consequences are the subject at hand in new stills from the Game of Thrones season 6 finale.
The episode is titled “The Winds of Winter” — a particularly teasing choice, as George R.R. Martin’s long awaited sixth novel bears the same name. HBO has not released an official synopsis for the Game of Thrones season 6 finale, so many details remain shrouded in secret. But the network has announced that the episode will run an unprecedented 70 minutes, offering plenty of time for earth-shattering developments in the realm of Westeros and beyond.
The stills from “The Winds of Winter” reveal quiet moments that most likely anticipate violence. First, the High Sparrow stands in judgement of Loras Tyrell, familiar in his irritating modesty. For his part, Loras looks unusually haunted… not that we blame him.
And gosh, it’s great to see so many people crowded into the Great Sept of Baelor… especially when Tyrion reminded the audience last week how King Aerys stuffed the basement (and most of King’s Landing) with wildfire. But hey, what are the odds that that will be important?
Meanwhile, a colder kind of conflagration builds in the North. Our only image from the aftermath of the “Battle of the Bastards” features Ser Davos, who has finally inched his way toward the conclusion that Melisandre murdered Shireen. It looks like the long-delayed fallout of the princess’ death will play out in Winterfell, but justice is never simple in Westeros.
Over in Meereen, Dany struggles once again with the fallout of her own badassery in the Game of Thrones season 6 finale. This time, she has Tyrion on her side, and the much greater prize of Westeros within her grasp. But with the terrifying Euron Greyjoy on his way, it remains to be seen whether Dany’s victory will stick.
Meanwhile, Jaime Lannister is shaking off that pesky rebellion in Riverrun, but his adventures in the Riverlands aren’t quite over. His path to King’s Landing is interrupted by one more detante with Walder Frey (EW)… and those always end well, right?
Finally, Bran Stark lounges comfortably in the snow far to the North. While Bran is most likely making his way to the Wall, his new identity as the Three-Eyed Raven seems more significant than his destination. Specifically, we’d really appreciate it if Bran could pop back into that tree-memory of his father and that mysterious tower…
The long preview for “The Winds of Winter” kicks off with a focus on events in King’s Landing, where both Loras and Cersei are scheduled to stand trial. Walder Frey also makes an abominable appearance, reminding his rat-like progeny that “The Freys and the Lannisters send their regards.”
God, he’s gross.
Speaking of gross, Littlefinger finally bares his heart to Sansa, while Davos makes his case against Melisandre. Finally, Tyrion offers Dany some not-very-helpful advice.
“Are you afraid?” he asks. “Good. You’re in the Great Game now. And the Great Game is terrifying.”
Thanks, Tyrion.
The Game of Thrones season 6 finale, “The Winds of Winter,” airs Sunday, June 26 at 9:00 p.m. on HBO.