Without a doubt, season six of "Game of Thrones" was out of this world, even mind-blowing at times. If I'd searched the confines of my mind to try to guess what this season had in store, there's absolutely no way that I could have figured out even a rough sketch. In every gut-wrenching, miraculous, heart-pulverizing and breathtaking way, the most recent season demonstrated how incredible writing and impeccable acting can deliver outstanding entertainment. A seemingly never-ending budget may also be a plausible reason, which meant the graphics were legendary. To add to that, this season showed a full departure from George R. R. Martin's books (namely because the TV show had already surpassed the books at the conclusion of season five), explaining the infinitely more satisfying plot lines.
This article contains spoilers about season six of "Game of Thrones," so continue onward at your own discretion!
A great many things transpired in the season finale that were unprecedented for any other finale in the history of "Game of Thrones." Practically every storyline showed a rather rapid unfolding of shocking events.
For one, there was this.
In one fowl swoop Cersei managed to one, circumvent her trial before the gods, two, kill both the High Sparrow and his religious following, three, get rid of Margaery, the current queen and her son's bride, four, murder the hundreds of people who congregated to see the results of her trial, five, drive her son to jump out of a window to his death, and six, become the queen of King's Landing to attain more power.
What's truly disheartening about this outcome is that all of those people could have easily been saved. If only the High Sparrow had listened to Margaery, who recognized that something was amiss when the divorced widow didn't make an appearance for her own trial. But in Westeros, the innocent often suffer whilst the wrongdoers get away with their misdeeds.
On one hand, Cersei is admittedly a villain whose deceit and manipulations I despised through the seasons. She might be a difficult woman to like, but her inner strength lies in her ruthlessness. She is a force to be reckoned with. Leave it to Cersei to make such an intense statement to the people of King's Landing, and to not bat an eye over the consequences. The inner conflict I feel regarding Cersei's life choices reveals how complex the writing is in general, and how three-dimensional the characters are.
Whatever has been lost can always be found. Maybe, just maybe, the Hound can help her find that which she has lost along the way.
And then there was Samwell Tarly, whose storyline definitely represented the less interesting aspect of the finale. If they could have scrapped his part altogether, I might have been even a little bit happier. However, considering that we found out where the contraption from the opening credits comes from, I might have to let it slide.
Wonderfully enough, a small measure of justice has transpired, as both Sansa and Jon can call Winterfell their home once more. Of course, the conversation between the two during this episode was deeply gratifying, considering that it showed their newfound trust.
Unfortunately for Sansa, her recognition of Snow as a Stark had its consequences; instead of splitting the power, Jon was recognized as the "king of the north." Since their combined efforts led to the reclamation of their childhood home, shouldn't they also rule over the northern lands? Apparently not. It was still deeply satisfying to see the Starks regain the loyalty of the Northern clans in a moment that was not unfamiliar to "Game of Thrones" viewers.
Also the theory that has been two decades in the making, R + L = J, has been proven true. However interesting, I can't call this one an honest shocker because I'd read about a half dozen articles on the subject before watching the finale. Even so, I welcome the implications of this.
Daenerys is finally on the move, ready to break chains and leave the world a better place. With Tyrion and her dragons by her side, it appears that Daenerys is more than ready and capable to conquer. Honestly, that's all that needs to be said on the matter.
The events of the season six finale will most definitely have far-reaching implications for the next season of "Game of Thrones." Unfortunately for us, "Game of Thrones" has a mere 13 episodes left in total, split up amongst two seasons. If the rest of the show is even half as ambitious as this finale, then there's plenty to be excited about.
