That was the shortest 69 minutes ever.
+The lead up to the trial was masterfully framed and directed. Not to mention the score. The show has countless great themes, but this one certainly stood out. In a show famed for its writing and dialogue (um, sometimes), having so little of it until the trial actually started was striking. The costume montage was a great way to contrast characters and their roles. I truly had no idea how Loras' trial would play out exactly, but it was heart-wrenching to say the least. I expected him to die since, well, he doesn't really have any sort of character arc, but it was gruesome to see him mutilated like that. And then... it happened. I expected Cersei to blow up the Sept, but even so, I was completely aghast. I think it was easily the most shocking moment since the Red Wedding. Cersei's rise as the MAD QUEEN was absolutely spectacular. The malice, the cruelty, THE DRESS. Poor, poor Tommen though. I know a lot of people dislike the character, but he was thrust into a situation he could not possibly be ready for and fathom. His suicide was simply sad. A lot of people die, but how many characters have actually committed suicide? The only real decision he made by himself was the decision to take his own life.
+Oldtown looked amazing, especially the Hightower. It even had the oh so mysterious black slab base. That was probably the most dramatic shot of a library I've ever seen. Have fun Sam! I do feel like this storyline was sidelined all season, but I can't really say any of Sam's scenes were bad.
+Davos killing it as always. What else is there to say? I'm very curious to know what Mel will do now. Perhaps meet up with BwB? I feel like her story is nowhere near finished and she seems vital for the war against the white walkers.
+R+L = J CONFIRMED. I gotta imagine show only watchers are still a bit confused about that scene and are googling "Who is Jon Snow's real father?". They probably should have spelled it out a bit more, but seeing that scene after so many years of speculation was satisfying. I loved the cut to Jon as well.
+DA KING IN DA NORTH scene was nice, though it lacked the impact of the first time around. Lyanna with that audition for Hand of the King was great. Littlefinger's ladder is crumbling, but never count him out. I'm really curious to see how the Northern storyline plays with Jon, Sansa, and Littlefinger. With KL BTFO, it might become the new center for political maneuvering and long talks at long tables.
+Olenna completely dressing down the sand snakes got a good laugh out of me. Though you kill Doran and take his best line? Not cool.
+I loved Dany and Tyrion's scenes. These two always have a fantastic dynamic together. The idealist and the realist. Dany is definitely going to struggle with the obligations of fitting into Westerosi society and I can't wait to see her finally get over there. Her making Tyrion Hand of the Queen was admittedly emotional. I loved the shot of her fleet, and Varys truly took the teleportation crown. He did in a half hour what Dany has taken six years to do!
+/-I can't believe they did Frey pies, wow. If you told me Frey pies and Coldhands would be in this season, I would have called you crazy. Ol' Walder did a great job this episode, but I have to say his death was a little anticlimatic. He is the #1 person I want to die in the books, and I want it to be a spectacular orgy of gore and chaos. Getting his throat slit was a little mundane. I liked Jaime's verbal smackdown though.
A great way to end the season. I was surprised the wall didn't fall though, but maybe they spent all their CGI budget. They should have a bit of money freed up next year since they don't have to pay half the cast after tonight. Curious about Jorah though, will he get the fabled lava arm? From who? And for what purpose? And Euron... whatever, I don't even care about him anymore. BOW TO THE QUEEN
