The second episode of the final season of Game of Thrones, titled “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” could very well have been titled “the Night Before Everyone Dies.” Because I fear the cast of characters we’ve grown to love is about to be thinned out dramatically. Here are three thoughts heading into the battle for Winterfell.
For Some, Their Story Will End
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” could hardly have done more to foreshadow death. For one, you had most of the characters expecting to die in the battle against the White Walkers. Indeed, one of the things that made the episode so great was seeing how each character chose to spend his or her last night on earth. Then, you have a group of characters taking refuge—in a crypt! When they are about to be besieged by the army of the dead. So, I predict that next episode plenty of longstanding characters will meet their end.
As for how it might go down, my guess is the unlucky ones will be the characters whose stories seemed to reach their conclusion. For example, the best moment of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” was when Jaime made Brienne a knight. Being a true Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the thing Brienne wanted most in life. Now that she has it, I suspect she’ll be heroic in the upcoming battle. But she won’t make it out alive.
Likewise, Ser Jorah reunited with his kinswoman, Lyanna Mormant, and the family who exiled him. He’s been redeemed, and thanks to Sam, he even has a Valyrian blade. Remember, Jorah would have received such a blade from his father, Jeor Mormont, had he not committed the sins that led to his exile. He’s a hero now, and he’ll die like one.
Delores Edd protected The Wall until it was destroyed. I believe his watch is over. Also, Beric Dondorian has lived long past his demise in the books (in A Storm of Swords). He’s destined to meet the Lord of Light, just not in this world.
And fear for Tormund and Pod too. If Brienne falls, I don’t know what story they’ll have left either.
Daenerys Has Bigger Plans
The one character who does not appear to be contemplating death at all is Daenerys. Apparently, she believes that with two dragons, she’s invincible. She’s also hellbent on ruling the Seven Kingdoms, so dying is not an option.
Dany’s obsession with the Iron Throne has set up her character arc for the season. Right now, it’s her prime motivator, and it’s making her less likable by the hour. When Sansa asks her what happens after this, Dany looks at her like she’s joking. “I take the Iron Throne,” Dany says. Then, when Jon reveals who he truly is, her first thought is not “OMG, I’ve been sleeping with my nephew!” It’s: “If it were true, it would make you the last male heir of House Targaryen.”
Jon has suddenly become a threat. And I’m half expecting Dany to abandon him on the battlefield next episode. After all, if Jon dies, her newfound problem is solved. But what would that mean for her story? I believe the show is setting up a dramatic moment for Dany. Either she stays ruthless, and even becomes the Mad Queen. Or she does the one thing Sam believes she can’t do—put aside her crown to save the realm.
Expect a Twist At The End
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” set up an all-out battle for Winterfell. And that’s what may happen, but it seems too obvious. I believe there’s something else going on, and it will be the episode’s big twist.
But what could that be? I suppose it may have to do with Bran. After all, there is a longstanding fan theory that he’s actually the Night King. You can read about that here, but it has to do with Bran having warrged into the Night King during one of his Three-Eyed Raven adventures, and now he’s stuck there. It’s a dubious theory, but possible, I suppose.
Or, maybe Daenyrys really will abandon Jon and leave him to die. That would undoubtedly shock fans, and it would make Dany the new villain on Game of Thrones. That could happen, but I suspect there’s even a bigger twist in store.
Stop reading now if you want to avoid potential spoilers . . .
I believe the Night King has headed to King’s Landing. While everyone is focused on the North, no one would see his dragon coming. Also, we know from the history of Westeros that a single Dragon destroyed Harrenhal. Qyburn’s scorpions and Golden Company warriors won’t stand a chance against an undead dragon. And if it’s breath could topple The Wall, what could it do to meager King’s Landing?
Moreover, the show has been setting this up for years. In the House of the Undying in Season 2, Dany sees a vision of the throne room in King’s landing destroyed and covered in snow. I’m confident that premonition will come true, and I bet it will happen—or at least be set up—in the dramatic end of episode three.
* Images courtesy of HBO