BTW, my predictions are for those who die by the end of the season. Some I think will die but not on Sunday. Like Jaime!
Spoilers Game of Thrones: The Final Season
- Thread starter The Nth Doctor
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I largely agree--with a couple of differences. I suspect Jaime and Tyrion will survive this battle--but not the season. But, if one does die this next episode, it will be Tyrion. Varys might die defending those in the crypt. That might be his purpose this season.
I suspect Brienne will survive the series.
I hope you are right. But they have been building up white walkers and the army of the dead since the first scene of the first episode.
If the army of the dead gets destroyed then there will be a final battle between the good guys and Cersei’s army. But I expect the army of the dead will be somewhat victorious and keep marching south. Whoever survives then will join Cersei (who is the lesser evil) for a final battle with the army of the dead.
^ Based on narrative structure and what they've set up, there really has to be a final confrontation over the Iron Throne, and the only time it can happen is in Episode 5, which would leave Episode 6 (the series finale) as a denouement.
It's possible that the Battle of Winterfell stretches across two episodes, but then you'd be going straight from one battle into another, and it makes more sense narratively to have a 'respite' in between.
It's possible that the Battle of Winterfell stretches across two episodes, but then you'd be going straight from one battle into another, and it makes more sense narratively to have a 'respite' in between.
This actually matches the analysis I made earlier this thread based on the episode directors. The director who is great with battle scenes is directing episodes 3 and 5.
I can see that as a possibility. Although, suspect that it'll be a bigger win for the dead than just "somewhat." Another big surprise from the show--the good guys are thoroughly routed in Winterfell. Some escape and fight again another day, probably in Kings Landing. I suppose it could be anything in between.
It does seem like there will be a big battle in #5, but it doesn't necessarily have to be over the throne. I think it more likely will be for outright survival against the Dead and it will be in KL. But, I would never say it "has to be" for anything related to Game of Thrones.
My sense is that there is so much physical and social destruction that the Iron Throne becomes largely meaningless. We've already seen the destruction of large chunks of the power structure that held the Seven Kingdoms together. I'm expecting much more of that over the course of the several battles. The result will be independent kingdoms. Maybe even a Republic type of system where the former Kingdoms are States.
It's entirely possible that the Living win the battle of Winterfell, but it's a gigantic feint on the part of the Night King, who instead travels via zombie-dragon to Kings Landing and proceeds to convert the entire population into White Walkers.
IIRC the actress who played Meera didn't want to come back to the show, so they've basically been written out.
IIRC the actress who played Meera didn't want to come back to the show, so they've basically been written out.
That's not what they've been setting up for the past 69 episodes; it might end up being what happens in the novels, but the television series has been clearly setting up a resolution to the conflict over the Iron Throne that has someone sitting on it (probably Dany and Jon in some combination) and it would be folly to pull a last-minute "bait and switch".
That's possible but not a smart strategic move. If the Night King splits his forces and there's too small force to win at Winterfell, it's a major blunder. The Night King loses a chunk of his forces and those in Winterfell can track down the main Dead force heading toward Kings Landing and force them to fight rear guard action all the way there. That's particularly problematic thanks to the Dothraki that can strike them swiftly from the rear. Makes getting to KL very difficult. No, best from the Night King's perspective to eliminate the threat completely to begin with before moving south.
Again, I wouldn't be so certain over anything in GoT! But, a couple of points.
First, recall what the very first scene of the TV series was and then think about what they might have been setting up!
Second, GoT is a TV series of surprises. They don't just set things up and resolve them in a predictable manner! I think we're suppose get fixate on the throne but to me this always seems more like a story of survival. You've got internal squabbling in the face of a deadly external thread. Can they unify enough to hold off the Dead? The throne pales in comparison to that.
Third, if you pay attention, they've set up the notion that the power structures in the Seven Kingdoms are being destroyed and weakened. That has systematically happened over the course of the series. Even financially, they were presented as having to worry about paying their debts. And they had to destroy the noble house and send the gold overseas. Lots of internal fighting has obliterated large numbers of troops and entire noble houses.
That has been setup consistently and probably will have ramifications. What do you think the vision about the destroyed throne room is all about?
To be honest, the whole army of the dead thing is a blessing. not only have they destroyed the power structure for Westeros, they've also spent all 'Fall' fighting, destroying their castles, killing their farmers, and depleting their food stocks. It's about to be several years of winter, and no one has the food to survive, or the money to buy more. Having most of the population killed will help take the edge off, because if the white walkers just quit and headed north tomorrow, a lot of Westeros is going to starve and die anyway.
Look at any farming-based society. You fight in the summer, in between planting season and the harvest. If you skip either of those milestones, or have too few men of the right age to do so, you're kinda screwed unless you happen to conquer someone else that DID complete those tasks. And that's when winter is a few months and not several years. Long seasons are a bitch.
Look at any farming-based society. You fight in the summer, in between planting season and the harvest. If you skip either of those milestones, or have too few men of the right age to do so, you're kinda screwed unless you happen to conquer someone else that DID complete those tasks. And that's when winter is a few months and not several years. Long seasons are a bitch.
One thing I haven't seen people talk about is the possibility of the Night King and other White Walkers reviving all those who die fighting them? As we saw at Hardhome, it's not that long of a process. That would be a hell of a gut punch to watch, say, Jorah die (and we all know he's going to die) and then he starts fighting the good guys.
Who haven't been talking about this? The biggest risk of losing at Winterfell is that the Walkers gain new troops.
I think that Bran will be dying on Sunday, and perhaps the walkers win the battle and keep moving on. But given Bran's space-time jump ability, I believe that (in addition to being the guy who built the wall) he will have placed some clue to be found after his death that will be an important element to the story.
I've assumed it would be happening. In fact, that's the biggest risk to Cersei's plan. The Dead win a Winterfell, gain forces, roll south, winning and growing along the way as they head towards Kings Landing. In that type of scenario, it's an avalanche heading towards Kings Landing. And Cersei is just picturing mopping up the remainders of whoever is left!
I don't know if that's what will happen, but it sure seems like a possibility!
Ugh. That'd be tough to watch. I don't think I've ever looked forward to and dreaded a TV episode in such equal measure.
I can see The Night King launching a "terror attack" of sorts on Kings Landing. It's just stuck in my head now
. They'd have next to no warning - and he could inflict considerable damage in a very short space of time. He drops in, wreaks havoc and flies back north - it just seems like a handy way to draw Cersei into the narrative. The Night King seems very confident and appears to enjoy provoking The Living (see: Hardhome). You might disagree with the likelihood of my theory but for argument's sake, let's say it happens. I'm curious what you all think about how Cersei would respond? What are her options? Hunker down at Kings Landing or go all in with the Northern forces? I think she's felt insulated thus far from the threat the Dead pose - even reveling in the fact The Dead broke through the wall in S08E01. If The Night King attacks and exposes Kings Landing as being no safer than anywhere else further North, I'm thinking she'll go all in out of sheer survival instinct (with a nasty plan against Dany and Jon in her back pocket, of course).
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I think the narrative will be coming to Cersei later in the season. However, I'm thinking that Cersei views the Iron Islands as a refuge if she needs it. Although, there is a wrinkle with that plan that she's not aware of yet!I can see The Night King launching a "terror attack" of sorts on Kings Landing. It's just stuck in my head now
The one thing I’m most sure about is Dany will have to make a choice where she will only be able to take the throne if she becomes her father.
Also I’m fairly sure Jamie kills Cersei. Because it’s be weird if just that part didn’t come true.
I’m not sure if the temple explosion consumed all the wildfyre but I would not be surprised if the undead army is lured in the city and it is ignited, destroying the city and the iron throne.
Also I’m fairly sure Jamie kills Cersei. Because it’s be weird if just that part didn’t come true.
I’m not sure if the temple explosion consumed all the wildfyre but I would not be surprised if the undead army is lured in the city and it is ignited, destroying the city and the iron throne.
Others' mileage may vary, but I think this somewhat confirms my analysis of what the rest of this season/series looks like in terms of narrative structure:
https://tvline.com/2019/04/26/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-3-varys-cersei/
https://tvline.com/2019/04/26/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-3-varys-cersei/
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