GAME OF THRONES (S8E2) “A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms”: The Calm Before The Storm

We are officially two episodes into the final season of Game of Thrones, with only four left. I’ve watched this show since the first episode aired, and I’m still grappling with the fact that the time has actually come…we are finally able to get a close on this magnificent story. It also means saying goodbye, which is bittersweet.

Last week’s episode had a lot of reunions of characters we’ve wanted to see together for some time. This episode has more contemplation, reflection, and with things as dire as they are, some planning. How will they defeat the army of the dead? Is it even possible?

More importantly: what happens after?

A Knight of The Seven Kingdoms gave us some answers, brought some “last night on earth” scenarios to fruition, had Grey Worm and Missandei anticipating a potential future, and we saw Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) finally getting her well-deserved knighthood.

Friend Or Foe?

Everyone was talking (or creating memes) after the final moments of “Winterfell” had Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) in the courtyard, receiving an intense stare from Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright). We jump right into his reception, which isn’t warm in the North, especially when you consider Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) is at the head of the table.

He’s alone, he’s come to fight, and through the declarations of those in the room who have been saved rather than impeded by Jaime, he’s able to stay. There are a lot of amazing connections made in this show, but the Brienne and Jaime link is one of my favorites.

I love all of these characters so much that I could watch them chat about meaningless things, and I would still enjoy myself. Well, this didn’t happen, instead some spent time unearthing old wounds and for others – attempting to heal them.

After Jon Snow found out his heritage last week, the next step was Dany discovering this information. Episode two provides us the initial reaction, though a further conversation will come I’m sure, and I think it shows a lot about both of their characters. If they make it through the night, can they survive this?

Armed & Ready & Waiting

When the remaining characters make it to the wall, the distinct awareness of the end is a palpable thing. Thus begins a long night of anticipating, as everyone knows the level of danger awaiting them. All the characters are feeling it, and some will go to the crypts, the supposed “safe” place, while others will fight. Even young Lyanna Mormont (Bella Ramsey) is determined to draw swords (but would we want it any other way?)

I’m sure I’m not alone with the Arya (Maisie Williams) and Gendry (Joe Dempsie) fascination. They each have had a difficult road and aren’t the two kids who parted ways so many years ago, but their arc surprised me.

There is a wonderful moment towards the end when Podrick (Daniel Portman) sings. While his melodic tune rings out, we catch glimpses around the castle of the other characters. The song and the moment reminded me of Lord of The Rings, when Pippin sings. They’re on the eve of battle, “to arm the realms of men,” and things are about to get seedy, fast. Some are craving human touch, others just companionship. There’s also a group of drinking buddies you didn’t know you needed.

Interestingly enough, the song also has some intricate ties to the books and is possibly prophetic.”High in the halls of the kings who are gone, Jenny would dance with her ghosts. The ones she had lost and the ones she had found, and the ones who had loved her the most.” I’ll let you marinate on that one.

In this episode we also get to see Winterfell plan for the coming battle. Despite the night approaching, their preparations seem sound. Or do they? Bran explains just what the Night King wants, and it is chilling. He wants to erase Westeros, and who better to take out to do it then its “living history”, the three-eyed raven.

Episode 2 did a terrific job of giving us more reconciliations while still forging new relationships. The writing was superb, and the conversations and character building in this hour of television will help to propel this iconic location into its sordid future. I know the battle of Winterfell is going to be a heartbreaking one, but I’m glad they’re doing it all together.

Wait, was that Ghost?

No Turning Back

There is a lot to love with this episode, and even though it’s clearly setting up the biggest battle to ever hit the Game of Thrones screen (gulp) there were plenty of important moments. No matter what horrors Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) has committed, he still brings Sansa (Sophie Turner) to tears when he declares he’s come to fight. Regardless of how intimidating Daenerys Targaryen is, Sansa isn’t affected, and can respond with a measurable amount of discernible intensity herself.

We have a lot of nostalgic moments worked within this hour too. It makes you think back to Jon joining the night’s watch, and who is still alive. Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) and Jaime echo sentiments about their time at Winterfell, all the way back to episode 1. Oh, how things have changed. Here, within the castle, there is no wheel, no battling houses. Just life against death. A Knight of The Seven Kingdoms reminds us how we got here, and – as if we needed it – of how high the stakes are.

In its closing moments we see this formidable army arrive, and we know that next week’s episode is going to mean certain death for many of our favorites. Who will survive? Will they defeat the Night King for good? I think we can be sure that the battle between the dead and living is going to come to a close, but what will be the cost? And for those who remain, will their bonds be broken?

What did you think? How has this season shaped up so far? Let us know in the comments below and as always, we want to hear your predictions for what’s to come!

Game of Thrones airs on Sundays at 9 EST on HBO.