The last episode of Game of Thrones, “The Iron Throne,” episode 6 of Season 8, concludes the epic saga with a controversial resolution that sees Bran Stark crowned King of the Six Kingdoms, Jon Snow exiled to the Night’s Watch, and Daenerys Targaryen meeting a tragic end at Jon’s hand. This polarizing finale has continued to spark debate among fans, critics, and scholars alike, cementing its place in television history as both a landmark achievement and a point of contention.
The End of an Era: A Deep Dive into “The Iron Throne”
The episode opens in the aftermath of Daenerys Targaryen’s devastating attack on King’s Landing. The city lies in ruins, and Daenerys, now the self-proclaimed Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, addresses her Unsullied and Dothraki armies, promising to liberate the world. This scene sets the stage for the episode’s central conflict: the struggle for the soul of Westeros and the question of who will ultimately rule. Tyrion Lannister, disgusted by Daenerys’s actions, resigns as Hand and is imprisoned for treason.
Jon Snow, torn between his love for Daenerys and his duty to protect the realm from her tyranny, grapples with the consequences of his queen’s actions. Arya Stark and Tyrion both attempt to reason with him, warning him of the danger Daenerys poses. Ultimately, Jon makes the difficult decision to assassinate Daenerys in the throne room, ending her reign and plunging Westeros into further uncertainty.
Following Daenerys’s death, a council of Westeros’s remaining lords and ladies gathers to decide the future of the realm. Tyrion proposes Bran Stark as the new king, arguing that he possesses the wisdom and neutrality necessary to rule fairly. The council agrees, and Bran is crowned King of the Six Kingdoms (the North, having declared independence under Sansa Stark, remains separate).
As king, Bran makes several key decisions: he appoints Tyrion as his Hand, sentences Jon Snow to the Night’s Watch, and sends Grey Worm and the Unsullied to Naath. The episode concludes with Jon reuniting with Tormund Giantsbane and Ghost beyond the Wall, Arya sailing west to explore uncharted territories, and Sansa ruling the North as an independent queen.
Controversies and Criticisms: Examining the Fallout
The final season of Game of Thrones, and particularly “The Iron Throne,” received widespread criticism for its perceived rushed pacing, plot inconsistencies, and character assassinations. Many viewers felt that the ending was unsatisfying and did not do justice to the meticulously crafted world and complex characters that had defined the series for so many years. The handling of Daenerys’s character arc, in particular, drew significant criticism, with many arguing that her sudden descent into madness felt unearned and out of character.
The episode’s conclusion, with Bran Stark becoming king, was also met with skepticism. Many viewers felt that Bran, who had largely been absent from the political intrigues of the series, was an uninspired and anticlimactic choice for the ruler of Westeros. The decision to send Jon Snow back to the Night’s Watch, while providing a sense of closure, also felt like a punishment rather than a fitting resolution for his character.
Despite the criticisms, “The Iron Throne” remains a significant cultural event. It sparked countless discussions and debates about the nature of power, the complexities of morality, and the challenges of ending a sprawling narrative. While the finale may not have satisfied everyone, it undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the landscape of television.
FAQs: Untangling the Threads of the Finale
Here are some frequently asked questions about the last episode of Game of Thrones, addressing common points of confusion and controversy:
H3 What was the name of the last episode of Game of Thrones?
The last episode was called “The Iron Throne”, and it was episode 6 of Season 8.
H3 Why did Daenerys destroy King’s Landing?
Daenerys destroyed King’s Landing due to a combination of factors: her growing paranoia, her desire to instill fear in her enemies, the betrayal she felt from Westeros, and the influence of advisors like Missandei’s death. Some viewers believe this was out of character, while others argue it was a culmination of her Targaryen bloodline and her experiences throughout the series.
H3 Why did Jon Snow kill Daenerys?
Jon killed Daenerys because he believed she had become a tyrant and posed a threat to the realm. He felt he had a duty to protect the people of Westeros, even if it meant betraying his love for Daenerys. Tyrion and Arya convinced him that if she lived, many would die.
H3 Why was Bran Stark chosen as King?
Bran was chosen as King because Tyrion argued that he possessed the wisdom and neutrality necessary to rule fairly. As the Three-Eyed Raven, Bran held the collective knowledge of the past and could see into the future, making him uniquely qualified to make wise decisions. He also had no desire for power, supposedly.
H3 What happened to Jon Snow at the end of the series?
Jon Snow was sent back to the Night’s Watch as punishment for killing Daenerys. While technically a punishment, it also allowed him to escape the political intrigues of King’s Landing and return to a simpler life beyond the Wall, where he ultimately seemed happier.
H3 Why did Sansa Stark want the North to be independent?
Sansa Stark wanted the North to be independent because she believed it was the only way to ensure the safety and security of her people. She felt that the North had suffered greatly under the rule of the Iron Throne and that it was time for them to govern themselves.
H3 What was Arya Stark planning to do at the end?
Arya Stark declared that she was going to sail west to explore uncharted territories. This reflects her independent spirit and her desire for adventure. It leaves her future open-ended, hinting at further explorations beyond the known world.
H3 What was Tyrion’s role after the finale?
Tyrion was appointed as Hand to the King by Bran Stark. This demonstrates that he retained his position of influence and was still viewed as a wise advisor, despite his past mistakes.
H3 What happened to the Unsullied and Grey Worm?
Grey Worm and the Unsullied sailed to Naath, Missandei’s homeland, to protect it. They held Daenerys loyalists.
H3 Was there an alternate ending to Game of Thrones?
While there have been rumors of alternate endings, there is no concrete evidence that any were actually filmed. The showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, have stated that the ending they aired was the ending they had always planned. However, it’s possible they explored different scenarios during the writing process.
H3 What is the legacy of the last episode of Game of Thrones?
The legacy of “The Iron Throne” is complex and multifaceted. It serves as a reminder of the challenges of ending a beloved and complex series, as well as the power of fan expectations and the potential for controversy. Despite the criticisms, the episode remains a significant cultural event that continues to be discussed and debated.
H3 Will there be a continuation or sequel to Game of Thrones focused on what happened after the last episode?
While there are no currently announced plans for a direct continuation or sequel to the main Game of Thrones series focusing on events after the last episode, the world of Westeros is far from over. The prequel series, House of the Dragon, is already captivating audiences, and other potential spin-offs are reportedly in development. While these may not directly address the fates of Jon, Arya, or Bran in the years following the finale, they offer opportunities to further explore the rich history and complex characters of George R.R. Martin’s world.