Game of Thrones' Most Underrated Season Finale Was Actually a Masterclass in Storytelling
Oh the times when this show had meaningful finales...
HBO's hit series Game of Thrones has been entertaining audiences for nearly a decade. Despite its popularity, there are still some episodes that don't get the recognition they deserve. One of these underrated pieces is the season 5 finale.
At first glance, 5x10 may not seem like anything special. It doesn't have the shocking twists and turns of episodes like The Red Wedding or The Battle of the Bastards. But what it lacks in action, it more than makes up for in character development and emotional impact.
The episode opens with Jon Snow's emotional farewell to Samwell Tarly. After Sam leaves for Oldtown, Jon is left alone with the weight of his responsibilities as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. We see a vulnerable side of Snow as he struggles with the difficult decisions he must make to protect the realm.
Meanwhile, in King's Landing, Cersei is finally freed from her imprisonment by the High Sparrow. However, her release comes with a price. She is forced to take the Walk of Shame through the streets of the capital.
Finally, the episode ends with the shocking death of Jon Snow. The scene is heartbreaking as we see Jon betrayed by his own men and left to die in the... snow. It's a powerful moment that sets up next season's events and leaves viewers wanting more.
But despite the plethora of events, Myrcella's death is the most unexpected for fans. Cersei and Jaime's innocent child fell to Ellaria Sand's poisonous kiss.
And if the death of Jon or the suicide of Selyse, Shireen's mother who was burned to death a season earlier, were fairly predictable, the passing of the Lannister daughter was hard to foresee.
Overall, the season 5 finale is a master class in character development and emotional storytelling. It may not have the flashy action scenes of other episodes, but it more than makes up for it with its strong performances and impactful moments.
It's a testament to the show's quality that even the underrated episodes are still some of the best television has to offer.
Source: Reddit