It’s hard to think of a finale with a larger scope that Game of Thrones this season. The sheer scope of what this episode covers in “The Dragon and the Wolf” is insane. The season seven finale wraps up the main plots of this season, while setting up the final run. The first half of the episode lags, but the latter half includes some truly insane moments. This isn’t the finest episode of television, but for fans of the show, it is monumental.
The weakest element of the episode is what comes first. Bringing everyone together for a doomed truce is fairly boring. While it’s amusing to see everyone in matching black leather outfits, it isn’t very exciting. The best part of the reunion, in fact, is how little time it takes. What makes Game of Thrones fun is watching the characters plot against each other, not do Defenders-style team-ups.
What is interesting is the fallout of this alliance. Cersei in particular has a compelling twist in her motivations. Having Euron go to collect the Golden Company promises that this shoehorned alliance won’t last. Seeing the Lannister siblings get extended screen time, and watch them splinter, is intriguing. It’s that kind of interpersonal drama that makes Game of Thrones exciting to watch. Well, that and ice dragons.
The murder of Littlefinger was beyond satisfying to watch. The set-up to his death was infuriating, due to how deep the lead was buried. Game of Thrones had the Stark girls at each other’s throats, without a sign of reconciliation. How the two came together to resolve their differences is hard to say. However, Littlefinger has long been one of the most sinister plotters in the Seven Kingdoms. While we may miss Aidan Gillen, no one will miss Petyr Baelish.
Jon Snow’s parentage sets up interesting backstory for the upcoming final season. The actual reveal of Jon Snow being a Targaryen came last season. It’s a more interesting development now that he’s so close to the throne. The information may not change much, as Jon and Daenerys are already, uh, very close. Now that their relationship is so close and fairy tale-esqe, seeing it break could be interesting. Whether it be over the throne, or a disinterest in incest, Westeros’ new power couple is due for some drama.
Tied to Jon’s true heritage is the shocking twist of Rhaegar and Lyanna. The idea that the rebellion was founded upon a lie is shocking. The entire series, and every remaining plot point, stems from that misconception. How things might change if the rebellion is a falsehood is unclear, but for “The Dragon and the Wolf,” it is a phenomenal reveal.
The true strength of “The Dragon and the Wolf” is both what it wraps up and opens up. A strong finale should conclude season-long conflicts, while setting up the future. Jon and Dany are allies, the Stark sisters are family, and everyone will fight the Night King. Considering the Night King just Blue Eyes White Dragon’d the Wall, the conflict is imminent. I’ve never been a fan of the Game of Thrones zombie plot, but it should make for some incredible CGI fights.
All in all, this season was mostly based on fan service. That isn’t entirely a bad thing, however, because of what Game of Thrones has become. It’s now a huge event in pop culture, and has built a huge world for six years. The fact that the series is now delivering on its promises isn’t a negative. Yes, fans may look back and see this season as a weaker point. But the moments it gave fans make it special, and this episode perfectly encapsulates that. Plus, there’s no way this season was as bad as season five.
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