After six seasons, “Game Of Thrones” continues to deliver twists and turns. Now, the HBO series passes George R.R Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels. Ergo, certain plot elements are modified or otherwise changed in the adapting process. As the latest season concludes, “The Winds of Winter” ups the ante for the surviving Westeros characters.
At King’s Landing, Cersei (Lena Headey) and company get ready for trial. The mood is somber, which makes the tolling bells seem appropriate. In the courtroom, Loras Tyrell confesses to all his crimes. He vows to renounce his titles before receiving his punishment. Tommen tries to leave his room, but Sir Gregor stops him from doing so. Back at the Sept, Margerary informs the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce) that something is wrong, because Cersei has not arrived. She orders everyone to leave as the crowd attempts to flee. An explosion triggered beneath the Sept kills everyone in attendance as Cersei sips wine. Distraught over Margaery’s death, Tommen removes his crown and jumps off the balcony, killing himself. Cersei views her son’s body and decides on cremation.
At the Twins, Walder Frey (David Bradley) toasts his allies in a feast after taking back Riverrun. Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) isn’t in a partying mood. Walder says fear is a great weapon, but Jaime is disgusted with his incompetence and leaves. Later, while dining alone, Walder wonders where his sons are. A disguised Arya (Maise Williams) reveals she baked them in a pie. She reveals her true identity and cuts his throat, avenging Robb Stark’s death at the Red Wedding. Another name has been crossed off Arya’s kill list.
In Winterfell, Jon (Kit Harington) and Melisandre (Carice van Houten) discuss his childhood. Suddenly, Sir Davos (Liam Cunningham) arrives to confront Melisandre about Shireen’s death. Melisandre admits her responsibility but says it was the only way. Although Davos calls for Melisandre’s execution, Jon orders her to leave, threatening to hang her if she returns. As the Red Woman departs, Sansa (Sophie Turner) admits she should have told Jon about Littlefinger. Saddened, Jon explains they need to trust each other more.
In Mereen, Daenarys (Emilia Clarke) tells Daario Naharis that he will not join her in Westeros. She needs alliances with people she can trust, but she can’t take a lover. They part of amicable terms. Later, Dany talks with Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) about their future plans. Tyrion tells her that she is now playing the Game of Thrones. Dany gives him a badge that names him “Hand of the Queen.” Later, they sail for Westeros with the dragons flying overhead.
Littlefinger (Aiden Gillen) meets with Sansa and says he wants to marry her. He has a vision of being on the Iron Throne with her by his side. However, Sansa refuses to consider the notion and leaves. Littlefinger says the North should unite under a legitimate Stark rather than a bastard.
Beyond the Wall, Benjen Stark leaves Bran (Isaac Hampstead-Wright) and Meera (Ellie Kendrick) in the forest. He explains the dead cannot pass through this region. Bran goes into the past and back to the Tower of Joy. Young Ned Stark enters the chamber to find his sister Lyanna covered in blood. She has given birth to an infant Jon and reveals the father is Rhaegar Targaryen. As she dies, Lyanna makes Ned promise to protect her son.
At Winterfell, the Northern families talk about what needs to be done. Many of them wish to head home and wait out the winter. However, Lyanna Mormomt (Bella Ramsey) calls them out and backs Jon’s bid for leadership. Slowly, the families come together and ask Jon for forgiveness in not supporting him earlier. With that, Jon is declared the King in the North. Meanwhile, Jaime arrives in King’s Landing to see Cersei become Queen and Protector of the Seven Kingdoms.
“Game of Thrones” succeeds in delivering another successful season. Showrunners David Benioff and D.B Weiss continue to surprise viewers with each episode. One can only imagine what Season Seven will bring.
