Stark Contrast: Episode 24 "The Spoils of War" • Television

Game of Thrones throws some kindling on the fire this week with “The Spoils of War.” Unlike “The Queen’s Justice,” Josh and I found myriad plots and emotional arcs to interrogate this time around. We pay particular attention to family reunions and how context and time have shaped characters we’ve known since Season 1. We also discuss prophecy and several fan theories regarding Jon (Kit Harington) and Daenerys (Emilia Clarke).

Arya (Maisie Williams) returns to Winterfell for the first time, countering my suspicion that she was headed to King’s Landing. I enjoyed the contrast of seeing her back home now with the scenes which opened Season 1 years ago. I also found her reunion with Sansa (Sophie Turner) to be an engaging moment reflective of their extraordinary individual journeys. Josh, of course, found their meeting underwhelming.

This week also sees Littlefinger (Aiden Gillan) try once again to manipulate another member of the Stark family. This time, his target is Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright), to whom he delivers the dagger that was used to try and kill him years before. Unfortunately for Littlefinger, he doesn’t realize that the Bran he knew is long gone and that the Three-Eyed Raven knows more than Littlefinger is comfortable with. Josh and I discuss the significance of the dagger considering its [likely] differing history from the books.

The episode concludes with one of the best battles in Game of Thrones’ seven season run. Director Matt Shakam (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) captures the tension and horror of a short but decisive massacre with emotional acumen. The sight of Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) watching in horror as Jaime’s (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) army is incinerated by Daenerys is heartbreaking to watch. Josh and I break down the scene and agree this episode features some of the most cinematic CGI yet.

I, for one, can’t wait to see the fire and flames of “The Spoils of War” meet the frosty ice shattering effects of “Hardhome” as we near the series’ conclusion.

~ Søren

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