Game of Thrones season 8: The two visions that came true during the penultimate episode
An ending that was alluded to in both season two and season four
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Your support makes all the difference.**Spoilers for Game of Thrones season eight, episode five ‘The Bells’ ahead**
The once saviour of Westeros has become the Mad Queen. During the penultimate episode of Game of Thrones, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) burnt down King’s Landing as Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) watched from the Red Keep.
While Dany turning into a villain may have come as a surprise to many fans, some have pointed out there were multiple hints along the way. None as seemingly obvious as two separate visions that foretold of the destruction of King’s Landing.
The first happened in season two, when Dany entered the House of the Undying. Before the “Breaker of Chains” was able to find her baby dragons, she saw a vision of a deserted Iron Throne and King’s Landing covered in a snow-like substance (seemingly hinting at the Night King’s approach). Now we know that was ash falling from the sky, as Dany was destined to burn down King’s Landing and the city’s many citizens.
That same burnt throne room was seen during Isaac Hempstead Wright’s Bran’s vision in season four. After touching a Weirwood tree beyond The Wall, Bran sees a Thrones covered in ash (interpreted to be snow), as well as a dragon flying over King’s Landing. Due to Bran’s Three-Eyed Raven powers, fans were not sure whether the dragon flying above the city was from the past or future.
During the preview for episode six, King’s Landing can be seen covered in ash. And with that, both Bran and Dany’s visions have come true.
The Independent‘s critic described “The Bells” as “out-of-tune” and criticised the episode’s writing, asking: “What is the logic here?” Meanwhile, Varys actor Conleth Hill called his character’s demise “frustrating” and that the “last couple seasons weren’t my favourite”. Lena Headey has also spoken cautiously about her character’s death, revealing the reason why she initially felt “mixed” about the scene.
You can find a ranking of every character – from worst best – here. Flick through the below gallery for our ranking of every episode.
The final season of Game of Thrones continues every Sunday. The show is available on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV in the UK.
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