Game Of Thrones Season 8: 7 Ups And 3 Downs From 'The Last Of The Starks'
2. Emilia Clarke Is Good At Acting Now?
Emilia Clarke has long received quite a bit of criticism for her performance on the show, and while it hasn't all been justified, it is fair to say that she's rarely been among the strongest performers. Until now, it seems.
Her scene with Jorah at the end of Episode 3 was arguably her finest acting in the entire series, and she follows that up with another stellar performance here. For an actor who has long been criticised for a lack of expression or emotion, she does a hell of a lot with her face here, nicely conveying the sense of rage and sadness she feels, and with a hint of madness too.
On that sense, this also feels like a momentous episode for Daenerys' whole arc, and where it will ultimately go. It definitely wants us to believe in the potential of her going Mad Queen, and Clarke does sell that as a possibility (helped by some brilliant direction from David Nutter, who shoots her particularly well here with a number of close-ups and fires reflected in her eyes).
But it equally does great work with her discussing her 'destiny' to rule, which nicely calls back to Stannis (who should serve as a warning sign). All of that culminates in Missandei's death, which will serve as the final propulsion point for the Last War (much like how the first war on this show started with a King's Landing beheading). There is both justifiable criticism and a bigger discussion to be had with regards to the show putting its only notable woman of colour in chains and then killing her. That's probably an argument for a different voice, but in terms of the scene itself, it's well-acted, well-shot, and saying 'Dracarys' loops Missandei's arc back to the idea of freedom and her relationship with Dany (to whom she's a true friend, not just an advisor), which works. Dany's going to fulfil her destiny and break the wheel whatever the cost. And, well, she's seen the cost. What she does next is going to be fascinating.