8 Things Game Of Thrones Season 8 Actually Did Well

In another unnecessarily criticized moment, Arya Stark surprised audiences in The Long Night, the third episode of the season, when she delivers the killing blow on the Night King, taking down all his remaining wights and white walkers. Fans had expected Jon Snow, who led the fight against the dead for seasons, to deliver the killing blow, but Arya taking him out was a much better decision. Since the first season, she has been saying "Not Today" to the God of Death, so it makes perfect sense that the slaying of the Night King, the show's personification of death, becomes her defining moment.

Additionally, the entire scene leading up to Arya's killing the Night King is perfect. The sequence lasts about eight minutes, almost completely devoid of dialogue. During that time, Theon and Jorah both beautifully end their arcs, and we hear Djawadi's spectacular Night King theme. During this scene, all hope seems lost, with the dead overpowering the living. Barring a miracle, the Night King will kill Bran and end the history of men.

Then, Arya jumps out of nowhere. The Night King grabs her by the throat, but she drops her Valyrian steel dagger, catches it with her other hand, and stabs him. This may be the most epic moment in the series.