9 Things You Learn Rewatching Game Of Thrones Season 8
5. The Battle of King's Landing is spectacular
People were so angry a year ago about Daenerys' abrupt turn from liberator of the people to homicidal maniac, that they forgot the simple truth that the Battle of King's Landing is awesome!
It's true that the Golden Company were somewhat wasted but how long could they have honestly lasted against Daenerys, Drogon and her armies, and as mentioned, the Dragon Queen's turn was too rushed. Everything after that though was incredibly well executed, from the initial throw of the spear, Jon desperately trying to keep control of his men and even having to turn against one at some point, Cersei and Jamie's reunion, friggin' Cleganebowl! And the fact that after the turn, there is no Daenerys, only the dragon. A great creative choice there.
Highlight of the episode definitely goes to Arya, and her struggle to stay alive amidst the falling buildings and dragon fire, as well as her interactions with the civilians of the city, trying to keep them alive for as long as possible. Maisie Williams' acting is on full display here, her facial expressions and body language telling her story of survival against all odds, and despite it not meaning anything in the great scheme of things, the final shot of her and the horse is beautiful.
Director Miguel Sapochnik and cinematographer Fabian Wagner deserve so much more credit than they received for this episode because in retrospect, it really is great.