Game Of Thrones: Every Episode Ranked From Worst To Best

46. Kill The Boy (S5E5)

Game of Thrones Aemon Sam
HBO

Written By: Bryan Cogman Directed By: Jeremy Podeswa

A decent midway episode in Season 5, Kill The Boy takes its name from the speech Maester Aemon gives to Jon Snow, which is one of a few excellent conversations to take place in this episode.

Sansa and the Boltons participate in the dinner party from hell, which also sees the eldest Stark reunited with Theon, and Daenerys shows off her dragons in Meereen. The episode's big set-piece comes as we pass through Old Valyria, and Jorah and Tyrion are attacked by Stone Men, with the former tragically being touched and infected with greyscale. It also gives us the awe-inspiring shot of Tyrion seeing a dragon for the first time. Not bad for a talky episode.

45. The Gift (S5E7)

Game of Thrones Tyrion Jorah
HBO

Written By: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss Directed By: Miguel Sapochnik

The show takes a big leap past the books here, as Tyrion Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen meet for the first time. Although any exploration of that relationship is left for the next episode, this still feels like a momentous occasion. Points to Jorah too, for his Gladiator-like efforts in the fighting pit.

Coming after the show's worst episode, and placed just before one of its very best, there is a sense of treading water outside of the Tyrion/Daenerys meeting. The High Sparrow turns his gaze on Cersei, Maester Aemon sadly passes away, Sam saves Gilly (and then the pair sleep together), and the Sand Snakes almost murder Bronn (ffs).

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.