Game Of Thrones: Every Episode Ranked From Worst To Best
1. The Winds Of Winter (S6E10)
Written By: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss Directed By: Miguel Sapochnik
The Winds of Winter provides a stunning climax not only to the superb season six, but years of storylines and character developments.
The spectacle is provided in the explosive opening sequence, which is a masterclass in slowly building to a big payoff (an in-episode metaphor for the series there), with some of the greatest music the show has produced accompanying us on the journey, as we get ready for Cersei's trial and it leads us to the cache of wildfire, and then...BOOM! Once again we'er enraptured by an explosion of green flames across our screens, killing everyone it touches, but that's just the beginning.
The episode is breathless, moving from one epic, fan-pleasing, game-changing moment to the next. Think the wildfire was the best bit? But oh, Arya's back in Westeros, and delivering sweet vengeance to Walder Frey, and bringing the Frey Pies plot from the book to the screen. Her story was always about identity, losing it way back in Season 1, and now she's reclaimed it. A girl is Arya Stark.
But wait, breakout star of Season 6 Lyanna Mormont is giving a rousing speech, and Jon is declared KING IN THE NORTH! The man who was an outcast for being a bastard, yet the most like Ned Stark, finally has the acceptance of his people, and the position he richly deserves.
Oh, and speaking of Jon Snow, we also get the conclusion to the Tower of Joy scene, which confirms the biggest ever fan theory in A Song of Ice and Fire history, and plays out as a beautiful, tragic moment for all involved: Jon never knowing the truth, Lyanna dying and never knowing her son, and Ned carrying the weight of his promise for the rest of his life.
More? How about something fans jokingly said was never going to happen, as Daenerys sets sail for Westeros, with Tyrion by her side as Hand of the Queen, the support of multiple houses, two huge armies, and three bigass, badass dragons flying above her.
This is the best season finale the show has produced, and one of its best-ever episodes. Winter is finally here, and it's f**king beautiful.
Agree with this ranking? No, of course not - share your own lists, or just your favourites, down in the comments.