Game Of Thrones Season 8 Premiere: 8 Ups And 3 Downs From 'Winterfell'

Ups...

8. Jon Rides A Dragon

Jon riding a dragon has long been heavily foreshadowed: from the dragon has three heads prophecy of the books, to him touching Drogon in Season 7, it's always felt like his true lineage would in some way end up being tied into him riding a dragon. No, let's not do THAT Daenerys joke again.

As predicted, it happens in Season 8 - and in a scene that had been edited in the teasers to hide Jon - as he and Dany go off for a spot of dragon flying to find somewhere secluded. (Okay, now you can make the joke.)

The scene may not add a huge amount to the plot, but there's no denying the visual splendour of those dragon shots over snowy vistas, with the series showing off its increased budget for the final season. But it's also important on a character level: though neither of them know it, it's big setup for the reveal of Jon's parentage, especially since he's riding the dragon named after his father. We've theorised for so long about Jon's parentage, and to see him riding a dragon as they begin to embrace it is really quite exciting, and it dovetails nicely with the development of Jon and Dany's love here, because it'll make the reveal all the more painful for them.

And if that wasn't enough, it then pays off with Drogon watching them intently as they make out. That's destined to be memed to death, but it's again important, but it helps give the dragons some real personality and character.