The 6 best (and 5 worst) episodes of Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones “The Last of the Starks” (Season 8, episode 4)

No one likes a filler episode, especially not in a final season of a show where the stakes should be so high. Unfortunately, “The Last of the Starks,” directed by David Nutter and written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, is an absolute waste of time. It’s unbelievable to me how the same writing and directing team that brought us “The Rains of Castamere” also gave us this. It’s like they just gave up by season 8.

In the aftermath of the Battle of Winterfell, Daenerys and Jon head to King’s Landing to confront Cersei but ultimately get nowhere and Missandei is killed in the process. Jaime and Brienne have sex which is total fan service, and he ends up leaving to go back to Cersei anyway. There’s nothing special about this episode and there’s a lack of consequences that make the whole thing feel very boring.

The characters aren’t smart or strategic in this episode which is both disappointing and inconsistent. Make it make sense.

Verdict: WORST

Game of Thrones “Baelor” (Season 1, episode 9)

The first season of Game of Thrones is wonderful in so many ways, including the fact that it proved no character is ever safe in this story. Not even the main characters. The penultimate episode of the first season, “Baelor” was incredibly shocking when it first premiered, seeing the death of Ned Stark in King’s Landing. The episode was written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss and directed by Alan Taylor.

The execution of Ned Stark defies traditional storytelling and sets up so many important storylines to come. The buildup and aftermath of his death are incredibly well-done, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with emotions. Ned is a character full of honor, and to see him die at the hands of Joffrey Baratheon and the Lannisters is so disheartening. But it just shows that the villains can be victorious, which is honestly so refreshing.

Elsewhere in “Baelor,” Daenerys deals with a dying Khal Drogo, Robb’s army captures Jaime, and Arya gets out of King’s Landing with the help of Yoren. These plot points are all so essential to the story and lead us to an awesome season finale.

Verdict: BEST