Starr Z. Davies's Blog, page 7

Resist Didn’t Finish How I Expected…

But before I dig into how Resist, by Sarah Crossan, ended, let’s review the overall story.

When I reached the end of the first book, Breathe, I was excited about where this journey would take Alina, Bea, and Quinn. I wouldn’t say I loved the book, but I would put it high in my rank list of YA books. So needless to say, I was excited to dig into this conclusion to the two-part series.

And I was only slightly disappointed, though not in a way that made me dislike the book.

Resist picks up right where Breathe left off. The Resistance has been destroyed, and the handful who remain set out in search of the second branch, known as Sequoia. But along the way, they encounter unexpected challenges that break the groups apart.

Bea is forced to stay behind in an abandoned mall with Jazz as Quinn goes ahead without them, seeking help for an injured Jazz. He finds Sequoia, along with the handful of survivors from The Grove who are already there.

But Sequoia is not what they all expected it to be, and they quickly find themselves in a very atypical post-apocalyptic campus with an unforgiving leader. Their primary objective becomes surviving this campus and escaping back to the city to bring down BREATHE.

Meanwhile, Bea and Jazz are discovered by a member of the special forces — a young man named Ronin who is the son of the former Pod Minister and knows Quinn very well. Ronin has had it with the Ministry and he helps Bea return to the city to tear down the government and restore power to the people.

But this is where the story starts to derail. As you would expect, nothing goes according to plan. I can accept that because the best-laid plans are often the folly of fools. However, when Sequoia makes a move on the Pod, the objective to tear down the Ministry becomes almost an afterthought, and it just sort of happens. Both books have built us up to this moment when the Ministry is overthrown, and I was disappointed by how little it took. In fact, there wasn’t a lot of attention given to it once Sequoia attacked.

Without giving too much away, I will say that despite this disappointment, the ending of the book was both beautiful and sad. If you read Breathe, you should definitely finish the series off with Resist. It’s still well worth the time.

Breathe is Almost Breathtaking

The world is barren of trees. Ocean has been polluted so bad it no longer produces oxygen. The planet has suffocated. Then, along comes the BREATHE corporation to save humanity from extinction, building a safe, air-controlled glass dome of protection within which everyone can survive.

But at what cost?

Breathe, but Sarah Crossan, takes place in a world that is on the brink of death. People who don’t obey the laws are sent outside the glass dome to suffocate without air and die. Others wear oxygen tanks outside to remind themselves why they live the way they do and to remember what happened during the Switch when humanity nearly went extinct.

We follow three teenagers: Bea — a lower class girl who just wants to help further society and uphold its laws; Quinn — an upper-class Premium who believes in the status quo, and is also best friends with Bea; and Alina — a lower class girl who works for the Resistance gathering tree clippings to grow them outside the dome and free everyone from air tax and oppression.

In an unusual set of circumstances, these three find themselves venturing outside the dome together. Alina is trying to get her clippings to the head of the Resistance. Quinn and Bea are on a camping trip with oxygen tanks to spare, thanks to Quinn’s Premium resources. But what they discover together as they enter this brave new world is that nothing is what they thought. Alina learns that she has to bend and accept that not all Premiums are evil. Quinn discovers that his father isn’t who he thought he was and he has to choose how to handle this information and his Premium station. Bea learns that everything they’ve been taught as children is wrong, and BREATHE is taking advantage of the people.

The characters are compelling and beautifully written. The plot is well-organized and kept me engaged from the first chapter through the last. Breathe is an amazing story that just might take your breath away. The whole thing was addicting and I couldn’t put the book down.

Breathe challenges us to consider what we are doing to the planet in a way that isn’t in-your-face and sets the stage beautifully for a tragic ending.

If you haven’t read Breathe, by Sarah Crossan, you don’t know what you are missing. This would even make a stunning movie (hint, hint).

Mistakes from Game of Thrones S8 E4: The Last of the Starks

It’s always stressful sitting down to watch Game of Thrones. As Cersei said in the first season, “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.” It’s a fact that has been made apparent every season. The Last of the Starks is no exception to the rule.

Yet there were some critical mistakes made by characters in this episode that seemed like they should have been obvious, making me question the cleverness and savvy of the characters.

Before you carry on, I feel it’s fair to warn you that this post is full of spoilers. Watch Episode 4 first.

Before I begin picking these decisions apart, I have to point out that I really enjoyed this episode. It was an emotional rollercoaster, as they tend to be. And my favorite moment had to be Sansa and the Hound having their moment together.

But no story is perfect, and in The Last of the Starks, several characters proved they are not ready for the Last War, and they haven’t learned anything from the mistakes of their past.

Eddard Stark’s Reappearance

Okay, so maybe it wasn’t really Ned Stark come to life, but Jon made so many critical mistakes in this episode based on the code of honor that Ned Stark taught him. While that doesn’t seem like it should be a bad thing, you have to wonder if Jon has heard what happened to Ned. Ned followed his code and it led him to his death.

We see this flaw more than once in this episode. First, when Daenerys comes to him and asks him not to tell anyone, to swear Bran and Samwell to secrecy. Not only does Jon believe that Sansa and Arya will keep his secret, but he tells Daenerys as much. She tries to get him to see the truth, that Sansa isn’t the girl he knew, but Jon has blinders on and believes that his sisters still follow that same Stark code of honor that Ned taught them. Daenerys is right about Sansa (as we quickly discover once Jon does spill the beans). Sansa was trained by Little Finger. She knows how to play this game better than anyone, and information is power.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Jon insists that he doesn’t want the throne and that his refusal will be enough — much like Ned when Robert died — and we all know how that turned out. Daenerys tries to talk reason with him, but his stubborn belief that anyone else might honor his word will prove to be a fatal flaw. Once again, Daenerys isn’t wrong. Jon didn’t want to be Lord Commander, but the men of the Night’s Watch voted him in, and he shouldered the responsibility. He didn’t want to be King of the North, but the Lords of the North insisted and, once again, he shouldered the burden. Would it really be so different if the people made him King of the Seven Kingdoms, even if he didn’t want the crown?

If Jon doesn’t die by the end of this series, he will owe his life to either Sansa or Arya — or both.

This isn’t the only mistake Jon makes following his code of honor. Not much later, when everyone gathers for a council meeting, Sansa tries to reason with Daenerys. The men need rest before marching off to another war. Even though she is right, Daenerys refuses to listen and throws a veiled threat at Sansa. Jon immediately steps in and says the north will honor their agreement, instead of agreeing with Sansa and admitting that the men do need rest. His code of honor not only could cost him his life, but the lives of so many who do need rest.

Jon’s Inability to Call Daenerys to the Spotlight

Tormund raves about how fantastic Jon is. “What kind of person climbs on the back of a ****ing dragon? A madman. Or a king!” This was a golden opportunity for Jon to pull Daenerys into the light. All he had to do was point out that she was the dragon-riding queen, and they owed much of their victory to her. Passing the buck to her at that moment could have made a huge difference, and Jon is supposed to be smart enough to know that.

Arya is an Assassin, People!

Everyone is gathered to discuss strategy and assess the remaining resources, but no one stops to think about the one thing they have that will help turn the tides — and it isn’t a dragon.

Arya has proven herself resourceful and capable. She has stealth, tools, and assassin skills no one else in Westeros possesses. Yet no one even suggests her as part of their strategy. It’s like taking your best tool and leaving in the toolbox. It fits the bolt perfectly, but you would rather struggle with all the rest of the tools. She could slip in, pick off Cersei’s allies, and force Cersei to her knees for Daenerys to finish off (or she could do it herself).

Let’s not forget, as well, that Arya knows how to get in and out of the Red Keep through the dungeons. She slipped out of the Red Keep twice in the first season using that secret passage. So they have the best assassin in Westeros who also happens to know how to sneak into the Red Keep. Why are they not using this to their advantage?

Boats Don’t Pivot, Yo!

Daenerys flys her two dragons over the fleet and watches in horror as Raegon is killed by bolts connected to hidden Iron Island ships. Wisely, she pulls back so Drogon doesn’t die. Unwisely, she doesn’t pivot around the rocks and burn the enemy fleet from behind. Not only would it have decimated Cersei’s forces, but she could have prevented the deaths of many of her men — and Missandei. Dany’s inability to think of this strategy cost her dearly.

Now, it’s possible the bolt launchers are on pivots. But even if they are, she had a chance to take them by surprise before they had a chance to turn. Those deaths are on your head, Daenerys.

Ghost’s Face When Jon Walks Away

Okay, so maybe this wasn’t really that big of a deal, but Jon takes the time to say goodbye to Tormund and Sam before riding south, but Ghost doesn’t get anything? Sure, he’s just a dire wolf, but Ghost is highly intelligent and the two of them have been through just as much together. Ever Arya gave Nymeria a proper goodbye. This felt a little heartless, Jon.

Burn King’s Landing

Daenerys goes against exactly what she said she wouldn’t do in previous seasons — she determines that the only way to defeat Cersei is to burn the Red Keep and everyone in it. Whatever happened to, “That’s not the kind of queen I want to be”?

Okay, so maybe this isn’t so much a mistake on Daenerys’s part, but this girl is clearly off her rocker now. Losing Viserion, Rhaegon, Jorah, and Missandei, along with most of the Dothraki and half the Unsullies, has pushed Daenerys too far. She’s losing her patience and her closest allies, and now all she can see is the throne.

She won’t make the right choice before this is over. She’s too mad with hunger for that throne.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree, or do you have a different take on the episode? Comment below!

Favorite Moments in The Long Night

Because I’m a glutton for punishment. Because I just can’t accept that I survived the weekend’s trauma. Because I can’t get enough. I watched The Long Night again. And again. Three times, actually.

What do I get out of this besides emotional abuse? Nuggets of beautiful moments. And I want to share some of my favorite Game of Thrones: The Long Night moments with you, along with some of my most frustrating (in no particular order).

And as always, beware. If you haven’t watched the episode yet, DO NOT read this. Just stop here. Seriously. Last warning…

The Beautiful Moments

Some of the moments I loved were a long time coming. Others were beautiful or poetic.

Stick ’em with the pointy end.

Let’s all just agree that we heard Arya saying this to Sansa before the words even came out of her mouth. It was perfect and well played, harkening back all the way to the first season.

Melisandre’s Return

I think we all saw this coming. Mel said that she would return to this land (after traveling to Valinor) and here she would die. It only seemed logical that she would show up with new tricks up her sleeve. After all, she left to learn more about the Lord of Light and this power. She had to come back with something useful! And that moment she used her newfound power to light the swords of the Dorthraki felt like a rallying moment of hope in a battle we all knew was doomed.

The death of the Dorthraki

This was a stunning moment to watch, and I absolutely loved the way they executed it. Probably one of my favorite visual moments in the episode was watching them ride into battle with fire streaking over them. Then the absolute devastation watching their lights literally get snuffed out as Daenerys watched. This was her first family, the people of her late husband, and she felt this loss very deeply.

And there was the uncertainty when the Dothraki survivors rode back, wondering if they were alive or undead now. The actors holding the line really sold that moment well.

Ghost outrunning horses

Maybe this didn’t strike anyone else, but I couldn’t help grinning when Ghost outpaced the horses as the Dothraki charged. I even cheered for him a little.

David vs. Goliath

I mentioned this in my previous article recapping the deaths and survivors, but Lady Mormont, good on you. As soon as that Giant walked through the gates of Winterfell, I said, out loud, “This is it. David Vs. Goliath.” And I wasn’t wrong. What a beautiful death for this poor girl.

Greyworm & Melisandre’s Moment

When the trenches wouldn’t light and the dragons weren’t coming to their rescue, Greyworm has a moment where he and Mel seem to come to an unspoken understanding. They create a protective formation around her so she can light the trenches with her magic.  But let’s all agree on one thing, that woman had no hustle in her step amid a chaotic battle to get there, and for a moment we all thought this was her death. But it wasn’t.

Home

Theon and Bran share a moment of forgiveness, and not the last before this episode is over. But this one stood out to me more than the declaration that Theon is a good man because Bran tells him precisely what Theon needs to hear. That he is home, in Winterfell, where he belongs. What greater acceptance could Theon ask for after everything that’s happened?

Though I will give an honorable mention moment to the later scene when Bran tells him he’s a good man and thanks him, then Theon rushes to a hopeless death. It wasn’t as powerful a moment as the previous, but it did leave a mark.

Arya and her spear

Come on now, we all were waiting for this, and she took out quite a few Walkers with her badass spear wielding skills. Enough said here, I think. We all loved this scene.

What do we say to the god of death?

Okay, so before Arya and The Hound are locked in the room with Mel, Beric tries to rally the Hound, to which he is told, “We are fighting Death.” So it’s only appropriate that Melisandre shoud look at Arya and say, “What do we say to the god of death?”

I cheered at this moment, as Arya responded. I won’t lie. It was one of the highs of the episode for me personally. Arya realizes that her fate was sealed long ago, that Beric knew it — to some degree — and Mel knew it. (And blue eyes, anyone?) But at that moment, Arya accepts that this is what she has to do.

Beric on the cross

Okay, so maybe he wasn’t actually on a cross, but you saw it too, right? As the wights repeatedly attack him, he takes up the Christ pose in the hallway to hold them back so Arya can escape. It was beautiful if a bit obvious.

Ser Jorah the BA!

Right in the nick of time, Jorah shows up to rescue Daenerys, as I expected. But it was still a thrill to see it happen. And even poked full of holes he fought off numerous Walkers to protect her, as we always knew he would do. This is a noble death, and there is no other way I would have liked to see him die.

I admit I didn’t get too choked up about it. Maybe all the death numbed me to it. But her reaction was a true sign of love. And the fact that she felt his loss so deeply that Drogon comes to cradle her says a lot. That did choke me up. Just a little.

Tyrion & Sansa’s Mutual Affection

I won’t call this love, because it isn’t. But these two clearly have a mutual affection for the other. After all, he was “the best of them.” But when the dead come alive and attack the people in the crypt, Sansa and Tyrion have a moment hiding behind one of the statues. The look that passes between them say so much, and Tyrion knows that she is about to go fight. Without a word, these two come to an understanding and say goodbye before rushing into the fray. This was by far one of my favorite moments in the episode.

Jon vs. Viserion

At first, Jon runs away, which is a perfectly understandable reaction to seeing a dragon breathing its icy breath on everything (what exactly does it breathe, anyway?). But he manages to muster the courage to fight Viserion, knowing it will probably cost his life. Thankfully the Night King is killed first, or I’m pretty sure Jon would have died, even if he did take down Viserion in the process.

March of the Night King

This entire sequence, really. From the moment he begins his march to the Weirwood tree and the music cues up, until Arya’s appearance. I suppose, more accurately, this sequence begins with Sansa and Tyrion, Jon v. Viserion, the survivors fighting for every last chance they can get, Jorah’s death, Sam giving up hope, Brienne with her back to the wall, Theon’s death. They did a fantastic job with these moments.

Arya the Assassin

Not only was Arya a total BA in this moment when she jumps out at the Night King, but she does it with the dagger that was used against Bran in the first season, right in the place where the dragonglass was forced into him to create the Night King. It was predictable, to some extent, but still a fantastic moment to witness. One of my favorites.

The Frustrating Moments

Not everything was well done. Some of these characters are supposed to be smart, so not everything that happened made sense to me. Not that I didn’t understand, but I didn’t buy it or just couldn’t believe they were acting the way they did.

Get down to the crypt.

Arya says this to Sansa on the wall, and Sansa puts up a fight — albeit only a brief one. “I’m not abandoning my people.” That didn’t bother me. What did bother me is that Arya didn’t take this opportunity to say what we all needed to hear. Something that would have made the finality of this fight feel even more urgent at the moment. “There must always be a Stark in Winterfell.” Those eight words would have made everyone wonder if Arya and Bran would survive at all, it would have created doubt while reminding us of the importance of Sansa’s place. But they dropped the ball on this.

The most heroic thing we can do now.

Sansa, no. I thought she was smarter than this. She’s not a fighter. She doesn’t know how to use a dagger, let alone a sword or bow. This girl is good for one thing now, her brain. The most valuable asset she, Tyrion, Varys, and Missandi have to offer is their minds. The most heroic thing they can do now is SURVIVE. Why is this not what she said? Looks like someone has already lost hope that they might win, and no one has the guts to tell her otherwise.

Jon watching the trench light up

What? They had a plan. Daenerys would light the trench when they gave the signal. But she didn’t see it, and they nearly couldn’t get it lit. If it weren’t for Mel stepping up to the plate, what would have happened? I was okay with all of that…

Until I saw Jon just sitting on Rhaegal’s back watching the fire spread. Why the heck couldn’t he do it when Daenerys didn’t show up? Slacker!

But wait… plot device. Sorry.

Wights climbing Winterfell walls

I was okay with it happening, but I couldn’t help but wonder why Jon or Daeny wasn’t trying to take them out on the ground at the base of the wall. Maybe they were afraid of melting the stone. Maybe.

Zombies in the library

Okay, maybe I shouldn’t call them zombies, but… well come one. Anyway, Arya is half blind because of the blood that keeps dripping in her eye, and I was expecting that she would snuff out the lights and fight blind, where she clearly had an advantage. Come on! She was trained for it. Why did it not become a thing in that scene? Someone dropped the ball here, as well.

On a side note, this scene sounded a lot like listening to an episode of The Walking Dead.

Hiding in the crypt

During any other siege, I would agree with this tactic. But are you really telling me that no one among this group of brainiacs was able to recognize that a place that stores dead people when you are fighting something that can raise the dead wasn’t the brightest idea? This logic should be glaringly evident to all of them.

In the end, all I could do was hope that the Lords of Winterfell weren’t susceptible to the Night King’s power.

Daeny & Jon vs. the Night King

Does Daenerys really have to wait so long before commanding Drogon to burn the NK? It was only a few seconds (11), sure, but in a heated battle where his death could literally turn the tides, why would she hesitate at all? Sure, it didn’t work, and I was okay with that, but why did she wait so long? Vanity. Get’s ’em every time.

And then there’s Jon, just standing there watching the fire burn the NK. Why did he not draw closer and pull his sword, just in case? Why was he not ready on the ground to continue the fight BEFORE the NK throws his ice spear and walks away? And then he stops running after him when he knows, better than anyone else, what is coming next. Again, hesitation is costing lives (like Jorah’s). Dropping the ball again, Jon!

And the dead shall rise again!

I fully expected the NK to bring back the soldiers who died in battle, but TBH, I was grossly disappointed that we didn’t get even just one moment where they had to fight off someone they knew. Ed or Lyanna. That could have been a powerful moment that has been lost now.

Jon isn’t bathed in flames

Not once. He comes close SO many times, but we still don’t get to see it. This is how we came to accept that Daenerys was the true and rightful heir. The Battle at Winterfell was a perfect opportunity to show the same thing for Jon. Without it, even I start to wonder if he is worthy of being the rightful heir to the Iron Throne.

Honorable Mentions

I wouldn’t call these my favorite scenes or even great, but I feel like it deserves to be mentioned.

First of all, the dialogue in this episode was very sparse. Not that I had an issue with that, but shows credit to the actors and the crew to pull off something so amazing with so little dialogue.

The last line of dialogue in the episode belongs to Jorah. “I’m hurt.” I suppose that resonates with everyone, but physically and emotionally. Everyone is hurt.

Melisandre’s death. I’m not sure how I feel about how it was done. Reminded me a lot of Mother Gothel in Tangled, if you ask me. And she just gave up. Maybe because she knew that Davos would kill her, or she was weighed down with the guilt. Maybe her quest in life was complete.

What do you think? What were some of your most (or least) favorite moments in The Long Night?

Game of Thrones Season 8 Battle of Winterfell Recap and Fan Theory

Some weekends are just too overwhelming to take in, and this one certainly fits the bill. After surviving the finality of Avengers: Endgame, I threw myself into Episode 3 of Game of Thrones with reckless abandon.

If you read my predictions for The Long Night, you probably already know that I fully expected Game of Thrones levels of carnage. Maybe this show has numbed me to the effects of killing characters.

But before I begin, if you haven’t watched The Long Night yet, I should warn you.

Actually, the entire episode was dark, which a lot of fans are already complaining about on social media. We had to turn off the lights and watch it in the dark to be able to see everything that happened, and even then some of it was hard to decipher.

The first thing I feel like I need to do is to review my previous predictions on who lived and who didn’t, and how accurate some of my predictions were.

The Survivors

By the end of the episode, there were clearly more than a few characters who survived the battle.

Jon Snow

Aegon… whatever. As I predicted, Jon survived the battle in his usual lucky bastard way. There were several moments when he should have died — any other character would have — but someone or something always came to his rescue. Too many unresolved conflicts still existed for him to die in this one.

Daenerys Targaryen

Sorry to all those fan theories out there that she would become the Night Queen. Just didn’t happen. To be honest, I was on the fence about her now that we have Jon to be the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. But in the end, she did survive the Battle of Winterfell thanks to her loyal dog, Jorah.

Arya Stark

Okay, was anyone really surprised by what happened? I predicted that she would kill the Night King. My theory was a little off on how she would do it, but I knew it had to be her. She is the only character with the skills, means, and motivation.

What surprised me was the fact that so many people were shocked when she showed up to kill him. Melissandra’s vision told her it would happen, if not directly, and when she runs out on The Hound and Mel after being told she would kill many eyes, “brown eyes, green eyes… and blue eyes.” Did anyone else hear that dot-dot-dot when Mel said it in The Long Night? And at that moment, Arya knew exactly what she had to do, what she always had to do. And she ran off to do it. The whole thing was a blatant slap in the face. Nothing coy about it.

With this prophecy in mind, along with Arya’s remaining list, I sincerely hope no one will be so shocked when she kills Cersei.

Bran Stark

I will admit I wasn’t really sure he would make it. But I suppose Bran always knew. He even smiled at the Night King, just a little, when the two came face-to-face. Bran already knew what would happen. He sees all, after all. He knew that Arya would come and kill the Night King, which is why he doesn’t freak out or panic in any way. Arya always would be there to save him in this scenario. No sweat off his brow.

I was disappointed that he didn’t warg into the dragon though. Let’s be real, guys. You were disappointed, too. Especially when he said he had to go, warged into the ravens, and found the Night King on the dragon. So what the hell was he watching that whole time while Theon’s men fell?

Tyrion Lannister

Okay, so maybe the crypts weren’t so safe, and I bought into some fan theories that the Lord of Winterfell were not susceptible to the Night King — a special Stark superpower sort of like Benjin. But it came as no surprise that Tyrion survived the battle. His story isn’t over yet.

Varys

While his death is coming, I didn’t expect it to be here in this battle. Like the other major characters in the crypt, he is standing at the end, watching the dead fall. So how do we think he will die? If I had to guess, it will be Cersei. Maybe death by wildfire.

Tormund Giantsbane & Gendry

I wasn’t sure about these two. Tormond I didn’t expect to survive. He’s a great fighter, but I’m not sure what more besides his fighting skill he has to offer in the story at this point.

But he does survive, alongside Gendry, who I expected wouldn’t fall just yet. When the Walkers start to fall after Arya kills the Night King, we get a shot of Tormond and Gendry standing on a pile of bodies, watching the Walkers fall.

Sansa Stark

No surprises here. This isn’t a death I’m expecting any time soon — if at all. She’s the Lady of Winterfell, and as long as it stands she will as well. At the end of the battle, we get to see her alongside the other survivors in the crypt as the dead suddenly fall.

Missandrei

Yes, she makes it through. Though I wasn’t sure she wouldn’t, being in the crypts and all. I just thought it was worth mentioning that she’s there with the others when the Walkers fall.

Ser Davos Seaworth

Again, I thought for sure he would die. All he has to contribute at this point, like Tormund, is his fighting skills. I suppose that’s worthwhile. And you could argue that he had to see the Red Lady die before his story arc would be fully completed.

And he does survive. Ser Davos comes out of the woodwork when Melisandre walks out of Winterfell toward the sunrise. For a moment I thought he would kill her, but he just watches as she goes all Mother Gothel and dissolves away to nothing but bones.

Samwell Tarly

Maybe I missed it, but I watched those final moments several times and didn’t see a glimpse of Sam anywhere at the end of the battle. However, we do know he survives. If you weren’t sure about this one, you can see a glimpse of him for a split second in the Episode 4 preview right behind Daenerys at the walls of Winterfell.

His survival makes sense because, I stated in my predictions, he is the one who can prove that Jon is the rightful heir.

Likewise, we know that Gilly and little Sam survived in the crypts as well.

Greyworm

I really was ready to call it on this one, but Greyworm does survive the fight. When the battle ends, we don’t see him anywhere on the field of battle. The last shot we have of him is fighting off Walkers in the courtyard. The episode leaves his fate uncertain, but the preview for the next season shows him at the wall of Winterfell with everyone else, so he does survive.

But will he make it through the next battle?

Jamie Lannister, Podrick, & Ser Brienne of Tarth

What? All three survived? I really thought Brienne was a goner when Jamie Knighted her. We see Jamie with his back pinned to the wall, Brienne at his side. Then he’s hit and goes down, and a crowd of Walkers descends on him. A few takes later, he is on his feet again with his back to the wall, still fighting with Brienne and Podrick, but things don’t look good. When the Walkers fall, these three are standing together with their backs still against the wall.

The Hound

I wasn’t expecting him to die in this. First of all, everyone is waiting for #Cleganebowl to happen. I don’t think it will — at least not to the extent they are expecting — but I do believe he has to face off against his brother. We also haven’t seen him and Sansa have a reunion moment. Please, GoT writers, tell me this happens. It must.

And he does survive here, stumbling out of the woodwork like everyone else when the Walkers fall.

Ghost

When the Dothraki rode at the Walkers, Ghost was right there, outrunning the horses. But when the survivors return, Ghost is not among them, leaving us to wonder, once again, #WhereisGhost? But he does survive, somehow. We see him in the preview for Episode 4 for a fraction of a second at the wall of Winterfell.

The Dead

While the death toll isn’t confirmed as high as I expected, this battle still put a significant dent in Daenerys’ army and some of our beloved characters.

The Dothraki

Let’s just take a moment of silence here for the death of an entire race. The strong, fearless, and sometimes reckless Dothraki charged at the army of the dead, and one by one their lights were snuffed out to the last man. Or were they?

We did see some of them ride back to the line like the devil was on their heels. Did any of them survive the battle that followed? Only time will tell, I suppose, but it doesn’t look good.

Ser Jorah Mormont

Okay, so maybe he didn’t die defending Tyrion, but he did die defending Daenerys, which is pretty close to what I predicted. His life has always been in her service, and it is the most fitting end he could have had, saving her from the undead army. And standing in her defense after taking multiple swords through the stomach is pretty stinking impressive if I do say so myself. It was a noble end to a noble man.

Lyanna Mormont & the Bear Island Men

I hate to say I told you so, but… well you saw the show. The moment that giant stepped through the gate and Lyanna looked up at it, all I could think about was David vs. Goliath. If the look on her face doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what does.

Lyanna and her men died with honor defending Winterfell, just as I predicted. Almost exactly as I predicted, actually, which is a little scary.

Theon Greyjoy

Honestly, I really hoped it would be Sansa he died in defense of. I know he volunteered to defend Bran at the Weirwood tree, but I thought he would find his way to her, or she to him, and he would lay it all down for her.

Still, dying in defense of a Stark is exactly what he needed to redeem himself. He said he wanted to make up for his mistakes, and he certainly did. He bought Bran a few more moments for Arya to arrive. It was the best death they could have given him.

Beric Dondarrion

I didn’t make a prediction on this one because, well there are too many to even try, TBH. But it did seem appropriate that he died saving Arya. The Lord of Light brought him back over and over again for a reason, a purpose, and over the seasons it has been a mystery to everyone what that purpose was. But as he and The Hound fought to save Arya, that purpose became abundantly clear long before Melisandre said it out loud.

Eddison Tollett

Jon’s most loyal friend from the Knight’s Watch — well, aside from maybe Sam, that is. I never expected him to survive, so his death wasn’t much of a shock to me. I did like that he died saving Sam — in a roundabout way. It was a good death, if not the most noble.

What do you all think? Is there something I missed? Let me know our thoughts in the comments below!

Who will survive the Battle at Winterfell?

With the minutes literally ticking down until the epic Battle at Winterfell, we are all wondering the same thing: Who will survive?

Before I continue, if you aren’t caught up on the series, I should warn you not to read on or risk spoilers up to Season 8 Episode 3.

I would like to take a stab at who will live and who will die based on what I’ve seen in the character stories so far. So here goes nothing!

For the sake of time, I will only touch on the major players in the room.

Greyworm

Sadly, I don’t think he will survive. He and Missandei had a sweet moment of goodbye before the battle begins. I would be surprised if he makes it through. His story arc feels complete, and sadly he offered Missandei a promise of a better life when this is over. I don’t think that life will be fulfilled based on all the terrible things that have happened to other characters with such grand plans for happiness. In this world, there is no such thing as lasting happiness.

Theon Greyjoy

Ultimately, I feel like his story arc is almost complete. There is just one more thing he has to do to finish it off and finally redeem himself. Theon said he wanted to make up for his mistakes, to protect Winterfell and the Stark family — and that is exactly what he will do. Theon will give his life to save Sansa in the fray. I’m not sure exactly how, but if I’m completely honest, if he doesn’t I will be disappointed.

Sansa Stark

Yes. I firmly and completely believe she will survive. And I think that it will be completely because of Theon, as I mentioned before. I believe she will survive the battle itself.

However, I also don’t think Sansa will ever desert Winterfell. She won’t leave unless she’s forced to do so, which means if Winterfell is lost, Sansa may be as well. “There must always be a Stark at Winterfell.” Bran has shed his family name. Arya won’t stay. Jon has bigger issues and I doubt he will stick around. That just leaves Sansa to hold the fort.

Samwell Tarly

By far, one of my favorite under-appreciated characters in the show. Samwell has a strong heart and spirit, and a fierce sense of love and loyalty to those he is closest to. But despite the fact that he has survived beyond the wall and killed a Walker, I have yet to see him in a massive, epic battle. And I just don’t think his skills will hold up. I’m really torn about his fate.

One one hand, Sam is the last male Tarly, which gives him the rule over his family lands once this is over — assuming the Knights Watch is no longer a thing now. He also is the only one with access to the records in the Citadel that confirm Jon’s true birthright. These two things alone could be the reason he is fated to survive. His story is not yet done. Plus his “son” hasn’t officially been claimed — though it isn’t really his by blood. His death would leave the Tarly house without an heir.

On the other hand, Sam isn’t an intense combatant either. In one-on-one fights, I think he could hold his own. But in a big battle, I fear he may not survive. Still, I would like to think that they are smart enough to finish his story arc before letting him die.

Ser Jorah Mormont

This man has been dedicated to the preservation of Daenerys since he first turned his back on Robert Baratheon. He’s a fantastic fighter, so there’s every chance he will survive — after all, he’s made it this far. But he also said on Episode 2 that if Daenerys wants to claim the throne, she needs Tyrion. So if it comes down to it and Tyrion’s life is in danger, I think that Jorah will throw his own on the line to save Tyrion and secure Daenerys’ rule. If he survives, it will be hardly so.

Lyanna Mormont & the Bear Island Men

Sadly, since they are all protecting the interior walls and the entry to the crypt, I think that she will die, along with all her men. But it will be a noble death. Lyanna and her men will lay down their lives to the last man to stop the forces from entering the crypt. If this doesn’t happen, I will be pleasantly surprised!

Ser Davos Seaworth

Oh dear. How many people will I kill? Am I as bad as Martin? Maybe. But I call it on Ser Davos. His role is played out. His character is beginning to become insignificant. I predict a valiant ending for the Knight of the Onion.

The only reason I could potentially see him surviving this is to be the one who finally kills the Red Lady when she returns to the Seven Kingdoms.

Jamie Lannister

No Ser necessary. I think he lost the right a long time ago. He’s the villain you hate to sympathize with, and I would love to see him die, but sadly I don’t think it will happen. Jamie still has to deal with his sister, and when he finds out she hired Bron to kill him and Tyrion, he will never forgive her. This part of the story is incomplete and so sadly we will not see him die… yet.

Ser Brienne of Tarth

I love her character! She’s a tough, no-nonsense woman who is fiercely loyal to her word — often to a fault. Brienne is in love with Jamie, and has been for a few seasons now since they were traveling together. This love will be her downfall, especially with Jamie fighting at her side. The two of them will make a formidable force, no doubt, and I can’t wait to see that. But I think she will fall. Her story arch is completed. She got what she secretly wanted, and will never truly get Jamie. So this is it for her. I’m convinced.

Tormund Giantsbane

He loves Ser Brienne of Tarth too much — like obsessively too much. And I think this will be his downfall. When the chaos of the battle really hits hard and the organization of the forces is scattered, he will find her and try to save her. But it will be his enraged downfall. And if it isn’t Brienne that does it, it will be Jon.

Varys

He will be in the crypts since he isn’t really a fighter, and he and Tyrion will have a number of enlightening conversations during their imprisonment. I believe that the crypts will be safe. Varys will survive this battle. However, the Red Lady told him that he would die in this land, and it could very well be the Battle at Winterfell that does it. But that seems like too obvious an answer for this prophecy — and nothing about this show is ever obvious.

Tyrion Lannister

He’s a survivor. He always has been and always will be. I don’t think this will be his end. In fact, I see him as one of the few people who actually survives until the end of the series. Tyrion is, as far as I’m concerned, completely safe. His character is too important to everything that has yet to happen.  Plus, he was ordered to remain in the crypts, which I think will be protected by the Lords of Winterfell.

Bran Stark

Or should I call him Mr. Three-Eyed Raven now? I don’t really know. But Bran could go one of two ways, and I’m torn and willing to accept both.

One one hand, Bran is the history of the Seven Kingdoms. He knows all and sees all and I think that will be important when it comes time to rebuild, which makes his character critical to the end of the story. I also fully expect him to warg into the Ice dragon and take control of it, which is probably what the Night King is afraid of as well, which is another reason he is targeting Bran.

On the other hand, Bran already knows his fate. He must. And he knows what he must do (sort of like Doctor Strange, guys). That means he could also die at the Weirwood tree as he destroys it. The trees are rumored to be a source of life for the Night King. Bran could very well kill himself to destroy the tree if that’s true. Or he could destroy the tree, somehow mysteriously evade the Night King, and go to the original tree to destroy it. But doing so may also kill him anyway — since it’s the source of his Sight. Double-edged sword.

Arya Stark

Like Tyrion, this girl is a survivor, and she will do it at any cost. I believe she plans to trick the Night King into thinking she is Bran and using that special spear Gendry made her to pierce his chest — right where the glass went in to create him in the first place.

I also believe that her story is far from finished. She still has to deal with her list, and even if she dies doing it, she still has three names left — all in King’s Landing. No. Arya won’t die.

“Not today.”

Jon Snow

Or should we now call him Aegon Targaryen? A lot of people expect to see him die in this battle, and wouldn’t it just make the struggle for the throne between him and Daenerys easier. But I don’t think this is his time. Jon has always been the luckiest bastard, all pun intended, when it comes to battles. I don’t think this will be an exception. In fact, if Sam does die, it will probably be to defend the rightful King. And if he is the Prince who is Promised, then dying will mean that the prophecy won’t be fulfilled.

Jon and Daenerys have to sort out this issue between them, and it won’t happen if he dies. I don’t think anyone would be happy if that major plotline was just killed off like that. Not after we’ve come this far.

If Jon does like this, it would feel cheap and I would feel cheated. There’s no way around that.

Daenerys Targaryen

Oh… now this is the hardest one of all. I’m on the fence. Some people think that she will become the Night Queen, and that the song in Episode 2 is a warning that she will die. If the Night King manages to get control of her two dragons, would she give her own life to be with them? I’m not sure. She wants that throne for realsies, but those dragons are her children.

On the other hand, if she does die, I would feel cheated as well because of the issue between her and Jon. It has to be resolved before I am willing to accept her death. Even just a conversation between them, an argument, something.

Will she die, it’s quite possible, and a lot of others would throw themselves on the sword to protect her first. So if she does die, most of the others will as well.

What are your thoughts? Who do you think will live or die and why?

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