The highly anticipated final season of Game of Thrones is finally about to premiere. Fans have waited since the seventh season ended in August 2017 and the time has come. So much has happened in the show’s seven seasons. Beloved characters died, emotional intense wars were waged, relationships were formed, and it all has led to these final six episodes.
Millions of viewers have the highest of hopes for this season. But what are they anticipating the most? Obviously, everyone wants to know who lives, who dies, and who ultimately wins the Iron Throne at the end of it all. We’re here to look at some specific moments that are expected or confirmed for this batch of episodes.
These are the five we feel are the most anticipated.
5. Theon’s Redemption
The story of Theon Grejoy is a wild one. He started as the well-treated ward of the Starks, turned on them and killed children, got tortured and disfigured by a sadistic man, and was reunited with his sister, Yara. Early in season seven, Theon’s fear caused him to run and leave his sister to be captured by his uncle Euron. After some strong words from Jon Snow, Theon finally got brave enough to go after his sister. Watching him win a fight in the finale caused fist pumping joy from fans who never believed they’d again cheer for him after everything he’s done. The completion of his redemption as he most likely faces Euron and saves Yara will be gratifying.
4. Cleganebowl
Talk about fan service. A fight between the largest siblings in Westeros is something the loyal followers of the show has clamored for since season one. We got a small glimpse of them fighting but it was stopped by the king. When they were children, Gregor (The Mountain) violently burned and scarred the face of Sandor (The Hound). They have been enemies ever since. The brothers hadn’t been together since season one and both had near-death experiences. But, they finally came face to face in the season seven finale. The Hound pretty much told his brother that his death was eventually happening at his hands. The epic battle between them is something everyone wants to see.
3. Aegon Targaryen
Again, we go back to the season seven finale. At long last, we got official confirmation of who Jon Snow truly is. There had been theories for years on who he was. We learned that he was indeed the child of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. However, he still wasn’t a bastard because Lyanna had her marriage annulled and eventually married Rhaegar. That meant that Jon Snow, real name Aegon Targaryen, was actually the true heir to the Iron Throne. We can’t wait to see how he’ll react to learning this information and how it impacts his relationship with Daenerys, his new lover who also wants the throne and just so happens to be his aunt.
2. The Reunions
Game of Thrones has been spread out to cover a massive amount of land throughout its history. That means that plenty of characters will meet and not see each other for years. Remember when Jon and Sasna reunited in season six? They hadn’t shared the screen other than for a few seconds in the pilot and we were all emotional at the sight of it. We should be in for a ton more this time around. How will Sansa react to seeing Tyrion, who she married in season three? What about Bran seeing the man who threw him out of a window, Jaime, back in the first episode? What will Arya do when she sees The Hound or Gendry? But the biggest one we all want is between Jon and Arya. They’re the Starks who are the most alike and we saw how close they were through two episodes of the series. They haven’t seen each other since but both will be in Winterfell this season.
1. The Battle At Winterfell
It has been building since the very first scene of the series. The White Walkers and their army of the dead have been marching towards Westeros each season. With the help of their ice dragon, they knocked down the wall and are closer than ever. The big fight is happening this season and many speculate it will be in the third episode. Showrunners confirmed an entire episode is dedicated to the battle, making it the longest in the history of entertainment. Who will be involved? The trailer indicates that everyone at Winterfell is included, like Brienne, Arya, Podrick, and possibly even Jaime. You know we have to get the encounter between Jon and the Night King that has been teased since season five. Whatever happens, this battle is sure to change the course of the show.