The gossip between Jon and Sam at the beginning was a nice touch. If you're going to die a virgin, you at least want to know exactly how it feels to have sex. When Jon Snow responded with the "I'm not a bloody poet" line, I laughed out loud, c'mon Jon, have some sympathy and help your friend Sam out. I really liked how Sam took charge throughout the episode, especially when Gilly arrived at the gate. He cursed at Pyp to "open the fucking gate."
The show runners really teased Sam dying in this episode. Before heading out to the battle he promised Gilly that he would return to her. Oberyn said something similar right before his head exploded. Also, Ygritted spotted Sam, so it was another possible hint at Ygritte putting an arrow through Sam. Instead, she killed Pyp. That took me by surprise because although Pyp was a very minor character, you felt sad for him dying. He never fought before. He was only at the wall because he stole a wheel of cheese for his starving sister. His dying in Sam's arms was definitely hard hitting.
Maester Aemon's speech on love foreshadowed the confrontation between Jon and Ygritte. "Love is the death of duty." Both warriors on opposing sides of an impending battle are in love. They cannot fulfill their duty to kill each other. Instead they freeze. Jon Snow's smile was the best moment of the entire episode. It was that chilling moment of what are they going to do. Ygritte, has been on a killing spree, since Jon spurned her. She has deadly accuracy. She could have killed Jon right then and there, instead she hesitates for one moment, gives him a sad smile and takes a fatal shot from an arrow to the chest.
Ygritte's final words were right from the book. "You know nothing Jon Snow." It was a nice tender moment. If only they had stayed in that cave, but alas, this chaos between the night's watch and the wildlings was inevitable. Her death was not as effective as other deaths that have occurred throughout the season (Joffrey and Oberyn) because it did not happen at the end of the episode. The music did stop and the scene slowed down for a moment which was brilliant. I believe upon a second viewing of this episode, Ygritte's death will hit harder.
Did anyone think Jon and Ygritte were a tragic couple?
Did Ygritte's death resonate with you or not?
It was also sad to see Grenn go as well. He essentially played the role of Donal Noye in this episode. In the books, Donal was the acting lord commander after Mormont's death. He gives command of the Wall to Jon, so he can face the Wildlings below. He, like Grenn dies after facing a giant who breaches the tunnel. I preferred the book version of how Jon receives command of The Wall, but still this was good too and it made sense.
Ser Alliser Thorne, pretty much apologized for being such an asshole to Jon this season. He proved his worth with fighting the ferocious Tormund. Jon Snow took on Styr The Magnar of Thenn. I was glad that he killed him and not Ygritte or the boy. That last shot of him falling to the ground from the hammer to the skull was great!
The panoramic shot of the wildlings attack south of the wall, the shot of the crows atop the wall and the intense fire beyond the wall was terrific. From a production standpoint this episode was glorious. Watch it get nominated for a technical Emmy. Overall, I believe Blackwater was the better episode. Not to take anything from this episode, but Blackwater was the stronger of the two because of the cast of characters involved. I believe the setting at The Wall is better though.
The final shot of Jon Snow going north of the wall is ominous. Not only is his fate grim as of right now - so is Tyrions.
Best bits
-Mag the Mighty (Giant) spearing a black brother 700 feet above him.
-Tormund discussing the intricacies of bear sex.
-Sam and Gilly kissing. A sweet tender moment.
-That chain that sliced away those pesky climbing Wildlings was awesome. The dropping of the oil was incredible. I loved that part from the books.
-Janos Slynt denying to the bitter end and finally running scared below to hide and encountering Gilly.
-Maester Aemon's speech: He was the great uncle to the Mad King. He could have been king, but turned it down for the Wall and to be a maester. I am not sure which woman he is referring to in his speech.
-Grenn and the rest of the brothers saying their vows before facing the giant.
-That nice long shot of a large portion of Mance's army north of the Wall.
-Ser Allister yelling, "HOLD THE FUCKING GATE!" After suffering a stomach wound.
-Sam releasing Ghost.
-Jon Snow giving command of the Wall to Edd.
-When Jon orders Tormund to be chained, the wildling yells, "I should have thrown you from the top of the Wall, boy!" "Aye" Jon retorts sadly. "You should have."
-Jon encountering Grenn's corpse. "They held the gate."
-Sam's final moment with Jon. "Jon. Come back."
This episode gets a 9.7
Brilliant production! Awesome shots and fighting. True grit. The watchers held the gate.
Here is the trailer for the season finale! Game of Thrones Episode 10 - "The Children."
Comment below and share your predictions for the final episode of a fantastic season!
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