Top 10 Things We Want to See in Game of Thrones Season 8
For this list, we're taking a look at story arcs, characters, and set pieces we want to see in the final season of this groundbreaking HBO series.
#10: The Winner of the Iron Throne
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As the show’s title suggests, someone will inevitably claim the Iron Throne at the end of this game. Outside of a Night King victory, the worst-case scenario would be Cersei remaining on the throne. In a perfect world, Tyrion would be crowned king and finally get the respect he deserves, but that’s highly unlikely. As the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and the rightful heir to the throne, Jon Snow may go from the King in the North to The King of the Andals and the First Men. Of course, if Jon’s feelings for Daenerys get in the way, he might forfeit the throne to her or maybe the dragon and the wolf could rule together.
#9: R’hllor Revealed
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R’hllor is one of the most important and enigmatic figures in the show’s lore. Worshiped by the Red Priests and Priestesses, this god of fire prophesized of a savior who would triumph over darkness while wielding the sword known as Lightbringer. It’s been widely speculated that Jon Snow is “The Prince That Was Promised.” Of course, since “prince” is a gender-neutral term in High Valyrian, perhaps this prophecy will be carried out by a princess who was born amidst salt and smoke. We’re looking at you, Daenerys. Either way, if the prophecy does indeed come into fruition, our hearts would literally catch on fire if the Lord of Light finally made a physical appearance.
#8: To Die in This Strange Country
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Although she often seems confident on the surface, Melisandre revealed signs of vulnerability - and her true form - in Season 6. Based on what she told fellow Essos native Varys in Season 7, Melisandre’s next appearance might be her last. Melisandre believes that she’s destined to die in this strange country and Varys’ days are numbered as well. This could tie back to a voice Varys heard in the flames while being castrated by a sorcerer. While Varys can’t recall what the voice said, Kinvara the red priestess seems to know. Season 8 not only needs to explain how Melisandre and Varys’ fates are intertwined, but also reveal the words this mysterious voice spoke.
#7: Jon & Arya Reuniting
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After spending several seasons apart, Arya, Sansa, and Bran were reunited in Season 7. There are still a couple Stark reunions we’re waiting for, however. While Jon got to catch up with Sansa before leaving Winterfell, he hasn’t seen Bran or Arya in quite some time. Although Bran has some important information for his brother, it’s the reunion between Arya and Jon that we’re most eager for. Arya was still a young girl when Jon gave her Needle as a parting gift in Season 1. We can only imagine Jon’s reaction when Arya shows him how skillful she’s become with a sword. On that note, we also need to see these two together in battle.
#6: The Cleganebowl
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It might not be canon yet, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the Cleganebowl actually happens in Season 8. According to this fan theory, brothers Gregor “The Mountain” and Sandor “The Hound” Clegane are destined to fight each other to the bloody end. While we did get to see these two square off in Season 1, the fight was cut short before a winner could be declared. Since then, the Mountain has only grown more monstrous thanks to Qyburn’s little procedure. With his bare hands alone, the Mountain can separate someone’s neck from their head. Even if the Hound somehow triumphs over his brother, there’s no guarantee either sibling will walk away alive.
#5: Cersei Lannister’s Death
As satisfying as it was watching Joffrey Baratheon and Ramsay Bolton suffer painful deaths, there are still a few characters who’ve yet to receive their comeuppance. It’d be fitting if Euron Greyjoy died at the hands of either Yara or Theon. The most dangerous person still in power, however, is Queen Cersei. Whatever humanity Cersei had left seemed to die with her children, and even Jaime is starting to realize this. In addition to abandoning his sister/lover in Season 7, there are been several clues hinting that Jaime will bring Cersei’s reign of terror to an end. For example, notice how Jaime’s standing by The Fingers while Cersei’s standing on The Neck in this scene.
#4: Arya Crossing Names Off Her List
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Even if Jaime doesn’t end up strangling Cersei to death, the Queen of Westeros is on Arya’s list and she’s not the only one. No matter what outcome the Cleganebowl has, Arya is unlikely to show much mercy towards The Mountain or The Hound, the latter of whom she already left for dead once. Arya is also gunning for Ilyn Payne, who executed her father, and Beric Dondarrion, who sold Gendry. She added Melisandre to her list for kidnapping Gendry as well. Speaking of which, could Melisandre have been alluding to Arya when she said, “I have to die in this strange country?” After seeing what Arya did to Walder Frey, nobody is safe from her.
#3: A Truly Epic Final Battle
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As far as action set pieces go, many fans assumed the series had peaked after the Battle of the Blackwater. Between the Massacre at Hardhome, the Battle of the Bastards, and Daenerys’ surprise attack, though, this show has only managed to top itself with each new season. With winter and The Great War coming, we’re expecting a climax of epic proportions. Now that Viserion’s under the Night King’s control, one or both of Daenerys’ remaining dragons should be headed for the ultimate battle of ice and fire. As long as the Mother of Dragons is bringing Rhaegal and Drogon to the fight, it’d only be fitting if the Starks got to fight alongside the Direwolves.
#2: Jon Learning His True Heritage
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The Season 7 finale confirmed one of the most popular fan theories that’s been floating around for years: Jon Snow is actually the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. Of course, Jon has yet to learn of his true parentage, nor has Daenerys. This puts the two lovers in a complicated position, not only because Daenerys is Jon’s aunt, but because Jon has a stronger claim to the throne than her. If Jon and Daenerys learn the truth, we can imagine a few outcomes playing out in very different ways. No matter what transpires, we have a feeling that Jon will inevitably find himself riding a dragon, especially after his interaction with Drogon. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Return of Characters We Haven’t Seen Lately Arya vs. Wights Arya & Gendry Reuniting
#1: Jon Snow vs. The Night King
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Jon Snow riding a dragon only seems more likely now that The Night King has a dragon of his own. Whether it’s on foot or up in the air, these two kings are bound to go head to head in the Great War. This confrontation has been a long time coming, following their first encounter in Season 5 and another close call beyond the wall in Season 7. Going back even further, White Walkers and humans already clashed thousands of years ago during the War for the Dawn. With The Wall tumbling down, the Night King is ready for Round 2 and Jon may be the only one who can put him to rest for good.
