12 Amazing Game Of Thrones Moments From Seasons 7 & 8 That Prove It Was Still Great TV

While the final seasons of Game of Thrones were almost unanimously hated, there are some standout scenes that prove it was still great TV. After becoming a monumental cultural landmark of the 2010s, HBO’s fantasy masterpiece’s reputation was tainted by its lackluster final season. The adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series surpassed its source material, and the showrunners were left to fend for themselves, resulting in final seasons that felt like simplistic emulations of Martin’s story.

In no way do the standout moments justify the careless, rushed treatment of such a beloved narrative, but it’s okay to acknowledge that some scenes worked and matched the excitement of previous seasons. After all, it’s still the same cast and creative teams that developed the later seasons, and their fantastic work shined through despite the lesser writing. Some scenes were carried by their perfectly cast stars, beautifully composed music, stellar CGI, outstanding production design, and the love audiences already had for Game of Thrones, its world, and its characters.

12. The Lannisters Take Highgarden

Season 7, Episode 3

By season 7, war had broken out once again in Westeros as Daenerys and her allies attempted to seize the country from Cersei Lannister. At the end of episode 3, Tyrion attempts to outmaneuver his sister by capturing Casterly Rock, though they’re outsmarted and flanked by Euron’s fleet while the Lannister army captures Highgarden. Logically, the sequence has plenty of flaws, but it’s hard to deny the emotional impact of Ramin Djawadi’s musical score as Jaime ascends the Tyrell castle.

11. Euron Ambushes Yara’s Fleet

Season 7, Episode 2

Season 7 didn’t have a large-scale battle like the Battle of the Bastards or Hardhome, but the more minor skirmishes were effective. In the episode “Stormborn,” Euron claims the first blood in the war against Daenerys by ambushing Yara Greyjoy’s fleet. Euron is one of the Game of Thrones characters most different from his book counterpart, and he wasn’t the effective antagonist he hoped to be. However, the high-production-value naval ambush is exhilarating and a unique TV experience.

10. Jon And Daenerys Meet

Season 7, Episode 3

Another outstanding season 7 scene is the meeting between Jon and Daenerys. Two of the most iconic characters in one of the best TV shows of all time meeting after years is an incredible moment, and both stars are exceptional in their face-off. The two share an initial hostility, and the tension feels fitting after years of anticipation for their meeting. The audience knows the common ground these characters share, and watching their connection form through dialogue is very exciting.

9. The Loot Train Attack

Season 7, Episode 4

Another fantastic action sequence in season 7 is the loot train attack in episode 4, following Jaime’s return from Highgarden. The Lannister army seems prepared to hold some ground against the Dothraki charge until Daenerys enters the field on Drogon’s back. It’s an epic and riveting battle sequence showing the sheer power of Daenerys’ dragons over a Westerosi army. Not to mention, any scene where a character witnesses a dragon for the first time is something to behold, and Jaime’s reaction is priceless.

8. The Night King Kills Viserion

Season 7, Episode 6

“Beyond the Wall” is one of the more divisive episodes in season 7. On the one hand, it’s fun to see dialogue between so many characters who haven’t interacted yet in the series, and the battles are clearly well-designed. On the other, logic seems to fly out the window for most of the episode, and it betrays much of the sophistication of the earlier seasons. The ending battle sequence is undoubtedly entertaining, and the Night King killing Viserion and claiming a dragon for his own is seriously epic.

7. Jon Tells Theon He’s A Stark

Season 7, Episode 7

The long-awaited reunions are even more powerful than the first-time introductions, and Jon and Theon’s conversation in “The Dragon and the Wolf” is very satisfying. Theon has one of the greatest redemption arcs in Game of Thrones, and it’s confirmed in his reunion with Jon. Despite everything, Jon manages to forgive what he can, inspiring Theon to try and rescue his sister. It’s a bittersweet moment that’s nostalgic for the early seasons, and channels the sense of warmth audiences feel for the Starks and their years at Winterfell.

6. The Dragonpit Assembly

Season 7, Episode 7

Another fitting moment from the season 7 finale is the meeting at the Dragonpit in King’s Landing between Cersei, Daenerys, Jon Snow, and their respective parties. Almost every character is together in the same location for the first time since the show’s first episode. Seeing Cersei react to both a dragon and a wight in one scene is incredibly satisfying, and every star is at their best in the ensemble meet-up.

5. Brienne Is Knighted

Season 8, Episode 2

Brienne of Tarth is one of the most likable characters in Game of Thrones, played beautifully by Gwendoline Christie. In preparation for the Battle of Winterfell, season 8, episode 2 is filled with character interaction moments, including the lovely scene where Jamie knights Brienne. In the worst Game of Thrones season, Brienne being knighted stands out as one of the show’s most heartwarming and satisfying moments.

4. Jorah’s Sacrifice

Season 8, Episode 3

Another bittersweet season 8 moment is Jorah Mormont’s sacrifice. The knight completes his six-season arc defending Daenerys, with whom he’s been tragically in love for years. It’s devastating to see Jorah go, knowing the emotional sacrifice he’s experienced to serve his Queen. Jorah begins Game of Thrones as an exiled criminal and ends as a valiant knight and protector who only accepts death when the wights have fallen, and he knows Daenerys is safe.

3. The Hound Fights The Mountain

Season 8, Episode 5

Another thread established in season 1 is the rivalry between the Clegane brothers, the Hound and the Mountain. Watching the Hound quickly cut down several Kingsguard members and fight his enemy on a crumbling stairwell amidst a burning city is a bit contrived, and tonally, it feels like an entirely different show from season 1. Still, the entertainment value is difficult to complain about, as viewers had spent years speculating about Cleganebowl.

2. Jon Kills Daenerys

Season 8, Episode 6

Like many scenes in seasons 7 and 8, the final moment between Jon and Daenerys is a mixed bag. It’s a beautiful, bittersweet moment that certainly feels like the proper ending point for these two iconic characters. However, the process of reaching that moment detracts from its value, as Daenerys’ sudden, almost inexplicable descent into madness is one of the main things that went wrong with Game of Thrones season 8. As a moment in and of itself, Jon’s heart shattering as he stabs Daenerys is memorable and evocative.

1. The Ending

Season 8, Episode 6

Like Jon killing Daenerys, the ending montage of Game of Thrones seems like the fitting destination, with the mode of transportation being the primary issue. Seeing the Starks reunite only to go their separate ways again in the finale is incredibly emotional, if not for season 8, but for the love audiences had for the show in its entirety. The ending capped off eight years of one of the most prolific and culturally impactful television shows ever made, and the closing sequence offers an emotional payoff to those who’ve cared so deeply about George R.R. Martin’s characters.