What I’m Watching: Game of Thrones (Season Finale)

Game of Thrones: Season 4, Episode 10 “The Children” (B)

Well this certainly was a packed finale, and it can’t be argued that a lot wasn’t accomplished. Yet still there’s a sense that the events in this season ender didn’t really address what happened throughout this season, and that not much has been resolved, instead just set in a new direction. There’s also a new wave of plotlines heretofore unseen, like the freaky undead skeletons trying to murder Bran that managed to fell Jojen. Daenerys having to lock up her dragons after fighting so hard to break others’ chains was an unfortunate punishment, and it doesn’t seem like she’s come all that far this season. It’s frustrating to see Brienne and Arya come so close to being on the same side but end up forever separated, with the Hound losing in combat to Brienne and Arya sailing away to even farther lands. Speaking of those who previously didn’t share screen time, Jon is now in the same place as Stannis, an odd combination but a worthwhile one since Jon’s status as Ned’s son recommends him tremendously. His conversation with Raider was a strong moment of the episode, as was his final goodbye to Ygritte. What takes the cake, of course, is all the Lannister family drama. Cersei telling her father about her relationship with Jaime and then going to plant a kiss on him was brave, but not as much as Jaime saving his brother, who proceeded to murder the two people who treated him the worst: Shae and Tywin. What comes next? I have no idea, but it’s been a mind-boggling if somewhat unproductive season.

Season grade: B
Season MVP: Peter Dinklage as Tyrion