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Every Game of Thrones Episode Ranked — The Wojcicki Cut

Glidus・126 minutes read

The video commemorating the 10th anniversary of Game of Thrones delves into the show's impact on pop culture and its quality variances over the years, with episodes like "The Long Night" and "The Last of the Starks" facing criticism for lackluster storytelling and character developments. Despite some flaws, the series is noted for defining the television landscape in the 2010s, akin to iconic shows like Cheers and Seinfeld in previous decades.

Insights

  • The first episode of Game of Thrones sparked a massive cultural phenomenon after years of planning and development.
  • Game of Thrones is recognized for its impact on television in the 2010s, paralleling the influence of Cheers and Seinfeld in previous decades.
  • The text scrutinizes the fluctuating quality of Game of Thrones across different seasons.
  • Specific episodes like "The Bells," "The Iron Throne," and "The Long Night" faced severe criticism for plot inconsistencies and unsatisfactory resolutions.
  • Character interactions, pacing issues, and underwhelming reunions in various episodes of Game of Thrones have been subject to significant critique and analysis.

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  • What defines Game of Thrones in television?

    Game of Thrones defined the 2010s TV landscape.

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Summary

00:00

Game of Thrones: A Decade of Controversy

  • The video was re-uploaded on April 17, 2021, the 10th anniversary of Game of Thrones premiere.
  • The first episode of Game of Thrones aired after over five years of conception, igniting a significant pop culture phenomenon.
  • Game of Thrones is noted for defining the 2010s in television, akin to Cheers in the 80s and Seinfeld in the 90s.
  • The text delves into the quality variance of Game of Thrones over the years.
  • The ranking of all 73 episodes is based on personal preference and the isolated television experience of each episode.
  • "The Bells" episode is criticized for characters acting out of character and illogical plot developments.
  • "The Iron Throne" is described as a bland and unsatisfactory conclusion to the series, leading to fan dissatisfaction.
  • "The Long Night" is deemed nonsensical, with the White Walkers' threat underwhelmingly resolved.
  • "The Last of the Starks" is criticized for bizarre pacing and contrived plot developments.
  • "The Dragon and the Wolf" is highlighted for its lack of pacing, unearned resolutions, and underwhelming twists.

15:12

Winterfell episode disappoints with lackluster reveals.

  • Cersei had all her enemies in one place in Winterfell, but nothing happened this time.
  • Bran waited until Sam arrived at Winterfell to reveal information about the people.
  • The episode had dialogue, pacing, and direction resembling an 80-minute video game cutscene.
  • Winterfell episode was criticized for being empty and forgettable.
  • Drama around Sam, his father, and brother was a somewhat decent part of the episode.
  • Reunions in the episode were underwhelming, except for the drama involving Sam.
  • Jon's parentage reveal lacked emotional intensity due to the audience already knowing.
  • The episode was criticized for revealing crucial information to the audience before the character knew.
  • Ned Umber met a gruesome death, and Ed and Tormund arrived at Winterfell at the same time.
  • The episode was deemed pointless and skippable on a series rewatch.

29:47

Game of Thrones episodes receive mixed reviews.

  • The episode "The Door" is critiqued for lacking highs and going nowhere with its crazy idea, ranking closely to the next entry.
  • "Battle of the Bastards" commences with a rushed conclusion to the Meereen conflicts, leading to a forgettable battle against the Sons of the Harpy.
  • The Greyjoys are lectured by Tyrion at Meereen, with Yara and Daenerys forming an alliance that disregards Ironborn culture.
  • At Winterfell, Sansa's refusal to cooperate with Jon leads to a lack of suspense in the battle against Ramsay, criticized for its illogical tactics.
  • Davos finds a burnt stag, but the episode is saved by Ramsay's character, making it more enjoyable than previous entries.
  • "Eastwatch" features a rushed plot to bring a White to King's Landing, with disjointed character interactions and a lack of emotional depth.
  • Cersei learns of Tyrion's innocence in Joffrey's murder, while other subplots like Gendry's return and Jon's interactions with Drogon are explored briefly.
  • "Book of the Stranger" dwells on inconsequential scenes, including the High Sparrow's philosophy and a rushed resolution to the siege of Riverrun.
  • Arya's plot in "No One" is criticized for its unrealistic elements, while the siege of Riverrun and King's Landing's stagnant plot contribute to the episode's flaws.
  • "The Queen's Justice" stands out in Season 7 for Cersei's chilling vengeance and Lena Headey's performance, but is weighed down by other subplots' shortcomings.
  • "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" is praised for character moments like Brienne vouching for Jaime, but criticized for lack of follow-through on character conflicts and consequences.

42:54

Game of Thrones Season 6: Hits and Misses

  • The lunch lady Davos scene with Shireen's ghost is criticized for its lack of impact and unresolved character arcs.
  • "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" is praised for its character development, including Brienne's knighting and Sansa and Theon's reunion.
  • "Home" sees Bran's return, Euron's introduction, and Ramsay killing his family, leading to various plot developments.
  • "Blood of My Blood" is criticized for its dull moments, including Benjen Stark's return and the religious uprising in King's Landing.
  • "Oathbreaker" is noted for Jon's return, Arthur Dayne's fight, and Bran's visions, with some rushed setups and questionable character decisions.
  • "The Broken Man" features the Hound's return, Arya's storyline in Braavos, and Jon's adventures rallying the North.
  • "The Winds of Winter" is praised for its production quality, particularly the opening sequence leading to Tommen's death, but criticized for other plot developments and writing issues.
  • "The Dance of Dragons" is critiqued for Stannis' actions, Jon's decisions, and the handling of the Dorne plotline.
  • "The Red Woman" starts season six with Davos' actions, Ramsay's grief, and Theon and Sansa's escape, lacking significant impact beyond a few moments.

55:21

"Game of Thrones: Key Moments Analyzed"

  • Continuity errors in the fight scene affect Brienne's story negatively
  • Podrick is portrayed as epic, while the oath to Sansa is seen as cute
  • Cersei's grief for Myrcella is overshadowed by chaos in Dorne, King's Landing, and Meereen
  • Dany's fleet burns to set up her need for ships later
  • Daario and Dany's dynamic is appreciated despite a flawed premise
  • Dany's travels with Moro are disappointing reminders of Drogo's coolness
  • Arya confronts Davos and Melisandre, revealing Melisandre's true age
  • Sons of the Harpy introduces a fan-favorite character's unceremonious death
  • Jaime and Bronn arrive in Dorne, leading to Cersei's future prediction
  • Stannis allies with Roose, while Ellaria's character is ruined
  • Tyrion's inquisition of Jorah is a highlight in "Sons of the Harpy"
  • Jon rejects Melisandre's seduction due to his love for Ygritte
  • The Sparrow's actions in King's Landing bring some action to the city
  • The House of Black and White introduces Arya's confusing journey
  • Brienne's attempt to take Sansa from Petyr fails
  • Cersei receives a threatening package from Dorne
  • Daario's actions in Meereen lead to Mossador's execution
  • Castle Black remains a strong point in the episode
  • Stannis refuses to burn Shireen, showing a different side of his character
  • Sam and Ghost rescue Gilly, showcasing their loyalty
  • Sandor Clegane's actions in "The Children" mark a significant plot development
  • Jon, Stannis, and Mance's interactions are highlighted in the aftermath of a battle
  • Cersei confesses her relationship with Jaime to Tywin
  • Daenerys trains her dragons, showcasing her growth as a leader
  • Arya and Sandor have a tense confrontation
  • Brienne's fight with Sandor leads to plot-driven outcomes
  • The episode is complex, with various storylines converging
  • Alfie Allen's performance as Theon is praised
  • The episode features memorable moments at Castle Black
  • Jorah's development as a character is explored further
  • Barristan's death and Dany's controversial actions are central to "Kill the Boy"
  • Tyrion and Jorah encounter the Stone Men in Valyria
  • Castle Black remains a strong point in the episode
  • Winterfell sees developments with Brienne and Ramsay
  • Theon's reunion with Sansa is a significant moment
  • The episode sets up future conflicts with convenient placements of greyscale
  • The season finale, "Mother's Mercy," brings various storylines to a close
  • Cersei's walk of atonement is a central event in the episode
  • Jon Snow's fate is a major cliffhanger
  • The episode sets the stage for future developments in the series

01:07:35

Game of Thrones Season 5: Mixed Reviews

  • Season 5 is criticized for being unfocused and rushed, with some standout scenes like Cersei's walk of shame and the mutiny at Castle Black.
  • The Dawn plot concludes with a touching moment between Ellaria and her daughter, leading to Ellaria's plot coming to fruition.
  • Varys unexpectedly appears next to Tyrion, despite his aversion to magic, while Daenerys is surrounded by a random khalasar.
  • Stannis' story concludes poorly with a battle where he is not properly positioned, Sansa escapes, and Brienne faces a moral dilemma.
  • Oathkeeper captures the city of Meereen, with some odd scenes like graffiti in common language and Bronn slapping Jaime.
  • Tywin's death leads to a shift in power dynamics, with Tyrion exiled, Mance defeated, and Daenerys solidifying her rule in Meereen.
  • Hardhome is praised for its epic battle but criticized for the rest of the episode's lackluster content, including scenes in the pyramid and Braavos.
  • "First of His Name" is a solid episode, marred by a ludicrous plot point about the mining industry and unnecessary spoilers about Lysa's actions.
  • "And Now His Watch Is Ended" is a good episode with strong character moments, like Jaime's torment and Cersei confronting Tywin.
  • "The Old Gods and the New" features key events like the capture of Winterfell, the riot in King's Landing, and the failed execution of Ygritte.

01:20:02

Game of Thrones: Intrigue and Betrayal in King's Landing

  • Tyrion is kind to Bran but harsh towards Theon, meeting Sam and Janna Slint for the first time.
  • King's Landing is a mix of Ned investigating Jon Arryn's death and scenes with Mordain and Sansa in the throne room.
  • Jory and Jaime chat outside Robert's harem to build up their upcoming fight.
  • The fan-favorite character, Ser Hugh of the Vale, meets his demise.
  • Peter acts strangely towards Sansa, and Cersei assesses Ned.
  • The episode features Vase Dothrak and a delusional man's army to capture his brother.
  • Mockingbird focuses on Tyrion seeking someone to fight the Mountain for him, leading to an epic conversation with Oberyn.
  • Lysa's shocking revelation about Jon Arryn's death adds drama to the episode.
  • Castle Black's strategic preparations for an upcoming battle are explored.
  • The Hound kills an old man, Arya kills a man, and Melisandre's true form is revealed.

01:32:33

Game of Thrones: Intrigue and alliances unfold.

  • The ratcook story leads to Walter and Ruse, then to Ramsay with his shaky sausage.
  • Bran meets Sam and Gilly, needing convincing to pass through the wall.
  • Varys attempts to remove Shae, but fails, showing his effort.
  • Cersei shows sympathy towards Sansa in a scene with Tyrion.
  • Arya kills a man, Jon is shot by his girlfriend, and Jaime returns to King's Landing.
  • Sam and Jon reach Castle Black, where Eamonn sends ravens across the realm.
  • Davos receives a raven convincing Stannis to release Gendry.
  • The episode "Second Sons" introduces Sandor, Tyrion, Stannis, and the mercenary company.
  • Daenerys wants disloyal sell swords on her side, leading to a strong plot.
  • The episode "Lord Snow" introduces various characters and plots, including Ned in King's Landing and Dany's power shift with Viserys.

01:44:55

Stark-Lannister tension escalates, tragedy unfolds

  • the tragedy unfolds. The tension between the Starks and Lannisters escalates with Ned's capture, setting the stage for the chaos to come. The episode is filled with poignant moments, like Robb's speech and Jon's conversation with Maester Aemon, showcasing the depth of character relationships. Jon receiving Longclaw adds a touch of innocence and triumph before the impending doom. The episode masterfully builds towards Ned's capture, creating a sense of impending tragedy that culminates in a heartbreaking event.

01:57:57

Game of Thrones: Red Wedding and Beyond

  • Robb achieves smashing victories, offering a glimpse of hope to Sansa before a tragic turn of events.
  • Walder Frey is introduced in this episode, adding to the unfolding chaos.
  • Miri performs magical acts, Jorah supports Dany, and Joran reappears to save Arya.
  • Ned's death marks a pivotal moment in "Game of Thrones," alongside the Red Wedding.
  • The Red Wedding is hailed as a monumental and transformative event in TV history.
  • Benioff and Weiss were reportedly focused on adapting "Game of Thrones" for this specific scene.
  • "Blackwater" stands out for its intense focus on one location and gripping storytelling.
  • The wildfire explosion, Tyrion's speech, and Stannis's resolve are highlighted as standout moments.
  • "Fire and Blood" is praised as a perfect conclusion to the first season, with significant character arcs and emotional depth.
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