The 101 Greatest Moments of Game of Thrones: #80 – 61

The North remembers, and so do Game of Thrones fans. But sometimes we all need a little refresher of what we love about the show, so this week we’re sharing the best of the best from the past six seasons. Yesterday we kicked off the list by counting down numbers 101 through 81 of the greatest moments.

How do we decide what’s great? Very complex process involving ballots, fire magic, Google Docs, swearing, Chipotle- oh and combing through every single episode before we even started the process. Our collective shortlist was hell to compile but a nerd’s gotta do what a nerd’s gotta do. Cutting that incredible (and not-at-all-short) shortlist down to just 101 entries was a terrible challenge. On the upside, we’re more sure than ever that Game of Thrones is consistently the best damn show around.

With that said, welcome to day 2 of our countdown! Please feel free to share your own choices in comments, because what good is a list without a debate? And most of all, enjoy!

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80. Jorah Reveals His Greyscale and Daenerys Commands Him to Find a Cure. Episode 605, “The Door”

Oh, be still my beating heart… but not Jorah’s, please! Sadly, his heart may soon turn to stone and beat no longer. Once his quest was done, Jorah’s raison d’être is done as well, and so he finally reveals his greyscale to his queen and prepares to die in peace. This would have been a tragic yet appropriate enough end for the knight, but Dany won’t have it and saves his life by commanding him to find a cure and return to her. Emilia Clarke so rarely gets to play emotionally vulnerable scenes, as Daenerys always needs to appear to be an impassible queen, so this kind of scene is a rare gift. And of course, Iain Glen shines as he always does, bewitching us with his deep raspy voice as he pours his heart out. Hopefully his mission will be a success, but even if it isn’t, this beautiful last scene between Jorah and Dany would be a fitting parting for them both.  – Luka Nieto

79. Enraged After the Attempt on Dany’s Life, Drogo Declares War on Westeros. Episode 107, “You Win or You Die”

Before his untimely death, Khal Drogo gave a compelling and formidable speech rallying the Dothraki behind the Targaryen queen, promising their unborn son the Seven Kingdoms. Drogo’s devotion to Daenerys is staggering in this scene and only makes his death later more devastating – especially when it also means losing a talent like Jason Momoa.  – Nate

78. Maester Cressen’s attempt on Melisandre’s life goes very wrong. Episode 201, “The North Remembers”

At the beginning of season 2, Game of Thrones had the daunting task of introducing a new group of characters into the mix, as it truly became an ensemble show without Ned at the center. The Dragonstone gang’s final, deadly scene in the episode cements the dynamics we’ve come to know well, establishing Stannis’ accidental humor (“A lie. Take it out.”) and his unrelenting nature, Davos’ rough-spoken smarts, and Melisandre’s eerie power. The meeting ends with blood spilling as the good-hearted Maester Cressen (Oliver Ford Davies, stellar in his single episode) gives his life trying to save the king he serves from the influence of the Red priestess. We quickly learn just how powerful Melisandre is. (Or so we thought- as it turns out, deflecting poison was the least of her abilities!)  – Sue the Fury 

77. A Castle Black Dinner Brings a Letter and a Ship. Episode 604, “Book of the Stranger”

Strictly speaking, the ship took off when Tormund spotted Brienne in the Castle Black courtyard and the wildling equivalent of “Foxy Lady” played in his head. But the most surprising and hottest new ship of 2016 really took off in the subsequent dinner scene, when Tormund seductively chewed in Brienne’s direction, much to her bafflement. The moment is the perfect counterbalance for the tension that follows: the reading of Ramsay’s viciously taunting “Come and see” letter, which will sharply raise the stakes for the inevitable Battle of the Bastards, with the Stark kids more determined than ever to reclaim their home.  – Sue the Fury

76. Barristan Selmy Saves Dany’s Life and Become Her Queensguard, Episode 301 “Valar Dohaeris”

One of those lovely little moments, a rarity in a show like Thrones, when it’s revealed a character you liked in Season One has somehow made it unscathed to the other side of the world and is ready to fight for a cause he believes in.  It’s also a great example of a subplot from the books which was arguably reworked for the better in the TV show. Not only is it a good reveal, it’s just plain nice that Barristan managed to avoid having to serve under Joffrey and got to hang out with the cool kids of Team Dany for a few seasons.  Shame the Sons of the Harpy had to come along and spoil it all…  – Geoffery

75. The Return of Benjen Stark. Episode 606, “Blood of My Blood”

When Meera and Bran are set upon by wights after escaping the cave, a mysterious hooded figure rides to the rescue and takes out their attackers in spectacular fashion. Wielding a flaming flail, he carries Meera and Bran to safety. Book readers had been waiting to see the “Coldhands” character since the end of season three, so his appearance was a welcome surprise. Even more surprising was the reveal that he was Benjen Stark, left for dead by White Walkers and saved by the Children of the Forest. For the novels, the Coldhands=Benjen idea has been debunked by George R.R. Martin, but at least fans of the theory got to see it play out onscreen. – Vanessa Cole

74. Littlefinger Betrays Ned. Episode 107, “You Win or You Die”

It’s hard to believe there was a time when everyone didn’t know that Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish is the most untrustworthy, manipulative, self-serving scumbag on Planetos. And yet throughout season one, despite Ned Stark’s misgivings about Catelyn’s dear old friend Petyr, he decided to listen to the man, and accepted his backing when Ned chose to take a stand against Cersei after King Robert’s death. Wrongly believing he had the City Watch safely at his back, Ned made his move in episode 107’s pivotal final scene, and paid the ultimate price. “I did warn you not to trust me,” Littlefinger says slyly and we can’t even blame him. You did warn him, you sonuvabitch. You did. – Sue the Fury 

73. Daenerys Chains the Dragons. Episode 410, “The Children”

The most harrowing yet memorable moment for the Mother of Dragons was when she made the dreaded decision to detain her remaining two children Rhaegal and Viserion in an effort to protect her people. The look of remorse Daenerys gives the dark dungeon, echoing the cries of her children, was a heartbreaking scene made so by Emilia Clarke’s remarkable and empathetic performance.   – Nate

72. Ygritte’s Death in Battle. Episode 409, “The Watchers on the Wall”

In the battle for the Wall, Jon and Ygritte were headed for a confrontation. When Ygritte finally had Jon back in her sights, it was a tense and emotional scene. You could see the conflicting feelings of joy and sadness on Jon’s face as he waited for her to shoot, but it seemed Ygritte couldn’t bring herself to do it. Then Olly’s arrow took Ygritte from behind, and Jon held her lovingly as she died. When Ygritte utters her final “You know nothing, Jon Snow,” my heart breaks a little, every time.   – Vanessa Cole

71. The Reveal of The Hound. Episode 607, “The Broken Man”

After the ferocious battle between Brienne of Tarth and Sandor Clegane in the season 4 finale, fans were left hanging in the balance wondering the fate of The Hound. Arya may have spared his life, but he was left in no shape to fend for himself, making even someone of his stature an easy target in a vicious land like Westeros. The reveal of Clegane being alive and well in a blissful land of cooperation was a breath of fresh air, made even more gratifying by a guest starring role from Ian McShane as Brother Ray. A slow and peaceful rendition of the Game of Thrones theme made this unique cold open even richer as it sets the pace before making the dramatic reveal. The illuminated valley covered in green was a welcome contrast from the usual snow and destruction. This great moment gives us hope for Sandor as we see he’s not only regained his physical strength but, thanks to Brother Ray, his inner strength as well.  – Nate

70. Sansa Confronts Littlefinger About Arranging Her Marriage to Ramsay. Episode 605, “The Door”

I’m not sure if this scene was conscientiously written in response to the controversy that surrounded Sansa’s storyline in season 5, but it certainly addresses some of the criticisms. Sansa takes Littlefinger to task for his mistakes and affirms that the abuse she suffered under Ramsay has had long-term consequences. “I can still feel it,” she says. “I don’t mean in my tender heart, it still pains me so. I can still feel what he did in my body standing here right now.” Damn.  – Petra

69. Tyrion and Varys Discuss Power and Riddles. Episode 203, “What is Dead May Never Die”

The Spider’s riddle serves as a potent thesis statement for Game of Thrones’ theory on power, one that still holds true after countless kings, priests, and rich men of varying repute have come and gone. Mere days into his tenure as Hand of the King, Tyrion has brilliantly navigated the treacherous waters that drowned Ned Stark and established himself as a shrewd and effective political player by wielding deception – or as his stringently honorable predecessor might pejoratively refer to it, a trick – to great effect. Varys, another shrewd man who has weathered many a storm, takes note, and in a conversation that unfolds over a late night glass of wine (as all of the best conversations do), he astutely and succinctly makes a case that the trick is the entire point. Power resides where men believe it resides, and as Tyrion is starting to believe in his own capabilities, the audience is investing our collective belief in him as well. Across realms both real and fictional, Tyrion casts his very large shadow over all. – Jared Kozal

68. Having chosen Littlefinger as her ally, Dark Sansa descends. Episode 408, “The Mountain and the Viper”

Though Lysa’s death is shocking in the traditional Game of Thrones way, the truly compelling stuff comes afterwards, when Littlefinger is interrogated for his possible involvement in the apparent suicide by the Lords of the Vale, in particular Lord Royce and Lady Waynwood, played by two wonderful character actors. Things aren’t going well for Petyr… until Sansa comes in and does something I didn’t expect: she overwhelms them with honesty, revealing her identity, and then feeds them the greatest load of bollocks there is, corroborating Petyr’s story. As she cries on Lady Waynwood’s shoulder, she gives Petyr a look. Oh, this look was everything. “I’m playing the game too now.” The show had short-changed Sansa before, particularly in season three, but the culmination of her arc in the fourth season jump-started her character progression in an amazing way, a trend that has only continued since then. Sansa’s last scenes of season four are not only the birth of the so-called Dark Sansa in her raven dress, but also the moment I became convinced she would eventually be Littlefinger’s downfall.  – Luka Nieto

67. Yoren Talks About His Past, Before Confronting the Goldcloaks. Episode 203, “What is Dead May Never Die”

Most of the minor characters who get a handful of episodes (at most) on this show get one killer monologue before shuffling off of Westeros’s mortal coil – Maester Luwin, Old Nan, Oberyn Martell. Yoren’s is probably the prototype, though, as we get a sense of what derailed his existence and the feeling that he wouldn’t change it anyway. Six years in, and his death that follows is also still probably the most bad-assed of all of them. “And I buried an axe so far into his head they had to bury him with it.”  – Greatjon of Slumber

66. Tyrion and Daenerys Meet, and She Decides His Fate. Episode 508, “Hardhome”

Daenerys and Tyrion’s first meeting was a moment five years (for some, twenty-five years) in the making. As such, the sense of anticipation hanging over their initial interaction was as heavy as the blood-soaked history that their families had inflicted upon one another. Yet the cathartic thrill of seeing them share the screen at last lived up to expectations, and ignited newfound hope for two characters who had previously been somewhat adrift – Tyrion searching for solace at the bottom of a flagon, Dany struggling to assert her rule over a foreign and increasingly hostile city. While their early conversations were not entirely free of tension, their rapport was immediately evident; Tyrion’s sage counsel quickly proved to be a tempering influence on Dany’s imperious determination, while Dany’s gift for inspiration lifted Tyrion out of the darkness into which his soul had sunk. Alas, the price of Tyrion’s admission to Dany’s inner circle was a second exile for Jorah – the lovelorn knight would have to walk an even longer path to return to his Khaleesi’s good graces. – Jared Kozal

65. Syrio Forel’s Last Stand. Episode 108, “The Pointy End”

Ahhh, the scene that inspired a thousand fandom conspiracy theories! But whether you believe that Syrio Forel, the First Sword of Braavos, died fighting Ser Meryn Trant or not isn’t relevant at the moment. What matters is appreciating the sheer loveliness of the moves as Arya’s beloved waterdancing teacher faces off against a group of guards with only a wooden practice sword. Miltos Yerolemou was a delight from the moment he appeared onscreen as Syrio, and he exited with style. As for Syrio’s ultimate fate…well, what do we say to the god of death?  – Sue the Fury

64. Theon Burns the Letter and Embraces the Ironborn. Episode 203, “What is Dead May Never Die”

When Balon Greyjoy decides that instead of helping King Robb he’ll take advantage of his absence and attack the North, Theon is conflicted. Balon may be his father, but he isn’t a good one, and, though he may not quite realize it yet, his true father in spirit was Ned. And so he writes a letter to his would-be brother Robb… but then burns it, succumbing to his father’s wishes, and finally gets baptized in an ominous scene that screams “You made the wrong choice!” The letter scene is a show-invented character beat, as Theon in the books didn’t feel much remorse about his betrayal (not yet, anyway), but it’s one of the best additions yet. It’s not only the writing that works here; everything comes together for one of the best scenes of season two. Alfie Allen’s striking performance as a tortured Theon, the rising Greyjoy theme during the baptism, the painterly staging of the character surrounded by a literal black void of loneliness….This is where Theon’s tragedy begins, and it will not end for a long time.   – Luka Nieto

63. Arya Kills Meryn Trant, and Is Blinded In Punishment. Episode 510, “Mother’s Mercy”

One of the many climactic moments of the astounding season 5 finale was when Arya tasted bloody vengeance, killing Meryn Trant. Her satisfying act of revenge didn’t go unnoticed, and she was consequently afflicted for her selfish act against the Many-Faced God. This iconic moment brought Arya into a necessary stage of training at the House of Black and White and taught her how to flip a disadvantage into a sharp edge against her opponents. This scene saw Arya tap into her new skills, coupled with her cunning wit and agility, and brought the young wolf’s fifth season arc full circle. The exhilarating and victorious moment left fans cheering and will forever be remembered as one of her greatest, even though it temporarily cost her her sight. – Nate

62. Poetry and Doom in Valyria. Episode 505, “Kill the Boy”

This is a major turning point for Tyrion: he finds a reason to live after half a season of “drinking himself to death on the way to Meereen”; and the road trip with Jorah we all wanted begins in earnest. After sharing an old poem and the sight of a young dragon, and surviving the stone men, Jorah’s hostility dissipates. Any of these little moments may have made the list, but together there isn’t even a question.  – Luka Nieto

“They held each other close and turned their backs upon the end.
The hills that split asunder and the black that ate the skies;
The flames that shot so high and hot that even dragons burned;
Would never be the final sights that fell upon their eyes.
A fly upon a wall, the waves the sea wind whipped and churned —
The city of a thousand years, and all that men had learned;
The Doom consumed it all alike, and neither of them turned.”

61. Maester Aemon dies naturally, calling for his brother Egg. Episode 507, “The Gift”

Practically unheard of for Game of Thrones, Maester Aemon passed away of old age at Castle Black – calling out to his brother Egg as he died. One of the truly great people in Westeros, Aemon lived a life of selfless service, doling out advice and wisdom and expecting nothing in return. If anyone deserved a peaceful death, it was Aemon; the sad part is that he never knew his (likely) great grandnephew Jon was at Castle Black with him. On an even sadder note, the actor Peter Vaughan passed last December at the age of 93 – now his watch is truly ended.  – Vanessa Cole

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And that wraps it up for today. Join us tomorrow as we resume with number 60 and slide down into our top 50!

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