The 101 Greatest Moments of Game of Thrones! #40 – 21

We’ve crossed the threshold and reached the Top 40 of our Greatest Moments of Game of Thrones countdown. In case you were on vacation or tragically elsewhere this week, swing by the first three days of the countdown before spoiling yourselves!

I’m busy having the time of my life at Con of Thrones, so let’s cut to the chase. It’s getting brutal and ultra competitive up in here, with so many top-notch scenes up for a slot in the countdown- and I love it. Which ones will make it? Only one way to find out.

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40. Bran Finally Goes Home- In a Vision of Winterfell. Episode 602, “Home”

In a scene that hit fans right in the feels, Bran gets to return home and see his father again (albeit as a young boy). During a vision of Winterfell in days gone by, we were treated to young Ned and young Benjen sparring while young Rodrik Cassel looks on. Ned tells his brother, “Keep your shield up, or I’ll ring your head like a bell,” nicely echoing Jon’s instructions to Olly in season five. The highlights of the scene, however, were a young Lyanna Stark riding her horse into the courtyard like a boss and young Wylis (Hodor before he was Hodor) being able to talk – with bonus points for the inclusion of younger Old Nan. When the Three Eyed Raven cut this vision short, we all shared Bran’s pain.  – Vanessa Cole

39. From Jaime, Brienne gets a sword, a squire and a task. Episode 404, “Oathkeeper”

The best swords all have names, and the name Oathkeeper carries a special weight for Brienne of Tarth, who exemplifies knightly virtue even though she is denied the title, and for Jaime Lannister, forever branded as the Kingslayer, who has been incessantly maligned for his purported lack of honor. Jaime’s gift of a Valyrian steel sword to Brienne, forged from the remnants of the Stark greatsword Ice, reaffirms his vow to see their mutual oath to Catelyn fulfilled, and Brienne’s acceptance signifies her understanding that Jaime is entrusting her with his faith, and potentially much more. The two had forged a true connection through suffering, loss, and radical honesty amidst dire circumstances, and so their parting is imbued with palpable emotion, especially since both characters clearly leave so much unsaid. Still, as Brienne rides away with the ever-faithful Podrick by her side, the look she shoots back at Jaime conveys much – perhaps a hint of longing, but also her solemn commitment to a promise that will ultimately be fulfilled. – Jared Kozal

38. Jon Duels a White Walker. Episode 508, “Hardhome”

The Massacre at Hardhome represents an apotheosis of horror, devastation, and loss for everyone who beheld the Night King’s most triumphant hour. Yet a sliver of hope emerged amidst the darkness when Jon Snow – brave, but outmatched – raised Longclaw in a desperate attempt to parry a White Walker’s killing blow, and his steel held true. The shock on the faces of both man and demon rang out as clearly as the audience’s cheers of exultation, which only grew louder when Jon turned the parry into a riposte that reduced the creature to shards of ice. Those of us watching at home blazed with excitement, for while whispers about the potential efficacy of Valyrian steel (or Dragonsteel) against the ancient enemy had endured for years, such theories had never been confirmed until now. But we were not the only witnesses to Jon’s great act – high above, the Night King gazed down upon the young Lord Commander with intrigue; perhaps, after years of slaughtering men by the thousands, he saw a worthy opponent at last. – Jared Kozal

37. The Execution of Rickard Karstark. Episode 305, “Kissed by Fire”

How glad I am that I get to cover this moment! Music, or more importantly, accompanying scores are monumentally important to my enjoyment of a movie or TV show. As soon as this scene began, I noticed its immediate parallels to Theon’s botched execution of Ser Rodrik in season 2. Robb executed Lord Karstark cleanly and quickly, while Theon struggled and was bogged down by his lack of commitment and uncertainty. The shared music of the two scenes, though separated by an entire year in their initial airings, merges the two scenes into a larger, connected sequence. It’s very quick, but it establishes the difference between Robb’s assured, confident leadership, and Theon’s rebel-without-a-cause fleeting moment of a power grab. They both learned from Ned Stark that the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. Robb was ready to swing that sword; Theon was not. The music tells all…   – SirSquinty

36. After the Rescue, Sansa Accepts Brienne’s Oath. Episode 601, “The Red Woman”

After five seasons of near constant strife for Brienne, Sansa, Podrick and Theon, it’s deeply satisfying to see things finally turn around for these characters: Brienne fulfills her oath to Lady Catelyn, Sansa finds a small support network, Theon wields a weapon for the first time in years and Pod gets to live another day. It’s exciting, poignant and, most surprisingly of all, hopeful.  – Petra

35. Jaime Rescues Brienne From the Bear Pit. Episode 307, “The Bear and the Maiden Fair”

Jaime and Brienne had quite the journey – spiritually as well as physically – in season three. One of the most pivotal moments in their relationship was when Jaime risked his life for her at Harrenhal. After learning she wouldn’t be ransomed back to her father, Jaime rushed back to the castle to find Brienne fighting a bear with nothing but a wooden sword for protection. His concern and fear for Brienne was written all over his face, and he leaped into the pit without hesitation to rescue the “maiden fair”. It’s a tense, emotional, and ultimately triumphant scene that launched the Braime ship for many fans (sorry Tormund). – Vanessa Cole

34. The Fire Duel & Resurrection. Episode 305, “Kissed by Fire”

This scene follows Lord Beric’s powerful introduction at the end of the previous episode: “That’s what we are: ghosts. Waiting for you in the dark. You can’t see us, but we see you. No matter whose cloak you wear: Lannister, Stark, Baratheon, you prey on the weak, the Brotherhood Without Banners will hunt you down.” The goosebumps that monologue gave me only continued with the frenzied trial by combat between the Hound and Beric, who weaponizes pyrotechnic effects against a man who fears fire most of all and momentarily gets the upper hand… emphasis on “momentarily” — it doesn’t end well for Beric… or does it? Since Daenerys survived Drogo’s pyre and her dragons were born, magic has become an increasingly important part of the show, but Beric’s resurrection was the juncture at which these supernatural forces openly showed themselves — a point of no return for the story. Also: Beric did it before it was cool, Jon. – Luka Nieto

33. The Birth of the Shadowbaby. Episode 204, “Garden of Bones”

The scene starts with some excellent Davos and Melisandre banter that not only reveals interesting insight about their characters, but reminds us of the fact the Lord of Light knows sod-all about onions (if one half is moldy, you just cut it off and use the good half, duh!). It builds beautifully with that eerie cave, and ends on pure squick as the shadow baby clambers out of Melisandre. It’s the kind of shock ending that Thrones does so well, even if it did mean poor old Renly’s days were numbered.  -Geoffery

32. Battle Chaos at the Wall in One Beautiful 360 Shot. Episode 409, “The Watchers on the Wall”

“It’s not TV…it’s HBO” sometimes means “We have a budget and it’s better than yours.” This is one such of those times. The Battle of Castle Black was the second big-budget battle sequence (after “Blackwater”) and if you thought they went all out in the last one, you’d best believe they outdid themselves this time. Neil Marshall returned to direct this episode, and reportedly spent an hour rehearsing this sequence before they filmed it 7 consecutive times! It looks great, it feels real, it is a demonstrable way to show what the actors can do without relying on their stunt doubles, and everyone’s hard work was thoroughly on display here. Six seasons and counting, it remains one of the best individual action set pieces so far. – SirSquinty

31.  Sam Slays a White Walker. Episode 308, “Second Sons”

This sequence was the tail end of an episode entitled ‘Second Sons,’ which had a duality to its title. It both introduced OG Daario Naharis’ self-titled sellsword company, as well as depicted stories from the perspectives of several characters who were the second ‘sons’ of their family (Stannis, The Hound, Tyrion), and then concludes the episode with Sam and Gilly. As Sam was passed over by his family, he was always treated as a second son of sorts. This is really important to keep in mind as the episode draws to a close, because Sam takes a big boy step forward and slays a White Walker with dragonglass! It’s a huge moment of character development for him, and a revelation for the show that there is an item that can defeat their Northward, undead foes! It finishes with a great shot of the ravens chasing Sam and Gilly, flying right into the camera as it cuts to black. Epic.   – SirSquinty

30. Tyrion Escapes, and Kills Tywin and Shae. Episode 410, “The Children”

Tyrion’s victory comes with a heavy price to break the shackles his own family dragged him down with. After an innumerable amount of betrayals, it would seem we’ve reached the end of the forlorn lion’s story until a light in the dark reignites ours (and Tyrion’s) hopes: Jaime frees his brother not knowing of the lethal consequences that would follow. Rather than simply flee, Tyrion seizes an opportunity for vengeance. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Peter Dinklage present a sincerely beautiful and quiet moment before even more players are wiped from the Game of Thrones board. One betrayal too many leads Tyrion to strangle his former lover and relive his father’s unspeakable acts against him. Dinklage and Sibel Kekilli are wholly brilliant in constructing a heartbreaking moment full of suspense and anguish. Charles Dance is profound in his final moments as Tywin providing unforgettable end while simultaneously resolving the animosity with Tyrion in an unavoidable fashion. – Nate

29. A Baby is Changed Into a White Walker in the Land of Always Winter. Episode 404, “Oathkeeper”

What I remember most fondly about this jaw-dropping episode-ender is the fact that book readers flat-out lost it when it aired. Fans of the ASOIAF series, we tend to get smug about knowing what’s going to happen in advance- at least we did before the show caught up with the books in the last couple years. As of season 4, we were still firmly in A Storm of Swords territory-  then “Oathkeeper” and an ice-blue-eyed baby knocked us all on our asses into “What the hell is going on?!” land.  Some fans loved the scene, showing the newborn transformed into a White Walker by the touch of the Night King- but many were enraged that Game of Thrones dared reveal something the books hadn’t confirmed yet, but only hinted. Some even swore off the TV series for good, lest they be ‘spoiled’ again in that way. Their loss! Game of Thrones’ daring in bringing the mysterious White Walkers forward was a choice that would pay off for seasons to come.   – Sue the Fury

28. Jon’s Rebirth. Episode 609, “Battle of the Bastards”

When Jon returned from the dead, he wasn’t a wolf or a blue-eyed villain, and he certainly didn’t feel like a reborn savior imbued with divine purpose (though Melisandre may disagree.) He was just… Jon. And so, many have questioned the point of his resurrection, but I believe this reading misses the point. When he returns, Jon is still Jon but he is a changed man. A man changed not by magic resurrection but by the very human circumstances of his death. His brothers’ betrayal makes him renege on his oath on a technicality (he did die, after all), something the old Jon would have never done. The apparent lack of an afterlife makes him fear death and, at the same time, question the point of life in a way he never did before. And that is why this claustrophobic scene is so crucial to Jon’s story — it’s the figurative culmination to his entire season arc. When Jon’s buried under his own men, decides he wants to keep on living and finally draws breath above the surface —that is Jon’s true rebirth.  –  Luka Nieto

27. The Army of the Dead Advance on the Fist of the First Men. Episode 210, “Valar Morghulis”

There was a lot of hullabaloo about the White Walkers before Game of Thrones even premiered: the terrifying creatures were often mentioned in trailers, along with fear and the winter, and one featured heavily in the special fifteen-minute preview of the first episode that HBO released two weeks before the premiere. “Winter is Coming” and its icy monsters scared the hell out of people….and then they vanished. Sure, we saw the occasional wight, the risen corpses the White Walkers leave in their wake. But the sentient creatures disappeared into the night, and became a rumor among the living characters. Nearly seen by Jon early in season 2, they returned with a vengeance in the season finale to remind us that this isn’t just a show about politics and a blonde with some cute dragons. Marching on the Fist with a massive army of the undead in broad daylight (an incredible feat of makeup and special effects), the White Walker is revealed to us and Samwell Tarly. The finale scene leaves no doubt that the White Walkers are done hiding in the dark and the frozen far north, and that the game of thrones is a child’s game in comparison to this fight.  – Sue the Fury

26. Arya and the Hound are ready to die for chicken. Episode 401, “Two Swords”

Game of Thrones has many great fights, but this might be its most accomplished. Careful choreography makes it clear how the Hound could survive, and eventually defeat five foes, with the help of Arya. And few are better at fight scenes “in character” than Rory McCann, who adds his own relish to the script, which has some of the funniest lines ever uttered on the show. Watch it again, or we’re going to eat every fucking chicken in this room.  – Greatjon of Slumber

25. Tyrion’s Trial Ends with an Outpouring of a Lifetime of Anger. Episode 406, “The Laws of Gods and Men”

Tyrion’s trial, where he lays it all out there: this was a moment that book readers were, naturally, looking forward to, if only because we knew the relish that Peter Dinklage would put on it. And other than episodes that end with random acts of violence, the ending of this – a stare-down between Tyrion and Charles Dance’s Tywin, which underlines the personal nature of this conflict and the way in which unconscious bias and out-and-out discrimination have dominated Tyrion’s existence all his life – is about the most chilling the show has put on screen so far. But it’s the reaction shots that matter the most – Lena Headey’s seething Cersei, Pedro Pascal’s Oberyn who is intrigued more than anything else, but most notably the great work from Nikolaj Coster Waldau as Jaime. Once Tyrion demands his trial by combat, Jaime is utterly deflated, visibly shaken, before he closes his eyes, realizing all of his work – the sacrifice he agreed to undertake for his brother – has been undone by his brother’s stubbornness. Tyrion explains it in the next episode – saying it “felt good” to take that away from his father, and the curl his mouth makes as he smiles at Tywin is evidence of that. But Jaime knows, essentially, that if there was no good ending out of this, that this is probably the worst of all choices. – Greatjon of Slumber

24. Jon and Sansa Reunite After Years Apart. Episode 604, “Book of the Stranger”

After five years of the Stark family being scattered across Westeros, Essos, and beyond the Wall, Game of Thrones finally threw us a bone. Despite Jon and Sansa’s lack of interaction in season one (or maybe because of it), their emotional reunion was cathartic after all the pain they both endured. Their relationship may not have been sunshine and roses the rest of the season, but this moment showed what’s most important to the Starks – family. We can only hope their bond will endure Littlefinger’s efforts to break it. – Vanessa Cole

23. Jaime Speaks Up and Loses His Hand. Episode 303, “Walk of Punishment”

Before Jaime saved Brienne from a bear, he saved her from rape at the hands of Locke and his men – at great personal cost. Jaime lied to Locke about Tarth being rich with sapphires to encourage him to keep Brienne safe and un-defiled. It worked, but Jaime’s arrogance that the Lannister name would protect him spurred Locke into teaching him a permanent lesson. Not content with simply scaring him into submission, Locke severed Jaime’s sword hand – along with his pride. The jarring music choice seemed out of place, but perhaps it was meant to disorient and unsettle us after such a shocking moment. Nevertheless, Jaime lost his identity along with his hand and was forced to reevaluate his place in the world – starting down a path of redemption that he has not yet finished travelling.  – Vanessa Cole

22. Tyrion Finds a Champion in Oberyn Martell. Episode 407, “Mockingbird”

Tyrion may have just gambled his life away in anger, and no one is willing and able to fight for him. On top of that Oberyn comes in apparently just to kick him when he’s down, telling a childhood story of how Cersei brought Oberyn and Elia to mock and torture baby Tyrion — even back then, she blamed and hated him. But then Oberyn turns it around with four simple words: “That’s just a baby.” As the scene draws to a close, Pedro Pascal finishes with the speech that should have won him an Emmy (or a nomination, at least!), and we are witness to some of Dinklage’s best acting as Tyrion finds hope for the first time in what feels like forever, and so do we. This was Tyrion’s lowest point of the season, so it was absolutely priceless to have a character as beloved as Oberyn come in and not only promise to save his life but acknowledge his humanity.  – Luka Nieto

21. Drogon Returns in Daznak’s Pit. Episode 509, “The Dance of Dragons”

The colossal set, action-packed sequence, and air of mystery surrounding the gilded assassins crafted an exhilarating version of the iconic book moment fans couldn’t wait to see. After tensions between Daenerys and her largest fire-breathing offspring reached new levels, Drogon made an explosive entrance to rescue his matriarch. The astounding special effects made Daznak’s Pit a remarkable visual feat with amazing pyrotechnics, expertly choreographed brawls, and a fearless Emilia Clarke leading the way with her effortless interaction with the Drogon visual stand in. The cast and crew’s tireless efforts created a truly awe-inspiring scene worthy of the lion and the dragon’s now-cemented partnership as Daenerys valorously flies on dragon wings to safety. – Nate

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Join us tomorrow, as we reveal the top 20, and our choice for the greatest moment of all-time on Game of Thrones!

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