The Syndicate

WOW. I loved that. Rico, you're right there are certainly some things that I'm questioning/disappointed in, but overall I really enjoyed the finale and most of the season. Sad to see Margaery et al gone and Cersei on the throne, that was actually pretty unexpected, but I actually liked the cinematic execution of it. As usual, I feel pretty meh about Dany/Tyrion/etc and much more excited about the Stark end of things. I'm glad they did the R+L=J thing, I loved Arya offing Frey, I love Lyanna Mormont. The real star of the show though for me was Ramin Djawadi. The soundtrack was absolutely STUNNING all the way through.

I enjoyed this assessment of the episode, it touches on a few fun things.

Just watched it. Wow. Damn. I think that episode was pretty close to perfect, for what it was. Except for Rickon -- there had to be a loss there but it was still really disappointing especially since I've always thought that GRRM had huge plans for Rickon going into the end of the series.
But yeah, wow that battle was incredibly well done from start to finish. I'm not usually much of a battle fan but that was just incredibly impressive and captivating all the way through. The chaos of the fight, the crowded barricade, the dramatic entry of the Vale army with Sansa's smile, Jon's descent into savagery, the giant's demise, Jon beating Ramsay to a pulp and then deciding to leave him for Sansa to finish off and then finally her turning the hounds on him. Just. SO. GOOD.
I even have to say I enjoyed the Meereen scenes quite a bit too. Grey Worm was fantastic, and I liked Dany meeting the Greyjoys -- and might I add that Dany/Asha is the ship I never knew I wanted

FUCK YES ARYA

largely agree with you guys on the rest

Pretty alright episode. Nice to see ol Houndy again, nice to have a break from Dany. Jon/Sansa/Davos seeking support was actually interesting for what it's leading up to. I loved the Asha/Theon scene (I refuse to call her Yara she will always be Asha). And Arya, yiiikes I am really hoping against hope for her.

- That Hodor reveal. Was NUTS. Damn that was mindbending.
- I've really loved every bit of Arya's storyline, and Sansa's as well. I love all the starklings too much I just want them to be ok. If Asshole Faceless Girl kills Arya I will flip ten thousand shits she is not meant to die. And I hope Bran and Benjen meet up with Jon and Sansa eventually (though we've probably already far exceeded the Stark reunion quota for the year).
- Gilly meeting the parents was SUUUPER awkward. Glad they got out of there. And damn if that is not the most ADORABLE baby!!
- I agree with zebra re: Dany. She's always been kinda boring to me and is just constantly overrated and glorified and I'm really tired of it.