This has possibly been one of the longest waits for winter yet. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan then you will know that this wait has been real but, it’s nearly upon us. Whether you have been involved from the very start or binged-watched to get up to speed with everyone’s favourite ‘tits and dragons’ show, the anticipation for the penultimate season has been higher than a soaring dragon. Here’s why…
Yes, so firstly this is the penultimate season. That means things will be coming to a conclusion – but not before more blood, deaths and rolling heads. The final season has in fact been split into two parts so this season is a mere 7 episodes (compared to the usual ten) and season 8 with be an even shorter 6 episodes. It’s set to premiere in the UK on 17th July, 2017, on Sky Atlantic.
Viewers worried about the fewer episodes shouldn’t see the reduced numbers as a bad thing – the series is building up to the final conclusion so the fewer episodes just mean more action and less of the build-up. One of the show’s criticisms thus far has been that early season episodes have tended to be slow has the character and/or scenario build ups required additional narration – so season 7 and beyond is all about action and conclusion.
So what of this conclusion? Keen fans will know the main storyline has revolved around ruling the seven kingdoms and gaining control of the Iron Throne. Alliances have been made: Cersei Lannister (played by Lena Headley) is under imminent attack from all corners. Daenerys Targeryen (Emilia Clarke), the ‘Mother of Dragons’ is on her way to Kings Landing and a union with Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) has viewers salivating at the possibilities this alliance will cause. Elsewhere, winter is finally coming, as the White Walkers of the North have grown in strength, number and voracity to cause chaos and bloodshed as they march southwards.
Without giving too much away, the main point should be clear. This TV show has been building up to a crescendo of gore, intrigue, body counts and conclusion as to who will actually rule the kingdoms. Whilst there is still one final season to wait for in 2018, season 7 will deliver its healthy share of key-character deaths, revelations and scandal as we once again are immersed in this fantasy adventure of storytelling excellence.