The best episode in each Game of Thrones season

Game of Thrones season 8, Episode 3: “The Long Night”

Alright, let’s address the Direwolf in the room: season 8 inspired some…well…some spicy fan opinions, my own included. But amidst the fiery debates and passionate critiques (and the countless times I’ve said to myself that the eighth season doesn’t exist), there’s one episode that stands out like a shining beacon in the dark, which is a painfully appropriate way to describe it. You see, “The Long Night” is actually the darkest episode in Game of Thrones history, in that we can barely see what’s happening. However, from what we could see of the longest episode in the series (it clocks in at 81 minutes), “The Long Night” gave us a heart-pounding feeling of horror as the undead sea surged against Winterfell’s walls. Not to mention the dread in the air as Arya’s ninja-like skills help her somehow completely avoid meeting her maker by escaping a room full of wights. This episode made us all clutch our blankets a tad tighter and, regardless of how you think the Night King should have been killed, we were all cheering at the end. Don’t lie.

Now, as for the whole season; sure, it might have felt like riding an old dragon that’s had a bit too much to drink (Vhagar comes to mind, but she’s a classy lady). But “The Long Night” was incredibly intense, with highs, lows, and an insane amount of that amazing thing called Plot Armor. Let’s face it: a lot more of our favorite should have died in that battle. A lot more. Despite everything that was wrong with the episode (like how, somehow, those castle walls were very much immune to Viserion’s fiery breath), it’s got an amazing battle scene and it does push forward some character arcs.

In its eight-season run, Game of Thrones became a household name because of its epic storytelling, shocking twists, and breathtaking cinematic sequences. The episodes highlighted here represent just a few of the peaks in a series that constantly pushed the boundaries of  what’s possible on TV. While each fan might have their personal favorites, there’s no denying the impact and legacy these episodes have left on fans as well as on our pop culture. As with any beloved series, the memories and discussions surrounding these episodes will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come; I can guarantee you the saying “Winter is Coming” isn’t going away anytime soon.

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