Game of Thrones season 8 often comes in for a bad rap, but it's important to exclude "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" from that criticism. For a long time, HBO's Game of Thrones was nigh-on untouchable critically. Even though most seasons contain a weak link, these were blips in an otherwise stellar multi-season run that established Game of Thrones as one of the biggest shows in TV history. The fortunes of David Benioff and D.B. Weiss began to turn when their supply of source material from George R.R. Martin ran dry, and a gradual decline in quality began. Season 8 marked the culmination of Game of Thrones' fall from grace and proved to be one of the most controversial finales in recent memory.

Among the various problems fans had with Game of Thrones' final season were rushed storylines, sudden character changes and long-standing plot points failing to pay off. Several surprise choices, such as having Bran take the throne and Arya Stark kill the Night King, also divided viewers, with some believing these characters were picked more to defy expectation than because of any discernible logic. But among the criticism and controversy, it's easy to forget that Game of Thrones season 8 wasn't a complete write-off, and April 2020 marks the anniversary of what fans widely consider to be the show's last good episode: "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms." As the second episode of Game of Thrones season 8, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" comes between the relatively mundane set-up of episode 1 and the onset of the controversy in episode 3, which featured the dimly-lit Battle of Winterfell. Instead, episode 2 focuses on the eve of the fight, and takes the time to delve into some of the show's most popular figures, tying up a number of key storylines in the process.

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The title of episode, and the heart of the entire piece, derives from the wonderfully unlikely connection between Brienne of Tarth and Jaime Lannister. Starting as enemies, developing a grudging respect, and then finally forging a romantically-tinged friendship, Brienne and Jaime are reunited at Winterfell, as the Lannister knight's long-awaited evolution into a protagonist comes to a head. Spurred on by Tormund's obvious attraction to Brienne, Jaime officially anoints her a Knight of Westeros - an unheard of title for a woman. This scene brings Jaime and Brienne's tale to a satisfying but sensible close, and the Lannister also found time to apologize for crippling Bran in season 1, resolving that storyline also.

Brienne knighting in Game of Thrones

Theon's journey finds closure of its own in "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms." Having previously ransacked Winterfell and tried to hunt down Bran, Theon returns to his former home and offers to personally protect his adopted brother, who'll act as bait for the Night King. A sorrowful Theon finds a slither of redemption here, settling the remaining tension from his time as an ally of the evil Bolton house. Arya reunites with both The Hound and Gendry, sleeping with the latter in a pre-fight night of passion, but the episode isn't just a procession of apologies and long-awaited reunions - the tension between Sansa and Daenerys bubbles ominously throughout, constantly threatening to spill over. As a final, dramatic sting in the tail, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" ends with Jon finally revealing his true heritage to Daenerys; a moment fans had been waiting seasons for.

The reason so many consider this episode Game of Thrones' last hurrah, (while turning their noses at the subsequent 4 offerings) is the total focus on character over the 58-minute run time. Aside from the fantastic fireside gathering where Brienne is finally knighted, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" includes moments that had been years in the making, but as measured, logical progression rather than fan service. Conversely, the remainder of Game of Thrones' final season took giant leaps in character and plot, some of which directly contradicted this very episode. After his touching moment with Brienne, Jaime Lannister returns to Cersei later in the season, while the subtle tension surrounding Daenerys escalates quickly into mass slaughter. Worst of all, Jon's dramatic reveal in the crypts of Winterfell amounts to nothing, as his parents' identities have no impact on the finale. While Game of Thrones season 8 may not be remembered fondly, it's worth sparing a thought for this masterful hour of television.

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