Note this video will discuss spoilers for hit show Game Of Thrones and so if you haven't
seen it, I recommend you go watch it first...Like honestly, go now, don't wait, the video will
still be here when you're done. [Intro]
Okay so this mini series is going to be a slight departure from the usual content on
the channel as I was keen to try out something new, which is to apply much of what my usual
content covers in popular culture. On that note, I'd love to hear feedback on
how you find this video as if you enjoy it, I may look to expand it into its own series
on the channel. If you're new to the channel, first of all
welcome and I appreciate you taking a look at the video. I'd love to hear your feedback
as well and if you enjoy the video, please leave a like, share it and subscribe for more
content like this. So back to the video, we've fast got the final
season of television phenomenon Game of Thrones approaching us in a few months time.
The show's been a tremendous hit since it first aired in 2011 and has gone on to become
one of the most successful shows in history and has developed a legion of fans for the
series of books it's based on by author George RR Martin.
So I'm going to try and do the seemingly impossible and predict who will finally sit upon the
Iron Throne at the end of the show based on the characters left and their potential outcomes
and personalities. Now before I begin, it's worth noting I'm
only speaking from the perspective of the show and not the books, as they have both
diverged on their individual paths and are likely to reach different conclusions.
Today's video will primarily focus on the White Walkers, Lannisters, their allies and
some other characters, with the next video focusing on the Starks, Targaryens and other
notable characters along with my conclusion on the show's end.
So with all that said, let's start out with probably the biggest threat of all in the
show, the White Walkers. 1) White Walkers
The White Walkers are an unknown entity, going from folklore to reality they have been a
silent threat throughout the show, with their motive still completely unknown.
Now what's interesting to note about the White Walkers and specifically their king, the Night
King, their actions seem to show a purpose and very specific reasoning.
They aren't just frozen zombies as they seem to have clear motives and a consciousness
when they act and specifically go into battle. This was no more evident than when they fought
with Jon Snow and the Brotherhood in Season 7, all but laying them on their deathbed had
it not been for Daenerys coming to save them with her dragons.
In this moment, the Night King threw a spear to take out one of the dragons, Viserion,
to claim it as part of his undead army and possibly one of the greatest threats at his
disposal to all of those south of the wall. These actions were deliberate, done with certainty
and have even been claimed to have been a tactic to use Jon Snow as bait to draw out
Danerys. It's not know what the Night King's motives
are, but what is known is not only is the threat very real, but there are clear and
conscious decisions being made by the head of the White Walkers. Therefore, while it's
hard to say the White Walkers won't be overcome, there's a very real possibility the show ends
with the Night King dominating all of Westeros. 2) Lannisters
Next we move onto the Lannisters, of which only Cersei, Jaime and Tyrion are alive. Now
I won't specifically discuss Tyrion in this video, as he's currently aligned with Danaerys
Targaryen and so I feel would be better discussed when I talk about the Starks and the Targaryens
next video. So let's take a deeper look Jaime and Cersei.
The relationship between the siblings and lovers is fraught following disagreements
over the threat of the White Walkers and helping Tyrion, Dany and Jon to fight them.
Now barring exceptional circumstances, if I'm truthfully honest it seems difficult to
see either Cersei or Jaime ending this story sat on the Iron Throne.
Let's start with Cersei first, her rise to power in the show has been dependent on her
ability to work with various powers and manipulate situations to suit her need. Her vision was
always driven by the desire to see her children ruling the kingdom, but having lost all but
possibly an unborn baby, her motives are more unclear than ever.
In addition to this, she's struggling with issues with both her brothers. Her hate for
Tyrion was generally always there and has never been hidden, but having now potentially
lost Jaime too, it seems difficult that she'll be able to take action to keep rule in Kings
Landing with a clear head and with certainty as she has shown previously. And this was
evident in season 7, when she showed a lack of decisiveness as Jaime chose to leave her
side to support the coming war. In addition to this, she's also lost many
critical figures in her life who might have given her leverage. This is none more evident
than her not having her father, Tywin, at her side providing strategic leadership and
holding the family together. Without him, she's lost a fundamental figure in her life
and the only one who was able to keep her disciplined and focus on the vision, or mission,
at hand. Then of course there's Jaime, who has joined
the effort further up north. What's interesting in Jaime's circumstance is his growth over
the course of the show has set him up to play a significant role in the show's final season.
Starting out arrogant and selfish, he's shown through the show's progression a stark change
of character after having been influenced most of all by Brienne of Tarth.
Her dedication to her duties and honour as a knight is clearly had a profound impact
on him, leaving him making decisions that wouldn't have been up for question in his
past and more importantly, acknowledging that his role for the greater need of all people
of Westeros. He acknowledges, and recognises, the need
to fight a war where the odds aren't favourable, despite knowing that his ability to fight
has severely weakened since he lost his fighting hand. He's shown more certainty with his decision
in season 7 than I think he's previously showed at any point since the series began.
And this is critical, don't underestimate the importance of this change. He's stood
up to Cersei's will for the first time to follow his decision. He's chosen to do what's
right and necessary for the greater good and has a clear vision on what his purpose is.
This will be to fight the White Walkers, which will surely be a battle where the odds are
against him. However, he and Brienne also play a critical role in this war, being holders
of swords made from Valyrian steel, one of the known materials that can actually kill
White Walkers. Jaime isn't likely to end the show as king,
as it's never been his motivation, but his importance in the final season is likely to
be large, as he's a soldier, a highly capable war strategist and a figure of great importance
and value. It wouldn't be too shocking if he's the one
to finally be the one to bring about Cersei's end. He may love her, but he's shown that
in times of conflict and needing to take action, he won't stop himself doing so.
Now there is a possibility I'm wrong about his character and he turns on those he's supporting.
However, I feel it's unlikely and if he does, I can only say he's done a phenomenal job
in duping people. Brienne will also surely be involved in the
war, knowing her relationship to the Starks, most notably her oath to protect Sansa, but
again, we may discuss her role more next time. 3) Greyjoys
Finally, I want to briefly discuss the role of the Greyjoys in the final season. The House
has been split, with Yara and Theon on one side, and Euron on the other wanting to kill
them. Now the reason the Greyjoys are so important
is as a naval unit have strength that very few, if anyone, can compete with. On a tactical
level, this is vital in any war and it will be interesting to see what role they play
either supporting the fight against the White Walkers, or in a war against each other as
Yara and Theon ally with Daenarys and Euron with Cersei.
The question is how the scenario will play out, as Euron is unpredictable and willing
to take actions which others might dispute, which could be a wildcard that Cersei can
use to her advantage. However, equally so Euron is also a character
who's very much in the game for himself. Just as he's allied to Cersei, there is just as
much a possibility of him turning against her should the relationship not be of benefit
to him. I think it's almost certain we won't see any
of Yara, Theon or Euron ending on the Iron Throne, but we'll surely see them battle out
for leadership of their House, a war that in itself could play a pivotal role in the
greater scope of things. And that's it for today's video, we've taken
a look at the roles that the White Walkers, Cersei, Jaime, Brienne and the Greyjoys might
play in the coming season, with possibly the biggest threat being the White Walkers and
specifically the Night King. Next time we have Part 2 of this mini-series,
where we'll talk about some of the other major players yet to be discussed including the
Starks, Danerys, Tyrion and others who may play a large role, such as Sam and Melisandre.
And in that part, you'll see my thoughts on who I think may end up on the most coveted
throne in all of Westeros. Thanks for watching. As mentioned before I'd
love to know thoughts on what you think of this video and whether it's something you'd
like to see more of on the channel! Let me know in the comments section below.