Warning: This post contains spoilers for the sixth season of Game of Thrones.
Never before has an episode of Game of Thrones been filled with so many moments when the audience can scream, “Finally!” The writers eliminated several stray plot lines and characters, the pieces were put in place for the final two (truncated) seasons of the show and plenty of questions were answered.
Oh, and a few people finally got what they’ve been praying for since season one, episode one. Here are the eight most cathartic moments of the episode.
The High Sparrow dies
Yes, one of our favorites, Margaery, went with him (R.I.P.), but we are finally done with the High Sparrow’s long monologues in that same, boring room and his truly sadistic version of repentance. And though Cersei has clearly become unhinged, we’re happy to see the man responsible for her public shaming engulfed in green flames.
Sam hangs out in a cool library
Sam’s been dreaming of this his whole life, and seriously that library’s dope.
The Red Woman gets punished for Shireen’s death
The punishment did not exactly fit the crime of burning a child alive, but the Red Woman did get some sort of comeuppance when Jon banished her from the North.
Dany makes Tyrion the Queen’s Hand
These two fan favorites have spent most of the show on the opposite side of the world. Together, they seem unstoppable. This is an especially poignant moment for Tyrion, who once acted as the King’s Hand to the most repugnant king imaginable. Now he’s the closest advisor to a queen in whom he actually believes.
We were all right about R+L=J
Everyone pat yourself on the back: Yes, Jon Snow’s mother is Lyanna Stark, and his father is likely Rhaegar Targaryen. Book readers have been talking about this theory for over a decade, and the show has been hinting at it for years. The upshot? Dany and Jon soooo should not get married.
Jon Snow, the bastard, becomes King of the North
Remember when everyone picked on poor Jon Snow (especially Sansa, cough cough)? Well the bastard who never got a fair shake has now inherited his father’s (well, uncle’s) throne.
Arya kills Walder Frey
…And feeds him his children in a pie. How Shakespearean of her. We’ve been waiting for Arya to get her vengeance since the Red Wedding. Spending two whole seasons in Braavos was almost worth it. Almost.
Dany crosses the sea
After six long seasons stuck in the dessert, Dany is getting her sea legs. Looks like Cersei may have used that wildfire a little too soon. Watch out Westeros: Here comes the Mother of Dragons.
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Write to Eliana Dockterman at eliana.dockterman@time.com