At long last, it has been told – season 7 of Game of Thrones will premiere on July 16, 2017. And while that may be a warmer month for many, winter is here.
Jon Snow. Cersei Lannister. Daenerys Targaryen. Three walks of power, three thrones, a haunting version of James’ “Sit Down,” and chills all over your body.
I couldn’t be more ready for this.
We know we’re nearing the end, as the showrunners confirmed that the next two abbreviated seasons will serve as the conclusion to the epic series based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire books. But, same as with season 6, which was the first season to surpass the books, no one has any idea where things are headed.
It’s exhilarating and makes me want to throw up, all at the same time.
Let’s break down the teaser, shall we?
Season 6 finished off in a few big ways. Jon Snow (along with Sansa and company) has returned to Winterfell victoriously after defeating Ramsay Bolton (and Sansa feeding him to his hungry dogs like he so deserved), and a handful of Northern allies gathered to discuss who it is they are to follow. He may bear the last name Snow, but he is Ned Stark’s only living son, as far as they are all concerned – and at the heed of young Lady Lyanna Mormont of Bear Island, they all agree.
They know no king but the king in the North, whose name is Stark. And like Sansa told him – he’s always been a Stark.
Cersei, on the other hand, has gone full Targaryen Mad King — and I, for one, am here for it. Hell hath no fury like a woman who has been scorned, has lost everything and has nothing left to lose. She is dangerous, lethal, mad, and she now sits upon the Iron Throne.
May the gods have mercy on all our souls.
And then, we have Daenerys, finally on her way to Westeros to claim her rightful throne as a Targaryen, as the Queen we all deserve. In the teaser, when we see her walking toward and sitting upon a throne, we can’t be sure where it is — perhaps Dragonstone, the original seat of House Targaryen? Wherever her throne is, I’m all about it, and preferably with Yara Greyjoy at her side. (I ship it. Hard.)
Then, we have the excellent song choice: “Sit Down” by James. Pay close attention to the lyrics, and when they’re playing in accordance with who is on screen, as they all take long walks to their thrones.
"“Those who feel the breath of sadness…”"
Jon Snow walks by, ever somber, ever solemn, and knowing what truly lies beyond the wall, and what’s knocking at their door. He knows what the night holds, what winter means, and having been Lord Commander and now King in the North, that throne may be the most important of all for that alone. White walkers are the true threat, and they’re here.
"“Those who find they’re touched by madness…”"
Cersei walks by, and the air about her is different now. She may not be a Targaryen, but she bears uncanny resemblance to the Mad King these days. Even Jaime can’t possibly accept this – if the look on his face at the end of last season was any indication. She used the Mad King’s hidden wildfire to destroy the Great Sept of Baelor, and kill everyone inside of it – including Margery, Loras and the Tyrell family save for Lady Olenna. Tommen killed himself, Myrcella is dead, Joffrey is dead, Tywin is dead. She has nothing left, save for Jaime. Nothing left, and everything to gain — or destroy.
"“In love, in hate, in fear, in tears…oh, sit down.”"
First Daenerys, then everyone as the line repeats, all walking toward their seats of power and it was everything, and just perfect. As the camera focuses on all their faces, and we near the end — Cersei breaths a puff of frost, and the screen changes to zoom out from the Night King’s icy blue eye.
Winter is here.
I don’t need more of the season spoiled for me. I know the stakes, and I know the players. We may not see Arya, who is back in Westeros and a rogue assassin of sorts (gods, I love her), Bran (who now knows the truth behind Jon’s parentage), Tyrion (faithfully placed at Daenerys’ side, where he may have always belonged), Yara, Theon, Varys, Olenna, Littlefinger, etc. …but I don’t need that, yet. Leave me guessing for a few more months.
Will Arya make it back to Winterfell with Jon and Sansa? How about Bran? Will Jon and Daenerys meet and align themselves side by side, with the help of Theon (friend to Sansa) and Yara? Could Jon learn the truth of who his parents are? Will Cersei burn Westeros to the ground before letting anyone else near the Iron Throne? Will Tyrion and Jaime aid in stopping her? Does Lady Stoneheart actually exist in this world? Could Yara and Daenerys fall in love (let me live)? Will Euron Greyjoy be the biggest pain in the ass? So many questions, so few episodes left to cover it all, and I’m living for it all.
A girl has a purpose, and it’s theorizing until July 16.
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Share your theories, your hopes, your dreams in the comments below. See you in July.