Tywin Tytosson

I thought that there really wasn't time to do any negotiating before the Rebellion. Aerys demanded Jon Arryn either hand over Ned and Robert or kill them himself. Jon refused, and the Rebellion began. The North, or parts of the North, could have been agitating for independence. If Ned didn't agree with that, then he would have have ignored said agitation. The Starks had been trying a 'Southern Strategy' at the time, no? So the Starks may have wanted to keep the North in the Realm.

Didn't Fire and Blood disabuse us of he notion that the North just 'rolled with the new norm' after Torrhen bent the knee? Thought there was talk of rebellion in the North. I agree re. GRRM's final outcomes being setup to make more sense than the show.

This. I think the same applies to the greenseers of the CotF. Like Greatjon Umber declared, when he nominated Robb as King. What Sansa did was more politic. By emphasizing what the North did for the rest of Westeros, she put her request/claim on the moral high ground. Thus reducing opposition from the other Lords present.

I take it as everybody just wants peace. The election was forced on them with no notice, so they chose. The next election would be something completely different. One hopes that Bran (or Tyrion) sets things up to keep things under control. Bronn on council was great! He's not a criminal. He was a sellsword who became a knight. And had been Commander of KL's City Watch. He has his own code, which he follows rather consistently. By being Lord of Highgarden, Bronn is now in charge of and runs one of the wealthiest positions in the 6 Kingdoms. Remember - the Tyrells were 2nd only to the Lannisters in wealth. And the Lannister's gold mines have run dry. What is interesting is that the Small Council has 2 people on it who started life as commoners - Bronn and Davos. Why do you think Bronn was a criminal? Disclaimer - I like Bronn, and am happy that he finally got his castle.

Agree. A historical drama with a bit of magic and/or fantasy tossed in at the edges. To Clarify - are you referring to GRRM? Or some other writer(s) on the GOT staff?

I took things that the NW is basically a penal colony now. That and a place for those with limited options to find a place to belong.

The reaction to Sam's proposal for universal suffrage are about what I'd expect from aristocratic families in a feudal society.

He was trying to not damage his mother's body. Not a usual activity for a dragon, I'd say. Drogon's grief was palpable and sad.

Actually, its not that bad. It is fairly good. People are rating it based on how they view the rest of season 8. Which is a bit unfair. But it is what it is. Edit: as others have stated, the episode could have been a 2-3 hour episode. But what was done was fine. Bit like RotK's end. Can't wait for Winds of Winter

She was going to burn the cities of the slaveowners (Astapor, Yunkai, New Ghis, Volantis?) to ash in S6. Which would kill all kinds of innocents. Tyrion managed to talk her out of that one. She also considered to attacking KL with her dragons at least twice before. Tyrion talked her out of one, Jon the 2nd.

This is an unfair criticism. Most leaders, even good ones, cannot control their troops during a sack.

Sort of the way that I feel re. the episode. 9 or 10.

Quibble. The show did not get into the Valonqar thing. Maggie's prophesy in the show stopped short of that line.

I can't see this (the bolded in #3.). Danny does notknow about the ww and has not plan nor thought about them. she would need somebody to convince her to do this, like Mel did for/to Stannis. I would expect her to still attack KL/Cersei and secure what she came for -- the Iron Throne. After that ... maybe Jon or Davos convinces her (or Tyrion) of this necessity. or a Red Priest(ess). I would expect her to head North at some point to attempt re-integration/re-conquest of the independent North. Maybe then she realizes the WW threat and help deal with them

mmmm...not really. i took sansas look as a realization the LF would now try some scheme and become a thread to Jon and House Stark. i thought her look was more fearful concern and the start of worry.

1) now that u mention it .... i see what u mean. good one! it could have been intentional. the whole KL stuff just felt like the Godfather. 2) hmmm.....interesting thought ... but... the sand snakes or Ellarria should be on a ship. would the armada attack KL or Dragonstone first? would the armada even try an ambphib-invasion? why not just march overland from Dorne? i can see taking Dragonstone (symbolic and threatens KL from the sea ..and allows a naval blockade of sorts), but the cavalry of Dothraki would do better riding north no? and looting and pillaging as the went. spread the fear and terror and maybe entice Cersei to fight them outside the walls and fortifications of KL, where the Dothraki would be their most effective.