Game of Thrones: Unraveling the Shocking Twists of Episode 5 in the Final Season

Fire spares no one. Spoiler alert!

Game of Thrones is rapidly approaching its conclusion. The final two episodes are set to wrap up an era, promising grand, terrifying, and astonishing plot twists. This review delves into viewers' expectations for the penultimate episode, a detailed analysis of the latest installment, and forecasts for the finale.

Warning: this article contains spoilers! If you haven’t watched Season 8, Episode 5 yet, test your knowledge with our quiz “Game of Thrones or Not? Identify by the Scene!”

What Fans Anticipated

A Return to Intrigue and Political Drama

The Night King was defeated by a single strike from Arya Stark, and with him, the entire army of the dead vanished swiftly. Daenerys’s dragon Rhaegal was shot down by a ballista fired by Euron Greyjoy, leaving the world of Game of Thrones nearly devoid of its magical creatures.

RIP Rhaegal, you may not have been the favorite dragon but you served as good lighting in episode 3 and will be remembered for it #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/IkxdJzX0VG

— Shy.ovo (@ShyonGredley) May 6, 2019

With the magical forces fading from the narrative, the series has the opportunity to return to its roots. The saga shifts from high fantasy filled with dragons and undead to a gripping tale about human ambition, political maneuvering, and sacrifices made for power and love — sometimes revealing humans as more terrifying than any fantasy monster.

The Ultimate Final Battle

Episodes three and four faced criticism for questionable military strategies. Why were the Dothraki sent to a near-certain death? Why didn’t the fiery artillery support the cavalry from the air? How did Daenerys miss Euron Greyjoy’s fleet while flying on her dragon? And why didn’t Cersei order the execution of Daenerys and Tyrion during negotiations? Although these inconsistencies remain, fans may have to accept them as the show prioritizes spectacle over logic with limited time left to resolve all storylines.

The climactic battle for the Iron Throne looms. Cersei shields herself with the civilian population, but Daenerys’s behavior is no less ruthless. She hesitates to relinquish the throne even to her beloved Jon Snow, mirroring the Lannister queen’s harshness. Will the Breaker of Chains set the castle ablaze, fulfilling Missandei’s final wish?

Missandei’s last words basically told Dany to BURN CERSEI AND KING’S LANDING DOWN.

She went out like a G. #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/oifc7V2wFA

— Denizcan Stark (@MrFilmkritik) May 6, 2019

Some vengeful viewers still struggle to forgive King’s Landing’s residents for cheering Ned Stark’s execution.

If you are feeling sorry for the people of King’s Landing, just remember they rooted for Eddard Stark’s execution #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/bowj4jRVmW

— Game of Thrones Memes (@IronThroneMemes) May 10, 2019

Regardless, the upcoming battle promises to be brutal and costly. The writers may resolve the main conflict in Episode 5, with Episode 6 tying up the victors’ storylines.

Daenerys’s Descent into Madness

The Dragon Queen grows increasingly unstable. In the finale of Episode 4, the camera repeatedly captures her face twisted with anger and despair. This progression might be natural: Jon Snow’s revelation about his heritage, the loss of another dragon, and the death of her trusted advisor Missandei have deeply affected her.

Alternatively, this could signal impending madness. George R.R. Martin’s books note: "Madness and greatness are two sides of the same coin. Every time a new Targaryen is born, the gods flip a coin." Daenerys might follow in the footsteps of her father, the Mad King Aerys, known for burning people alive indiscriminately — in other words, a full-scale dracarys.

She lost Jorah.

She lost the Dothraki.

She lost Rhaegal.

She lost her claim to the throne.

She’s losing Jon.

And now she lost Missandei.

The Mad Queen is awakening. #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/DHzTypjkeh

— Mike.C✪ (@Official_MikeC) May 6, 2019

Throughout the series, Daenerys has hardened. Early on, she prevented the Dothraki from harming prisoners. But after the execution of Sam Tarly’s brother and father, her vow to end tyranny at any cost feels like a grim irony.

If the Mother of Dragons has embraced authoritarian tyranny, expect her to eliminate dissenters, including her own advisors. The fates of Varys and Tyrion, who openly question her, hang in the balance.

The Epic "Cleganebowl" Battle

The long-anticipated showdown between Sandor "The Hound" Clegane and his brother Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane, dubbed "Cleganebowl" in internet circles, finally unfolded. After traveling south, The Hound confronts his brother, who had once scarred him and instilled a fear of fire.

Resurrected by dark maester arts, Gregor has become even more formidable. Encased in armor and undead, he’s nearly invincible. Even a skilled swordsman like The Hound faces a daunting challenge. Fire is likely the only way to defeat him, forcing The Hound to confront his deepest fear — a battle that may cost him his life.

https://twitter.com/thronesfacts/status/1126247929344172033

What Unfolded in Episode 5 of Season 8

Varys Executed

RIP to the only sane man in all of Westeros 😢😞 #GameofThrones #GOT pic.twitter.com/9B4cw30Ess

— Damilola®🇳🇬 ❁ (@Quedusse) May 13, 2019

Melisandre’s prophecy came true: both she and Varys would die in Westeros. Daenerys, turning her wrath inward, orders the execution of Varys, the master of whispers, after Tyrion reveals his doubts about her rule.

Thus ends the tale of one of the saga’s most enigmatic characters, who seemed genuinely concerned with the realm’s welfare rather than personal ambition.

Tyrion Honors His Brother

‘You were the only one who didn’t treat me like a monster. You were all I had.’ #Tyrion to #JaimeLannister #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/TklLh2oYKV

— Game of Thrones Facts (@thronesfacts) May 13, 2019

Jaime’s attempt to reunite with Cersei fails, and he is captured by Daenerys’s forces. In a turn of events mirroring Jaime’s earlier rescue of Tyrion in King’s Landing’s dungeon, Tyrion now saves his brother. Beyond familial bonds, Tyrion hopes Jaime can persuade Cersei to avoid battle and spare millions of lives. Both Jaime and Cersei show little concern for civilians, so Tyrion suggests fleeing to Pentos to start anew with their child. Their farewell scene reveals a deep brotherly connection — a final goodbye.

Daenerys Burns the City

She is still my queen. #DaenerysTargaryen #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/aZAR0ACSJO

— Sagra (@Sagrayav) May 13, 2019

The Iron Fleet is engulfed in flames, Dothraki forces breach the city through a dragon-made gap in the walls, and the Golden Company is overwhelmed. Witnessing the combined might of Winterfell’s armies and the dragon, Cersei’s forces surrender as bells toll across the city.

What seemed like the end was just the beginning. Daenerys’s fury consumes her as she unleashes a fiery assault on King’s Landing, echoing the madness of the Mad King. Streets become battlegrounds, and nearly everyone seeking refuge in the Red Keep perishes.

Jaime Kills Euron Greyjoy

Euron escapes the sea after the Iron Fleet’s destruction but encounters Jaime near the castle walls. Despite wounding Jaime, Euron is ultimately slain by him in combat.

The Cleganebowl Takes Place

Also, in keeping a little positive about this episode, pour one out for my man Sandor Clegane who finally burned his brother alive, and stopped Arya from continuing down her path of self-destruction. #CLEGANEBOWL was hype. #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/xFYPZl9kIp

— John Why (@ImJohnwhy) May 13, 2019

Amidst chaos and destruction, The Hound reaches the undead Mountain. Breaking free from Daenerys’s control, Gregor kills Maester Qyburn, who tried to stop him. The brothers engage in a fierce battle. The nearly invincible "Frankenstein Mountain" is only defeated through The Hound’s sacrifice. His final wish — revenge — is fulfilled.

Jaime and Cersei Die Together

RIP Cersei and Jaime Lannister. #CerseiLannister #JamieLannister #GameofThrones #GOT #GOTS8E5 pic.twitter.com/oxbC5Kjtvh

— Aaron J. (@TheRealAJ_) May 13, 2019

Seeking refuge in the Red Keep’s cellars, Jaime and Cersei become trapped beneath the collapsing castle. Despite the destruction around them, Jaime comforts Cersei, sharing a final intimate moment. His wish to die in the arms of his beloved is fulfilled.

What to Expect in the Final Episode

Who Will Claim the Iron Throne?

With Cersei’s death, the central conflict shifts to who Westeros will crown — Daenerys or Jon Snow. Daenerys’s brutal actions have caused her support to plummet.

Daenerys’s character transformation underscores a core theme of Game of Thrones: power changes people. Becoming ruler demands sacrificing other roles — love, friendship, personal morals. Jon understands this and strives to avoid the throne.

Despite learning his true lineage, Jon continues to wear Stark sigils, symbolizing his belief that Stark men fare poorly when journeying south. Simply put, Jon does not desire kingship.

Division Within Daenerys’s Camp

Daenerys Targaryen is the new Anakin Skywalker #GamesOfThrone #got pic.twitter.com/OgauGoQyKe

— Federico Andrade (@federandra) May 13, 2019

Only Grey Worm remains wholeheartedly loyal to Daenerys. Tyrion, who pleaded against her rampage, appears disillusioned, as does Jon. He fought valiantly in previous battles understanding the stakes but now sympathizes with the opposition. The next episode may feature an epic confrontation between Grey Worm and Jon.

Tyrion Faces Consequences for Betrayal

Tyrion’s betrayal in freeing Jaime and facilitating their escape with Cersei may lead to severe punishment, mirroring Varys’s fate. Daenerys’s stern warning in Episode 5 signals no room for mistakes. While fans doubt the wise and witty dwarf’s death, the creators might surprise us.

Alternatively, Daenerys’s intent to burn her right hand could push Jon over the edge, potentially convincing him to accept kingship.

Arya’s Changing Perspective

Daenerys Targaryen has joined the list #GOT pic.twitter.com/K2ijlCyvZA

— Iván (@ivanrdmurillo) May 13, 2019

Arya Stark, a lone assassin driven by vengeance, had always clung to her family identity and her sword, Needle. Despite her training with the Faceless Men demanding she forsake her name, Arya never abandoned her roots.

In Episode 5, The Hound persuades Arya to reject violence, sharing his own life consumed by revenge that led nowhere. For the first time, Arya empathizes with others’ suffering beyond her personal vendetta.

The episode ends with Arya riding away on a white horse from the devastated city, symbolizing spiritual rebirth and a new mission — possibly to stop the Mad Queen Daenerys and finally "break the wheel" of violence.

The next episode, releasing on May 20, will reveal the story’s direction.

What surprised you most in this episode?

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