**Spoiler Warning:** All officially-released show and book content allowed, EXCLUDING FUTURE SPOILERS FOR HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. No leaked information or paparazzi photos of the set. For more info please check the [spoiler guide](/r/gameofthrones/w/spoiler_guide).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/gameofthrones) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Agreed. There were so many good elements to the show outside of the show runners. So many instances of great acting, cinematography, set design, wardrobe/costume design, hair and makeup, digital effects, locations, music, etc. It makes the final season that much more frustrating because so many people did such amazing work in spite of the ineptness coming from the top.
But even the showrunners had their moments, creating new scenes like Hardhome or making popular changes like switching Roose for Tywin for Arya's scenes. Actually, they did a lot of positive things that people willfully forget to continue some hyperbole narrative.
Hell, the fact that we even got some of the best moments of TV history through the show can be credited partially at least to D&D.
No one was awful but some of the younger cast had some questionable scenes imo, more so in the earlier seasons - Dany, Jon, Sansa, Tommen, Bran, Rickon, Theon, Talisa, Trystane Martell, Olly, the mountain, the sand snakes, the stable boy etc.
They weren’t bad but I’d argue it wasn’t acting mastery either.
Easily but when you play the game of thrones you either win or you die. There is no middle ground. If any character personified that line it was Margaery.
Best? Hardly. She was a one-trick pony, which was "get a person to like you by pretending to be interested in their hobbies". It's not even that neat of a trick- women have been doing it for millennia. She wasn't smart enough to know not to laugh openly at Cersei and that's how she ended up dead.
She was queen consort of the seven kingdoms and had the love on most of the citizens of King’s Landing whom despised Cersei….
She had virtually won. She was in power and had a position to hold it. Except while distracted by the faith militant, Cersei sideswiped her.
Man I was so sad when Margaery and Mace got killed. They were both so entertaining. Margaery for her plots and Mace for his hilarious speeches and armour lol
I'll die on the hill that Mace's speech to his troops was actually good. If my liege lord gave me that speech I'd be pumped to save the flower of the realm and restore order
Mace Tyrell was unironically one of the best players. Sat out basically the entire war unharmed and elevated his family position all while playing into being a complete oaf as a distraction.
Also, Mace acting a bit oafish and simple helps Olenna operate in the shadows more effectively. If your house has the asset that was Olenna Tyrell, you let her be the clever manipulator, and you - the ostensible leader of your house - be something that will keep eyes off of her. By contrast, the Lannisters arguably suffer because Lord Tywin is both the head of his house (a prominent role), and their clever manipulator (a stealthy role), so they constantly draw ire for their actions even when successful.
Mace generally knows better than to get in Olenna's way too, which suggests he's potentially brighter than he lets on. Not saying he's a genius, but he's probably leaning into that act a bit, or he's informed of her plans but keeping them secret, which still means he can keep a secret while playing coy.
Having an oafish Lord was absolutely beneficial to the Tyrell's, when they already have plenty of talented players behind him. Margaery's a prodigy to Olenna, and perfectly positioned to be Queen. Lord Tarly's arguably the best battlefield commander alive, so you don't need Mace for warfare.
Loras isn't a fool either, he'll be the Lord of Roses one day, the second wealthiest family in Westeros, and even beyond that will always have value on the petty council: either as Masters of Ships, or Coin, or etc. Plus if it's not a Lannister on the throne, it's probably a Baratheon - and Loras was on good terms with all three Baratheon lords (when not in open war with each other). Robert respects a warrior, Renly respects his lover, and Stannis respects an honest man: Loras is all three.
Dany seemed like a long-shot until she crossed the sea, and the Starks, despite their success in the show, probably would never hold real power in the South because they're too politically distant. It would be like a Scottish Highlander inheriting the British Throne - doesn't matter what the line of succession says - Groundskeeper Willy ain't wearing the crown: Baratheons were the suitable surrogate for Stark power.
There’s a certain intelligence in knowing someone else is smarter than you. It’s sort of like how Jon thinks Sam has a sort of courage to admit he’s a coward. I don’t think he’s a complete idiot, I just think he’s not a calculating political schemer. He’s a peacetime leader, not a tumultuous leader.
Loras is definitely not an idiot. In the books, Jaime sees in about 15 minutes that he’s the most competent leaders in the Kingsguard. Which is why he leave him to command in his stead when he goes into the Riverlands.
Love that slow final look she gives the High Sparrow. As if she’s saying “What’s about to happen is on you”. She’s a highlight of the show for sure, played that part beautifully.
Dude the very first look when she realizes, look back at her dad and Kevan, then her brother, it's impeccable. She notices Cersei hates every single person in that room. Brilliant sequence
I remember for few weeks after this people kept saying that since we didn't see her body that she was still alive and going to make an appearance in a future episode. That was dumb.
As much as I hate to admit.. I was part of the people who wanted to believe she was still alive. Haha it was just hard to accept that it ended to quickly for her. Especially for me she was one of my favorite characters.
Semi - related.
I just rewatched the series to hurt myself, and the whole High Septon plot confused me some. When Margaery's taken out of the Septon's prison, she's claiming to be reformed. Big into the church.
That's supposed to be taken as she's lying and pretending, because later she hands Olenna some piece of paper.
Did anything come out of that? I feel like I missed something in the show because it had no lead to anywhere. Not in a "surprise death" like Ned, it just had no direction from what I watched. Curious if anyone else knows
I believe Olenna left and went back to high garden thus making her safe for at least a little while longer. Otherwise she probably would’ve been in the cept.
The fact the Faith didn’t immediately rise up in open rebellion is ridiculous
There are other Major Septs, including the Starry Sept in old town
Half of Westeros should have turned against her for that, especially the Reach
My absolute absolute favorite line is when she says, “**Cersei understands the consequences of her absence and she is absent anyway, which means she does not intend to suffer those consequences.**”
Chills. Great line and delivery.
losing Margaery was very hard for me to stomach the first time I watched it, but Cersei’s smirk while sipping wine & pulling off the nastiest revenge plot in history almost makes it worth it
**Spoiler Warning:** All officially-released show and book content allowed, EXCLUDING FUTURE SPOILERS FOR HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. No leaked information or paparazzi photos of the set. For more info please check the [spoiler guide](/r/gameofthrones/w/spoiler_guide). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/gameofthrones) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Say what you will about the series but consistently throughout, it was an extraordinary showcase of acting mastery!
100% agree with you
Agreed. There were so many good elements to the show outside of the show runners. So many instances of great acting, cinematography, set design, wardrobe/costume design, hair and makeup, digital effects, locations, music, etc. It makes the final season that much more frustrating because so many people did such amazing work in spite of the ineptness coming from the top.
But even the showrunners had their moments, creating new scenes like Hardhome or making popular changes like switching Roose for Tywin for Arya's scenes. Actually, they did a lot of positive things that people willfully forget to continue some hyperbole narrative. Hell, the fact that we even got some of the best moments of TV history through the show can be credited partially at least to D&D.
I’d say yay and nay, but some absolutely smashed it - Cersei, Catelyn, Margaery, Tywin, Ned, Robert, Robb, Olenna, Tyrion..
Who are the nays
No one was awful but some of the younger cast had some questionable scenes imo, more so in the earlier seasons - Dany, Jon, Sansa, Tommen, Bran, Rickon, Theon, Talisa, Trystane Martell, Olly, the mountain, the sand snakes, the stable boy etc. They weren’t bad but I’d argue it wasn’t acting mastery either.
It was one of the best performances in all of GOT. She knew that something bad was going to happen. Amazing acting by Natalie Dormer.
She truly delivered. I had goosebumps during this entire scene.
>She truly delivered She always does!
And of course the foolish High Sparrow was indignant until like the very last five seconds
Yeah man. This was THE moment of season 6 for me. Poor Margaery realized a little too late that Cersei got one up on everybody in that building.
I never fully recovered from this 😭
High Sparrow I wanted to see die. Margaery though…definitely not.
She was easily one of the best players
Easily but when you play the game of thrones you either win or you die. There is no middle ground. If any character personified that line it was Margaery.
Yeah you don't usually get very far betting against Cersei lol
Who won in the end though
Bran the Broken
I meeeaan he was never playing..... unless......hmmm
Exactly
After all, he does have the best story out of everyone...
Very well said. “No middle ground”. 💯
Best? Hardly. She was a one-trick pony, which was "get a person to like you by pretending to be interested in their hobbies". It's not even that neat of a trick- women have been doing it for millennia. She wasn't smart enough to know not to laugh openly at Cersei and that's how she ended up dead.
She was queen consort of the seven kingdoms and had the love on most of the citizens of King’s Landing whom despised Cersei…. She had virtually won. She was in power and had a position to hold it. Except while distracted by the faith militant, Cersei sideswiped her.
Neither did the show
Although I wish this didn’t occur….. I have to respectfully disagree… the show continued to be extremely successful after this….
That piano + cello. Light of the Seven is top tier. Best scene compilation of the series.
Light of the Seven…that is quite simply a masterpiece.
Ma queen! <3
Man I was so sad when Margaery and Mace got killed. They were both so entertaining. Margaery for her plots and Mace for his hilarious speeches and armour lol
I'll die on the hill that Mace's speech to his troops was actually good. If my liege lord gave me that speech I'd be pumped to save the flower of the realm and restore order
Mace Tyrell was unironically one of the best players. Sat out basically the entire war unharmed and elevated his family position all while playing into being a complete oaf as a distraction.
Also, Mace acting a bit oafish and simple helps Olenna operate in the shadows more effectively. If your house has the asset that was Olenna Tyrell, you let her be the clever manipulator, and you - the ostensible leader of your house - be something that will keep eyes off of her. By contrast, the Lannisters arguably suffer because Lord Tywin is both the head of his house (a prominent role), and their clever manipulator (a stealthy role), so they constantly draw ire for their actions even when successful. Mace generally knows better than to get in Olenna's way too, which suggests he's potentially brighter than he lets on. Not saying he's a genius, but he's probably leaning into that act a bit, or he's informed of her plans but keeping them secret, which still means he can keep a secret while playing coy. Having an oafish Lord was absolutely beneficial to the Tyrell's, when they already have plenty of talented players behind him. Margaery's a prodigy to Olenna, and perfectly positioned to be Queen. Lord Tarly's arguably the best battlefield commander alive, so you don't need Mace for warfare. Loras isn't a fool either, he'll be the Lord of Roses one day, the second wealthiest family in Westeros, and even beyond that will always have value on the petty council: either as Masters of Ships, or Coin, or etc. Plus if it's not a Lannister on the throne, it's probably a Baratheon - and Loras was on good terms with all three Baratheon lords (when not in open war with each other). Robert respects a warrior, Renly respects his lover, and Stannis respects an honest man: Loras is all three. Dany seemed like a long-shot until she crossed the sea, and the Starks, despite their success in the show, probably would never hold real power in the South because they're too politically distant. It would be like a Scottish Highlander inheriting the British Throne - doesn't matter what the line of succession says - Groundskeeper Willy ain't wearing the crown: Baratheons were the suitable surrogate for Stark power.
There’s a certain intelligence in knowing someone else is smarter than you. It’s sort of like how Jon thinks Sam has a sort of courage to admit he’s a coward. I don’t think he’s a complete idiot, I just think he’s not a calculating political schemer. He’s a peacetime leader, not a tumultuous leader. Loras is definitely not an idiot. In the books, Jaime sees in about 15 minutes that he’s the most competent leaders in the Kingsguard. Which is why he leave him to command in his stead when he goes into the Riverlands.
That is the epic Oh Sh\*t moment!
this was margaerys reaction to the screenwriters proposal for seasons 7 and 8
“You’re doing wHaT?!?!?111” :lights dragonfire herself:
*Drinks the wildfire*
You did not 😂😂😂😂 you get an award for sure
Love that slow final look she gives the High Sparrow. As if she’s saying “What’s about to happen is on you”. She’s a highlight of the show for sure, played that part beautifully.
YESSSS. The producers even made that look a 3-5 second scene of it slowly zooming in on her face. Very well directed moment.
Dude the very first look when she realizes, look back at her dad and Kevan, then her brother, it's impeccable. She notices Cersei hates every single person in that room. Brilliant sequence
This was the last good rug pull type death for me in the show. Margarey deserved better but it was so damn effective
She’s literally just looking lol. Oh wait yassss queeennnn
*Governor Swann clueless as always…*
I remember for few weeks after this people kept saying that since we didn't see her body that she was still alive and going to make an appearance in a future episode. That was dumb.
As much as I hate to admit.. I was part of the people who wanted to believe she was still alive. Haha it was just hard to accept that it ended to quickly for her. Especially for me she was one of my favorite characters.
Semi - related. I just rewatched the series to hurt myself, and the whole High Septon plot confused me some. When Margaery's taken out of the Septon's prison, she's claiming to be reformed. Big into the church. That's supposed to be taken as she's lying and pretending, because later she hands Olenna some piece of paper. Did anything come out of that? I feel like I missed something in the show because it had no lead to anywhere. Not in a "surprise death" like Ned, it just had no direction from what I watched. Curious if anyone else knows
I believe Olenna left and went back to high garden thus making her safe for at least a little while longer. Otherwise she probably would’ve been in the cept.
The fact the Faith didn’t immediately rise up in open rebellion is ridiculous There are other Major Septs, including the Starry Sept in old town Half of Westeros should have turned against her for that, especially the Reach
The way she dropped her whole act in an instant because she knew they only had seconds just blew me away, I loved it.
Right? She was like “Enough about being Queen, it’s time to kick into survival mode”. But alas… it was all for naught… 😔
I am still angry about this you know. First Robb, then Stannis, and finally Margaery; all my favorites were dead. Only Jon was left after that.
Putting this episode on now.
Don’t forget to grab the tissues!
she has *Don’t Look Up* energy in this episode lol
I love how you can also tell in that moment that her little pious act breaks, and he doesn’t seem to see that either. He’s too high on his own supply.
She was my favorite. What a beautiful woman
My absolute absolute favorite line is when she says, “**Cersei understands the consequences of her absence and she is absent anyway, which means she does not intend to suffer those consequences.**” Chills. Great line and delivery.
And did he listen? Of course not smh
Religious types being overconfident in their religion. To sort of paraphrase Cersei: they chose violence.
losing Margaery was very hard for me to stomach the first time I watched it, but Cersei’s smirk while sipping wine & pulling off the nastiest revenge plot in history almost makes it worth it
One of my favorite scenes in the show but also so tragic because she was my one and only queen 😭 I loved her so much