Why Theon should have killed the Night King

[@unicornic5235]

Even when Brann says "Everything you did brought you where you are now, home" would have been a perfect setup to Theon defeating the Night King

[@Spectre00]

You know, that would of been a good last line if Theon told the Night King while he's dying in shock that "I am Theon of House Greyjoy, warden of Eddard Stark. This is my home you can't frighten me." That would of been a good last line to the NK or him telling Bran that he isn't afraid. Something similar at least. It would of made it more emotional. Since he's a Stark and Greyjoy. But thats just my opinion after reading your comment I thought of him saying that.

[@studionomad6206]

@@Spectre00 Yes I could totally see him saying that just reading it was pretty moving lol. Theon deserves it, he got fucked over more than any other character in this show and thats saying a lot. He should've become the hero of the show not Arya the sociopath.

[@Spectre00]

@@studionomad6206 yeah. I like Arya but I love Theon. And I hate it how people got mad at him for leaving Yara. Its horrible, yes, but his PTSD took over which you can't get over. But Theon would of been the full symbolism of a kraken. Krakens symbolise inner strength. The inner strength Theon has would of been for the Kraken inside of him and the direwolf guiding him. It would of been great if he killed the Night King.

[@simmbuddy]

@@Spectre00 I dont want to come over like that kind of person, but it's would have not would of... sorry that mistake bugs me a lot ^^

[@Spectre00]

@@simmbuddy it's okay. But I type fast so I don't bother to look what I put until I see my error. Then I correct myself. But thanks

[@SunKing714]

The Night King kicks Theon in the crotch, Theon looks up, smiles, and stabs the Night King in the gut.

[@Dragonlover553]

The Night King gets one last stab before he shatters, taking Theon down with him. Theon lives just long enough to see his dreaded foe perish, and dies knowing he found redemption.

[@Caladras]

*Theon looks up, smiles, and kicks the Night King in the crotch. The Night King swears and falls down on his knees.

[@vinnregi4882]

i'm pretty sure i've seen that somewhere before, but i can't remember where...

[@Top_Dawg360]

Ramsay cut off the stem, not the roots.

[@nivek9165]

It would still hurt because of the wound

[@pekkalaitinen8769]

I hate how every fan theory I've heard is better than what we G O T

[@469BoX]

Pekka Laitinen shit that’s sick pun there

[@MarcelSoares777]

Night King: stab Theon Theon: What is dead may never die *stab night King in the heart The hero of the great War.

[@lydiaespiritu2752]

This simple comment of four lines is more epic than what we got.

[@sdd1563]

I know, right? Finally that Greyjoy House would have gained some meaning if Theon had killed the NK. A lot of people were relying on the assumption that nobody can kill the NK and Arya was "nobody," so she was the perfect one to kill NK but after reading your lines about the Greyjoy motto, it sounds so fitting and apt. Unfortunately, Arya was made to kill the NK. It's so frustrating!! Theon would have been perfect.

[@anguswilsonspillane1302]

literally what i thought would happen when i watched it for the first time.

[@MotherofBullet]

Haha...yeah!

[@Adks007]

Good one!! What is dead may never die 👏

[@winterfire89]

You’ve definitely convinced me. Theon killing the Night King would’ve been heartbreakingly beautiful.

[@mreese8764]

And it was right there.

[@kcorpora1]

GOT had this woman movement going on so much, they had to make a female the hero, smh!

[@sumanadasawijayapala5372]

Why? I thought Theon's death was heartbreakingly beautiful.

[@akhilshah6508]

@@sumanadasawijayapala5372 same. his change was so blatant.

[@jurassicpark1fan920]

Nothing wrong with a female hero. Sexist much?

[@drivernephi1002]

Night king: no man can kill me Theon: I am no man

[@finnorourke4861]

Holy Shit!

[@Christian988.]

😂😂

[@MrVolldal]

That's just ripping off The Witch King.

[@NTUNKNOWN]

Hahahahahahaa

[@BeautifulGood713]

[cough ... cough] Greyworm

[@squizill]

Theon was the Prince of the Iron Islands, whom was promised to the Starks. Makes sense to me

[@SimplyMavAgain]

@@sandrafrancisco Thank you for your insightful breakdown of this complicated matter.

[@sandrafrancisco]

@@SimplyMavAgain you're welcome, many people seem to miss the "theon can't even protect his own balls" part of his character.

[@fellowtemplar5679]

@@sandrafrancisco Valyrian has no gender, which makes sense for Theon to be the "prince", because he is not entirely a man at this point, but not a woman either. Also Varys' parts were sacrificed to the Lord of Light, and it would be poetic that the Lord's chosen would be an eunuch.

[@extraterrestrialhorse9722]

@@moyo5509 The salty sea water.

[@vinnregi4882]

@@moyo5509 Born amidst salt and smoke? What is he, a ham?

[@paige4404]

Damn, I prefer Theon killing the Night King any day

[@etowaifumura4952]

Oh really? I bet if they made theon kill the night king instead you'd still bitch about it and say they ruined it (ps: I didn't like that the night king never had a good fight either)

[@charliecroft5477]

I wish they could redo it

[@thickac7579]

I think so too. For a very long time he was a lost person. He had to retake his humanity step by step and he is one of the characters that really build themselves up from the ground up. I genuinely think he his characters death was the only one i really cared for in this season and he absolutely deserves that wolf pin. I imagine a lot of people were like "That's my boy!" when he charged at the night king :D

[@ANJIN-p4q]

Would've preferred Bran to Die

[@diegoguzman8843]

Agust Nation, i would prefer jon and theon killing the night king. I mean both of them were treated pretty bad in the stark family in their own ways. But also one or some of the stark children kinda made them feel like family. Arya for Jon, idk about theon tho since i haven't read about the book. But theon coming towards Jon aid once the NK calls for his lieutenants to take care of him and while he heads towards bran.

[@Adks007]

Theon is so underrated. His acting completely blew me away. The transformation from theon to reek and back to theon was phenomenal.

[@tuanas458]

He wasn't underrated. His arc was the best.

[@Lis-ek9wm]

(9:37) "Maybe the Night King could have underestimated the level of pain Theon is able to endure." This would have great culmination to his arc. Theon's biggest trial would have given birth to his super power.

[@glanni]

Maaan, I'm pissed he didn't get anything

[@JoshMcCrae]

That's awesome

[@tomhallam5030]

Bruh imagine if he dragged himself closer to the night king pushing his torso through the spear only to stab the night king

[@mydickburns3935]

I'm just gonna pretend we got THIS ending instead, since it's leagues better than the one we got

[@Dragonlover553]

If it helps, imagine that Arya's battle prowess was noticed by a great many people as necessary. People are probably going to be calling her the Hero of Winterfell for a while, so that trick might come in handy.

[@brady6184]

Shaun Varga still better than fan service Arya garbage

[@yezenirl6331]

@@sandrafrancisco GRRM doesn't even have a NK in his books. This has been confirmed.

[@juanburgos8176]

@@sandrafrancisco no NK is in the books or will be, Martin confirmed so ur wrong. Arya is very skilled, but she has never faced a wight or white walker before, but she can kill their fucking king, with a simple sleight of hand trick. It's bullshit when the show has been setting up for Jon or Dany to be the one to take down the Night King. Jon is the song of ice and fire, he met every criteria of the Azor Ahai prophecy. The prophecy has been mentioned multiple times throughout the show, and the show set it up to be this big deal, since Melisandre cared a shit ton about it, and other people mentioned how the prince who was promised would be Jon or Dany. The ending to that episode just threw away what the previous seven seasons have been setting up. It was underwhelming, and the backash the show has been getting is evident of that.

[@justanotherpoweraddict7918]

@@yezenirl6331 The only *Night's King* in the book is a legend of a distant past, as far as I know.

[@ChipCheerio]

Personally I would have preferred Jon fighting the NK that with him ultimately losing until Theon gets back up and stabs him in the back. Mirroring what we saw with Ned killing the Sword of Morning with Howland Reed

[@aroguebard]

Also could've been a call back to when Theon killed that Bolton knight who was about to kill Podrick in Season 6.

[@qcumber6652]

And a nod when Theon safed Bran and Rob from Osha and the Wildlings… Damn this should really have been Theon's destiny…

[@MJtrinibarbie]

yes yes yes

[@justindie7543]

it just doesn't make sense for the NK to accept a duel with Jon, that was already established earlier in the battle. He'll just call in any extra ice zombies and white walkers he needs to backstab Jon before Theon even gets the chance. The sneak attack was a good option, they just didn't have the right person carrying it out.

[@BugattiVeyron267]

Yeah I agree with this 100%

[@Jjrmtv]

I was moved by this post. the honesty of Theon's character reflects the flawed personas within us all that can rise to the occasion and defeat an evil force, even if that act costs our lives, we are redeemed and our last breath is one of love- knowing we are good within

[@redted12345]

Bran: Can a man still be brave when he’s afraid? Ned: That is the only time a man can be brave.

[@Kaixero]

Bravery doesn't mean you're not scared. It means you do it anyway.

[@Siegberg91]

People who no fear are not brave just foolish. People who beat there fears are heroes.

[@vaskaventi6840]

“Bran thought about it. 'Can a man still be brave if he's afraid?' 'That is the only time a man can be brave,' his father told him.”

[@procinctu1]

People without fear are insane, not fools. Insane people are not normally very effective.

[@ElBrunno12]

If you cant feel fear that means your an idiot

[@TheAkwarium]

it would also have been a nice callback to what Theon said to Robb, that it's good that he's scared because it means he's not stupid

[@evancodsworth2]

Man I would’ve loved for Theon to kill the Night King. It would have been such a great end to his arc.

[@ALEXANDERATTACK]

Then have him die from his wounds if anything... they ruined it massively

[@lisanova125]

This is actually a very good point. Theon has been my favorite charater because he was one of the most human character I've ever seen. I don't feel empathy for Jon. But I do for Theon - he is a human being, just like all of us. Probably everyone has a little Theon inside them. When you feel weak, scared, broken - but you fight. This is a real bravery. Theon truly is my hero.

[@HolyknightVader999]

Courage doesn't mean you don't have fear, courage means you're still fighting despite your fear.

[@trashmouth_]

Exactly my reasoning on why Theon should have killed the Night King

[@PrimusGladius]

"Can a man still be brave if he's afraid?" "That is the only time a man can be brave."

[@photahnics]

Made me well up

[@sNstRflyEr]

I've watched probably 100 G.O.T. videos since Sunday...I've enjoyed this one the most by far....I love your points and opinions about that episode.

[@alinageorgeson9734]

Theon killing the Night King...It never occurred to me until I watched this...and yet........I didn't know I wanted it so badly.

[@auntkaz422]

I know, right?!!!

[@fionarangel9486]

Totally feel cheated out of something that could have been amazing

[@alinageorgeson9734]

@@fionarangel9486 Theon's death scene was the best scene in the whole episode as it was...which is why it never occurred to me. But he would have been the best choice since it would have been so much more meaningful than Arya killing him. He was the one who sacked Winterfell in the first place. And he's walked through hell for all these seasons...just to have his life wasted in the end. The NK would have made the white walkers and the wights wait for him to show up before he killed Bran. Thinking about that waste of Theon makes me even more pissed now. Ugh

[@dreadpiraterobertsii4420]

Like I actually don’t like Araya

[@johnlemon1977]

Imagine if he said "What is dead may never die" right before killing the night king and being killed WOAH

[@azzurriblue65]

Right? It's in his House's fucking motto lol

[@aegonthedragon7303]

Not to be an ass, but the Greyjoy’s motto is actually “We Do Not Sow”, “What is dead may never die” is a saying of the Ironborn. Either way it works.

[@azzurriblue65]

@@aegonthedragon7303 You'd be correct, Your Grace.

[@georgekostaras]

As a fan of Lord of the Rings, I actually like this idea of Theon being the unlikely hero. Much as GRRM criticizes Tolkien, I think he has a lot of love for Lord of the rings. And there are aspects of LOTR that could do wonders in game of thrones. Like the idea that the savior isn't the invincible badass with the sword but the flawed little guy who doesn't have much hope

[@sandrafrancisco]

Are you saying that Tyrion should have beaten the night king?

[@Korijenkins1414]

GRRM is almost certainly holding off on finishing the series to see how this ending is received. I wouldn't be surprised if he's been writing chapters for A Dream of Spring while waiting.

[@teddypicker8799]

He doesn't criticize Tolkien he said many times he's flattered whenever anyone compares them

[@cmsmith1031]

Teddy Picker Exactly. It’s not criticism, it’s just him pointing out that they write differently. Tolkien was more black and white, GRRM more gray.

[@teddypicker8799]

@@cmsmith1031 not sure I agree really look at Isildur and Boromir, even Gollum. Good/evil mix ups in Tolkiens work too

[@LetsStopThisSong]

now THAT would’ve been subverting expectations. everyone expected theon to die and he did. and it was so needless. if it had been theon it would’ve been so cool to see

[@SSB4ShulkArchive]

People always gawk when I say Theon is my favourite character in the series, when Theon is the embodiment of what makes the story so compelling. This is the ending I wish we could have had. All of the other shitty parts of the series, the season up until now, this could have been a true subversion, not ~*subverting expectations*~, but a reminder that it's the lone man, despite all odds and his lack of importance, overcoming his deepest fears that is the real victory. The real conflict is internal-- the human heart in conflict with itself. Theon's transformation from one who prioritized himself above all else, to prioritized avoiding pain above all, to one who could forsake both for the greater good. Gods, the writing was good then.

[@ChrisChaquay]

Same here Theon's been my fav for many seasons now as well, and Alfie Allen did a great job showing his evolution as a character. Sadly not many people felt the same way, if they had Theon kill the Night King fans would have started riots in the streets.

[@Murtagh653]

@@ChrisChaquay the "fans" rioting? maybe they would if theyre the type of people who think season 5, 6, 7 and 8 were good and on par with the first 4 seasons. those type of "fans"

[@supermegaguy666]

Neato, I'm not the only one

[@jahmessed]

Yeah, if you truly think about it, Theon had the worst suffering of all the GOT characters, he's been to far more worse physical, emotional, mental, and psychological torture than anyone else in the series.

[@chrisweldon3476]

Theon and jaime are the best written characters in the whole series in my opinion

[@themymomento]

I felt so empty and not satisfied after theon's death , he deserved a better ending , he has one of the most compelling arc.

[@hellomd5046]

I did too. It was as if they thew him away. If he had killed the Night King it would have been so much better

[@ArturoAlbero]

He died because the writers need to "close his plot". Like SO MANY characters in the show ("we don't know what to do with him, we kill him"). The writters have been as bad since the beginning, but before they had the original material which saved them.

[@brennaleeann213]

I agree. I feel like he should’ve either died killing the night king, or lived through his injury and presumably live a long quiet life where he can actually live as himself outside of the various facades he’s put on himself since childhood.

[@billome4921]

Wow this video is exactly what I screamed about when the episode aired. Fuck Aria, “Theon. You’re a good man. Thank you.” Was there a more powerful moment in the series? I fucking cried because I loved Theon. Even at his most fucked up moments when he took Winterfell, he was trying to be something he wasn’t. Any time Theon did something evil it was because someone was telling him how he was supposed to behave. He was weak at times but we all are. Theon deserves more than the redemption Bran gave him. He should have been the one to end it.

[@Midnightv]

Theon gets gutted. Tear Falls from his eyes. Camera Zooms in on the tear as it burst into flames. Pan up to Theon, slowly Embers flicker on to the screen. Night King shows uncharacteristic panic. Theon drives his spear into night King, killing him. Pan to theon's face peaceful, resolved. Falls down exactly as in Show. Still breathing, but dying. Bran whispers... what is dead may never die... as theon dies a legend.

[@dtpiers6136]

That's some Dark Souls shit right there

[@YuiFTP]

Midnightv my god that was beautiful to read

[@MechanicalMooCow]

No one's ever really gone

[@Blue-no4jt]

Does the Rocky theme song play as Theon is getting up?

[@anniesrishti]

SO PERFECT damn *_*

[@MrEnjoivolcom1]

Theon's role that night was the absolute *BEST* to watch! The only time I actually cried.

[@alicaido6616]

MrEnjoivolcom1 I cried over how pointless his death was

[@arnoldsnowball5641]

After killing those wights while he was the last man standing, he should've at least had a boss battle with the Night King.

[@devinbaird2470]

@@arnoldsnowball5641 That wouldn't have made sense for him to have an epic fight with the night king. I think the suicide attempt to take him out makes the most sense.

[@FluffyBunny9002]

But Theon was a steaming pile of garbage. I know he was essentially supposed to redeem himself, but come on. The dude burned children to cover his mistakes.

[@devinbaird2470]

@@FluffyBunny9002 And Jamie pushed a kid out of a window... redemption arcs are a thing.

[@areader2253]

I completely agree. Theon should have killed the NK, not Arya.

[@DanEraser]

@@sandrafrancisco It's absolutely hilarous seeing you argue with people in EVERY comment of this video. You are actually so pathetic that you care so much about this shit. Thanks for the laugh

[@DanEraser]

@@sandrafrancisco what has voting have to do with you being a butthurt fanboy hahahaha. Keep fighting your keyboard war

[@DanEraser]

@@sandrafrancisco Honestly, making you buttmad over a failed show is too entertaining for me to shut up, so I wont. I beg you, please give me more reactions, this is juicy!

[@Jackerco]

Here is an idea I had for how they could have done this. The music stops as Theon is stabbed and falls to the ground, we see the Night King step over his body and move towards Bran. It's completely silent except for distant sounds from the battle and the sound of the Night King's footsteps against the snow. As the Night King gets closer we hear the music slowly start building again, but it's not a theme we've heard before. The music starts off as the building up section of the Greyjoy theme (Context, 1:02 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aae9pGyia8yWorc), and we see Theon struggling but eventually getting back up on his feet. As he stumbles towards the Night King, a White Walker moves to stop him but is suddenly left nearly frozen with his arm stretched out, we now hear the Stark theme begin to come into the Greyjoy theme as we cut to Bran and the Night King in a struggle as Bran is warging into the Night King to hold him off for long enough. Theon now stumbles towards the Night King as the music builds, the Greyjoy theme and the Stark theme mixed into one. Theon, fighting his injuries with all the power he has, makes his way over to the Night King. Theon, having accepted his ultimate fate and imminent death, is willing to die to protect even the people who hate him. A true redemption arc. Bran is suddenly kicked back out of the Night King and the Night King flips back around and stops Theons weapon right before it penetrates his armor; the music dies down. Theon and the Night King are now in a physical struggle over the weapon. Theon trying as hard as he can to plunge his weapon into the Night King, and the Night King holding back his arm and the weapon. The music starts building again as Theon lets out a scream and uses all of his determination from being a Greyjoy and all of his honor from being a Stark to muster up the physical strength needed to push back the Night King and plunge the weapon into his heart.(This would be a representation of mankinds struggle against the dead and how they are able to win because of the actions of the broken people like Theon). He plunges whats left of his weapon into the heart of the Night King as the music reaches a climax; the Night King shatters and what follows is the same scene as we saw in the actual episode after the Night King fell, except this time we also see Theon dropping to the ground and succumbing to his injuries.

[@emily_kn5152]

This is the best end I have ever read, can they please take this end instead of the one with Arya?!

[@TuaDeezNutz]

just like every other show where they struggle and the good guy wins. yeah no you're not original at all and those two songs dont go together.

[@terrycrawford6193]

"What's dead may never die.". Would have given that battle cry real meaning. Theon dies but his deed would live on.

[@notnero5280]

I accidentally read 'deed' as 'weed' lmao.

[@OfficialRedTeamReview]

*extended footage of Arya at the battle of winterfell* LOL

[@ZeroSchizo]

Hey it's Carmine. MUITO OBRIGADO, SOPA DO MACACO

[@suit1337]

yeah, Arya really kicked ass there, if you know what i mean ;)

[@booknerdlover3675]

Extremely well stated. I honestly thought Theon was going to kill the Night King when they showed him lying there broken and dying but still breathing. This is a video that I think everyone should watch and I am definitely sharing it.

[@Hirome_Satou]

I also thought that Theon would get back up and do something to either kill the Night King, or distract him long enough for something else to arrive and stop him. The very first thought I had when Theon fell to the ground was that he was going to stand back up and challenge the Night King again dagger in hand or something.

[@LetsStopThisSong]

Joshua Dunbar yeah me too. i mean, he’s survived so many injuries, ARYA herself survived a similar injury, so why couldn’t theon too? it felt rushed and didn’t do him or his journey justice in my opinion

[@jujuzdinomama]

You’ve articulated everything I’ve thought but hadn’t surfaced into words. Wonderful, amazing, insightful commentary. Theon will always be my favorite because he’s flawed and knew it, but always yearned to be better and yearned to be strong enough to work to be better.

[@zerudaa]

“Maybe the Night King could have underestimated the level of pain Theon is able to endure…” I would love to see something based off from that

[@Adks007]

Could have been a good one.

[@Noobmaster-iz9dg]

This video made me realise that Theon is my favourite character in aSoIaF, he isn't perfectly moral, he isn't a great fighter, or a master at politics. He's just a man, looking for his place in the world and trying (often unsuccessfuly) to overcome his flaws. Great Vid👍🏻

[@andrewkomaniecki480]

Yep. Just like me. I hate how I'm like Theon in every way

[@ladyr7321]

I totally agree! It should've been Theion. He was right there and that would've fully redeemed him. Even if he died afterwards, it would've been fine. Love your voice by the way. It's so calming.

[@qwertz143]

needlessly dying isn't redemption

[@blackpagan9689]

qwertz143 sacrificing himself to kill the night kind would not be a needless death tho it would have redeemed his character even tho I think he got the redemption when he defended bran to the death andyways but it would have been cool for him to kill the night king

[@LetsStopThisSong]

i think theon was fully redeemed when he saved sansa from ramsay but i really like the idea of him killing the NK

[@mrpablomx]

I can just imagine the backlash if Theon had actually killed him... there's just no way to please anyone at this point. I say it should've been Tyrion, but what do I know?

[@baddogkelevra1]

This is so beautiful, and so painful. Knowing that we could have had this ending but didn’t is maddening. Excellent thematic analysis. I sincerely wish the show runners had any inkling of how to end a story in a thematically satisfying way.

[@ccpIz]

Well said. You've articulated the sinking feeling I've had over these past few days

[@hallandrewe]

I had that sinking feeling with the last Jedi but I'm not having it with game of thrones for some reason but everyone has a right to their opinion so I'm not going to bash you for having a different one than mine.

[@MrLightingGeek]

I didn't know I wanted this until it was laid out for me. Great video!

[@CountAlfred]

Thank you for this video. I have been trying to express my frustration with Theon's death saying he should have died taking the Night King with him and you just explained that so perfectly. Theon has been an important character to me, especially post-Reek, because he's so deeply flawed and wounded. His PTSD might hold him back but he's been on such an epic emotional journey to get better that to me is beautiful. He shows that even though he will never stop having PTSD his life will keep on going. He is still working for a better life for those he loves and thus improving his mentally scared mind a step at a time on the way. Theon is my hero. What is dead may never die.

[@Vagabond824]

I called arya doing it. She is my favorite character. But I agree with you. There isn't much meaning behind arya ending the long night. If theon had. It truly would have not been expected by most viewers and the meaning behind it as you described would have been so much more real.

[@stonedshogun2763]

@@sandrafrancisco What the fuck does a face stealing assassin have to do with the Night King? Her narrative was supposed to be focused solely on Cersei and all the ingrates in King's Landing. It's been hyped up since the beginning just like Jon facing against the Night King was hyped since we first saw him. And it doesn't give Ned's death any more meaning than it already had. Ned Stark was killed because he was too honorable to see that a bunch of southern cunts were about to send him to an early grave.

[@matthiuskoenig3378]

@@sandrafrancisco you don't know that, I am pretty sure Jon would have given her a sword either way, and Ned would have trained her (or paid to train her either way). she would have just ended up more like Brian (a female knight) rather then a ninja assassin.

[@raharu000]

Arya killing the Night King had been forshadowed several times since season 2, so it was pretty obvious.

[@Ravage47]

@@raharu000 Convenient statements about closing eyes with three specific colors, loses all meaning, when D&D flat out said they decided three years ago to make it Arya just to surprise people.

[@hughkemp1466]

Arya also has no meaningful connection other than escaping death it doesn’t make sense that a quote reveals one destiny that has nothing to do with their disposition

[@Razzy1312]

Theon charges the Night King and a moment before he reaches him a huge flock of crows that Bran had been controlling flies down into the Night King like a swarm. This blinds/distracts him just long enough for Theon to spear him.

[@hunntar]

''Or how about a teleporting Arya instead?'' Heheheheeh Nah, I like yours better!

[@GameKvasir]

the moment when theon was so close to Night king, i though he had a dragon glass dagger hidden somewhere and would at the right moment stab the Night king

[@GoogleVideoMan]

As Theon charges the night king Brans eyes turn to white... would’ve definitely been an ‘oh shit!’ moment for sure.

[@thechildren8359]

That would have also given Bran a purpose for hanging out with those birds the whole time

[@skyrun29PvP]

Or they make the "arya jump scene" just after theon have been stabbed : NK breaks theon spear and stab him with it , Arya see the oportunity to strike and jump on him but the nightking thanks to one of the whitewalker see it comming and grab her mid air , she try to do her trick but he slam her to the ground and the valyrian steel dagger fall on the floor , NK draw his sword to finish her with one hand while choking her with the other and theon grab the dagger and kill him and he dies , he would have saved Sansa when escaping with her , Protected bran from the wights and saved arya and jon at the same time because both were about to die

[@25jessieg]

We gave them the benefit of the doubt when we shouldn't have. One of the show runners sewed Deadpools mouth shut for christ's sake.

[@jaysun8942]

You see, I did not see that movie, but the second tyrion and Sansa didn't kill themselves I knew.

[@xCorvus7x]

Could someone explain what both of you are talking about? I mean, Tyrion and Sansa had every reason to kill themselves (ironic to escape death by joining him), but what is the context here?

[@elongatedmuskrat7675]

δτ Well one part of the D&D duo, I forget which one, wrote X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which absolutely sucked.

[@Murtagh653]

@@elongatedmuskrat7675 it was david benioff. both writers suck and its mind boggling as to why HBO entrusted such a popular series with those 2 incompetent hacks.

[@emileroberge9459]

Murtagh653 You know most tv shows aren’t only written aren’t written by a small group of writers

[@Tasty99]

That moment when the camera switched back to Theon on the ground I was like: Oh Shit he's gonna do it 😱. And nothing happened?!?

[@VeracityLH]

This is the first of your videos I have watched, and it was brilliant. You addressed everything that dissatisfied me about the NIght King's demise and gave an elegant and meaningful solution. Sharing this with my fellow GOTers. I already felt that Theon had the most beautiful moment and great character arc closure in that episode, really in this season, but killing the Night King would have been even better. Brilliant and insightful.

[@Jfieldsend94]

Theons scenes this season were by far the most emotional for me and to have him kill the night king whilst being killed would have been a satisfying end. After watching episode 4, it just seems like Arya is seen as a hero, which is pretty boring when they could have held a toast for Theon.

[@musefive8552]

i wish i actually had a platform so i could SHARE this EVERYWHERE. this was beautifully said. theon’s honestly one of my favorite redemption arcs, right up there with jaime. you articulated what i couldn’t! wonderful.

[@justanotherpoweraddict7918]

@deenman23 I think Jaime shined more the longer and farther he is away from Cersei. He became more true to his better side, especially after loosing his hand stripped him also of his pride and ego.

[@rickybindahoose6193]

I love the parallel for Jaime's arc. Season 1 he pushed Bran out of a window. Season 8 D&D pushed his character development out of a window.

[@FranklyJamee]

I too have watched so many videos with no reprieve from the decision for Arya. I love Arya but I didn't love that decision after all these seasons. You hit the bullseye dead on. Theon has had one of the best character developments and redemptions I've ever seen. Not to mention the actor did an amazing job. He is highly overlooked in favor of pretty hair and beauty. Everytime he was on screen he brought tears to my eyes. Theon should have been the one for every reason you stated. Thank you for your breakdown.

[@LetsStopThisSong]

i’ve noticed a lot of fans overlook him because of all he’s gone through because it made him look “weak” (meanwhile he’s the most RESILIENT one) and i think it reflects people in real life. people are more drawn to admire someone who seems very heroic, strong, handsome. like jon, they can self insert into him and feel good about themselves. with people who have suffered a lot many just turn their backs on them, (those with mental illness, disabilities, etc) it’s always a way to shame the person instead of lift them up. this is why theon isn’t as popular as arya for example

[@ThEternaLight]

Love it - also has that Lotr vibe where it’s others forgiveness of Theon and their mercy that ultimately saves mankind as, without that, Theon would not have been standing in Winterfell alongside the Starks. May have also been nice to have a hark back to Ned where Theon acknowledges that Ned made Winterfell his home which is why he defends it, showing that Ned (despite his kindness and honesty getting him killed in the end) ultimately was correct in the way he lived his life and that being kind and just is the only way to save humanity, even if those who are good must suffer for it and pay the ultimate price.

[@Isildun9]

Honestly, would have given off some serious Boromir vibes. Just as Boromir gave his life defending Merry and Pippin to stone for his actions in trying to take the Ring from Frodo. Theon giving his life to kill the Night King and save everyone to make up for his mistakes, would have been so much more satisfying and would have solidified his position as the Hero we deserved, and the most human character. It would have also reinforced the Ironborn saying, "What is Dead may never Die, but Rises again, Harder and Stronger."

[@riversnow5771]

Holy shit, yes. I felt like Theon's death was such a throwaway moment and it did him no justice to the person he became. This would have been perfect.

[@barb7124]

Thank you SO much for this. I'm so disappointed it was Arya. Pure fan service.

[@barb7124]

@NikSpielt no. This was Jons fight againt the NK. ARYA is just a murderous bitch who happened to be there. Since the world worships violence, they all accept this like mindless sheep. Idiots.

[@mrryanpaulyoung]

Pure plotless subversion :/

[@nezarecdiscipleofthewitnes3823]

Arya is thE Mary sue

[@C0medySeniorz]

@@barb7124 I mean. It was all of their kill. I didn't even think about Arya killing the NK. I thought it was going to be Jon. I know people are getting butthuet about Arya killing her because they think she's a Mary Sue. Yes she's a murderous bitch. If people don't like her for that why is little finger one of if not the most beloved character? I hate people who say shit like, "why can't the main character or badass be female, HMMMMMM" Arya is an awesome character. Her while character arc is about her training. That's all we saw of her!! Training! It was fitting that she killed him. There was no way someone could've killed him without sneaking up on him

[@joshjohnson2753]

@@C0medySeniorz So someone who's never dealt with the night king, gets to stab him. No build up. Years of build up of a Jon vs Night king fight, he was literally the only main character fighting the dead since season, bringing The houses back together, making peace with the wildlings, bringing Dany north with her armies, gathering everyone to face the threat together. All leading towards a satisfying fight vs the NK. We instead get him, and this is how ridiculous things are, we get him yelling at a undead dragon. That's the culmination of a decade of build up is him yelling. Bran, we spent nearly the same time watching his build up towards becoming the 3 eyed Raven. We didn't really know what it meant or what it would mean later on but we assumed It would lead to some supernatural fight with the NK, something right? Nope, he wargs around and stares at the NK before nearly getting killed. All those seasons building up His powers just to have him sit in a chair and fly in some Ravens. 2 storylines that had the NK woven in them, and neither do anything directly to the NK in the end. Ayra who has had her story not touched by the NK whatsoever, jumps out of god knows where to end up killing him with a knife trick. 8000 years of build up essentially to have his guards stand there chilling and we don't see them do literally anything in the battle. Arya I don't even look at as a Mary Sue, that simply wasn't her fight to end, it completely ruins the arcs of Jon and in brans case, makes his literally completely useless. It's fine if you like the story arc. As the commenter said, it's fan service. You're the type of fan It was catering to, as it hopes you'll defend the show even as it goes down in flames with it's terrible writing. So at the minority of people like you liked the silly way the NK died. In the middle of the season. Thank God we can now focus on the real threat, the crazy pregnant lady and her horny pirate in Kings landing. More great writing

[@sylviasebregts2427]

Where have you been all these years? Why did you withhold your analyses for so long? Don't take that as an offense, I'm super glad you started sharing!

[@zacko_87]

*Daenerys* : Lord Snow.....I hear King's Landing has been destroyed. I must say you are here sooner than expected *Jon* :In the name of the seven kingdoms you are under arrest my queen *Daenerys* : Are you threatening me lord Snow *Jon* : The council will decide your fate *Daenerys* : I AM THE COUNCIL *Jon* : Not yet. **Dany walking to Drogon** *Daenerys* : It's treason then...

[@Rassamdul]

Not a chance. Dany will try to lure Jon in an ambush, where Grey Worm will try to take him down. Jon defeats and kills Greyworm, but is badly inured, Dany will walk up to Jon, and when she is about to stab him, Tyrion will cut her down from behind. The Bastard and the Gnome will rule Westeros.

[@mrpablomx]

God I'm such a nerd for knowing that reference...

[@HeadChaos0.63]

@ most of you r/whoosh

[@originalsun5206]

Why am I anticipating a screech and a spinning back flip?

[@ThatsOk83]

Lmfao

[@Ted_Curtis]

This would have been the perfect subversive ending to the White Walker storyline. Whenever anyone brings up the show in recaps, barely anyone mentions Theon, but his journey has always been one of the most interesting and in many ways one of the most important. His actions - taking Winterfell, forcing Bran and Rickon to flee, saving Sansa - have had had huge ramifications on the story, and yet Theon himself is rarely brought up in discussion. He's always been there, just below the surface, just under everyone's radar, so giving him this great victory at the end would've been a brilliant twist. It would have kept Game of Thrones grounded, emphasising how even the smallest of characters have their part in this complex world. It would've been a kick in the pants for those who decided not to pay attention, a middle finger to those who forgot about him, who deemed too insignificant to matter in the larger scheme.

[@cardwitch91]

You are without a doubt right that it should have been Theon. I remember feeling that way the moment RedTeamReview said it after the episode aired and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind since. If Theon had managed to get back up and kill the NK in the end, that would have made so much more sense than Arya flying out of nowhere.

[@zakh-g4893]

When got knocked down in that moment I was in peril shouting at my TV for Theon to get up because I knew all hope was lost or to at least attempt a back stab and then get murdered.

[@jesuslovesmebetter]

They missed the chance for the perfect Mordred stab. Theon gets stabbed while charging, and pulls out a knife when he gets close and stabs NK in the chest. Both die.

[@Blinko7]

Even if Arya sneaked up on the NK with the NK catches her as shown, but as she's being choked out Theon doubles up and ends it, dying in the process

[@Blinko7]

@Wind O'Death Yeah that could still, I intended Arya to still live but yeah it'd definitely remove that insane plot armour she has

[@s45quatch19]

Like the tower of joy scene with Ned and Howland

[@LordofFullmetal]

@Wind O'Death Pretty sure they need Arya alive for something. If they weren't planning on using her they would've let her die killing Cersei. They're holding her back for something.

[@ThatsOk83]

@@LordofFullmetal No she was useless after the NK she literally did nothing the rest of the show. Tbh if she couldn't have died from the NK then she should've died on the streets of Kingslanding cuz all the running scenes were bs. She really shouldn't be alive

[@markcobuzzi826]

During the summer of 2019, I decided to outline my own alternate Season 8 for fun, which included a modified ending for the Long Night episode. Now, this video made me consider going back and doing one small adjustment to my Google Doc. If you want to critique the Long Night ending I came up with, along with the extra change I am considering, here it is below: 1.) For starters, I replaced the Night King with the fabled Night’s Queen described in the books, who could turn out to have survived and renamed herself as queen of the Long Night. That way, I could give the overarching villain a backstory that mirrors Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo. 2.) The Night Queen’s motivation for her genocidal campaign is essentially Dracula’s motivation from the Castlevania Netflix series, thinking that humanity is too depraved and irredeemable to live. In essence, she sees herself as an angel of death that will bring just punishment and “break the cycle” of corruption, sounding not unlike Daenerys breaking the “wheel”. Her and Bran even mentally link with one another towards the climax, enabling both of them to rewatch flashbacks of the show’s most vile scenes and philosophically spar with one another over it. 3.) After the Night Queen is slain, it turns out that the other White Walkers can still fight on independent of their creator, unlike the undead Wights. So they are separately fought by other characters, when their queen’s death leaves them stalled in shock for a bit and clears away a sizable chunk of the Wights. After they are slain, the remaining White Walkers are outside of Winterfell and retreat back to the north, like when they were defeated by the First Men long ago. 4.) My main strategy of fixing the anticlimax was to make Arya killing the leader more meaningful. I had Arya specifically get past the minions by wearing the face of a Wight, so she can kill the Night Queen. But then she gets killed by the other White Walkers, making this a sacrificial play. The intended meaning would be that she gave up her own life and the chance to avenge her dead family members by killing Cersei, but she got the chance to save her still-living family members from a more monstrous queen in exchange. Both agents of “Death” directly and indirectly claim each other. 5.) In order to this come off more as a team effort, I gave Jon Snow his chance to confront the Night Queen and tear off a piece of her armor, which then leaves it open for Arya. *As for the extra change I am considering,* perhaps Theon Greyjoy should be the one to open the Night Queen’s armor and expose her heart, especially with the new motivation I gave to the White Walkers. The Night Queen wants to kill virtually everyone, believing humanity should not be given a chance at redemption, yet half of her demise is at the hands of a flawed man, who started out doing horrible things and then sought to redeem himself.

[@helenvader]

This is the most intelligent commentary on that episode I have read (and I have read loads). Thanks.

[@uncledut]

Never thought of this. Best GOT analysis ever. You’ve earned yourself a subscriber

[@mikaelMMK]

5 years later and I’m still so blown away by how much better this would have been. It’s almost like a head-cannon to me, I can picture it perfectly, it all makes sense. The side character, turned traitor, who got tortured until he was a shell of himself, redeeming himself for the family he betrayed and ultimately being humanity’s savior. Beautiful and so much in line with what GoT set out to be. But no, it ended with a quick time event from a superhuman assassin.

[@katied660]

I... I can’t think of an ending more beautiful or perfect than Theon killing the Night King. Absolutely beautiful video, I’m utterly heartbroken. D&D really effed up, why weren’t you on the writing team?!

[@bluetheon]

They were so close (SO CLOSE!!!) to doing something truly original and powerful. It should have been Theon. I always wanted it to be Theon. And when Theon was running towards the Night King I thought MAYBE they were going to go with the very unexpected but brilliant ending to the white walker plot line. But no.

[@mariaakaannie6138]

Yeah I remember seeing Theon run against the Night King and thinking "omg, that's brilliant, I never thought of this but this is the perfect choice". If Theon died in the attempt but took the Night King with him it would have been incredibly powerful and they ALMOST DID IT, but then they wasted it to do something far more predictable.

[@landonhagan450]

The ending to LotR works on even more levels than that. What dealt the final blow wasn't just mercy, but mercy to a _former ring-bearer_ whose fight for the ring with the _current_ bearer resulted in its ultimate destruction. Which is to say: evil, however potent, destroys itself in the end.

[@watchbozo1913]

This would have made the episode 100x better in my opinion

[@bearsinyards8885]

Holy crap. I absolutely loved this. That would have been a full circle for Theon. But instead he dies for no reason. This was amazing. You’ve earned a subscriber. You literally gave me goose bumps.

[@ethan9409]

I knew something felt off, story wise about that episode and I couldn’t pinpoint what, this helped.

[@503NastyNate]

I still think that Theon had one of the best character arc :(

[@Unknown_chick]

It makes perfect sense. D&D told us they made "show they wanted to watch". Yes, in those exact words. We paid for their entertainment, guys. Ehh... We all love Arya, but they destroyed this character by saying this was the only choice they saw... If that would've been Theon with the help of Arya (who would clear the way or distract them) it would be great redemption arc. Instead we got Mary Sue 2.0 (Jon is 1.0 obvi).

[@mgd8867]

Jon is not a Mary Sue. Jon has failed at literally everything.

[@Unknown_chick]

@@mgd8867 Yeah, since Ygritte died, indeed. He's a dummy.

[@yurivs]

The show they wanted to watch... :^/ Well, now we know that their values ​​and virtues are inferior to Yezen's values and virtues.

[@mdhall04]

You mean they got paid for their entertainment, right?

[@phos4552]

@@Unknown_chick Read about Jon in the books, you'll realize how smart he is, and how the show is ruining his character.

[@himantasaikia8724]

The scene between Bran and Theon is the most iconic scene so far in GOT.

[@Dreadnaught1985]

The Red Wedding would like to have a word with you about that.

[@Jegfil]

Himanta Saikia At first I thought your profile picure was Robert Baratheon

[@bainbonic]

More iconic than Sean Bean getting Sean Beaned?

[@gordonneverdies]

More iconic than the sword clash with the WW in Hardhome?!!!!

[@Hslt95]

cleganebowl says hi

[@ethicalfoundation]

>maybe the Night King underestimates the pain Theon can endure This would have been the ultimate redemptive arc; the idea that Theon had to be tortured and broken so that he could endure the Night King's assault.

[@hikkikimori]

holy fuck thats all

[@jesuslovesmebetter]

All these great ideas make me hate the screen writers so much more.

[@xgreedxx]

Imagine the night king using theons own men to riddle him with arrows. Then he starts to remember all his pst mistakes, all of the suffering he had to endure and how it would’ve been meaningless unless he was able to do truly make up for it, how he doesn’t get to die just yet because he deserves to suffer a little more. And so forgotten, he is able to pull up his bow, pull an arrow from his body, and without anyone’s notice, practically already dead, shoots one last shot at the night king while the night king is distracted by Jon and Arya

[@waynemcleod6767]

I can see your point for the sake of a better thematic end to the Battle for Winterfell. Arya's journey was and is more about vengeance (her list) while Theon's journey became more about redemption. On a spiritual level, Arya killing the Night king is like darkness killing darkness. Theon killing the Night king would be more like the completion of his journey out of darkness and betrayal to one of honor, loyalty and fidelity. I like this view. Also, a flawed hero like Theon is more relatable by a lot of people compared to a hero like Jon who from early days tended to be as "white as snow" in character. Jon's only real flaw was that he was a bastard, which really wasn't his fault. Jon's tendency to usually take the high road is admired and even loved, but as such, he is seen as special by people who consider themselves to have flaws and therefore can't relate to him as much. Thanks again for this perspective. It is interesting and holds a lot of water imo.

[@helenl3193]

But maybe Theon got his redemption and the NK is a start to Arya's redemption - a way to move from killing for bad reasons to killing only when it's necessary to save others..?

[@helenl3193]

I agree totally about him being a more relatable character than Jon, btw. I have often found Jon hard to like, he idealised Ned and can't seem to learn from the mistakes that got him killed. As Sansa says, they have to be smarter than their parents were if they are to survive. However Jon doesn't need to learn these lessons because there's always someone else looking out for him/making the questionable call on his behalf. Even D&D, when it's not his loved ones

[@helenl3193]

I feel like Theon absolutely got his redemption - in addition to previously saving Sansa and supporting Yara's claim to power, this season he rescued Yara (and their mutual love and respect has grown enough that she could understand his need to go home to Winterfell), and he made his apology to Bran. The combination of conversations with Jon, Sansa, Yara and finally Bran all cement his coming to terms with being both a Greyjoy and a Stark, and choosing which bits of each to keep as the version of himself he wants to be - rather than who he thinks he needs to be/be seen as. I always loved Osha questioning why Theon's father meant she should treat him a certain way - he didn't have an answer for her, but I think he can bravely go to his death here because he has finally found his purpose and the person he is willing to fight to the death for - and partly it's himself. Rather than feeling required to betray one family or lose the other, or lying about killing the Stark boys out of fear, or panicking and abandoning Yara, here he can face death because he truly knows who he is, and the connections that matter most. Not his name or title, but the people who he loves and who love him, both because, and in spite of the things he has previously done. He's no longer the Ward of Winterfell, the lost Prince of the Iron Islands, or Reek; he's Theon Greyjoy, all of those things and so much more. And I think his ability to face the NK is what makes him heroic, not the outcome of that showdown.

[@waynemcleod6767]

@@helenl3193 Eloquently put. I agree with you that the outcome of the Theon - Night King showdown was not as important as Theon's journey where he came to terms with himself. From that, he realized who he was, where he belonged, and what he needed to do. Just as Bran intimated. Thank you for your insights.

[@thuaners]

Wayne McLeod i agree with Helen, Theon already won when he charged at the night king, the outcome isnt important. and having seen the whole series now i feel Aryas arc is not about revenge, but letting go of revenge. (or let it consume your life like it did with the Hound).

[@TheRealHerbaSchmurba]

Already knowing that the show was going to kill the Night King without exploring him, I agree that Theon should have killed the Night King if it was going to happen at all at the episodes end.

[@MaryZimnik]

Best alternative idea I have heard or read yet. Well done. I'm growing to depend on you for such insightfulness. But ... I think what you wished would have happened ... did happen. Theon is THE redemption story in this on-screen series, by far, for all the reasons you mentioned. You are right; that was the best moment of "The Long Night," what Bran said to Theon. That he ran toward [certain] Death to protect life makes him the hero of the night. Full stop. That he did not kill him is immaterial. Death, as you point out, is not defeat-able. All any hero can do - from the storybook kind to the real everyday heroes all around us - is as gracefully as possible keep trying to do their best against time, pain, suffering, loss, disappointment. It's about getting up every day and just trying knowing good and well our victories will be far fewer than our flops - each and every day. And on special days when we must draw from within the bravest things to face something that really scares us, maybe the best we can hope for regardless of what the scary thing does take from us is that we never lose the good bits like hope, love, faith, honor - in the end despite all that happened, Theon found he did not lose all those things. So, I think you made your point despite lotsa folks being angry about the Ayra ninja deal. Theon conquered Death before she did.

[@leomorales8915]

Thank God I wasn't the only one who thought Theon should've killed the night king

[@jdalewrites]

Very literary in your analysis. Theon was such a morally grey character that had the most important job and completed it. He knew the moment he stepped into Winterfell, he was to never emerge from it alive. His victory over death would totally encompass all those that suffered and died before him. Great video!

[@fleek2102]

Should have been lord robin of the vale.

[@vi683a]

hahahahaha i laughed my ass off ........he jumps and attaches himself to NK, chews through his armor and milk's the NK to death!

[@luciancelestine337]

@@vi683a ....Well I mean that last part is basically what Krishna did to Putana.

[@vi683a]

@@luciancelestine337 Maybe i am confused. my reply was to OP. i never replied to you!

[@vi683a]

@@luciancelestine337 are you confused with someone else? You weren't even part of this conversation!

[@bradjohnson5323]

@@vi683a Tormond and Robin need to be the next buddy cop pairing, for the love of titties.

[@johnkappos8421]

You nailed it.

[@lauriochayhtc]

This is hands down the best analysis of an episode I have heard. There's a word I'm TRYING to think of, about not just being superficial, but dad-gum I can't think of it lol!

[@diegoackley5054]

I agree. Theon is the most complex character in GOT and this would have been a satisfying end to both Theon and the Night King. good video

[@michaelbozas]

7:26 Referencing the Black Parade easily gets you on my good side. That reference caught me off guard. You are a good man. Thank you.

[@viancio]

A Stark at last, he thought. ADWD The Prince of Winterfel

[@dylanshuman8475]

There are so many better options out there as opposed to what actually happened at the end of the episode. Arya killing the NK felt so unjustified. The NK had been planning this move South for thousands of years - building his army, snags himself a Dragon, blasts through the giant ice wall, basically wins the Battle of Winterfell and dies because Arya somehow snuck up on him? Arya, who just a few scenes earlier, barely and I mean BARELY slips past a handful of wights in the library but somehow manages to get from inside the castle all the way to the Godswood AND THEN sneaks past not only a hoard of wights but also THE NIGHT KING'S GENERALS?! Can we just have Arya sneak on down to King's Landing and kill Cersei and call it a day?

[@theStashSmash]

Brilliant video. My favorite part of the episode was Theon being thank by bran. Anyways I hope D&D would watch this video of yours. Good job

[@bedazzlejuju]

Your videos are surprisingly eloquently put, couched in fantasy, history and mythology. Kudos.

[@mechadie5915]

One of the best videos on this topic I have seen. Very well put together!

[@ashleyofnaath]

If Bran supposedly knew Arya was coming, why didn't he tell Theon to stand his ground? He didn't have to die.

[@thetimesword8092]

I actually understand why Bran allowed it. With Theon alive, the Night King wouldn't moved forward. With only Bran there, he would, and allow Arya for the sneak attack. Theon played a crucial role as the "last guardian" to Bran.

[@victoriannecastle]

To give Arya time to be there

[@Dreadnaught1985]

Theory 1, he doesn't actually know. And was just hoping to live. Theory 2, if Bran can see the future, then he will know that Theon isn't in the future. Having Theon survive the battle, being a noble would have drastic impact on the political landscape of the future.

[@LordofFullmetal]

And this is the problem with Bran. He creates so many problems.

[@MasonOfLife]

It’s also very interesting how in Lotr.....the ring (the representation of exclusive power) is destroyed by two people literally fighting tooth and nail for power

[@trism56]

I actually like the idea of Theon killing the night king now I hadnt thought of it before

[@effeenne8515]

Your videos and overviews are so beautiful, you constantly keep bringing up what is it that makes us human and you're only commenting somebody's else job. You have a keen mind and a reflexive soul. Should you write anything I would read it. Many thanks for this channel and your videos.

[@mikeborer1478]

Great video dude

[@Jamushu]

You know, I never really thought about *how* The Long Night should've ended. I knew Arya's Dagger Trick was overtly bad, no matter how you try to justify it. I know Jon defeating him in a Climatic Clash would have been exactly what George writes *against* (Even if it would have been easier to swallow, despite being cliche). And I knew that neither D&D had the audacity to have The Night King win. That time of brutality on this Show is long gone. But this? I never even considered this. And it's a beautiful argument. And the sad part is everyone would be upset at this and would probably say *"Arya should've done it!"* just as we got. And I think that more than anything upsets me.

[@issbiss11]

Yes I can see your argument. All the examples you gave we're ones in which the audience has been engaged in the struggle of the protagonist. Arya triumphing over her inner struggle happened when she walked out on Jaqen. Jon's is facing his true parentage. Theon came so far just to be sacrificed does seem a great disservice.

[@bigjohnkapert2827]

I've sent this to a few bloggers, it's truly the way I feel about you, your's and other channels, discussions on GOT. Loved your video, awesome as always. We should all know by now, what we expect to happen in the show, won't. The name of the show is "Game of Thrones" not, "Song of Ice and Fire", that tells it all. The Night King was, (in the show) always a subplot. I'm sure the prequille and the next two books will fill in a lot. I thought it was the greatest episode of tv and film ever. Also, it really should be grouped as, S8 Ep1, 2 & 3 is one movie. And Ep 4, 5 & 6 is one movie, and the conclusion of "The Game of Thrones". Go Arya! Go Lyanna! Arya's 8 seasons of becoming a major killing machine, had to have a bigger payoff than her list. If..., Arya goes to King's Landing, it will be to assist the Hound in Killing Zombie Mountain. And, maybe give the Hound, a mercy killing. Again, for more info. on the NK, we're just gonna have to wait for the prequille and the next two books. And, Go the Red Woman! At least she didn't burn anyone. Peace and Love.

[@Unknown_chick]

But books have nothing to do with series for last 5 years.

[@lunaflamed]

WELL REASONED AND DEEP. Yes. I agree. In my mind the ending is now the one you proposed, not what was filmed. THANK YOU.

[@Rennamoetzz321]

Your idea is so beautiful, I'm gonna cry.

[@ryanm7263]

I think you're absolutely right, and I wish I found your channel before the finale. Great work here. Arya could have provided the fan satisfaction of taking on the white walker generals in truly badass fashion while Jon fought epically with the Night King to the brink of defeat, only for Theon to save the day by sacrificing himself to land the killing blow on the Night King, saving Arya, Jon, and Bran in the moment, and all the living by extension. That would have been excellent.

[@vilwarin5635]

yeah. In fact, they were as many people with valirian steel swords to fight with the whites. They could´ve made like in the Return of the king, when they are fighting in front of the black gates and Aragon nearly dies and is saved at the last moment because the ring is destroyed. Everyone is fighting, John could be nearly dead, and in his last breath Theon saves him (or Arya if you want) and kills the NK. The stakes are way higher and a lot of characters could die trying to deffend Brand in a heroic way.

[@FeiHong4Ever]

I can't help but feel like the followers of the Drowned God's words, "What is dead may never die," through Theon, are some sort of warning in regards to fighting the dead. If we come back to the idea that the theologies of ASOIAF are interconnected (with one god or otherwise), the thought of Death not "dying" is enforced even more by Berric's words, "The enemy always wins, and we still have to fight him."

[@clvnhrrs1214]

@earth ocean THANK YOU... I realize, and understand, that people are upset with the way NK was taken out BUT we TRULY have no idea whats in storr for the next 3 episodes.. And, although there are no books to draw plot from, I really think that the greatest show to ever grace our television screens will find a way to leave the show on a twisted, insane, and well developed note.. I know that D&D are clearly not GRRMartin BUT i highly doubt that he will allow the show to close on bullsh*t after such a glorious run (yes even season7 was pretty decent when binge watched). I really appreciate and encourage constructive criticism, much like the commentator in the video here, BUT there is a difference in ConCrit and just bitching because you had it planned in your mind how things would go down and you didnt get your way. Do i have a vision of a way the storyline went down?? Of course. Do i think it was an absolute shocker, and made sense after taking a serious look into her character development?? Hell yes. She is, or WAS, No One, therefore making it as if Someone, or Anyone...) killed the Great Enemy. Jon Snow is undoubtedly my favorite character, and as much as i wanted to see a badass battle between The Night King vs King Aegon Targaryen, the 6th of his name, i know that no one is gonna truly be satisfied with anything, no matter how spectacular it could be. Im sorry for rambling, but its something that i needed to get off my cheat. Im so sick of people pissing and moaning because things didnt work out the way they wanted it to.. It couldve ended with the NK and his army destroying EVERYONE in Westeros and Essos and he could drop trow and push out a steaming deuce on the ashes where Winterfell once stood and it would still be the greatest show in the history of television. That is my opinion and although im sure its not as agreed with as id like, its still the way i feel about it and honestly im just thankful to be able to watch such a wonderful piece of art and no matter how it ends it has been one HELLUVA RIDE!! God bless all those who took part in or had anything to do with it. I'll be forever grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing such magic to the screen.

[@kindairish2562]

@@clvnhrrs1214 Oh god I was ok until you got to that famous line "just bitching because you had it planned and didn't get your way". Jesus Christ I don't know if a more overtly false thesis has EVER been submitted by this many people this quickly in human history. Virtually every single person who I have seen complain about this episode do so by saying that there were dozens of better ways to do it. Not one way that they were obsessed with. This "fan theories ruin things" nonsense really has to stop. The episode was poorly written. It had logical problems all over the place, characters not filling their arcs, thematic stuff being tossed aside etc. It was only satisfying on the level of emotional spectacle. As a piece of writing it was lazy shit. It isn't the fans fault that they have become better writers than the writers.

[@clvnhrrs1214]

@@kindairish2562 My bad... Sounds like youre bitching because you didnt get it your way😊

[@kindairish2562]

​@@clvnhrrs1214 And here is where you reveal yourself to be the dismissive selfish asshole you were already looking like. Yup, I must have had some dear to me theory in order to be irritated by the terrible writing in this show. You caught me. There are actually no valid complaints that could possibly be leveled against this show and anyone who says otherwise is only doing so because they are dogmatically attached to their headcanon. No other possibilities exist. You know it is really swell for you that you still enjoy the show, but imagine if something happened that made you hate it. Would you be happy? Would you appreciate smug dipshits on the internet telling you that your feelings or opinions are invalid? My guess is no. Maybe you should practice some of the "understanding: you claim to have and treat people with a different opinion than you with some respect.

[@SlyScyther]

I'm fine with Arya being the one to kill him, but you've convinced me it should have been Theon. I would have thought of it, but I knew the writers would never do that.

[@TehPwnXor]

Man, this small change could have made a huge difference in how I viewed the ending of the series. If this change had been made...and nothing else had changed, I could have just dismissed the last three episodes and felt good about how the story ended. This was a great video.

[@geeman5697]

Spot on Sir! As soon as you mentioned Theon Greyjoy being the obvious hero... I remember the saying, "The dead will never die!"

[@geeman5697]

My comment before said,”Huron Greyjoy”. Let this be a lesson to all about proof reading... even when using speech-to-text Programs. And yes! This still doesn’t cover saying the wrong name... but it can help the mind/mouth/disconnect.