The Dance of Dragons

Came to 'Game of Thrones' fairly late in the game and due to being so busy the binge-watching was gradual. Have found myself truly loving the show, very quickly becoming one of my favourites. It totally lives up to the hype and not only does it do the brilliant source material justice (a rarity in television) it is on its own merits one of the finest, most addictive and consistently compelling shows in recent years and quality-wise it puts a lot of films in recent years to shame.

"The Dance of Dragons" may not quite be on the same level as Season 5's magnum opus "Hardhome", also one of the best 'Game of Thrones' episodes overall. That is a very tall order, because that episode was so special and actually saw even those who found the previous Season 5 episodes slow going (personally feel that although not on the same level as the previous four seasons, and a flawed one, that all Season 5's episodes ranged from good to outstanding, not a popular opinion probably) impressed. Although the polarisation of the fan reaction is understandable, count me in as somebody who loved "The Dance of Dragons" overall.

Not without faults, no didn't think it was a perfect or 10/10 episode. The special effects have been much more polished before and the Dorne storyline (a consistent criticism of Season 5 among critics and fans) is not as interesting or as involving as the rest of the episode, also a bit silly.

However, "The Dance of Dragons" is notable especially for two scenes. One is the whole climax in Meereen, especially in Daznak's Pit, which was spectacular, exciting and thrillingly intense with Daenerys' role being iconic for her and of the show visually and dramatically. The other is the episode's most controversial scene with Stannis and Shireen, one of the most tragic and disturbing of the whole of 'Game of Thrones' and the most hard-hitting the show has been since the Red Wedding. It shocked me and it brought me to tears.

Am going to defend this scene now considering how much it's been criticised and talked about. Can understand the problems others had with this scene, with them showing dislike for Stannis turning from morally complex to a monster by one act which has been described as out of character and a character distortion. For me, that is true for book Stannis but not show Stannis, remember this is a character who would stop at nothing to get what he wants and he had shown numerous murderous traits actually since Season 2 and for trivial reasons, also he was much less wilful initially here than he was with those showing some moral complexity still.

Getting back on track, once again cannot fault the acting, with strong performances from Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Carice Van Houten and particularly Stephen Dillane in some of his best acting as Stannis to date.

Plot lines and character development continue to advance, there is a perfect balance of intricate character moments and drama and there is a powerful mix of heart-wrenching poignancy, nail-biting intensity and shocking revelations.

Visually, "The Dance of Dragons" looks amazing (apart from the effects), as one would expect for 'Game of Thrones'. The scenery is throughout spectacular, the sets are hugely atmospheric and beautiful on the eyes with a real meticulous eye for detail and the costumes suit the characters to a tee. The make-up is beautifully done. As well the cinematography and editing, which are cinematic quality as well.

One cannot talk about "The Dance of Dragons" without mentioning the thematically, orchestrally and atmospherically multi-layered music scoring and the unforgettable main theme. Again, worthy of a high-budget fantasy/action/drama film.

Writing continues to be layered and thoughtful and the storytelling riveting.

In conclusion, excellent if divisive episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Now, for starters, this was a very good episode, excellent in fact.

Just before the fourth season, the actors and the director gave us an indication how season four was going to be less focused on the ninth episode alone and that the season was going to have large plot movement all the way throughout the season. While i did not feel this was true in season four, this represents season five 100%.

As normal, the acting and the drama in this episode is holding up to the series standards, even more so!

In the previous seasons i have been, what can i say... Not as excited for the 10th episode, reason being the 9th installment. This season it is not the case at all. Having left Kings Landing untouched, i cannot wait for the 10th episode.

All in all, great acting from everyone involved, and it succeeds to keep us very much interested after the excitement of "Hardhome".

"Dance of Dragons" is not only one of the greatest episodes so far, but it left the audience very much exited for the 10th episode. Which IF there is something GOT have been lacking is exactly that.

This episode is like an injection loaded with the purest form of adrenaline. Starts off as a great episode then gets better and better. Ends on a fantastic note. The last 15 minutes at mereen are simply incredible and i would rate it as the best episode of the season (I've seen the finale). Hardhome was incredible but this is even better. The fighting scenes are perhaps the best I've seen till date,the brilliance of this show matches the grandeur of this show which is simply unbelievable. game of thrones is among the finest things in the history of mankind,its far ahead than other shows that we see today. Cant thank the makers of this show enough. It is so raw and feels so real,GOT is a whole new world in itself. This is insane stuff and television doesnot get any better than this. Im sure by now u have got my point.Lool

Now this episode is going to shake the internet!!! there is so much happening in this episode I don't really now what my feelings are, I'm honestly sad, excited, and scared of what is going to happen next. Many book readers don't like that D&D changed some story lines, but I'm really grateful they did as they changed the show to the better. Arya never meets ser Meryn Trant, nor Daenerys is directly attacked by the sons of harpy, and oh my god,they just killed two more characters that are still alive in books.... I don't want to spoil who for those who still didn't watch the episode... Overall, this was a hell of an episode that you don't want to miss!

Another intense episode. Had me on the edge of my seat the whole time