Search icon

Movies & TV

15th Feb 2019

11 massively underrated Game of Thrones scenes that really deserve more credit

Paul Moore

11 most underrated Game of Thrones scenes

They’re all breathtaking. Let us know if we missed your favourite…

With 14 April looming large, every single Game of Thrones fan is eagerly anticipating the final season in the world’s most popular show because  The Great War is finally here.

Over the course of seven seasons, we’ve been treated to some truly iconic episodes and moments, but what about those scenes that sort of slipped under the radar?

Of course, every fan will remember scenes like Tyrion’s epic speech when he demanded a trial by combat, Daenerys destroying the Lannister forces during the ‘Field of Fire v2.0’, the entirety of The Battle of the Bastards, and the Night King’s wonderful ‘come at me’ moment following the massacre at Hardhome, but what about some of the other moments that deserve their time to shine?

Here are some of our picks…

Grenn holds the gate

Seven hells, it’s great because: Given the incredible action that unfolded when the Wildlings finally attacked Castle Black in ‘The Watchers On The Wall,’ it’s easy to forget the suicide mission that a few loyal members of the Night’s Watch undertook.

Facing certain death, Grenn knew that if the giant forced his way through the inner gate, the castle wouldn’t stand.

Aside from the epic moment when he summons and rallies the group by reciting the Night’s Watch vows, it’s also a significant moment for Jon Snow.

He knew that he’d be sending these men to their death and yet, they all obeyed Jon’s command. A leader is born but this moment belongs to these brothers in black.

Clip via MortenLongbottom

The Baratheon marriage

Seven hells, it’s great because: In a way, it’s possible to feel sympathy for Cersei Lannister because it didn’t matter if she married Rhaegar or Robert, she would’ve always come second to Lyanna Stark.

This sequence strips away the bravado, bluster, and betrayal that defined her marriage to King Robert.

In doing so, we’re treated to one of those rare moments when we see the real Cersei and how she’s tired of living in a sham marriage.

Elsewhere, it’s clear that all the land, jewels and power in the Seven Kingdoms could never replace what he misses the most.

Two broken people that are responsible for ruling everyone.

Clip via Michele Castelluzzo

“Any man who must say ‘I am the King’ is no true King.”

Seven hells, it’s great because: Whether it’s Tyrion slapping the taste out of his mouth, or seeing him choke to death at his own wedding, there’s something truly special about those moments when Joffrey is firmly put in his place.

Enter Tywin Lannister.

What makes this scene even more interesting is that it’s one of those rare moments when the head of House Lannister actually sides with Tyrion, the son he frequently discards and disdains.

With one withering look and remark, Tywin cuts through all of Joffrey’s tantrums and bullshit. Glorious.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRrV1ff33iM

Clip via TheCell8

Ser Barristan Selmy resigns

Seven hells, it’s great because: Honour and integrity are dangerous things in Westeros. In fact, both of them can get you killed, especially if you step out of line in front of Joffrey.

“A hall to die in….and men to bury me!”

10 words that can be viewed as a metaphorical f**k you to some of the most powerful people in Westeros.

Ser Barristan was always a badass.

Clip via Nineteen1900Hundred

The Hound meets Tormund

Seven hells, it’s great because: In this writer’s opinion, The Hound is the best character in Game of Thrones and Tormund is the funniest person in Westeros.

They’re both ‘mad fuckers’ that are good at killing people, but this entire conversation is like something that you would see in the world’s best buddy cop film. The Hound hates everyone, Tormund just wants to make friends.

Ultimately, they both bond over their ‘contrasting’ opinions of Brienne. Comedy gold has rarely been this warped.

Clip via Miselain

Friends fall apart

Seven hells, it’s great because: Game of Thrones has consistently been brilliant at foreshadowing certain events and moments.

What makes this scene even better is that the revelations about Jon Snow’s true parentage add a whole new layer to Sean Bean’s remarkable performance throughout.

On one hand, Ned Stark is trying to talk sense into his friend that has been consumed by bloodlust. King Robert wants every single Targaryen dead but as we’ve learned, Ned’s honour is second to none.

On the other, he’s protecting a secret from everyone that he holds dear.

Very few men in Westeros are brave enough to do what’s right… even if it comes at a terrible cost.

Clip via Janice Liedl

Arya vs Brienne

Seven hells, it’s great because: Game of Thrones has consistently delivered some of the biggest action spectacle in TV history with dragon fire, epic battles, naval warfare, and a plethora of inventive deaths on offer.

In this barrage of fire and blood, it’s easy to forget that one of the greatest action set-pieces actually didn’t involve anyone dying.

Arya’s former instructor, Syrio Forel, once said that she should imagine sword-fighting as a type of water dancing but what’s remarkable about this sequence is that you can see how Arya has incorporated every single fighting style that she has learned.

The way she switches the dagger is sublime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mWKRXV7gFk

Clip via Ben Quincy-Shaw

Davos and Jon meet Dany

Seven hells, it’s great because: In many ways, Ser Davos is the great leveller in Westeros because he’s incredibly pragmatic and loyal. Aside from this, he’s not keen on pomp or bullshit.

Despite his failed attempts at talking sense to Stannis Baratheon, Davos met a kindred spirit in Jon Snow and after years of anticipation, the excitement levels were at fever pitch as Jon and Dany finally met on Dragonstone.

After Missandei’s extremely long introduction of Daenerys, all eyes are on Davos as he introduces Jon.

It didn’t disappoint. Fair play to the writers because this ‘seismic’ moment was perfectly downplayed.

Clip via Ghost

Mance Rayder and Jon

Seven hells, it’s great because: We never saw too many scenes of Ned Stark teaching Jon Snow and while the bastard of Winterfell ultimately became a leader, this was a massive turning point in his future.

When Jon first met Mance Rayder, he was a prisoner that quickly ingratiated himself to The King Beyond the Wall.

Ultimately, Mance’s defiance, leadership, love for his people, and refusal to bend the knee are all attributes that Jon picked up. However, even when he’s being burned at the stake, Mance still taught Jon two valuable lessons; defiance and mercy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i-FWK-dMp0

Clip via TheCell9

Westeros’ best couple

Seven hells, it’s a great scene because: That look. When you know, you know.

Game of Thrones scenes

Bronn’s words of wisdom

Seven hells, it’s a great scene: Proof that Bronn is smarter than every Maester in all of Westeros.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mLK7aeEOk4

Clip via james spann

LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge