Game of Thrones has no shortage of shocking, heartbreaking or intense scenes, but in fans’ fixation on the constant death and torture and betrayal, we sometimes overlook the most satisfying scenes of the series. From character reunions to vengeful deaths and everything in between, Game of Thrones can just as easily make its viewers cry and screech at the screen as it can fist pump and shout with overly excited joy. Maybe it’s a little sadistic sometimes, but shh — I won’t tell.
To remind everyone of some of the best parts of this series in honour of its final season, here’s a list of the top 10 most satisfying scenes of the past eight years — the good and the gory.
10. Arya Finding Nymeria
In the grand scheme of things, this was a pretty small thing, but there was something so heartwarming about having the two reunite briefly in the forest. And surprise surprise — Nymeria’s just as fierce as Arya’s become.
9. Tyrion Slapping Joffrey
STILL. THE. BEST. SCENE. EVER.
8. Arya Butchering Ser Meryn Trant
Stick those pedophiles with the pointy end.
7. Viserys’ Golden Crown
Viserys was an ass from Episode One, and watching Dany and Khal get back at him and his threats? Magnifique!
6. Tywin’s Toilet Death
This was both super satisfying and kind of hilarious. Truly, no man is ever safe in this show, even when on the John. But MAN was it great to be finally rid of him, especially after everything with Tyrion and Shae (BRB, still crying).
5. Little Lyanna Mormont’s “King of The North” Speech
Who knew a 10-year-old could be such a BADASS?
4. Joffrey’s Poisoning at the Purple Wedding
I don’t care that this happened like three seasons ago, or that since we’ve seen a whole slew of equally sadistic characters — I will forever praise Olenna for this particular kill.
3. Ramsay’s Death by His Dogs
GO, SANSA! FEED HIM TO HIS HOUNDS! MAKE HIM PAY!
Damn right, bud — FOR YOU!
2. The Starks’ Mini-Reunion
For the first time in seven years, Season Seven finally brought some of our beloved Starks back together! We may have needed to wait for Season Eight for everyone — er, everyone alive — to find each other again, but I was emotional just watching those few reunions we got.
1. Arya’s Frey Pie
The Red Wedding was easily one of the most shocking, most intense and most heartbreaking scenes of this entire show. Arya’s murder of Walder Frey and his family — by baking his SONS into a PIE — in vengeance for everything he did to her fellow Starks? It has to take the pie — sorrynotsorry — as the most satisfying moment of Game of Thrones thus far!
“The last thing I want you to see is a Stark smiling down at you as you die.” YES, QUEEN!