In the fifth-to-last Game of Thrones episode ever, Season 8 Episode 2, the Starks and Targaryens and everyone loyal to them prepared for war. That now includes Jaime Lannister, a character who, somewhat ironically, now officially rivals Bran for most pronounced character arc. Few others have changed as much as Jaime Lannister, and this episode highlighted that at every opportunity, from his long-coming apology to Bran, to his historic knighting of Ser Brienne (how weird is that to read?).But as satisfying as it was to watch the former Golden Lion mull around Winterfell with his tail between his legs, Season 8`s second episode was yet another filled with build-up and anticipation, the promise of something monumental waiting just over the horizon. That something is now one week away, but it`s not just the Battle of Winterfell we have to look forward to: Dany and Jon didn`t get to finish their conversation in the crypt, and that`s arguably even more important. It`s the story behind the story, and it`s always been the series` real heart.When you think about it, the conflict between Jon and Dany--the one caused by her increasingly alarming lust for the Iron Throne--should be easy to resolve. Where their conversation ended, I can hear what should have been the next line in my head: `But I don`t want the Iron Throne.` For Jon to respond in any other way would be untrue to his character; he`s always been reluctant to accept power, and quick to give it up once he gets it. That Jon wants the crown least despite having the best claim would probably make him a decent ruler, but the Jon we know was likely about to tell Dany she can have it before they were interrupted.Leaving that resolution as an open question throughout the upcoming battle was a fantastic narrative choice. It will add even more tension to what will surely be a fraught episode, one in which we`re rightfully expecting many (or maybe all) of our favorite characters to die impaled on White Walker spears. But i ...
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