Here we are at last, the much-anticipated Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 1 "Winterfell" has arrived. Eight years of intricate storytelling, twists, turns, betrayals, plots and schemes have been leading up to this point (I know, plots and schemes are the same thing). 

This is the beginning of the end and, with so much riding on it, the first episode manages to exceed expectations while maintaining an impressive pace and plenty of heart. 

Daenerys' army arrives in Winterfell, the Army of the Dead encroaches on the North, Euron delivers the Golden Company to King's Landing, the Northern Lords question Jon's leadership, Tormund and Beric explore the home of House Umber, Arya reunites with Jon Snow, Dany admits to the execution of Sam's family, the Night King leaves a grisly warning at Last Hearth, Jon (finally) learns of his true parentage, and Jaime comes face to face with a ghost from his past.

With a cold gust of wind, and snow the season 2 rewatch comes to an end. Just in time too, because the eighth and final season looms large on the horizon. Julian and Daniel look back at season 2 as a whole and discuss the details of this finale. A finale that capped off what was widely considered to be one of the shows worst seasons. Though it’s hard to deny that it was sometimes rocky and poorly paced, Game of Thrones’ sophomore season still has a lot to love, especially on a rewatch. With hindsight, and a deeper knowledge of the world, certain moments shine bright as they drip with subtext and foreshadowing. All the more casting a larger shadow on the season’s less than stellar scenes.

In the season 2 finale Tyrion is stripped of all his power, Littlefinger is gifted a castle, Varys recruits a new spy, Jamie and Brienne are questioned on the road, Sansa is released from an obligation, Robb makes a questionable decision, Stannis has regrets, Theon rallies the troops, Arya stays with her friends, Bran says goodbye to an old friend, Jon earns some respect, Dany is tempted by ghosts of her past and future, and Sam stares death in the eye (for some reason).

With the War of the Five Kings ravaging the Riverlands, Stannis brings the fights to the Lannister’s front door in the first of the series’ full-episode battle sequences.

Tyrion rallies the city’s defenders, Davos leads the royal fleet into battle, Cersei drinks, The Hound loses his nerve, Sansa comforts the ladies of the court, Cersei drinks, Bronn springs Tyrion’s trap, Stannis climbs the walls of King’s Landing, Tywin meets with the Tyrell forces, while Cersei prepares to take one final drink.

Having missed the latest trailer by mere hours last week, the guys start off with some brief reactions to this and some other Season 8 news before diving into the the episode.

Yara arrives in Winterfell, Jon reunites with the Halfhand, Tywin marshals his forces at Harrenhal, Robb forsakes his vow, Catelyn releases her sworn enemy, Tyrion prepares for the siege of King’s Landing, Arya gives Jaqen her final name, Dany hides from the King of Qarth, Cersei threatens to harm Tyrion’s lover, Jaime probes for kinks in Brienne’s armour, Davos is named Hand of the King, and Osha keeps Bran and Rickon safe in the crypts.

Theon loses his prisoners and his cool, Jon and Ygritte butt heads, Tywin enjoys Arya’s company, Robb receives Cersei’s envoy, Ser Alton helps Jaime escape, Dany desperately searches for her dragons, Cersei teaches Sansa the joys of womanhood, Xaro Xoan Daxos stages a coup, Catelyn defuses tensions amongst the Northmen, the Wildlings capture a valuable prisoner, Pyat Pree reveals the dragons’ location, Catelyn meets with Jaime for the last time, and two small bodies are hung above Winterfell’s gate.

Plus, with February come and gone, we announce the winner of our first Patreon giveaway! Huge thanks to all those who have contributed to the show, past and present, we hope to do much more of this kind of stuff going forward.