The North Remembers

[rogueslayer452]

Okay, so, I quit watching Game of Thrones a while ago for many obvious reasons and don't care about what they're doing anymore, but something apparently happened in last night's episode that was purely magical and I've been feeling rather emotional about it ever since.




(source / watch the scene)

JON AND SANSA REUNITED! SOMETHING GOOD HAPPENED TO SANSA! SHE IS BACK WITH A MEMBER OF HER FAMILY AND IS READY TO TAKE BACK WINTERFELL! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

Seriously, I don't even care about this show anymore (the books are much better in more ways than one, imho), but this? This is something that I think was such a huge emotionally satisfying moment for everyone. We constantly have the Starks separated from each other, always missing each other when they're at the right place and the wrong time, going through horrible things alone. And now we have two of them finally reunited. This hasn't even happened in the books yet, and here we have two of them together again, and about to fuck shit up and take back Winterfell. And what makes this even better is that Jon and Sansa haven't even shared a scene with each other on the show, this is basically the first time we see them actually interacting, from their long emotional embrace to them reminiscing and laughing briefly about the past -- and it was glorious. The show has made countless dumb decisions, but this wasn't one of them. This was probably the best thing the show has given us in, like, literally seasons, it was something we were all needing and wanting. It was sweet and beautiful, and I didn't want it to stop.

Also? I am SO HERE AND READY for Sansa taking control. After everything she has been through (and what the show unnecessarily put her through, especially last season), seeing her be in charge and convince Jon to basically take back their home was amazing.

I HAVE BEEN EMOTIONALLY COMPROMISED I DON'T UNDERSTAND I DON'T EVEN CARE ABOUT WHAT DUMB THINGS D&D ARE DOING ANYMORE BUT THIS IS TOO MUCH FOR ME TO HANDLE. JON AND SANSA. SANSA AND JON. I DON'T PLAN ON GETTING BACK INTO THIS SHOW BECAUSE FUCK THIS SHOW BUT ALSO PLEASE DON'T FUCK THIS UP, I WANT THEM TO STAY TOGETHER THROUGH THIS BECAUSE THEY'VE BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH HELL ALREADY, GDI. RAISE STARK HELL, BBYS, TAKE BACK YOUR HOME AND REUNITE THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY.


We also have Daenerys with the Dothraki again and wrecking shit up, as per usual. I know that GRRM has mentioned that the Targaryens aren't impervious to fire and what happened with Dany initially was a one time unique thing (due to the red comet) in hatching her dragons and thus bringing magic back into the world, and I think she had been burned in the books after the fact. But honestly, I'm not even mad? I mean, the show hasn't been following the books for some time now (ex: excluding the majority of the fantastical lore and mythology of the world, including the prophecies and visions and the like which drive the characters) and have been neglecting a lot of the rules, never mind that it's basically been fanfiction at this point anyway. That being said, however, I'm still here for Dany fucking shit up and dismantling the patriarchy.

Jon and Sansa are possibly going to raise an army to defeat Ramsay Bolton and take back Winterfell. Daenerys is going to be the leader of the Dothraki.

Who knew it would take this to get me hyped for a show I'm no longer interested in? Plus, I'm so thankful that individual scenes get immediately uploaded onto YouTube so I can just watch the parts relevant to my interests instead of suffering through everything else.

Comments

[sherrilina.livejournal.com]

This was indeed a lovely scene! <33 (Thanks for the link so I didn't have to go hunting on Tumblr). I was bummed that we didn't get to hear his reactions re: Theon (if they had even just kept Ramsay's line about wanting his Reek back along with his bride, that would have been a perfect opening), but otherwise it was great, and I see they have brought back the storyline from the books of Jon going to attack Winterfell.

Re: Dany, I didn't even realize that it was a one-time thing until after reading all the books and seeing that mentioned online (I didn't remember her getting burned elsewhere), but on the show that is clearly not canon, she had dragons shooting fire through her arms in season 2 as well. It was a pretty badass scene, NGL, even if we had to have boob shots. (Generally I am so thankful that Emilia had enough power to negotiate very little nudity in her contract after season 1).

[endeni]

Sorry, jumping into the conversation, but talking about nudity, I always find kind of hilarious how Dany's clothes always end up conveniently burned while her hair suffers no damage, at least in the books the hair got burned too. But I guess it wouldn't be as titillating an image LOL

[sherrilina.livejournal.com]

I don't have a problem with that one actually, because the hair burning is what would NOT make sense. Unlike clothes, hair is made up of cells that are part of your body just as much as your skin cells, etc are--so either your body is fire retardant (whether because of inherent magic or a one-time shielding spell due to dragon eggs) or it isn't! Why would your fire protection be selective--how would the magic even know which body cells would have to be guarded and which could be sacrificed? I love the books, but this is one rare instance in which the show actually improved on them/made it more logical.

[endeni]

Yes, but aren't they dead cells? LOL but you're right how indeed would magic know how to distinguish between different body cells? *nods* I mean, I'm sure the show-runners made that decision purely for aesthetic reasons but your reasoning is indeed quite sound, thank you for sharing. Actually, I think I'll adopt this as my personal headcanon from no on. ;)

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

It just made me so emotional, like I was flailing with all the feelings, which I don't think has happened with this show in a long, long time. I have rewatched their scenes many times now, and it just makes me so, so happy. Even if the show shits on everything after this, at least we'll have this utter perfection that is their reunion. I mean, look at their faces when they first see each other. Just. ♥ ♥ ♥

As for Dany, her nude scenes are always so powerful, like she's the most powerful when she is naked because everything has been burnt off her but she stands. It's amazing.

I have a lot of issues with this show and how they handle nudity, since it's mostly been women being naked and full frontal in the most exploitative and male gazey shots possible, but Emilia pretty much fought for herself to have no nude scenes unless it served a vital purpose to the plot. And here, Dany had all the power.

[erychan86.livejournal.com]

These 2 scenes were so awesome I don't remember what happened in between... I can't wait for Jon, Sansa and their army to go kick that little $h!t in the face and give him the most horrifying death they possibly could... Time to get Rickon and for Bran to leave his tree house... Then we just need to get Arya somehow... Maybe Dany and Tyrion can pick her up and go north where they can start cleaning up all this mess LOL

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I 100% agree with everything you've written.

Like, I'm still scared they may just abandon this and put Sansa through hell again (esp if Littlefinger gets in the way), but I'm just so down with Sansa and Jon teaming up and gathering an army to kill Ramsay and take back Winterfell. It's such a promising concept, and I really want all the Starks to be reunited again very soon.

[ragnarok-08.livejournal.com]

I loved that scene ♥

[awakenyourfaith.livejournal.com]

Ugh, that scene was so beautiful.

[giallarhorn.livejournal.com]

What we really need now is WoW to get here to cannonize this stuff in stone. And also get Bran and Arya back over, etc.

BUT HEY JON FINALLY MET UP WITH SANSA.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL I AM STILL OVERCOME WITH SO MUCH JOY. :D

I know that the show is basically fanfiction at this point and they've been messing with storylines a lot, but I do want a Stark reunion in Winds of Winter. I want the Starks to regroup and reclaim what is rightfully theirs, and of course for Dany to become ruler of the Dothraki and they can all join together to defeat the Others. But that is just my own wishful thinking.

[giallarhorn.livejournal.com]

In all honesty, I keep thinking that Arya's going to be the first to meet up with Jon in WoW? Since Bran is off in the north being a tree and all, Sansa is way south, and Jon still has Stannis hanging around (presumably). But show!Sansa deserved a good turn, given the amount of unnecessary shit the show opted to go with.

But of course, given Martin's health it's just as likely that he ends the series with 'And the Prince that was Promised was actually Rhaegar, and Robert fucked everyone by killing him. The end.'

[allodole.livejournal.com]

I care so little about Game of Thrones (the books or the show, I stopped watching like, in the middle of S2 when I realized I only care about the Starks) but this is adorable and well-deserved. <3

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I have no idea how long it'll last, but having a mini-Stark reunion was something that was long overdue and something we've all been waiting for. For show fans six years, for book fans waaayyy longer. It made me have all the feels, plus I love their dynamic shown. We hardly saw these two interact on the show and just seeing them together makes it even more special. ♥

[eowyn.livejournal.com]

That scene is so beautiful! It's like, bloody finally!!

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Seriously, I got all teary eyed and felt all the feels. And it just makes me hope that they keep this dynamic because it was so beautiful and wonderful to see these two interacting with each other. We've been waiting for the Starks to reunite with each other, and now we finally got it. Let's not waste this precious moment and actually go forward instead of backwards.

[eowyn.livejournal.com]

I just want Ramsay dead and gone. I don't find a monstrous character entertaining, and I skip all his scenes. At least Joffrey was (most of the time) quite amusing, save a few dreadful scenes. Ramsay is just horrific for horror's sake.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

He's probably the most repulsive character in the entire series, both books and the show. There is nothing compelling about him as a character at all, not even as a bad guy. I've seen some speculate that this season is going to probably be his last, and they're setting up for his ultimate demise. I'm hoping so, at least. He just needs to go. We need to move onto the more interesting things with the plot than this disgusting fucker.

[eowyn.livejournal.com]

Totally agree. I am sick of screen time wasted on this revolting character and his plots.

[verdande-mi.livejournal.com]

It surprised how much I reacted to Sansa and Jon! Pulled my heartstrings :)

I wish the next book was around the corner! I'm looking forward to it finally being released, settling to read and learning what actually does happen next.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Same. Like, I don't care about the show anymore, but I still care about the characters and the fact that this hasn't even happened in the books yet makes the reunion so much more heartwarming and emotional. We've been waiting for years for the Starks to reunite with each other, and we finally have it. The rest of the show may be shit, but at least we have that and the promise that there is going to be retribution on those who wronged them has me itching on how that's gonna go down.

[mfirefly10.livejournal.com]

lol, I saw gif-sets of that scene on tumblr and immediately tracked it down on YT. (Well, all their scenes, but the reunion hug is what I saw via tumblr.)

I stopped watching the show last season. Had no interest in watching it this year. I didn't read any spoilers or speculation or even promo material about what season 6 was going to be about. But I ended up watching the Brienne-Sansa vow scene from an earlier episode and these Jon-Sansa scenes because YES THANK YOU I HAVE WAITED YEARS FOR THIS!

I was really impressed with how the Jon-Sansa scenes turned out. Jon's not a character I've ever been invested in but I loved his dynamic with Sansa so much. And it's so interesting because, as you said, this is the first actual scene we had of them and it was perfect.

I hope we'll get something similar in the books, but if not, it was amazing to see these moments take place on the show. I don't think I'll ever watch another full episode of this show again, but I may keep up with the Sansa scenes via YT to see how all of this plays out.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

But I ended up watching the Brienne-Sansa vow scene from an earlier episode and these Jon-Sansa scenes because YES THANK YOU I HAVE WAITED YEARS FOR THIS!

Same here. Like, even if I don't care about the show anymore I still care about these characters, and when I see that something good has happened to them I really want to know what. That vow scene was lovely, but then the reunion between Sansa and Jon? The hug? All their scenes in the recent episode? I just about was floored with so many emotions! We have waited so long for a Stark reunion and it finally happened.

And I completely agree, the dynamic between the two was so refreshing and so wonderful to see. Not only is this the first time they've shared a scene on the show, but they're both in completely different places from the beginning and now have a stronger connection because of it. I loved seeing them joking around and talking, with Sansa acknowledging how horrible she used to be to him and apologizing, the whole "where will you go?" "where will we go" exchange made my heart swell with so much happiness. It was so beautiful and sweet, I honestly didn't want it to end. I wanted the entire episode to be just them catching up and bonding and getting closer. It just works and I'm so happy this was a decision made.

I definitely think we might get something similar in the books, Starks reuniting in some form or another. I know that GRRM can be a massive troll at times, but he wouldn't have set these things up just to let us down.

[endeni]

Oh, I didn't know about the comet thing, interesting.
I guess we can look forward to a different outcome in the books then. *nods*
Though I don't remember her being burned afterwards, even if Jon and Viserys certainly did.
And I can't say I didn't like that last scene in the show, give me badass!Dany any day... *g* Or Sansa and Jon's, I was so afraid they would miss each other!

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

And I can't say I didn't like that last scene in the show, give me badass!Dany any day... *g* Or Sansa and Jon's, I was so afraid they would miss each other!

I think a lot of people were afraid, since apparently at the end of the previous episode it had Jon basically giving a dramatic walk away announcing he was leaving the Night's Watch for good. But I'm glad that he didn't leave yet because SANSA AND JON TOGETHER AGAIN AT LAST! STARK REUNION! The show may be shit, but occasionally they give us good shit like this, and it was well worth it.

[celeste9]

Awww, I'm so glad that happened! Like you, I gave up on the show and don't give a shit anymore, books FTW, but that's lovely. <3 I have seen exceedingly little of the new season, like maybe 5 minutes altogether, but the one other thing I did see that I enjoyed was Brienne swearing her loyalty to Sansa.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

That was something I was very happy happened, as well. Brienne finally reaching Sansa and swearing her oath and loyalty. And now we have Jon and Sansa reuniting and Sansa having determination of taking back Winterfell. Even if it's just a fleeting moment before things turn to shit again, it just filled my heart with so much happiness.

[noybusiness.livejournal.com]

The Jon/Sansa reunion was the best part of the episode, followed by Sansa being determined to take back Winterfell, and Dany's what Watchersonthewall called "happy happy burning time!"

(due to the red comet)

Actually, he didn't say the comet caused it. That's fan speculation. The comet might also have been summoned because of it, or it could have been astrological coincidence.

Presumably, Dany will overcome the Khals in some other way in the book, but then in the books she's still with Drogon when the Dothraki come upon her, so there's that. Or there might be another special circumstance in her future that allows her to go unburnt again, who knows.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I thought I remember reading somewhere that the red comet was a huge factor, but you're probably right that it was a majorly widely known speculation from the fanbase.

Just when I thought I was done with the show, they pulled me back in with this emotional reunion. Not enough to have me continue watching, of course, but it made me very happy nonetheless. Having Brienne swearing her oath to Sansa was nice enough, but seeing Jon and Sansa finally reuniting after all this time, this being the first us viewers would actually see them interacting at all in the show? My heartstrings, they were pulled.

[noybusiness.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I remember reading his quote, and it didn't go into that detail.

I know! I'll use this wolf cubs icon I got from Tigriswolf. My Mom liked the oath part a lot too, Brienne's her favorite character.

[rhoda-rants.livejournal.com]

Aw, goddammit. I have to get caught up now, don't I? I quit Game of Thrones a while ago too, for similar reasons I suspect. Damn you, Harington! *shakes fist*

(No I am NOT crying, there's someone cutting onions in here, why do you ask?)

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Well, you don't have to watch entire episodes, just the relevant scenes of your choice on YouTube. Thankfully, people upload individual character compilations after each episode for their story only so you don't have to suffer through everything else, and I appreciate that. It's much better that way, imho, esp if you know what you're getting into before you watch it so you don't end up getting enraged by what the show is doing.

[rhoda-rants.livejournal.com]

I saw that! I have found a few Jon Snow and Only Jon Snow character compilation channels, so I'll hit those up in a little while. Probably after I get through with my MCU recaps over here. (The first of which is going up shortly, fyi!)

That said--I do love Jon Snow. He is my main reason for staying invested in the story, and Kit Harington is just lovely.

[sarren.livejournal.com]

N'Aw thanks for linking to that, I'm glad for Sansa. I quit watching because of Sansa's 'marriage', it tipped me over the edge of how much sexual violence against women I was prepared to endure in a show.

Also where did Jon's curls go, i barely recognised him *g*

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome. :)

And yeah, the gratuitously sexual violence against women was a major factor into my quitting the show. The fact that they think there needs to be a constant string of rape, attempted rape or threatening of rape to further a women's story is enraging, and a trend that overall needs to stop in media. I love Sansa, but she didn't need to take on the Jeyne Poole storyline when it didn't make a lick of sense to begin with. And I'm pretty sure the showrunners are going to defend it again saying that it's what fueled her determination to take back Winterfell, and I don't think I can stomach that.

Needless to say, I did enjoy the reunion scene and moments between Jon and Sansa. It made me ridiculously happy.

Also where did Jon's curls go, i barely recognised him *g*

They're now tucked away nicely in his delicious new hair bun. ;)

[sarren.livejournal.com]

My (female) workmate keeps urging me to start watching again, she reckons the female characters are all kicking ass now. My point is that all that can be taken away in a second and I don't trust the writers not to do that to them.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Definitely don't take that advice from your coworker. Just because a woman on this show ends up kicking ass in an episode doesn't mean that the show is safe from the sexist bullshit it constantly pulls, as we've been proven time and time again that the writers and showrunners of the show are grossly misogynistic. Aside from the relevant scenes that aren't offensive as fuck, it's just not worth watching, imho.

[sixphanel.livejournal.com]

I screamed when I saw that door open and Sansa there. And then it started raining on my face. THAT HUG. Their interaction! Sansa being aware of what an asshole she used to be and wanting to take Winterfell back. I don't know how to deal with my feelings <3

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

I KNOW, RIGHT?! I still can't believe such a good thing happened. It feels like a gift. This show is garbage, but when it does something like this I really need to bask in it. I JUST WANT SANSA TO BE HAPPY AND SHE REUNITED WITH JON (THE HUG! MY HEART COULDN'T HANDLE IT LOOKIT THEIR FACES! AND THEIR TALK!) AND IS PLOTTING ULTIMATE REVENGE AND THEY'RE GOING TO FIGHT FOR THEIR HOME AND FAMILY AND I'M JUST SO. HAPPY. RIGHT NOW. (✿◠‿◠)

[silverusagi]

I know that GRRM has mentioned that the Targaryens aren't impervious to fire and what happened with Dany initially was a one time unique thing (due to the red comet) in hatching her dragons and thus bringing magic back into the world

Yeah. Though I totally love the visuals on the show of her being unable to be burned. Her scene last episode was awesome. Plus, really great plan--lock everyone you want to kill in a building and burn it down while you stand there looking smug.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I mean, even though I know it's not going in the way of the books I'm not complaining one bit. It's actually quite a badass move and, as you said, it makes a great visual. I just loved that she approached them, knowing precisely what she was going to do, talking to them, letting them know that she was going to lead the Dothraki. She let them insult and threaten her, and just she made her move, nearly gracefully. And just stood there as they were trapped and dying painful deaths. I mean, I know it's a rehashing of the S1 finale, but idgaf. It was awesome.

[silverusagi]

It would have looked even more awesome if she'd come out of the building with her clothes still on fire, but I realize that's impossible to do for filming, lol.

[afastmachine.livejournal.com]

OH MY GOOOOODDDD THIS IS AMAZING!!

I too had given up the show(after like half-heartedly watching it in the first place lol) because of the utter stupidity and foolishness they've been going through, but goddamn, seeing them reunited just kind of put my heart in my throat. Finally something good coming out of the disastrous shitshow that is...this show.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I may not care about the show but I still care about these characters and we finally got a Stark reunion of sorts. After all this time, all this waiting, from the show and the books combined, it happened and I couldn't be happier. ♥

It's probably not going to last knowing this show, esp since D&D really doesn't know what to do with Sansa as a character. Despite not even bothering with the show anymore I'm still sadly prepared for everything to turn into shit once more (and not even relevance to the plot kind of way, more like bad writing and storytelling kind of way). But...at least we have their scenes in this episode, which if things do go horribly wrong as I expect it to I can reject what they decided to do and create my own headcanon.

[afastmachine.livejournal.com]

Exactly! I hate that; you can shut off caring about a show but it's so hard to shut off caring about those characters. There's shows I haven't watched in years that I still will keep up with via recaps or wikipedia or friends just because I care about that one character.

Yeah, I wasn't even ever expecting any good for Sansa because it's quite clear they've made her the target of their violence-against-innocent-women fetish since Emilia sidestepped them. But it's nice to have news that isn't so bad for her.