# Original Season 8 Episode 4

- Title: `The Last of the Starks`
- Archive: `thrones804.rar`
- Extracted subtitle: `thrones804.srt`
- NSS total: `99`

# Original Season 8 Episode 4: The Last of the Starks
## Cold Open
The episode begins with the aftermath of the Battle of Winterfell, where the surviving characters gather to mourn their fallen comrades. Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen share a moment of intimacy, revealing Jon's true lineage as Aegon Targaryen, which complicates their relationship. Tensions rise as the group prepares to move forward, facing the looming threat of Cersei Lannister and her forces.

## Major Beats
- Beat 1: The episode opens with a somber funeral for the fallen soldiers, where characters reflect on their sacrifices and the unity forged in battle. Jon Snow delivers a heartfelt eulogy, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who fought for the living.
- Beat 2: Gendry is legitimized by Daenerys, becoming Lord of Storm's End, which creates a bond of loyalty between him and the Dragon Queen. This act of recognition highlights Daenerys's political maneuvering as she seeks to solidify her power.
- Beat 3: Tensions between Sansa Stark and Daenerys surface as Sansa expresses her distrust of the queen. The Stark siblings grapple with their identities and loyalties, revealing the fractures within their family dynamic.
- Beat 4: Jon struggles with his identity as Aegon Targaryen, torn between his Stark upbringing and his Targaryen heritage. He confides in Samwell Tarly, who urges him to keep his lineage a secret from Daenerys and the North.
- Beat 5: Daenerys receives news of Euron Greyjoy's ambush, resulting in the loss of a dragon and the capture of Missandei. This setback intensifies her desire for vengeance against Cersei, setting the stage for the impending conflict.
- Beat 6: The episode culminates in a tense standoff between Daenerys and Cersei, where Daenerys demands the release of Missandei. Cersei's refusal leads to a tragic execution, showcasing the brutal stakes of their rivalry.
- Beat 7: Jon and Daenerys prepare for their march on King's Landing, with Jon's loyalty to Daenerys tested by his Stark heritage. The episode ends with a sense of foreboding as alliances are strained and the threat of war looms large.

## Closing Image
The episode closes with Daenerys standing resolute, determined to take King's Landing despite the cost. The weight of her decisions hangs heavy as she grapples with the consequences of her quest for power. The final shot emphasizes the impending clash between the forces of Daenerys and Cersei, leaving viewers anxious about the fate of Westeros.

## Character Turns
- Jon Snow: Jon's final movement in this episode is his internal struggle with his identity as Aegon Targaryen, which complicates his relationship with Daenerys and his loyalty to his Stark family.
- Daenerys Targaryen: Daenerys's final movement is her unwavering resolve to take King's Landing, driven by her desire for vengeance and the need to assert her claim to the throne.
- Sansa Stark: Sansa's final movement is her growing distrust of Daenerys, as she prioritizes the safety and autonomy of the North over allegiance to the Dragon Queen.
- Arya Stark: Arya's final movement is her commitment to her family, emphasizing the importance of the Stark legacy and her role in the upcoming conflict.
- Bran Stark: Bran's final movement is largely passive, serving as an observer of the unfolding events, highlighting his role as the Three-Eyed Raven.
- Tyrion Lannister: Tyrion's final movement is his attempt to mediate between Daenerys and Sansa, showcasing his role as a strategist and advisor amidst rising tensions.
- Jaime Lannister: Jaime's final movement is his decision to remain in Winterfell, indicating his internal conflict between loyalty to Cersei and his growing bond with the Stark family.
- Cersei Lannister: Cersei's final movement is her defiance against Daenerys, showcasing her willingness to sacrifice innocents to maintain her power and control over King's Landing.

## Unresolved Threads
- Jon's true lineage and its implications for his relationship with Daenerys and the North remain unresolved.
- The fate of Missandei and the potential consequences of her execution are left hanging as tensions escalate.

## Resolved Threads
- Gendry's legitimization as Lord of Storm's End solidifies his loyalty to Daenerys.
- The aftermath of the Battle of Winterfell is addressed through the mourning of fallen characters and the need to move forward.

## Why This Episode Works
This episode serves as a pivotal moment in the series, highlighting the emotional and political complexities faced by the characters after their victory against the Night King. The tension between personal desires and political obligations is palpable, particularly in Jon and Daenerys's relationship. The stakes are raised with the introduction of new threats and the consequences of past actions, setting the stage for the impending conflict in King's Landing. The episode effectively balances character development with the overarching narrative, maintaining suspense and engagement as the series approaches its climax.