Talkin' Thrones Episode 50 - Mother's Mercy (Season 5 Finale)

We've reached it, another finale to probably our most problematic and least enjoyable season of the show yet. Season 5 ultimately proved to be a severe downshift for the show, as this was the full transition away from the books, away from the awesome character moments and amazingly well thought out story decisions that carried the first four seasons to make something that truly earned its spot in the prestige TV hall of fame. Then with this season, to quote Professor Pat, just became another show. An exceedingly well made show, but just another show nonetheless. This finale "Mother's Mercy" is a cap off of that transition, with several moments that were extremely shocking and provoking in the moment, but have lost their steam with the benefit of hindsight, and others that just felt like quick wiffs to set up for what was coming next. Stannis is ultimately defeated both on the battlefield and in his moral compass, and meets his death at the hands of Brienne. Sansa & Theon escape Winterfell in a moment that felt a little too convenient to the plot. Jon is betrayed, stabbed and left to die by the brothers of the Night's Watch. Arya kills Meryn Trant, but is chastised by the Faceless Men for taking a life that wasn't hers. Jorah & Daario set off to find Daenerys, who finds herself at the mercy of the Dothraki, while Tyrion is left in charge of Meereen. Jaime leaves Dorne with Myrcella and tries to come clean to her, only for her to die in his arms. Cersei atones for her sins by committing a walk of penance, naked, across the city. We begin the final phase of the journey next week with the premiere of Season 6, so be sure to keep tuning in for new episodes of #talkinthrones released every Friday, only on the #talkintvpodcast