Welcome back to our fantasy coverage of Game of Thrones, which will obviously come with a massive SPOILER ALERT in case you haven’t watched the first or second episodes of the eighth and final season of the HBO series.
Ready?
Last week, this weekly column had Arya Stark as a “best bet” and WOW did she deliver an MVP-caliber week. It’s only fair to also point out Bran Stark was also listed, and he didn’t do as well.
Anyway, a reminder: Points are earned by characters for acts including violence, canoodling, various acts of “status and power,” wits and schemes and eating and drinking. And as you’ll see below our “best bets” and “sleepers,” six For The Win writers and editors are competing in a league of their own.
Best bets
The Night King
It’s possible he sits back and lets his army do the fighting, which would make him a bust. OR … he might kill a dragon again. I’ll pick him to have a big week in the Battle of Winterfell.
Drogon/Rheagal/Viserion
If there’s going to be a massive battle between the living and undead, the dragons — both living and undead — will be very much involved.
Arya Stark
She’s here for a second straight week — I think this is the episode in which we see her running around the crypts with her face bloodied.
Brienne of Tarth
Coming off a big week in which she was knighted, she’ll be in the thick of the battle.
Sleepers
Bran Stark
Can he FINALLY use his magic powers and live up to his first-round hype?!
Theon Greyjoy
He’s protecting Bran, which could mean he dies, but not before destroying a bunch of wights.
Beric Dondarrion
Remember, using magic is worth big points. And lighting a sword on fire to kill ice zombies is magic.
For The Win league update
We have a new first place owner in Ted Berg, who got 75 points (!) from Arya due to her big scene with Gendry, plus 35 from Theon Greyjoy to give him a 25-point lead over Henry, who drafted Drogon and Rheagal, which means he’s about to have a big week.
Nick is in third and will hope Dany will ride a dragon again. I’m furious I’ve gotten a mere 30 points from Bran, but maybe he, The Hound and Brienne help me this week. The same goes for Nate, who has Jon Snow and Jaime Lannister. Michelle (who joined our league despite not watching a single ep of the series) needs a HUGE week from Ghost the direwolf and Lyanna Mormont to stay out of last.
Standings
Ted — 225
Henry — 200
Nick — 175
Charles — 140
Nate — 80
Michelle — 25
