WARNING: Not only have I watched all of the TV show I have also read all the books that are currently available. So, if you do not wish to see show spoilers or possible book revelations then please, do not read any further!
Last night's Game of Thrones was one their best episodes ever and I could easily talk about how awesome it was for the next couple of hours. However, I am not here to do that. What I am here to do is throw out some thoughts on something that I've been thinking about all morning*, Jaime Lannister. I am firmly in the camp that believes that Jaime did not in fact die*. Jaime in the books has become one of my favorite characters due to the complex nature of where he has come from and who he is turning into. To me he is on the road to redemption and will become one the heroes in the end. And while the show has hinted at possible redemption(especially at the end of season 6 at Cersei's coronation) this season he has gone back to being Cersei's bed-mate and chief lackey. To have Jaime die by being knocked off a horse and drown in a river would be one the greatest anti-climatic let downs in the history of TV. Not to mention how disappointed the book readers will be to find out that this is where Jaime's road might* lead him. So no, I do not think Jaime is dead.
Bronn, however, is another story. Somebody significant* had to be sacrificed to make the battle seem more than just an excuse to show off Drogon and the Dothraki, we need something to keep us grounded into the reality of the situation. It is one thing to think about the poor sods who were turned to ash and feel some sympathy for them. But we need something to slap us in the face and say "Hey! Shit's getting real!". And unfortunately I think that means that Jaime is going to find Bronn's somewhat burned and bloated corpse. And that is what has me thinking about Jaime all morning, how is he going to react and how will he proceed? He is going to come out of that water and see his own men(remember the conversation Dickon had with Jaime and Bronn earlier about watching men he grew up and hunted with die in battle?) and what has become of Bronn after Bronn's valiant sacrifice(s). He is going to see fire, ash, and what is left of his command and how he reacts might be one the most defining moments in the story. To me, there are a couple paths he could follow, each one leading to very different circumstances.
1) He pulls a Hound and goes off to find himself and escape his troubles*. He could come back later in the story, perhaps when the Night King has finally invaded the North.
2) He slinks off a humble and broken man to find the one person he knows might truly care for him and has an actual heart, Tyrion. Remember, Jaime broke his sacred oath and killed the Mad King not for power, prestige, or family pride. He did it to keep the Mad King from razing King's Landing. He just witnessed what one dragon could do in a matter of minutes so you know he's got to be thinking about what three could do to King's Landing and its inhabitants. Cersei will not care about any of that but Tyrion would definitely be willing to listen and actually try to prevent such a catastrophe. (This is the one I'm hoping for!).
3) He crawls back to Cersei with more resolve to take down Daenerys after what Daenerys did to his own army.(This one would highly disappointing).
There are other possible scenarios but to me these( or something very similar) would make the most sense. So you see why I have been thinking about Jaime all morning? His next decision could have a major impact on the story.
Some Other Random Thoughts
Arya Stark. Arya is my favorite character from the books and she is one of my favorites on the show as well so her future is very intriguing to me. BOLD PREDICTION! Arya* impersonates Jaime to gain access to Cersei and then strikes Cersei down right when it hurts the false-queen the most thus fulfilling not just Arya'a hit list but Cersei's prophecy as well. And as much fun as a Cleganebowl would be, I would love to see Arya go one-on-one with the Mountain just to watch her pick him apart for all the horrible acts he has committed.
The Anti-Dragon Scorpions. Bronn had Drogon point blank twice(once when Drogon was unawares and once while Drogon was barreling down on him) and only managed to hit him once and it wasn't a death shot. So how effective they are probably depends on how many they have lined up waiting at King's Landing because it looks like they are going to need blind luck to be effective. I hope there are only a couple because, and I want to be clear on this, I DO NOT WANT TO SEE A DRAGON DIE! And now that Daenerys knows that they have those type of weapons how does it alter her strategy?
Petyr Baelish. I can't quite get a finger on him. He has to realize the gravity of the situation with the Night King coming but I keep getting a sneaky feeling that he still has more surprises and betrayals in store. I hope Arya has a short talk with him.
I still want to see Lady Stoneheart.
morning*- Yeah, I know, I lead a dull life.
die*- Although to be frank, I would not put it past the producers to do it just so they can prove how much more "clever" they are than us fans. "HA! HA! You thought Jaime might possibly turn to the Light Side? HA!HA! Fuck you!"
might*- I say "might" because the show is its own entity and does not have to follow the books so tightly.
significant*- Sorry Dickon(*snort*) and Samwell's dad, we don't care about you.
troubles*- Wouldn't that be grand for Jaime to join up with the Brotherhood Without Banners? Could that even be possible? The Hound, Jaime, and Thoros. Think of the hijinks! (I give it a less than 5% chance of happening).
Arya*- Are we all in agreement that the faceless men can shape-shift and not just wear a face when going undercover? Otherwise their special ability wouldn't get Arya(Maisie Williams is listed as being 5'1") very far.
