Dissecting that five second Game of Thrones clip

Yesterday there was a little awards show on called the Golden Globes – you may have heard of it. Dresses were worn, trophies were won, and there are plenty of articles about it.

However, we are not here to talk about that. We are here for the very important commercial that aired during the Golden Globes. It was an advertisement for various new and returning HBO shows, including brand new footage of the upcoming final season of Game of Thrones.

NEW. FOOTAGE. Five whole seconds of it! With dialogue and everything! Given HBO’s penchant for secrecy, I was honestly preparing myself for the possibility of no true sneak peeks, so this was beyond my wildest dreams. Without further adieu, watch the promo below – the GOT clip is from :40 to :45 seconds in.​ Then, let us dissect every frame of this gift we were given.

The opening shot

Initially I was going to call this a four second clip, but then an eagled eyed twitter user pointed out that there is more to this simple name placard than it seems. In the left hand corner, we can see tents presumably for the Dothraki and Unsullied troops to camp just outside of Winterfell. This shot really symbolizes the different worlds coming together this season. It was something that began last season with Jon Snow teaming up with Daenerys, but now Dany and her posse are on the mainland, and everything truly begins.

Daenerys approaches

In the blurred foreground we can see Jon and Sansa standing together, as Daenerys and Ser Jorah Mormont approach them. First of all, let me say that it’s quite reassuring to know that Jon and Dany get to Winterfell in the first place, since reaching the intended destination isn’t exactly a common occurrence on this show.

Anyway, this shot seems to suggest that Sansa and Jon were able to have their own little reunion while Dany held back. This is sweet, since this family keeps getting tragically separated. Ah, the reunions. Lets enjoy the fuzzy feeling while it lasts.

Daenerys, for her part, looks appropriately dressed for the north in her big white coat and gloves. We’ve seen her dressed warmly before, but this is bulkier than the past. I’ll let others debate whether she is pregnant yet (emphasis on yet) but she looks good.

And Jorah. Ah poor Jorah. As usual, he’s by Dany’s side but one step behind. In love with her for seven seasons, and resigned to be simply her adviser for just as long. He’s been incredibly valuable to her, and I hope he sticks around and doesn’t do something foolish like get killed saving her life (cause George R.R. Martin would do that).

“Winterfell is yours, your grace.”

Five lines of dialogue have never been so important. Sansa speaks these words while looking Daenerys up and down, visibly sizing her up. Her tone may be slightly cold, but it could also be called the measured tone of a lady that Sansa has learned to perfect. In truth, it would be expected for her to be slightly wary of Dany – everyone should be wary of everyone in this show. And it probably took Sansa 0.2 seconds to realize they’re sleeping together, so there’s that.

Behind Sansa is Brienne of Tarth. Brienne! With the Stark girls, protecting them as she swore Catelyn she would. I will never be over this. She’s also serving some delicious side eye – at Dany? Jon? Both of them? Brienne’s going to be like the mom desperately trying to keep her crazy children in line and I’m so ready for it.

The nod

As Sansa speaks, Daenerys gives a small nod of acknowledgement. This seems to indicate that she is the one Sansa is speaking to – not Jon. This is the first shot in the clip where you see Jon and Daenerys standing together, as a united front. It’s got to be kind of weird for Sansa – she recently became a confident Lady of Winterfell and now is handing it over to her brother and his girlfriend who happens to want the Iron Throne. Sansa though is so smart, and it’s going to be great television to watch the three of them (plus Arya) join forces. There’s also Bran, but I’m talking about the ones who’ve retained human emotions for now.

In conclusion

I am so unbelievably excited for this upcoming season, even though I’m aware it’s going to tear out my heart and rip it into pieces. The players are moving into place now, and the rules are out the window. See you all in 90 to 111 days (HBO give us a premiere date PLEASE).

{Honorable mention goes to the shot of the Night King riding Viserion through “2019” around four seconds into the video. MY POOR DRAGON CHILD, GO HOME TO YOUR MOTHER.}