The Bells (Game of Thrones)

"The Bells" is the fifth episode of the eighth season of HBO's medieval fantasy television series Game of Thrones. The 72nd and penultimate episode of the series overall, it was written by series co-creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, and directed by Miguel Sapochnik.^[2] It first aired on HBO on May 12, 2019.

"The Bells" features the final battle for control of the Iron Throne, with an army led by Daenerys Targaryen commencing its assault on Cersei Lannister and the people of King's Landing. In the episode, Tyrion Lannister betrays Varys and reveals Varys's treason to Daenerys; Jaime Lannister is freed by Tyrion; Arya Stark and Sandor "The Hound" Clegane seek personal vengeance; Jon Snow prepares to lead the ground forces against the Lannister army; and Drogon, mounted by Daenerys, burns the city down.

The episode received a polarized response from critics and viewers alike, with criticism reserved for the pacing and logic of the story, as well as its handling of the character arcs of Tyrion, Jaime, Cersei, Grey Worm, Varys, and particularly Daenerys, though praise was given to the episode's visuals, performances, and direction. "The Bells" received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Lena Headey and Outstanding Production Design for a Fantasy Series, winning for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes and Outstanding Special Visual Effects.^[3]

This episode marks the final appearances of Conleth Hill (Varys), Rory McCann (Sandor “The Hound” Clegane), Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane), Pilou Asbæk (Euron Greyjoy), and Anton Lesser (Qyburn).