Game of Thrones New Episode Review: 'Hardhome' Delivers Best Hour of Season 5

HBO's Game of Thrones delivered its best Season 5 episode yet with "Hardhome," a thrilling hour that culminated with one of the best action set pieces in the history of the series, and that's saying something.

The final 15 minutes of "Hardhome" were an exhilirating thrill ride that results in my jaw remaining in the open position the entire time. Seriously, I think a fly got in there at one point and I didn't even notice.

"Hardhome" shifted the focus back to the bigger picture in Westeros and reminded us that, barring a miracle of some sort, everyone in the Seven Kingdoms and probably Essos too is completely and utterly screwed. As soon as the "avalanche" came tumbling down the wall, it was only a matter of time before the Wildlings were overwhelmed. For the first time in a long time, it seemed like Jon Snow was truly in danger of losing his life.

The Wildlings and Jon had three pieces of Dragonglass to take on an army of undead wights and the White Walkers commanding them. They fought bravely, but the overwhelming sense of dread permeated the entire final sequence. This was a countdown to death, not a fight for survival. And yet, Jon Snow did what he does best and fought bravely alongside the Wildlings just like he said he would, even though he probably could have and should have stood on top of a rock and just yelled "I told you so" while they all got slaughtered.

This battle sequence was exquisite, and director Miguel Sapochnik captured every moment beautifully. This was a chaotic fight, between the sheer number of combatants involved and the frigid weather. Yet Sapochnik never let the scene get away from him, and it was always easy to follow exactly what was happening, especially when we went indoors and Jon fought the White Walker knight.

Speaking of which, this duel was brutally wonderful. The White Walker completely outclassed Jon. The monster hit him and knocked him clear across the room to the point that Jon was coughing up blood. It looked like it was all over for the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, but his Valyrian Steel sword, Longclaw, blocked the frosty blade of the White Walker, much to the shock of both combatants. Jon then shattered him to pieces in one of the coolest moments in the series' history.

The entire battle was damn near perfect, and that's not a word we throw around lightly. And this scene will have far-reaching implications, possibly for the rest of the series. Jon meant to return south of the Wall with thousands of Wildlings and left with a dozen men in a canoe. What's worse, the Walkers turned the fallen into part of their army. How does anyone possibly fight this?

The final sequence was brilliant, but this was a fantastic episode before we ever checked in with Jon Snow. Tyrion and Daenerys had their first true meeting this week, and it was everything we hoped it would be and more. Tyrion managed to use his silver tongue yet again to convince Dany that he was in fact who he said he was, convince her not to kill him, AND convince her to let him advise her. Or should I say, prove that she was worthy of his advice. He also used his gift of words to have Jorah exiled rather than killed, so we'll have to see what happens now that he has thrown himself back into the Fighting Pits to prove himself in front of his Khaleesi one last time.

Peter Dinklage and Emilia Clarke completely engrossed me as they sat there, drank wine, and discussed their families and Dany's plan to rule Westeros. Dany's ambition is all well and good, but the dwarf tempered that with his worldly experience and practicality. It's not as simple as riding into King's Landing on her dragons and dominating. That hasn't worked in Meereen, and it won't work in Westeros. Tyrion's experience here is invaluable, so please just give us more of these scenes.

What did you think of "Hardhome"? Let us know in the comments section.