Game of Thrones season 8 episode 3 expectations: Who could die?

Game of Thrones season 8 episode 3 is right around the corner, and we think it goes without saying at this point that this is a huge episode. It’s the Battle of Winterfell! This is arguably the most important episode in the entire history of the show, and we’re not just saying that for the sake of being hyperbolic. All you really need to do is consider the stakes of where we are at — an epic showdown with the White Walkers on one side and humanity on the other.

If Winterfell falls, that doesn’t bode well for the future of the Seven Kingdoms. Really, the only line of defense then is King’s Landing, and do you expect Cersei and Euron to be able to fend off these enemies without much in the way of knowledge about them?

Personally, we are predicting some sort of victory here — though at the same time, we’re not exactly feeling as though the win will be universal. With every victory within the Game of Thrones world comes loss, and within this particular battle, the loss is more than likely going to be substantial. We’re going to see the chipping away of at least a few characters until there is almost nothing left.

So who could die over the course of this battle? We’re weighing out the odds for you below — at least when it comes to a number of key characters.

For more video coverage of Game of Thrones, be sure to also check out a preview for what’s next below! Meanwhile, remember to subscribe to CarterMatt on YouTube to make sure you don’t miss any other updates.

Likely Safe

Jon Snow – While we’re not sure that he ends up on the Iron Throne at the end of this, the writers are depriving us of a lot of drama if they kill him off without him and Daenerys dealing with the big news regarding his true identity.

Daenerys – See above, but beyond just that, so much of this story has been about her pushing towards getting the Iron Throne. We at least need to see a face-off with Cersei Lannister in order for that to be worthwhile.

Sansa – Unless something goes terribly wrong, we’re just not sure what the situation is here in which she actually is in a spot to get killed. She’s not the sort of person who is going to be sent out onto the front lines.

The Hound – They’re not killing him before he sees The Mountain again.

In moderate danger

Sam – Given what he’s done now in revealing the truth to Jon, is his own personal Watch ended? What more is there for him to do within this world other than claim a different title?

Tormund – The show just came close to killing him off. Isn’t going to be a rinse-and-repeat if you just go ahead and do that now? This is, at least, what it would feel like watching from our end.

Bran – While we cannot envision a scenario in which the Three-Eyed Raven is targeted early, we know of the history between him and the Night King. That could prove troublesome during the battle.

Tyrion – Would the writers really remove this fan favorite from the equation now? Think of this as one of the most depressing outcomes, but it’s a way for the story to leave a pretty sizable mark.

Davos – We love Davos, but if there’s no more story for him, it may be easy to just write him off here.

In danger

Brienne – Now that she is a knight, her story has come almost full-circle and she’s achieved everything that she’s wanted. Death would be a heroic end to a heroic journey.

Jaime – Meanwhile, sacrifice for Jaime would be true redemption, rendering a great deal of his overall journey worthwhile. He’s gone through so much and his morality has bounced all over the place, but it may be starting to settle in now.

Arya – She’s gotten back with her family and discovered more of her humanity … but a Stark could easily fall in the final battle, and it makes some sense for that Stark to be Arya, given that she will be putting herself in danger throughout.

Gendry – Other than his royal connections and already being with Arya, what sort of other connections does he bring to the table?

Grey Worm – Couples just don’t get to be happy on this show. Poor Missandei.

What do you want to see transpire entering Game of Thrones season 8 episode 3? As always, we suggest that you share some of your thoughts right now in the comments. (Photo: HBO.)