If you're not up to date on "Game of Thrones," proceed with caution. This article contains spoilers.
After eight years, HBO's groundbreaking television series, "Games of Thrones," will be coming to a close. While author George R.R. Martin hasn't finished the book series the show is based on, long-time fans will receive some closure through the show's finale. With just one week until the final episode, co-photo editors Zachary McKinley and Shreyas Saboo make their cases for who they believe deserves the Iron Throne.
Zachary's prediction: The Night King
With "Game of Thrones" coming to an end, everyone has the next ruler of Westeros on their minds. But who will win the Iron Throne?
I think the answer is a little more obvious than we realize. Since the creation of the Iron Throne, the person sitting on it has always been the person with the most power, whether that be politically, physically or monetarily.
Who has the most power currently? The Night King. That’s right, the series' main antagonist currently holds the most power in the show.
With an army of dead soldiers that require no food, sleep or shelter, combined with the ability to turn any enemies to his side once they’re dead, the Night King has an obvious military advantage. This is without even mentioning the fact that he also has a dragon.
Yes, Daenerys Targaryen has two dragons. However, the Night King has shown that he is more than capable of dispatching a dragon with ease. His victory is not only ensured by his military power, but also by his strategic ability. The Night King is thousands of years old and has proven his incredible tactical experience.
Having the main antagonist win would be a little out of place for most media, but I think it is a perfect ending for a show like "Game of Thrones." This is a show where the good people not only lose, but usually die. "Game of Thrones" has never followed conventional rules of media.
Since the beginning of the show, we have heard one main phrase: "Winter is coming.” Now it finally has. This is why I believe we will see the Night King ruling Westeros by the end of this season.
Shreyas' prediction: Daenerys Targaryen
Winter is here, and the greatest war between the dead and the living has come. However, the biggest question is who will sit on the Iron Throne. That is, if there actually is a throne left after the war.
I think Daenerys Targaryen will emerge as the queen of the Seven Kingdoms. I believe her to be the best fit for the throne.
We know Jon Snow, son of Rhaegar Targaryen, is the true heir and has the most claim to the Iron Throne. However, he does not desire to rule the Seven Kingdoms. While the Red Priestess, Melisandre, pronounced Jon Snow the prince that was promised, her failure to predict the same for Stannis Baratheon raises doubts. It seems this feat would be fulfilled by Jon and Daenerys’ child instead.
Daenerys currently has the most powerful army and experienced council by her side. The help of Bran Stark and Sam Tarly will also prove to be a big advantage during the war against the dead. After her win against the dead, she will move on to conquer all of the Seven Kingdoms. This would involve taking away Cersei Lannister's power and rebuilding the Seven Kingdoms with the help of Jon.
I believe Sansa Stark will serve as the Lady of Winterfell with Arya Stark by her side, and Bran will continue to serve as the Three-Eyed Raven.
While not everyone may agree with this analysis, we can all agree that more death, war and drama is coming to Westeros.
The final season of "Game of Thrones" will premiere on April 14 at 9 p.m. on HBO.