GAME OF THRONES returned tonight for its eighth and final season - and fans were thrilled with the dramatic opening episode.
As the different players prepare for the most epic battle in Westeros, tonight's opener had family reunions and shock revelations.
Opening in Winterfell, Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow received a frosty welcome as the locals struggled to accept their new Queen.
But the imminent arrival of her two powerful dragons made a big impression and asserted Daenerys as a powerful leader.
The loved-up pair later took to the skies as Jon nervously piloted a dragon for his first - but unlikely his last - time.
Soaring over the snowy mountains of the north, they took a break amid an icy waterfall for one of the most cringe-inducing moments in Game of Thrones history - with one fan describing the moment as "corny."
As the Mother of Dragons kissed the King of the North, her two dragon offspring watched on in protective jealousy.
Over in King's Landing and Queen Cersei has been informed by her royal aide that "the dead have broken through the wall."
In a worrying sign of things to come, Cersei flashed her knowing smirk as she said the news was "good" - hinting at an ulterior plan, and one that is sure to be solely for her own benefit.
She later welcomed the arrival of sinister Euron Greyjoy, who is unaware that his captive niece Yara has been freed by her brother Theon.
But while Yara had plans of overthrowing their evil uncle by forcefully taking back their homeland, Theon absconded to fight alongside the Stark family in Winterfell.
But all wasn't so rosy with the Starks as Sansa warned brother Jon to not forget where his loyalties lie.
Then the biggest shock of the episode came when Jon discovered the truth behind his parents identity - after Samwell Tarly told him he's the rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms.
After learning that Jon's girlfriend Daenerys executed his father and brother, Samwell Tarly had a long overdue reunion with Jon Snow in the crypts of Winterfell.
Sam explained: "Your mother was Lyanna Stark, and your father, your real father, was Rhaegar Targaryen. You've never been a bastard.
"You're Aegon Targaryen - true heir to the Iron Throne."
In an episode that had family reunions for the Stark children, there was a feeling of unease as former foes came face-to-face for the first time in years.
Arya Stark was blanked by The Hound as the man she left for dead arrived as part of the Targaryen army.
Then the cliffhanger moment of the episode came when Bran Stark welcomed the arrival of a hooded figure that transpired to be Jamie Lannister - the man who pushed young Bran from a tower after discovering his incest affair with sister Cersei back in the first season
Events are set to become even more intense next week as we move towards the huge battle for Westeros.
A teaser trailer for episode two shows Daenerys Targaryen confronting Jamie Lannister over her father's murder.
Game of Thrones fans flocked to social media to comment on the gripping launch to season eight.
One put: "Jon Snow flying a dragon! YES!"
Another compared it to classic Christmas move, The Snowman, writing: "Jon and Daenerys flying through the air on dragons! In a scene to rival The Snowman. My life is complete!"
However, one viewer dubbed the scenes as "corny," adding: "I knew they were gonna have Jon ride one eventually just to allude more to the fact that he's a Targaryen, even though we already knew that. But it was so cheesy."
Overall the reaction was positive with the opening episode leaving fans desperate for more heart-pounding action as the battle for the Iron Throne continues.
One put: "Good start from Game of Thrones, can't wait for the episodes with some amazing battles."
Another commented: "Game of Thrones is the best TV show there's ever been... The story is so deep and well written, it's just amazing."
A third simply added: "Great first episode!"
Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
6,000.000+downloads/Free/Bengali/Version2.3.4
777 BDT IPL 2025 Sports First Deposit Bonus
