I don't think anyone has reasonably concluded that Dany is anything but the "Mad Queen" in making since at least midway through the series. She has always been about the throne, notwithstanding her little spiel to Sansa last night. But that does tie in a bit with three thoughts I had about the series following last nights episode.
Thought #1 Since Dany has been heading for the "Mad Queen" role for some time, it begs the question whether the writers will kill her off, and if so, at whose hand and how. I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's at the hand of Jeor Mormont. Maybe she gets killed by a sword stuck in her back by the man sworn to protect her, like with the Mad King. To have that sword be Heartsbane, given to Mormont last night would be interesting, given Dany's treatment of the Tarleys. What's the point of the writers directing our attention not once, but twice, to a weapon that has thus far played no role in the show?
Thought #2 Man, it sure seemed like last night's episode was a sort of "last rights" for Jaime Lannister. He made his peace with Sansa and Dany for the role he played in their fathers' deaths. He offered his apologies to Bran. He and his brother came full circle in their relationship. And he was able to essentially show his love for Brienne. I've been of a mind that Jaime was going to be one of the characters that made it through to the end, at least long enough for one last confrontation with Cersei, but I'm not so sure after last night.
Thought #3 The writers have never been shy about using the "cavalry to the rescue at the last minute" plot device and it sure seems like they are setting it up here again, but that will disappoint me if they do. Try something different in the battles. On the other hand, I find it hard to believe that while the battle is raging we're just going to have the Golden Company and Bronn with his crossbows completely out of sight.
