content: "'''The Bells'''" is the fifth and penultimate episode of the eighth season of HBO's fantasy television series ''Game of Thrones'', and the 72nd and penultimate episode of the series. It was written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, and directed by Miguel Sapochnik. It aired on May 12, 2019.
  "The Bells" features the final battle for control of the Iron Throne, with Daenerys Targaryen's forces commencing their assault on Cersei Lannister's forces at King's Landing.
  The episode received criticism from critics and audiences alike. Critics praised the episode as visually impressive and commended the acting and direction, but criticized the pacing and logic of the story, as well as its handling of the character arcs of Tyrion, Jaime, Cersei, Grey Worm, Varys, and particularly Daenerys. It received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations and was also picked by Lena Headey to support her nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. It eventually was awarded the prizes for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes and Outstanding Special Visual Effects.