Game of Cameos

Game of Thrones made a splash last Sunday not so much because of the episode itself, but because of the special guest cameo from Ed Sheeran.  As far as the cameo itself goes, I thought it was fine, but based on Twitter it apparently ruffled a lot of feathers.  GoT has been pretty solid with its cameos featuring great performances by Ian McShane, Jim Broadbent, Of Monsters and Men, and others.  So in light of Ed Sheeran’s poorly received cameo, I decided to come up with a top 5 list of cameos which could right this wrong.  Hopefully this list will end up in the appropriate hands ahead for casting season eight. Paul McCartney Keeping the musician theme going, who wouldn’t want to see Sir Paul join as the royal musician in Highgarden?  McCartney has a stately air about him that means he would be natural fit in a place as classy as Highgarden.  Better yet, when things eventually come to a head between King’s Landing and Highgarden, Sir Paul could lead the charge with a fiery refrain of “Live and Let Die”.  Ultimately it seems unlikely that House Tyrell comes out on top, so when Highgarden eventually falls, Sir Paul will go down while "Let It Be" plays during the fade to black. Liam Neeson Liam Neeson’s versatility makes him the perfect candidate for a GoT cameo.  He can be a wise maester in Old Town, a valiant knight in any house’s army, or even a kindly old man who just wants peace.  Personally I’d like to see his particular blend of vengeance and bad-assery as a member of Beric Dondarrion’s army. Liam Neeson, Dondarrion, and the Hound all together would be television magic.  Neeson’s cameo would last for one episode where he exchanges some great dialogue but ultimately dies as a hero during a battle. Judi Dench Like McCartney, Dame Judi Dench already has a presence about her that exudes high class so she would fit right in as a member of a ruling family.  Personally I see her as more of a Northern noble lady.  Her cameo would be a single episode arc in which she is preparing her castle (maybe stick her with the Karstarks or Umbers) for a White Walker invasion.  Her acting chops would bring serious gravity and grim determination as the castle faces the onslaught.  The last shot would be of Dench’s dead body amidst the carnage left in the wake of the Night King. Patrick Stewart Patrick Stewart should be included just to hear him talk in the manner of Westeros.  The best fit for him would be as some man of influence being courted to join Daenerys Targaryen.  Conversations and battles of wit between Patrick Stewart and Tyrion would be the stuff of legend.  Stewart’s story should last a few episodes, culminating in his eventual pledge to aid Daenerys’ cause, only to turn on her and sell her out to the Lannisters.  The betrayal does not lead to Daenerys’ defeat though, and Patrick Stewart ends up as a tasty dragon treat. Queen Elizabeth of House Windsor The ultimate cameo.  Queen Elizabeth of House Windsor would be the best possible guest spot the show could produce.  Her first appearance would be at the end of season seven where she is revealed to be the secret ally all major houses have been trying to recruit.  This episode would consist of a few scenes sharing clever snipes back and forth with Lady Olenna.  In the war against the White Walkers Queen Elizabeth's Royal Guard shows up to defeat the Night King (now being played by Prince Charles).  Following the war against the White Walkers the final struggle for the Iron Throne begins.  In the last episode of the series it appears that Daenerys is about to claim victory with her dragons.  Out of nowhere Queen Elizabeth shows up with an army of Corgis who slaughter all enemies.  The show ends with the Queen taking her throne.