Game of Thrones Season 7: How Sansa Stark Foiled Littlefinger’s Plan

This article contains spoilers from “Game of Thrones” season 7, episode 7 “The Dragon and the Wolf.” For a refresher, read our Season 7, Episode 7 Review here.

Justice has been served in “Game of Thrones” when Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) exposed Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen), for the traitor that he was. The biggest plot twist of “Game of Thrones” season 7 finale was the execution of Littlefinger. All throughout the series, the scheming sociopath was under the radar pulling strings to his advantage. Petyr Baelish, along with viewers, was shocked when Sansa placed him on trial.  For someone who prided himself on being three steps ahead of his enemies, he underestimated the Stark children.

Game of Thrones: The Student Becomes The Master

Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner in Game of Thrones (2011). Photo via HBO

It was a big stab in the back for Lord Baelish when the girl he loved and taught to play the game called for his death. Little Finger was caught off guard when Sansa called him out for treason and murder. Unable to fathom the idea that out of everyone who can betray him it was her.

During the last few episodes of Season 7, viewers were set to believe the sibling rivalry that was supposedly brewing between Sansa and Arya (Maisie Williams) Stark. Only to be fleshed out in the finale as a bluff to lure Littlefinger to false pretenses against him.

The eldest Stark sister proved she knew how to play the game. It took her some time to learn but she was able to execute it. At the start of the series, Sansa was a naive young girl with aspirations to become queen. But she has grown stronger after Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) and Littlerfinger orchestrated her father’s death.

She has gone through hell brought by the same man who time and time again said he loved her. But had no hesitation to sell her to the Boltons to reclaim Winterfell. Despite everything Sansa has been through it was her strength, resilience, and patience that kept her alive. Sansa proved that she has taken Little Finger’s lessons to heart before he called for his death.

“Thank you for all your many lessons, Lord Baelish, I will never forget them,” she told him.

Game of Thrones, Little Finger’s Long Term Plan

Sansa Stark and her brother Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) turned the table on Little Finger and revealed his schemes that got him to where he was today. Exposing him as the man who started the game of thrones, pitting houses against houses. Even families against themselves.

From conspiring with Lysa to kill Jon Arryn (the Lord of the Vale) by giving Lysa poison, which she used to murder Jon. Making Ned and Catelyn Stark believe the Lannisters has a hand in the death of Jon Arryn. Marrying and then killing Lysa Arryn to gain power over the Vale. He betrayed Ned Stark and lead to his execution.

Aidan Gillen in Game of Thrones (2011). Photo by Helen Sloan/HBO

He caused the rift between two houses leading to war between the five kingdoms of Westeros. Littlefinger was the reason for the major events in “Game of Thrones”, which begs the question why did he go through all this trouble? What was the reason for his schemes and manipulation? What was his end game?

The answer is simple, for power. Petyr Baelish, unlike the other characters in the show, was not born into a noble house. He was always the weakling, pushed around, and underestimated. Littlefinger wanted power for the sake of power. But it looks like he will never see his plan push through.

As the three remaining Stark children stripped him of his power, finally giving justice for the crimes Littlefinger committed and for the deterioration of the Stark House.