[PancakeBrah]

That's true. But even the set ups will have more weight and momentum going forward. A lot of this season and has been reunions and meetings. Had to be done but a little slow. Enjoyable but not what people want going into the home stretch.

I think Harrenhal's destruction was mentioned in passing when Arya was there. Or when Littlefinger was talking to someone. But yeah if it was it was just a one off line or two.

And word to your point about the ballistas. Drogon is the biggest/strongest of the three and a non-headshot put a hurt on him. Rhaegal will go into God-mode when his namesake's son is flying him nahmean.

Yeah, typically the second to last episode is the big set piece or huge plot development.

1- Baelor/Ned beheading
2- Blackwater
3- Rains of Castemere/Red Wedding
4- Watchers on the Wall
5- Both episodes 8 and 9 could be considered the pinnacle episode. Hardhome then Dance of Dragons
6- Battle of the Bastards. But then Winds of Winter topped it.

I agree that Eastwatch is probably the penultimate episode. Thing is, once the undead army actually breaks into Westeros proper, everything's chaos. I imagine it'll be like last season. Big battle (BotB/Eastwatch) then a typical finale type episode except its just as heavy and emphatic as the big set piece episode preceding it (WoW). It probably goes Eastwatch then a big setup episode with the big development being Jon and Dany learning about their link.