Game of Thrones’ Real Mistake Was How It Got There, Not the Ending

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It’s been six years since “Game of Thrones” concluded, and it remains etched in memory with a lingering sense of bitterness. It’s not so much as a celebrated TV landmark anymore – which it once was for a considerable amount of time – but as a series that sparked intense debate over its ending in the realm of pop culture. This show, after all, managed to unite fans of fantasy, political drama, and epic battles, boasting a budget befitting a blockbuster and a cast that truly delivered. Yet, many viewers were left feeling let down. However, I believe it wasn’t the ending itself that was the problem, but rather the journey that led us there.

Among all the surprising endings in the finale, Daenerys Targaryen’s transformation into a tyrant might have been the most jarring to viewers. And I can understand why. Throughout the series, she was portrayed as a liberator, so her abrupt shift into a genocidal ruler felt like an unexpected punch. However, upon reflection, her transition into a villain aligns with the consistency of her character’s development. The issue wasn’t necessarily what transpired, but rather how it unfolded. Daenerys had always demonstrated authoritarian tendencies: she executed people without trials, burned enemies alive, and promised to “break the wheel” under the pretense that she knew what was best for the world. This ideology is perilous, and indeed, “Game of Thrones” did illustrate this danger. What it failed to do, though, was provide sufficient buildup leading up to that critical turning point in her character’s storyline.

Daenerys’ Character Totally Changed Overnight

Daenerys’ transition might have been captivating if it had been developed with the same attention to detail as the series did in its initial seasons. However, when the producers opted to abbreviate the ending, the narrative accelerated swiftly, resembling a hasty departure to its own funeral. This hurried pace made intricate decisions appear simplistic or, even worse, unwarranted. The demise of Missandei, her increasing solitude, and the erosion of trust from her allies were all aspects that could have been explored more deeply. Instead, everything seemed to occur simultaneously, as if the show was merely ticking off items on a checklist rather than weaving a heart-wrenching tale.

The intense impact was felt by all the characters. Notably, Tyrion Lannister, once a shrewd tactician, found himself making one blunder after another. Jaime Lannister’s heartwarming redemption journey was beautifully crafted on screen, but unfortunately, he undid it all at the final hurdle. Jon Snow’s lineage revelation significantly altered his past, yet this new direction seemed to lead nowhere. The selection of Bran as king could have worked if it had been more thoroughly developed, especially considering his scarcity in the previous season. Overall, the narrative felt rushed, sacrificing character development for a hasty resolution, regardless of whether the outcomes made sense or not. It’s the process that leaves us unsatisfied, not necessarily where the characters ended up.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I couldn’t help but feel that the series could have maintained its essence even with similar conclusions, had they preserved the richness and depth that marked the earlier seasons. However, when the show opted to simplify its narrative in the final stretch, it seemed to lose a piece of itself along the journey.

Game of Thrones Was All About Patient Storytelling, Until It Wasn’t

In the initial seasons, “Game of Thrones” skillfully unfolded the political intrigue in King’s Landing, delicately depicting family dynamics and personal struggles for each character. Entire episodes were devoted to dialogues, keeping us captivated. This is because “Game of Thrones” was not merely about dragons and battles; it was a profound exploration of power, the consequences of every choice, and the complexities that made no one purely good or evil. However, this nuanced essence seemed to diminish, particularly when they deviated from George R. R. Martin’s original material and relied more on the writers’ unique perspectives.

Starting from Season 6, there was a significant change in the tone of the show, which ultimately proved fatal in the final two seasons. With the absence of books as a reference and seemingly rushing to conclude, the series became less complex and increasingly predictable. The surprising plot twists that were once skillfully crafted began to appear contrived instead. This shift was not missed by dedicated fans who had always been deeply invested in the story.

In the past, as well as currently, numerous discussions on Reddit about “Game of Thrones” have caught my attention, particularly concerning Daenerys. Many viewers shared an opinion I find myself in agreement with: while her transformation into a tyrant wasn’t inherently poor writing, it felt sudden and abrupt, creating a sense of betrayal. Additionally, some noted that complex characters were simplified to serve the plot, losing their depth and intricacy. Contrary to its previous reputation for being unpredictable, “Game of Thrones” ended up taking the most conventional route – something far from praiseworthy. Originally, this show took great pride in bucking trends; it killed off Ned Stark in season one, decimated a large portion of its primary characters at the Red Wedding, and made audiences sympathize with a tortured assassin and a witty dwarf. However, in hindsight, it seemed to lack courage or perhaps ran out of time to execute its vision effectively.

When someone queries me about my feelings towards the conclusion of “Game of Thrones”, I don’t say I hated it outright. Instead, I express that I understand what the creators were aiming for. My issue lies in how they executed it. The source of my frustration stems from the fact that the opportunity was there to make the ending legendary and well-deserved. If only they had granted the story the time it required – perhaps an additional season, or simply longer episodes (as George R.R. Martin himself suggested) – the conclusion might have been celebrated as iconic and genuinely deserved. However, six years later, it continues to be a subject of jokes.

Ultimately, it wasn’t just the ending of “Game of Thrones” that left a sour taste, but rather departing from its core strength: weaving intricate narratives with multi-dimensional characters in a universe where decisions truly mattered. Ironically, despite its flaws and hasty execution, the series remains indelible in our minds not only for its groundbreaking aspects, but also for the lingering disappointment that the final season seemed to diminish the brilliance of what preceded it. However, the pain we feel at the ending is a testament to our attachment – we invested so much emotional energy into the story and characters that the letdown feels personal. We yearned for it to be meaningful, to deliver on its potential. In essence, we wanted the journey to matter right up until the very end.

Perhaps, on a deeper level, its shortcomings might speak more to the impact and potency of the series than any actual flaws. A tale can truly disappoint us only when we’ve been captivated by it initially – what a pity.

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2025-05-18 15:40