I Like Game of Thrones’ Ending Even More After Rewatching The Entire Series

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After revisiting all eight seasons of the groundbreaking HBO fantasy series, Game of Thrones, I find that the harsh criticisms leveled against its 2019 finale seem unwarranted. This epic show, based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels, gained immense critical acclaim throughout its eight-season run from 2011 to 2019. However, the last season garnered significant criticism for being a letdown, but I am not in agreement with this assessment.

After giving myself a break from “Game of Thrones,” I revisited all eight seasons – a total of about 70 hours – and found that the story now makes much more sense. Initially, when Season 8 was released, particularly its final episode, both audiences and critics were quite critical of it. However, upon reflection, I believe that the finale effectively concluded each character’s journey, resolved some longstanding questions, and even paved the way for intriguing spin-offs to be developed in the future. Consequently, I think the criticism it received may not have been entirely warranted.

Why Game of Thrones’ Ending Was So Controversial

In my opinion, one significant issue I found with Game of Thrones Season 8 was the pacing. Previously, we’d seen ten episodes per season, but this reduced to seven in Season 7 and six in Season 8. This compression made the season seem hurried compared to earlier seasons where plotlines unfolded gradually over multiple episodes. However, it’s worth noting that most episodes in Game of Thrones Season 8 were longer than those in previous seasons, allowing for more extensive storytelling within a single viewing.

In Season 8, there was criticism that some characters’ development appeared inconsistent. For example, Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) chose to rejoin Cersei (Lena Headey), disregarding his growth and budding relationship with Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie). Likewise, Jon Snow’s (Kit Harington) sudden decision to kill Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), ending her pursuit of the Iron Throne, seemed unlike the King in the North’s usual behavior.

The final scenes of ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 8 sparked a great deal of debate, as Bran Stark, played by Isaac Hempstead-Wright, was chosen as King of the Six Kingdoms. Some viewers found this decision to be surprising and seemingly unjustified, given that Jon Snow (Kit Harington), as a Targaryen, had a legitimate claim to the Iron Throne, Gendry Baratheon (Joe Dempsie) was the son of a former King, and even Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) could argue for a stronger claim than Bran. Granted, there were issues with ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 8, but I believe it wasn’t warranted to receive as much criticism as it did.

Game of Thrones’ Final Season Actually Wrapped Up Characters’ Storylines Perfectly

In the final season of Game of Thrones, although some may argue that better decisions could have been made, most principal characters’ stories were effectively concluded. Daenerys Targaryen’s pursuit for the Iron Throne ended with her demise, a controversial yet logical conclusion given her descent into corruption throughout Season 8. Tyrion Lannister’s appointment as Hand of the King was an appropriate role, and significant characters like Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen), Beric Dondarrion (Richard Dormer), Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen), among others, met fitting ends by sacrificing their lives in the season’s battles.

The Stark family, central figures in the narrative of “Game of Thrones” since its debut episode, all met fitting conclusions. Despite Bran becoming the new King being a contentious decision, it does align with the logic – Daenerys aimed to “shatter the cycle.” Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) is venturing into unexplored regions of “Game of Thrones'” rich and complex universe, journeying west of Westeros, while Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) governs as Queen in the North alongside her brother. Jon Snow’s banishment to the Wall seems justified after he took the life of a queen, though his tale may not yet be concluded.

Game of Thrones’ Ending Set Up Interesting Spinoff Possibilities (But Will They Happen?)

The finale of Game of Thrones neatly resolved many lingering plot points, but it also left some stories unfinished, potentially paving the way for several sequels based on the hit HBO show. So far, only House of the Dragon has been released as a spinoff from Game of Thrones, focusing on the Targaryen family during their reign over the Seven Kingdoms around 200 years before Daenerys Targaryen’s birth. Another spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is slated for release in 2026 and will delve into the tales of Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire Prince Aegon “Egg” Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell).

In simpler terms, although some Game of Thrones spinoffs have struggled to take flight, it seems logical for HBO to milk the success of the original series and delve deeper into George R.R. Martin’s intricate fantasy universe. The cancellation of the Jon Snow-focused spinoff is unfortunate, but there’s a chance Kit Harington might return to his role in the future, unraveling Snow’s post-Wall travels. Additionally, Grey Worm’s (Jacob Anderson) journey with the Unsullied and Dothraki to the island of Naath presents an exciting opportunity for further exploration in a potential spinoff.

Arya’s upcoming tales, including those of Ser Brienne of Tarth, the White Walkers’ history, the Faceless Men’s story, and others, could have effortlessly sparked spin-offs. If HBO decides to proceed with these projects due to House of the Dragon’s success, it might provide a more comprehensive understanding, justification, and resolution to criticisms about Game of Thrones’ ending, which has been a topic of debate for the last six years.

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2025-06-29 21:58