Why the End of Game of Thrones Series has Caused so Much Sadness
The Endless Sadness over Game of Thrones
The conclusion of the Game of Thrones TV series has left many fans heartbroken. This seemed inevitable due to the show's rushed pacing and numerous issues, which we will explore in this article. Curiously enough, many of these issues were present even before the final season, which is when the show's decline truly began. Let's delve into the reasons behind the fans' sadness and what could have made the series better.
Production Adaptation Hitches
A Rushed and Confusing Adaptation:
One major issue that plagued the series was the rushed and confusing nature of the book-to-screen adaptation. As the show progressed, particularly in season 5 and 6, the writers faced a unique challenge: adapting books that had not yet been written. This led to a series of problems, including the inconsistent storytelling and incomplete arcs. By the time the final season rolled around, fans felt the show had desperately resorted to shoehorning everything into a few short episodes, resulting in a catastrophic loss of quality.
Character Arcs Gone Wrong
Lack of Character Development:
Another significant factor was the poorly executed character arcs. While some arcs concluded satisfactorily, many others, most notably Daenerys' descent into madness, were hastily and clumsily handled. For example, Daenerys' motivations for her actions were often unclear, and key events were retroactively reinterpreted to justify her behavior. Such rushed and inconsistent storytelling alienated many fans who felt the show had betrayed their beloved characters.
Themes and Missed Opportunities
A Failed Exploration of Thematic Material:
Considered an anti-war show, the series' solution to the war was to kill the main antagonist. This is a problematic and shallow approach to tackling such complex themes. Additionally, the random and illogical plot twists, such as Sansa's sudden desire for independence, made little sense and were frustrating to watch. These issues were compounded by the show's failure to deliver a coherent narrative that explored the deeper themes of the series.
Overreliance on Fan Service
Lost Logic for Emotional Satisfaction:
While fan service is understandable, especially in a franchise as beloved as Game of Thrones, it dominated the narrative to the detriment of plot coherency. Rather than focusing on character development and logic, the series frequently leaned on flashbacks and retcons to satisfy fan appetite, often at the expense of internal consistency. Notable examples include Gendry Baratheon, who was barely given a chance to contribute to the plot before being sidelined.
Filming Production Issues
(photo and Visual Quality Issues):
Visual quality issues also significantly impacted the viewing experience. The production team struggled with lighting, leading to several camera shots where it was difficult to see the action properly. These visual shortcomings were particularly glaring in climactic scenes, like the Battle of Winterfell. Furthermore, the dialogue in the final season was criticized heavily, with many fans feeling that the writers relied too heavily on quotes from earlier episodes to fill out dialogue, which was often poorly written and disconnected from the story's context.
Conclusion
The end of Game of Thrones brought with it a wave of sorrow among fans worldwide. While the show had its triumphs, it is undeniable that the final seasons suffered from poor pacing, inconsistent storytelling, and a lack of focus on character development. Addressing these issues early on could have resulted in a more satisfying and cohesive series. As fans reflect on their experiences, it's clear that the series' decline in quality over the years has left a lasting impact on the legacy of the show.