Let me preface this article by stating that Game of Thrones is my favorite show of all time. I started watching the show just before the season 6 ending, and I completely fell in love with the characters, storylines, etc. Even though there have been ups and downs, the show has constantly entertained wowed me and I’m really going to miss it.
Ah, what will my life look like, now that the Infinity Saga and Game of Thrones have concluded?
This meme is painfully true…
Positives
Technical-ly speaking, this season is the definition of perfection. The cinematography, visual effects, and acting were simply spectacular. Even the lackluster episodes had so many gorgeous scenes, coupled with some wallpaper-worthy shots in every episode. The visual effects were arguably better than that of most big-budget movies, especially the look of the dragons. They looked like ‘real’ creatures that you can reach out and touch, which really added to the feeling of realism. The dialogue was extremely well-written, especially during episode 2 when the characters were simply practicing a “sedentary” lifestyle and confabulating. In addition, the actors all deliver fantastic performances, especially Peter Dinklage’s Tyrion. Dinklage once again flexed his acting chops and delivered another Emmy-worthy performance with such relative ease. There are so many Tyrion-related highlights, especially his conversations with Jamie (ep 5), Jon (ep 6), etc.
With all the technical jargon aside, let’s talk about the actual story lines. One story line that definitely left many viewers irate was the Night King story line, with the threat being resolved in just an episode. However, I predicted that and was ultimately glad about the way that story transpired. This show isn’t called ‘Game of Life and Death’ or ‘Game of Ice Zombies.’ It’s called ‘Game of Thrones.’ The whole show has always (for better or worse) been about the Iron Throne, and the Night King story line has always been relegated to a secondary role. So, it was fitting that the white walker story line would be resolved by the midpoint of the season.
Unfortunately, the remaining, major story lines simply did not impress me, and even though this season had some outstanding moments, it’s fair to say that season 8 was the most disappointing season of the series.
Negatives
I am extremely bemused by the strange decision to reduce the last 2 seasons to just 13 episodes total. Just, why? As a result, the events of the final 2 seasons often felt rushed and contrived. Dany gets the Iron Throne for a single episode before she receives her (timely) death. At least, giving her a couple of episodes to rule what remained of King’s Landing, with Jon wrestling with his decision to kill her, would have made more sense and been more satisfying. Speaking of, Jon’s “only” lines in season 8 were “You’re my queen” and “I don’t want [the throne].” What a waste of a great character!
In addition, I absolutely hated some of the out-of-character decisions that the characters make. Dany burning King’s Landing would have worked a lot better if we actually had more time with her “transitioning” into the ‘Mad Queen.’ However, it felt so out-of-character for her to suddenly massacre innocent civilians, including women and children. In the previous seasons, she literally tells Jorah to make sure that women and children weren’t harmed. The show also had a great arc with Jaime and Brienne which is thrown out the window when Jamie went back to her sister/lover. So, what was the point of the Jamie/Brienne story if it would be abandoned so shamelessly? Their eventual romance was easily the most believable relationship out of any couple on the show but was ultimately unnecessary.
Lastly, why did the characters make such a big deal about Jon’s heritage if it was never even brought up during the discussion scene in the finale? Did the characters suddenly forget that Jon is a Targaryen? And, didn’t Bran tell Tyrion earlier in the season that the throne didn’t interest him? Why did he accept it then in the end? Oh, and do not me started about Arya killing the Night King… Until that moment, Jon Snow was the only character who’s entire goal was to defeat the army of the dead. Arya, on the other hand, had far less to do with the white walker story line than she did with removing the people on her list. So, why did Arya end up dealing the final blow to the Night King? It was extremely unsatisfying. I really don’t want to sound like a curmudgeon but various story lines were resolved so carelessly this season, which simply left me disappointed.
Rating
Game of Thrones season 8 is filled with stunning cinematography, fantastic visuals, and excellent performances. However, the season suffers from lackluster writing, outrageous character decisions and a rushed feeling permeating the entire season. 2.7/5.
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