Evaluating the Final Season of Game of Thrones: Was It the Worst Endpoint?

Game of Thrones, a beloved series that captivated many viewers, concluded with a final season that sparked much controversy and mixed reactions. While some continue to defend the series' finale, others argue that it was the worst, demeaning the rewatchability of the entire show. This article delves into the reasons behind these opinions, offering a nuanced analysis of the season's shortcomings and positives, and identifies common criticisms and fan reactions.

The Final Crumbling of Character Integrity

The tenth episode of the final season, North of the Wall (episode 10 of 6), is often cited as the nadir of the series. One of the most significant issues arises because the characters, who had previously portrayed relatable and consistent behavior, suddenly took turns acting in ways that were jarringly inconsistent with their established personas. This abrupt shift left the show feeling incoherent and disconnected, detracting from its overall quality and rewatch value.

The Dany and Daenerys Paradox

A particular criticism centers around the character of Daenerys Targaryen. Many fans found the finale unsatisfying because it revealed that the character they had been rooting for was, in fact, a tyrant. This contradiction was noted by both fans and critics alike, as they argue that the final season lacked the dramatic conflict needed.

While it is admitted that Daenerys did exhibit both the traits of a strong and capable leader as well as an entitled and uncompromising ruler, the finale did not effectively balance these qualities. The series failed to provide sufficient context for the character's maturation, leaving viewers with a sense of betrayal and unsatisfied arc. Fans who rooted for a villainous Dany instead found that the show did not deliver a clear pathway for her to evolve or atone for her actions.

The Broader Critique and Box Office Cynicism

While the character arcs in the final season received considerable attention, other criticisms were directed at the overall narrative direction and the commercial decisions that influenced the series. The lack of respect for the audience's intelligence is at the heart of these complaints. Critics argue that the series devolved into a “pile of deluded garbage,” particularly regarding the maturity of the show's concept and its execution.

Some of the most contentious issues in the final season included:

Tyrion Lannister's sudden downscaling: Fans were disappointed by Tyrion's reduced role and the subsequent insertion of his betrayal, viewed as a contrived and rushed plot point. Jaime Lannister's redemption twist: The arc of Jaime's character, which had been built over seven seasons, was not given the closure it deserved. Many felt that his ultimate fate was an insult to the emotional investment viewers had in his character's journey. Bran Stark's alienation: Much of Bran's storyline was anticlimactic, particularly his decision to step away from the main narrative. While some parts were compelling, the overall impact was underwhelming, leading to the phrase 'HAhaHAhaHA' commonly used to express frustration. Night King's disappointing resolution: The night king's death was seen as inadequate, lacking the dramatic tension that had built up throughout the series, thus reducing the impact of this moment significantly.

Sufficiency vs. Excess in Plot Armor

Another recurring critique among fans pertains to the excessive plot armor exhibited by the characters. Critics argue that the use of plot armor, where important characters are rendered invulnerable through unrealistic means, detracts from the realism and portrayal of drama in the series. Examples include the invincible status of characters like Arya Stark and the strange and unexplained resolution of events without satisfactory explanations. This lack of resolution left gaps in the storytelling that many found unsatisfying.

In conclusion, while there are valid points for both those who found the final season to be a worthy conclusion and those who outright critiqued it as the worst endpoint, it is clear that the final season faced significant scrutiny and skepticism. The quality of rewatchability was certainly compromised, and the narrative choices did not align with the respectful and mature storytelling many fans had come to expect from the show.