Game of Thrones: The Final Review

Game of Thrones has ended. There will be no more episodes. It would have been impossible for the writers to wrap up every single plot thread in Season 8, especially because this past season had fewer episodes (6 instead of usual 10). The final episode, “The Iron Throne,” did manage to provide a sense of closure for most of the character arcs and had some incredible visual moments. However, in its rush to the end, the final episode lost sight of some of the political commentary and themes that made Game of Thrones so compelling in the first place. The raison d’être for this story is question “what makes for a good king?” The finale barely engaged with that question, which is a missed opportunity.

*** SPOILERS for Season 8 of Game of Thrones BELOW ***

Game of Thrones: “Home” (S6,E2)

The title of the second episode of Season 6 is “Home,” but it could just as easily have been “Parents.” One way or another, each of the younger characters had to come to terms with the legacy of his or her (often overbearing) parents. Even though Ramsay and Tommen and Yara and even Bran never interact, they’re all dealing with the same issues of filial relationships. The way each responds to overbearing parents says much about their characters.

Game of Thrones: “The Red Woman” (S6,E1)

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be reviewing each episode of Season 6 from HBO’s Game of Thrones. Season 6 is a milestone for the franchise as it will be the first to continue the story beyond George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice books. Fortunately, Martin provided showrunners David Benioff and D. B. Weiss with a rough outline of his vision for the rest of the story. As such, we’re in an odd position in which the show might spoil the story for fans of the books.

Why I’m looking forward to Season 6 of Game of Thrones

What is the Iron Throne worth?

Based on the internet chatter, I predict Season 6 of Game of Thrones will see a significant drop viewership as more viewers get frustrated waiting for a payoff. It’d be the first dropoff in the show’s five years. For my part, I plan to continue watching. Despite my complaints, Game of Thrones has been an entertaining roller coaster ride. I’m also somewhat optimistic about the future.

WARNING: Spoilers for Game of Thrones Seasons 1-5 below!

“Game of Thrones” Season 5: What is it all about?

After five years, Winter still isn’t here?

I’m often asked for my opinion on HBO’s Game of Thrones. So I might as well get this out of the way now that Season 5 has just ended. I like Game of Thrones. I watch the show regularly and have read several of George R.R. Martin’s books. I respect the show’s production values and willingness to depart from conventional storytelling methods.

But I don’t love it. Too often, it relies on shocking viewers rather than telling a compelling story. It’s still entertaining, but not meaningful.

WARNING: Spoilers for Game of Thrones Seasons 1-5 below!