The Ultimate Season 8 Game of Thrones Debacle: Unveiling the Catastrophic Mistakes

Summary

Game of Thrones season 8 disappointed fans with a lackluster ending, which can be attributed to the rushed pacing and lack of time to naturally conclude the series.

The decline of the show can be attributed to its divergence from the original material, leading to a dilution of Martin's intricate storytelling and straying from established character arcs. This, in turn, left viewers questioning the purpose of prior storylines and feeling unsatisfied with major plot points, such as Jon Snow's resurrection. Additionally, the rushed and implausible narrative in season 8 had a detrimental impact on the overall quality of earlier seasons.

Game of Thrones season 8, after revolutionizing the television landscape, left fans disappointed and confused with its lackluster conclusion to this epic series. George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice & Fire books had always enjoyed a devoted following, but the immense surge in popularity that Martin's world experienced on HBO was hard to comprehend. With its deeply political nature, groundbreaking visuals, and impressive cast, Game of Thrones had become a true global phenomenon, seemingly unstoppable in its ascent. However, when the highly anticipated finale of the shortened season arrived, it failed to meet the expectations of many fans.

The tale of Westeros continued to expand with each season of Game of Thrones, and while the series enjoyed unparalleled success in terms of both ratings and critical acclaim, it faced an unprecedented level of anticipation leading up to season 8. With Martin's books still incomplete, the conclusion of Game of Thrones was shrouded in secrecy. Season 8 faced the nearly impossible task of fully satisfying its audience, but no one could have predicted just how spectacularly it would disappoint. Reflecting on the series, there were numerous factors that contributed to the profound disappointment of season 8.

Game Of Thrones Needed More Seasons

Game of Thrones season 8 had numerous issues, but the main problem can be attributed to the fact that the series needed more time to reach a satisfying conclusion. The announcement of the show's ending came early, during season 6. As audiences discovered that there would only be two more seasons, and with a shorter episode count, concerns arose about whether there would be enough time to wrap up all the remaining storylines.

Initially, during season 6, when Game of Thrones was still highly acclaimed, many people gave the showrunners, Benioff and Weiss, the benefit of the doubt. However, these initial doubts turned out to be completely justified. Since its first season, Game of Thrones had been known for its slow build, taking time to develop characters, intertwine their stories, and explore different aspects of Martin's fantasy world. Although this deliberate pace could sometimes be frustrating (such as the long duration it took for Daenerys to sail across the sea), it was also one of the show's greatest strengths, allowing for a natural growth of the narrative and its rich ensemble of characters.

By contrast,

The Game Of Thrones TV Series Overtook The Books

GoT season 8 dashed towards the conclusion at an alarming rate. The pace was dramatically increased, causing the main characters to zip across the map at record speed. Unfortunately, the gripping and meaningful character interactions that were once the hallmark of Game of Thrones were sacrificed to accommodate the plot. This sudden gear shift was not only disorienting but also robbed the show of its depth, which played a crucial role in its previous success. Instead, the hurried pacing traded substance for shallow scenes that merely advanced the storyline. Even George R.R. Martin expressed surprise at the abrupt ending of Game of Thrones, as he initially believed the series would continue for a much longer period of time.

Game of Thrones season 8 marked a turning point for the show, which had already started to lose its footing. The decline in quality coincided with the moment when the HBO series surpassed the source material. Benioff and Weiss never intended to faithfully adapt Martin's books. Even in the earlier seasons, there were significant deviations in certain moments, characters, and storylines. However, Game of Thrones remained true to the major elements of the books and preserved Martin's overall character profiles. The vast and intricate series of novels was condensed into a cohesive yet still captivating television narrative. Unfortunately, the duo struggled to find substantial material to draw from when their book supply ran dry.

It's hard to overlook the moment where Martin's storytelling ends. The surprising twists of earlier seasons are replaced by awkward attempts to defy expectations, like when Arya kills the Night King. The deaths that once sparked months of discussion now lack emotional impact. The intricate plotting gives way to a more direct approach, with season 8 rushing from point A to point B without pausing to appreciate the scenery. While Game of Thrones season 8 took most of the criticism, the show's decline can actually be traced back even further. As more original material found its way into the scripts, flaws started to emerge.

Out-Of-Character Characteristics

A major issue with Game of Thrones season 8 was the drastic change in behavior of beloved characters. This inconsistency was particularly evident in Dany's destruction of King's Landing. Throughout the series, Dany had always shown hints of a darker side, but she had remained a strong protagonist in season 8. Her decision to ruthlessly burn innocent people came as a shock and seemed to defy her established character arc. While factors such as a fragile ego, a thirst for power, and her genetic lineage were present, they did not fully explain the extreme level of violence and devastation unleashed by Dany. This sudden shift left many viewers disheartened.

Jon Snow went from a captivating figure on TV to a predictable and shallow hero, constantly repeating the same lines about bending the knee and not desiring the throne. His character arc ended with a merciful exile, which brought him no satisfaction. The final season of Game of Thrones should have been his time to shine, but none of his standout moments occurred. The deaths of Cersei and Jaime also sparked disagreement among viewers, as neither character received the ending or acted in a way that aligned with their previous development.

The shift in writers and the absence of source material in the TV series led to inconsistent character portrayals. The pressure to wrap up the story within two seasons significantly contributed to this issue. The conclusion of Game of Thrones, where Jon Snow kills Daenerys and Bran becomes the ruler, is not inherently problematic. However, it was not adequately built up or foreshadowed. With more episodes, the transformation of Daenerys into a villain and Bran's ascent to the throne could have been more gradually and carefully developed. This would have resulted in less confusion and contrivance in the major pivotal moments.

Season 8 Made Needless Mistakes

Some of the issues encountered in Game of Thrones season 8 could not have been easily avoided. External factors such as budget constraints, talent contracts, and non-creative considerations influenced the number of seasons. The lack of source material cannot solely be attributed to Benioff and Weiss, as many have attempted to expedite George R.R. Martin's writing process to no avail. Pausing the TV series until Martin released more books would have been impractical, resulting in the decision to veer into original content, albeit with negative consequences.

Certain mistakes in Game of Thrones season 8 could have been prevented. From a production perspective, there was the infamous stray coffee cup. The Battle of Winterfell was excessively dark, making it difficult for viewers to follow the action. Visual errors were more prevalent in this season, contributing to an overall perception of carelessness compared to previous ones. In terms of the story and plot, the sequence of events in the Game of Thrones finale seemed disorganized and poorly thought out. A prominent example is the scene where Varys is seen hastily writing letters shortly before his death. Despite the scene's apparent significance, it ultimately proves inconsequential.

Major Plot Points Never Paid Off

When discussing the success of a TV finale, modern audiences now focus on the level of satisfaction rather than on spectacle, drama, or excitement. Viewers invest both time and emotions into long-running series, and if the ending does not fulfill their expectations, the entire journey can feel like a waste. Game of Thrones season 8, measured by this standard, was undeniably a failure, as many significant plot points were left unresolved.

One of the most notable casualties of this failure was the enduring mystery of Jon Snow's parentage. For years, readers of the books were captivated by the R+L=J theory, which asserted that Jon had Targaryen blood—an aspect that became a major topic of discussion at the end of each season. Unfortunately, Jon's Targaryen heritage had no impact on the conclusion of Game of Thrones. Despite being denied his rightful place as a Targaryen, even after Daenerys' demise, Jon was banished to the North, where he would spend his days far away from King's Landing. This ending would have played out in the exact same way if Jon had truly been Ned Stark's son.

In one swift episode, the Night King's importance and his recurring symbol were swiftly resolved. However, the enigma surrounding Bran and the Three-Eyed Raven persisted, numerous series prophecies went unfulfilled, the enthralling Dorne story was abandoned, the intriguing masked Quaith from season 2 was left unexplored, and the fate of Daenerys' settlements in Essos remained shrouded in ambiguity. The ending of Game of Thrones veered away from honoring the show's intricate history, opting instead for a reactive approach that checked off some boxes while disregarding others. As a result, a significant portion of the audience felt that the countless questions they had pondered over eight seasons had ultimately led to nothing substantial.

GOT Season 8 Made Earlier Seasons Worse

Game of Thrones season 8 not only disappointed fans with its finale, but also had a detrimental impact on previous seasons. The hasty and illogical plot undermined significant storylines, like Jon Snow's anticipated confrontation with the Night King. The Night King had proven himself as a formidable threat during the intense Hardhome attack, and the dramatic moment when Jon and he locked eyes hinted at an epic clash to come. While it made sense for Arya, with her assassin skills, to be the one to kill the Night King, it rendered Jon's journey seemingly meaningless.

Jon Snow had the worst outcome among the main characters in season 8 of Game of Thrones. Despite once being the undeniable hero of the series, he ended up feeling lost and directionless. Throughout the final season, Jon mostly observed events unfold rather than actively participating in them, which only served to make his previous resurrection in season 6 seem even more insignificant. Many fans had initially found his fake death to be a cheap trick, but they had hoped it would have a meaningful impact on Jon's story moving forward. Unfortunately, the final season demonstrated that the show had no valid reason for bringing Jon back.

The most devastating undoing of character development was seen in the arc of Jaime Lannister. The show accomplished something remarkable with Jaime, who was despised by audiences since the very first episode. As more of his story unfolded, he grew increasingly complex, portrayed as a man who had made numerous mistakes but was on a path toward redemption and proving his true knightly nature. The pivotal moment in his journey was when he finally acknowledged Cersei's evil and chose to leave her, which occurred at the end of season 7. The fact that Game of Thrones season 8 ultimately returned him to her, leading to his demise, indicates a profound misunderstanding of his character.

How House Of The Dragon Sidesteps Thrones S8's Problems

House of the Dragon is poised to overcome the issues that plagued the conclusion of Game of Thrones season 8 for several reasons. Unlike its predecessor, House of the Dragon is based on a book already completed by Martin, Fire and Blood, which was published in 2018. This ensures that no matter how long the series runs or how much of Fire and Blood it adapts, it will never have to create original material to achieve a satisfying ending. While the show may take creative liberties, it can avoid the fatal flaw of Game of Thrones season 8 by not inventing its own story instead of waiting for Martin.

Additionally, House of the Dragon addresses another major issue from the Game of Thrones finale – the rushed pacing, inconsistent travel speeds, and confusing time jumps. This is not as problematic for House of the Dragon, as Fire and Blood already incorporates these leaps as part of its narrative. Because the show spans multiple generations of Targaryen successors, focusing on the Targaryen civil war, it inherently has a broader scope than Game of Thrones. Thus, significant plot elements are integrated from the very beginning, ensuring consistent pacing and preventing the pitfall of cramming too much into the conclusion, as Game of Thrones did.

HotD Is Retroactively Adding Weight To GoT Moments

House of the Dragon expands upon some of the peculiar moments from Game of Thrones, immersing viewers further into the intricate lore and vast universe crafted by George R.R. Martin. This spin-off series offers a fresh perspective on significant aspects of Westerosi history, such as the Targaryen family and their rule prior to the events depicted in GoT. Furthermore, it delves into the era when dragons reigned the skies in larger numbers, shedding light on what the 7 Kingdoms were truly like. A pivotal link between the two series is Aegon's dream, also known as "A Song of Ice and Fire."

In the foreshadowing of Game of Thrones, King Viserys presents Rhaenyra with the catspaw dagger, the very weapon responsible for nearly killing Bran Stark. He expounds that she must unite the realm to face an impending threat from the far north: the White Walkers. The catspaw dagger and Aegon's dream serve as the connecting threads that bind the series together, establishing a strong link between Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Another significant moment reframed by House of the Dragon occurs when Drogon spares Jon Snow's life, despite the fact that he takes the life of Daenerys Targaryen. While Game of Thrones only touched the surface of dragon lore, House of the Dragon delves deeper into the profound bond between dragons and their riders.

House of the Dragon enhances dragon lore, showcasing 16 dragons, most of which have riders. The connection between Daenerys and her dragons is better understood in the context of HotD, particularly during scenes like Laena Velaryon's attempt to compel Vhagar to harm herself. The prequel series establishes that dragons possess greater intelligence and complexity than portrayed in GoT, thus making Drogon's merciful act towards Jon Snow more logical. Furthermore, House of the Dragon offers a fresh perspective on Daenerys Targaryen's heritage. Upon her introduction, her brother's delusional claims regarding their family's past grandeur appeared nonsensical. However, HotD substantiates the extent of their rule and prominence.

Rhaenyra asserts that the Targaryens possess divinity rather than mere humanity, a declaration validated by their mastery over dragons. In Game of Thrones, Viserys' ramblings and his sister's unwavering determination to restore their family's name on the Iron Throne gain clearer significance when viewed through the lens of House of the Dragon. The Targaryens effectively governed Westeros for numerous generations, and Daenerys' fervor to reinstate their authority may garner more support from viewers upon revisiting the series. Therefore, despite the significant letdown of Game of Thrones season 8, House of the Dragon at least helps rationalize some of those perplexing moments.

George RR Martin Had Little Input On Season 8

While there were complaints about David Benioff and Dan "D.B." Weiss lacking source material for Game of Thrones season 8, there's curiosity about why they didn't consult George RR Martin more regarding the upcoming episodes and storyline. It would seem logical that they would want to incorporate the author's ideas when concluding his story on HBO. However, it appears they didn't make an effort to do so as Martin himself stated that he was "out of the loop" by the end (via New York Times).

When questioned, George RR Martin disclosed that his involvement diminished greatly after season 5. In fact, he had no involvement in the final two seasons. This lack of involvement was not by choice, as Martin mentioned that anyone seeking an explanation should "ask Dan and David." However, this pattern has changed with House of the Dragon, where Martin now holds a significant role in the planning process. He reads scripts, attends meetings, and previews early cuts. If anyone desires to witness the significant impact of Martin's involvement, House of the Dragon will provide a much more satisfying glimpse than the conclusion of Game of Thrones.