And whether you agree with these complaints or not, it’s hard to deny the final season had some pretty significant flaws, especially compared to its predecessors. With Game of Thrones season 8 only spanning six episodes, certain storylines didn’t get the attention they deserved. Sadly, they haven’t improved with time.
There are also revelations about Game of Thrones season 8 that crop up in hindsight, and some of these sting just as much as the controversial story choices. This makes revisiting the last batch of episodes an even more bittersweet experience than watching it the first time.
The White Walkers’ Ending Is Still Disappointing After Years Of Build-Up
The Winds Of Winter Needs A More Satisfying Conclusion
Rewatching Game of Thrones will get viewers invested in the White Walker storyline all over again, as it’s arguably the most interesting threat the characters face. Unfortunately, the conclusion of this narrative isn’t better a second time around. Although “The Long Night” is a great episode of television, it’s simply not enough to close out this long-running plot.
The White Walkers — and the Night King, in particular — are built up as too much of a threat to believably conquer them in one episode. The fact that Jon Snow doesn’t even face the Night King one-on-one before Arya kills him only adds to the disappointment.
Tyrion Lannister’s “Best Story” Speech Never Gets Any Better
It’s Just As Corny, Six Years After Game Of Thrones’ Finale
Some aspects of Game of Thrones season 8 are better after sitting with them, but Tyrion’s “best story” speech hasn’t improved with time. As the lords and ladies of Westeros determine who should be king after Daenerys’ death, they inexplicably ask Tyrion what he thinks (an odd choice, given he’s both a traitor and a prisoner).
Tyrion then goes on a tirade about giving the crown to the person with the “best story,” a sentiment that feels totally out of line with everything Game of Thrones is. It’s corny, it’s tonally inconsistent, and it results in Bran Stark becoming the new king of the Six Kingdoms — one of the least popular developments of the finale.
Rewatching “The Iron Throne” years later, Tyrion’s speech still comes off poorly. It’s some of the weakest writing in the show, and that’s especially noticeable if you’re rewatching season 8 after revisiting the earlier outings.
Game Of Thrones’ Ending Isn’t As Bad As People Remember
It’s Shocking How Quickly & Thoroughly It Was Written Off
Although there are many valid criticisms of Game of Thrones’ ending, one of the harshest realities upon a rewatch is that it’s not as terrible as people remember. Expectations were high heading into the eighth and final season, as viewers had many theories about where things would go. This set up the finale to be at least a little disappointing.
And there are certainly things that could have been improved. But overall, Game of Thrones’ ending isn’t the worst the series could have done. It’s leagues ahead of many other fantasy finales and other controversial TV endings. The production quality is impressive, and Game of Thrones season 8 features some of the series’ strongest performances.
There are also bright spots in the storytelling, like Sansa Stark becoming the queen of a newly independent North and Arya setting sail on a new adventure. Witnessing these developments with some distance will make you question why the show’s ending is still so harshly criticized.
Game Of Thrones Could Have & Should Have Gone On Longer
It’s Even More Frustrating In Hindsight
However, they felt strongly that season 8 should wrap things up, and they went through with that plan. Knowing that both GRRM and HBO would have been on board for more makes season 8’s short and rushed run even more disappointing in hindsight.
Rewatching the show, it’s obvious that another season or two could have solved some of season 8’s biggest shortcomings. The White Walkers could have gotten more attention, the character twists could have been better developed, and it could have gone out on a much higher note. Unfortunately, now Game of Thrones’ finale will always be remembered for dividing fans.
Game Of Thrones Season 8 Really Was The End Of An Era
Fantasy Television Hasn’t Reached Its Heights Since
Although fantasy television is booming on the heels of Game of Thrones, season 8 really was the end of an era — and that’s even more obvious after seeing what’s come out since. While many series have tried to recapture the enthusiasm surrounding the HBO show (The Rings of Power, Wheel of Time, and The Witcher, to name a few), no other fantasy title has come close.
Season 8’s Unpopular Choices Will Likely Carry Over To The Song Of Ice & Fire Books
The Finale Likely Isn’t Far From What GRRM Has Planned
The ending of A Song of Ice and Fire may not be identical to Game of Thrones’ conclusion, but there are developments I’m confident Martin’s books will keep. Martin reportedly told D&D the major beats of his planned ending (via Forbes), and while they admitted to changing things, it’s possible — and even likely — the unpopular choices will show up in The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring.
Bran becoming king, Arya playing a role in the Others’ defeat, and Daenerys turning into a tyrant could all happen in the next couple of books. It’s probable that Martin will handle such twists better, setting them up well before they take place and making them more believable. But anyone banking on getting a very different ending should be prepared for the possibility that won’t happen.
Game Of Thrones Season 8 Is The Only Ending ASOIAF Will Have For A Long Time
A Dream Of Spring Won’t Be Here For A While
Then he’ll need to start penning A Dream of Spring, which will take at least a few years to finish — and that’s assuming it doesn’t face similar delays to The Winds of Winter. With all this in mind, rewatching Game of Thrones season 8 serves as a reminder that we might not get another ending for a long time. It’s great that we have an alternate one at all, but it’s still a little disappointing.
