Jaye (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
jayes_musings) wrote2019-05-20 06:54 pm
jayes_musings) wrote2019-05-20 06:54 pm
Entry tags:
And now our Watch is Ended
Overall, I'm satisfied with how Game of Thrones ended. No, not necessarily happy, but satisfied. For the most part, it works for me. That doesn't mean that I liked all the choices that were made, and I certainly had my share of gripes. And FWIW, here are my thoughts.
Like many, Season 8 (and much of Season 7) was rushed. The care that had been taken with how long distance in Westeros takes in prior seasons was thrown out of the window. And with that certain character development went along with it.
"A Knight of the Seven Realms" was undoubtedly the best episode of S8 and one of the best in the entire series. It was a nice breather and a nice look at the primary characters as they prepared for the big battle. I enjoy character studies like this. The best segment was certainly with several characters by the fire just talking, particularly Tormund's giant's milk story(!) and of course, Jaime making Brienne a knight. And unlike a lot of fans, I loved Arya's sex scene with Gendry. It was so well done with Arya perfectly in character (and of course more than old enough!) But Jon (always the idiot who somehow managed to inherit Ned Stark's suicidal honesty) why did you tell Dany?
"The Long Night" And this was the most disappointing episode. First of all, yes way too dark. I've heard of all the excuses and work arounds, but really it's not a cinematic release but a TV show, I shouldn't have to watch it in cinema conditions just to be able to see what's going on. I also have to watch on my tablet which, even with the brightness on full, can't get bright enough. And this wasn't the first time I had this complaint, but it was definitely the worst. There are so many gripes I had with the battle itself. Terrible, terrible tactics, which just left me going 'why would anyone do that?'. And while I was happy with how Arya killed the Night King, it was deus ex machina. Bran....I just don't know what he was doing throughout the whole battle, a whole lot of nothing. But my main gripe is quite simple. The threat of the Night King and his army has been a threat since the very first episode. This is an army that will destroy the race of Men. And while plenty of people did die -- though relatively few main characters -- it was disappointing that this greatest threat it thoroughly defeated in one night, hardly the War we'd been promised. I know I would have preferred if it wasn't such a convincing win and the threat of the White Walkers carried on down through Westeros. It was too quick...and yes, too easy.
Now, to the last two episodes. It took me about a week before I saw "The Bells" and the spoilers I read had me fearing the worst, that they had really fucked it up...but after watching it, I was overall impressed with it, mostly the cinematography and CGI (the Drogon scenes were tremendous).
Varys: One of my favourite of the secondary characters, I knew he would be toast sooner or later such is usually the fate of spymasters, but as horrifying as death by dragon is, it was a good death for him.
Jaime: Yes, I'm so disappointed that the writers went with him reuniting with Cersei rather killing her. All the redemption he's shown over the seasons just gone. He should have stayed at Winterfell with Brienne. Or, at the very least Tyrion should NOT have freed him and would have saved his brother.
Qyburn: The guy was a complete toady sleazeball. I never liked Ser Gregor, but the Hulk-ish way he dispatched him was not only fitting but in all the chaos of the destruction was a moment to smile.
Sandor Clegane: Another of my favourites, and yes this was a perfect end for him, to die doing what he has wanted to do since childhood -- kill Ser Gregor. The fact that killing him superseded his fear of fire was the icing on the cake. But really was the Mountain's only move the thumbs to the eyes trick?
Euron Greyjoy: Oooh, I loved to hate this guy! He thoroughly got all that he deserved. Though I do wish that Jaime had told him with relish that Cersei was pregnant long before he came on the scene.
Cersei: Speaking of her pregnancy...was she ever really, I'm still not convinced. If a realistic time frame was kept to (which, I know it wasn't in the slightest) the baby should be a toddler by now. Even with the compressed time in the last two seasons, she should still at least be showing. Yet, Cersei is convincing distraught about their unborn child when Jaime tries to lead her out of the Red Keep. While I liked how she quietly and unobtrusively as possible sneaked past the Cleganes, her death left a lot to be desired. She has been the source of so many people's pain for so long. Putting aside the Valonquar prophesy, which didn't really play a part in the series, I would have loved to have seen either Arya, Tyrion, or Jaime kill her brutally. Or serve her up alive to Dany for Drogon to toast. Instead, no one is directly responsible for her death. And while Tyrion mourning Jaime makes sense, his sadness at seeing Cersei's body didn't fit.
Grey Worm: Yes, he's completely loyal to Dany, and yes, he was devastated by Missandei's death that at least his character arc through this was consistent, even the killing of surrendered soldiers.
Dany's Army: We saw the Dothraki all but wiped out by the wights in that idiotic charge, but suddenly there are plenty of Dothraki in King's Landing. The Unsullied were likewise decimated at the battle of Winterfell, and yet there are rank upon rank of them to hear and 'cheer' Dany's Nuremburgess victory speech.
Danaerys: I've felt for a long time that she was heading for succumbing to megalomaniac degrees of tyranny from back in Slaver's Bay, and even before then (he coldness at her brother's execution -- yes, he deserved it, but she didn't even blink). But they were subtle signs. She had advisors who could temper some of her more violent tendancies. But if those signs were missed, it would seem an abrupt development. She lost her husband, a man she loved and lost their child she was carrying. She had been taught from birth about the Targaryen right to the Iron Throne and how the Westerosi would welcome her back as their Queen without hesitation. She lost a dragon/child to the Night King, she lost her oldest friend Ser Jorah, she lost a second dragon/child, she lost Missandei, she discovers that Jon has a better claim on her throne, and two of her advisors betray her. For someone with her background and experience, a psychotic break is unsurprising.
Jon/Aegon: He is probably my second least favourite character, and I've never liked him much. He is just an idiot, and he doesn't change. Why did he tell Dany who he was really? Even worse, why did he tell Sansa? He didn't want the Iron Throne, but he would always be a threat to Dany...that is even if the Westerosi accepted her over Jon, which they likely wouldn't. After the burning of King's Landing and Dany's speech, there was only one path for him to take. Now, I wish there hadn't been that timejump after he killed Dany, but why the hell did he confess what he did to the Unsullied. The compromise on his fate, negotiated by Tyrion kind of makes sense at first, but when Grey Worm turns down the lands of the Reach for the Unsullied and they head off to Naath, surely they would never know if Jon made it to Castle Black or not. Although, I feel that Jon would have chosen to head North of the Wall with the Wildlings (and Ghost) anyway.
Drogon: Just awesome! The scene with his wings opening behind Dany was a 'Woah' moment as was him waking up and shaking off the snow before allowing Jon to pass. And of course, his grief at his mother's death, you could feel his pain (given that he'd so recently also lost his brothers) as he tried to nudge her awake. Then his tenderly picking up Dany's body and flying away. Perfect! And yes, dragons are so much more smarter than people, and I think a part of him accepted this as the price for Dany's cruelty, and why he didn't kill Jon.
Sansa: She hasn't always been a popular character, but I've been cheering her corner since she left King's Landing with Littlefinger. She learned much from him, and she is the best person to rule the North, and while I'm glad she received its independence, I can't help but think that the other kingdoms would want the same.
The Lords at the Dragonpit: It was great to see some 'forgotten' Lords like Edmure Tully, Robin Arryn, as well as the new ruler of Dorne, and Gendry as the newly made Lord of the Stormlands. I couldn't quite place a couple of the others. Sansa telling Edmure to sit down was classic, and it was a nice touch of banging his sword to remind us what an utter incompetent he is.
Arya: First of all, I loved watching her trying to make her way out of King's Landing during the attack. It was a great way to show the terror and horror of all that death and destruction, and that her abilities count for nothing there. I was disappointed she didn't get to kill Cersei, but yes, the Hound was right. Even if she had, she would never have got out alive. I've seen people complain that she wasn't made Queen, but Arya would have hated it. She's not one to be tied to any position no matter how powerful and grand, though I did find the Stark farewell at the harbour too LOTR-ish as was her sailing to discover what lies west of Westeros. However, if that became a show, I would watch the hell out of it!
The Small Council: Brienne as the Commander of the King's Guard. Yes! Her writing Jaime's story was fitting, given the very brief and cynical biography that was there. Davos as Master of Ships was the right choice. Sam as Grand Maester is logical, although did he ever earn his Maester chains? And the book was a good nod to GRRM. I'm still not sure that Bronn as Master of Coin is wise, but as he is the richest Lord now, it makes sense. And Tyrion as Hand once more. Will they run Westeros better this time? Maybe, but it's a good start.
Bran: Ugh! I've never liked Bran either in the show or the books. He is the most annoying character who has only grown moreso with becoming the Three-Eyed Raven. He was pointless at the Battle of Winterfell. I don't particularly care what his intent on luring the Night King was, but staring off into space, saying nothing, and warging into a few ravens who then really do nothing, is not an effective way of conveying what's happening in a visual medium. That said with becoming the 3ER and knowing all history and all present, he has manipulated so much to bring the Starks to victory. He may not want the throne, but like Tyrion knows he's the best choice, so he came all the way from Winterfell to accept it. And in doing so, and ceding his birthright as heir of Winterfell to Sansa, he guarantees two things the Starks rule Westeros, north and south, and Jon will undoubtedly represent the Wildlings and preserve that alliance. And while he cannot have children, Sansa can and will therefore continue Stark rule of the North. I do think the rest of the Lords at the Dragonpit agreed to easily, and I would think after some thought -- and their own stocks and forces are replenished -- they might have their own cause to press for independence, especially the Iron Islands. I don't like that Bran was picked as King because I don't like the character, but it really was the only logical choice in the end.
As I said at the start of this TL;DR, it's not the ending I wanted (I'm not even sure what I wanted exactly) but it's an ending I'm satisfied with. There are a lot of people in fandom making noise about how bad Season 8 was (admittedly it wasn't the best) and how it was the worse series finale since "Lost". IDK about that as I never watched "Lost" but it strike me, and I'm seeing this more and more in fandom that showrunners just cannot win. If they give fans what they want, they are accused of being too fan-service-y and if they don't do what fandom wants the show is ruined!
Yes, I've listed my gripes above, but those didn't ruin it. Sure, if I was the writer I would have done some things differently, but I'm not. They are. There is such a sense of entitlement in fandom nowadays that a whole show or movie is ruined if that fandom's favourite ship is ruined or doesn't happen or if a character that's not their favourite wins. The fact that fans can interact with showrunners on social media has seemed to foster this sense that the showrunners 'owe' the fans what they want. Such as the ridiculous petition to do-over Season 8. A) this is what fanfiction is for and b) the writers told their story (and GRRM's) and it's just too bad that it wasn't yours.
Like many, Season 8 (and much of Season 7) was rushed. The care that had been taken with how long distance in Westeros takes in prior seasons was thrown out of the window. And with that certain character development went along with it.
"A Knight of the Seven Realms" was undoubtedly the best episode of S8 and one of the best in the entire series. It was a nice breather and a nice look at the primary characters as they prepared for the big battle. I enjoy character studies like this. The best segment was certainly with several characters by the fire just talking, particularly Tormund's giant's milk story(!) and of course, Jaime making Brienne a knight. And unlike a lot of fans, I loved Arya's sex scene with Gendry. It was so well done with Arya perfectly in character (and of course more than old enough!) But Jon (always the idiot who somehow managed to inherit Ned Stark's suicidal honesty) why did you tell Dany?
"The Long Night" And this was the most disappointing episode. First of all, yes way too dark. I've heard of all the excuses and work arounds, but really it's not a cinematic release but a TV show, I shouldn't have to watch it in cinema conditions just to be able to see what's going on. I also have to watch on my tablet which, even with the brightness on full, can't get bright enough. And this wasn't the first time I had this complaint, but it was definitely the worst. There are so many gripes I had with the battle itself. Terrible, terrible tactics, which just left me going 'why would anyone do that?'. And while I was happy with how Arya killed the Night King, it was deus ex machina. Bran....I just don't know what he was doing throughout the whole battle, a whole lot of nothing. But my main gripe is quite simple. The threat of the Night King and his army has been a threat since the very first episode. This is an army that will destroy the race of Men. And while plenty of people did die -- though relatively few main characters -- it was disappointing that this greatest threat it thoroughly defeated in one night, hardly the War we'd been promised. I know I would have preferred if it wasn't such a convincing win and the threat of the White Walkers carried on down through Westeros. It was too quick...and yes, too easy.
Now, to the last two episodes. It took me about a week before I saw "The Bells" and the spoilers I read had me fearing the worst, that they had really fucked it up...but after watching it, I was overall impressed with it, mostly the cinematography and CGI (the Drogon scenes were tremendous).
Varys: One of my favourite of the secondary characters, I knew he would be toast sooner or later such is usually the fate of spymasters, but as horrifying as death by dragon is, it was a good death for him.
Jaime: Yes, I'm so disappointed that the writers went with him reuniting with Cersei rather killing her. All the redemption he's shown over the seasons just gone. He should have stayed at Winterfell with Brienne. Or, at the very least Tyrion should NOT have freed him and would have saved his brother.
Qyburn: The guy was a complete toady sleazeball. I never liked Ser Gregor, but the Hulk-ish way he dispatched him was not only fitting but in all the chaos of the destruction was a moment to smile.
Sandor Clegane: Another of my favourites, and yes this was a perfect end for him, to die doing what he has wanted to do since childhood -- kill Ser Gregor. The fact that killing him superseded his fear of fire was the icing on the cake. But really was the Mountain's only move the thumbs to the eyes trick?
Euron Greyjoy: Oooh, I loved to hate this guy! He thoroughly got all that he deserved. Though I do wish that Jaime had told him with relish that Cersei was pregnant long before he came on the scene.
Cersei: Speaking of her pregnancy...was she ever really, I'm still not convinced. If a realistic time frame was kept to (which, I know it wasn't in the slightest) the baby should be a toddler by now. Even with the compressed time in the last two seasons, she should still at least be showing. Yet, Cersei is convincing distraught about their unborn child when Jaime tries to lead her out of the Red Keep. While I liked how she quietly and unobtrusively as possible sneaked past the Cleganes, her death left a lot to be desired. She has been the source of so many people's pain for so long. Putting aside the Valonquar prophesy, which didn't really play a part in the series, I would have loved to have seen either Arya, Tyrion, or Jaime kill her brutally. Or serve her up alive to Dany for Drogon to toast. Instead, no one is directly responsible for her death. And while Tyrion mourning Jaime makes sense, his sadness at seeing Cersei's body didn't fit.
Grey Worm: Yes, he's completely loyal to Dany, and yes, he was devastated by Missandei's death that at least his character arc through this was consistent, even the killing of surrendered soldiers.
Dany's Army: We saw the Dothraki all but wiped out by the wights in that idiotic charge, but suddenly there are plenty of Dothraki in King's Landing. The Unsullied were likewise decimated at the battle of Winterfell, and yet there are rank upon rank of them to hear and 'cheer' Dany's Nuremburgess victory speech.
Danaerys: I've felt for a long time that she was heading for succumbing to megalomaniac degrees of tyranny from back in Slaver's Bay, and even before then (he coldness at her brother's execution -- yes, he deserved it, but she didn't even blink). But they were subtle signs. She had advisors who could temper some of her more violent tendancies. But if those signs were missed, it would seem an abrupt development. She lost her husband, a man she loved and lost their child she was carrying. She had been taught from birth about the Targaryen right to the Iron Throne and how the Westerosi would welcome her back as their Queen without hesitation. She lost a dragon/child to the Night King, she lost her oldest friend Ser Jorah, she lost a second dragon/child, she lost Missandei, she discovers that Jon has a better claim on her throne, and two of her advisors betray her. For someone with her background and experience, a psychotic break is unsurprising.
Jon/Aegon: He is probably my second least favourite character, and I've never liked him much. He is just an idiot, and he doesn't change. Why did he tell Dany who he was really? Even worse, why did he tell Sansa? He didn't want the Iron Throne, but he would always be a threat to Dany...that is even if the Westerosi accepted her over Jon, which they likely wouldn't. After the burning of King's Landing and Dany's speech, there was only one path for him to take. Now, I wish there hadn't been that timejump after he killed Dany, but why the hell did he confess what he did to the Unsullied. The compromise on his fate, negotiated by Tyrion kind of makes sense at first, but when Grey Worm turns down the lands of the Reach for the Unsullied and they head off to Naath, surely they would never know if Jon made it to Castle Black or not. Although, I feel that Jon would have chosen to head North of the Wall with the Wildlings (and Ghost) anyway.
Drogon: Just awesome! The scene with his wings opening behind Dany was a 'Woah' moment as was him waking up and shaking off the snow before allowing Jon to pass. And of course, his grief at his mother's death, you could feel his pain (given that he'd so recently also lost his brothers) as he tried to nudge her awake. Then his tenderly picking up Dany's body and flying away. Perfect! And yes, dragons are so much more smarter than people, and I think a part of him accepted this as the price for Dany's cruelty, and why he didn't kill Jon.
Sansa: She hasn't always been a popular character, but I've been cheering her corner since she left King's Landing with Littlefinger. She learned much from him, and she is the best person to rule the North, and while I'm glad she received its independence, I can't help but think that the other kingdoms would want the same.
The Lords at the Dragonpit: It was great to see some 'forgotten' Lords like Edmure Tully, Robin Arryn, as well as the new ruler of Dorne, and Gendry as the newly made Lord of the Stormlands. I couldn't quite place a couple of the others. Sansa telling Edmure to sit down was classic, and it was a nice touch of banging his sword to remind us what an utter incompetent he is.
Arya: First of all, I loved watching her trying to make her way out of King's Landing during the attack. It was a great way to show the terror and horror of all that death and destruction, and that her abilities count for nothing there. I was disappointed she didn't get to kill Cersei, but yes, the Hound was right. Even if she had, she would never have got out alive. I've seen people complain that she wasn't made Queen, but Arya would have hated it. She's not one to be tied to any position no matter how powerful and grand, though I did find the Stark farewell at the harbour too LOTR-ish as was her sailing to discover what lies west of Westeros. However, if that became a show, I would watch the hell out of it!
The Small Council: Brienne as the Commander of the King's Guard. Yes! Her writing Jaime's story was fitting, given the very brief and cynical biography that was there. Davos as Master of Ships was the right choice. Sam as Grand Maester is logical, although did he ever earn his Maester chains? And the book was a good nod to GRRM. I'm still not sure that Bronn as Master of Coin is wise, but as he is the richest Lord now, it makes sense. And Tyrion as Hand once more. Will they run Westeros better this time? Maybe, but it's a good start.
Bran: Ugh! I've never liked Bran either in the show or the books. He is the most annoying character who has only grown moreso with becoming the Three-Eyed Raven. He was pointless at the Battle of Winterfell. I don't particularly care what his intent on luring the Night King was, but staring off into space, saying nothing, and warging into a few ravens who then really do nothing, is not an effective way of conveying what's happening in a visual medium. That said with becoming the 3ER and knowing all history and all present, he has manipulated so much to bring the Starks to victory. He may not want the throne, but like Tyrion knows he's the best choice, so he came all the way from Winterfell to accept it. And in doing so, and ceding his birthright as heir of Winterfell to Sansa, he guarantees two things the Starks rule Westeros, north and south, and Jon will undoubtedly represent the Wildlings and preserve that alliance. And while he cannot have children, Sansa can and will therefore continue Stark rule of the North. I do think the rest of the Lords at the Dragonpit agreed to easily, and I would think after some thought -- and their own stocks and forces are replenished -- they might have their own cause to press for independence, especially the Iron Islands. I don't like that Bran was picked as King because I don't like the character, but it really was the only logical choice in the end.
As I said at the start of this TL;DR, it's not the ending I wanted (I'm not even sure what I wanted exactly) but it's an ending I'm satisfied with. There are a lot of people in fandom making noise about how bad Season 8 was (admittedly it wasn't the best) and how it was the worse series finale since "Lost". IDK about that as I never watched "Lost" but it strike me, and I'm seeing this more and more in fandom that showrunners just cannot win. If they give fans what they want, they are accused of being too fan-service-y and if they don't do what fandom wants the show is ruined!
Yes, I've listed my gripes above, but those didn't ruin it. Sure, if I was the writer I would have done some things differently, but I'm not. They are. There is such a sense of entitlement in fandom nowadays that a whole show or movie is ruined if that fandom's favourite ship is ruined or doesn't happen or if a character that's not their favourite wins. The fact that fans can interact with showrunners on social media has seemed to foster this sense that the showrunners 'owe' the fans what they want. Such as the ridiculous petition to do-over Season 8. A) this is what fanfiction is for and b) the writers told their story (and GRRM's) and it's just too bad that it wasn't yours.