Seven years on from ‘Game of Thrones‘ controversial ending, fans still have questions. The conclusion was shocking with some surprising twists and unforgettable scenes, but many people felt it was rushed.
But now, continued comments from George R.R. Martin are fueling that conversation.
‘Game Of Thrones’ Had The Right Ending Ideas, But Not Enough Time To Tell Them
The author of ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ has said several times that the ending he envisioned is not the one that HBO viewers got. While there may be some similarities in the major events, Martin has indicated that the path to those events, and what happens after, might be quite different.
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For many fans, that only reinforces a long-standing frustration: the problem was never necessarily the destination, but how quickly the show got there. Martin has provided a few mixed but interesting hints about the future of Westeros over the years.
“How will it all end? I hear people asking. The same ending as the show? Different? Well… yes. And no. And yes, And no. And yes. And no. And yes,” he wrote on Notablog. He has indicated that some of the TV endings are in line with his plans and some are not.
One such example is the revelation of Bran Stark becoming king, which was apparently shared with the show’s creators well before the finale aired. That’s significant because it implies that the writers were not operating without a blueprint.
The downfall of Daenerys Targaryen could be another example of a major event that was sparked by Martin’s overall vision. Many viewers didn’t like those twists because they didn’t feel developed enough. In a world, Daenerys’ descent into tyranny is tragic, inevitable, and heart-wrenching.
Fans felt the character had gone through a major change of personality in the last episodes of the show. It is difficult to imagine how those moments would have been received if they had been experienced with more time and patience.
‘Game Of Thrones’ Story Needed More Room To Breathe
Pacing is one of the most prevalent complaints for the later seasons of ‘Game of Thrones’. Political intrigue, character development, and slow-burning tension were the things that made earlier seasons flourish. The series also began to focus more on large battles and quick storylines as it went beyond the published books.
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The final season, which featured just six episodes, crammed years of story into a few hours. Life-changing decisions were made with little development; there was little to no buildup to major conflicts. Even the emotional payoffs were rushed.
That’s the biggest letdown about the end. In the past, ‘Game of Thrones’ was known for its patience and attention to detail. The ending had some ideas that had real potential. However, many of them were not developed.
While fans still await ‘The Winds of Winter,’ Martin’s words remind us that Westeros’ story is far from over. Maybe someday, readers will get to see those much-talked-about twists, with the depth and care that many felt the television series lacked.
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