Now, Our Watch has Ended

So, let's talk about the much anticipated season finale for Game of Thrones.

Last night was the last night and the culmination of 8+ years of hard work for all those who were involved in the show. From the crew to the actors and everyone in between, yesterday was farewell.
And, now that we are living in a digital media age, the fans' reactions were fast and furious.
There were many whom enjoyed the ending, other's not so much (and boy, were they vocal, specially on Twitter!).

The main complaint that I could tell from those who were less impressed with the finale was:

1. Pacing- felt too rushed
2. Story development, specifically the character build up and feeling that it was for nought.
3. Who ended on the "throne" and the fate of the remaining characters.

Which, depending on your point of view, they're valid reasons why the fans who were left disappointed can critique it.

But here's my OWN point of view (very much MY own) on why this finale was not as bad as some people think it was.

First of, one thing I do agree with the nay-sayers is that it did feel too rushed. After a certain point, when it had already been decided that season 8 was to be the last, after episode 3 it really did feel rushed. It was almost like the writers wanted to tie most of the loose ends and give us the conclusion. There were definitely story arcs that weren't tied at all, and it felt like they were brushed off and hoped that fans would kinda just, glance over them. And yes, that does affect good story-telling, specially with the kind of fan base this show has garnered. 

Daily Express

But here is where I differ.

Many fans were disappointed of the huge build up of the characters (specifically Jon Snow's true identity, Danaerys Targaryen's descend into madness, etc.) and how they feel like they were made to seem crucial and at the end, it was nothing.

The way I see it, life isn't fair, and despite how much you think that you're destined to be someone or do something great, life throws you a curve ball. History buffs understand this better, because  many times, the principle characters that were thought to become great rulers, many times were either deposed off, killed or had to abdicate for various reasons. And the least likely person would be crowned sovereign. 

And the series showed us from the beginning that we weren't going to end up with the people we thought would be on the "throne."

Jon Snow did not want to be ruler, despite his claim, at the end, he would have done it, but that responsibility would have eaten him up. So, by making him a leader to the Wildlings, it was fitting. He learned to lead, he evolved from being a "bastard" to being Jon, and knowing things along the way.

Dany from day one, there was some uneasiness in her. She, after all was the daughter of the Mad King. There were hints throughout the series that she eventually would have fallen to the corruption of the Iron Throne. Power corrupted her and consumed her, and it was fitting that Drogon melted the throne, the throne that had caused so much blood-shed and turmoil. So, at the end, she did break the wheel, and it can be interpreted that she was Azor Ahai.

Sansa started off being the typical girlish, naive, damsel in distress, and ended up not only securing the North as independent, but she was the better fit to look after Winterfell. 

As for Bran being chosen king, it was the most logical choice. Not only is he being chosen by the Lords of Westeros (a better democratic option), but he is the Three-Eyed Raven, who knows and sees everything. Bran is even tempered, kind, and he will make a good ruler. And after he dies, the Lords can elect someone else. There is not self interest, and not "right to rule" just because you're someone's "heir." 

I think that the journey that our remaining characters had to go through in order to reach the ending is what made the story so interesting. No one was all good or all evil, they made mistakes, had triumphs, cried, laughed, it's what life is all about.

The Verge

I think it's not hard to understand the ending when you can understand how George R.R. Martin loves to give us unexpected endings. 

Should have Jon taken the Iron Throne? Perhaps, but that doesn't mean that he would have been a good ruler. 

And that's the point, all these people who fought, sat & coveted the throne, WANTED the throne, but that didn't make them the best choice to be on the Throne. Just because you're born to be a ruler, that doesn't mean you're meant to be one, and least a good one.

All the scheming, betrayal on so many characters' part to have their choice of ruler, is what got so many people killed in the first place.

Now, my husband keeps reminding me that from the get to George told the writers/directors/producers how the story ended, and yes, at a certain point that might be true. But he's working on the idea that Martin somehow couldn't or wouldn't have changed his mind for his books.

So, in the books, the story is far more intricate and there are still many plots that need to unravel. Will the book readers get the same ending? Perhaps, but perhaps, Martin will pull a typical move, and give us something different. It is yet to be seen (whenever the books are published).

So, could we still see a completely different character in the books sit on the Throne? Of course. 

But as for the t.v. series, this was it. And to those who are still not content, I suggest start reading the book versions of it, because you might just get a more satisfying end, maybe not.

Either way, I thought the end was fitting for a wonderful show. It's o.k. if you don't think the same, that's the beauty of it, we can agree to disagree. Just remember, it's not worth loosing friendships, acquaintances, etc. over it. Specially, it's not fair for the cast/crew, writers, producers, to get bombarded with mounts of vitriol and hate over how it wasn't a satisfying ending for some. And that's what I keep irritating, that the fan base needs to understand, just because we don't get everything we want, that doesn't give us the right to be vicious, and act like petulant children. 

Now, do any of you have any suggestions on what I should watch on Sundays?? 

** DISCLAIMER**

All trademark, copyrighted material, logos, names, brands, partners and affiliates are properties of George R.R. Martin, HBO, David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, etc.

This post is used with Copyright Act of 1976, 17, U.S.C., § 107. All commentaries made in this post (that are not copyrighted) are my own. This blog is intended for entertainment purposes.