Review of Game of Thrones (2019) – Season 8 (Final Season)

General Information

• Creator: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss (based on A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin)
• Main Cast:
  • Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen)
  • Kit Harington (Jon Snow)
  • Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister)
  • Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister)
  • Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister)
  • Maisie Williams (Arya Stark)
  • Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark)
  • Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont)
• Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Action
• Episodes: 6 (Final Season)
• Network: HBO
• Premiere Date: April 14, 2019
• Final Episode: May 19, 2019

Plot Overview

Game of Thrones Season 8 is the final chapter of the epic fantasy saga that has captivated millions worldwide. It continues the story of the battle for the Iron Throne, following the major events of Season 7, which set the stage for the confrontation between the living and the dead. The season begins with the united forces of Westeros preparing for the long-awaited war against the Night King and his army of White Walkers, who are marching south from beyond the Wall.

After the defeat of the Night King, the focus shifts back to the Iron Throne and the political struggles between Daenerys Targaryen and Cersei Lannister, as both women seek to rule the Seven Kingdoms. As tensions rise, loyalties are tested, and the fate of Westeros is decided in a series of intense battles, shocking betrayals, and personal reckonings.

Highlights

1. Spectacular Visuals and Cinematography
   • The final season of Game of Thrones delivers breathtaking visuals, particularly in the larger battle sequences. The long-anticipated Battle of Winterfell in Episode 3, “The Long Night,” was a massive spectacle, with epic action and impressive visual effects as the forces of Westeros face off against the Night King’s army. Despite some complaints about the visibility of the action in dark settings, the technical execution of the battles and the scope of the scenes are stunning.
   • The series has always been known for its high production values, and the final season takes that to new heights, delivering some of the most visually striking moments in TV history.
2. Emotional Character Arcs
   • The final season brings significant emotional weight to the characters’ journeys, with major developments for Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner), Jon Snow (Kit Harington), and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke).
   • Arya’s arc culminates in one of the most talked-about moments of the series, her surprising and heroic act in the Battle of Winterfell. Sansa, who has endured much throughout the series, steps into her own as a leader and ruler of the North, bringing her character arc full circle.
   • Jon Snow’s struggle with his identity and the burden of leadership is explored in-depth, as he faces difficult choices and confronts his true lineage.
   • Daenerys’ journey towards an increasingly unstable and destructive leadership creates one of the most divisive moments in the show’s history, as her transformation takes a dark turn.
3. Character Performances
   • Emilia Clarke gives a commanding performance as Daenerys, portraying the character’s shifting emotions and descent into a more vengeful, volatile leader.
   • Kit Harington as Jon Snow provides a grounded, emotional anchor throughout the season, particularly in his strained relationship with Daenerys.
   • Peter Dinklage once again shines as Tyrion Lannister, balancing moments of humor and heartbreak with the weight of his responsibilities.
   • Maisie Williams delivers a standout performance as Arya Stark, her journey from young girl to assassin coming to a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.
4. Satisfying Closure for Some Characters
   • Many of the long-running storylines are wrapped up in the final season, and there are moments of catharsis for several characters. Some, like Sansa Stark, receive a satisfying conclusion to their arcs, while others, such as Tyrion Lannister, struggle with the choices they have made.

Criticisms

1. Controversial Plot Decisions
   • The final season, particularly Episodes 5 and 6, was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics. The pacing of the final episodes was seen by many as rushed, especially when compared to earlier seasons that took more time to develop intricate plots. Important character decisions and shifts in allegiances were sometimes viewed as abrupt and lacking sufficient buildup.
   • Daenerys’ transformation into a “mad queen” in Episode 5 (“The Bells”) sparked intense debate. Many felt that her turn towards destruction was not adequately justified by the preceding episodes, making her character arc feel unearned or too abrupt. This moment was divisive, with some viewers feeling that the series did not do justice to her complex journey.
2. Character Arcs Left Unresolved or Rushed
   • Several character arcs were left unresolved or handled hastily. For instance, the resolution of Jaime Lannister’s character arc felt unsatisfying for many fans who had followed his growth throughout the series. His decision to return to Cersei, despite his earlier redemption, felt like a step backward.
   • Similarly, the resolution of certain characters like Bran Stark, who ultimately becomes King of Westeros, left many viewers scratching their heads, as his rise to power was never fully explained or earned in the eyes of many fans.
3. The Battle of Winterfell
   • While visually stunning, the Battle of Winterfell, particularly the long-awaited confrontation with the Night King, was criticized for its lack of character focus and poor visibility during some parts of the battle. The dark lighting, combined with the scale of the action, made it difficult to follow certain character movements, leaving some viewers frustrated with the sequence.

Verdict

Game of Thrones Season 8, while visually spectacular and emotionally resonant at times, ultimately divided the fanbase with its rushed pacing, controversial character arcs, and the final treatment of key characters. For many, the emotional payoff was less satisfying than expected, especially for a series that built up so much over the years. The final season delivered breathtaking visuals and standout performances but left fans disappointed with certain plot developments and character resolutions.

While the show still stands as one of the greatest TV achievements of all time, the conclusion of Game of Thrones didn’t meet the monumental expectations set by its earlier seasons.

Rating: 8/10