GAME OF THRONES: Will The Series Finale Determine Its Legacy?

Game of Thrones is one of those rare television experiences that manages to shake the very fabric of what we have been taught to expect from TV. Plenty have done it before, and I’m sure many will again, but Game of Thrones lands itself in very particular and original waters.

The Undeniable Lure

What is it about GoT that makes it so popular? Some shy away because of the level of violence and nudity. I’ve had family members stop watching for these reasons. Is it because it’s bold that it stands out? Perhaps, and that can be polarizing, but this isn’t the first television show to be daring.

With the final season approaching, and so many of us waiting (breath held, stomach churning) we can’t help but wonder what the end will look like. Most importantly, does it matter? At this point the show has already proven its ability, its talent, and sheer scope.

There is no such thing as a completely happy response to a series finale. Some are going to be pleased, some outraged. When you have invested years of your life into a show you want to be satisfied. I know there’s going to be carnage and great loss, and I’ve accepted that aspect even though I know it will be heart-wrenching (anyone who hasn’t made their peace with this, I urge you to). I’m not expecting these characters to run hand in hand into the sunset, a freeze frame moment in the winding credits.

I wouldn’t. It wouldn’t be fair and it wouldn’t be true to this story. I expect to be shaken.

The Game of Thrones is a challenging one, an ugly and at times unsettling one. Everybody who is still alive has earned their spot through their suffering and their perseverance. While I have my favorites, as we all do, I would be happy with anyone donning a crown and sitting in the Iron Throne. Just as I would be if the Red Keep is blown to smithereens, and let’s be honest, Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) is still around, so it’s a definite possibility.

My point is, I think that this show has already won me over. It’s already got me hook, line and sinker. So, it begs the question, does its legacy hang on the way it ends?

What Makes It Stand Out?

There’s something inherently exciting about an entire world that is adapted from pure creation. Based on George R. R. Martin‘s A Song of Ice and Fire series, this story features mythical and magical elements (from dragons to sorcery) and lustrous landscapes. Some of the best episodes like “Blackwater,” “Hardhome,” and “Battle of The Bastards” have large battles, swooping scenery and unforgettable set pieces.

Even more inviting is the other side of the GoT coin, which shows how deeply rooted this lore goes. There are so many themes and strands at play, with the history between these characters heavy and loaded. With so many main characters, supporting players, and frequented homesteads, you become embroiled in the stories told. Our invitation into the “known world” of Westeros, Essos, and Sothoryos, has brought us so close, with such vivid imagery, you can nearly believe it’s real.

I’ve watched the series through several times, and with each view I’m able to notice new flourishes of a character or a connection I hadn’t considered before. It’s also bound to make you theorize and wonder what’s going to happen. It makes sense that HBO is going to have a prequel, because there’s such much that can be done.

The Characters You Love, Some That You Love To Hate

While there’s an obvious tie of good and evil within this show, with some of the best villains to hit the TV screen (Tywin, Ramsey, Cersei) there’s also depth. Nobody is innocent, but there are very few that fall into the “evil” or “entirely good” category (not everybody can have the purity of Jon Snow). Some of our favorite heroes like Arya (Maisie Williams) have made questionable decisions, done indecent things, but you root for her regardless.

Or Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who in the first episode pushes Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) out the window. He baits you to dislike him from the very beginning, arrogant and selfish, but now he’s on the north road to redemption. Even Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) has had moments of cruelty come through, despite being steadfast when encompassing her breaker of chains moniker.

The feuding houses are all equally fascinating. Some take precedence in the story over others, but the ones that stand out are due to a rich history and intelligent storytelling. This is a beloved show, and the work it has been adapted from is also cherished.

Martin found a way to combine some incredible stories, creating a really intricate work of fiction. Even when the show has white walkers or dragons flying overhead, there are also real seeds of sexism, slavery, violence, politics, religion, and all of these are things deeply entrenched in our world and our history. Even so, sometimes these representations can be hard to watch, further showing their heft.

So Much To Appreciate

There is also some amazing choreography with large battle sequences and tight framed shots of one on one sword play. The special effects are reigning, creating goosebumps from me every time a character sees a dragon for the first time. It makes this world, no matter how fantastical it gets, seem possible.

There’s also an incredible score by Ramin Djawadi who has created some unforgettable and signature sounds associated with different characters and houses. Each facet of the show proves to be elite, and who can forget the opening composition?

With the show ahead of the release of the novels there are even greater stakes. Nobody knows what is going to happen which means that everyone involved is sworn to secrecy. There’s a lot riding on this, but I’m confident that  David Benioff & D.B. Weiss will follow through seamlessly. I believe that you can see when a creator of a film or television series loves what they are working on. This comes through. And the writing? There are some of the best conversations, quips, and narrative twists and turns out of any show I’ve ever seen.

This investment has already paid off in seven seasons of Game of Thrones that have shocked and ensnared.  There’s nothing easy about any of these character’s journeys. You admire Daenerys Targaryen and want her to succeed. Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) has become a staple for wisdom and humor. Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) has morphed into a strong and unshakable force.  You could see her lead as much as Dany, who has been a contender for a long time.

There are Dragons you feel emotionally tied to, and Dire Wolves who are like extended family. The White Walkers and their fascinating history are some of the most dangerous and terrifying villains of all. If you thought the humans were bad, these ones will make your blood turn cold. No, really, they will.

April 14th- Your Watch Begins

No matter what happens I know for a fact that it is going to be a harrowing ride. With six episodes left, people are going to die, many will lose, but ultimately, we will have someone gracing the throne by the end.

I can’t wait to find out who it is, but either way, Game of Thrones will prevail.

Do you agree? What’s your take on the series? Any predictions? Let us know in the comments below!