Game of Thrones Fans’ Grievances with the Showrunners DD

When it comes to the controversial ending of Game of Thrones, much of the blame has been placed on the shows creators, David Benioff and Dan Weiss, collectively known as DD for GoT. The intense backlash against the showrunners is not about Dungeons Dragons, the popular tabletop game, but a reflection of fans' disappointment with the final season.

Why Did Fans Disapprove?

The last season of Game of Thrones is often cited as one of the worst endings in television history. This comes as no surprise given the show's high standards and myriad central plotlines. With beloved characters such as Cersei, Jaime, The Hound, Euron Greyjoy, and Daenerys receiving tragic fates, the narrative's abrupt conclusion left many viewers feeling cheated.

One of the most significant sources of fan frustration is the rushed and poorly executed final episodes. The resolution lacked coherence and failed to satisfy the intricate story arcs that fans had grown attached to. A prime example is how Arya's confrontation with the Night King. Viewers were left scratching their heads as she seemingly appeared out of nowhere. This moment, while setting up a climactic battle, quickly faded into irrelevance as she slew the Night King.

Another critical issue is the anticlimactic conclusion to the Night King's defeat. Instead of a triumphant joint victory by Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, the show portrayed Daenerys as a corrupted ruler, destroying King's Landing and forcing Jon to kill her. This abrupt and unsatisfying shift deviated sharply from the character development and the fan's expectations.

The Character Arcs and Unfulfilled Promises

The final season of Game of Thrones undeniably altered several characters' arcs. One of the most notable shifts is Jon Snow, who seemed to have his character arc abandoned. Fans felt that the narrative should have allowed Jon to lead the transition to a new era of peace and stability, rather than killing Daenerys.

The ending also sparked debates about the allocation of the Iron Throne. Bran Stark, a largely irrelevant character throughout the show, suddenly ascending to the throne perplexed many. Why wasn't Arya, who killed the Night King, or Tyrion, a wise and beloved character, or even any of the other numerous strong contenders given the opportunity?

Missing George R.R. Martin's Authorial Intent

A recurring theme among fans is the frustration that Game of Thrones didn't align more closely with George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series. Had the showrunners waited for the books to conclude properly, the final narrative might have been more coherent and satisfying. Many fans wished for a more unified storyline, consistent with the literary source material.

The desire for a more nuanced and thoughtful conclusion highlights the broader issue of artistic vision and fan expectations. While Game of Thrones is undoubtedly a once-in-a-generation phenomenon, its abrupt and disorienting finale has left a lasting impact on how audiences perceive its legacy.