Should Game of Thrones Have Continued for Five More Full Seasons?

Recently, George R.R. Martin proposed that Game of Thrones could have benefited from five more full seasons. While some fans agree with his suggestion, others argue that the quality of the writing and the adaptation would have been poor without stricter adherence to the source material. In this article, we’ll explore the arguments for and against extending the series to five additional seasons.

The Case for Five More Seasons

There are several compelling reasons why some fans support the idea of a longer series. First, GRRM himself has mentioned that the books provide ample material for 10 to 11 seasons. If the showrunners had been more diligent in adapting the source material, the show could have maintained its excellence and possibly even generated more excitement and engagement among viewers. Additionally, the show’s initial pitch envisioned a complete seven-season arc, meaning that extending it by five seasons would have been a natural progression for such a complex narrative.

The Problems with Five More Seasons

Others argue that extending the series without the full source material is a risky proposition. George R.R. Martin did not explicitly suggest continuing the show, but rather provided a defense of the choices made by the showrunners. These choices involved significant adaptations and omissions from the books, which could lead to inconsistencies and a decline in the overall quality of the show. For instance, the absence of certain plotlines and characters seen in the books can create problems in maintaining a coherent narrative.

Consider, too, that the books are not finished. Without the complete source material, how could the show accurately depict certain events and maintain the integrity of the storyline? One of the main issues is that GRRM is driving towards a known ending, while the showrunners must work with incomplete information. This creates a mismatch that can compromise the story's authenticity and jeopardize the viewers' experience.

Practical Considerations

There are also practical reasons why extending the series might not be feasible. The show run for a decade, with actors and crew members becoming exhausted. The pressure to maintain the spectacle and the quality of the narrative over an extended period would be immense. Additionally, the actors’ ages become a significant factor. Characters like Jon Snow and Sansa Stark evolve considerably over the seasons, and they often look older than their depiction in the books. These visual discrepancies can detract from the story's believability.

The actors and production teams also have a clear desire to conclude the series. The number of remaining episodes provides a clear indication that the showrunners are eager to wrap things up. Particularly, the shift from 10 episodes per season to 8, 7, and 6 episodes in the last two seasons further suggests a desire to wind down the series.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is a strong argument for extending the series based on the source material, practical considerations and the risk of narrative inconsistencies make a definitive five more seasons unlikely. However, a creative approach that involves elongating the final seasons with more episodes could have potentially alleviated some of the problems. Regardless, the optimal continuation of the Game of Thrones saga lies in the hands of George R.R. Martin, who must finish the books to provide the clarity needed for a satisfying conclusion.