Why Many Fans Are Hoping for Better Game of Thrones Books

Despite the highly-anticipated final season of "Game of Thrones" on television, many fans are expressing their disappointment with the rushed nature of the show and the handling of secondary characters. Is it worth waiting for the final books to compensate for the perceived shortcomings of the TV series? This article explores the reasons behind this sentiment and why some fans are eager for a better version of the story.

The TV Series' Letdown: Final Season and Beyond

The final season of "Game of Thrones," while praised for its visual effects and action sequences, is widely criticized for various reasons. One of the main concerns is the rushed nature of the story, which leads to a resolution that feels incomplete and unsatisfying. Furthermore, many secondary characters, who were not part of the Targaryen or Stark families, received inadequate storylines and development.

Tyrel Stateouser notes that: 'The final season was rushed; the ending left a lot to be desired, and a lot of secondary characters who were not Targaryens or Starks got the shaft in terms of their storylines and the themes built into them in the books.' This sentiment is echoed by many fans who feel that the TV series failed to do justice to the complex histories and stories of characters like Brienne, Arya, and others.

A question often arises: Why would fans want a better version of the story with more thoughtful character development and a better plot resolution? The answer lies in the promise of a deeper, more nuanced storytelling that books can offer. While there are fans who are dedicated to the Targaryen and Stark families, there are also those who appreciate the entire ensemble cast and wish to see how their fates play out.

Rejection of the TV Ending: A Case for the Books

One viewpoint posits that the feelings of dissatisfaction stem from the TV series receiving a 'canned ending' that did not align with expectations. Some fans argue that the TV series needed an additional couple of episodes to flesh out the narrative, particularly the part that followed the zombie apocalypse. However, this was not the case, as the series was already heavily constrained by time and deadlines.

Tyrel Stateouser expresses: 'I thought the TV series needed a couple more episodes because the interesting part—the part after the zombie apocalypse was thwarted needed more time. But I didn’t think it was miserable and your stating that as a fact does not convince me.' This highlights the complexity of fan reactions to the TV series, with some feeling that it could have been better with more developed storylines and character arcs.

Another perspective is that while the show was ultimately consistent with what fans expected, there are still significant areas of improvement. Fans are divided on the ending, with some feeling it was satisfactory, and others feeling it was lackluster.

Anticipation for the Books: Respecting All Characters

Ultimately, the lingering question is whether the final books can fulfill the promise of a richer, more balanced narrative. Many fans are cynical about the potential for the books, given the show's ending and the author's projected timeframe. One fan expresses: 'I very much hope that we will have the opportunity to read these books and that the writer will not die before he finishes.' This sentiment is shared by others who hold out hope for a more equitable and adequate resolution of the remaining storylines.

The desire for better character development and a more thoughtful storytelling extends to all characters, not just the main ones. Fans are eager to see how the stories of less prominent but crucial characters, such as Arya Stark, Brienne of Tarth, and other smaller figures, unfold in the books. These characters often receive less attention on screen but are just as integral to the larger narrative.

Conclusion: A Chance for a Fuller Story

For many fans, the books offer a chance to explore a more complete and nuanced version of "Game of Thrones." While the TV series provided a thrilling albeit flawed conclusion, the books promise an opportunity to delve deeper into the intricate worlds of Westeros and the ??? dunqar Thronelands. As the author, George R.R. Martin, has still not finished the final books, there is still a chance for a better story to be told—one that respects and highlights the fates of all characters equally.

Whether or not these hopes are fulfilled remains to be seen, but the anticipation and the desire for a better story continue to drive the conversation.