Just finished GOT - Some thoughts on major character arcs and the ending of the show.

Hey everyone, I know I’m late to the party, but I just watched Game of Thrones for the first time — and overall, the journey was amazing. Before diving into how the ending disappointed many of us (especially how some character arcs were handled), I want to highlight the moments where the show absolutely nailed it and gave me goosebumps:

1. The World-Building

Westeros felt real — full of history, houses, politics, and depth. From the Wall to Dorne, the geography and cultures were so rich and detailed. Every region had its own identity, and that added so much depth.

2. The Casting and Performances

I think in TV shows, just like Bryan Cranston was perfect for Walter White in breaking bad, Peter Dinklage was born to play Tyrion Lannister. Honestly, every character was perfectly cast — even the side characters who didn’t have huge roles felt incredibly real and memorable.

3. Production Value

Let’s be honest: Battle of the Bastards looked like a full-blown movie. The cinematography, music, and sound design were all top-tier. The costumes, sets, dragons — everything looked stunning. HBO went all in on this.

4. Arya’s Storyline (Mostly)

Her journey from scared little girl to trained assassin was compelling — even if the payoff in Season 8 was a bit mixed. Her dynamic with the Hound was some of the most emotionally grounded storytelling in the entire series.

5. Shocking Moments That Actually Worked

Ned’s execution, the Red Wedding, the Purple Wedding — all unforgettable. The show wasn’t afraid to take bold, brutal risks, especially in the earlier seasons. These moments stuck with you.

Now… let’s talk about the ending and how some of the main characters were handled:

1. Jon Snow

This guy literally died for the realm, came back, found out he’s a Targaryen, and… ends up back at the Night’s Watch. Seriously? All that build-up — being the true heir, the prince that was promised — and none of it mattered in the end. It felt like they didn’t know what to do with him.

2. Daenerys Targaryen

Her turn to madness felt way too rushed. She went from “breaker of chains” to “mass murderer” in the span of a couple of episodes. If that was always the plan, the show should’ve planted more seeds earlier. Her death was supposed to feel tragic, but it came off as abrupt. She deserved a more complex, layered ending.

3. Tyrion Lannister

Once the smartest man in Westeros — reduced to making terrible decisions and constantly apologizing for them. By the end, he felt more like a plot device than a character. And that speech about Bran being king? It felt forced, like even Tyrion didn’t believe what he was saying.

4. Jaime Lannister

One of the best redemption arcs in the series — completely undone in one episode. After all his growth, he goes back to Cersei and dies under a pile of rocks? It felt like the writers just gave up on his arc.

5. Sansa Stark

Probably the most satisfying ending out of the main characters. Becoming Queen in the North made sense, and her arc felt complete. Still, it would’ve been great to see more of her political brilliance in action — she earned that spotlight.

Final Thoughts

Season 8 was visually stunning at times, no doubt — but it felt rushed and underdeveloped. The writing didn’t match the character work that had been so carefully crafted in earlier seasons.

I know it’s incredibly difficult to wrap up so many characters and storylines over 8 long seasons. Managing all those arcs was never going to be easy. The setup was brilliant — no doubt about that — but the payoff just didn’t live up to it. Overall, it was a great journey.

What's your view on it?