Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
"Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia."
Game of Thrones was unlike anything that has ever been on television. The story, the characters, the world, the music, the costumes, the filming locations - this will go down, and already has, as one of the greatest shows in history. That being said - it was not without its flaws and it was far from perfect, especially in the final seasons. But even in its worst moments, I still enjoyed it to some extent.
Sean Bean paved the path of the amazing story that is Game of Thrones. The first few seasons painted the picture and set up arcs that are followed through the series. BUT From the Red Wedding until Cersei took the Iron Throne, the show was nothing more than Art.
I went into season 7 & 8 already knowing what happens in the end & knowing how people feel about it, so I watched season 7 carefully. The seeds that led to everything wrong with season 8 were planted in season 7. There was a huge criticism that season 8 had plot points that came from nowhere but watching those last seasons back to back with prior knowledge, I can confirm that that was not the case. One word to describe season 7 would be 'shaky,' while season 8 was a total collapse. I still enjoyed the final season overall, but because of the weak writing from the 7th season, season 8 paid the price.
Things I liked: the Characters & their talented actors, the insane world building & history, the music & costumes, & the insanely epic battles. Things I didn't like: horrible pacing due to too many things going on, nonsense squabbles between characters that just waste time, and the nudity in this show gave me anxiety that someone could look over and think I'm watching X rated content.
A story is only as good as its character. And Game of Thrones had no shortage of great characters. Honestly, the characters were the most important aspect of the show, and I have some feelings to share: Daenerys, Mother of Dragons. I believed in her, I really did. Seasons 1-6 gave her great character development and was an empowering tale to behold. But once she set sail for Westeros, you could immediately see the cracks. And when it was time to make a choice, she went too far and never came back. I still lover her, and I still think she's one of the most iconic characters of all time. But I, like Tyrion Lannister, was very disappointed in the choices she made, though justified after everything she lost, I just wish it ended differently.
The Lannisters.... Oh boy. First of all, Tyrion Lannister had such a great story arc from start to finish. He rose from shame & scrutiny, and even though he was ashamed of his mistakes at the end, he was a real hero. Peter Dinklage carried the show on his shoulders and never gave up the opportunity to give a great performance. The same could be said about Lena Headey. Cersei is one of my favorite villains. Even if she was immoral and evil with every breath, I cheered for her until the end. She was the one I loved to hate. It was heartbreaking watching her death scene. I was so upset with the Daenerys & all I wanted was for her to escape. Her death was dumb. She deserved far worse than just death by collateral damage. And Jaime..... he was one of my other favorite characters, but he was a fool. He was in the right place; he should've never gone back to King's Landing. Of course he was following Tyrion's advice, and he almost made it, but he didn't. Daenerys caused the chamber to collapse, but his decisions led him there. I'm very disappointed. The reasoning was there, but the execution is was poor.
Quick honorable mentions to Davos, Samwell, Jorah, Theon, Varys, Bronn, & Tormund. These guys had amazing story arcs. Tormund, Davos, & Bronn had such charisma and were at times the bright side to a scene. And applause to Sir Brienne of Tarth! She was the greatest warrior Westeros had ever seen and I'm so proud that she earned a fitting ending.
Now. This show started with the Starks. And it ended with the Starks. There has been debate about who the "main characters" were, well, the Stark Family was the center of the story. Sansa started as a brat and developed into a wise & strong woman & Queen. Bran... is the Three Eyed Raven, and is now King of the Six Kingdoms.... He was weird, but he was important. Arya Stark started off as a rambunctious little girl, and went on the become an assassin, survived the destruction of King's Landing, and became a world explorer. Out of all the endings, hers was the most satisfying, and she is definitely one of the best characters. And Jon Snow. Whether he was a bastard son, or King of the North, or the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, he always tried to do what was right no matter his title. He was a war hero who fought with honor and courage. He fought so that people could live. His story is one heck of a story, and there's nothing more to say. But if Ned Stark lived to see where his surviving children (and nephew) ended up, he'd be proud.
Do I recommend this show? Absolutely. It was not perfect, but as I said, the Starks were the main characters, and watching the credits role on the finale was most satisfying. It's an exhausting tale, but it's worth it to watch it at least once. Even though the final seasons fell flat, that does not diminish the fact that Game of Thrones was a great show.
My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆