Making a Case for Game of Thrones Season 8

Here at INFLUX, we often discuss “toxic nostalgia” as we have done with Star Wars and The Crow franchises among others. But it is not just nostalgia, it’s fandom.  Toxic fandom is real, and it damages the legacy of beloved franchises.

The word fan, is short for fanatic. Oxford Languages defines fanatic as a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal. That means a fan is singularly focused on whatever it is they are obsessing over. When we hear the word fanatic, we usually make a negative connotation. But when we hear the word fan, we tend to think this is something someone likes.

Toxic fandom crosses boundaries and shines a distasteful light on franchises. Storied franchises with long histories, including Marvel and Star Wars, regularly experiencing this, but they have a long history. Game of Thrones is a franchise newer to the field of toxic fandom as most of its fans didn’t truly emerge until after season 3, but they embraced the show with extreme toxicity.

When Game of Thrones launched its first season, expectations were relatively modest. Outside of readers of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, few had even heard of the franchise. But what started as a niche fantasy show quickly became a cultural phenomenon. By the time the infamous Red Wedding occurred in Season 3, Game of Thrones had firmly established itself as one of the most talked-about and critically acclaimed shows on television. The shocking death of the Young Wolf, Robb Stark, propelled the series into the cultural stratosphere.

The first five seasons, and some of Season 6, largely followed Martin’s intricate source material. However, as the series moved into its final two seasons, the showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, ventured beyond Martin’s published work. This shift meant the story’s conclusion rested in the hands of the show’s creators, and not everyone was satisfied with their choices. Season 8, in particular, has been the subject of relentless criticism. But upon closer inspection, it’s not nearly as bad as its detractors suggest. In fact, it’s a bold, if imperfect, conclusion to one of television’s greatest achievements.

Pacing: A Necessary Acceleration

One of the most frequent complaints about Season 8 is its pacing. Critics argue that the show rushed through its major plotlines, condensing what could have been multiple seasons of storytelling into just six episodes. While this critique holds some merit, it overlooks the fact that the faster pace was not entirely detrimental.

Earlier seasons of Game of Thrones had the luxury of time, with 10 episodes per season to build intricate plots and develop character arcs. By the final season, the story’s endgame was in sight, and the accelerated pacing reflected the urgency of the events unfolding. In a retrospective viewing, the brisk pace can feel more like a necessary momentum rather than an outright flaw. The series had to tie up countless storylines, and while some transitions felt abrupt, the pacing served the larger purpose of driving the narrative to its conclusion.

Moreover, the breakneck speed of Season 8 mirrors the chaos and unpredictability of war. The Battle of Winterfell and the siege of King’s Landing are frenetic, emotionally charged, and devastating—a fitting representation of a world hurtling toward its breaking point. The rapid unraveling of alliances and the sudden shifts in power underscore the central theme of Game of Thrones: no one is safe, and nothing is guaranteed.

Character Outcomes: Subverting Expectations

Another major point of contention is the way certain character arcs were resolved. Fans were particularly vocal about Daenerys Targaryen’s descent into tyranny, Jaime Lannister’s return to Cersei, and Bran Stark’s ascension to the throne. While these outcomes may not align with what many viewers hoped for, they are not without precedent within the story.

Daenerys’ turn toward despotism, for instance, is foreshadowed throughout the series. Her brutal actions in earlier seasons, from crucifying the masters of Meereen to burning the Tarlys alive, hinted at her capacity for ruthlessness. Her desire to “break the wheel” of power ultimately consumes her, leading to the tragic realization that she has become what she sought to destroy. While the execution of this arc could have benefited from more gradual development, the outcome itself is consistent with her character’s journey.

Similarly, Jaime’s return to Cersei, while disappointing to some, underscores the complexity of his character. Jaime has always been torn between his love for Cersei and his desire to be honorable. His decision to die with her is a bittersweet reminder that, for all his growth, he remains tethered to the woman who shaped so much of his identity.

As for Bran Stark’s coronation, it’s admittedly one of the more polarizing choices of the series. Bran’s transformation into the Three-Eyed Raven seemed to position him as an observer rather than a ruler. However, his ascension can be interpreted as a symbolic break from the cycle of ambition and bloodshed that has plagued Westeros. With his unique perspective and detachment from personal desires, Bran represents a new kind of leadership, one based on knowledge and impartiality. While this choice may not be entirely satisfying, it’s a bold subversion of expectations in a show that has always defied convention.

The Final Scene: A Glimmer of Hope

One of the highlights of Season 8 is its final scene with the Small Council. This moment, which sees Tyrion, Brienne, Davos, Sam, and others discussing the future of Westeros, strikes a hopeful note amid the chaos. It suggests a shift toward a more collaborative and pragmatic form of governance. The scene’s humor and camaraderie are reminiscent of earlier seasons, providing a sense of closure that balances the series’ darker elements.

This ending also emphasizes the idea that, while the game of thrones may never truly end, there is hope for a better future. The scars of the past remain, but the possibility of progress endures. It’s a fitting conclusion to a story that has always grappled with the tension between destruction and renewal.

The Toxicity of Expectations

Ultimately, much of the backlash against Season 8 stems from the impossibly high expectations placed upon it. Game of Thrones became a cultural juggernaut, and its final season was tasked with delivering a conclusion that satisfied millions of fans with wildly different interpretations of what the story should be. Such a task was never going to please everyone.

While Season 8 is not without its flaws, it’s important to acknowledge the immense challenges of wrapping up a story as sprawling and complex as Game of Thrones. The series’ willingness to take risks, even in its final moments, is a testament to its ambition. Could it have been better? Certainly. But it remains a remarkable achievement in television storytelling, and its impact on the medium is undeniable.

In the end, Game of Thrones Season 8 is not the unmitigated disaster some claim it to be. It’s a flawed but compelling conclusion to a groundbreaking series, one that stays true to its core themes of power, loyalty, and the unpredictable nature of human ambition. For all its missteps, it’s a season that deserves more credit than it’s often given.

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