Summary
Game of Thronesstar Jacob Anderson reflects on season 8’s controversial ending five years later. Based on George R.R. Martin’sA Song of Ice and Fireseries, HBO’s massively popular fantasy adaptation came to a controversial conclusion in 2019. TheGame of Thronesendingwas met with mixed reactions, resulting in season 8 being the lowest-rated of the series on Rotten Tomatoes. The main criticisms were directed at the season’s shorter runtime, which many felt made the final season feel rushed, and showrunners Dan Weiss and David Benioff’s decisions regarding certain characters' arcs.
Now, five years after the finale,Anderson reflected on season 8’s controversial endingin an interview withMen’s Health. The actor, who played Grey Worm, expected mixed reactions to the finale though, as opposed to others, he finds it exciting when creative works take risks and defy expectations. Though he understands why some viewers were disappointed with certain aspects of the finale, Anderson personally found it to be a fun and satisfying ending. Read his full comments below:
As soon as we got the scripts, I was like, this is going to be some real marmite. People are going to either love this or hate this. And for me, I find that really exciting. That’s my favorite kind of thing. When you’re like, “This shouldn’t work” or “This feels risky.” It feels kind of punk to just throw the rule book out. I understand why people were disappointed with certain things, but I thought it was a pretty fun way to end it, to be honest. I also felt that way when the email came in to tape for a TV adaptation of Interview the Vampire, which is a very beloved film. There were loads of ‘90s movies adapted from books, but [they wanted] to do a faithful thing. Before I read the script, I was like, “This sounds both generic and very risky.” And then I read it and I was like, “Oh, this is nuts. This is amazing. Not only is this beautifully written, but it feels genuinely risky and doesn’t feel like anything else that’s being made.” I love things like that. So there’s a little demon in me that when I read the Season 8 scripts for Game of Thrones, I was like, “Cool, let’s go. Let’s do it.”
The Game Of Thrones Ending Didn’t Deserve The Hate It Received
Game of Thronesseason 8garnered a fair share of controversy, though it ultimately didn’t deserve the amount of hate and vitriol it received. Despite any criticisms of the story,the final season was still a startling spectacle with top-notch production value and performances. As a result, season 8 received a total of 32 Emmy nominations, the most for a single season of television in history, winning 12 for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Peter Dinklage.
Game Of Thrones Cast - Where Are They Now?
The Game of Thrones cast was one of the best ensembles in TV history, with many actors continuing to deliver impressive performances after its ending.
While not every character received a satisfying conclusion,many of the main arcs did come to a fitting end. For instance, Sansa Stark was crowned Queen of the North, Arya Stark set sail to explore the unknown lands west of Westeros, and Tyrion Lannister was once again appointed Hand of the King. Overall, each of these main characters had resolutions that felt true to their journeys throughout the series.
Ultimately, opinions on the ending are a matter of personal perspective. While some fans were disappointed, others found the finale to be a fitting conclusion. What one sees as a disappointing ending, another, such as Anderson, sees as a bold and compelling narrative choice. What can’t be denied is that theGame of Thronesfranchise is flourishing withHouse of the Dragonseason 2set for release on June 16, which will be followed by more spinoffs in development.
Game Of Thrones
Cast
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
