SPOILER ALERT: Do not proceed if you plan on watching the “Game of Thrones” finale.
Add me to the cast of thousands who were disappointed with the “Game of Thrones” finale. It’s not who did or did not end up on the Iron Throne or what was left of it. Nor was it who lived and who died. My problem is that I had seen it all before. It lacked the originality which was the cornerstone of the program during the first 72 episodes. Let me share a few examples, beginning with the ending.
The showrunners David Benioff and D. B. Weisd, who also wrote and directed the final episode are too young (both 48 years old) to have been faithful viewers of Jack Paar, the second host of “The Tonight Show,” who is largely credited with the interview format associated with late night entertainment. But Jon Snow’s reunion with his direwolf Ghost and his return to the Watch was derivative of Paar’s farewell appearance in 1965. Seated on a stool, with his dog at his feet, Paar explained his decision was based on a belief he had said everything he ever wanted to say on television TWICE. He then looked down and closed the show, saying, “Come on, Leica, let’s go home.” For Jon Snow, home was where it all began ten years ago. [NOTE: Is it a coincidence Leica was a white German Shepherd who resembled Ghost?]
Likewise, Arya Stark’s exit was a variation on the departure by a young protagonist in another fantasy epic. George R. R. Martin admits “A Song of Ice and Fire” was inspired by the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. And just as Frodo boards a boat for a journey to another world, Arya prepares for a voyage that will take her beyond the boundaries of Westeros to an undiscovered land about which there is no knowledge.
Or maybe it was the multiple homages to “Seinfeld.” Most obvious was the first meeting of the new king’s council. It might as well have been held at Monk’s Diner. Instead of arguing which superhero has the best powers, the Seinfeld dopplegangers Tyrion, Davos, Bronn and Brienne quarrel over whether brothels are a priority for public investment. Clearly, a discussion about nothing.
As long as the writers were drawing on memorable moments in television and cinema history, here are my suggestions for other unconventional endings inspired by past series finales.
Dany is enjoying dinner at one of her favorite King’s Landing restaurants when Jon Snow walks through the door. The screen goes dark.
Bob Newhart wakes up next to Suzanne Pleshette and says, “Emily, I just had the strangest dream. I lived in this ancient kingdom surrounded by the most unusual people. And I was in love with a beautiful white haired woman. And she had dragons.” Emily turns out the lamp on her side table. Bob turns it back on and says, “Emily, maybe you should braid your hair.”
Ygritte goes into the bathroom as Jon Snow steps out of the shower. She realizes their deaths and his reanimation by Melisandre was just a dream.
Dany, Jon, Tyrion and Samwell are escorted to a jail cell by several of the Unsullieds. Jon says, “Well, it’s only a year. That’s not so bad. We’ll be out in a year, and then we’ll be back.”
Arya is shown in a small apartment holding a snow globe with King’s Landing inside. Bran and Sansa are watching TV, wondering how they can continue to take care of their autistic sister on their meager income.
Not only does life sometimes imitate art. Art often imitates other art.
For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP