The Last of the Starks

I don't want to rant or complain about this episode or series. I just wanted a good end to a great show. It's honestly heartbreaking to see this show end with such mediocrity.

...and only the MOST loyal of professional reviewers are still clinging to hope that this will turn out well.

This episode wasn't awful, nor does it deserve anything above a 5/10. The good scenes (Tyrion/Varys, Dany seeing her hold to the throne slip, Sansa asserting herself) were balanced by the bad parts (awful pacing, the last 20 minutes in totality).

This feels like standard cable TV writing in a universe that once had better writing. That's kinda it. The spoilers are out for episodes 5-6 and, from what I've read (I've avoided the spoilers themselves but saw reactions) it doesn't end in a way that is better-than-TV writing expected. Cliches abound, apparently.

So, I'll try and enjoy what few surprises and action scenes that'll likely come. I'll try to ignore the poor pacing and plotting. I recommend anyone reading my review do the same.

And to those superfans giving it 10/10, good on you. You've linked your entire personality to the show for nearly a decade. Anything less than a 10/10 would be like saying your own kid is ugly. It's a reflection on you and your choices. I get it.

Logic is completely out the window. All the character development over the last decade is utterly and completely gone. I loved this show and now unfortunately I could care less. Will I finish the story out, yes but the interest has dropped massively this season. It's hot garbage at this point, which is so disappointing. The only one who deserves the throne is Ghost.

Lazy writing, just burn all the books and prophecies.

I hoped it would never happen to the show, but it did. This show had been so superior in writing for the longest time and now it's just cutting corners for the sake of setting up some cool shots or dramatic takes, and it's an extreme disservice to not only the loyal fans but GRRM himself. I've tried to excuse it for the last couple of episodes, but this is not the Game of Thrones that I've loved for the longest time. I thought Game of Thrones was better than choosing shock-factor over actual storytelling, but I was wrong. I truly hope others can enjoy the new direction the show is taking, and if you do, then you are extremely lucky and I hope it lives up to your expectations. Sadly, however, I am not one of them. I'm sorry this is how it is ending, GRRM, because I don't think this is what you'd have wanted.