This coming weekend is the finale of the Game of Thrones series. We have been devoted fans since the original episode, and have dutifully followed the story every week it has aired. And I have to say I am rather ready for it to be over.
I have not read the books, though the wife has, and I have no real interest (or time) to read the books. Supposedly they fill in a lot more of the backstory, at least to the point were George R. R. Martin has published. And that is great, if you are interested in the differences between the published books and the TV interpretation. But as a standalone work, the TV series has for the most part been true to its goals and faithful to the character development. Arguably, the last season or two may be rushed, or perhaps uneven in pacing, but it is still far more engaging that other options on currently.
However, what has worn me down is the overwhelming desire to analyze every possible detail, as if the mysteries of the world might be solved. I get that viewers want to discuss the latest episode and their theories, but with social media these days, it is rather non-stop. I have my own thoughts and theories, and with my personal associates, I am open to discuss, but the near constant “this is what will happen next” theories online it is worn out. Some of these theories (a rare small number) actually turn out to be true – which is interesting – but I suspect more a matter of luck than any actual analysis. I can throw a hundred darts at the board, and a few are bound to get a bullseye, but that doesn’t make me an expert.
In the past, we were satisfied by just experiencing a show week by week and discussing perhaps a key scene or two. Now, we have a week of preview theories that are non-stop, followed by a week of over analysis as to why or why not a particular scene was done a certain way. I prefer to sit back and just watch the show
