We All Know Game Of Thrones Season 8’s Major Criticisms, But I Wish More People Talked About These 5 Minor Problems

Game of Thrones season 8 gets a lot of flak for the direction it took, and the major criticisms of the ending are well-known, even among more casual fans. Daenerys’ Mad Queen storyline receives backlash for its treatment of the character, and Jaime Lannister’s regression is a turn that’s often condemned. Among the other recognizable complaints are Bran becoming king, Tyrion and Jon losing much of the characterization that made them tick, and the Night King being killed in just a single episode — and without any proper confrontation with Jon Snow.

These all contribute to Game of Thrones season 8 being divisive, and understandably so. The handling of major villains and main characters is a huge part of whether a finale lands, and the fact that Game of Thrones failed to do so many of its major storylines justice was bound to bring about backlash. With that in mind, there are also more minor problems with the final season, which often go overlooked because of the bigger missteps. From logistical issues to inconsistent character writing, I wish people talked more about these season 8 flaws.

5

Daenerys & Her Forces Made It From Winterfell To King’s Landing Way Too Quickly

Game Of Thrones Threw Realism Out The Window In Its Last Two Seasons

The earlier seasons of Game of Thrones spend a lot of time on characters traveling from one destination to the next. In fact, one could say their journeys are painstakingly slow. This is why characters often miss one another at the beginning of the show, but the timing adds to the realism the series became known for. Unfortunately, that realism falls away during its last two seasons, which are forced to speed things along for the sake of the plot. The most egregious example is how quickly Gendry’s raven reaches Daenerys in season 7, but season 8 has these problems too.

With the final outing opening with Jon and Daenerys arriving at Winterfell, we could believe that most of their journey took place off-screen. However, the breakneck speed with which Dany and her armies arrive on Cersei’s doorstep after the Battle of Winterfell is a harsh reminder that the writers were no longer accounting for the geography of this world. It was inevitable once there was only a single, six-episode season of the series left. Still, it’s a disappointing turn for Game of Thrones’ ending, and it’s one I wish people acknowledged more.

4

Varys Was Too Intelligent To Get Caught Betraying Daenerys

His Inconsistent Characterization Deserves More Ire

Varys looking stern in Game of Thrones season 7.

Varys prioritizing the “good of the realm” over the ruler he’s sworn fealty to is incredibly in character for him, but Game of Thrones season 8 conveniently forgets that he’s typically smart about such shifts in allegiance. When Varys realizes that Daenerys is inching closer and closer to madness, he begins thinking up alternative solutions to her rule. But Varys blabs to several people about this, despite knowing that characters like Jon and Tyrion are currently loyal to Dany. He also writes a letter about Jon’s parentage and is sloppy about poisoning.

Game of Thrones season 8 turns his characterization upside down in order to further Daenerys’ villain storyline and get the Spider out of the picture.

Sloppiness is not Varys’ style; there’s a reason he’s able to turn on so many leaders before Daenerys. But Game of Thrones season 8 turns his characterization upside down in order to further Daenerys’ villain storyline and get the Spider out of the picture. With so much else going on, it’s one of those inconsistencies that often goes unnoticed by the majority of viewers. However, Varys’ characterization in season 8 deserves just as much ire as Tyrion’s sudden lack of wit and Jon fading to the background.

3

There Shouldn’t Have Been So Many Unsullied In The Game Of Thrones Finale

So Many Of Them Died During The Battle Of Winterfell

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen looks at King's Landing burning in Game of Thrones

After Daenerys burns King’s Landing, she gives a terrifying speech to her forces — and many of the soldiers that stand before her are Unsullied. Given how often Daenerys is seen in front of large Unsullied forces, this might not seem jarring to viewers at first glance. However, Game of Thrones kills off most of her Unsullied army during the Battle of Winterfell, a choice that’s often condemned for continuing the show’s poor treatment of BIPOC characters. To make matters worse, it seems to forget it even does this, as Dany’s forces look back to their usual numbers in the finale.

While it’s possible that Dany had more Unsullied waiting on her command elsewhere, the series never offers an explanation for the sudden appearance of all these new soldiers. And it’s questionable that Daenerys would leave any of her men behind when heading for Winterfell. She knows what they’re up against during the Battle of Winterfell, as does Jon Snow, so bringing all the Unsullied and Dothraki would be the wisest course of action. For that reason, I’m inclined to think this might be an oversight on Game of Thrones’ part rather than an intentional choice.

2

The Unsullied Wouldn’t Have Given Jon A Trial

It’s Difficult To Imagine How Jon Gets Arrested & Imprisoned

Speaking of inconsistencies with the Unsullied, it’s incredibly difficult to envision how Jon is imprisoned after killing Daenerys. For one, there are questions about why Jon doesn’t simply flee. Presumably, it’s because he’s a man of honor and willing to face his punishment. But even then, I’m not buying that the Unsullied would be level-headed enough to arrest him and put him on trial. Grey Worm and his soldiers are killing enemy soldiers without mercy just a few scenes earlier, and I’d be shocked if they didn’t do the same to Jon upon discovering his crime.

Jon Snow, Catelyn Stark, and Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones

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Grey Worm’s anger during the trial drives this point home, leaving viewers to wonder how Jon even survives the aftermath of Dany’s death. The simple answer is that it’s for the plot. Realistically, though, I’m doubtful that things would ever play out the way they do. The Unsullied have no reason to respect the conventions of the Seven Kingdoms, and they have every reason to respond with force. And if the show wanted a way around this, earlier seasons of Game of Thrones would have worked it into the narrative — not just glossed over it for convenience’s sake.

1

Game Of Thrones’ Ending Breaks The Fourth Wall A Few Too Many Times

The Series Finale Nods Too Directly To Fans

Tyrion looking wary and exhausted in the Game of Thrones series finale

Game of Thrones’ ending often feels like it’s speaking directly to the viewers, and while I understand the desire to nod to fans during the finale, it remains an odd choice. After all, Game of Thrones isn’t a series that was ever known for fan service or being meta. It told its story in a realistic and straightforward manner, and most expected that to continue through its conclusion. But Tyrion’s speech to Jon sort of breaks the fourth wall, calling out viewers for rooting for Dany, and his dialogue about stories takes this commentary even further.

The fact that Samwell Tarly presents a book called A Song of Ice and Fire also feels a bit too direct, even if Lord of the Rings successfully pulls off a similar thing with Bilbo Baggins’ book. The jokes about Tyrion not being mentioned also feel a bit on the nose, leaving viewers to wonder why there’s so much of this in the final episode. Game of Thrones season 8 has bigger problems to contend with, so this one doesn’t get a lot of attention. However, it’s a pretty jarring change, especially after seven seasons that don’t do anything like this.