From the fast-paced, high-adrenaline action of the previous episode, the finale slows things down to emphasize the emotional turmoil that burdens our characters in the aftermath.
The cinematography smoothly transitions from one remaining player to the next as each reflects upon (or completely ignores) the consequences of their actions.
The GoT fandom may be divided in the final season’s treatment of its characters, episodic transitions, and overall narrative but everyone can agree that the special effects, costumes, and camera work have been consistently superb throughout the season.
Deliberate visual cues and character blockings are strategically arranged to illustrate the delicate tipping of the scales during a back-and-forth power struggle. Background visual effects are usually in theme with the person commanding the scene. A change in wardrobe reflects a shift in the character’s personality—more armor could mean increased strength and courage. This episode was one more opportunity to showcase the production’s prowess honed by several seasons of work.
Once they solved the Iron Throne problem, we’re given time to breathe as we escape warfare and delve into bureaucracy. It almost feels like a sitcom farewell episode with a revolving door of guest stars from seasons past making one more appearance—sans the crowd’s applause. You’ve got fan favorites, characters that had a major upgrade, and “meh.”
However, an anachronistic cameo by a water bottle has garnered more attention than the returning characters themselves. How quickly did the bottle replace the humble coffee cup from episode four! (We bid farewell to the coffee cup as it joins the likes of the Golden Company’s Harry Strickland into GoT screentime obscurity.)
But that minor hiccup can’t distract from the ultimate reunion and biggest payoff of all eight seasons. We may have shed a tear at this moment.
In the last half-hour or so, D&D tied up (albeit sloppily for some) all the loose ends and personal arcs as best as they possibly could considering the established plot points and previous setup. We are once again introduced to the banter we’ve come to know and love in the series. The concluding scenes left room for sequels, spin-offs, and suggestive fanfiction. (What has been meme’d can never die!)
The final episode didn’t end in a spectacular manner akin to an explosion of wildfyre but instead brought us back into a sense of normalcy and familiarity. And after all the pain that everyone has gone through in the series, it’s the best they could hope for under these circumstances. It’s not the happiest ending but perhaps boring is better than eternal suffering. (Not today, death!)