Kristian Nairn Defends the Controversial Ending of Game of Thrones
The Divisive Finale
Kristian Nairn, known for his role as Hodor in Game of Thrones, recently voiced his support for the show’s final episodes, which aired five years ago. The conclusion of the series has been one of the most divisive moments in television history, primarily due to drastic character transformations, such as Daenerys Targaryen’s (played by Emilia Clarke) turn into a tyrant who incinerates King’s Landing. Although the series finale did not hinder the franchise’s growth, as evidenced by the ongoing House of the Dragon, it did tarnish the original series’ reputation for many fans due to its contentious narrative choices.
Nairn’s Perspective on the Final Season
In a discussion with Screen Rant, Nairn expressed his admiration for the last season of Game of Thrones, lamenting the negative reception it garnered. He argued that the groundwork for Daenerys’ destructive actions had been laid throughout the series, making her character’s evolution logical when it ultimately occurred. However, he admitted that the show could have benefited from additional episodes to more thoroughly develop this significant event, likening the final episodes to the explosive style of director Michael Bay.
Nairn also mentioned that House of the Dragon is likely to take its time showcasing dragon-driven action, drawing parallels to Daenerys’ climactic destruction, which he believes contributed to the finale’s divisiveness. Despite this, he praised the final episode’s visual brilliance, comparing scenes like Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) navigating a sea of the dead to a Renaissance masterpiece.
Nairn’s Reflections on the Series’ End
“It’s not perfect, no. But also keep in mind I’m not a scriptwriter, neither are 99.99% of people. There are some who think they are, but I do know I’m not, so I have that. So [the response] disappointed me really. I don’t feel responsible for it obviously, because I was long since dead. But it disappointed me because the show had been held in such high regard, and I don’t think it deserved it. I don’t think there was a way they could have ended it to keep people happy. There’s never been a show in the history of television, I believe – maybe Breaking Bad, maybe – where people had been so invested in their characters and I think everyone had their own final fantasy of what was going to happen at the end with Daenerys, and any deviation from that, especially such an extreme one, it’s going to piss them off.”
Although some viewers argue that Daenerys’ actions were out of character and occurred too rapidly, Nairn was puzzled by this perspective. He had anticipated such a development throughout the series, noting that Daenerys once declared her intention to incinerate King’s Landing once Drogon was large enough. Nairn’s main critique, though understanding of budgetary constraints, was the need for a longer narrative to properly develop these events.
The Need for Extended Storytelling
Nairn suggested that instead of longer episodes, the series should have had more episodes to better flesh out the storyline. He likened the final season to a “Michael Bay” action flick, filled with explosions and dragons that initially enticed audiences but ultimately left them wanting more substance. He cautioned fans of House of the Dragon not to expect immediate gratification from dragon battles, emphasizing patience in storytelling.
Nairn expressed a desire for greater audience satisfaction, as he personally enjoyed the finale. He appreciated moments like Tyrion’s walk through the ruins, which some viewers criticized for lacking a dramatically violent end for Cersei. Nairn viewed it as a piece of art, akin to a Renaissance painting, with its beautiful music and visuals.
What Nairn’s Opinion Reveals About the Series
The Final Episodes’ Enduring Allure
Nairn’s perspective highlights that some viewers did appreciate aspects of the final episodes, particularly the performances of the cast. However, his critique that the series should have allowed more time for Daenerys’ character evolution echoes the mixed reactions from both audiences and critics. As of now, season 8, episode 5, “The Bells,” holds a 49% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while the series finale, “The Iron Throne,” is at 47%.
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Despite widespread criticism, season 8 was lauded for its production quality and its definitive conclusion to character arcs. It also set the stage for House of the Dragon to build upon its foundation, establishing high expectations for future Westeros-based stories. With the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms expanding the franchise, it’s evident that the main show’s finale hasn’t irreparably harmed the universe’s ongoing narratives.
Our Take on Nairn’s Review of the Finale
The Need for Nuanced Development
While Nairn defended the final episodes of Game of Thrones, it’s evident that the series required more comprehensive development to justify its narrative direction. Nonetheless, the series possessed redeeming qualities, such as its unexpected twists, which could have been better appreciated with additional time for development. This perspective makes Nairn’s defense more comprehensible—it’s a matter of storytelling pacing rather than inherent flaws.
Game of Thrones seasons 6 through 8 were not adapted from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series.
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Created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Game of Thrones is a TV series based on the book “A Song of Ice of Fire” by George R. R. Martin. It tells the story of the ongoing battle between the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros - as they fight for control of the coveted Iron Throne. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the far north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night's Watch, led by House Stark's Jon Snow, is the first to encounter icy horrors that threaten all realms of men. The series premiered on HBO in the United States on April 17, 2011, and quickly became one of the biggest event series in the "Golden Age" of TV. Winner of 38 Primetime Emmy Awards, Game of Thrones has attracted record viewership on HBO and has a broad, active, international fan base.
