We Just Needed Four More Episodes

Published May 22, 2019 · Updated July 6, 2022

guys,

First time writer from Botswana. I”d like to thank you for being an integral part of my viewing experience the last few seasons. Moreover, I applaud you guys for being the only podcast to remain levelheaded when the whole GoT ecosystem was imploding. Big D captured it beautifully by explaining your show”s awareness of where it is in the grieving process. You”ve remained sharp and insightful, so a heartfelt thank you.

Briefly, on a season 9, I would counter your proposal. I don’t think the show needed an extra season. It just needed a longer version of season 8 with breathing room for the big moments. The show has been building suspense around who would sit on The Iron Throne. The aftermath would be an anticlimax, and would have to be dealt with quickly. Thus, ideally, i would have had a 10 episode season to give more room for

* Jon and Dany”s romance to blossom to increase the stakes in the end for Jon when he decides to kill Dany * More of Cersei”s perspective, beyond this just being a war. We needed to contrast the visions of the two queens * Dany to process her losses and to signal serious intent for revenge * A clearer sense of Dany”s vision before the genocide and 3rd Reich speech. The imagery was stunning but it felt a leap * More time to let big moments land, eg the lead up to and immediate aftermath of Dany”s murder. * Jon to be caught, tried and jailed for Dany”s murder. Nobles to be assembled and a decision to be made on governance. This could be the traditional wrap up episode 10

Overall, the pieces were there. Episodes 2,3 and 5 on their own were some of the best. The cinematography, music and battle scenes were exemplary; and in season 8 the show has done well to lean on these technical aspects to overcome the screenplay challenges that have plagued the show since the source material dried up. The small storytelling and pacing adjustments above would have landed a great season.

All the best

Ser Kitso

Sent from my iPhone

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