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Game of Thrones is one of the most popular shows in the world and when the show aired, it led to a massive pop culture revolution. Based on the novels of George R.R. Martin, the fantasy series focused on the battle between the noble families of a fictional land and their fight to win the Iron Throne. The series has themes of political intrigue, wars, and drama. However, as the show’s seasons progressed, it began to decline due to poor writing choices. Therefore, here are 7 Game of Thrones episodes that are underwhelming due to various reasons like lack of creativity and poor character arcs.
Winterfell, No One, and other underwhelming episodes from Game of Thrones
1. The Dragon and the Wolf
This Game of Thrones episode comes from the 7th season’s 7th episode and many critics and viewers have agreed that the last few seasons of the show is when it began to lack creativity and writing glory. The episode focuses on the undead wight that is in the possession of Jon and Daenerys. The two bring their prisoner to Cersei Lannister in the hopes that this possession will be enough to convince her of the aid that the two require against the incoming invasion. On the other hand, Theon tries to rally his remaining men to save Yara from captivity and the Night King uses an undead Viserion to destroy the wall and wreak havoc. The episode also focuses on Winterfell as Sansa, Arya, and Bran, try to work together and defeat Lord Petyr Baelish, who is one of the most manipulative of men. While the episode has a few good moments like the conversation between Tyrion and Cersei and the destruction of the Wall. However, this episode of Game of Thrones is underwhelming because there is no chemistry between Jon and Daenerys and many viewers and critics have noted that the relationship between the two in the later seasons was unnecessarily added. On the other hand, the reveal of Jon’s parentage was also a downer as it made Prince Rhaegar Targaryen similar to his younger brother, Viserys. Finally, the death of Baelish also felt abrupt and sudden and many felt that the ending was not respectful enough for such an important character.
2. No One
Another episode that lacks in the writing department is this episode from Game of Thrones’ 6th season and the 8th episode. The episode focuses on Arya, who is stabbed by the Waif and wanders through Braavos until she is found by Lady Crane. Lady Crane nurses Arya back to health however, the Waif kills Crane, which leads to a chase as Arya tries to evade the assassin sent to exterminate her. On the other hand, King Tommen Baratheon from Westeros, outlaws Trial by Combat. Jaime tries to stop the siege at Riverrun and Sandor Clegane runs into the brotherhood without Banners. The episode feels underwhelming because there are a lot of loopholes in Arya’s storyline. The fact that Arya was able to beat the Waif even when severely injured, felt like poor logic. On the other hand, Sandor’s story felt like he had lost all his progress and had devolved into a violent murderer after he has finally found peace. Even the death of Brynden “Blackfish” Tully is a disappointing end to a character in the siege of Riverrun. Further, no one is able to answer why Jaqen H’ghar says that she is finally No One. Therefore, this Game of Thrones episode had many loopholes in the writing and therefore felt underwhelming.
3. Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken
This Game of Thrones episode comes from the show’s 5th season and the 6th episode. The episode is one of the lowest rated and is controversial for the scene where Ramsay assaults Sansa. The episode focuses on Petyr Baelish giving Sansa Stark to House Bolton and Baelish asks for Cersei’s permission to lead an invasion of the North using the Knights of the Vale. At this point, Baelish does not know that Bolton has forcefully assaulted her and has also forced Theon to watch. On the other hand, Jamie and Bronn get into a fight with the sand snakes and the Faith Militant seizes Loras and Margaery Tyrell. Even Arya continues her training across the sea while slavers capture Tyrion and Ser Jorah Mormont. The episode not only feels harrowing to watch because of Sansa’s assault but its other plotlines also lack creativity. The scene in Dorne is bad due to the terribly choreographed fight scene. In season 4, viewers felt that Sansa would no longer be a victim. However, this episode changed that completely. Further, her pain is used to motivate Theon’s development and her assault causes damage to Baelish for giving her up. Therefore, this Game of Thrones episode was underwhelming and unimpressive.
4. Winterfell
The 8th season of Game of Thrones is known for being the most controversial season because of the direction that the show took in this season and the underwhelming finale. The first episode of the season already highlights some glaring mistakes. In the episode, as the armies of Night King are marching south, Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow band together to stop him. However, there is friction as Jon’s northern allies and his sisters Sansa and Arya, do not want to serve under a Targaryen. On the other hand, Yara is finally rescued from her uncle Euron by Theon. Ser Bronn is also hired to kill Ser Jaime and Tyrion Lannister. The episode begins with a eunuch joke by Tyrion that is directed towards Lord Varys and the decline in quality becomes immediately apparent to viewers and critics of the writing. The writing remains poor throughout the episode as the Stark women hate Daenerys, which feels like drama. On the other hand, the non-Winterfell plots are rushed through and feel abrupt. There is a lot of melodrama in the episode. The scene where Jon is learning how to ride Daenerys’ dragon Rhaegal, also feels rushed as the bond between the man and the dragon is not explored. Therefore, this Game of Thrones episode is underwhelming and tries to do too many things at once.
5. The Long Night
Another underwhelming episode from the 8th season of Game of Thrones comes from its 3rd episode. The episode focuses on the battle between the army of the living and the army of the dead. As night falls on Winterfell, the armies of the living gather outside the castle to face the army of the dead. They plan on using Bran as bait so that the Night King is lured and brought out into the open. Then, he will be killed using dragonglass and dragon fire. Everyone thinks that the death of the Night King will lead to the death of the White Walkers and the wights as well. However, the army of the dead is extremely huge and two dragons are not enough to stop them. The episode is underwhelming because it falls short on various fronts. From the bad lighting and ill-choregraphed fight scenes to the disrespectful conclusion of the White Walker storyline. Game of Thrones has always presented the White Walkers and the Night King as one of the greatest threats to the Lords of Westeros. However, their easy death at Winterfell feels abrupt and not carefully planned. Further, it is Arya who kills the Night King and not Jon or Daenerys, which feels like a big blow to the fans who wanted the antagonist to be killed by the main leads.
6. The Bells
This Game of Thrones episode comes from the 8th season’s 5th episode. The final season crumbles as it is unable to justify the trajectory that the writers have planned for characters like Daenerys. As Daenerys begins to descend into madness, Varys wants to place Jon on the throne. However, he is betrayed by Tyrion and executed. Tyrion allows Jamie to enter King’s Landing and he wants to run away with Cersei. On the other hand, Arya and Sandor infiltrate the city and take revenge on those who wronged them. When the attack finally begins, Daenerys easily defeats the opposite army and when she hears the bells, she mounts Drogon and begins recklessly murdering innocent civilians. The episode is therefore underwhelming as it absolutely butchers the character of Daenerys. Even though her descent into madness had some merit, it is handled poorly and made so convoluted by the writers that it is unthinkable to see a woman who saved slaves, no killing innocent people recklessly. On the other hand, even Jon is unable to control his soldiers and there is an arbitrary fight between Jaime and Euron. Therefore, this Game of Thrones episode is underwhelming and goes into a direction that even the fans of the show did not like.
7. The Iron Throne
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The final episode of the 8th season of Game of Thrones cements the show’s downward legacy and ends on a note that appeased neither fans nor critics. The episode begins with Cersei being dead and the King’s Landing in ruins. Daenerys finally claims the Iron Throne and makes plans to conquer other regions as well. However, when Jon confronts her and sees that she has been enveloped by madness, he kills her. Daenerys’ warriors take him prisoner and a few months later, the remaining lords of Westeros decide Jon’s fate and who will be the new king. The ending of Game of Thrones is not only underwhelming, but it is downright bad. Most of the screen time is dedicated to characters walking from one location to the next and saying dialogues that feel immature. Further, the fates of many characters don’t make sense. Bronn undeservingly becomes the lord of Highgarden and the Master of Coin and Bran is chosen to be the king. While the North gets its independence from the Seven Kingdoms, the other kingdoms like Dorne don’t even fight for their freedom. This episode of Game of Thrones therefore ends on a rushed yet lazy note and while trying to be shocking, it ends up being nonsensical.
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