Now that the series has ended, fans of Game of Thrones are attempting to explain its entire plot in a single tweet. This gives them 280 characters to sum up eight years, eight seasons, seven kingdoms, and a massive cast of characters that are as beloved as the series finale was divisive.
Based on the book series from George R. R. Martin titled A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones is a record-breaking series that stands alongside shows like The Sopranos, Deadwood, and The Wire as one of HBO's best. In Game of Thrones' series finale, the battle for the throne comes to a brutal and bloody end, with central characters either being killed off, journeying to parts unknown, or ending up where very few fans might have expected (see: the new ruler of Westeros). Now, with a few days passing since the finale, fans have had some time to digest all of its unexpected twists and turns, while also taking a deeper look at what the series represented - to them, at least. Others, however, haven't taken too kindly to the way Game of Thrones came to an end.
On Twitter, social psychologist Amy Cuddy asked if someone can "please explain the plot/story of the entire #GOT series in a single tweet," and the responses flooded in. Some were funny, with @pwang saying, "Shakespeare, but with zombies, dragons, and an odd fixation with castration;" some were concise, but thorough, with @AJustConspiracy saying, "People with powerful ambition and poor impulse control explore the intersection of lust, greed, and fear. Lives and reputations were lost, painful wisdom was gained, and if you were really lucky, your favs just might end up back where they started;" and some were negative, coming from none other than William Shatner: "Craycray incestuous family rules 7 kingdoms. Baddies from the north invade so most put away their differences to fight together. After winning they go after the craycray Queen who didn’t help them fight and everything ends up in a hot mess and a big disappointment. The end."
Though most of the responses to the tweet were positive, the negative comments aimed at Game of Thrones' final season add to the overall divisive reaction in general. However, one of the show's cast members hasn't let the negativity slide. Sophie Turner (who plays Sansa Stark) opened up about how the petition to remake the final season is "disrespectful to the crew, and the writers, and the filmmakers." She then added that she's not exactly surprised that some fans aren't happy with the season, saying, "It’s a shock for sure, but I think it’s just because it hasn’t gone their way."
The ending of Game of Thrones was destined to disappoint some fans. Since season 1, subverting expectations was the show's entire M.O., with main characters being killed off, major storylines being rerouted, and unexpected alliances forming left and right. When all is said and done, though, Game of Thrones has had a substantial cultural impact, and, whether negatively or positively, it clearly left a major impression on audiences all over the world.
Source: Various (see above)