Game of Thrones (Season 4)

⭐ 8.5/10

(Originally written by Joseph)

*some spoilers*

This is a weird season because the cracks are really starting to show here, yet the season itself still manages to be really great in most respects again. But we go from having this carefully crafted show that feels like a history documentary to something that feels altogether like a true drama. Lots of weird behavior from characters, lots of strange coincidences, a bit of fast travel, some melodrama. This season, to me, is firmly the bridge between the tight, well-written, grounded early seasons and the silly later seasons.

I think one of the issues in this season specifically is that with a lack of organic conflict flowing in from previous seasons, they really had to cook up some strange stuff. In Joff's absence, we get some ridiculous villains. Joffrey was the one cartoon villain we tolerated because in a universe of morally grey characters, we can understand that there will be one inbred psychopath who's worst features come out when you give him a crown. However, in his absence we get a million irredeemable villains with Ramsey, the Thens, Ser Alliser, Karl Tanner, the Mountain. Some of these have been in previous seasons, but this season goes way overboard with the evilness. Karl Tanner drinks out of Mormant's skull while women are being raped in the background... It's just a little silly. In a show that's done a good job of showing both sides, or at least giving audiences an understanding of the villain's motivation, this season gives us a slew of people that are just evil for evil's sake. Also, as a side note, why does the music swell and the camera pan out when Ramsey gets what he wants? I literally laughed out loud. That was so bizarre.

Anyways, there is still plenty to love. I think Sandor Clegane steals the show here, and he has a few really interesting scenes alongside Arya where he discusses some big things. This all culminates in a truly epic showdown, but the result of this is a bizarre choice by Arya. Jon has an interesting storyline, and the battle is terrific, though again there was some silliness you have to be willing to overlook. Dany's stuff is a bit up and down, though it's cool to see her assemble the dream squad. Sansa's stuff is maybe the weakest, especially with the Vale and the emergence of Baelish now speaking with a hiss?! Again, I think his transition perfectly captures villains going from complex to Jack Spicer levels of parody.

I think this season's highlight, though, is the Lannister stuff, specifically Tyrion's arc. I have a lot of problems with this whole thing, and I've complained to Tim at length and won't repeat here. I know people love it, but I'm so-so on the whole trial. I think the setup was incredible and had a chance to be 10/10, one of the best moments of storytelling ever. But George didn't want to do that for us. I dunno. This story keeps us coming back despite abusing us, because George is Ramsey and we are Reek. But I just think there was potential for such an epic moment and it pains me we didn't get it.

Anyways, that's a lot of scattered thoughts. This show is always weird because it's the best show ever in so many ways, but you have to endure a lot to experience it. I just can't give a perfect score to something this flawed, and a show that feels like it relies too heavily on graphic rape and murder for shock value. And yet... I keep coming back. We watched this show in like 5 days! That must mean something.