7 Game of Thrones Episodes That Almost Ruined the Series
Game of Thrones has become one of the world’s most popular TV shows of all time, with over 30 million viewers in the United States alone. But despite its critical acclaim and commercial success, some of the series’ episodes were undeniably clunky to watch. Here are 7 Game of Thrones episodes that nearly spoiled the joy of millions of viewers across the globe.
- Red Wedding – “The Rains of Castamere” (Season 3, Episode 9)
Widely considered to be the most devastating episode of the entire series, Red Wedding delivered a twist that shocked audiences around the world. The episode’s director, David Nutter, masterfully crafted a scene that left fans of the show completely speechless. That said, the episode’s execution still remains controversial and considered to be the tipping point of when some viewers lost interest in the show.
- Sansa’s Wedding – “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” (Season 5, Episode 6)
“Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” is remembered most for Sansa Stark’s wedding to sociopath Ramsay Bolton. Sansa’s late-episode wedding provides a sentiment of distressed gloom and deeply affects her psychological health. This episode was met with an immense amount of backlash from viewers, critiquing its unfounded incestuous relations, cliched story-telling, and poorly-timed violence.
- Battle of the Greyjoys – “The Spoils of War” (Season 7, Episode 4)
The fourth episode of Season 7 sparked controversy with its ill-timed battle. Although aesthetically pleasing and riveting for viewers of the Battle Scene, many fans of Game of Thrones were frustrated to see a rushed climax. What was promised to be an epic showdown between Euron Greyjoy and Jaime Lannister ended up being a Battle of the Greyjoys, leaving fans feeling disappointed and portrayed as an imposed finale.
- Joffrey’s Death – “The Lion and the Rose” (Season 4, Episode 2)
While a fan favorite, King Joffrey did not die a noble death. Instead, he suffered a slow and agonizing poisoning death thanks to Littlefinger’s machinations. This was seen by some as a cheap death given the build-up, and made it difficult to stay emotionally connected to the scene.
- Daenerys’ Retreat – “Blackwater” (Season 2, Episode 9)
Daenerys Targaryen’s retreat from King’s Landing was arguably one of the weakest written episodes of the entire series. This is largely due to the invasion of Kings Landing being built up for the entire second season, only to have the conclusion hastily thrown together. This ending forced many viewers to lose faith in the beloved Mother of Dragons.
- Ramsay’s Torture for Sansa – “The Gift” (Season 5, Episode 7)
“The Gift” was a dreaded reminder of the cruelty of the world in Game of Thrones. Most controversial is the torture of Sansa Stark at the hands of Ramsay Bolton, a storyline that is still met with harsh criticism today. Fans of the show were not pleased to see such graphic violence forced upon a beloved female character.
- The Great Battle of Winterfell – “Battle of the Bastards” (Season 6, Episode 9)
For some, the Battle of the Bastards was a joy to watch, as it marked a monumental moment in the quest to take down the Boltons. For others, however, the battle was seen as an excuse to showcase effects-heavy set pieces. There was a solemn silence in the final few moments of the episode, but fans were left asking if they had viewed an emptied narrative full of meticulously crafted effects used to cover it up.
Game of Thrones has unquestionably made a lasting impression on the world of television and our culture in general. So, it is easy to understand why some viewers reacted negatively to certain episodes of the beloved series. However, despite these few missteps, Game of Thrones has provided audiences with a vast array of unforgettable moments, and continues to be one of the highest-rated shows ever created.
