Game of Thrones Is Approaching Tricky Star Wars Territory

As a die-hard fan who’s been through the fire and ice of Westeros, I can’t help but echo the call for a new spinoff that truly delves into the heart of the Seven Kingdoms. The tales of knighthood, chivalry, and the moral quagmire that is our beloved realm have always intrigued me more than any throne-grabbing power struggle.

Prophecies, shmophecies! The pivotal moment for Daemon in the finale of House of the Dragon’s second season was significant not just for his character but for the series as a whole. His encounter with the “Song of Ice and Fire” prophecy, initially meant to resolve his issues at Harrenhal, appears to have drastically altered his mindset to support Rhaenyra, effectively eliminating major conflicts between key characters. For viewers, this prophetic vision feels like heavy-handed brand management: Scenes from Game of Thrones are inserted, including glimpses of the Night King and a prolonged shot of Daenerys, connecting House of the Dragon to its predecessor in a more obvious way than ever before. I found this to be one of the season’s major payoffs, but let out an audible groan when I saw it on my screen. If the rest of HBO’s upcoming Game of Thrones spinoffs, with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms next in line, continue in this vein, this franchise will be as enjoyable as a bag of potatoes.

Linking a spinoff too closely to its original series, like how Game of Thrones is being tied back to it, risks falling into the same predicament as Star Wars – a franchise that’s become overly reliant on its initial characters and themes, making it stagnant and repetitive. It’s not enough to simply tell an engaging story; you end up needing to include familiar elements like a Luke or Yoda, which leaves few chances for unique character development. It’s unfortunate and monotonous! However, it’s easy to understand the reasoning behind this approach. The audience has significant influence, and catering to the base often aligns with corporate interests – since Game of Thrones was successful, a spinoff must feel like Game of Thrones in some way, whether through reusing prophecies or musical themes. But continuously drawing from the same source eventually leads to decreasing returns, and if a franchise can’t evolve beyond itself, it fails to create a lasting legacy.

I’m hoping that the conservative approach in ‘House of the Dragon’ is unique to this franchise. After all, it’s the first spinoff, and it’s natural to view it as a stepping stone towards future series. However, ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’, which is based on George R.R. Martin’s novellas called ‘The Tales of Dunk & Egg’, should aim to distance itself as much as possible from the influence of ‘Game of Thrones’ and fully embrace its own distinct character.

The narrative structure for these stories unfolds within a timeframe following the events of “House of the Dragon” and preceding “Game of Thrones”. These tales primarily revolve around Ser Duncan the Tall, a knight from Westeros who could be likened to a rōnin or a freelance knight, and his squire, Egg. Interestingly, Egg is actually King Aegon Targaryen the Fifth, though he remains unaware of his royal status for now. The tales may occasionally delve into his family history, including anecdotes about his ancestors’ power struggles and political intrigues. However, it’s essential to remember that these stories are not primarily about Egg’s royal lineage; instead, they serve as a deep dive into the philosophical and institutional aspects of knighthood within the complex moral landscape of Westeros. “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” should mainly focus on this theme. If Egg turns out to be a central figure in a prophecy, it could potentially complicate matters for the franchise, but that’s a story for another day.

Translating the text into a more conversational style:

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, I must say that the rhythm and atmosphere of some upcoming productions might echo the early seasons of “Game of Thrones.” In those days, the show masterfully instilled a sense of grandeur in its viewers, stretching out journeys for characters across entire episodes or even seasons. This allowed us to truly immerse ourselves in their world, witnessing their growth and development over time as they interacted with each other and the environment.

In the TV series “House of the Dragon”, although the development of certain characters, such as Ulf, Alyn, and others destined to become dragonriders, might not have been fully fleshed out in season two, there were significant portions dedicated to them. This is one reason why I found myself appreciating the extended scenes featuring Tyland Lannister in the finale “The Queen Who Ever Was”. Despite his rough treatment, he’s just a man trying to carry out his duties. It’s intriguing! The unlikely duo of Criston Cole and Gwayne Hightower also caught my attention. Initially, Criston appeared as an extreme rebel, but by the end of the season, he seems to be transforming into a symbol of ground-level war fatigue. Meanwhile, the Targaryens are engaging in aerial battles, burning each other, while Criston and Gwayne are now just two ordinary men trying to perform their duties and avoid a grim fate. This feels more relatable and tragic than a conflict among royals whose significance is based on future events that we, as viewers, already know the outcome of.

In an unexpected twist for the Star Wars saga, Andor offered a captivating glimpse into its future. Similarly, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms could follow suit by delving deeper into the gritty realities of Westeros. What’s life like in smallfolk apartments within the Vale? How do taverns in the Riverlands manage to thrive financially? Can one truly be a valorous knight amidst the human darkness that pervades Westeros? These questions, though familiar, are ripe for fresh exploration. If the Game of Thrones franchise is to endure, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms should seize this opportunity by focusing on these intriguing aspects.

2024-08-08 22:56

Game of Thrones Is Approaching Tricky Star Wars Territory

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