When Did Game of Thrones “Jump the Shark” and Why?
Game of Thrones, the critically acclaimed and beloved fantasy series, was once celebrated for its nuanced storytelling, rich world-building, and complex characters. However, its decline from fantasy masterpiece to just another Hollywood-style action series became a point of contention among fans. This article explores the moment when the show “jumped the shark,” providing insights into the specific plot points that marked this decline.
The Turning Point: Arya's Unbelievable Survival
The term “jump the shark” typically refers to the moment when a show is no longer entertaining or believable. For many fans, Arya's survival after multiple stab wounds to her gut in Season 7 was that exact moment. This plot point was so notable for its unbelievable nature that it became a recurring reference in criticism and fandom discussions.
The descent didn't happen suddenly, but rather had been brewing over previous seasons. Earlier plotlines, such as the Dorne storyline, were already sliding into incredulous territory. When Arya, renowned for her tactical prowess and determination, was caught flat-footed and subsequently survived the attack, it was a tipping point for many viewers. The show deviated sharply from the intricate and believable world it had built, leading to a sense of disbelief and frustration.
Ser Barristan Selmy's Demise and the End of a Golden Era
The killing of Ser Barristan Selmy by a group of street urchins carrying daggers in Season 5 was another significant moment in the show's downfall. This event marked a clear departure from the show's earlier days, which were heavily rooted in the source material by George R. R. Martin. After this, the show became more about spectacle and less about depth.
The show's attempt to source material independently led to plot twists and character developments that felt forced and disconnected from the beloved books. This shift highlighted the gulf between the fantasy world of Westeros and the realistic expectations that its fans had built up. The loss of the book source material meant the storylines had to be entirely fabricated, leading to creative contention.
Dialogues and One-Dimensional Characters
The one-liners and slapdash comedic approach to dialogue became another point of contention. Early seasons of the show were known for their complex and nuanced dialogues, but as the series progressed, the conversations became more one-dimensional and contrived. Fans were disappointed by the lack of subtle and meaningful interactions, which were a hallmark of the show's beginnings.
The departure from the source material also led to a number of forced connections and leaps in storyline. For example, Jon Snow's relationship with Daenerys Targaryen felt forced and incompatible. Similarly, Stannis Baratheon's character arc was altered significantly, making his motivations and actions hard to believe. These changes were often seen as a compromise to maintain viewership and fanbase satisfaction, rather than a natural progression of the story.
High Expectations and the Impact of Fan Pressure
One of the central issues is the high expectations that fans had for the show. The pressure to meet these expectations led to concessions that often resulted in less believable plot points. For instance, major developments in the storylines of key characters like Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Jamie Lannister were altered to suit the new writers' vision.
The pressures from the fanbase, HBO, and viewership statistics all played a role in the scripting of these changes. While acknowledging that some scenes were superb, the overall effect of these concessions was often negative. The show's narrative integrity was compromised, leading to a decline in its quality and fan satisfaction.
In conclusion, while Game of Thrones remains a controversial, yet cherished series, the specific plot points and character developments in the later seasons surely marked the moment when the show “jumped the shark.” This article has explored these turning points in detail to understand the decline of this once beloved show.