In one of the most controversial seasons so far, Game of Thrones wrapped up its fifth season with a series of cliff-hangers and shocks–I was not impressed. I spent several weeks tuning into the show only to find myself wondering why I even bother. What was in previous years an entertaining respite from ordinary life turned into a tedious task full of frustration and flummoxed head-shaking. Now, make no mistake, the previous seasons were not without flaw either, but in the past the showrunners managed to balance out their lapses with a generally consistent narrative, compelling plot, and fantastic performances by the actors. This season that balance was missing. While the actors continued to shine, the overall narrative fell apart into a nonsensical, cacophonous mess that was season 5.
Three issues stood out that sank the show faster than Stannis’ ships at the battle of the blackwater. Of course, customary spoiler warning.
