Game of Thrones Lingering Questions: Plot Holes And A K-Drama Fix

The ending of *Game of Thrones* left many fans puzzled, with persistent questions surrounding character motivations and plot developments.

Significant plot holes often arose from the show deviating from George R.R. Martin's *A Song of Ice and Fire* book series and the accelerated pace of the final seasons.

Why this matters: Examining these discrepancies highlights the challenges of adapting complex narratives and how storytelling choices can impact audience reception. Key examples include Varys's shifting allegiances, the logic behind the Season 7 wight hunt, and the continued existence of the Night's Watch.

For fans seeking a similar blend of medieval politics, horror elements, and high-stakes conflict, the South Korean series *Kingdom* on Netflix offers a compelling alternative.

Why this matters: *Kingdom* provides a well-regarded viewing experience with comparable themes but is often praised for its focused storytelling and satisfying conclusion, potentially filling the void left by *Game of Thrones*.

Lord Varys's Motivations: Initially presented as a master manipulator hating magic and seeking a ruler truly for the people, Varys's late-game support for Daenerys (whose power relied heavily on magical dragons) and subsequent abrupt turn against her for Jon Snow (also entangled with magic via resurrection and dragon-riding) felt inconsistent to many. Book readers note that Varys's motivations in the novels align with supporting a different, non-magical Targaryen claimant, Aegon VI, who was omitted from the show. This book plotline offers a more logical path for his character.

The Wight-Kidnapping Fiasco: The Season 7 mission north of the Wall to capture a wight as proof for Cersei was fraught with issues. The plan itself seemed flawed (a similar attempt failed in Season 1), the logistics of Gendry's run, the raven's message, and Daenerys's dragon flight stretched believability ("fast travel"), and the mission ultimately failed to convince Cersei while strengthening the Night King (by providing him Viserion's corpse). This plot likely stemmed from notes about a future book event but was executed clumsily due to time constraints and adaptation changes. Theories suggest the book version might involve Jon seeking Bran or the Children of the Forest, with different motivations and logistics.

The Night's Watch Post-Finale: Jon Snow's sentence to the Night's Watch after killing Daenerys raised questions about the institution's purpose, given the apparent defeat of the White Walkers. Tyrion's explanation ("a home for bastards and broken men") felt more like a callback than a justification. The books suggest Jon's resurrection might change him profoundly, making him eerie, corpse-like, and intrinsically tied to the North. His banishment could be less political and more a necessity due to his undead nature, potentially becoming a permanent guardian against future threats from the far North.

High Stakes & Horror: A relentless undead threat against a historical backdrop.

Political Intrigue: Backstabbing and power plays mirroring the game of thrones.

Visceral Action: Coherent and well-executed large-scale battles.

Q: What caused the plot holes in Game of Thrones?

A: Key factors include deviating significantly from the source material (*A Song of Ice and Fire* books), omitting characters and subplots, and the condensed timelines of the final seasons which limited necessary exposition and character development.

Q: Is "Kingdom" a good alternative for Game of Thrones fans?

A: Many viewers find it highly appealing due to its similar mix of political intrigue, medieval setting (Joseon era Korea), undead threats, and large-scale conflict. It's particularly noted for its strong storytelling, consistent tone, and well-received conclusion.

Q: Will George R.R. Martin's books resolve these plot holes?

A: Fans anticipate that the forthcoming novels, such as *The Winds of Winter*, will offer clearer character motivations and plot developments that were altered or cut in the TV adaptation, potentially providing more coherent explanations for events like Varys's schemes or Jon's ultimate fate.

Reflect on *Game of Thrones* considering the impact of adaptation choices and shortened seasons on its narrative consistency.

If you enjoy high-stakes historical drama mixed with horror and political maneuvering, give *Kingdom* on Netflix a try for a potentially more cohesive experience.

Keep an eye out for updates on George R.R. Martin's upcoming books, which may offer alternative perspectives and resolutions to the saga.

Source 1: 3 Game of Thrones Plot Holes That Are Still Super Confusing

Source 2: The Critically Acclaimed K-Drama That Game Of Thrones Fans Need To Watch On Netflix