All Good Things...


"Any man who must say, I am the king, is no true king." — Tywin Lannister, "Game of Thrones"

Last night was the finale of the third season of "Game of Thrones." When it was over, I was kind of bummed. It will be nine months until the world of Westeros returns to HBO, and it will be a long wait to see the next 10-episode installment.

When the show first debuted, I was cautious. I didn't know what to make of the concept and, having not read the books, I wasn't totally invested in the pilot. But something kept me coming back, and by the end of the first season I was sucked in. I guess it was really episode nine, when Ned lost his head, that full convinced me this was a fascinating, if brutal world.

Flash forward to the end of the third season and I have to say I will really miss "Game of Thrones." It's 10-episode season felt far too short, especially after the brutal turn of events in episode nine — with the Red Wedding — that really opened up a new world of possibilities. There is a reason that "Thrones" is now the flagship show for HBO and, quite possibly, the best cable show on TV.

With all apologies to "Homeland," which slipped in season No. 2, this was the best complete show of the season, and I hope the Emmy voters recognize that. The storytelling was great, and the performances were even better.

After the high of where the story went in the penultimate episode, it was fitting that the finale had a much slower pace of action. All the parties involved were left reacting to the changes in the balance of power. The Starks are done. The White Walkers are coming. And in the East, an army of freed slaves are growing. All of it leaves unlimited potential for where the story can go.

And, like so many fans of the show, I've kept my reading of the books behind the pace of the show so I can enjoy those twists and turns as they come. Now, the waiting game begins.

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