You're spot on. The series has some well earned equity, but in reality most of season 7 was a bit eye roll inducing. They definitely struggled without any source material to guide them. Felt like the characters were just doing things that seemed out of character in order to advance the plot. To me it was easily the worst season.theSCHW4B said:
Just finished my re-watch a few days ago. I'm still disappointed at how cheesy "Beyond the Wall" was. After the last scene of "Eas****ch" which showed arguably the 7 greatest fighters alive marching off to complete their mission, I was expecting the most badass episode of the entire series. I felt like what we got was very underwhelming.
First off, the entire plan of risking everyone to capture a wight was stupid to begin with. The zombie bear I guess was necessary to show that animals could be turned. Gendry setting the world record for the marathon and collapsing right at the wall. Dany showing up just in time to save the day, which everyone knew was coming. Jon continuing to fight instead of hopping on Drogon and getting the hell out of there. The Night King killing a smaller dragon instead of hitting Drogon right in front of him. The "suspense" of Jon falling through the ice. Uncle Benjen showing up just in time, and then unnecessarily sacrificing himself. Jon reaching the wall right before Dany gives up hope. So many eye roll moments that I felt like could have been done so much better.
I don't want to bash it too much, it's just that my expectations were probably just way to high going in. Probably had to also do with this episode being the one that was leaked.
They have set a high bar in this show. Hopefully Season 8 can measure up. I am pumped either way!