Someone needed a Tetanus shot from sitting on this thing.
Some people want to sit down and have a good time watching a television show that they like. Others want a television show to paddle them with angst until they’re rattled. As we all know, Game of Thrones definitely fits into the latter category of shows with its’ focus on an epic story with no shortage of brutal violence or situations that can make you squirm. Recently, rumors have been flying about a possible eighth season and a series of prequel seasons to expand upon the fantasy universe. While I am not opposed to an eighth season in order to finish out the story in a compelling way, I think that HBO needs to be reminded of why prequels really cannot engage an audience in the same way that sequels can.
1. Zero Tension Due To Future Characters’ Existence.
Well, he got the point.
A wide variety of possible plots have been thrown around for a prequel series, such as Robert’s Rebellion, The Long Night, and Aegon’s Conquest of Westeros. While these concepts would make fine stories if they stood separately, the constant references to these events in the current series would rob them of the trademark tension that Game of Thrones is known for. For the first time, we would not have a series where no one was safe and could easily point out which characters and factions have plot armor. These events are backstory and little more. We don’t really need to see them.
In a previous article, I pointed out that the same is not true for a franchise like Star Wars because the previous backstory had never been filled in, such as how the Jedi and Sith came to be. While people may think of this as a strike against that saga, it also allows for a level of creative freedom that HBO simply doesn’t have.
2. It’s Very Easy To Get Bloated.
Um… pun intended?
There’s a certain point where the idea that you can just slap a franchise name on something and rake in cash doesn’t work all that well anymore, which can easily happen here. While HBO has done a good job at adapting the plot so far, we need to ask ourselves how far a prequel can really go before audiences start to recognize the bloat. After all, if a season of Robert’s Rebellion is in the works, why not split it in half and make double the money?
If a prequel must be made, it is best to follow the rule of allowing for one season and no more. That way, the story can be told, the audience is pleased, and the show runners stay involved by moving on to something else for the next one.
3. How Could You Top The Stakes In The Current Show?
I’m in your freezer, stealin’ your peoples.
A prequel could simply be boring to watch because the stakes are not as high. Game of Thrones was initially played as a battle between kings over the Iron Throne. However, it soon began to set up the specter of an apocalyptic war, which took shape in the previous two seasons with a series of battles in the frozen north of Westeros. It would be impossible for a prequel to top those kinds of stakes, especially since the whole point of the story was that the petty battles in the early years of the show now mean absolutely nothing in the face of impending doom.
Now that I mention it…
4. You Risk Re-Treading Over Old Ground.
WHERE ARE MY PLOT LINES?!
The White Walkers. A Massive War for Control of a Throne. An Invasion from Across the Seas. These three plot devices are all present in the current series and they would be there in the prequels. Therefore, fans would not only be able to predict which characters survive, but it would also damage the overarching saga by introducing repetition, especially since certain characters fit these devices spectacularly well (*cough*Daenerys Targaryen*cough*). Therefore, fans would have to ask themselves whether or not they really MUST watch a prequel series, whereas the current series is appointment television for whoever can get their hands on an HBOGo or HBO subscription.
That being said, Game of Thrones is still a wild ride and worth a watch.
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