For this part of fantasy’s allure, the magic is interesting but secondary. As a generalization, fantasy writing has leaned more on political storytelling the more it’s tried to escape the inevitable influence of Middle-earth, and revise the Eurocentric and Christian tropes that Tolkien’s particular worldview bequeathed. Martin has not delivered on this promise, of course, because he hasn’t delivered a new novel in his saga in eight long years. But now, in the disappointment with the show’s finale and final seasons, he has an example of what not to do. In its rush to finish, the show effectively lost sight of both reasons for fantasy’s appeal.

Source: New York Times May 21, 2019 09:56 UTC