[Maritime Q-Scout]

I think part of the problem is the show is clearly working toward an end game.

They shouldn't.

The show just started without the traditional introductory opening. The pilot was like a season premier not a series premier. Really, the series finale should be treated like a season finale.

What makes (made?) Game of Thrones great was that it was written as an infinite story. You know John Aaryn was important, as was Rhaegar Targaryen, Arthur Dayne, etc. But we don't get to know them. They're talked about like any other character but predecease the narrative.

The show should end with the aftermath of this round of the Game of Thrones, as the victors become bored and complacent, the new players start to emerge and set in motion the next round of the game.