[Spoiler alert ahead]

The conclusion of Game of thrones season 6 marked show writers David Benioff & D. B. Weiss' foray into writing without the book series' structure and detailed plot - previously set out by George R R Martin. But did season 6 hold up to the writing of previous shows, or is it merely riding on the back of its overwhelming popularity?

Fans of the show were watching in higher numbers than season 5, but that hasn't stopped some viewers (including myself) to question some of the decisions made. David Benioff (in an interview with Deadline) spoke of how they are 'walking on [their] own and can't rely on the written material anymore'. Apart from the now infamous Hodor scene, which has spawned the creation of many (hilariously) edited images of doorstops superimposed upon his face.

Herein lies the problem as more 'tv writing' choices have emerged rather than ones solely based on quality of narrative and viewership.

[disclaimer: I'm a huge game of thrones fan and love the series as well as the latest, however these are some things that have arisen and could be better]

Number 1: Daenerys entering easy mode.

Its no surprise that Daenerys deserves a break, but the seemingly immortal conqueror this season seems to come out of any given situation without experiencing any particular struggle. She doesn't even need to have been shown successfully training or riding the dragons with skill before, but that didn't stop her from defeating an army at slavers bay and the taking over the entire Dothraki horde...

Number 2: Tyrion 'screen time' Lannister

Tyrion was an excellent character potentially challenging perceptions of minorities and how they were treated in Medieval societies. However, the recent characterisation of Tyrion has unfortunately fallen into the mists of an all too quoted line (which I will now quote). 'I drink and I know things', but what does tryrion know anymore? When we could of had plot arcs and development. We were instead fed unnecessarily elongated scenes of Tyrion drinking...and that's about all for a lot of the development. This is potentially due to the popularity rise in his character and the show's willingness to expose audiences to their favourite characters, rather than what would be best for the narrative. (like showing Dany actually riding a dragon).

Number 3: Arya stark - What is...alive? may never die?

Unless there's some unexplained plot or wild fan theory, arya stark's plot line for Braavos has been interesting yet filled with some minor details, like surviving a dagger to the stomach among other things. Now I may not have a medical degree, but I know enough about what happens if you get stabbed in the stomach.

She crossed the worlds deadliest magical assassins, got stabbed, picked up her sword and set off for westerns with a chirp in her step.

Number 4: Jon Crow

Now Jon is my favourite character like most people. But you have to agree after his resurrection the legendary commander's demeanour was fairly meek. Once a young hero who gained the vote of the knights watch to the position of commander. To then making basic mistakes, and running into a fight with a few hundred against figures in the thousands! It was just illogical suicide. But a similar theme was still echoed in that there was no danger, of course he would be saved, of course he would be a terrible military leader who has lost a lot of his strong and in depth characterisation. (or maybe the Resurrection was a bit tougher than we thought). But Jon's character seemed to lack the qualities he's so fervently been presented as having before. Although if the series is keeping in line with fantasy filmography, after a resurrection Jon will likely be more powerful than ever, and tied into the narrative. Certainly with the reveal of his Mother a song of Ice and Fire seems an apt description to some for his lineage.

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These are just some of the issues in the great show that I loved. Whilst I appreciate it, season 6 has made me appreciate the work of George even more so when translated into the hit HBO show. Characters sometimes didn't seem like themselves, or screen time that would be better spent developing the narrative is actually just pandering towards fan service. What do you think about the characters developments in season 6? is there a noticeable difference from the past? please comment below with your own opinions.

( I personally enjoyed the battle of the bastards which i felt had a lord of the rings-eque touch to it, where the giant's death was very reminiscent of Borimir and Jon's rescue like that of helms deep)