All things considering I think it was a good wrap up to the tv show. Like most shows with this sort of format, there are pacing issues, but that is sort of to be expected. There are very few that don't have pacing issues. Even some of all the time greats have it (The Wire, Breaking Bad). Pacing issues is different from writing issues. That the armies are in kings landing "right away" from the north, is not a writing issue. That is on the editors and directors for making the journey feel rushed. A hallmark of good visual storytelling in films and tv often revolves about conveying the passage of time in the story.
When it comes to the actual fates of many of the characters, I got a lot of vibes from Return of the King. The last episode had layered endings, where the fates of different characters stories are wrapped up. Brienne is writing the chronicles of Jamie in the end, sort of like how Frodo is finishing the story at the end of the Lord of the Rings. We see glimpses of these old familiar characters assisting in the rebuilding. It's a much warmer ending and probably less edgy than what could have otherwise happened.
But despite all of this, I think the characters stayed true to themselves. Grey Worm was probably the one character who I couldn't read very well. There is some pacing issues in the events after Jon kills Daneyers. We see on Tyrions beard that time has managed, but we don't understand if Grey Worm want revenge, compensation, honor restored or what it is. It makes sense to me that as a solider and the unsullied are mercenaries incapable of rule or enstating some sort of military dictatorship. Killing Denerys is probably cutting the head of the snake, but the show could have better at conveying that. Grey Worm was a sympathetic character that you liked- Noble and a good fighter, but when Missandre is assassinated, he sort of becomes a more one-dimensional killing machine. He didn't get his character arc flushed out. He didnt get revenge for Missandre, he didn't get a lot of grief, he got a moment of happiness when appointed the master of arms, but that is it. Besides him, I don't mind the wrap up for the other characters.
I think Jon should have died a long time ago (and not have been brought back from the dead), but all things considering since the show decided to make him the defacto hero- I don't mind his faith. I actually laughed at that, as he had gone through so much- only to end up at that damn wall. But that is who Jon is. He chronically heroic bordering on self-hatred. He reminds me of Jack from Lost. Good to a fault. Good to his own detriment. Jon saves the realm, but it's not like he gets out of all this with bitches, land and bling.
Bran - I liked it. I didn't expect him even though it had crossed my mind. And I liked that the north remained an independent kingdom and didnt join. I think logically it makes sense that a northern king wouldnt have a conflict of interest (with influence). Sort of like Bran abdicated his own power and prestige in the north in favor of ruling at Kings Landing. Sansa was great. She is a character who grew in a very well rounded way. From a useless girl to the early seasons to a proper queen at the end. Arya - Also good. No problems.
Tyrion is probably like Daenerys and Jon in that he should have died a long time ago, but what is GoT without Tyrion? He is just so good- And once again, while being captive by dickless mercenaries he still orchestrates a new monarchy-comittee based rule with his honey speeches. He was always the philosophical voice of reason. All the way back to the first episode where Jon and Tyrion meets and Jon is emo about being the bastard not allowed at the decision table and Tyrion going on about being a dwarf and turning your weakness into a strength.
In the end I don't dislike the ending at all. I am happy its over. It's the end of an era and now there is other stuff to watch and play. Saw the first episode of Chernobyl last night. Very nice!