Game of Thrones is possibly the most well-received television show of all time. The dozens of characters and interconnecting stories depicted throughout its eight-season run have attracted viewers from around the world and has allowed a number of talented individuals the opportunity to make it big in Hollywood. For one of the first times, thanks to director Jeanie Finlay, fans of the show have the ability to see what took place during the production of Game of Thrones’ final season. The pros and cons of the most expensive television show ever come to light as the cast and crew spill their guts and express exactly what the set of Game of Thrones was like in Game of Thrones: The Last Watch.
Seeing and hearing what occurs behind the scenes makes viewers feel for the crew that has, for years now, worked unbelievably long shifts to make sure that fans (and HBO) get what they want--and feel they deserve. Game of Thrones: The Last Watch appears to aim to express the dedication present on the set of Game of Thrones, but it does something far worse. Hearing the testimonials from the most important people on the set of the beloved show actually makes viewers feel bad about what they are being forced into. The reality is that they have chosen to be here, but to see them miss important family events and spend eighteen hours straight on set forces viewers to feel for them. At the same time, however, there is a sense of accomplishment that appears to resonate with everyone on set. With literally hundreds of individuals behind the scenes, hundreds of extras and the primary cast, viewers, as much as they feel bad for the group having to suffer through these ridiculously long days, understand that there’s a camaraderie present throughout each and every set that drives the cast and crew forward and allows them to create one of the greatest shows ever.
It’s clear that audiences around the world have loved nearly every aspect of Game of Thrones, but that feeling isn’t present throughout Game of Thrones: The Last Watch. The fact that viewers don’t get the same sense from the documentary as they did from the series works in two, completely opposite ways. The first is disappointment. Viewers had certainly hoped to get one more sense of appreciation for the series that they so dearly loved; not being able to relive the same emotion again is somewhat devastating as fans must face the reality of television production, maybe for the first time. The second, more favorable way, in which this works is that Finlay, in her direction, is able to capture the truth. The old adage “the truth will set you free” plays a role in this aspect of the documentary as viewers see their favorite actors, and the crew that bring them to life, in a more honest way than they have ever seen before. As Game of Thrones: The Last Watch plays out, seeing the moments full of frustration, and even disdain, allows viewers to connect with the set in ways that they were unable to in the past. There are no flashy points of the documentary, presenting viewers with a true understanding of the sacrifices made by cast and crew alike.
Game of Thrones: The Last Watch aims to add additional content to the beloved Game of Thrones show, and while it feels a bit emotionless from time to time, just the presence of the actors is enough to get viewers excited about the show once again. In addition to exciting viewers, those watching are provided an in-depth look into the production of the series, including how trying that production is on the cast and crew. Game of Thrones: The Last Watch serves its purpose but is far less entertaining than fans of the show had hoped.
Directed by Jeanie Finlay. Starring Candice Banks, Vladimir ‘Furdo’ Furdik, Sarah Gower, Naomi Liston, Andrew McClay, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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