There is a theory that is often talked about in Behavioural Economics, one that was born out of the research carried out by eminent economists Barbara Fredrickson and Daniel Kahneman, called the ‘Peak-End’ theory. What the theory propounds is that our memories of an event, or an experience are not formed based on the entire duration of the said event or experience, rather it is based on specific, intense, moments, or the highlights of it. If, for example, a somewhat dull episode of a television series finishes with a cracking revelation, or a complete twist in events, you’re more likely to remember it as a great episode for that revelation or twist, rather than a mediocre episode made better with a good ending.
The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced that the reason why I’ve enjoyed the Game of Thrones franchise as much as I have, is because of the peak-end theory. The clarity with which I can recall the shock value of the scenes in the first season’s finale where Ned Stark (Sean Bean), who seemed to be a core protagonist, dies an ugly, untimely death, and the moment that Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) emerges from the fire, naked, holding her baby dragons, far surpass my memory of other events which took place that season. My memories of the other seasons too, are essentially a combination of key turns in the story and particularly gruesome deaths — like a highlight reel.
The sixth season, though, has put the peak-end theory to rest for me. Six episodes have come out so far, marking half the season complete, and every episode has had stunning revelations, and every episode plays like a highlight reel. Jon Snow (Kit Harington) rises from the dead after a mystical haircut performed by the Red Priestess Melisandre (Carice Van Houten). Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner), after five and three quarter seasons, finally runs into some good luck and not only escapes the Boltons, but also gets the powerful Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) on her side, and is reunited with her half brother at Castle Black. Daenerys rounds up an entire Dothraki army, at Vaes Dothrak after setting the local Khals on fire, and inspires her new Khalasar to fight for her and take over Westeros, with a stirring speech (the dragon she was sitting on might have helped, too). Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen), bruised and battered by the Boltons, has managed to escape as well, and is now back home at the Iron Islands, helping his sister become the rightful leader after their father was murdered by their uncle.
Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) has quit the Faceless Men (after wasting an entire season) and looks to reclaim her identity. Bran (Isaac Wright) has made an important comeback, and his abilities to warg, or look into the past, have evolved to the point where he can now interact with the past, thereby affecting the future, all of which pose terrifying possibilities.
Back in King’s Landing, Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) is plotting her revenge against the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce) and the Faith Militant which she foolishly empowered. But she can’t seem to catch a break, as he manages to convert her daughter-in-law, Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer), and consequently, her son Tommen (Dean-Charles Chapman), the King. Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), on the other hand, has been fired from the King’s Guard, and must set aside his ego, and look to quell the rising rebellions against the Lannisters.
The show thus far has not left any room for the audience to catch their breath. Every episode makes you think, ‘What now? What next?’ and even before you can contemplate an answer, the show gives it to you, along with an entirely new question. It’s doubly exciting because the book on which this season is based, The Winds of Winter , hasn’t been released by G.R.R. Martin. It is also evident that the show-makers have deviated completely from the storyline that the book might have taken (with the blessings of Martin, of course). The official announcement from the producers said that the show would only have eight seasons in total, and given that we’re already in the sixth, there should be some sense of an ending, but the way the show is moving now, it feels like it’s only the beginning.
( Game of Thrones is on Star World Premiere HD every Tuesday, and is also available on the Hot Star app)
