Game of Thrones episode 3 too dark: GoT fans complain on Twitter as they struggle to watch what’s actually happening

'I'm standing a metre from my TV and I still can't see what's happening' 
Lucy Pavia29 April 2019

After a tense build-up, the third episode of Game of Thrones season 8 saw a battle of epic proportions unfold at Winterfell.

There was everything - terrifying White Walker formations, fiery catapults, near-death experiences, actual death experiences (so long, brave little Mormont lady!) and a bit with a dragon.

But could you actually see any of it?

Game of Thrones: First look at Season 8, Episode 3

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A few minutes into the show, when a band of horsemen was swallowed up by the approaching ice zombie army (or at least... that's what it looked like?), Game of Thrones fans began commenting on the gloomy picture.

"Well my poor tv can’t seem to handle how dark #GameofThones is so I’m missing most of the carnage" wrote one viewer, while another simply said, "I can’t see anything that’s happening."

As the Battle of Winterfell appeared increasingly hopeless - with White Walkers pouring into the castle from all angles - the murky lighting left people wondering if their favourite character had emerged from a skirmish dead or alive.

Turning out the living room lights completely appeared to be the only answer for some. "I turned off the lights, saved some electricity and set an atmosphere and it was a great experience with no issues?" wrote one fan.

According to a recent investigation by Slate, HBO shows are notorious for being too dimly-lit (other culprits include True Detective and Boardwalk Empire) and some Twitter users speculated that the dark battle scene could have made work on the special effects cheaper.

But if you were able to make it out, it was still a cracking episode, one which culminated in (spoiler alert) Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) doing what she was trained for and executing a stealth death move on the Night King himself.

After what has been a merciful season for character deaths, a few casualties were inevitable. It was a bad night for the Mormonts, with Lyanna Mormont meeting a noble but premature end at the hands of a White Walker giant, who she managed to stab in the eye before he crushed her body in his fist. Go girl.

HBO

Ser Jorah Mormont also met his maker by leaping to the defence of his beloved Khaleesi, who wept on the ground for her old protector, dragon curled around her like a giant comfort dog.

Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen), who had returned to Winterfell to atone for his betrayal, won his honour back by charging the Night King as he advanced on Bran Stark.

We also said goodbye to that Night's Watch dude Eddison Tollett.

As Game of Thrones character deaths go, it certainly wasn't an all-out bloodbath, but the apparent defeat of the Night King (and his army of the dead, who satisfyingly crumbled around him) raises the question of what next. Is Cersei the real enemy, or are there more character twists to come? Will Jon and Dany fight each other now Jon has a legitimate claim to the throne?

All will become clearer when the sun comes up - then at least we might be able to see something.

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