The Iron Throne, “Game of Thrones’ ” ultimate prize that countless characters killed and were killed for over eight seasons of stellar storytelling, melted into a molten puddle during the series finale Sunday, dripping slowly down a set of stairs that once led to the realm’s coveted seat of power.

In a farewell episode that ended the series with more of an exhale than a bang, the HBO drama that built a television empire fetishizing war, violence and the brutal politics of empire building in the most cinematic, exciting and horrifying ways imaginable ended on a tame note about the futility of war, the corrupting influence of power and a rather disappointing appointment to the all-important crown.

Far from the flaming spectacle of this season’s two critical battles — the defeat of the Night King and the demise of the deadly yet admittedly fabulous queen Cersei (Lena Headey) — rulership of the kingdom was awarded to Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright), arguably the blandest contender among those left standing, in a modest ceremony where reason finally presided.

Was it the right move? I suppose so, in the interest of justice and good government and all that. But really, is that what we wanted? Fans would have likely suffered a few more losses of their favorite characters for a more thrilling outcome.

And already they are waging a revolt of their own across social media. As in this snarky comment: “I’m no longer Bran, I’m the Three Eyed Raven. Unless you want me to be King and then I can be Bran again. #GameOfThrones,” tweeted