The Official End Thread

[Merlin1958]

HISHE:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrcF7...ure=popt00us0a


"Who wants some eternity water"??????????

LOL

[Brainslinger]

I don't think Patrick Danville's power quite works like that, but some interesting and rather gruesome ideas. I wouldn't quite like that version either (no offence) but I agree that the foreshadowing should count for something. Mind you, I guess one could argue that those who made the prophesy were just wrong, or intended it to be self fulfilling. By that I mean it wasn't really fated at all, more a statement that the King and his henchmen tried to implement, but even so...

All the major villains seemed way bellow their potential though. The MOST satisfying was probably Roland's slaying of Mordred. That was both devastating on one hand (Oy) but pretty cool all in all. He was way underused as a villain though. And I won't even get into what happened to Walter (or rather, not so much what happened, as when it happened) but I think he should have survived long enough to be the villain in the Dandelo bit. Considering the crystal palace, that bit seemed to be the kind of thing he might pull, but never mind. The IT references were cool.

I was somewhat disappointed with that ending too. Not so much the Danville painting/rubbing out bit. I quite like that. I just wish we'd seen the Crimson King using more of his power after being built up so much. I understand the reasoning that has been given, but it would have been nice if that had been made a bit more explicit, if they had to take this more depowered route.

[DoctorDodge]

When i voted in this thread, (whenever the hell that was,) i thought the ending was perfect and gave it a 5. Having just finished the series for the 2nd time (and, i imagine, it'll be quite a while before there's a 3rd time, with all the book series i need to read), i'm reminded of how much Mordred sucked, and how dissapointing the battle between Roland and the Crimson King was, but despite that, I still love that ending, the true ending of the coda. I just thought that, despite how much Roland had redeemed himself, it was very fitting to show how much his obsession has ruined his life. The ending still sent shivers down my spine as it did the first time, and i still felt a compulsion to listen to Just by Radiohead right afterwards (don't ask me why, i just love that song). So whilst i have a few problems with how the final volume ended (although, considering how much plot it was able to pack in and how most of it went, it's just a couple of (admittedly pretty major) parts that i disliked, i'd give it a 4/5 overall), i'd still give the ending itself a 5/5.

Well, that's one awesome long series done, now it's time to start seeing what all the fuss of A Song of Ice and Fire is all about...

[beam*seeker]

The ending may have fit and been appropriate but I was dissatisfied. Probably because I didn't want it to end.

But als0--I did not like the alternate NYC ending with Eddie, Suze and Jake
Felt the Crimson King and Roland's last battle was anticlimatic
Felt that Mordred could have been more evil

I guess the ending was "right" give the idea that Roland is compulsively trying to reach the tower life after life, but I think the ultimate reality is I did not want the books to end and no ending could have been "big enough"

[pathoftheturtle]

I just think that he tried too hard to please everyone. A lot of people prefer what he gave us to what they figure that he could have given us; but I imagine that I still would have preferred the kind of thing that they wouldn't have.

[detroitdave]

I just finished the Dark Tower VII last week. I began reading the series way back in the early 90's and started over again last year (as novels IV through VII did not yet exist my first time through). I like many others who have posted, was disappointed not with the ending...or beginning again if you like. My disappointment comes from knowing my journey through the epic story had come to an end. I don't think there ever is a "good way" to end something so deep and compelling. As with many other forms of great storytelling (tv shows, movie series), the disappointment is that it is over.

[Brainslinger]

Never mind. While it is over (in a sense) there's a bit more journey 'in between' to come.

[blavigne]

I just finished the Dark Tower VII last week. I began reading the series way back in the early 90's and started over again last year (as novels IV through VII did not yet exist my first time through). I like many others who have posted, was disappointed not with the ending...or beginning again if you like. My disappointment comes from knowing my journey through the epic story had come to an end. I don't think there ever is a "good way" to end something so deep and compelling. As with many other forms of great storytelling (tv shows, movie series), the disappointment is that it is over.

Exactly.

[beam*seeker]

I just finished the Dark Tower VII last week. I began reading the series way back in the early 90's and started over again last year (as novels IV through VII did not yet exist my first time through). I like many others who have posted, was disappointed not with the ending...or beginning again if you like. My disappointment comes from knowing my journey through the epic story had come to an end. I don't think there ever is a "good way" to end something so deep and compelling. As with many other forms of great storytelling (tv shows, movie series), the disappointment is that it is over.

Yeah, this mostly. I have to say that philosophically I agree with the end and that it was the "right" ending, but I that doesn't mean that I liked it! I guess I am was wanting Roland to find something heavenly or just really cool at the top of the tower and I was disappointed for him. Or, maybe just disappointed for me.

But I guess in teh end, I also wanted to series to keep going. But I wanted a closure too. Maybe I just could not be satisfied with any ending, that is probably it.

And I agree the ending seemed rushed like he was pressured to come up with an ending. It was a good ending. It was the right ending. I could not envision a better ending.

[The Gasherman]

I liked the final ending in the tower. It left it open for me to dream of the resumption of the quest and what he should do differently.

I didn't like the part with Suze, or the parts with the Crimson King, Flagg or Mordred. The way the Crimson King was so easily dispatched was probably my least favorite part of the whole series.

[pathoftheturtle]

I liked the final ending in the tower. It left it open for me to dream of the resumption of the quest and what he should do differently.
...

Agreed. I've been complaining a little about the final scene, but that is indeed a good point.

... The way the Crimson King was so easily dispatched was probably my least favorite part of the whole series.

Not my own very least favorite, but I really agree with you there, too! Disappointing.

... or Mordred...

Uh, kind of... that could certainly have been better...

... or ... with ... Flagg...

Nah, now, that part I liked somewhat. I understand, though; we have another thread where lots of folken have complained about it.

I didn't like the part with Suze...

And that I liked totally, actually. It's another topic which we have a separate thread on, as well.
Funny how many ways different people view all of these elements.

[pathoftheturtle]

Oh, and there's another thing that I disliked more than how Mordred turned out: Patrick Danville.

[Tatts4Life]

I liked the way it ended because it let you be able to read the story over again if you wanted to. I try to read the series from beginning to end starting in January. I've reread it twice so far.

[WeDealInLead]

I actually liked the part with the ka-tet back in New York. They gave everything and were rewarded for it.

I wonder why did the tower pick Roland? And why does it demand perfection? We all have our imperfections and Roland was going to sacrifice everything for it. He has done it before. Isn't that enough already?

[Adumbros]

i can't say i was satisfied with the ending, but for one reason, which i doubt has been named thus far: it was too predictable. all that ka-is-a-wheel shit, you honestly knew it was gonna end with a thud if you thought laterally for even one second. and honestly, the ending didn't feel like the truth. at all. like, he goes through the door, only this time, he has the Horn, and yet it's apparent by Rollie's own memory as he passes through the door that this has occurred repeatedly, and so why is it just now he finally comes through with the Horn? way too contrived for my taste. as i've stated on other threads, the entire last three volumes felt rushed and forced, as if poor mr. king was hellbent for leather on finishing the series as quick as possible after his car accident just in case he didn't live long enough to do it properly. personal opinion, w/o the accident, we'd just now be looking at the release of book 6, accordin to the schedule of the previous volumes in the series. just...felt like a completely dishonest ending.

[Jimimck]

I just finished reading it about an hour ago. Started The Gunslinger about 6-7 years ago, and have obviously taken my time with it all.

I felt very invested in the story and characters (as no doubt everyone here did), and at first I had to take a deep breath and realise what I had just read.

Spoiler:

I wasn't expecting exactly what happened, but as he was walking up The Tower, I knew it was building up to something that I thought I would dread.
Now I've had a bit of time to think about it, I'm very happy with it. It kinda keeps the story alive, and the characters still together (or will be together again).

I'm sure I'll focus on other areas of the final book and already have a few issues with things like the alternatate NY etc, but overall, I'm pleased with it, and will love reading ther series again in the future.

[RolandLover]

I loved the ending but I will say that Suze choosing to leave Roland because Eddie wasn't there was a copout on her part. She could've have made it to the Tower with Roland because she said she would do it and believed in it. To think Eddie was worried that Roland would leave her behind for the DT in the DOTT. All in all I'm glad sai King "ended" the way he did. Btw I love this board and I'm sad I just found it and missed all of the great posts.

[Jean]

how did you miss them? they're all here

there is a thread somewhere about Susannah's decision (which I advocate, by the way), too

[pathoftheturtle]

... there is a thread somewhere about Susannah's decision (which I advocate, by the way), too

So you're consistent. It seems that the majority favor the theory that Roland's quest is simply an unhealthy obsession, yet also disdain Susannah for not sharing it.

In general, (though I'm open minded, and sometimes even joke about the issues) my personal position endorses Susannah's ultimate decision for her and also Roland's for him.

[Jean]

why, of course

[RolandLover]

how did you miss them? they're all here

there is a thread somewhere about Susannah's decision (which I advocate, by the way), too

I should say I'm a couple of years late on the discussions but better later than never Thanks!

[The Road Virus]

4

[Tatts4Life]

I couldn't find a thread about this but it sort of has to do with the end so I'll post it here. I HATE the way Flagg/ MIB is killed off. I mean really? Killed by a F'in spider because he was tired. I think that was lazy of Stephen King to kill him the way he did.

[pathoftheturtle]

King went out of his way to justify his work by adding the essay "On Being Nineteen" to the revision of DT1 he published after writing DT7, an essay which says that literary writers are just as selfish as commercial ones, in that they're basically introverted, they want to improve themselves and be good examples, not serve the audience's wishes. But then he slams his audience at the end of the series and shows Roland punished apparently for not being introverted enough or a good enough example. It's really quite tricky -- his mixed message makes EVERYBODY guilty.

[Wuducynn]

I couldn't find a thread about this but it sort of has to do with the end so I'll post it here. I HATE the way Flagg/ MIB is killed off. I mean really? Killed by a F'in spider because he was tired. I think that was lazy of Stephen King to kill him the way he did.

If you think Mordred was just a fucking spider then you need to do a re-read. Especially all that build up with the explanation of the prophecy. Yeah. Just a spider. Okay. Just say you don't like your favorite baddie getting dispatched like a bitch and just leave it at that.

King went out of his way to justify his work by adding the essay "On Being Nineteen" to the revision of DT1 he published after writing DT7, an essay which says that literary writers are just as selfish as commercial ones, in that they're basically introverted, they want to improve themselves and be good examples, not serve the audience's wishes. But then he slams his audience at the end of the series and shows Roland punished apparently for not being introverted enough or a good enough example. It's really quite tricky -- his mixed message makes EVERYBODY guilty.

Path, Path, Path...that was no "justification" that was explanation of why he revised The Gunslinger. Sounds to me like you've built up in your own mind your own idea of what King was "really" meaning by his essay, instead of just taking it at face value. There is no mixed message. There is exactly what he said. You may not like what he said and that's fine but don't give me the mixed message crap.