India, Dec. 25 -- Game of Thrones (2011-19).Kingdoms rose and fell, dragons burned, betrayals piled up. They had us at the edge of our seats, until the show ended in a blur. Daenerys's arc felt rushed, Jon's choices were inconsequential, and Bran's crowning stumped viewers. In the AI cut, Daenerys's descent is gradual and believable. Jon's decisions actually matter. The White Walkers fall through strategy and sacrifice. Power is earned. The payoff matches the promise.

How I Met Your Mother (2005-14). Nine years of blue French horns, yellow umbrellas, Ted Mosby whining over every second woman and Barney's absurd schemes - and that was the payoff? The finale was dis - waiiit for it - appointing. We felt pranked. Why name a show after the M...