3) Make Use Of The Extended Runtime
After experimenting with extended episodes in the past, season 7 has fluctuated the runtime of the show more than ever, with episodes stretching between the regular 45 minutes and up to an hour without commercials (with commercials, some reached a feature-length 90 minutes). In theory, this allows the show more freedom and room to work with. What it’s actually resulted in though are outings that feel baggy and bloated.
The big problem is that the precious extra minutes have been wasted on storylines that didn’t need it. For instance, episode 7 was one of the longer-than-usual instalments and was dedicated to Tara, a second tier character not seen since halfway through the previous season. As such, the episode has since been used as a stick to beat season 7 with. It’s fair to say that it would have been better received if it instead focused on one of the main characters and actually advanced the plot.
AMC seems to like these extended episodes, so it’s unlikely they’re going to cut back on them anytime soon. However, we can hope that they use them with better care and add the extra minutes to those episodes that actually demand them.