The infamous Starbucks coffee cup made its unwelcome cameo appearance in Season 8, Episode 4, titled “The Last of the Starks.” This seemingly minor oversight ignited a global firestorm, quickly becoming a symbol of the show’s perceived decline in its final season.
The Day the Coffee Cup Rocked Westeros
The internet erupted on May 6, 2019. A simple, modern-looking coffee cup, unmistakably resembling a disposable cup from a Starbucks-like establishment, sat conspicuously on a table during a celebratory feast at Winterfell. The scene featured Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, and others toasting their victory over the Night King. But all eyes weren’t on their bravery; they were glued to the anachronistic beverage container.
The gaffe quickly went viral, spawning countless memes, jokes, and articles dissecting its presence and impact. While HBO swiftly digitally removed the cup from the episode, the damage was done. The “coffee cup episode” became shorthand for the overall frustration many viewers felt with the show’s rushed plotlines and perceived carelessness in its final season.
The Aftermath and HBO’s Response
HBO responded to the controversy with a mix of humor and contrition. In a statement, they joked that “Daenerys had ordered an herbal tea.” They also owned up to the mistake, acknowledging the cup’s presence as an oversight from the set decorators. The “Game of Thrones coffee cup incident” proved that even the most meticulously crafted productions are susceptible to human error, and that in the age of social media, such errors can have a significant and lasting impact.
FAQs: Decoding the Coffee Cup Controversy
Here are some frequently asked questions about the infamous coffee cup that infiltrated Westeros:
Why did the coffee cup cause such a stir?
The coffee cup’s presence clashed dramatically with the meticulously crafted medieval world of Game of Thrones. The show was known for its dedication to authenticity, from the costumes and set design to the dialogue and character development. The sudden appearance of a modern object shattered the illusion, reminding viewers that they were watching a fictional production and detracting from the immersion. This perceived lack of attention to detail fueled existing criticisms of the show’s later seasons. The contrast between the show’s established aesthetic and the modern coffee cup was simply too jarring for many viewers to ignore.
Was it actually a Starbucks cup?
While the cup resembled a Starbucks disposable cup, it wasn’t officially confirmed to be from the coffee giant. HBO never specifically identified the brand. Some speculated it was from a local coffee shop in Northern Ireland, where the episode was filmed. Regardless of its origin, its resemblance to a Starbucks cup is what cemented its place in internet infamy. The association with Starbucks further emphasized the cup’s out-of-place nature.
Who was responsible for the coffee cup being there?
The responsibility for the coffee cup’s presence ultimately falls on the shoulders of the production team, specifically the set decorators. In the hustle and bustle of a large-scale production, it’s possible for items to be unintentionally left on set. While the exact individual responsible for placing (or failing to remove) the cup may never be officially identified, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of meticulous attention to detail in filmmaking. The responsibility rests with the production team to maintain continuity.
How did HBO digitally remove the cup?
HBO used digital editing software to erase the coffee cup from subsequent airings of the episode and streaming versions. This process involves selecting the object (in this case, the cup), identifying the surrounding pixels and textures, and then using algorithms to seamlessly replace the object with a matching background. While effective, the digital removal didn’t erase the memory of the gaffe from viewers’ minds. Digital removal was a reactive measure to minimize further damage.
Did the coffee cup affect the show’s ratings?
While the coffee cup incident generated significant buzz and criticism, it’s difficult to definitively say whether it directly impacted the show’s ratings. Game of Thrones already had a massive and dedicated fan base by Season 8. However, the incident undoubtedly contributed to a growing sense of disappointment among some viewers, which may have indirectly influenced viewership patterns in the long run. Direct correlation to ratings is difficult to prove but contributed to overall negativity.
Did any brands try to capitalize on the incident?
Absolutely. Many brands, including Starbucks itself, jumped on the opportunity to capitalize on the free publicity. Starbucks playfully acknowledged the incident with a tweet referencing Daenerys ordering a dragon drink. Other brands created memes and advertisements referencing the coffee cup, leveraging the viral moment to boost their own visibility and engage with potential customers. The incident became a marketing goldmine for savvy brands.
What lessons did HBO learn from the coffee cup incident?
The coffee cup incident served as a stark reminder for HBO and other production companies of the importance of meticulous attention to detail, especially in high-profile projects. It also highlighted the power of social media to amplify even minor mistakes and the need for a quick and effective response to mitigate potential damage. The incident emphasized the power of social media and the need for vigilance.
Has this type of mistake happened in other shows or movies?
Yes, anachronisms and continuity errors are common in film and television production. The coffee cup incident wasn’t unique, but its high visibility and the show’s reputation made it particularly noteworthy. Examples include wristwatches visible in period dramas, modern vehicles appearing in historical films, and inconsistencies in character appearances or plot details. The frequency of such errors highlights the challenges of large-scale productions.
Was it the only mistake in the final season of Game of Thrones?
No, the coffee cup was just one of several perceived mistakes and inconsistencies in the final season of Game of Thrones. Other criticisms included rushed storylines, character arcs that felt unearned, plot holes, and logical inconsistencies. While the coffee cup became the most famous example, it was symptomatic of broader concerns about the quality of the show’s writing and production in its later seasons. The coffee cup became a symbol of broader dissatisfaction with the final season.
Did the actors on the show address the coffee cup?
Yes, several actors addressed the coffee cup incident in interviews. Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys Targaryen, jokingly blamed Conleth Hill (Lord Varys) for the cup’s presence. Many cast members acknowledged the mistake and expressed amusement at the internet’s reaction. The actors generally responded with humor and acknowledged the error.
What is the legacy of the Game of Thrones coffee cup?
The Game of Thrones coffee cup remains a memorable pop culture moment, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of attention to detail and the power of social media. It’s often referenced in discussions about production errors, brand marketing, and the potential pitfalls of adapting beloved source material. The cup’s legacy is as a symbol of production oversight and the viral power of the internet.
Could this have been a deliberate marketing stunt?
While speculation initially arose about the possibility of a deliberate marketing stunt, HBO vehemently denied any such intention. Given the negative publicity and criticism the incident generated, it seems highly unlikely that it was a planned marketing campaign. The probability of a deliberate marketing stunt is extremely low, given the negative impact.