This series is loosely based on the War of the Roses, which was significantly MORE bloody, with worse betrayals and even less certainty of survival.

While Whedon sometimes has done some clunky things (like getting romantic couples back together/finally together only to kill one off to add dramatic weight), all of Martin’s deaths seem to be well scripted plans to move the story along. Although I would make some changes in pacing (both Renly and Robb’s rebellions were crushed by book 3, leaving House Lannister to have to self-destruct in books 4+5 while Stannis, Daenerys, the white walkers, and possibly Dorne are still kind of mustering their might), I think he tells an epic story. A lot of people want heroic endings all the time, I can live with bittersweet if it is done well.