The beloved HBO series “Game of Thrones” ended on May 19, leaving fans reminiscent on almost 10 years of wars, betrayals, love and of course the ultimate ruler of the new Six Kingdoms. Fans watched as several characters eventually met a tragic or satisfying end (it depends on the character or who you ask had the best death) and others develop into strong leaders. While “Game of Thrones” carried a strong plotline, fans were disappointed as season eight quickly unraveled several character developments and left a disappointing ending (warning: there are spoilers throughout this article).
Jaime Lannister was known as a tragic character slowly coming into redemption. He battled throughout the show between his incestuous relationship with his sister Cersei and doing what is moral and right for the kingdom. Jaime was initially a hated character for pushing Bran Stark out a window, leaving him crippled, and carrying a pompous disposition. However, Jaime became humbled after losing his hand in season three and travelling back to King’s Landing with Brienne of Tarth. During his time with Brienne, it was obvious to see how his feelings grew for her. Viewers rooted for Jaime when he left Cersei to fight against the White Walkers at the end of season seven and eventually consummated his relationship with Brienne in season eight, but were disappointed when Jaime decided he loved Cersei all along and died with her during the Battle of King’s Landing.
Why the disappointment in Jaime going back to Cersei? Throughout the show, Cersei either manipulated or berated Jaime, calling him “the stupidest Lannister” or forcing him to stay because of their unborn child. Jaime finally leaving Cersei showed the strength of being free from an abusive relationship. The relationship between him and Brienne was healthy and showed how Jaime grew. However, by Jaime going back to Cersei, it sends the message that you can never leave an abusive relationship, and it’s the wrong type of message to send.
Jon Snow was another character whose story was essentially ruined. He was known as the bastard of Ned Stark, but eventually became Commander of the Night’s Watch, the King in the North and the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne. Though Jon never wanted these titles, he always chose to fight for the good of the people. In the series finale, Jon kills his aunt and lover Daenerys Targaryen, and is sentenced to go back to the Night’s Watch. It seems that everything Jon did was for nothing if he went back to where he came from.
One of the most beloved characters, Daenerys Targaryen, also met an unsatisfying end. Daenerys was known for overcoming tragic situations and believing in justice, whether it was the death of her husband Khal Drogo or freeing the slaves in Meeren. Daenerys was an embodiment of a strong woman who could fight on her own. Season eight saw a completely different character. Daenerys suddenly succumbs to madness and kills thousands of innocents in King’s Landing, which is completely out of her character. Though Jon was justified in killing her to save the kingdom, it was not justified to give him a reason to do so and for Daenerys to suddenly go mad.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment was who eventually won the Iron Throne: Bran Stark. Bran had no interest in claiming the Iron Throne, as he eventually became the Three-Eyed Raven who could see into the past. Bran hardly contributed to important events such as the Battle of Winterfell, and was mostly known for disappearing into the background. He did not possess the political cunning of his sister Sansa nor the ambition for the throne as many other characters. Having Bran become ruler of the Six Kingdoms was a blindside to viewers and, essentially, made little sense.
Though there were many mistakes in the last season, some characters were given a complete, fulfilling story arc. The North becomes independent again after thousands of years due to Sansa Stark, the new Queen in the North. Sansa survived the abuse she endured from Joffrey Baratheon, Ramsay Bolton and Cersei, and became an expert in politics and holding a high title. The Hound died killing his brother The Mountain, but had finally achieved his life goal of doing so. Theon Greyjoy went from a traitor to the North, to surviving Ramsay’s torture and dying to protect the people he cared for from the White Walkers.
The final season of “Game of Thrones” was a disappointment, but fans will never forget the overall characters and moments from the series. From still mourning character’s deaths such as Ned and Robb Stark, to the fast-paced battles like the Battle of Blackwater and Battle of the Bastards, fans will ever remember “Game of Thrones” as a complex, compelling series, and its number one rule: When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.
