Why the Game of Thrones Writers Tore Down Daenerys Targaryen's Character in the Final Season
The shift in Daenerys Targaryen's character in the final season of Game of Thrones has been a topic of much discussion and debate among fans. Here are some key points to consider regarding this change.
Narrative Arc and Themes
Throughout the series, Daenerys is portrayed as a character with a strong moral compass, driven by her desire to free the oppressed and reclaim her family's throne. However, the final season emphasizes themes of power, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power. The writers may have wanted to illustrate the idea that the pursuit of power can lead to tyranny, reflecting the show's overarching theme that the Targaryen legacy is rife with violence and cruelty.
Targaryen Legacy
The show hints at the concept of the Targaryen legacy, a theme that underscores the family's history of violence and tyranny. This legacy is central to Daenerys's character and the narrative, which often revolves around the consequences of her family's actions. The final season highlights how this legacy impacts Daenerys, leading to her transformation into a more tyrannical figure.
Pacing and Development
The final season was notably shorter, with only six episodes to wrap up complex storylines. Many fans felt that the character development for Daenerys was rushed, leading to a perception that her transformation into a more tyrannical figure was abrupt and lacked sufficient buildup. Critics argue that the show did not adequately explore her internal struggles or the gradual changes in her character. This sense of abruptness and lack of development contributed to the backlash against her character's development.
Conflict and Resolution
The conflict between Daenerys and other central characters, particularly Jon Snow and Sansa Stark, becomes more pronounced in the final episodes. Her willingness to use extreme measures to achieve her goals creates a stark contrast to earlier seasons where she was often seen as a liberator rather than a conqueror. This shift may have been intended to heighten the drama and create a more intense climax.
Audience Expectations
Many fans had invested in Daeneryss journey and the sudden shift in her character may have felt like a betrayal to many. The expectation that she would embody the ideals of a just ruler clashed with the portrayal of her as increasingly authoritarian. This disconnect likely contributed to the backlash against her character's development. The show's narrative often sets up characters with a clear moral path, but the final season seems to undermine this progression, leading to a perception of final changes as forced.
In summary, the writers' decision to portray Daenerys in a more negative light in the final season was likely influenced by thematic intentions, her Targaryen heritage, and pacing constraints. However, many fans felt this portrayal undermined the complexity and growth of her character established over the previous seasons.
Keywords: Game of Thrones, Daenerys Targaryen, Targaryen Legacy