During Game of Thrones’ iconic eight-season run on television, it spawned a variety of controversies that still haunt the series.
Upon its debut in 2011, Game of Thrones quickly became one of the most beloved television series of all time. The phenomenal writing, incredible cast, and epic settings made it a show unlike any other, and it is no exaggeration to say that it was the birth of a generation-defining franchise. However, part of what made Game of Thrones so distinct from other TV shows was that it didn’t shy away from material that was difficult to watch. As a byproduct of its willingness to push the boundaries, some parts of the show became controversial for viewers.
Be it plot twists that were so heartbreaking they left fans emotionally devastated or lazy plot developments that left fans infuriated, there are plenty of controversial moments in Game of Thrones’ history. Despite the overwhelming hype the show gets, it’s always been one thing: polarizing.
10
The Execution of Ned Stark Establishes that Good Doesn’t Always Win
Season 1, Episode 9: “Baelor”
In the gritty and realistic world of Westeros, good does not always triumph over evil. In fact, more often than not, the more depraved a character is, the better chance they have of surviving. The honorable leader of House Stark, Ned, had to learn this lesson the hard way.
After the death of Robert Baratheon, the Warden of the North intended for the throne to pass to the only legitimate Baratheon heir, Stannis. Unfortunately, Ned Stark made the critical mistake of telling Cersei his plans as an act of mercy so she could flee. Instead, she had Ned captured, and he was soon executed by the new king, Joffrey Baratheon. His death shocked first-time viewers who did not expect such a beloved or important character to be killed off in such a way, setting the tone for the entire series.
9
The Death of Ser Barristan Selmy Was Pointless and Not Canon
Season 5, Episode 4: “Sons of the Harpy”
Ser Barristan Selmy is one of the most lethal fighters in the history of Game of Thrones. He was considered the best among the Kingsguard and eventually left Westeros after being forcibly retired by Cersei Lannister. Deciding to devote himself to something he believes in, he tracks down Daenerys Targaryen and pledges himself to her.
In Essos, Selmy proves to be a valuable ally, providing sage wisdom and warning Daenerys about the dangers her ancestry could present to her. Then, he was killed in the streets by the Sons of the Harpy — a radical, mask-wearing mob of untrained fighters. It was a pathetic end for a fighter as renowned as Ser Barristan, which is why it was met with criticism by many fans.
8
Jaime’s Decision to Reunite with Cersei Wasted His Character Growth
Season 8, Episode 5: “The Bells”
Few plot developments bothered fans more than the ultimate fate of Jaime Lannister. When he first appeared, Jaime was arrogant and cruel, willing to do unspeakable things for those he loved. As time passed, he tried to act more honorably, wanting to build a different name and legacy for himself. This distanced him from his twin and lover, Cersei, and it was largely believed their relationship was over when Jaime headed north to fight the White Walkers.
After all that, Jaime Lannister ends up going back to Cersei when he learns that King’s Landing is in danger. This costs Jaime his life, as he is killed under the debris caused by Daenerys’ assault on King’s Landing. The ending of his story not only wasted all that personal growth; it killed him in the most unremarkable way possible.
7
Jaime and Cersei’s Infamous Scene Near Joffrey’s Body Was in Poor Taste
Season 4, Episode 3: “Breaker of Chains”
One of the most uncomfortable scenes in Game of Thrones is when Jaime Lannister sexually assaults Cersei next to the corpse of their son, Joffre Baratheon. In this inexplicable scene, Jaime takes advantage of Cersei while she is grieving, resulting in one of the most poorly thought-out moments in the series.
Interestingly, the writers and even actors claim that Jaime was not assaulting Cersei and that it was consensual on both parts. Regardless of consent though, it was still an uncomfortable scene that, for many viewers, took things too far in a very dark way.
6
The Red Wedding Shattered the Hearts of Millions
Season 3, Episode 9: “The Rains of Castamere”
Few scenes in Game of Thrones were as soul-shattering as the Red Wedding. This scene is one of the most infamous in television history, featuring the deaths of multiple beloved characters such as Robb Stark and Catelyn Tully. Even worse, it ruined the Northerners’ attempt to liberate themselves from the Iron Throne, putting them squarely back under its oppressive control for years to come.
Fans themselves were not emotionally prepared to see so many of their favorite characters wiped out so brutally. Robb Stark’s death was especially cruel since he lost his wife and child that night, and then had his body mutilated by the Freys in an act of mockery. This act alone firmly cemented fans on the side of the Starks, and many cheered when the perpetrators of this atrocity finally met their ends.
5
Shireen Baratheon’s Death Was Absolutely Horrifying
Season 5, Episode 9: “The Dance of Dragons”
In the world of Westeros, good people are far and few between. However, Shireen Baratheon, the daughter of Stannis, was one them. Kind, gentle, and sharp enough to understand what was happening around her, Shireen was a small light in a dark world. Unfortunately, events conspired to snuff out that light before it ever had a chance to truly shine.
When her father’s army was at risk of being destroyed by a blizzard, Stannis, after agonizing over the decision, allowed his red priestess, Melisandre, to burn Shireen to death to gain the Lord of Light’s favor and clear the way for the army. The blizzard did break in the end, but whether this was due to the sacrifice or just nature giving way is unknown. What is certain is that this selfish act caused most of Stannis’ army to abandon him, and led his wife to commit suicide. Stannis would later charge into a battle he couldn’t possibly win, all his hopes dashed, and his will to live snuffed out by killing the one person he truly loved.
4
Arya Killing the Night King Disappointed a lot of Fans
Season 8, Episode 3: “The Long Night”
While many fans were excited to see just how proficient Arya Stark had become following her training with the Faceless Men, no one expected Arya to be the one to end the Night King’s life, thus ending the threat of the White Walkers forever. While it was cool to watch, after the adrenaline died down it became clear that this was not the right way to end a plot that had been years in the making. It all boils down to the simple fact that Arya had no real right to be the one to end the Night King.
The show had spent years building the Night King up as Jon’s personal nemesis. While the two of them did come face to face briefly during the Long Night, the Night King left Jon behind with an undead dragon instead of letting him become the hero he was always meant to be. Years of anticipation were just blatantly ignored so Arya could pull a ninja stealth kill on the Night King.
3
Bran Stark Becoming King Felt Like a Bad Joke
Season 8, Episode 6: “The Iron Throne”
For Game of Thrones’ entire eight-season run on television, its fans wanted to know the answer to one question: who will end up the Iron Throne? Unfortunately, by the show’s finale, there was no more Iron Throne, Westeros was no longer the Seven Kingdoms, and the person chosen to rule the six southern kingdoms was the one person who contributed little to the plot: Bran Stark.
The logic for Bran’s ascent as King was totally jarring. Bran’s seer abilities meant he could view the past and understand people and the mistakes that led to today, but this doesn’t make him a good administrator. While he may be more relevant in the books, in the show, he contributed next to nothing to the plot and interacted the least with any of the other characters, making him a curious choice as King.
2
Ramsay Bolton’s Abuse of Sansa Stark Took Things too Far
Sansa Stark had endured much by the time she escaped King’s Landing. The abuse from Joffrey Baratheon, the machinations of Cersei and, of course, the death of her father took its toll on Ned Stark’s oldest daughter. Needless to say, few characters in the show had suffered quite like Sansa had, so, naturally, the show took it a step further.
In a disastrous move to sabotage House Bolton, Littllefinger arranged for Sansa to marry Ramsay Bolton. Neither of them understood the depths of his cruelty and on their wedding night, Ramsay violently assaulted Sansa, an act that ensured she became the jaded character she later was in the show. Adding to the horror of this was how young Sansa was at the time, and the fact that in the books, Ramsay never even got close to Sansa, instead taking on someone else as his bride, believing her to be Arya Stark.
1
Daenerys Burning Down King’s Landing Left Many Fans Enraged
Season 8, Episode 5: “The Bells”
Season 8 of Game of Thrones earned a lot of hate from fans for the rushed plot and botched character development, but no other scene garnered more controversy than the destruction of King’s Landing. Daenerys Targaryen, after suffering a series of losses in rapid succession, devolved from a queen of the people to a murderous tyrant in a matter of episodes, resulting in her decision to burn down King’s Landing after the city had formally surrendered to her.
While Daenerys’ descent into villainy could have been justified in the show, the way the writers rushed it was too quick for belief. Daenerys went from wanting to protect the common people to indiscriminately murdering them in one of the most painful ways imaginable out of rage towards Cersei. Daenerys may have had legitimate reasons to be angry, but having her take it out on an entire city the way she did was unacceptable in light of her previous character development.
