Game Of Thrones Was Never The Same After Fulfilling A 21-Year-Old Promise From The Books

It’s no secret that Game of Thrones lost some of its spark during its later seasons, and the show was really never the same after fulfilling a 21-year-old promise from George R.R. Martin’s books. The first Song of Ice & Fire novel was published back in 1996, and it laid the groundwork for one meeting from the very beginning.

Martin’s novels offer many different perspectives, ensuring that just about every major player is important — though if you had to pick a true series lead, two stand out among the rest. After all, the story would be unrecognizable without Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen. Indeed, their roles and narratives are what the series is named for.

As such, the meeting between these Song of Ice & Fire characters is inevitable from the very first novel. And though they’ve yet to come together in the books, Game of Thrones season 7 delivers on the first installment’s promise. Unfortunately, the show changes pretty dramatically after that — and not necessarily for the better.

Jon & Daenerys Coming Together Fulfilled A Promise Made 21 Years Earlier

They’ve Been Destined To Cross Paths Since ASOIAF Book One

Jon Snow and Danerys Targaryen finally come together in Game of Thrones season 7, episode 3, “The Queen’s Justice.” Desperate for allies in the fight against the White Walkers, Jon answers Daenerys’ summons — against every piece of advice he receives — and travels to Dragonstone.

This encounter is a long time coming, as it’s inevitable that Dany and her dragons will get involved in the conflict north of the Wall. Knowing Jon Snow’s true parentage was always part of Martin’s plan, it also makes sense for these characters to meet. Although Dany believes she’s the true heir to the Iron Throne, Jon is actually the next Targaryen in line for it.

This makes the collision between these characters necessary, and, of course, so does the drama required to keep a TV show satisfying. But Jon and Daenerys are likely to cross paths in the source material as well, even if it’s not in exactly the same way. The books’ major storylines also necessitate their introduction to one another, even if the TV series delivered on that promise sooner.

Game Of Thrones Was Never The Same After Jon Snow & Daenerys Targaryen Finally Met

Season 7 Is Where The HBO Show Really Started To Fall Off

With any luck, Jon and Dany’s meeting in the Song of Ice & Fire books will yield better results than what happened in the show. Although the characters’ first encounter is masterfully written and acted — Daenerys’ speech about faith still gives me chills — the aftermath leaves a lot to be desired.

The problems with Game of Thrones seasons 7 and 8 can’t fully be placed on Jon and Daenerys, but there’s no denying the series changed after they finally met. Although Game of Thrones‘ downfall arguably started earlier, season 7 is when the cracks in the writing really started to show.

There’s always the risk of this happening when a long-running show begins to deliver on its promises, whether they involve solving seasons-long mysteries or bringing characters together. And there are other problems with the last two seasons, like their inconsistent pacing. Even so, Game of Thrones didn’t know what to do when it finally brought Jon and Daenerys face-to-face.

Game Of Thrones Didn’t Know What To Do After Bringing Its Leads Together

Dany & Jon’s Dynamic Soured Quickly

Jon and Dany’s initial interactions in Game of Thrones make a lot of sense for their characters; Dany, hot-headed and eager to claim her birthright, demands that Jon bend the knee, while Jon prioritizes the wants of his people over his ancestors’ promises. The two butt heads, and it works for a while. But then they enter into a more questionable dynamic.

The romance between Jon and Daenerys is understandably divisive, and not just because they’re secretly related. The characters’ feelings escalate too quickly, and they begin acting inconsistently because of them. And their falling out is nearly as jarring, once again showcasing the pacing problems with Game of Thrones‘ later outings.

It really feels as though the writers didn’t know what to do with these characters after resolving their initial tensions, leading their romance to feel a bit forced. And while the creators clearly knew how Game of Thrones season 8 would end, they made questionable choices getting these two there.

Jon’s characterization, in particular, suffers because of it in season 8. There’s no way that Jon would make some of the choices he does in the final season, particularly as Dany continues to unravel before his eyes. If Jon is willing to kill Dany to uphold his duty and honor, surely he’d be willing to break his oath to her sooner — or have tried to step in before “The Bells.”

Jon & Daenerys’ Weren’t The Only Example Of This, But They Were The Worst

The Starks’ Reunions Also Turned Disappointing

Jon and Dany aren’t Game of Thrones‘ only example of characters whose eventual encounter doesn’t live up to expectations, though they are the worst iteration of it. The Starks face similar problems, even if some of their initial reunions are promising. Jon and Sansa’s is undoubtedly a tearjerker, and Arya and Sansa come together in an exciting and on-brand way.

However, Game of Thrones injects unnecessary drama into Sansa and Arya’s season 7 storyline (even if it’s mostly faked for the sake of ousting Littlefinger). Sansa and Jon also have some disappointing moments, especially when Sansa instantly spills secrets her brother asked her to keep.

Endings are hard, and unfortunately, Game of Thrones perfectly demonstrates why. It can be difficult to bring so many storylines and character arcs together in a way that makes sense, especially after so much setup. Hopefully, the books will do a better job of delivering on their Jon and Dany promise — and of wrapping things up in general.