It’s been five years since Game of Thrones’ series finale first aired, and I still can’t believe the HBO series wasted two great villains for its divisive Daenerys Targaryen twist. When I first watched Game of Thrones’ penultimate episode, “The Bells,” I was one of many people disappointed in Daenerys’ turn from hero to villain. And while Dany’s controversial fate has grown on me with time, one element of it still disappoints me: the writers rushed the conclusions of two great villain arcs to get there.
Game of Thrones did a stellar job of building to its conflicts during its early seasons, and its handling of heroes, villains, and everything in between always proved impressive. Unfortunately, the later outings of the show began to feel increasingly rushed. I was willing to overlook things like Daenerys flying north far too quickly if it meant well-written character interactions and the answers to long-awaited mysteries. But somewhere in season 8, it felt like Game of Thrones lost its hold on everything that made it great, opting to race towards a shocking ending instead.
Game Of Thrones Rushed Past 2 Great Villains For Its Controversial Daenerys Twist
The Night King & Cersei Didn’t Get Enough Attention
I’ll probably always be mixed about how Game of Thrones handled Daenerys’ ending, but one element of season 8’s controversial twist remains disappointing: in order to make Dany the series’ “final boss,” the creators completely wasted two villains. Game of Thrones spent so much of its run building up the Night King and Cersei Lannister as massive threats. Imagine my surprise when neither of them got satisfying endings during the final season. The Night King was defeated in a single (albeit lengthy) episode. And Cersei spent most of season 8 standing around the Red Keep, nursing a glass of red wine.
Game of Thrones spent so much of its run building up the Night King and Cersei Lannister as massive threats.
Sure, the Night King and Cersei still had a few great moments in Game of Thrones season 8. “The Battle of Winterfell” proved that the Night King’s army was indeed the problem Jon Snow said it was. And I’m still shocked that Cersei got as far as she did, killing one of Dany’s dragons and Missandei before dying alongside her twin brother. But with Game of Thrones rushing to its planned ending, I couldn’t help but feel both characters got cheated. After all the time spent on them, the Night King and Cersei deserved better sendoffs.
The Night King & Cersei Both Deserved Better Endings In Game Of Thrones
The HBO Show Built Them Up Over The Course Of Its Run
I know many viewers were banking on Jon Snow killing the Night King, but I thought Arya’s surprise attack fit her story well. I just wish the Night King’s demise came later — perhaps after another battle or two between the humans and the White Walkers. Game of Thrones teased the fight between the living and the dead for seven seasons, and “The Battle of Winterfell” just didn’t do this storyline justice. I think the writers had to wrap up too many narratives in season 8’s six episodes. Unfortunately, this led to them rushing past the Night King.
Game of Thrones teased the fight between the living and the dead for seven seasons, and “The Battle of Winterfell” just didn’t do this storyline justice.
He wasn’t the only victim of this problem, either. I feel Cersei’s ending was the most disappointing in Game of Thrones season 8, with the Red Keep itself taking her out rather than Arya or any of the people she’d wronged. While I enjoyed seeing one last glimpse of her humanity, I think the series could have given her a more satisfying death. I also believe it could have made her even more sinister in its final episodes. Instead, Game of Thrones shifted its focus to Daenerys as a villain, making Cersei look almost tame by comparison.
I’m Convinced Game Of Thrones Could Have Covered Everything – With More Episodes
The Fantasy Series Needed An Extra Season
Game of Thrones didn’t have to do away with its Mad Queen storyline to do the Night King and Cersei justice. I’m convinced it could have covered all three of these character arcs properly if it had just had more time. The series should have dedicated several episodes — or even a whole season — to the Night King before shifting its attention to Westeros’ queens. Then Game of Thrones could have balanced Dany’s and Cersei’s endings better, resulting in a more positive legacy overall. Instead, the final season rushes to reach its conclusion and suffers as a result of this approach.
