Last night’s episode of Game of Thrones–The Bells–proves that good storytelling can’t be rushed. For 8 seasons, fans have watched as Daeny crossed Westeros, amassing forces, breaking the chains of the enslaved, and generally bringing hope to those she meets. The Destruction of King’s Landing throws years of character development out the window to wrap up loose storylines. But is something that fans should have seen coming or simply bad storytelling?
The Bells Recap
As the series comes to a close, we’ve seen each episode begin with a recap of the events of the previous episode. The recap at the beginning of The Bells, did what recaps do, but there was one interesting moment as the teaser ends. The final shot of the clip shows Daeny staring angrily towards King’s Landing as Missandei dies. The look on her face is one of anger, frustration, and innertermoil. Understandably.
But what is so interesting about this moment are the voice overs. We hear everyone from Tyrion to Maester Aemon talking about the Targaryen line. Viewers hear things like, “She’s not her father,” “The gods flip a coin,” and finally “a lone Targaryen in the world would be a sad thing.” This all seems to play toward building Daeny’s descent into madness.
But that all seems pretty convenient to the plot and not entirely in keeping with her character.
A Revolt Against the Peasants
George R. R. Martin is not known for keeping characters around for long periods of time. Let’s face it: it’s kind of surprising that Daeny has made it this far in the story. There are dozens of characters who have seemingly had an important part to play in the story just to be murdered, eaten, betrayed, or somehow just died. Maybe the directors of GOT–DB Weiss and David Benioff– were simply tired of shows extras and decided to get rid of them in a true Targaryen fashion?
This just seems like overkill to me.
I mean, the peasants of the 7 Kingdoms have grown fickle over the years. They were loyal to Robert in season 1. Then Joffrey had his day, but that might have been because they liked his queen more than him. After Joffrey, the citizens followed the High Sparrow and finally ended up with Cersei Lannister.
Maybe after all that time Cooper and Benioff were just tired of the fair-weathered followers…that they created…and decided justice would be served.
A True Martin Style Twist
The one thing that seems to haunt me about this episode is that it is nothing like the theories, rumors, or potential leaks that we’ve seen surrounding Game of Thrones. From what I’ve read or discussed with people, Daeny’s turn to madness wasn’t expected. So maybe the Mad Queen’s actions were less about overlooking character development to make the plot work and more about subverting expectations.
All signs pointed to Daenerys being the level-headed Targaryen. This departure from self could simply be a faux pa on the young queen’s part. Maybe the series finale will show Daeny apologizing to the people of King’s Landing, them accepting the apology, and everyone living happily ever after.
After all, no one would expect that to be the way the show ends. What did you think about the most recent episode of Game of Thrones, The Bells? Leave a comment in the section below.
I am a man-child in my early 30s who is looking to explore the nerdy side of life. I am a former English teacher, a current copywriter, and a future who-knows-what. I love movies, literature, video games, TV, and music.
May 14 2019
Game of Thrones Review: The Bells
Last night’s episode of Game of Thrones–The Bells–proves that good storytelling can’t be rushed. For 8 seasons, fans have watched as Daeny crossed Westeros, amassing forces, breaking the chains of the enslaved, and generally bringing hope to those she meets. The Destruction of King’s Landing throws years of character development out the window to wrap up loose storylines. But is something that fans should have seen coming or simply bad storytelling?
The Bells Recap
As the series comes to a close, we’ve seen each episode begin with a recap of the events of the previous episode. The recap at the beginning of The Bells, did what recaps do, but there was one interesting moment as the teaser ends. The final shot of the clip shows Daeny staring angrily towards King’s Landing as Missandei dies. The look on her face is one of anger, frustration, and innertermoil. Understandably.
But what is so interesting about this moment are the voice overs. We hear everyone from Tyrion to Maester Aemon talking about the Targaryen line. Viewers hear things like, “She’s not her father,” “The gods flip a coin,” and finally “a lone Targaryen in the world would be a sad thing.” This all seems to play toward building Daeny’s descent into madness.
But that all seems pretty convenient to the plot and not entirely in keeping with her character.
A Revolt Against the Peasants
George R. R. Martin is not known for keeping characters around for long periods of time. Let’s face it: it’s kind of surprising that Daeny has made it this far in the story. There are dozens of characters who have seemingly had an important part to play in the story just to be murdered, eaten, betrayed, or somehow just died. Maybe the directors of GOT–DB Weiss and David Benioff– were simply tired of shows extras and decided to get rid of them in a true Targaryen fashion?
I mean, the peasants of the 7 Kingdoms have grown fickle over the years. They were loyal to Robert in season 1. Then Joffrey had his day, but that might have been because they liked his queen more than him. After Joffrey, the citizens followed the High Sparrow and finally ended up with Cersei Lannister.
Maybe after all that time Cooper and Benioff were just tired of the fair-weathered followers…that they created…and decided justice would be served.
A True Martin Style Twist
The one thing that seems to haunt me about this episode is that it is nothing like the theories, rumors, or potential leaks that we’ve seen surrounding Game of Thrones. From what I’ve read or discussed with people, Daeny’s turn to madness wasn’t expected. So maybe the Mad Queen’s actions were less about overlooking character development to make the plot work and more about subverting expectations.
All signs pointed to Daenerys being the level-headed Targaryen. This departure from self could simply be a faux pa on the young queen’s part. Maybe the series finale will show Daeny apologizing to the people of King’s Landing, them accepting the apology, and everyone living happily ever after.
After all, no one would expect that to be the way the show ends. What did you think about the most recent episode of Game of Thrones, The Bells? Leave a comment in the section below.
Share this:
By Thaddaeus Brodrick • TV • • Tags: GOT Review, The Bells Review, the mad queen