Why Didn’t Daenerys Assassinate Cersei?
The conclusion of the HBO adaptation of Game of Thrones left many viewers questioning the final choices and narrative decisions made by the writers. One lingering controversy is why Daenerys Targaryen did not assassinate Queen Cersei Lannister, given her dire situation and the need for control in Westeros. While the ending was rushed and poorly executed, examining the narrative logic and the character arcs provides insight into why this particular choice was made.
The Complex Narratives and Realities of the Ending
The writing of the final season was widely criticized, with many arguing that it failed to stick to the source material and literary standards of the books. One of the most contentious decisions was how Daenerys handled her confrontation with Cersei. While it’s understandable that Daenerys had no clear idea of Cersei’s whereabouts and had to deal with a well-protected enemy, her method of attacking the Red Keep and burning civilians seems far-fetched and illogical, even from a character driven by revenge and emotional distress.
It would have been far more strategic for Daenerys to target specific areas, such as military installations and highborn leadership, rather than indiscriminately burning civilians. This approach would have been more in character and more effective from both a tactical and plot-driven standpoint.
The Narrative Choices and Character Arcs
The choice to make Daenerys more ruthless and evil in the final season was meant to showcase her ultimate transformation. Writers had to force a definitive villain to drive the narrative forward, leading to an alternative version of Daenerys that is, in some ways, easier to understand but less natural to Daenerys’ character. This approach doesn't feel like a natural progression and introduces unnecessary and out-of-character moments that detract from the overall story.
The narrative also had to show how Daenerys had “snapped” and become ruthless even after hearing the bells of surrender. This was both a rushed and a ham-fisted attempt to force a climactic and shocking ending within the timeframe of the season. It’s a narrative choice that could have been handled with more subtlety and character development, making the transformation more believable and impactful.
The String of Bad Luck and Character Realizations
Daenerys faced a string of bad luck that gradually stripped away her illusions and forced her to re-evaluate her path. She was never the foremost hero of Westeros, as her dragons turned against her. When her dragons couldn't effectively defeat the Night King, she had to rely on Arya Stark instead. The loss of Rhaegal, followed by Euron Greyjoy’s stroke of luck in killing a dragon, added to the pile of misfortunes. Missandei’s death further reminded Daenerys of the ruthless reality of Westeros.
The manipulation and betrayal she faced, particularly the transmission of fear through the game of telephone involving Jon, Sansa, Tyrion, and Varys, intensified her realization that her path to the Iron Throne wasn’t as straightforward as she once thought. The ruthless nature of the Targaryens and the Lannisters, and even many others, made her question her own principles and the true nature of power.
The Route to Ruthlessness and the Final Realization
The final realization for Daenerys was that the only way to control Westeros was to embrace the ruthless nature and fear. She saw that mercy and kindness would never be enough to secure her rule. Her famous quote, “Fear is not our strength. Mercy is our strength,” encapsulates the new reality she had to face. This epiphany isn’t just a shift in ideology but a necessary step to maintain control in a world of corruption and deceit.
While Daenerys’s route to this realization was awkward and could have been handled more gracefully, it’s a crucial part of understanding her character and the harsh realities of the political landscape in Westeros. Her decision to not assassinate Cersei, despite the opportunity, was a strategic and logical choice given the situation, highlighting her focus on fear and control rather than a direct attack on what remained of the Lannister forces.
Keywords: Daenerys, Cersei Lannister, Game of Thrones, Ending Analysis, Ruthless Rule