The Game of Thrones finale left fans shocked as well as divided, particularly when it came to Daenerys Targaryen’s (Emilia Clarke) descent into madness and destruction. While many were left questioning the character development and unexpected shift in behavior, the showrunners and the director have provided some insight into the reasoning behind Daenerys’ actions.
A Song of Ice and Fire novels by George R.R. Martin have long been beloved by a cult following. As a result, the HBO adaptation of the series achieved enormous mainstream success. With a remarkable cast, Game of Thrones was groundbreaking visually and deeply political. But season 8 disappointed a lot of fans when it came to the abbreviated but much-anticipated conclusion.
The episode where Daenerys decides to burn down Kings’ Landing offended a lot of viewers. While some were incensed and accused the showrunners of misogyny and inadequate character development, others believed that the events were predictable.
Exploring Emilia Clarke’s Character Arc: Perspectives from the Game of Thrones’ Creators
Back in 2019, in a behind-the-scenes video, showrunners, David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, along with director Miguel Sapochnik, addressed the decision to have Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) turn King’s Landing into a fiery hellscape.
According to Sapochnik, Daenerys’ decision to embrace her ruthless side and burn the city to the ground was a significant turning point in her arc. It was the culmination of her growing frustration and “empty” feelings, as well as a way to show the audience the consequences of their desire for epic battles:
“She feels empty, it wasn’t what she thought it was, it’s not enough.”
That is when she decides to turn “this personal”, Weiss continued, referring to her choice to follow through on her long-promised vow to seize what is rightfully hers with fire and blood. According to Sapochnik, this is the equivalent of addressing the viewers and saying, “You wanted a battle, so here you go”.
The video also delves into the technical aspects of filming the destruction of King’s Landing. Due to restrictions on filming in the original location of Dubrovnik, a massive backlot set was constructed to replicate the city. The attention to detail in creating the set was so meticulous that it drew the attention of the paparazzi, leading to the construction of a massive wall of shipping containers to keep prying eyes out.
Additionally, the video delves into Tyrion Lannister’s challenging decision to betray Lord Varys. Benioff explained that Tyrion’s choice came down to loyalty, choosing to remain loyal to Daenerys despite the consequences:
“It’s a choice between betraying your best friend or your Queen and he chooses to remain loyal to his Queen.”
Overall, the behind-the-scenes video provided an overview of the artistic process and decision-making behind the controversial finale. Well, what was Clarke’s response to the criticism following the finale?
Understanding Emilia Clarke’s Perspective on the Game of Thrones Finale Criticism
“I was too busy focusing on my own reactions to really pay too much attention, if any at all. The only thing I felt truthfully sad about was that [executive producers] David [Benioff] and Dan [Weiss] are my really good friends, and so it’s for them that I feel heartbreak, because it’s theirs.”
According to the actress, everyone is free to hold their own opinions and should be allowed to express them. She further added:
“And if you’re sad that the show is done and you’re sad because you enjoyed watching it, then that’s sad. It sucks this wasn’t the perfect ending that people were hoping for, but I truly believe we would never have made everyone happy.”
In light of that, Clarke is also prepared to let go of Game of Thrones, as she said:
“I don’t feel pressure to follow up on the show because it’s unfollowable.”
While fans may still be torn about Daenerys’ actions, the insight provided by the showrunners, actors, and director adds depth to the character’s motivations.
Whether you love it or hate it, the Game of Thrones finale will go down as one of the worst in history.
Game of Thrones is streaming on Hulu & Max.
