Unforgivable: 10 Game of Thrones Character Arcs That Still Infuriate Fans

Showcased some of the most memorable character transformations in TV, with each character carrying significant flaws yet maintaining captivating storylines throughout. Over the course of its eight-season span, several characters experienced intense hardships, and viewers found themselves empathizing with even the most detestable characters over time.

Over time, the writing style in the show changed significantly, leaving viewers perplexed instead of torn between love and hatred. Earlier seasons had gripping moments, albeit some that seemed contrived for the sake of the series. However, as the series progressed, certain character developments became hard to follow, with some bordering on the absurd.

Ayra Stark First Appeared in Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 1

People adored Arya Stark for her spirited demeanor and survival skills, but when she arrived in Braavos, her tale seemed to lose its depth and complexity. Her journey primarily focused on her transformation into an assassin, despite the fact that she recognized early on that she could never fully erase her identity to become “no one.

As a dedicated cinephile, I must admit that Arya’s dealings with Jaqen and the enigmatic Waif in ‘Game of Thrones’ often left me scratching my head. The reasoning behind the Waif’s animosity towards Arya was never fully explained, making it hard to fathom. It seemed illogical that Jaqen, a master assassin, would allow Arya to depart Braavos without any repercussions after she acquired such a potent skill – the ability to assume another’s identity. This decision left the audience yearning for answers about the true intent of the Faceless Men.

In ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 8, the storyline involving the Faceless Men was a letdown, as it seemed its purpose was merely to confound expectations – an outcome that was just as disappointing.

Bronn First Appears in Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 4

In Game of Thrones, Bronn’s primary role was to provide a welcome dash of humor amidst the frequently tragic storyline. However, over time, he evolved into a character predominantly known for his complaints about not being paid fairly. When Cersei proposes a castle in exchange for killing Tyrion and Jaime, Bronn arrives at Winterfell armed with a crossbow, eventually securing a deal to claim Highgarden if Daenerys emerges victorious from the war.

Following Bran’s coronation, Bronn surprisingly finds himself on the Small Council and titled Master of Coin, which strikes many as absurd. Given his lack of knowledge in loans and finance, it seemed more fitting for him to be appointed Master of War instead. It’s equally puzzling that he was given Highgarden, as Tyrion, being the Hand of the Queen, had no authority to bestow such a title. Instead, one might expect the King of Westeros to grant it.

Brann Stark First Appears in Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 1

Many casual viewers found no problems with Bran’s character throughout the series, but when it was announced that he would become the new King of Westeros in the finale, many were taken aback by his response, “Why did I come all this way?” to Tyrion’s question about accepting the crown. During the Long Night, Bran was largely insignificant, contributing little other than using his powers to peer into his ravens to locate the Night King. He failed to employ his abilities to attempt warging into the Wight dragon for the defense of Winterfell or any other individuals.

Following the victory in the battle, he encouraged Jon to disclose his heritage to Arya and Sansa. There was much speculation about Bran being the true antagonist of Game of Thrones, as he had witnessed many seasons ago a scene that the audience revisited when Daenerys destroyed King’s Landing. Sending Jon back to the Wall seemed unfair, given that both Jon and Tyrion were equally responsible for Daenerys’ death. It was also puzzling that the North was allowed independence with a Stark sitting on the Iron Throne.

Jon Snow First Appears in Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 1

In the narrative crafted by George R. R. Martin, Jon Snow’s demise at the hands of his Night’s Watch brethren and subsequent resurrection by Melisandre seemed to hold no discernible influence over his personality. Contrary to expectations in the books where resurrection is depicted as a transformative event, Jon Snow appeared as a more feeble version of his former self on the show.

In Season 7 of “Game of Thrones,” Jon Snow travels to Dragonstone to persuade Daenerys Targaryen to join forces against the Night King. Their romantic feelings for each other develop subtly with few initial signs. However, in Season 8, Jon simply declares, “She’s my queen,” and learns that he is half Targaryen, but these revelations don’t significantly impact the storyline. Later, when Tyrion convinces him to assassinate Daenerys, his brother Bran sends him back to the Wall, now ruling as King of Westeros. If the writers had given Jon a more complex character development following his resurrection, his eventual return to the Wall could have been a powerful conclusion, symbolizing both selfless and ruthless actions rather than just the latter.

Petyr Baelish First Appears in Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 1

Petyr Baelish, like Varys, is exceptionally intelligent, but unlike Varys, he has a much more sinister character. Baelish harbored ambitions of reaching the throne and was unexpectedly willing to strike a deal with the Boltons, despite his apparent lack of knowledge about Ramsay. Given that the Bolton family had been known for centuries for their cruel practice of flaying their enemies, it’s puzzling that Baelish would not have researched Ramsay’s character beforehand.

It didn’t benefit Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger) to marry Sansa to Ramsay. His death in Season 7’s finale was quite unfair. However, the writers wanted to portray Sansa as more intelligent than others, so they wrote Littlefinger to appear less clever.

Varys First Appears in Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 1

Varys, renowned for his intelligence in Westeros and beyond, is often a step ahead of most due to his extensive network of informants, earning him the title Master of Whisperers. However, when he aligned with Team Dany, it appeared as though his sharp intellect had turned into an unexpected foolishness. The trajectory of his concerns over Daenerys’ mental state struck many as peculiar.

In a previous life as a movie reviewer, I’d rephrase it like this: “In retrospect, the cunning character from earlier seasons would have put more effort into guiding Daenerys towards righteousness. Had he arrived at the conclusion that Daenerys was a threat, he wouldn’t have confided in Tyrion and risked being exposed to Jon Snow. Instead, Varys, as we know him, would not have so openly attempted to poison Daenerys while still residing at Dragonstone.

Tyrion Lannister First Appears in Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 1

In the captivating world of Game of Thrones, it’s widely agreed that Tyrion stood out as a highly admired character. His quick wit, cunning strategies, and endearing charm transformed this seemingly disadvantaged figure into a character audiences wanted to support in this harsh realm. One of Tyrion’s most striking traits was his knack for understanding others and utilizing this insight to his benefit. Unfortunately, following his appointment as Hand to Daenerys, he seemed to make one error after another.

In the earlier seasons, Tyrion would never have been fooled by Cersei’s empty promises or repeated the same mistake multiple times. Initially, he proposes a truce to his sister, and later returns to King’s Landing to demand her surrender, resulting in Missandei’s execution. These choices make Tyrion seem far less intelligent than he used to be, even compared to individuals with average intelligence.

Daenerys Targaryen First Appears in Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 1

In the story, Daenerys was consistently presented as a liberator, yet during her time in Slaver’s Bay, she made questionable decisions. However, what set her apart was that she often relied on her instincts rather than advice from others. This trait seemed to vanish when she met Tyrion and appointed him as her advisor. Yet, considering she was a novice in Westeros, it’s understandable she would listen to those well-versed in the continent. Contrary to this, in Essos, Daenerys did not blindly follow advice but made decisions that ultimately benefited her.

From a movie buff’s perspective, it didn’t make sense for me, as Daenerys Stormborn, to linger in Dragonstone, waiting for Jon Snow to arrive, when I had the upper hand with my element of surprise. I could have seized the opportunity to encircle King’s Landing with my armies and unleash my formidable dragons as a show of power, just like I did in Mereen and Yunkai. Instead, I watched Tyrion Lannister’s reign as Hand falter, growing frustrated when things spiraled out of control. All these events seemed to be orchestrated to transform me into the Mad Queen over the course of a few episodes.

Jaime Lannister First Appears in Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 1

In the TV series, Jaime Lannister experienced one of the most compelling character transformations until Season 8, but there was an inconsistency – it seemed illogical for Cersei to let him go to Winterfell. Later, after their battle against the Night King and his forces, Jaime develops a strong bond with Brienne, although their relationship didn’t feel like the beginnings of a romantic love story. However, following Daenerys’ loss of another dragon at Euron‘s hands, Jaime unexpectedly returned to Cersei without much explanation other than acknowledging that he is as evil as his sister.

In a final talk before being captured by the Unsullied and imprisoned, Tyrion converses with his brother. When Jaime advises him to rescue the city and escape with Cersei, Tyrion learns that Jaime has “never valued the populace, regardless of their innocence.” This statement contradicts his earlier scene with Brienne where he claimed to have saved the city from the Mad King. However, Jaime’s revelation tarnishes the development of his character arc.

The Night King First Appears in Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 4

Ever since the final scenes of the premiere episode of Game of Thrones, viewers have been intrigued by the cryptic significance behind the Whitewalkers’ swirling symbols and grisly dismemberments. When the Night King seizes one of Daenerys’ dragons and breaches the Wall, heading straight for Winterfell, many anticipated a thrilling climax. However, what followed didn’t meet those expectations.

As I sat there in the darkened theater, I found myself utterly bewildered. Out of nowhere, Arya seemed to materialize like a spectral ninja, turning King’s Landing’s undead horde into frozen statues in an instant. This unexpected twist was certainly surprising, but it left me and many others scratching our heads. The abrupt ending of such a significant storyline, one that had loomed large over all eight seasons, felt like an unsatisfying anticlimax – a bitter pill to swallow.

Moreover, this resolution not only failed to provide any explanation for the sudden demise of the threat, but it also rendered the prophecy meaningless and left Jon Snow’s journey devoid of purpose. In essence, the power that had driven the story forward felt diminished and hollowed out, leaving fans like myself feeling somewhat cheated out of a satisfying conclusion to this epic saga.

2025-04-29 01:53