GOT Episode 5 Thoughts

Published May 13, 2019 · Updated July 6, 2022

Hi Guys,

So to start with, I really appreciate the way you guys have been covering Season 8 – last week you mentioned that you have a centrist approach in a time when people are very polarized, and I couldn’t agree more. I’m sick of hearing about people (and other podcasts) bitching and picking apart all of the logistical and strategic issues, and I think you guys have consistently maintained a well-balanced approach. While you are more than willing to point out certain flaws or points of criticism, you always keep a fair point of view, and can just appreciate the show for what it is. I think this makes your podcast very enjoyable to listen to, and I like that you guys don’t take yourselves too seriously and keep an open mind to listener feedback as well.

I think the latest episode will be highly polarizing, and it was interesting to hear that you two had very opinions about the episode overall. I’m probably more in Gene’s camp, and I consider this to be a highly satisfying episode. The plot took me by surprise, the cinematography and music were incredible, and there were some powerful, heartfelt moments between characters that we’ve been following for the entire show. I actually cried during the moment when Cersei and Jamie were together in the vault and was amazed how the show turned Cersei from a loathsome into a sympathetic character in such a deft way – it was truly brilliant. I thought that them dying together in the last embrace was a fitting way to go, and much more satisfying than her simply getting assassinated by Arya.

However, I feel like I have to address the fact that I found Gene’s take on Danerys’ actions to be surprisingly cold. In my opinion, her actions were unforgivable, and for me, she went from being one of the most sympathetic and honorable characters to a vengeful, murderous tyrant. From Season 1 Episode 1, I badly wanted her to succeed and enact vengeance on Cersei, and this episode completely flipped my sympathies and expectations. Despite the fact that I always expected her to ultimately stay true to her honor and relatively consistent record of supporting the downtrodden, I think her character transformation is believable, given the established lore regarding Targaryen tendencies toward madness and some of her more questionable acts of vengeance in earlier seasons, and I could see how the trauma of losing her second dragon and her closest confidante could bring her over the edge and send her into a berserker rage.

With that said, I take issue with Gene’s contention that her actions were necessary. At the point that she went on her firebombing spree, the Lannisters were disarmed and had surrendered, and Cersei was vulnerable and could have been easily taken out without all of the civilian casualties. If she simply wanted to “pull out Cersei root and stem”, Danerys could have simply flown directly to the Red Keep just focused on blowing it up and dispatching Cersei directly, thereby minimizing peripheral damage to the city and populace. Instead, she drove Drogon to go on brutal strafing runs at least a mile away from the red keep, deliberately attacking crowds of civilians to ensure the most damage possible to innocent people. If the purpose was just to slaughter the remaining Lannister army to ensure the death of any Cersei loyalists, she could have ordered her foot soldiers to round them up – there was no need to use the dragon in this case. Therefore, in my opinion, the argument that his actions were strategically necessary holds no ground.

I believe the show was drawing overt parallels between her actions and prior instances where people were sacrificed for the Lord of Light. Her incineration of Varys was reminiscent of Stannis burning people alive for disloyalty on Dragonstone in Season 2. During the carnage at King’s Landing there was even a closeup of a burned husk of a child holding the remnants of a doll, a callback to Shireen’s fate in Season 5. Perhaps her actions were even somehow guided by the Lord of Light, who has a fondness for burning people alive.

Regardless, my main point is this episode showed a powerful representation of abject horror and unspeakable carnage, such as the little girl running back to her mother despite certain death, women getting raped and murdered by the Darthaki, among many other instances of profoundly disturbing violence. Yes, in some cases civilian casualties are necessary, I understand that this is the price of war and doesn’t necessarily invalidate the overarching goal. However, in this case, these deaths could have easily been avoided, and in my opinion, these actions firmly place Danerys on the same moral level as Stannis and Tywin Lannister, who were always willing to ruthlessly sacrifice countless innocent lives to ensure the success of their dynasties.

Oh, and fuck Grayworm too.

I’ll admit that maybe having her on the throne is still better than Joffrey or (god forbid) Ramsay, but it sure as hell doesn’t make her fit to rule. I for one hope that Arya or Jon holds her accountable for her war crimes in the next episode, Ned Stark style (although I’m not sure how they’re gonna deal with all those remaining Darthraki and Unsullied). If it’s Arya, what face is she gonna use to get close to Danerys? Perhaps Grayworm or Tyrion is a good candidate.

Anyway, I know that this was just an instant take and that as you mentioned you haven’t had that much time to absorb and digest this episode. I appreciate the hard work you guys put in, and I hope that I was able to convey these opinions without being overly critical or judgmental of your work.

Keep up the great work,

— Michael Bykovski

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