So Much Whinging!

Published May 14, 2019 · Updated July 6, 2022

Hello, little doves!

I’ve listened to this podcast for years but never felt compelled to write in until today. Simply put, I hate the whiners complaining about character development or arcs or rushed plotting or any of the other egocentric hot takes after the events of “The Bells.”

They remind me of toddlers at bedtime: frantic and wailing that it can’t end! Not like this! Not in a crib with a sound machine and warm milk! Cruel mother, who are you to do this to me? You owe me more! More Sesame Street! More Lightning McQueen shaped pasta! You pretended to love me, and now-NOW-you don the face of a monster, patting my back and laying me down as though none of it mattered! You’ve ruined my day, nee, my childhood! You trickster, you, you….snore.

For all the caterwauling, what they’re really doing is making a confession-Septa Unella would be so proud (if pride weren’t a sin). They love this story like they love the world around them, like their families and friends. It’s a testament to George’s world that he’s found the holy grail that every writer seeks: Love. Readers love this story. Watchers love this story.

And we have strong opinions about the people and things we love. Look at professional sports. There is, in fact, crying in baseball, thank you very much.

And the people who love this story don’t want Danaerys to be a monster because they met her when she was a child, and her brother sold her to a stranger. And as she grew into a queen, the viewer’s love for Dany has always justified: no matter the odds, she prevailed. Each season she gained more faithful subjects, more loot, bigger dragons, and much like a beloved relative who turns out to be a bad human being, they feel betrayed. They love Dany and they don’t want her to be bad. And while we don’t yet know what happens to the Throne of Ashes, or the north, or if Bran ever smiles again, we know what happened to Dany; in the end, despite our love, she’s bad. And now the show’s fans are screaming that it’s all a lie, that she would never burn a city to the ground because she freed slaves in Mereen and loves Jon Snow and has known terrible anguish. (This goes double for Ser Jaime.)

But the subtext of this story has always shown through if you cared to see it:

1) Anyone who wants the Iron Throne will do terrible things to get it or keep it, period.

2) People are good and bad, often at the same time.

But now, our watch is nearly ended, and we hold our breath as we turn the final page to know the fate of our friends, and however it turns out, little doves, remember: all stories end, now go the fuck to sleep.

You guys are smart analysts, good job.

Best,
Angie

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