Kit Harington says Thrones fans were "in denial" about Daenerys

Photo credit: Home Box Office (HBO)
Photo credit: Home Box Office (HBO)

From Digital Spy

Note: This article contains spoilers for Game of Thrones season 8 episode 6.

Game of Thrones' final season has come under criticism for many things: characters making dumb decisions, rushed pacing, a lack of nuance, not enough Cersei Lannister.

But what really divided people was the choice made by Daenerys Targaryen in last week's episode 'The Bells'.

Related: Here's how each of Game of Thrones' stars have reacted to the show's final season

The Mother of Dragons torched the people of King's Landing even though her enemy had surrendered, something that lots of fans claimed was out of character.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Jon Snow actor Kit Harington has said that it was obvious Daenerys was heading this way, and if you thought she was going to end up as a goodie rather than a self-righteous tyrant who needed putting down, then you were only kidding yourself.

"If you track her story all the way back," he says, "she does some terrible things. She crucifies people. She burns people alive. This has been building.

"So, we have to say to the audience: 'You’re in denial about this woman as well. You knew something was wrong. You’re culpable, you cheered her on.'"

Photo credit: HBO
Photo credit: HBO

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The star also notes that he's worried about the decisions being labelled as sexist, but states that he thinks having all female characters be righteous is a disservice.

"They’re the most interesting characters in the show," he adds. "And that’s what Thrones has always done. You can’t just say the strong women are going to end up the good people. Dany is not a good person.

"It’s going to open up discussion but there’s nothing done in this show that isn’t truthful to the characters. And when have you ever seen a woman play a dictator?"

Dany's actor Emilia Clarke has echoed the opinion that the Mother of Dragons isn't a hero, but says that she still stands by her girl through and through.

Game of Thrones season 8 airs on HBO in the US and Sky Atlantic and NOW TV in the UK. Tune in to Digital Spy's Game of Thrones livestreams on Monday evenings, straight after each episode, on Instagram and Facebook.


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