“The Bells,” the penultimate episode of Game of Thrones season 8, irrevocably altered the landscape of Westeros, culminating in Daenerys Targaryen’s devastating, and arguably tyrannical, razing of King’s Landing despite the city’s surrender. This shocking turn of events propelled the series towards its controversial conclusion, forever changing the perceptions of key characters and the power dynamics within the Seven Kingdoms (or what remained of them).
The Unleashing of the Dragon Queen
Daenerys’s descent into madness, though debated fiercely by fans, was arguably foreshadowed throughout the series. “The Bells” saw the culmination of years of loss, betrayal, and the perceived theft of her birthright. The episode opens with Varys’s execution for treason, reinforcing Daenerys’s isolation and paranoia. With her advisors dwindling and her grip on power tenuous, the sound of the bells signaling surrender was not a victory, but a trigger.
Fueled by rage and a thirst for the Iron Throne, Daenerys, aboard Drogon, unleashed a torrent of dragonfire upon King’s Landing. She ignored the surrender, systematically destroying the city, targeting not just the Lannister forces but also the innocent civilians huddled within its walls. This act of mass slaughter solidified her transformation from liberator to conqueror, leaving the audience grappling with the moral complexities of her actions.
Key Events and Character Arcs
The episode wasn’t solely about Daenerys’s destructive rampage. Several other key events and character arcs contributed to the overall impact of “The Bells”:
Jaime and Cersei’s Final Embrace
Jaime Lannister’s arc reached its tragic conclusion as he returned to King’s Landing to be with his twin sister and lover, Cersei. Despite Brienne of Tarth’s desperate pleas, Jaime ultimately chose Cersei, highlighting the undeniable pull of their toxic relationship. They died together in the collapsing Red Keep, a poignant and controversial end to one of the series’ most complex relationships.
Cleganebowl: Brother vs. Brother
The long-awaited “Cleganebowl” finally arrived, pitting Sandor “The Hound” Clegane against his undead brother, Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane. This brutal and visceral battle was a visual spectacle, showcasing the Hound’s unwavering commitment to protecting Arya Stark and finally confronting his tormentor. Ultimately, both Cleganes fell to their deaths, ending their reign of terror.
Arya’s Escape from King’s Landing
Arya Stark, initially driven by vengeance, found herself caught in the crossfire of Daenerys’s fiery onslaught. Witnessing the senseless slaughter firsthand, she was forced to abandon her quest for revenge and instead focus on survival. Her escape from King’s Landing, amidst the burning rubble and panicked crowds, was a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.
FAQs About Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 5
Here are some frequently asked questions about the events and implications of “The Bells”:
FAQ 1: Why did Daenerys destroy King’s Landing after it surrendered?
This is the most debated question surrounding the episode. Several contributing factors likely fueled Daenerys’s decision: her Targaryen blood and potential madness, the loss of her closest advisors (Jorah, Missandei, Varys), the feeling of being cheated out of the Iron Throne by Jon Snow’s true claim, and the pent-up rage accumulated over years of struggle. The bells, meant to signal peace, may have sounded like a mocking taunt to her, triggering a violent outburst.
FAQ 2: Was Daenerys’s transformation believable?
That’s a matter of perspective and interpretation. Some argue that her descent was foreshadowed throughout the series, citing her ruthless actions in Essos and her increasing paranoia in Westeros. Others contend that the writers rushed her character development, sacrificing nuance for shock value. There were signs, but the speed and scale of the shift were jarring for many viewers.
FAQ 3: What was the strategic reasoning behind Daenerys’s actions?
Strategically, there was none. Daenerys’s actions in “The Bells” were driven by pure emotion, not military strategy. The city had surrendered; the war was won. Her decision to decimate King’s Landing served no tactical purpose, demonstrating a complete disregard for the well-being of the people she was meant to rule.
FAQ 4: Could Cersei have survived the Red Keep’s collapse?
While anything is possible in fiction, it’s highly improbable. The Red Keep’s collapse was depicted as catastrophic, and Cersei and Jaime were shown trapped in a confined space. It’s almost certain that they perished in the destruction.
FAQ 5: What was the point of Cleganebowl?
Cleganebowl served as a cathartic release of pent-up tension and a satisfying conclusion to the Hound’s personal arc. It provided a brutal and visceral showdown between two iconic characters, ultimately highlighting the destructive nature of vengeance and the importance of finding redemption. It was fan service, but with a purpose.
FAQ 6: Why did Jaime return to Cersei after Brienne?
Jaime’s return to Cersei underscores the toxic codependency that defined their relationship. Despite his genuine affection for Brienne and his attempts to break free from Cersei’s influence, the pull of their shared history and twisted love proved too strong. His final act was a testament to the enduring power of his connection with Cersei, even if it ultimately led to his demise.
FAQ 7: How did Arya survive the destruction of King’s Landing?
Arya’s survival was a combination of luck, skill, and the unexpected kindness of strangers. She used her training and cunning to navigate the chaotic streets, narrowly avoiding death on several occasions. Her experience underscores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horror.
FAQ 8: Did the Golden Company play any significant role in the battle?
The Golden Company, hyped as a formidable force, was underutilized and easily defeated by Daenerys and Drogon. Their swift demise further fueled criticism of the season’s pacing and the perceived squandering of potentially interesting plotlines.
FAQ 9: What were the political ramifications of Daenerys’s actions?
Daenerys’s actions irrevocably changed the political landscape of Westeros. Her destruction of King’s Landing alienated much of the remaining population, solidified her image as a tyrant, and paved the way for her eventual downfall. It created a power vacuum and set the stage for the final resolution of the series.
FAQ 10: How did the writers try to justify Daenerys’s actions?
The writers attempted to justify Daenerys’s actions by highlighting the psychological toll of years of war, loss, and betrayal. They pointed to moments throughout the series where she displayed a ruthless streak, suggesting that her madness was always simmering beneath the surface. However, many viewers found these justifications unconvincing and felt that her character arc was mishandled.
FAQ 11: What was the fan reaction to “The Bells”?
“The Bells” received overwhelmingly negative reviews from fans and critics alike. Many criticized the episode’s pacing, character development, and plot choices. The perceived rush to the finish line and the perceived inconsistencies in character motivations led to widespread disappointment and frustration.
FAQ 12: What lasting impact did “The Bells” have on the Game of Thrones legacy?
“The Bells” significantly tarnished the legacy of Game of Thrones. While the earlier seasons were lauded for their complex characters, intricate plots, and unpredictable twists, the final season, and especially this episode, were criticized for abandoning those strengths in favor of spectacle and shock value. It remains a point of contention and debate among fans, forever altering the perception of the show as a whole.