GAMERS DECIDE - A song of Ice and Fire

Top 15 Game of Thrones Characters, Then and Now

R0MAN0VA — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 20:30:48 +0000

It might be bold to say that Game of Thrones is the best show of the decade but I’m going to say it anyways. From the pages of George R.R. Martin’s fantasy series, A song of Ice and Fire, to David Benioff and D. B. Weiss’ HBO show adaptation, Game of Thrones has brought some of the most shocking and bloodiest moments on the small screen. The show garnering infamy for its brutally realistic portrayal of the dark fantasy genre and “anything goes” mentality of beloved and despised characters. With the seventh season kicking off and characters/plotlines intertwining, let’s take a look at the top 15 characters from the beginning and how the fight for the Iron throne has made or break them.

15. Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson)

A young Jack Gleeson in Batman Begins so here is a fitting quote: You either die a hero….

…or live long enough to see yourself become a villain.

The most loathsome bastard in Westeros (until another comes to take that title), Joffrey is one of the few, true villains of the show who doesn’t fight for survival or an agenda, but instead appease his own sadistic nature. The incest child of Cersei and Jaime Lannister, Joffrey is passed off as King Robert’s son and after his death is made the King in which he becomes a cruel tyrant. The noteworthy thing is that Joffrey wasn’t corrupted by power, he was always a vicious child who enjoys tormenting those beneath him. He was a character you love to hate and felt enormous satisfaction when someone like Tyrion or Tywin was there to knock him down. In the first season he was a spoiled, unhinged kid and by season 4 he was the same kid but with a crown; not a lot to him or any character development (a bit one note actually) but he was an excellent antagonist until the real threats emerged.

14. Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey)

(photo by Nino Munoz/Pinterest)

With her role as Cersei and Gorgo in 300…

…this woman was born to play queens.

In Joffrey’s case, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Cersei Lannister is the root problem for Westeros’ struggle for the Iron throne, her incestuous relationship spawned a false king whose actions started a war for the Kingdom and inevitably lead to suffering of the people and the death of prominent characters. Cersei is ruthless with her ambitions, dangerous to everything around her including her family and the few she loves. She is a horrible combination of cunning, self-centeredness, impatient, and cruel with very few redeeming qualities, but still one of the most interesting characters to watch. To see what line she won’t cross to get what she wants is what captivates the viewer to her; watching her systematically destroy any opposition even if what she loves is taken out in the crossfire is the ultimate appeal of her character.

13. Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke)

Clarke in Triassic Attack, a film about dinosaurs…

…and now she traded up for dragons.

A showrunner and a fan favorite, Daenerys Targaryen has had one of the most significant changes between season 1 and season 7. From being sold off into marriage to commanding an army and three dragons, the Queen with too many titles has been built up to the moment she arrived at Westeros. From the ground up, underdog character who becomes a heavy hitter and the biggest threat to Cersei. Though the show has had Daenerys undergo her own trials it is noticeable how her formula became “take some but give back double”: She is sold into marriage but falls in love, her brother and husband die but she gets three dragons, she is left with few followers but she gains the unsullied and the second sons, and she is captured by Dothraki but kills the leaders and gains a khalasar. It takes away a bit from her character when the show has a need for her to succeed even when she fails but she has shown to be the biggest fire that started off as a small flame.

12. Jon Snow (Kit Harington)

(photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Kit Harington before Game of Thrones…

…and now one of the highest paid actors on Television (per episode).

The White Wolf and the Secret Dragon. The last of the heroes left on the show, Jon Snow is a paradigm of true valor and honor. Without a name to him, he has risen on courage alone and stands as the head of the pack against the White Walkers. Jon became King of the North from a man of the Night’s Watch from the trust and loyalty he earns from those around him. Always expect him to do the right thing, even if it is a major character flaw that got other Starks killed.

11. Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau)

(photo by Randall Michelson/Getty Images)

Now that’s a face with a worry-free smile…

… and that’s a smile-free, worried face.

The Oathbreaker. The King Slayer. The man who made the audience have a complete 180 on him. Back in season 1 you’d be hard press to find someone who had a favorable view on Jaime “I’mma shove off a kid out a window” Lannister. Generally being arrogant and having an air of self-entitlement, Jaime was not winning hearts when his family was causing much turmoil to the beloved Starks; but lessons in humility and a few months a prisoner brought him down from his high horse to open up to the audience. Revelations of who he is behind his bad actions shows him to be morally good living in a gray area. Doubts of him fighting for the wrong side are apparent but his devotion to family and his sister keeps him struggling with doing what is right and what Cersei wants. A man we have grown to like and are heavily interested in what his final decision will be on which side he will truly stand for.

10. Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon)

(photo by Justin Van Vliet/Pinterest)

And there’s a handsome fellow…

…almost makes you forget he’s this guy.

The (metaphorical) King Bastard. Initially being a skeptical character when introduced, Ramsay is revealed to be a horrendous, mad dog whose every action causes more loathing from you than you’d ever thought possible. With each passing episode, you just keep getting reasons why you should hate him more. Even worse than Joffrey without the leash to keep him back, the bastard of the Dreadfort took the North and caused a wave of suffering and torment. Without a doubt, the most satisfying conclusion to a villain in recent years and a great foil for the good guys in the North.

9. Olenna Tyrell (Diana Rigg)

A lifelong career…

…of slaying.

Not much threatening about roses but the Queen of Thorns knows how to cut those who try to pluck her out. No matter who stands in front of her, Olenna Tyrell is ready with a good jibe and a talk-down. A woman with a silver tongue rather than a silver sword, she knows how to tear open a new one. Always leaving with the final word and those around her speechless.

8. Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie)

From fair maiden to…

…well… no matter how tough you are you’re always fair to someone.

Loyalty and Duty—two words that encompass Brienne. From Renly, to Catelyn, to Sansa, Brienne is a sworn sword upholding her oath to serve and protect. The strongest female warrior (and arguably the best living fighter), Brienne is the paragon of honor and righteousness that places her high among other knights (even if she claims not to be one).

7. Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham)

(photo by Shane McCarthy/Shane McCarthy Photography)

Weird how Cunningham has the same look on his face years later….

…guess badassery never fades.

The Onion Knight, the most down to earth and rational man among the ambitious and crazy stupid. Davos has played the voice of reason and the right hand to those he deems worthy to succeed and lead. From Stannis to Jon, Davos is a trusted friend to have by your side and stay with you through the worst of it.

6. Sandor Clegane (Roy McCann)

McCann was probably best known for Lurch in Hot Fuzz, a strong simpleton…

…then came along the Hound.

Sandor Clegane is a savage fighter with a nihilistic view of the world that turns out to have a kinder heart than the other brutes around him. Always with a sarcastic quip or harsh insult to anyone and everyone, The Hound evolved from just a killer with a sword to an avenger who fights to protect when he becomes a savior and guardian to the Stark sisters. From the King’s guard to a member of the Brotherhood, The Hound follows his own path to redeem himself all the while still being sardonic yet compassionate.

5. Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance)

I think Charles Dance was born intimidating…

…even now he still has a tight grip on your fear.

The cunning and most dangerous of the lions, Tywin Lannister is the mastermind and genius orchestrator behind most of the tragedies to fall to the Starks. A cold, calculating man who values legacy over family and did all he could to keep the Lannister name at the top. A man so feared and so tall brought down with one of the most humiliating deaths in the series, Tywin spent the entirety of his life building everything up only to have it destroyed by his own children.

4. Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen)

(photo by Claire Greenway/Getty Images)

From the poor man’s Slim Shady…

…to one of the most interesting characters on television.

Ward to Eddard Stark, Theon turncloak, Prince Theon of Pyke, Lord Theon of Winterfell, and Reek. The most psychologically complex character in the series, Theon Greyjoy underwent the most transformations from his introduction to the current season; cocky and full of himself to a scared and damaged slave on the path of trying to be a loyal brother. Theon struggled early on. choosing between his oath and his blood, family or loyalty, the Starks or the Greyjoys. A kraken raised among the wolves left Theon without a proper identity, prompting him choose between one or the other. Forever carrying the burden of his actions and the consequences that followed, will Theon prevail, or Reek?

3. Eddard Stark (Sean Bean)

Here is a young Sean Bean from something he probably died in…

…at this point he’s mastered the act of dying.

The first major casualty of the show and the most surely missed. Eddard Stark was the honor in a corrupt world and the pillar of plight against its evil. The character that all his children try to emulate, Eddard served as height of honor bound and loyalty. Losing his life for trusting the government too much, Eddard was gone after season 1 with the closest to a return is a flashback scene. His legacy still carries on, and the man he was is still remembered by those who knew him.

2. Arya Stark (Maisie Williams)

Small, sly, unassuming…

…and next thing you know you’re dead.

If Rob is the “Young wolf”, Jon is the “White Wolf”, then Arya is the “Wild Wolf”. Never prim and proper, Arya Stark is a wildling at heart turned into an assassin out for vengeance to those who killed the ones she loved. Being one of the youngest of the main cast, Arya’s transformation from carefree child to “No-one” is challenging and ruthless to experience. The audience’s attachment to Arya runs deep as she is left a lone pup among the dangers of the world, but she persists and prevails to become fearsome and strong.

1. Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage)

From a mullet that screams the 80’s…

…to one of the most beloved actors on television.

The smallest man that stands tall. Tyrion Lannister topples over most with his intellectual wit and is the character we learned that should never be underestimated. The Half-man’s mind is a greater weapon than most warrior’s swords as he evolved from a drunk, whore-loving dwarf into The Hand of the Dragon Queen. With the world against him since birth, Tyrion outsmarted and outplayed the best of them; proving without advantages of wielding a sword or controlling dragons, he stays one of the greatest by still standing even when the world has kicked him down.

With the last season and the conclusion to Game of Thrones approaching it’s safe to say that all bets are off and any character can meet a bloody conclusion. What major changes can we expect from our surviving characters and how will Long Night challenge them?

Top 10 Most Satisfying Character Deaths in Game of Thrones (villain deaths, and why they deserved it, and why its satisfying)

R0MAN0VA — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 20:22:18 +0000

10. Walder and the Freys

Had a taste of what the Freys been dishing out.

Walder Frey was more of a pawn of the Lannisters, who really are the masterminds of the Red Wedding, but he still boasts of killing Rob and Catelyn Stark under his roof—which attracted the attention of newly trained assassin Arya Stark. Now Arya could have gone a simple route of just poisoning Walder and escaping, but she instead wanted to make it more personal. Instead of just killing him and being done with it she fed him his own children In a pie and slit open his throat—the same way her own mother was killed (minus the pies).

She didn’t stop there. Disguising herself as Walder Frey, in one fell swoop, killed off every single (male) Frey with poisoned wine. Single-handedly causing the extinction of a House and bringing long awaited justice for the Starks and the North.

The Red Wedding

Death of Walder Frey

Massacre of the Freys

9. Joffrey Baratheon

Getting choked up at his own wedding.

Continuing with the theme of poison, killer women, and pies, Joffrey Baratheon’s death was short but ever so satisfying to watch. After the bastard King irked us even further with his torment over everyone’s favorite Half-man, the audience received a small sign of hope when Joffrey started coughing. Then the series of coughs turned to chocking. Falling to the ground on his own wedding, eyes blood red, chucks of vomit and pie spewing from his mouth, and his skin turning purple. The viewer got a close-up of Joffrey painfully clinging onto his last moments, watching as the life leaves his eyes in a gruesome end. Though the downside to this is the fallout of his death; especially with him screwing over Tyrion by pointing at him as he dies (though he probably was pointing at the cup in his hand) and leaving him to be tried for murder. Bad for Tyrion but good for everyone to be rid of Joffrey.

Joffrey's 9 douchiest moments

The Purple Wedding

8. Allister Thorne & traitors

And now their watch has ended.

Allister Thorne was a thorn at Jon Snow’s side since the beginning of his time at The Wall. Despite being unpleasant, Allister seemed to do what is best for the Night’s Watch, he was disagreeable but had the Watch’s longstanding in mind, until he and other traitors stabbed Lord Commander Jon Snow to death. The only noticeable member of the traitors was Olly, Jon’s personal steward, being the last one to drive a knife into Jon’s heart. With Jon’s revival, he sentences the traitors to be hanged in a bittersweet scene. Finally to be rid of Thorne after all the insults he’s been throwing out but at great personal pain to Jon to be betrayed in such a way by his sworn brothers, the hardest hitting being Olly. The quiet onlookers, nothing but the sound of the four struggling for air, and the final shot of their limp corpses was somber but the final outing for Jon to leave the Night’s Watch and to become the King of the North.

Traitors kill Jon Snow

Jon Snow hangs Allister and Olly

7. Karl Tanner

The legend of Flea Bottom himself.

And here is a brother of the Night’s Watch you feel nothing but contempt for. Karl Tanner was on the Great Ranging with Lord Commander Mormont. After having enough of the poor treatment, Tanner leads the munity at Craster’s Keep, backstabbing and killing Mormont. Along with other mutineers, he spoils himself to Craster’s food and daughter-wives, abusing and raping the innocent women and making the Lord Commander’s skull his personal drinking goblet. Jon Snow leads a party to attack them, killing the mutineers and driving his sword through Karl Tanner’s head, nothing but a bloody kill to a despised character with minimal loss or adverse aftermath.

Mutiny at Craster's Keep

Karl Tanner's Death

6. Xaro Xhoan Daxos

Should have just taken a sword to the heart than die slowly like that.

Now this one takes a step back and instead of having blood and guts, leaves it to the imagination. Xaro Xhoan Daxos was a merchant in the city of Qarth, offered a helping hand to Daenerys Targaryen and a possible marriage-alliance to fund her invasion of Westeros. At first, seeming like an eager supporter to her claim to the Iron Throne turns out to be deception as he declares himself King of Qarth and steals Daenerys’ dragons. After Daenerys recovers her dragons in the House of the Undying, she catches Daxos off-guard and demands the vault of promised riches to be opened, only to find it empty. Daenerys seals the vault in which Daxos says is impenetrable by even the best thieves and locksmiths—with him inside. Trapped inside an unbreakable box in abysmal darkness, screaming until your lungs explode, knowing the only people that can help you are the ones that put you in there. Did he starve to death, claw out his own throat to end the suffering? Who knows but the imagination.

Xaro Xhoan Daxos betrays the council

Xaro Xhoan Daxos’ death

5. Lysa Arryn

Bet she's wishing she had a giant falcon like the Starks have direwolves.

Another death that leaves it more to the mind rather than what’s on screen. The slightly unstable sister of Catelyn Stark was never much a villain but at best an annoyance to everyone around her. Her death wasn’t uniquely special, taking a fall from the infamous Moon Door of the Vale seems like the average death sentence but the context of her death is what makes it special. After being dotted to betray and murder her own husband by Littlefinger and believing he loved her, it was in a raged induced rant that Littlefinger took her by the shoulders to lay it flatly. She was his pawn and he only cared for her sister, he pushes her into the Moon Door, taking that mile-long fall onto the ground. In the final moment before her fall, she learned that she meant nothing to the person she loved and suffered those few seconds of freefall before she was nothing but blood on the rocks with chucks of her flying in all directions.

Lysa Arryn verbally abuses Sansa

Lysa Arryn's death

4. Meryn Trant

Worse than Janos Slynt.

On occasion seen but always made his presence count when you want to hate him; Meryn Trant was a Kingsguard who was cruel and cowardly, beating on the helpless and being the opposite of a proper knight. To to add more reason to why you shouldn’t like him—he’s a sadistic pedophile, beating and raping young girls. Not only was it great when Arya Stark stabs out his eyes and left him in a stupor to explain who she is and why she is killing him, the death also served as her transformation into the Faceless assassin. She avenges her former teacher, Syrio Forel, and declares the Starks very much alive and that he is the first of many who will pay for the crimes against them.

Meryn Trant beats on Sansa

Meryn Trant's death

3. Tywin Lannister

Guess his plans went down the toilet.

Humiliation over blood for this death. Tywin Lannister was powerful and feared above those who possess the crown or wealth; stoic, grand, ambitious, and demanding of control only to be brought down so low because of the way he died. After attempting to have Tyrion executed and taking his lover, Shae, as his own whore, Tyrion shot him with arrows on the toilet. Even when dying, Tywin went out like a champ; without screaming or begging for his life, but the idea of someone (possibly Jaime or Cersei) finding such a man as Tywin bloody and covered in his own excrement is a sight that we missed out. One of many ironic deaths: a man so great, killed in one of the most humiliating of places to be found dead.

Tyrion's trial

Tywin Lannister's death

2. High Sparrow

He's closer to the gods than ever.

There’s no kill like overkill. The Pope-like High Sparrow was indeed with that arrogance that people have when claiming to be more righteous because they are religious. The High Sparrow and his Faith Militant were so hated that the audience started rooting for Cersei—CERSEI! Of all people! —and she delivered on her revenge. On Cersei’s trial with the Faith and other prominent characters like the Tyrell siblings were taken out in the most spectacular fashion. Catches of wildfire below the Sept of Baelor caused an enormous explosion, simultaneously taking out hundreds of people in the building and the immediate area, all just to kill the High Sparrow and his small group. Sure, most of the people killed were Cersei’s enemies and she was glad to be rid of them, but the attack was primarily for him. Also add insult to injury by blowing him up in his place of worship.

The High Sparrow arrest Cersei

Cersei's walk of shame

The High Sparrow and Faith Militant's death

1. Ramsay Bolton

A mad dog that needed to be put down.

And the one death we all wanted, the one death we were expecting, and the one we kind of guessed how it was going to happen but didn’t subtract the enjoyment we got from watching it. The bastard turned trueborn turned Warden of the North, Ramsay was a vicious hound going through any means to get what he wants. A laundry list of things to hate him by: torturing and enslaving Theon, raping Sansa, killing his stepmother and her newborn by feeding her alive to his dogs, killing Rickon and Wun-Wun as the final insult before the most satisfying death in Game of Thrones history. After being beaten bloody by Jon now and having the sigil of the Direwolf flown over Winterfell after so long; Ramsay is tied to a chair and is given the final farewell by Sansa. She tells him he will be forgotten and he will fade from memory and history right before he is eaten by his own starving hounds. Watching Ramsay trying to desperately take control of his dogs before having his neck bitten into is the sigh of relief, he is no longer in power. As his dogs feed on his screaming self, the screen turns to Sansa as she walks away, a smile overcomes her as she knows that its finally over for him.

The 5 worst things Ramsay has done.

Ramsay Bolton's death

The show has dished out some impressive ways to kill off characters but how will it fare to newer kills? Will future deaths even compare to what has already happened or is the series saving bigger surprises for how it ends for some? Who in the end will have the most impressive way to die and who will avoid the most gruesome of it?