Why Cersei's Dream Ending Would Have Ruined Game of Thrones Season 8

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Cersei Lannister actress Lena Headey shared an alternate idea for Game of Thrones season 8, where Arya Stark would take off a Jaime Lannister mask and kill her.

Cersei's conclusion should have been with Jaime, not Arya. Their destinies were intertwined from birth, and their bond formed an integral part of their individual storylines.

Arya's conclusion should have been centered around abandoning vengeance. Her quest revolved around discovering her authentic self and relinquishing her desire for retribution.

Lena Headey, the actress who portrayed Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, proposed a different ending for her character, but it wouldn't have resolved the controversy surrounding the show's finale. The ending of Game of Thrones received mixed reviews, mainly due to larger plot points like Daenerys Targaryen's turn as a villain and Bran Stark's ascent to the throne. However, Cersei's conclusion also faced criticism, as she and Jaime Lannister were killed together when the Red Keep collapsed. This prompted complaints about Jaime's character development and resulted in numerous memes about the amount of rubble that fell on them.

Various theories circulated regarding Cersei's fate, with one popular theory suggesting that Jaime would be the one to kill her, while another proposed that Arya Stark would have the honor. Lena Headey supported the latter theory and admitted to discussing an alternate ending with Maisie Williams, who played Arya. Headey shared, "[Maisie Williams] and I would imagine a showdown between Cersei and Arya, with Arya disguised as Jaime. That was our fantasy." Although the idea may have been intriguing, it ultimately would have contributed to the issues viewers had with Game of Thrones' eighth season.

Cersei's Game Of Thrones Ending Needed To Be With Jaime, Not Arya

Cersei, a complex and significant antagonist, committed numerous horrendous acts, particularly against the Starks. Therefore, it's understandable why her demise at the hands of Arya would be seen as a fitting conclusion. Furthermore, considering Arya had Cersei on her kill list and her ability to disguise herself as Jaime, it would create a dramatic twist. However, despite the immense pain Cersei inflicted, there was limited interaction between her and Arya. On the contrary, the destinies of Cersei and Jaime were deeply intertwined, as they were not only siblings but also lovers. Their relationship was portrayed to have a profound connection. Although it was fraught with challenges, Jaime was the most significant person in Cersei's life, alongside their children, and vice versa. The narrative between Arya and Cersei barely existed, whereas Cersei and Jaime's bond formed the foundation of their entire journey. While one may have possessed a better heart and morals than the other, their lives were inseparable. The tragedy of Jaime's character arc lies not just in his inability to break free from her grasp, but in the fact that he never considered himself worthy of doing so. This dynamic is not a flaw, but a deliberate aspect of his story.

Cersei and Jaime came into this world together, so naturally they had to depart it in the same manner. Whether it would have been preferable for Jaime to be the one to kill Cersei is open to debate. There is certainly an element of Shakespearean tragedy to such an ending, and it aligns more closely with the redemption that is expected of him. However, Jaime's decision to prioritize love, despite its complexity and entanglement with self-loathing (and, ahem, incest), possesses its own poetic essence. Regardless, Cersei's conclusion needed to involve Jaime; the genuine one, not an imposter.

Arya's Game Of Thrones Ending Had To Be About Moving Away From Vengeance

While including Cersei on Arya's kill list made sense, it wouldn't have been logical for her to actually go through with it. When Arya initially formed her list, she embarked on a path of revenge that would drastically change her and ultimately lead to the loss of her own identity. Not only did she literally lose her sight, but she also lost sight of who she truly was, becoming "no one." It would have been a fitting conclusion to see this altered version of "Arya" killing Cersei, but it's difficult to envision such a moment seamlessly fitting into the narrative.

In Game of Thrones season 8, the character undergoes a transformation where they realize that seeking revenge is not the answer. This realization ultimately leads Arya to embark on a journey to discover what lies beyond Westeros. This realization is solidified during her final encounter with the Hound, where she chooses to turn away from a path that would have made her similar to him—filled with hatred and anger fueled by thoughts of vengeance, had she survived long enough to reach that point. Arya's story in season 8 excellently explores the themes of vengeance and identity. By letting go of the desire for revenge, she is able to truly reclaim her identity. This is a well-executed aspect of season 8, and Arya's storyline is considered one of the strongest in the final episodes. Killing Cersei would have compromised this narrative.

Editor's P/S

As a fan of Game of Thrones, I have mixed feelings about Cersei's proposed dream ending. On the one hand, I understand why some fans might have preferred this conclusion. Cersei and Jaime's relationship was one of the most complex and compelling aspects of the show, and it would have been fitting for them to have a final showdown. Additionally, Arya's storyline had been building towards a confrontation with Cersei for several seasons, so it would have been satisfying to see her finally get her revenge.

On the other hand, I think the ending that we got was more powerful and satisfying. Cersei's death at the hands of Jaime was a fitting conclusion to their story, and it showed that even the most ruthless and ambitious people can be brought down by love. Additionally, Arya's decision to spare Cersei's life was a powerful moment of character growth for her. It showed that she had learned from her mistakes and was no longer willing to let vengeance consume her.

Overall, I think the ending that we got was the best possible conclusion to Game of Thrones. It was a bittersweet ending that left fans with a lot to think about, and it was a fitting conclusion to one of the greatest television shows of all time.