Is It Weird That I Think Jamie and Cersei Are a Good Couple?

The idea that Jamie and Cersei being a good couple is unusual is entirely misplaced. In the world of Game of Thrones, their relationship is anything but weird. Many viewers find this pairing compelling and even romantic, a testament to the show's intricate character dynamics and nuanced storytelling. This perspective is valid, especially when considering the rich narrative backdrop against which they operate.

Is It Unusual To Ship Jamie and Cersei?

While many fans do ship Jaime and Cersei, it's important to acknowledge that their relationship doesn't align with the traditional romantic ideal. Shippering Jaime and Brienne is often dismissed as unrealistic because Jaime is not moved by Brienne's youthful prowess. He acknowledges that Brienne, a skilled but young warrior, could inspire any man, making her engagement less a matter of love and more a matter of infatuation.

Jamie’s infatuation with Brienne might seem less significant compared to his deep-seated devotion to Cersei. However, his love for Cersei is far more complex. Jaime is fully aware of her flaws but still chooses her, driven by a mix of loyalty, love, and a sense of duty. He is not some foolish boy blind to reality; he recognizes that indulging in this relationship could lead to his downfall. Despite his feelings for Cersei, Jaime prioritizes her, even at the cost of his own happiness and safety. This unorthodox love can be seen as both a source of frustration and fascination.

Jamie’s Love for Cersei vs. Cersei’s Love for Jaime

While Jaime’s love for Cersei is unyielding, her feelings for him are much more complicated. Cersei’s love is often twisted, manipulative, and focused on her own power and survival. She has little concern for Jaime’s well-being, often using him as a pawn in her schemes. The show demonstrates that while Jaime adores Cersei, Cersei treats him with cruelty and indifference. She insults him, blames him for her problems, and fails to make sacrifices for him. Her actions make it clear that they are not well-suited for each other and that she takes advantage of his heart.

Viewer reactions to this relationship range from fascination to disgust. For some, Jaime’s love for Cersei is a source of confusion, but for others, it is a compelling narrative element that adds depth to the characters. However, both perspectives are valid within the context of the show's intricate storytelling.

The Show vs. The Books

In the books, Jamie and Cersei’s relationship was more complex. There were hints of a deep romantic entanglement but also signs of distance as Jaime’s relationship with Brienne grew. By the end of the fifth book, Jaime had distanced himself from Cersei, and she had moved on to Lady Taena Merryweather. The show, however, depicts Jamie and Cersei as a couple who stand by each other through thick and thin. Jaime tells Edmure that he wants to return to Cersei, and Cersei’s relationship with Lancel underscores her manipulative nature.

The show interprets their relationship as a romantic partnership, leading some viewers to accept it as a natural development. Characters like Olenna Tyrell even acknowledge them as a couple, further cementing their status in the narrative. However, the normalization of incest in the name of plot convenience can be seen as a significant departure from the source material.

Final Thoughts

The show’s decision to present Jamie and Cersei as a couple can be seen as a strategic choice to make Cersei more palatable and formidable to the audience. While Jaime’s arc is richer in the books, his simplified portrayal in the show can be frustrating. Despite this, the show wants us to feel a sense of acceptance and understanding towards their relationship, even if it is not entirely realistic.

Ultimately, it is understandable why you might feel conflicted about Jamie and Cersei’s relationship. The show’s normalization of their relationship, while fitting within its narrative framework, may not align with the deeper complexities of their character dynamics. However, there is nothing wrong with acknowledging the show’s presentation and finding their relationship compelling or curious.