Who Deserves to Live in Game of Thrones: Missandei, Renly Baratheon, or Jaime Lannister?

The decision is a controversial one in the world of Game of Thrones, but if you could make one character stay alive until season 8, which would you pick? Let's explore the cases for Missandei, Renly Baratheon, and Jaime Lannister.

The Case for Missandei

;Missandei, a character from the comedy series prominently featured in Game of Thrones, died a somewhat underdeveloped death. Her fate was undeniably unsatisfying, serving as more of a plot device for Daenerys rather than a character in her own right. Missandei's death was purely a service to Dany's story, with no depth of her own narrative.

Many feel Missandei deserved more than just being sacrificed for the mother she served. She had moments of potential and growth, such as her wise words to Daenerys at the end of the series, but these were overshadowed by her introductory role as a tool. If Missandei could have grown into her own character, expanding beyond the typical supporting role, she would have provided a richer storyline for the audience.

The Case for Renly Baratheon

;Renly Baratheon, though not as beloved as some of his characters, is a compelling figure. He was a true player of the game and knew exactly what needed to be done. In King's Landing, Renly demonstrated strategic acumen by seizing the castle and capturing the "abomination" Joffrey, which could have prevented the Lannister's dominance.

Renly's demise is marked by the downfall of his strategic skill when compared to his older, more stubborn brother, Stannis. Stannis, known for his childlike tantrum in pursuing a larger piece of the map, appears to ignore Renly's wisdom. Renly, on the other hand, epitomized the potential for cooperation and moderation, traits sorely missing in other leaders of the series. His willingness to compromise, even in the face of his brother's self-centered behavior, highlights a more diplomatic and reasonable approach to leadership. If Renly had lived, a different narrative could have emerged, one of unity and strategic brilliance, far from the childlike naivety seen in Stannis.

The Case for Jaime Lannister

;Jaime Lannister, despite his dark past, was a character filled with human complexity. His redemption arc was one of the most satisfying in the series. Jaime's actions, particularly his choice to protect King's Landing from the Night King rather than throwing Cersei to her death by Qyburn, showcased his growing conscience and moral growth. Jaime's decision to stay loyal to King's Landing, despite his familial duty to Cersei, demonstrates a more nuanced character than the simple "bad guy" he was initially portrayed as.

All too often in the series, Jaime was overshadowed by his sister, Cersei. His decision to sacrifice others, such as the Mountain, for the sake of killing Cersei, shows a moment of regret and moral clarity that could have been expanded upon. If Jaime had survived until season 8, his character could have provided a deeper exploration of his personal growth and the moral dilemmas faced by powerful figures in a world where ethics were often secondary to survival.

Conclusion

Choose your character carefully. Missandei, Renly, and Jaime all offer compelling reasons to believe they deserved a longer story. Their fates were sealed by a combination of plot-driven decisions and their own questionable choices, but their voices and actions could have enriched the narrative of Game of Thrones in ways that were both expected and unexpected.

Key Takeaways

Related Questions

1. Why do you think Missandei was killed in Game of Thrones?
2. What could have been Renly Baratheon's impact on the series if he had survived?
3. How does Jaime Lannister's redemption arc fit into the overall story of Game of Thrones?