Why Samwell's Efforts to Make Jon King Pose Problems for Dany's Leadership

In the complex plot of 'Game of Thrones,' characters often make decisions that impact the story's outcome. Samwell Tarly's efforts to make Jon Snow the king, despite Daenerys Targaryen being the more suitable leader, highlight several issues related to political strategy and personal loyalties. This article explores why Samwell's approach is both strategically unsound and dramatically overengineered.

Strategic Dysfunction: Political Logic vs. Personal Animosity

Samwell Tarly sees the world through a personal lens, which often clouds his judgment in political matters. He is intelligent but lacks political acumen, making him an unreliable purveyor of practical advice. Samwell's interference stems from his deep-seated anger towards Daenerys, who is both a stranger and a figure responsible for the deaths of his father and brother, Randyll. His desire to see Jon become king is not based on a strategic advantage for the realm, but rather as a form of revenge and a drive to undermine Daenerys. This personally motivated action is doomed to fail any logical assessment of the political landscape.

The Mythical Marinara Factor: Overengineered Drama

Elevating Jon Snow's status by making him the co-ruler to Daenerys is often seen as a narrative device rather than a practical political move. From an in-universe perspective, the advantages are minimal. Samwell's approach is purely dramatic and serves the purpose of maintaining tension in the story. However, it does little to aid the broader aims of the realm. In terms of political history, forcing a marriage alliance without the consent or benefit of the other's advisors is a risky move that could lead to civil unrest or even more conflict.

From a logical standpoint, the best course of action would be to unite the disparate regions of Westeros under a strong, moral leadership. A marriage between Jon and Daenerys could bring stability and prevent the fragmentation of power. Kitston's proposal to have Jon and Daenerys become co-rulers could be the pragmatic solution that ensures both the North and Dorne benefit from a united front. Any internal animosity between Jon and Daenerys only serves to undermine their joint rule and allows external threats, such as the undead army, to flourish.

Manipulation vs. Survival

The tactical maneuvering Samwell engages in could be seen as a survival skill, developed from his harsh upbringing with his father, Randyll Tarly. Randyll's strict and harsh personality may have imbued Samwell with a method of protecting himself through manipulation. However, his current actions are not driven by survival but by personal grievances and spite. It is telling that Samwell's efforts to thwart Daenerys mirror his father's tendency to undermine perceived enemies. His manipulative tactics are more likely a result of anger and a desire for revenge against Daenerys, rather than a well-thought-out political strategy.

Conclusion

The series' conclusion showcases a narrative choice by showrunners to prolong dramatic tension. In a story where so many characters are in the last act, it's understandable that the plot would bend to maintain viewer engagement. However, Samwell's efforts to make Jon king are not a productive political move. They serve the purpose of adding drama but do not align with the best interests of the realm. A pragmatic approach would be to unite Jon and Daenerys, leveraging their combined strengths to form a stable and ethical government, rather than engaging in personal vendettas that divide the realm further.

As the series winds down, it's clear that political maneuvering and personal loyalties will play a significant role in the final chapters. Samwell's actions are emblematic of the many interwoven plots that conclude the saga, highlighting the importance of political wisdom over personal vendettas. The kingdom of Westeros faces dire challenges, and a united front under the leadership of Jon and Daenerys would be the best hope for their survival.