Bran: The Forgotten Hero in Game of Thrones Season 8
Game of Thrones Season 8 has been filled with a series of events that have left fans questioning the storytelling and character development. One of the most prominent and recurring frustrations among viewers is the underutilization and, one could say, the forgetfulness regarding Bran Stark. Despite his immense abilities and potential, Bran has played a much smaller role than expected, leading many to wonder why he has been overlooked and whether his superpowers were meant to serve as an antagonist's perfect foil.
Theorizing the Overlooked Genius
It's hard not to wonder why the creators of Game of Thrones, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, seem to have forgotten about Bran and his formidable powers. The concept of Bran as an 'uber powerful' character, capable of feats such as witnessing past events and communicating through humanoid ravens known as 'crows,' presents a wealth of storytelling opportunities. However, it appears that Bran has mostly been sidelined, contributing minimally to the narrative until later seasons, and even then, in a way that can be seen as an afterthought.
One possible scenario is that during the production of Season 8, the writers realized they had overestimated Cersei Lannister's power and underestimated the potential impact of Bran's abilities. This realization could have led to a shift in how Bran was utilized in the storyline.
A Missed Opportunity in the Battle of Winterfell
The Battle of Winterfell was a pivotal moment in the series, yet Bran's role in it was largely underwhelming. It's not just a coincidence that the character's name was at least mentioned during the scenes, but it would have been more engaging to see him actively contributing to the fight.
Possibly, Bran could have been pivotal by attempting to communicate with the Night King through a Weirwood dream. Such an action would have not only showcased his unique abilities comprehensively but also created a more compelling narrative thread. The Night King, captivated by Bran's presence, could be distracted or even weakened, thus turning the tide of the battle in the heroes' favor.
Bran's Forgotten Potential
Bran's knowledge and skills could have been used more strategically in Season 8. His role as a 'human Google,' capable of providing crucial information, could have been a game-changer. Instead, he is portrayed as simply observing, which fails to utilize his exceptional abilities effectively. It's frustrating that characters like Arya and Jon Snow are frequently shown to have access to valuable intel or strategic insights, while Bran's remarkable knowledge goes largely untapped.
Conclusion: A Disappointment or Necessary Balance?
Game of Thrones Season 8 has been brimming with disappointment for many fans. One of the true disappointments is the underutilization of Bran Stark. The character, with his potential to be a key player, seems to have been forgotten or perhaps overestimated. His abilities could have greatly enriched the narrative, offering both thrilling combat scenarios and unique strategic advantages. However, it's also possible that his underutilization was intentional, a delicate balance to keep Cersei Lannister as believable and formidable as possible.
As fans continue to analyze and discuss the series, the question remains: was Bran's underutilization a missed opportunity, or was it a necessary part of the larger story? While it may be too late to answer this for Season 8, one thing is clear: Bran Stark's potential is vast, and it deserves a more prominent role in future storylines.