Why Did Cersei Fail to Seize the Perfect Opportunity in Game of Thrones Season 8, Episode 4?
When analyzing the intricate plot of Game of Thrones, one episode that consistently garners attention is Season 8, Episode 4. Within this climactic episode, a near-perfect leadership opportunity unfolds for Cersei Lannister, but she inexplicably fails to seize it. This essay aims to delve into the possible reasons behind Cersei's decision and question the logic of the plot choices made in this episode, which have left many fans scratching their heads.
Plot Armor and Unwritten Deaths
From a narrative standpoint, one could argue that Dany and Tyrion's survival is rooted in the plot armor, a term used in storytelling to describe a character's protection from harm despite the apparent risks. As a prime example, the Plot Armor ensures that Cercei's rivals remain alive, as they have not been definitively written to meet their end yet. The survival of her adversaries could be seen as a strategic choice by the show's creators to maintain suspense and drama, rather than a lack of logical reasoning.
Missandei's Role and Potential Tragedy
Another key factor in Cersei's decision to not execute the final blow lies in the significance of Missandei to the story's emotional arc. Missandei, a personal favorite of Tyrion, serves as a pivotal figure, culminating in her tragic death in the episode. Her death is meant to heighten the tragic sense of the scene and potentially influence Cersei's moral compass in later episodes, as the writers aim to add depth to her character's journey. Despite these intentions, the writers' execution of this crucial scene incurs several criticisms for its inelegant plot points and unforeseen shortcomings.
The Logistics of the Attack
The strategic positioning of the delegation during the attack provides another layer of intrigue. Dany and Tyrion, along with Greyworm, were within the range of Cercei's scorpions. Considering the accuracy and range of these weapons, the logic of their proximity becomes questionable. Shouldn't they have retreated to a safer distance, as experts in the use of these weapons would have anticipated? Similarly, why did Cersei opt not to eliminate Tyrion as a courtesy, given her clear intention to see him dead? These questions highlight the potential misunderstandings or misjudgments made by the writers, further complicating the narrative's coherence.
Director's Vision and Safety Concerns
The episode's directors had safety concerns that placed the delegation, particularly Daenerys and Tyrion, within the firing range of the scorpions. This decision, made to maintain tension and a sense of danger, may have overlooked the practical and logical implications of such a positioning. The directors' aim was to create a tense atmosphere, but in doing so, they neglected the logical necessity of a safe and strategic distance for the delegation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to allow Dany and Tyrion to survive in Season 8, Episode 4, can be attributed to a combination of plot armor, strategic emotional manipulations, and practical storytelling choices. While these choices aim to enrich the narrative and deepen character development, they have also caused numerous inconsistencies and plot holes. Fans of Game of Thrones may find themselves questioning the intelligence and coherence of the writing, especially when it comes to such pivotal moments in the storyline. As viewers grapple with these questions, the intricate details of this episode's shortcomings continue to be a topic of heated debate among fans and critics alike.