Disappointed with what they have done with Rhaenyra's character in season3.
We all know that show Rhaenyra is very different from book Rhaenyra.
Even though I prefer book Rhaenyra, I also think what the writers did with her character in Seasons 1 and 2 was brilliant. Despite all the changes from the book, I tried to judge the show on its own terms, and I genuinely loved it.
What concerns me is how weak and fragile Rhaenyra has become in Season 3.
I'm talking only about show Rhaenyra here. Book Rhaenyra is a completely different discussion.
The show depicted her as a strong and bold character from the very beginning. Many moments in Seasons 1 and 2 reflected that. I don't understand why the writers chose to focus so much on portraying her weakness this season.
Some examples include:
Every member of Rhaenyra's council constantly contradicts their queen.
Jace locked her in her own castle, and no one came to help her, even though everyone knew that preventing the queen from leaving was an act of treason. Jace locking her in her room was a weak explanation for her absence during the Battle of the Gullet. In the book, she had not yet recovered from her stillbirth and therefore couldn't participate. The show could have come up with a much better reason.
After death, the appropriate reaction from Rhaenyra should have been rage. Instead, we saw a grieving Rhaenyra lying in bed, mourning and questioning all her life choices. I understand that she is a grieving mother. We have already seen that after Lucerys' death in Seasons 1 and 2. That reaction made sense then. But this time circumstances are totally different. This time, I expected to see more rage than grief.
During her march into the throne room, she appeared fearful and uncertain, and some random knights even mocked her for unsheathing her sword.
Rhaenyra hesitating over execution was completely unexpected. This person undermined her claim, tore her family apart, and played a major role in the deaths of the people she loved. I expected her to execute this traitor herself in a fit of rage. Instead, she hesitated and cried. Why would she cry at that moment? We didn't get to see even the slightest hint of rage. After all, she is the queen right?
Daemon had to direct her through almost everything in those scenes, as if he were spoon-feeding a baby. Despite being the queen, she seemed to have very little agency.
I'm not even going to talk about her hesitant steps toward the Iron Throne or her sitting on it in tears.
All the actions of Rhaenyra throughout Episode 3's throne room sequence felt as though the writers deliberately wanted to emphasize her weakness or her being confused or something idk. I find it odd that they chose the very moment of her ascension to do that. This was the moment many of us had been waiting for. Now I feel writers ruined it.
If writers were trying to incorporate a layer of revelation or some kind of post-nut clarity to rhaenyra's character arc, I guess they have failed miserably.
I'm generally a very receptive viewer. When it comes to visual storytelling, I always try to judge an adaptation for what it is rather than comparing it to the source material. But no matter how hard I try, I just can't accept these writing choices. There are some major flaws in the writing this season. They could have done much more justice to Rhaenyra's character.
Everything else was excellent, but it feels like they're ruining one of the most important part.
Would like to know everyones opinion.
Thank you for reading.