After watching “The Bells,” I have gone through all the stages of grief, and I have come to acceptance.
I had a feeling all along that the buildup to Daenerys ruling Westeros wouldn’t really pan out long ago. This story loves to build us up, only to yank out the rug.
The extent of her cruelty and ineptitude as a Queen has been foreshadowed since Season 1- and hers has been a dramatic story arc that depicts her going from a girl who has nothing to one of the strongest characters in the show.
This is very similar to the “Dark Phoenix” trope. Daenerys is one of the most beloved characters... making her fall from grace exceptionally painful.
Honestly, I have always related to Daenerys, and I realized just today, that not long ago, I was in a similar dark place. Thankfully, I don’t have a dragon.
My family is in shambles, and I’m very alone in that way. I’m in a new place, and I have lost connections to those who were once my best, most loyal friends.
I’d found a person who was an unlikely romantic interest, and although I tried not to get my hopes up, others insisted on what a good match it was... and I let my guard down...
Of course, he “betrayed” me. I’m sure that’s how Dany felt. A chance at happiness in spite of all the darkness. Hope.
Then with that final stab of abandonment. It broke me.
I went into a very dark place. I became hurt, and I felt very bitter for a time.
Again. Thankfully I don’t have dragons. Even so, I probably wouldn’t have acted so impulsively. However, when viewed metaphorically... after all the personal loss, I can relate to that moment- the only one we see Dany’s face. The tears, the confusion, the blind rage.
I think Emilia Clarke said it herself. There’s that moment when we can put the chocolate cake down, and walk away, or we can just give in, even though we know we shouldn’t. We all have it in us.
So, as hard as it was to watch... I understand, and in a less rampage-y way, I can actually relate to Daenerys, again.
Valar Morghulis.