Game of Thrones finale script's explanation for Drogon burning down Iron Throne revealed

It doesn't really make it much better

Jacob Stolworthy
Thursday 01 August 2019 06:38 EDT
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Game of Thrones: Daenerys’ dragon Drogon flies away in finale of show

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One of the most controversial moments from the Game of Thrones season eight finale has been cleared up months after it was broadcast.

The script for the last ever episode of the HBO series, titled "The Iron Throne", has been made available after being Emmy-nominated in the Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series category.

Those who read the script will notice that one particular scene to spark a lot of negative chatter played out quite differently on page. Even if it doesn't transform the moment, it's certainly proof that – sometimes – context is key.

The moment in question occurs just after Jon Snow (Kit Harington) has killed Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) in the throne room in King's Landing – a twist that gets criticised in new Fast & Furious film Hobbs & Shaw.

Daenery's sole surviving dragon Drogon lands in the throne room and breathes fire on the Iron Throne, melting it to nothing.

At the time of broadcast, the moment generated lots of memes with fans highlighting that Drogon was better at politics than any of the human characters on the show.

Jokes aside, many felt that Drogon burning down the Iron Throne was must have stood for something symbolic; they were wrong.

It turns out that the throne was "not the target of Drogon's wrath" but "...a dumb bystander caught up in the conflagration".

Perhaps the fact the throne's destruction was a coincidence will make the scene a little easier to swallow – but, then again, it's likely going to do little to sway those who were disappointed by the show's ending, including Seth Rogen and clearly the writers of the new Fast & Furious film.

Last month, two stars defended the show from the backlash it received throughout its final run, with one accusing the media of leading a smear campaign against the show's legacy.

You can find a ranking of every Thrones character – from worst to best – here.

The full script is now available to read online for free. Game of Thrones picked up a historic 32 Emmy nominations last month, with an impressive 10 going to several members of the HBO show's cast.

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