Showing Daenerys' Insecure Persona Will Kill Off Show's Feminist Agenda

Oh, where do I begin! After the Battle of Winterfell, things have got pretty messed up for Westeros women on so many levels. As Kit Harington previously teased it was 'Shakespearian', but for a few moments it felt like 'Tarantino-themed' to me.

Our very own Dragon queen Daenerys is at her vulnerable best. ​Dear show makers, was it intentionally done? The franchise where female characters get thrice the importance than men, the show which is labelled as a feminist paragon, was it really necessary to make a woman vulnerable when she is supposed to rule the seven kingdoms? The show stars gorgeous and fearsome women, who despite their vulnerabilities, rise up to be the best. But even here we get to witness the clichéd  portrayal - oh look, the ‘bad guy’ is a woman? She is emotionally exhausted (mostly because both Missandei and Rhaegal were killed thanks to Cersei and Euron); and she is back where she started, lonely and suffering. Apologies from me for not handling it well! If it was for the character's development then we understand but it has come at a heavy cost.

The show stars gorgeous and fearsome women, who despite their vulnerabilities, rise up to be the best. But even here we get to witness the clichéd portrayal - oh look, the ‘bad guy’ is a woman?

​One woman's lifelong work and dream, who dedicated her emotions to only one direction is coming to an end. Throughout the seven-long seasons it was shown that Dany is thoughtful, emotional and caring who can make mistakes but also acknowledges when pointed out wrong. She tries to fix her mistakes. That was one of her many qualities, or so we thought! Abruptly, her whole identity is in question now. Or in Game Of Thrones style, she gets tagged 'mad queen' (aka the female version of her infamous father, Aerys II Targaryen) after her deliberate roasting attempts. But can you blame her? One sudden plot twist takes away the arc she deserves just because a man is more worthy in the eyes of well-wishers of the throne. Daenerys is losing the trust of both of her faithful lieutenants Tyrion and Varys. For them their beloved Queen becomes evil overnight so much so that they discuss treason?

READ: Sophie Turner From Game Of Thrones Battled Suicidal Thoughts

Dany sacrificed her army for her lover's cause. But it doesn’t seem to matter now that she saved so many lives. I have one query to ask the show makers - even if your scripts demands Jon Snow on the iron throne (because why shouldn't it naturally go to a man!), why are you transforming Dany into an evil person? Is it because she is a woman? Because it has to be a woman who would wrong the world finally, is it? Keeping up with the notion that when events turn out a bit tricky, ugly or out of control, the women lose their cool? So much for presenting a character that is fierce and flawless. Now, she is wicked and unpleasant when it comes to taking charge the leadership role? She is now a female protagonist who has become a topic to be discussed and has also made it to social media, where she is labelled as dangerous. You are repeating the misogynistic clichéd representation of gender here once again. And, why am I not surprised!

Of course, Dany is angry. How could her birth right be given away easily to somebody who is bad at leadership? Who until now had no claim to the throne?

Now, on to a more straight subject, why isn't Jon more insecure? He should be as vulnerable as his lady-love since finding out his lineage, it should be devastating. His whole life is a lie. However, he is surprisingly cool with it and again lets his sister fight the battle for him. Is it because he knows no matter what the throne will fall on his lap eventually (whether he wants it or not) since gender leads the game. Of course, Dany is angry. How could her birth right be given away easily to somebody who is bad at leadership? Who until now had no claim to the throne?

​Before you met Daenerys what was your opinion about Westeros women? Controlled yet manipulative? Conniving and sartorially excellent schemers isn’t it? They love their wine still are soft-hearted when it comes to protecting their families? Dany was different among them, wasn't she? From being raped, to being sold to becoming the dragon queen - she emerged as one strong badass leader who can single-handedly crush castles. After many, many iterations over the years, you cannot deny that she just dominates among all of them and carries herself as a true leader.

​Another over-used plots - like the Ek Duje Ke Liye conceit between Jon and Dany. What was that all about? A woman has to beg for her rights now, is it? Would have worked better if they slept together and Dany would manipulate Jon just like it is showed in any given show. A woman has to either sleep with a guy or make some soul connection to take over what she deserves. Women have always been a crackling sexpot or wilting love interest for her male heroes. Again plotting one woman (Sansa) against another (Daenerys), the list goes on!

We thought your universe is different, but now it’s clearly moving towards a dude's world.

We thought your universe is different, but now it’s clearly moving towards a dude's world. But we do have one dedicated sequence of female power (like the last episode when Arya killed the Night King) to watch, but it’s so forced that its ridiculous (when Dany took charge in the scheme room).

Now that I think about it, Cersei's cruelty the only consistent thing here. Perhaps, again, it doesn’t really matter much at GoT since all these characters have been supporting-heroes to Jon Snow anyway.

This heartfelt outpouring is from a disappointed fan!

Feature Image Credit: winteriscoming.net

Read More Stories By Ria Das