Jaime’s character arc wasn’t destroyed
Hear me out, fam. I’m a hardcore Braime shipper (the only ship I care about on the show, actually) and I initially hated the way Jaime’s arc ended.
But after watching the last episode some important things clicked.
- Jaime’s arc came full circle. At the beginning of his story, he killed his king and became known as the Kingslayer. At the end, he tried to save his queen’s life and in doing so became his Queen’s Protector.
- It was Brienne’s influence that made him a better person — and yes, that includes trying to save Cersei. He didn’t go back because he wanted to be with Cersei. His heart belongs to Brienne; “It’s yours, it will always be yours.” He went back to try to save his sister because, however toxic their relationship is, he still cares about her and not trying to help her would be selfish. He would hate himself for not doing it. Brienne’s influence on him means he no longer wants to hate himself like he did for so many years doing so many selfish things.
- When he leaves Brienne, she knows exactly what he’s doing. She’s heartbroken because she knows he’s going to do the honorable thing but risk his life in the process. She’s not upset because she thinks he suddenly doesn’t love her; she knows better than that. She’s upset because she knows he’s probably going to die.
- She doesn’t try to make him stay because that would be wrong, that would be selfish. Brienne is not selfish, and she’s the one who proved to Jaime that he isn’t, either.
- When Jaime finds Cersei, he doesn’t kiss her or anything, he just wants to help her escape.
- When he realizes escape is impossible and tells her “Nothing else matters,” he’s not rejecting Brienne or his character development. He’s turning Cersei’s selfish phrase on its head. Because this time, the only time, it’s true. In that moment, nothing else matters, because it’s their last moment.
- When Brienne completes Jaime’s entry in the White Book, she’s sad because she lost him. But she’s proud because he acted selflessly. He tried to do the right thing. He died with honor.
And now I’m crying (again).
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