You know why Dany’s haters are so loud?
Because Daenerys Targaryen is one of the most, if not the most, iconic character from got/asoiaf. D&D used her & her dragons for the show’s brand, and to market it as the most popular franchise in the world.
Because Dany is the most popular character worldwide.
Because ruining Dany’s character and turning her into the final villain of the show ruined all the other characters. Because the last three episodes of season eight were the lowest rated of the show, and got s8 was the lowest rated season of the show in its history. Because the poor ratings of s8 dragged down the overall critic rating and audience score of the show, which were once both in the high 90′s. In other words: Dracarys, bitch. If you take Dany down, she’s taking the rest of you down with her.
Because so many people, from hardcore Dany fans, to local show viewers, to loyal book-only fans, to random celebrities, to people who haven’t even watched the show or read the books, commented on how OOC and awful her ending was.
Because Emilia Clarke still stands by Daenerys, and was devastated when she learned how her character’s arc would end. Because Kit Harington turned bright red and started crying when he learned about Dany’s fate. Because both of them wandered around depressed after they read the final script.
Because fans of Dany/Emilia successfully channeled their grief and rage at the ending through positive means by raising 100,000 pounds for Emilia’s charity that is dedicated to brain injuries.
Because thousands of women and girls, especially those who have survived trauma, abuse, or violence, were heartbroken and distraught after they saw how Dany’s arc ended.
Because George R. R. Martin stated that Daenerys, along with Jon, Arya, Tyrion, and Bran, is one of his key five characters whose arcs he has plotted out from the beginning.
Because George R. R. Martin stated that Tyrion is his favorite character, and Arya and Dany are his second favorite characters.
Because critics ripped into the last season and the last episode, with a particular focus on how the show ruined Dany. Because feminist media journalists analyzed how the show is sending a dangerous message about women, trauma, power, and gender. Because renowned marxist philosopher Slavoj Zizek was somehow roused from, I don’t know, doing whatever he does to write a scathing review of the final episode of s8.
Because Emilia Clarke’s phenomenal performance is getting the most praise and attention, and all eyes are on her. Because people can’t stand that she’s getting the praise she deserves and Dany haters are enraged that Emilia stands by the character she’s played for 10 years, the character who helped save her life, they’re hating on her now as well.
Because youtube film and tv critics have made both funny and insightful videos deconstructing how poorly Dany was treated and how awful this season was.
Because cast members have to keep incessantly badmouthing Dany in every interview they’re in even though they’re promoting their own movies.
Because iconic celebrities such as Beyoncé, Jason Momoa, Mindy Kaling, Lupita Nyong’o, Snoop Dogg, and Janelle Monáe love her.
Because Dany is such an amazing character with a beautiful arc, people who despise her will continue to violently hate on her, even as they steal canon quotes said by her or about her, and use it for their favorite characters or for their “feminist” got ladies gifsets while excluding her; even as they steal canon jonerys quotes and use it for their ships; even while they badmouth House Targaryen and then use canon Targaryen quotes for their favorite character or house’s gifsets; even while they come up with intricate theories detailing how their faves will steal Dany’s dragons and armies from her and gain power after killing her; because they can never shut up about her, even if their faves are healthy and happy and alive.
Daenerys is so fucking iconic and so beloved and so memorable and so complex and so inspiring that when the showrunners ruined her, she dragged the whole show down with her. The franchise would be nothing without her, and people, especially her most vocal haters, know it. Do they acknowledge it, or will they ever acknowledge it? No, but it remains true that she is the real heart of this series, and nothing, no one, can take that away.
