*Games of Thrones Spoilers*

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has experienced the Emmy-winner phenomenon for Game of Thrones quite a while ago for Jaime Lannister. Yet I still cannot comprehend the complexity of our honourable “Kingslayer”, Jaime Lannister. After eight years of being sucked into the world of Westeros, fans question whether Jaime remains as arrogant as first introduced or if his character development rescues his humanity. This redemption arc is explored through the seasons, perplexing fans even more about Jaime’s intentions, as he exercises his ability to love, fight and embrace honour. Although it is argued by many that the writers – David Benioff and Daniel Brett Weiss, commonly known as D&D – completely butcher Jaime’s character during the final season. Although, I believe that there is still a range of elements that capture Jaime Lannister’s disguised humanity. 

When first introduced, initial predictions were that Jaime would be somewhat of a hero in the show. After watching his first interaction with Ned Stark (Sean Bean), privilege became Jaime’s most brutal weapon. Jaime’s arrogance and egotistical gestures encourage the idea that he will eventually become a problem for the Starks. Consistent smug expressions and witty comments seem to get him through many conversations with other characters, maintaining that his intentions are villainous. While first impressions did not represent Jaime Lannister well, Coster-Waldau provides a perfect introduction to the conceited “Kingslayer”.

Coster-Waldau’s performance only evolves as the seasons continue. Jaime’s fight for humanity is revealed in Season Two, during his very raw and emotional interaction with Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) in the baths. He understands that the people of Westeros despise him and have labelled him as the “Kingslayer”, which is when viewers see less of his arrogance. When confronting the emotional damage left by the “Mad King”, Jaime’s humanity begins to creep out of his cynical exterior. It is this confession to Brienne that begins his redemption arc as he reminds us, ‘Jaime. My name is Jaime.’ We are introduced to Jaime through the eyes of Kingslanding and are expected to despise him like they do, but it is also evident that he simply yearns to be recognised as more than a Kingslayer. Nikolaj’s portrayal of Jaime’s gradual development is groundbreaking and remains very memorable within the world of fantasy television. 

Jaime’s complexity especially flourishes when writers explore his romantic connection with Brienne. Both characters struggle with the same experience of degradation and shame, despite their finest efforts to rise up in society. They suffer verbal abuse from names such as “Brienne the beauty” and “Kingslayer”, this builds their understanding of each other. Having another beautifully written character who suffers the same humiliation as Jaime helps him recognise that he is capable of being more than “Kingslayer”. As Gwendoline Christie and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau display effortless chemistry throughout the show, Jaime evolves from privileged to passionate. Watching them on screen was frustrating yet absolutely brilliant. I was particularly compelled by their attraction towards one another and yearned for them to be able to express it.

Nobility and honour become the most prioritised for Jaime as he establishes who he should be fighting for. During the Season Eight premiere, Jaime demonstrates his desire to fight honourably by leaving Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) to join Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clark). Jaime’s decision to fight for Daenerys should be rewarded; the once arrogant “Kingslayer” seizes the opportunity to achieve his deserved heroic status. Considering how Cersei is the first and only other love interest he ever has, Jaime’s ability to abandon her draws attention to his humanity. He understands the dangers they will face as the army of the dead approaches, underlining his discovered selflessness and loss of love for Cersei. Coster-Waldau evidently and effortlessly crafts Jaime’s journey through redemption, leading fans to understand that he is perfectly capable of becoming a noble knight. 

As audiences familiarise themselves with Jaime’s honour, D&D take this opportunity to absolutely destroy his courageous character. During Season Eight Episode Five titled ‘The Bells’, Jaime confesses, ‘to be honest, I never really cared much for them, innocent or otherwise,’ which unfortunately introduces his decline. One singular line ruins his entire redemption build-up, only emphasising how complex his persona is. Fans had applauded his redemption until he began to live up to the “Kingslayer” title. After his conflict with the “Mad King”, Jaime’s carelessness towards the population of kingslanding becomes despicable. An honourable man who once murdered a king to end a war and save half a million lives is now as selfish and entitled as first introduced. Even though the entire last season was abysmal, fans were most disappointed by Jaime’s wasted development; another depressing product of D&D’s rushed writing.

Our anti-hero of Game of Thrones had one of the greatest redemptions in television history. It is also widely recognised that his compelling vindication story ends tragically, however the climactic build up towards this is excellent. Despite the backlash from the final season, Jaime Lannister remains a wildly complex character intelligently portrayed by Coster-Waldau. By exploring his desire to be more than the “Kingslayer”, we gain a thorough yet poetic understanding of Jaime. Although this is not consistent for the final season, D&D’s ability to create such an accurate adaptation does not make me doubt their talent. I do not believe that Jaime is a villain, he is simply a victim of a rushed written end that destroyed one of the most captivating characters in Game of Thrones.

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