Game of Thrones is a show of many storylines. Some of them good, some of them not so good. But what about the storylines that never were? What about the storylines that either didn’t make it from the books or were changed beyond recognition? What about the storylines that just changed from the show writers’ original vision? Some of those storylines might have improved the show a lot, while others would have hurt it. Some examples of storylines that would have saved the show are a different, more like the books, Dorne storyline, Lady Stoneheart’s storyline, and Arya and Jon’s warging storylines. Storylines that would have hurt the show include Aegon Targaryen/Young Griff’s storyline, Quentyn Martell’s storyline with Daenerys, and a fake Arya Stark (Jeyne Poole) marrying Ramsay Bolton.
We’ll get into the reasons for why certain storylines would have saved or hurt the show later. But there are some clear patterns that emerge when you look at the storylines. Some book storylines, such as the Dorne storyline, could have been better adapted in the show. While others, such as Aegon Targaryen/Young Griff’s storyline are better left for the books alone. Unfortunately for the show writers, some of their original visions for certain storylines such as Myrcella and Hodor’s passings were not the best. Though to their credit, they did realize that and change their original idea to something that fit the show better. In general, Game of Thrones is a great show. And while there is always room for improvement, as you will see in this article, it’s also important to appreciate a good thing when you have it.
Would Have Saved: A Different Dorne Storyline
In the books that Game of Thrones is based on, the A Song of Ice and Fire series, the Dorne storyline is compelling and exciting. In the show, it’s a mess. The writers initially asked Alexander Siddig, who plays Doran Martell, to be in four episodes during season six but then he was only in one. Perhaps the writers realized how unpopular the show storyline was with fans and decided to end it as quickly as possible.
Just to give non-book readers a bit of an idea, the book storyline includes way more players such as Arianne Martell— who is, in the books, heiress to Dorne- and more well-written and developed Sand Snakes, the daughters of Oberyn Martell. Doran is also still alive in the books and plans to help House Targaryen reclaim the Iron Throne as revenge for what happened to his sister Elia and her children.
Would Have Hurt: Aegon Targaryen/Young Griff’s Storyline
For those of you who haven’t read the books, Aegon Targaryen— who calls himself “Young Griff” and dies his hair blue— is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell. Thought to have been eliminated during the Sack of King’s Landing along with his mother and sister, it turns out he survived. (If he is indeed who he claims to be. Some fans have doubts about that.)
He was raised by Jon Connington, an old friend of his father’s. Now some fans might be wondering why this storyline would have hurt the show. Well, in the books, we don’t meet “Young Griff” or Aegon until A Dance with Dragons. Imagine if the writers introduced a new character with a claim to the throne during season six. It wouldn’t have worked very well for the show audience.
Would Have Saved: Lady Stoneheart’s Storyline
The Red Wedding isn’t the last we see of Catelyn Stark in the books. Or at least a part of her. Lady Stoneheart, though, is different from the Catelyn Stark we all knew and loved. She is consumed by the desire for revenge against those who harmed her family such as the Freys, Boltons, and Lannisters. Or anyone who is in any way associated with them. She also can’t speak in a way that can be easily understood. In order to speak at all, she has to cover the wound on her throat. And she has lost part of her hair, with the rest as white as an old woman’s. Her skin also looks different, the color of curdled milk. The show would have benefited from this storyline because it is an exciting and interesting one.
Would Have Hurt: Quentyn Martell’s Storyline With Daenerys
Quentyn Martell is from Dorne, though his storyline is not as interesting as the other players in Dorne. He is sent by his father, Doran Martell, to offer a proposal to the Mother of Dragons. There are just a few problems. First of all, Daenerys is set to marry Hizdahr zo Loraq. Secondly, she disappears on Drogon soon after Quentyn arrives. Finally, Quentyn attempts to tame one of Daenerys’ dragons, Viserion, and gets destroyed by dragon fire from Rhaegal. So, in general, this storyline does not go well for Quentyn and does not really add a lot to Daenerys’ story. It would have been a waste of time on the show, so we’re glad it didn’t appear on Game of Thrones.
Would Have Saved: Victarion And Euron Greyjoy’s Storylines
While Euron Greyjoy is present in the show, his brother Victarion isn’t. Victarion is a powerful warrior and a good commander. He tries to become the ruler of the Iron Islands but ultimately Euron wins the title. However, Euron sends his brother Victarion to Meereen to propose to Daenerys Targaryen on his behalf. Victarion, though, plans on courting the Mother of Dragons himself. Sounds like an interesting storyline to us! Also, in the books, Euron is not allied with Cersei Lannister and is somewhat of a different character. He is cunning and is a powerful warrior and a skilled manipulator. This version of Euron would have been interesting to see on the show.
Would Have Hurt: Fake Arya (Jeyne Poole) Marrying Ramsay Bolton
Jeyne Poole is Sansa’s best friend in the books and in the first season of the show. In the books, she is sent by Tywin Lannister to marry Ramsay Bolton. Tywin knows that she is not Arya Stark and Jaime later claims that the Boltons know too. Theon is present for her wedding to Ramsay Bolton and is finally convinced to help her escape by “Abel” (Mance Rayder) and the washerwomen (spearwives.) When they finally make their escape from Winterfell, they are found by Mors Umber and taken to Stannis’ camp.
While this storyline may sound like an interesting one to some fans, it’s not very exciting in the books. Especially since we only know Jeyne as the obnoxious young girl who used to make fun of Arya Stark. The show opted to give this storyline to Sansa instead, which we think worked a lot better. Though of course we wouldn’t wish Ramsay on anyone.
Would Have Saved: Arya And Jon Warging
In the books, Bran is not the only one who wargs. Jon and Arya do too. Arya even feels connected to her direwolf, Nymeria, when she is in Essos. Both Jon and Arya have dreams where they see through the eyes of their direwolves, which is a sign of the ability of warging. We think that the show would have benefited from these storylines. It would have shown the connection that both characters have to their direwolves and to House Stark. Even though Jon is an illegitimate child in both the books and the show, he has a deep connection to the Starks. Though at this point in the show, it has been revealed that he is the legitimate child of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark.
Would Have Hurt: Patchface’s Storyline
In the books, Patchface is a jester who lives with Stannis Baratheon and his family on Dragonstone. He keeps Shireen Baratheon company since he makes her laugh. He has been in the service of House Baratheon since Stannis was younger. After Steffon Baratheon’s ship broke up, Patchface washed ashore three days later. After that he was never the same. He wasn’t as witty and is mostly incoherent now. Though some of Patchface’s ramblings are interesting, and many fans have theories about them, we think that his presence wouldn’t have added much to the show and would have distracted from the main plot.
Would Have Saved: Robb Stark And Jeyne Westerling’s Storyline
That’s right, Jeyne Westerling. While her role is given to Talisa Maegyr in the show, we think that it would have been interesting to see this romance play out on screen. In the books, the relationship mostly happens offscreen. Jeyne nurses Robb back to health after he is wounded in battle. The two of them then get married and attempt to conceive a child. Jeyne tries her best to be a good wife to Robb, and Robb seems to truly love her. He is able to smile and temporarily forget his worries when around her.
Would Have Hurt: The Tournament Of The Hand Lasting Longer
In the books, the Tournament of the Hand lasts several days. The jousting alone takes two days. There are also other events, such as an archery contest and a melee. However, there would not have been time for this in the show. In books, it is more acceptable to have a few scenes that don’t contribute to the overall plot that much. In TV shows, on the other hand, mostly everything that happens should contribute to the plot in some fashion. The writers of the show did well in shortening this tournament, because a longer version would not have suited a TV format.
Would Have Saved: Xaro Xhoan Daxos’ Book Storyline
Xaro Xhoan Daxos’ storyline is different in the books. When Daenerys arrives near Qarth, he and other representatives from the city greet her. They invite her and her people to come into the city. Daenerys accepts this offer and the offer to stay at Xaro Xhoan Daxos’ home. As in Game of Thrones, he offers to marry Daenerys though he shows no actual attraction to her.
After the House of the Undying— which Daenerys goes to willingly in the books— is destroyed, Xaro offers to take Daenerys sailing around the Jade Sea, but she rejects him. After she leaves Qarth and goes to Slaver’s Bay, Xaro comes to visit her and offer her ships. He asks her to leave Slaver’s Bay and go to Westeros but she declines. Afterwards, Xaro Xhoan Daxos leaves a blood-stained glove on a pillow, showing that Qarth has declared war on Daenerys.
Would Have Hurt: The Book Version Of The Tysha Storyline
Tyrion’s first wife, Tysha, is very important to Tyrion in the books. While she is mentioned in the show, her storyline is different in the books. Tyrion meets her by the side of the road and saves her from some strange men. They end up falling in love and get married by a drunk septon. When Tywin Lannister finds out, he orders Jaime to tell Tyrion that she was hired by him to make Tyrion happy.
Just before Tyrion eliminates his father Tywin, he asks about Tysha. Tywin gives a dismissive answer that ends up haunting Tyrion throughout his travels in Essos. So why would this storyline have hurt the show, you may ask? Well, besides the fact that it would have made Tyrion look bad for assaulting his wife, Tywin’s mention of Tysha haunts Tyrion and it gets frustrating for many fans.
Would Have Saved: Coldhands’ Storyline
Coldhands is a mysterious figure beyond the Wall. His actual name is unknown. The name “Coldhands” is given to him by Samwell Tarly. He is dressed like a member of the Night’s Watch. He also carries a sword and rides a great elk. Coldhands saves Samwell Tarly, Gilly, and her son when they are attacked by White Walkers. He takes them under his protection and brings them to the Black Gate of the Nightfort, located underneath the Wall. Coldhands also takes Bran, Hodor, Meera, and Jojen Reed to the last greenseer. Sounds like an interesting character, right? We think that his storyline would have added a lot to the show, including an element of mystery. Because no one knows who Coldhands really is.
Would Have Hurt: Myrcella’s Original Passing
We’ve mentioned this before. The actress who played Myrcella, Nell Tiger Free, mentions that initially her character’s demise was going to be a lot bloodier. We’re glad that in the end, the writers decided against it. Especially since it comes after she has such a sweet scene with her father Jaime. She tells him that she has always known that he is her father and that she’s glad. Aw, how sweet. The writers’ initial vision of the scene, while it would have fit Game of Thrones, would not have fit the tone of the scene before it. The way it ended up is much better.
Would Have Saved: Dragonbinder
Yes, that’s right. Dragonbinder. It’s a horn that Euron claims to have found in Valyria, but really took from the Warlocks of Qarth when he took over their ship. It does, however, have Valyrian glyphs on it. According to Moqorro, a red priest found by Victarion, the glyphs say: “I am Dragonbinder. No mortal man shall sound me and live. Blood for fire, fire for blood.” Euron gives this powerful horn to his brother Victarion when Victarion goes to propose to Daenerys Targaryen on his behalf. This storyline would have been very interesting to see in the show. Especially since the horn is supposed to be able to control dragons. It would be interesting to see if it can really do so or if it can’t. The writings on the horn are also interesting and it would be interesting to see how that would turn out for Victarion.
Would Have Hurt: Hodor’s Original Demise
Like Myrcella, Hodor’s demise was initially going to be a lot bloodier and a lot more horrific. In the end, the writers decided to go in another direction, believing that a horrific demise would decrease the amount of emotion in the scene. Fans are likely grateful. Though Game of Thrones is known for being a bloody show, it’s nice to get a break from it every once in a while. Fans are likely grateful that the writers decided to go another way. The original idea would not have suited the scene and like the writers thought, would have taken all of the emotion out of it.
Would Have Saved: Ser Barristan Selmy Still Being Alive
At this point in the show, Barristan Selmy has passed away. Unfortunately. Yet in the books he still survives. In fact, he works to keep the peace in Meereen when Daenerys leaves on Drogon. As the show has now surpassed the books, Daenerys has arrived in Westeros. And Barristan was eliminated by the Sons of the Harpy back in Meereen. So he never got to see Daenerys go to Westeros. Yet it would have been interesting if the show had followed the books and kept Barristan around.
Would Have Hurt: The Thirteen Of Qarth Fighting For Control With Other Factions
In the books, the Qarth storyline goes differently in many ways. One way is that the Thirteen of Qarth have to fight for control with other factions. Now, this could make for an interesting storyline, we admit. Yet the show probably did not have the time to include such a storyline. It would have distracted from the main plot of the show. In books, there is a lot more time and space for storylines to meander. On a TV show, the storylines don’t have that time and space.
Would Have Saved: Barristan Selmy Being Present At The Council Meetings During Season One
There is, of course, a reason why he wasn’t. The writers didn’t want him to know that Jorah was a spy so they left him out of the council meeting. Even though he should have been at the meeting as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. We think the show would have been improved if Barristan had known about Jorah. It would have been interesting to see his reaction to the information. It also would have just been nice to see more scenes with Barristan, because he is a very interesting character.
Would Have Hurt: Loras Thinking That Brienne Eliminated Renly
In the books, Loras doesn’t believe that Stannis was behind his brother’s demise. He thinks that Brienne eliminated Renly. This would have been a shame if it had happened on the show. Especially since Brienne is such an interesting character. Fans would not have liked her to be in trouble. Also, the show writers most likely didn’t have the time to spread doubt about who was behind Renly’s demise. While this storyline worked in the book, it would not have translated well to the show.
