Gwendoline Christie (Brienne) weighs in on the Game of Thrones backlash

The Game of Thrones series finale aired a couple weekends back, and reactions were strong. Cast members like Kit Harington (Jon Snow) seemed to know there was a backlash coming. He got out ahead of things by speaking to Esquire shortly after the final season began. “I think no matter what anyone thinks about this season—and I don’t mean to sound mean about critics here—but whatever critic spends half an hour writing about this season and makes their [negative] judgement on it, in my head they can go fuck themselves,” he said. “‘Cause I know how much work was put into this.”

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth) took a more diplomatic tone. “He’s funny,” she said of Harington, laughing. “Everyone’s entitled to an opinion — people have been very invested.” And how.

She did say that she was “acutely aware” that not everyone would love the final season. But you know, you can’t please everyone, etc and so forth.

Stepping back a bit, Christie discussed her character more generally. Brienne got one of the better endings, all things considered. After years of being the most honorable knight in the realm, she was made Lord Commander of the Kingsguard for King Bran the Broken, which means she gets to help shape the future of the realm. “For that unconventional character, who never dared to hope for too much for herself, to end up with influence? It’s special,” Christie said. “She will bring a great practicality to politics.”

All Brienne ever wanted twas to serve honorably, so this is a dream job for her. It’s also interesting that she now occupies the position formerly held by Jaime Lannister, with whom she had a long and complicated relationship. “[W]hen people come out of a war, as Brienne had, their behaviour changes, and a strong idea of one’s mortality causes you to expose parts of yourself you had concealed,” she said of Brienne’s final moments with Jaime. “Not everyone is able to be strong all of the time, so we looked at the messiness of what it is to be human.”

RELATED PRODUCT

Willie McCovey San Francisco Giants Game Of Thrones Iron Throne Legends Bobblehead

Buy Now!

Buy Now!

Whatever struggles Brienne braved to get where she is, we can’t think of anyone more perfect to usher the Kingsguard into a new age. Kudos to Christie for her wonderful work over the years.

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Watch Game of Thrones for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels

h/t Independent