Game Of Thrones: 5 Winners And 5 Losers In 'The Mountain And The Viper'
4. Illogical Adaptation Decisions
There are many cases where the television adaptation differs from the source material. This is only natural, and doesn't really concern us for the purpose of this series of articles. However, it sometimes happens that a difference in the adaptation doesn't even make sense within the context of the show, and therefore has relevance to merit discussion. This case in point concerns the revelation to Daenerys that Ser Jorah was once employed as spy for the Seven Kingdoms, and has been selling information about her to the crown. It sort of came out of the blue, as it has been a long time since we were addressed with Ser Jorahs role as a spy for King Robert. Its been so long in fact that the letter of pardon Ser Barristan receives is actually signed by the late king, meaning we are dealing with something that happened all the way back in Season 1, when both Robert and Ned were still alive.
The letter is only now reaching its intended across the Narrow Sea, more than two seasons after the fact. Not only is this an abrupt and unlikely scenario, it is also unnecessary. Ser Barristan himself should already be aware of Ser Jorahs treachery. As Lord Commander of King Roberts Kingsguard, he held a seat on the small council, and though he may not have attended many meetings, he should still be privy to their dealings (he knew about Daenerys and where to find her after he left the capital, so why not Ser Jorah?). With such knowledge, it makes no sense that Ser Barristan did not expose Ser Jorah earlier, when the plotline was still a little fresher in our memories. Instead, Ser Barristan seems to have no knowledge of Ser Jorahs deal with the crown, and as consequence, the writers needed to create an arbitrary excuse (the letter from out the blue) in order to reintroduce the conflict.
The drama also occurs at a time when not much else is going on in Daenerys storyline, and this makes it seem all the more forced. It would have had more impact if it had occurred during a vital moment for Daenerys, say, during her conquest of Meereen, as indeed this is the case in the source material. Ser Jorahs treachery is revealed in the books at a time when Daenerys needs her advisors most, and this gives more punch to the drama. There doesnt seem to be any logical reason why the show runners felt the need to change this aspect of the plot in their adaptation. We cant accept that it was because they needed something interesting to happen to Daenerys at this stage of the season. They could have easily left her storyline alone for one episode and shown us something else. Its not as if they are stretched for other material to adapt.