Game of Thrones had one of the most intense and controversial final seasons in television history, and the Starks came out on top with Bran becoming King. Of course, there were many Lannisters that had their ambition for the throne, and Cersei was impressively close to taking the crown with Jaime at her side. On the other hand, maybe even Tyrion could have scored the title.
While everything ended in flames and death, there are many decisions that could have been made that might have resulted in the Lannisters taking control of the Seven Kingdoms. It's time to look back at some key turning points that could have landed this powerful family on top.
If Joffrey Didn't Marry Margaery
The purple wedding resulted in Cersei's eldest child, and the current king, being assassinated. Cersei knew that she couldn't trust Margaery or Olenna, but still let them get close to her family and the throne.
If Joffrey hadn't been murdered and the Tyrells didn't get their foot in the door, things might have been very different with the sept and the following heirs. It was a domino effect of death and failure after that.
If Tyrion Didn't Murder His Father
If Tywin had been around, there might not have actually been the chaos that just continued to spiral at the Red Keep. From Cersei's power moves to the High Sparrow to Tommen's suicide to the Tyrells' destruction, Tywin could have prevented it all.
It was almost relieving for fans to finally see Tyrion take back his power and flee King's Landing, but it probably wasn't the smartest move in the Lannisters' trek to taking the throne - nor was it smart for Tyrion's position and reputation.
If Cersei Didn't Sleep With Lancel
Lancel Lannister definitely had quite the character change, from being a tattle-tale annoying pushover to being a killer and cult-member of the High Sparrow. Cersei's affair with him led to her arrest, and completely ruined her position at King's Landing.
Certainly, it wasn't the direct reason that she didn't win the throne in the end, but this hiccup was a large one, and the whole thing ended in bloodshed, betrayal, and Cersei's loss.
If Jaime Didn't Underestimate Ellaria Sand
Myrcella's death was a downward spiral for Cersei. After her daughter's death, she became even more hateful, spiteful, and violent. She tortured the Sands and was set on destruction and power, which ultimately blinded her from her true intelligence and ambition.
Jaime shouldn't have trusted Ellaria - even for one second. He had his daughter die in his arms because this character was able to gather even a sliver of trust.
If Cersei Didn't Hate Tyrion
This is one sibling relationship that was pretty tragic and intense. Cersei hated Tyrion for being alive and because she was sure he'd be the one to kill her due to the prophecy that foreshadowed her demise. However, these two are some of the smartest characters in the entire series. If they actually worked together, they could have been unstoppable.
Cersei underestimated and neglected Tyrion, when she should have realized he could have been a great asset - and her Hand. These two could have easily taken the throne together.
If Jaime Sided With Tyrion
Jaime was the middle ground between his two siblings. He secretly met with Tyrion, saved him, and helped him. However, his true loyalty sided with Cersei, and he stuck by her at King's Landing.
At the Battle of the Goldroad, fans were on the edge of the seat - unable to decide if they wanted Jaime's or Tyrion's army to win. However, Jaime could have just been on Tyrion's side, throughout literally the entire series. His loyalty to Cersei was his downfall, and it was for Tyrion, too.
If Tyrion Didn't Underestimate Cersei
There's a lot of underestimating that went on for the Lannisters, and all of it ended up poorly for them. Tyrion's biggest mistake was thinking that his sister had even a shred of loyalty or selflessness. He convinced Daenerys she would fight the white walkers.
Instead, she really only cared about advancing her position and getting the throne. If Tyrion knew his sister better, he and Daenerys could have taken the Seven Kingdoms without the burning of King's Landing.
If Jaime Didn't Choose Cersei
While there's something to be said about how these two almost won the throne together, there's another side to the story - where Jaime could have ended up with much more power without his evil sister at his side.
If Jaime had stayed with Brienne and not gone back for Cersei, he would at least be alive, and he also could have found himself back in a powerful position. It's unlikely he'd have gotten the throne, but he could have worked closely with Brienne and those in power.
If Cersei Didn't Kill Missandei
If there was one final nail in Cersei's and King's Landing coffin, it was Daenerys watching her best friend and confidant getting her head lopped off at the hands of Cersei Lannister. If she wasn't the Mad Queen before, she certainly was now.
Missandei's death might have seemed like a good push of power for Cersei and the Lannisters, but ultimately, it just made Daenerys all the more convinced that she had to burn everything to the ground - including Cersei and Jaime.
If Tyrion Left His Family For Good
If there was one thing stopping Tyrion from getting the throne at the end of all the chaos, it was the 'Lannister' last name that he carried with him. Everyone knew he still cared about Cersei and Jaime, and he never really left the family.
If he had right from the start, he could have been a much better candidate for the throne. He was always getting stuck in the drama and the violence, from Joffrey to Shae to Tywin to Cersei to Jaime. Tyrion could have been king if he just stuck it out without them.