Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau criticizes Daenerys Targaryen's degrading scenes from season 1. Based on the Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones premiered on HBO in 2011. Within a few seasons, it had amounted a large fanbase and became one of the biggest shows on television. The fantasy series tells the story of the warring houses of Westeros as they compete and scheme for the Iron Throne. Game of Thrones concluded just last year with its eighth season, which was greeted with extremely mixed reactions from fans.

Game of Thrones was often praised for its incredible visuals, awe-inspiring performances, and (until the final season) smart writing. However, the series also earned its fair share of criticism, particularly when it came to its female characters. Many were raped over the course of the show, while others suffered from brutal acts of violence. For example, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) is raped in the very first episode of Game of Thrones by her new husband Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa). In the books, their wedding night is consensual, which makes the pilot scene even more controversial.

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In a new interview with The Times, Coster-Waldau, who played Jaime Lannister in all eight seasons of Game of Thrones, reflected on some of the show's more controversial moments, particularly in the case of Daenerys' season 1 story. Coster-Waldau effectively criticized the scene by saying, "For Emilia to play that in Series One was really tough and degrading, because what that character goes through is horrific." Beyond that, Daenerys spends season 1 growing into her role as a khaleesi (queen of the Dothraki), though she also suffers a devastating miscarriage and loses Khal Drogo.

A baby dragon on Daenerys' shoulder in the season 1 finale of Game of Thrones

Daenerys was a fan favorite character throughout Game of Thrones' run, growing into a fierce leader that many wanted to see rule Westeros. However, the final season saw Daenerys go mad following a string of heart-wrenching losses. Daenerys' sudden turn into "Mad Queen" territory was poorly received by fans who felt it came about far too soon and gave her a deeply unsatisfying ending. As Coster-Waldau put it, she goes through some truly horrific things, so to have her die after becoming the thing she's fought against her whole life was seen as a dreadful decision.

For all of Daenerys' high points, it's hard to disagree that the early parts of her story weren't handled well. Even Martin himself has spoken out against her rape at the hands of Drogo, further cementing that it's one of Game of Thrones' lowest points. Coster-Waldau is justified in calling it out, and hopefully the upcoming prequel series House of the Dragon, which will focus specifically on the Targaryens, will do better when it comes to its heroines.

More: Game of Thrones: What Emilia Clarke Really Thinks About Daenerys' Ending

Source: The Times