“Game of Thrones” has been a cultural phenomenon since it premiered in 2011, and it has had a profound impact on the trust issues of the current generation.
The show’s complex characters, intense plotlines, and underlying themes of deception and honor have captivated audiences for seven seasons, leaving many with a newfound fear of betrayal and mistrust in others.
The Red Wedding, one of the most iconic and heart-wrenching moments in the series, was a turning point for many viewers.
Robb Stark, the young wolf and the last King in the North, was betrayed by his bannermen and the groundskeeper Filch at his uncle’s wedding, for marrying someone other than one of his daughters.
The Queen of Thorns said it best, “as if men needed another reason to fear marriage”.
The death of Robb Stark, who never lost a battle but lost his head for love, left many fans screaming obscenities at their TV screens.
Another pivotal moment in the series that changed the outlook of many viewers was the death of Ned Stark.
Ned Stark, who was portrayed as the main character throughout the first season, was executed by Joffrey, the cruel and narcissistic king, even after Ned had recanted his alleged treasonous words and Sansa begged for mercy.
Joffrey’s actions were unfathomable, leaving many to question who they can trust.
Theon Greyjoy, also known as Reek, is another character that has contributed to the trust issues of the current generation.
He had the most tragic story in the series, as a product of war, he was taken by his family and raised by another, but then went through an identity crisis where he forsook every honorable trait his fake father tried to teach him.
His betrayal of Robb Stark for his real father lead to the true downfall of the young wolf and the demise of the Stark household, with another house claiming the North.
He then becomes a shell of himself as he’s tortured until he is unrecognizable. This has made many viewers wary of their friends’ decisions during an identity crisis.
Shae, Tyrion’s lover, also contributed to the trust issues in the show. Even though she was the kind of person you really never trust to begin with, she somehow made us believe she loved the half-man before admitting to court what she truly was, a whore.
This is very similar to online dating, as viewers have to weed through all the people who say they want to be with you but really just want to be in you.
The Night’s Watch also played a role in the trust issues in the series. Jon Snow’s big heart got him killed, just like Alliser Thorne said it would, because he was the one that killed him.
By doing something no one had done before, letting people who were seen by the majority as savages into the Night’s Watch, Jon Snow paid the ultimate price.
This has made viewers question the true intentions of those who claim to have good intentions.
Game of Thrones isn’t necessarily the show we asked for but it’s the show we needed. The complexity of each character has been developed over seven successful seasons now, with only one chapter left to go.
The fanbase is so huge that you can’t walk into a room these days without at least one person bringing up a death or a situation they need to harp on.
With everything that is going on in the world, this generation has grabbed onto the show as a sort of life jacket, investing everything they have into it. And this, my little birds, is why we have trust issues.
The show’s impact on trust issues may seem small, but it serves as a reminder of the fragility of trust and the importance of being mindful of who we trust in our own lives.
The show’s portrayal of deception, betrayal and the collision of honor and power have made viewers question the trustworthiness of those around them.
From the Red Wedding, where Robb Stark was betrayed by his bannermen, to the execution of Ned Stark by Joffrey, the show has left a lasting impact on the way viewers perceive trust and loyalty.
Characters like Theon Greyjoy and Shae have further reinforced the idea that trust should not be given easily.
The Night’s Watch also played a role in the trust issues in the series, as the death of Jon Snow made viewers question the true intentions of those who claim to have good intentions.
The show may be fictional, but its impact on trust issues is very real and serves as a reminder to be mindful of who we trust in our own lives.
