As if Game of Thrones couldn’t surpass its groundbreaking reputation, the seventh season finale raised the bar once more.
One of the final scenes shows Samwell Tarly and Bran Stark unveiling the truth behind Jon Snow’s true status as both an heir (contradicting his deep-rooted identity as a ‘bastard’) and as the son of Rhaegar Targaryen. Of course, that piece of information isn’t new for long-term viewers. Yet, it is news for characters in the narrative. While we couldn’t help but squeal with delight over characters finally finding out, the depiction has stirred up controversy.
In the scene, Sam excitedly tells Bran that he ran across documentation of Rhaegar and Lyanna’s marriage, validating Jon as a legitimate heir. While the document was legit, that’s not exactly how Sam found out. In actuality, it was Gilly who uncovered the vital information, not Sam. While it’s not the first time a female’s role wasn’t acknowledged, many viewers were not pleased.
Turning to good ol’ social media to voice their frustrations, critical viewers did not hold back.
JUSTICE FOR GILLY BECAUSE SAM STOLE HER DAMN FUN FACT #Gameofthrones
— Michael Davis (@mylifeasMD) August 28, 2017
“The truth no one knows. No one but me.”
Uh Gilly know. #DemThrones
— Rod (@rodimusprime) August 28, 2017
Sam taking credit for something Gilly told him *before he interrupted her* is every woman’s experience. #gameofthrones
— Lady Olenna (@JennOsias) August 28, 2017
Also, I’d like to call out one Samwell Tarly for taking full credit for Gilly’s discovery. Most realistic thing on #GameOfThrones
— summer targaryen? (@PolitikMasFina) August 28, 2017
Me, when Sam took credit for something Gilly found: #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/Aaac7L2nww
— Siobhan Sullivan (@SiobhanKaileen) August 28, 2017
While Sam ultimately leaves out that tiny detail, some Twitter users did point out that he transcribed the text himself and therefore didn’t do anything wrong.
Either way, while we should totally appreciate Gilly’s attention to detail, there might be larger transgressions to be worried about (like Lannister’s creeping outside your bedchambers with ominous expressions…).
Featured image courtesy of HBO