Why Game of Thrones Ruined One of the Best Scenes from the Books

The first four seasons of Game of Thrones are largely regarded for their faithful adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series. However, one of the most notable deviations—specifically from A Storm of Swords—remains particularly irksome for many fans. With significant events taking place in Season 4, such as the Purple Wedding, Tyrion’s trials, the Battle for the Wall, and the demise of Tywin Lannister, the show understandably made some changes to the original narrative. Yet, it’s disheartening to consider how one critical scene was altered, diminishing its impact from the source material.

Revisiting the Moon Door Scene After 24 Years

A Perfect Conclusion to Both the Book and Season 4

The final scene of A Storm of Swords continues to resonate with fans like no other. This climactic moment features Petyr Baelish pushing Lysa Arryn through the Moon Door. While the same event does occur in Game of Thrones, it is presented earlier in the season and lacks the same gravitas. By concluding with such a startling twist, Martin not only evokes surprise but also effectively sets the stage for subsequent events in the series, generating excitement as readers await future installments—including The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring.

Unfortunately, Game of Thrones‘ adaptation fails to give the Moon Door scene the same narrative weight, instead choosing to end Season 4 with Arya Stark’s departure to Braavos. Between the climactic Battle for the Wall, various character moments, and the deaths of major characters like Tywin and Jojen, the significance of Lysa’s death is overshadowed, rendering it a mere footnote amidst the show’s many plot developments.

Disappointment in the Alteration of the Moon Door Scene

Key Changes That Impact the Narrative

The adaptation of the Moon Door scene not only shifts its timing but also removes essential dialogues and context, rendering Lysa Arryn’s demise far less impactful. The scene begins similarly in both the book and the show, with Baelish kissing Sansa while Lysa threatens her. However, the source material features Lysa providing crucial dialogue that enriches the narrative. This includes her admission of past events involving Catelyn Stark and Littlefinger, notably her forced abortion after being impregnated by him.

One of the most significant revelations in the books, which is notably absent from the show, is Lysa’s confession that Littlefinger manipulated her into murdering Jon Arryn using the tears of Lys. In the series, viewers are already aware of this plot due to its earlier revelation in Season 7, making Lysa’s moment less shocking and pivotal.

Additively, the book includes another character—Marillion, a minstrel—who witnesses Lysa’s death. His presence provides a plausible cover story, as her death can be framed as an accident, which is a nuance that the show overlooks. Ultimately, A Storm of Swords concludes with a cliffhanger revealing Littlefinger’s cunning manipulation by indicating that he frames Marillion for Lysa’s murder:

“The guards were shouting outside the door, pounding with the butts of their heavy spears. Lord Petyr pulled Sansa to her feet. ‘You’re not hurt?’ When she shook her head, he said, ‘Run let my guards in, then. Quick now, there’s no time to lose. This singer’s killed my lady wife.’

In contrast, the absence of Marillion’s presence in the show diminishes the complexity of the moment and lessens the impact on Littlefinger’s character development.

The Superior Impact of the Book Version

A Stronger Portrayal of Littlefinger

The Moon Door sequence in A Song of Ice and Fire is compelling for myriad reasons, primarily because it concludes the book on a high-stakes note. While this mirrors Tyrion’s confrontation with Tywin, the emotional and plot-driven weight of the Moon Door scene is significantly enhanced in the written narrative due to the crucial dialogue that is absent from the show’s adaptation.

The ending of A Storm of Swords effectively cements Littlefinger as a formidable antagonist, illustrating his alarming willingness to sacrifice others for personal gain, including framing innocent parties for his actions. The show fails to encapsulate this treacherous aspect of his character, softening Littlefinger’s iconic mercilessness that Martin expertly portrays. As a result, viewers miss the opportunity to fully comprehend the sinister implications of his political maneuvering.

As fans continue to await the completion of A Song of Ice and Fire, the fate of Littlefinger remains uncertain, but the context and implications of the Moon Door—alongside his characterization—set up an intricate web of future schemes that highlight his potential for even greater treachery as the series unfolds.

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