Episode 6 gave us two of the worst scenes in the entire show's history - the Lords and Ladies of Westeros electing a new King, and the small council meeting. The second one in particular is a huge middle finger to the fans of the plots and politics of King's Landing. Great Hands, ambitious men, masterful war tacticians, cunning Lords, the very best Maesters, great Kings, awful Kings, wise counselors and fierce warriors, all sat in this council and served the realm (and their personal interests) to the best of their ability. The council was presided by Jon Arryn, Eddard Stark, (smart) Tyrion Lannister, Tywin Lannister and Mace Tyrell.
This is the same council where Ned Stark confronted King Robert about his desire of infanticide, the same council where Tywin's own presence would cast a shadow over this counselors, where the Lannisters and the Tyrells would wrestle for power, and where we learned Tywin had a hand in The Red Wedding. During the show's tenure, the council's members included Olenna Tyrell, Littlefinger, Grand Maester Pycelle, Lord Varys, Oberyn Martell, Kevan Lannister, Jaime Lannister, Renly Baratheon, Stannis Baratheon, Barristan Selmy, Qyburn. A lot of selfish, imperfect characters with hidden intentions, but some of the smartest, most prepared people in the Seven Kingdoms. This council was no joke. It held the kingdom together.
The final council meeting was reduced to a comedy sketch and a parody. Littlefinger enriched himself while giving the illusion of a growing, prosperous kingdom and kept his facade. He was a replaced by a thief given illegitimate lands who needed to be explained how borrowing works. Maester Pycelle spent decades in the citadel acquiring knowledge and experience. Sam lacks all of those. And who appointed him anyway? The maesters are an independent, separate order. Not to mention he should still be part of the Night's Watch. He broke his oath. Speaking of breaking oaths, Brienne sworn her life to protect Sansa, yet here she is, the moral compass of the show, completely unmoved by her broken promise. Tyrion might have been the worst Hand in the show's history, leading to huge tactical and military losses, and being partially responsible for the leveling of King's Landing. Somehow, it was a good idea to name him Hand.
Worst of all, Bran approved all of this awful, out of character decisions and appointments. The Kingdom does not have a bright future if these are to be the rulers. This scene was fanservice, and an awfully executed one at that. This council should represent everything Game of Thrones is, and it was made a huge disservice. It is especially disheartening that THIS is the final scene with dialogue in the show. The place where some of the best writing occurred ends with brothel jokes.
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