‘Shiptober: Could ‘Game of Thrones’ season 6 feature Jaime – Cersei reconciliation?

Throughout this entire month we have been posting a variety of different articles on character relationships in our CarterMatt ‘Shiptober series, but none are quite like Jaime and Cersei Lannister from “Game of Thrones.” They are clearly the most controversial couple out there, given that there’s incest involved, Jaime was heavily ‘shipped with Brienne for some time, and they both have a tendency to be pretty miserable people more often than not. Also, they have never quite been the same since the death of their son, Joffrey, and there was also that incredibly controversial scene that felt like rape; whether or not it was actually intended to be was an entirely different story. Let’s see where the chips fall with this one.

The case for Jaime and Cersei – We know very well at this point that “Game of Thrones” is a show that does not work particularly hard to punish the wicked. They could have a happy ending together even after the Walk of Punishment, Jaime losing the hand, and the billion or so other terrible things that we’ve seen. They have actually loved each other in a way that they have not loved anyone else, and may be the only people to bring anything caring out of each other beyond just a few transient moments. Brienne had this potential, as well, but we’re dealing with a limited sample size and history. When it comes to them being political threats, we have to think they are stronger together.

The case for keeping them apart – It’s simply a matter of questioning whether or not anyone really wants to see this. Given that “Game of Thrones” seasons are only ten episodes long, there is only so much room for character sideplots and romance. Also, who knows just how Cersei is going to feel in the event Jaime comes back from Dorne without Myrcella after her death in season 5? Does anyone out there think that she would be particularly forgiving? There has just been so much water under the bridge, it is fair to question whether or not these characters are drowning.

Also, one other thing to remember here in general is that George R.R. Martin and the show’s producers don’t tend to be a fan of long, sprawling romantic arcs. Dany and Daario are barely a blip on the radar, and do you remember what happened with Jon Snow and Ygritte? (Though, we suppose, there would be some irony in having two of the most questionably-moral characters on the show finding a way to stay together.)

Ultimately, we are going to have plenty of time to see what happens from here, given that the sixth season is going to premiere on HBO at some point this spring. We’ll have some further news soon!