Just looked into it and you're right, a mistake on my part, a few characters talked as if it was already dead, I think Rhaenyra in particular. It would also be a big change if it died here since in the source material it also survived while being very injured after the battle.
I don't expect a one for one adaptation, especially from a show adapting what is essentially a history book. But, fundamentally changing the personalities of your main characters to artificially paint them in better or worse light as is depicted in the source material is going way too far for me. They tried so hard to make Rhaenyra and Alicent to look as good as humanity possible, when in Fire and Blood, that's just not the case at all. By all accounts, from all written history, from Grand Maester Munkun, to Mushroom, Both Rhaenyra and Alicent wanted the war. They both actively sought out to fight the war. Rhaenyra because she thinks her birthright was taken. Alicent because she and Otto thought Aegon should be king. NOT because she thought she was honoring Viserys' dying wish. She and Otto did that on their own accord. Needless change from the source material was the downfall of Game of Thrones, and it will be for this show as well. Aegon the younger and Viserys are still infants in the show, instead of 10 and 8 like they should be. How will that change the Battle of the Gullet? Otto is somehow already captured (off screen, because of course it was...) before Rhaenyra attacks kings landing. How will that change his story? What are they arming up to go fight at the end of the season? Can't be Kings Landing, The Gullet hasn't happened yet. The Honeywine hasn't happened yet, The Red Fork hasn't happened yet. Rhaenyra only attacked Kings Landing out of anger after [REDACTED] died in The Gullet. Changing little stuff is fine, but these are major events that the writers just skip over without a second thought for seemingly no reason. I've read the book, many times. I know what happens. I'm beginning to lose interest in Ryan Condal's version of events here.
Definitely understand the frustration, a lot has changed, but when it comes to a point like this, I just see the adaptations as completely different beasts from the books. Obviously it isn't ideal, because the fans that read the books end up feeling betrayed because of this, but it's probably the only way to stay invested. I believe that if changes are made but they end up working and making sense, I don't have a problem with them, but obviously we won't know that until the next season comes out and we see the outcome. I don't think anything can top the ending of GoT, it was so bad that I can't imagine anyone screwing up so bad again.
@opikonoem I certainly hope they do work out. I'm most likely still going to watch the show when it comes back. Tbh, I'll be mostly content so long as they don't completely screw up the God's Eye and the dragonpit.
