So I was right. Game Of Thrones season 5 is now, officially, terrible. “Sons of the Harpy” transformed a season that was taking bold steps in new directions into one that was wildly divergent in all the worst ways. It’s a huge turning point for the show, a real point of no return. Game of Thrones will never be the same. Let’s take a look at why.

Why “Sons of The Harpy” Was The Turning Point For Game Of Thrones

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Game Of Thrones Season 5 Daenerys Spoilers: The Khaleesi Is A Bad Ruler

Spoilers ahead for Game of Thrones season 5 to date. You’ve been warned. Okay, here goes: “Sons of the Harpy” made the single biggest change to the books’ storyline so far. For the first time, it killed off a major character who was still alive in the books—Barristan Selmy. And yea, he really is dead.

The other changes in Game of Thrones season 5 have been numerous, but they’ve mostly had a clear purpose. Sansa’s new storyline, which is actually pretty interesting, gives her something to do and gives us another eye in Winterfell. And she replaces some more minor characters (Jeyne Poole) who were doing vaguely similar things. Jaime and Bronn’s Dornish adventure is shaping up alright so far, although I don’t love the Sand Snakes, and although Jaime’s presence there doesn’t make much sense, it’s nice to see him get more face time. I fear that storyline too will go off the rails later this season.

But killing off a major character for no clear reason is unprecedented in Game of Thrones. Daenerys doesn’t have a ton of advisors, a ton of viewpoints into what’s going on in Meereen. That won’t change until Tyrion gets there, which may be a while. Now she’s on her own. And for what reason? In Dance With Dragons, Barristan ends up being the Hand of the Queen, and plays a key role in fighting back against the Harpy. Now he’s been killed off, in a meaningless skirmish, almost solely for shock value.

Did it shock me? Yea, a little. But mostly it annoyed me. Game of Thrones season 5 doesn’t have to hew exactly to the books, obviously: It never could. But I think it’s obligated to make a good faith effort. And now it has broken that pact, forever.

The show will never be the same.