I think it’s fair that the writers made some changes to the story
I’ve read a lot of comments and posts criticizing the show for adjusting some parts of the story and people gotta understand that a television adaptation of the Dance of Dragons isn't gonna be the same as one of ASOIAF. HOTDs based on a fantasy history book not a series of novels like GOT is. The original text is given as a list of events and details- if it was adapted without the writers creating input, it would be like a weird 19 episode long mess.
Everything we've seen is a depiction of the writers' own character arcs and overarching narrative. I mention character arcs because lots have mentioned disagreeing with Nettles being entirely replaced by Rhaena so far but I think it ties into her story really well. The first half of the show has built Rhaena up as this bashful daughter thats hardly acknowledged by her father, hence pining for an ounce of the attention her dragon-riding sister gets. I feel like Rhaena's recent actions fit well as a possible outcome for a young adolescent in her position as hopelessly ashamed and insecure as she is.
This is just an example a character, who I think's arc benefits from the writer's alterations.
Posted Jun 23, 2026, 9:16 PM UTC