It felt like our hearts were ripped out of our chests when our beloved Missandei died.
On Tuesday’s episode of HBO’s Game of Thrones, popular character Missandei, played by actress, Nathalie Emmanuel, got killed on the show. She took to Instagram to write a heartbreaking farewell message, detailing how much playing the character over the years has meant to her.
“She represented so much for me, personally, that I have no choice but to carry the things she has taught me into my life going forward.”
According to Buzz Feed News, On Sunday night’s episode, Emmanuel’s character, Missandei of Naath, the interpreter and close friend of Queen Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), met her demise after being captured near Dragonstone during a surprise attack from Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk).
She was then imprisoned and held hostage on Cersei Lannister‘s (Lena Headey) orders and was subsequently beheaded when Daenerys refused to bend the knee to Cersei, who currently occupies the oh-so-coveted Iron Throne.
Emmanuel said that stepping into Missandei’s shoes had been one of her greatest joys, and further described her character as “a brilliant woman who overcame so much suffering and found herself, her voice…and her one and only love.”
Missandei who was once a slave, rose to become one of Daenerys’s most trusted advisers, and closest friends, throughout the series. She also fell in love with Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson), the leader of the Unsullied, who was obviously distraught at being forced to watch her execution.
The death of Missandei caused an outcry from some viewers because Emmanuel’s character was one of the few black figures on a show that’s overwhelmingly white cast-wise.
Writer Mikki Kendall said:
“Missandei’s story is what happens when the writers can not imagine a world where Black characters are fully developed so…not surprised.”
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay, also said:
“So… the one and only sister on the whole epic, years-long series? That’s what you wanna do? Okay.”
Viewers had hoped that there was a going to be a chance for Missandei and Grey Worm to live happily ever after, but the show producers clearly had other plans.
In her lengthy caption, Emmanuel wrote about how much being Anderson’s co-star meant to her.
“I found performances I didn’t know I had inside me, simply because you gave me so much to work against,” she said. “I couldn’t have asked for a more generous and supportive co-star.”
Emmanuel also thanked Clarke, calling the actor “a source of light and laughter.”
She wrote: “I love you… SO much,” she told Clarke. “I’ve loved playing your BFF for the past 7 years. Thank you for being such a wonderful person in my life and a source of light and laughter.
“The Bad Ass Boss Lady Warrior Goddess club will live on forever 😂🙌🏽,”
Finally, the actor ended her caption with a message to fans for their love and support.
We will definitely miss seeing her on the show.
