The final season of Game of Thrones is not known for being the best of the hit HBO show. Though many are of the unpopular opinion that the season was not as bad as the masses may have you think, one of the biggest complaints came from who ended up sitting on The Iron Throne. After a compelling push from Tyrion Lannister, Bran the Broken of House Stark found himself not only as the Three-Eyed Raven, but also crowned as the new King of Westeros.

While many can see why Bran would make a good King, as outlined by Screen Rant, does his claim from Tyrion that he could tell good stories make him an inherently better leader than someone who perhaps does want to sit on the Iron Throne or has political or leadership experience? Characters with strong character arcs like Samwell Tarly, Sansa Stark, and even Davos Seaworth could also rule as peacefully as Bran would. Fan favorites who have seen battles like Yara Greyjoy, Jon Snow, and Gendry Baratheon would also be ideal candidates. Even Tyrion himself could have a successful rule as King. Based on the characters who were still part of the living by the end of Game of Thrones, here are seven possible options of who could have made a better King or Queen than Bran.

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7 Davos Seaworth

     HBO  

Davos Seaworth, played by Liam Cunningham, is one of a few characters who does not let his emotions lead him astray. This is an important characteristic to have as a ruler as it allows one to be able to think logically, even in tough situations. Ser Davos grew up in Fleabottom, the area surrounding King’s Landing, giving him an inside connection to the majority of the population within the city’s walls. Thanks to his adventures with Stannis Baratheon and Jon Snow, he is well-traveled and would be able to represent a large number of Westerosi citizens. His only downside is that he is not high-born, something that many of the Lords of Westeros can boast.

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6 Samwell Tarly

Similar to Ser Davos Seathworth, Samwell Tarly (John Bradley) is another option who would rule a just Westeros. As someone who is both well-read and well-spoken, his reign would comprise of compassion for his subjects and perhaps even a peaceful ruling. He may not look like a King, but what he may lack in upfront appearance, he makes up for with his heart. Sam’s character arc from a coward to a hero helps his claim as does his being the last male heir of House Tarly. His only downside would be that he could be considered an easy King to overthrow and send Westeros back to war.

5 Yara Greyjoy

Ironborn Yara Greyjoy, played by Gemma Whelan, would be an interesting choice as a possible Queen of Westeros. Her only fault is that she recently decided to overturn the Ironborn’s “raping and reeving” mentality for a peaceful life after committing to Daenerys’ side. Many could argue that for the Ironborn to completely forgo their entire way of life to follow is easier said than done (even if it is warranted and appropriate). On the other hand, Yara has always had the support of her people, making her a strong woman to follow. If she could change the Ironborn, perhaps she could also unify Westeros.

4 Sansa Stark

At the end of Game of Thrones, Sansa Stark, played by Sophie Turner, was crowned Queen in the North by her peers. As one of the strongest and smartest characters, this title is fitting for the once Little Dove. Having already been given a crown for a large portion of lands, which were previously a part of Westeros, would give her a leg-up in ruling all of Westeros. With Cersei being able to sit on the Iron Throne after King Tommen died, it shows that Westeros isn’t afraid to let a woman rule as they used to be. However, it seems that Sansa would be better suited to stay in the North, a place she always affectionately calls her home.

3 Tyrion Lannister

Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), is the last of the Lannister siblings. He is both smart, cunning, and well-versed. While he may not have the popular vote, he would rule Westeros with class, peace, and compassion. Tyrion is also one of the few characters with enough credentials to back up his possible claim to the throne. As a Lannister, he would continue the Lannister reign on The Iron Throne. He also served as Hand of the King/Queen to both Joffrey, though this one was a temporary appointment for his father, Tywin, and also to Daenerys. Having spent much of his adult life assisting those in power would make his transition to power himself an easier one.

2 Gendry Baratheon

After Queen Daenerys appointed Gendry from a Rivers to a Baratheon after the battle for the Long Night, it seemed that good things were finally to come for Gendry (Joe Dempsie). As a fan favorite, many believe that Gendry, now that his parentage to the Baratheon line was established and legitimized, was the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, being that he is the last surviving Baratheon. Although Gendry’s time as a Lord has only been for a short time, he had previously proven himself to be trusting and willing to fight for his people. When Ser Davos sought him out to join Jon Snow, he joined without hesitation, ready to prove himself, something not all Kings can say they would do.

1 Jon Snow / Aegon Targaryen

     Warner Bros. Television Distribution  

When it was revealed that Jon Snow (Kit Harington) was not a bastard of Ned Stark, but actually the son of Ned’s sister, Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, fans immediately believed he had the better claim to the Iron Throne. As the male heir of the Targaryen line, it put his claim to The Iron Throne over Daenerys, something that she wished to bury and have no one find out. When Jon later killed Daenerys, many believe that he was finally ready to claim his place on the Iron Throne despite his many protests that he never wanted to rule. At the end of Game of Thrones, we see Jon headed North of the Wall with the freefolk, but perhaps in the upcoming Jon Snow spinoff, he may come back to challenge for his right to the throne.