‘Game of Thrones’ Made Missandei Unrecognizable — and That's a Good Thing

Game of Thronestakes some liberties with George R. R. Martin's books, but not too many compared to other adaptations, at least until it passed the written story. But it should be noted that several of the changes the show makes are actually an improvement. Yes, there are many storylines, and even entire characters are missing from HBO's version of events, which readers are still sad to have missed. But Martin himself has admitted that some changes, like the characterization of Sibel Kekilli's Shae, are better than his writing. Another positive change the series made has to do with the character of Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel), who, while fulfilling a similar function, is vastly different than her Song of Ice and Fire counterpart.