Jaime was an absolute bellend in series 1. I watched it all the way through with the gf who hadn't seen it and end of series 1 she was like, I hate jaime he's evil. End of series 7 she's like everyone else in saying it's such a fantastic character arc and he's her fav. Last night she asked me if every series, when released had this much hate. I said no, because this series has been utter toss.
How would I have done it differently? Simple. Give cersei the death she deserved. I'd had fulfilled the prophesy and have jaime kill her instead of weeping in her arms