@Rich
I don't think deserve has anything to do with it.
Daenerys didn't kill them that way because they deserved it. She did it to evoke fear for everyone else to follow order. Once they saw the Dragons, the rest of the Lannister army fell in line fast.
I believe Tyrion argued for them to at least be beheaded? I can't recall exactly.
She's becoming more tyrannical as a ruler that she claims she's not going to end up being. And for question why didn't she take King's Landing right away.
She WANTED to.
Tyrion had to talk her out of it. For the moment, at times, Tyrion has been able to keep a lid on her from turning directly into her father.
I don't think that's Daenerys true purpose. But when shit goes bad, she just reverts into that mindset.
I got to see that episode again. So I might be missing parts. I was planning my re-watch of Game of Thrones. I always re-watch before the new season.
And was NOT aware it was on this Sunday!!!!! (yes I know, how can I not know -- I've been busy with work these few months I lost track). I only made it up to the first 4 episodes of season 7. And just watched the last episode of season 7 last night then the premiere.
So I missed that particular episode on my re-watch. I'm going to watch it this Wednesday.
She executed them in that fashion to make a spectucal and evoke fear for everyone else to follow order at the protest of Tyrion.
To make a point he's losing grip on keeping her from turning into her father.