Each week, we give every episode at least 24 hours to breathe and for you to get caught up. After that, you’re clicking at your own risk. Spoilers ahead.
This was a perfect season to start doing Character Power Rankings for Game of Thrones. The very first ranking started with Sansa Stark leading the pack. We had as many as 75 characters to rank at one point, and nearly everyone’s status was volatile throughout the season.
‘The Battle of the Bastards’ was followed up with a near perfect finale, giving Thrones fans even more payoff than killing off Ramsay Bolton. Cersei went “Nuclear Michael Corleone” on her opposers in King’s Landing. Varys proved again why he’s a master college football recruiter. Arya sent her regards to the Freys. R + L = J was confirmed. Petyr Baelish gave “The King of the North” serious side-eyes. And Daenerys made her move on toward Westeros.
Before we get to the final rankings of Season 6…
A farewell to SEVERAL long-running characters (some good, some terrible)
Queen Margaery – Last Ranked 19th
High Sparrow – Last Ranked 18th
King Tommen – Last Ranked 33rd
Kevan Lannister – Last Ranked 34th
Walder Frey – Last Ranked 40th
Lothar Frey – Last Ranked 55th
Black Walder Rivers – Last Ranked 56th
Lancel Lannister – Last Ranked 62nd
Loras Tyrell – Last Ranked 65th
Mace Tyrell – Last Ranked 67th
Maester Pycelle – Last Ranked 68th (DEAD last all season)
While you read the S6 Ep10 Power Rankings, listen in to The Piffcast’s review/recap of the entire season.
1. Daenerys (Previously 1st)
Daenerys got a hold of our #1 ranking in Week 4 (ranked 22nd before then), after burning down the house (full of Khals), and never let go of it. She proved that she didn’t need her dragons to defeat her captors and recruited the entire Dothraki army in the process.
Almost every episode since then, Dany gave us a Tiger Woods fist-pump moment. She was reunited with Drogon. She wiped out the Masters fleet with all three dragons. She got her ships from Yara and Theon Greyjoy. And now she’s aligned with the Sand Snakes, Olenna Tyrell and their respective armies. Her dragons are also a potent weapon against the White Walkers, if they should meet in the near future.
Bow to your, Khaleesi.
2. Jon Snow (Previously 3rd)
Jon knows as well as anyone that Sansa was why they defeated Ramsay and was more than willing to serve her as the Lady of Winterfell. However, it was the other lords of Northern houses who recognized that Jon was the man to unite them. The Free Folk warriors follow Jon because he saved them from Hardhome. Ser Davos is a believer in him, and in turn recruited Lyanna Mormont to rally the troops to follow Jon. Then we got the very emotional and powerful “King of The North” chant at Winterfell.
It’s also very likely that Daenerys will see Jon as the most worthy to wed her when she comes to Westeros, despite the likelihood that they are related (R + L = J).
3. Cersei Lannister (Previously 25th)
Biggest power move of the finale, without a doubt, goes to Cersei Lannister. The entire open in King’s Landing wasn’t presented as a shock, but more a certainty that she would take her freedom and the crown back. Maester Pycelle being led to Qyburn’s lair, Lancel trapped with the Wildfire barrels, the High Sparrow staring blankly at Margaery as she knew she was beat…
It felt exactly like The Godfather, as Michael offed each of the conspiring mobsters against him. Consider Lancel as Mo Green in this scenario. Worth noting, though, is the irony of Cersei pushing Bran out a window to start the series and crippling him, but also pushing her last remaining son, Tommen, to jump out a window with her actions. And where does she get support from when EVERYONE outside of King’s Landing hates her? Euron?
4. Tyrion Lannister (Previously 4th)
While it didn’t feel like he did much more than drink wine, nail some great one-liners and lose “lets make a deal” with the Masters, Tyrion established himself as potentially the 2nd most powerful person in the Seven Kingdoms. Tyrion applied his expertise in Westeros politics to bringing some peace and stability to Meereen, with diplomacy and propaganda. For a short time, it worked!
Despite his failure to maintain safety for Meereen, Daenerys trusts Tyrion the most and being named Hand of the King (after losing the title in King’s Landing to his father) was a huge moment for him. Expect him to use his diplomacy and past relationship with Sansa to help connect the two Houses.
5. Sansa Stark (Previously 2nd)
Season 6 was Sansa’s Revenge Tour and it was wonderful. We saw he suffer so much for so long and it was amazing to see her get win after win after win…
While she does seem to understand that Jon isn’t the most savvy are capable of ruling, she does appear to respect and care for him. Having Littlefinger in her ear won’t make matters better though.
6. Arya Stark (Previously 17th)
Arya went FULL Eric Cartman and Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin) on Walder Frey and it was WONDERFUL. Having the ability of the Faceless-Men to disguise physical appearance and unreal assassin training makes Arya probably the most dangerous individual in Westeros. She’s on a pretty dark path and Cersei is left to go on her list…
Maybe a team-up with her siblings in Winterfell or reunion with the Hound will cool her down a little.
7. Varys (Previously 26th)
In the Game of Varys vs. Littlefinger, it would appear Varys is winning. He made Daenerys’ forces even more fortified by adding the Martel and and Tyrell armies. His intentions have always been to do what’s best for the people of Westeros and being in the Mother of Dragons’ circle of trust is a good place to get that done.
Still curious how he’s able to teleport from Dorne to Dany’s side on a ship so quickly though (*cough* Thrones editors).
8. Jaime Lannister (Previously 6th)
Jaime had one of the strongest arcs on the series, reclaiming both respect from others and himself. With his sister-lover on the Iron Throne, you can assume he takes the role as Hand of the Queen.
However he appears to be conflicted about it. Although he preached that Cersei would “burn down” everyone in her path, he had slain the Mad King for almost doing what she actually did. That will get awesomely awkward in S7.
9. Ser Davos (Previously 7th)
Ser Davos is the moral compass for the series, isn’t he? As he has pointed out time and time again, Davos came from nothing and has become righthand man to two different “Kings of the North”.
We saw Davos at his most vulnerable, as he pled the case to Jon not to trust Melisandre any longer. He was right too. Melisandre influenced Stannis and his wife to burn their innocent daughter alive for nothing. Davos was also ready to execute her and Jon showed some restraint by just banishing her. It was a situation that could have easily gone the other way, like Stannis would’ve done. It’s obvious that Jon trusts Davos though, as he should.
10. The Night King (Previously 8th)
Inactivity for the past several episodes is why the Night King falls, but Jon is right…He brings the Winter and it is going to be here. How soon will the battle of the living and the dead happen though?
11. Bran Stark (Previously 12th)
We have Bran to thank for finding out the truth about Jon and why Hodor became Hodor, but he will need to do more than information gathering to stop the White Walker army. The sky is the limit for the new Three-Eyed Raven and he seems to have accepted that.
12. Drogon/Rhaegal/Viserion (Previously 10th)
Reunited and it feels so good…
Combined, we can now rope all three dragons together in the rankings, although Drogon is clearly the more developed of the trio. I don’t think Westeros is ready for this Jelly.
13. Petyr Baelish (Previously 5th)
Ol’ Littlefinger got Friend-Zoned pretty hard by Sansa in Winterfell. It was also funny seeing him act all Billy Zabka leaning against the back wall while the other Lords chanted “King of the North”. His declaration of allegiance for House Stark with the Vale is crucial and it was apparent in the Battle of the Bastards. But we’ve always known that he wants to watch the world burn and he wants Sansa at his side while he does so.
14. Yara Greyjoy (Previously 13th)
Yara is Daenerys’ new “Master of Ships” and has some serious support to take back the Iron Islands. Curious what her Uncle Euron will have to say and if he’ll team up with Cersei to maintain his rule.
15. The Mountain (Previously 16th)
“This is your God now.”
Zombie Mountain is in his element now. Applying pain as he sees fit and carrying out the bloody will of Queen Cersei. He also has a helmet-less Darth Vader thing going when he takes his off.
16. Tormund (Previously 11th)
The sooner the rest of the North gets onboard with Tormund and his Free Folk, the better. Meanwhile…
Soon, Tormund. Soon.
17. Lyanna Mormont (Previously 30th)
Breakout star of the season? Breakout star of he season. Her rally speech and shade throwing at Winterfell establishes Lady Mormont as a real player in the North.
18. Qyburn (Previously 30th)
Did Varys ever use his “little birds” like Children of the Corn? I thought it was perfect that Qyburn orchestrated Pycelle’s death, “to usher in the new”. He REALLY played his cards right sticking with Cersei.
19. Olenna Tyrell (Previously 47th)
Loved Olenna handing out shots to each of the Sand Snakes in Dorne. She has an army and revenge in her heart. Thankfully Varys is there to give her some direction to avenge her grandchildren.
20. Ellaria Sand (Previously 50th)
FINALLY! Haven’t seen her or the Snakes since the premiere. Fun to see the women of the Seven Kingdoms unite with a common goal of finishing off Cersei.
21. The Hound (Previously 15th)
The Mountain may be happy bringing the pain to King’s Landing but The Hound is still free to do whatever he wants. Ser Beric and the Brotherhood appear to have given one of the most dangerous men in Westeros some purpose too.
22. Grey Worm (Previously 14th)
The last couple episodes really showcased Grey Worm’s value as a commander and tactician. Looking forward to see how he leads Dany’s army, with Daario being left in Meereen.
23. Theon Greyjoy (Previously 22nd)
Theon’s sad puppy-face look is patent pending and seems to have a ways to go before he feels fully redeemed for his past transgressions. Supporting his sister and hopefully helping Sansa’s forces eventually should show his value in Season 7.
24. Bronn (Previously 32nd)
If Jaime were to ever get full of himself again, Bronn would be there to tear him back down. Nobody’s better at roasting the Kingslayer and getting away with it. Wonder what his role will be in the new Cersei regime, but she is going to need every sword she can get when Daenerys makes her move.
25. Beric Dondarrion (Previously 27th)
For fans of the book, Ser Beric’s presence and Arya’s murder party seem to cool down any expectations for Lady Stoneheart. Nobody has accepted their “reanimation” blessing quite like he has either.
26. Thoros (Previously 28th)
Most effective of all the Red Priests, and probably most trusted too.
27. Missandei (Previously 24th)
What is Missandei’s role now going to Westeros? Learning more about her background and seeing her handle own with a knife was big in S6. Being at Daenerys’ side on the ship toward Westeros gives her more value than most too.
28. Brienne (Previously 23rd)
Hey, so…Where’s Brienne? Last we saw, she was fleeing the Riverlands from the Lannister, Frey and Tully armies. Hopefully she’s on her way back to Winterfell but I think she may find Arya first. That would help a lot in the “oathkeeping” quest.
29. Edd (Previously 35th)
Bran’s best chance to getting within the Wall may be going straight to Castle Black, where Lord Commander Edd will be waiting.
30. Tyene Sand (Previously 51st)
Only Sand Snake to not get roasted by the Queen of Thorns. I’ve also maintained that she is the most dangerous of her sisters. Could we get a rematch between her and Bronn when #TeamDany makes their move on Westeros?
31. Ghost (Previously 29th)
Ghost seems to have gotten a nice long break, but he’s finally home with Jon at Winterfell.
32. Jaqen H’ghar (Previously 38th)
I just assume Jaqen is sitting back watching Arya, like all is going according to plan.
Yep, Jaqen is Mr. Burns.
33. Euron Greyjoy (Previously 38th)
So Euron’s chances of wooing Daenerys just went to shit, huh? The Sabretooth-Liev Schreiber lookalike may be looking to align with Cersei in order to keep the Iron Islands at this point. I get a feeling he has more than that up his sleeve…
34. Daario Naharis (Previously 21st)
Now Daario knows what it’s like to be Ser Jorah…
35. Benjen Stark (Previously 20th)
Anyone else a little disappointed they didn’t get to see more Benjen in action? We’ll have to wait for the wall to come down before that happens, but he’ll be a valuable weapon to have when it does.
36. Jorah Mormont (Previously 42nd)
Still think he’s heading to the Citadel…
37. Samwell Tarley (Previously 48th)
…and will be teaming up with Samwell to get healed.
(PS. I wish someone would look at me the same way Sam looks at glorious libraries)
38. Meera Reed (Previously 45th)
Hey Meera…How are you going to get Bran up the Wall? She’ll find a way. Definitely one of the bravest characters on the show to stick with Bran and protect him against Wights and White Walkers.
39. Wyman Manderly (Previously NR)
Inspired by Lyanna’s speech, Wyman really get the “I’m Spartacus” chant going and it was epic.
40. Robett Glover (Previously 57th)
Good for Robett, recognizing his mistake and asking for forgiveness. Also amazingly powerful in the “King of the North” scene.
41. Gilly (Previously 49th)
I felt so bad when the Maester Librarian sassed Gilly, but it was pretty funny. It will be interesting to see how the Grand Maester receives her. Samwell has come this far with Gilly. Can’t see him giving up on her now.
42. Podrick Payne (Previously 46th)
Pod’s learning some valuable combat lessons from Brienne. Hope to see him put those to use soon.
43. Nymeria Sand (Previously 52nd)
“Do shut up, dear.” – 2nd best Olenna burn.
44. Obara Sand (Previously 53rd)
“You look like an angry little boy.” – Absolute best Olenna burn.
45. Cley Cerwyn (Previously NR)
Cley’s father was skinned by the Boltons and that kept him from supporting the Starks in the Battle of the Bastards. He was also pretty hesitant jumping on board at Winterfell, but that “King of the North” chant was pretty infectious.
46. Robin Arryn (Previously 36th)
Does Robin even know his army left to fight for Sansa? Better question…Does he care?
47. Yohn Royce (Previously 37th)
Yohn Royce is going to get over his views on “Wildlings” if he wants to hang with Jon Snow.
48. Aeron Greyjoy (Previously 54th)
Yara and Theon have some uncles to kill, and Aeron counts as one of them.
49. Kinvara (Previously 43rd)
Kinvara’s introduction to Varys and Tyrion seemed much more important than her presence for the rest of the season. Her priestesses helped bring stability to Meereen and she’s very supportive of Daenerys. As the #1 Red Woman, she serves as some solid backup but will she get to showcase her talents in the near future?
50. Melisandre (Previously 44th)
It’s tragic how much out of favor Melisandre fell from Jon, going from bringing him back to life to being banished. It was still a culmination and karma for the havoc she caused with Stannis, so don’t feel too bad. You can expect she’ll continue to help Jon from a distance, because she believes in him. She may be heading back to Kinvara now.
51. Melessa Tarly (Previously 58th)
If only she could see Samwell in his new amazing library…
52. Randyll Tarly (Previously 59th)
You get a feeling he would align with Cersei, if given the opportunity. He’s a jerk like that.
53. Talla Tarly (Previously 60th)
Your weekly reminder that Talla was hushed when mentioning the guy she is set to marry…and that might matter.
54. Dickon Tarly (Previously 61st)
#BroDickon is gonna #BroDickon.
55. Edmure Tully (Previously 41st)
Just when things were looking better for Edmure, he got put back in a cage…Did Arya let him out?
56. Yezzan zo Qaggaz (Previously 64)
The weekly Masters poker game is going to feel a little more lonely for this guy.
57. Septa Unella (Previously 63rd)
CONGRATS, Unella! You are the new “Ms. Irrelevant”, after Maester Pycelle farted his last fart.
michaelpiff 