Dragons

1 Comment Posted on June 21, 2016June 21, 2016 TV

Game of Thrones Power Rankings: S6 Ep9 “Tell Your People What Happened Here”

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.

The penultimate episode of each Game of Thrones season is always one worth circling on your calendar. Ned’s death, Blackwater, The Red Wedding and “Watchers on the Wall” laid down the track record of anxiety inducing, reactionary video filming, edge-of-your-seat watching television. “Battle of the Bastards” met the hype and was payoff for the longtime Game of Thrones fans who stayed loyal, after so many favorite characters were brutalized before their very eyes.

Two years ago, I went and saw “Watchers on The Wall” and “The Children” from Season 4 back-to-back in an IMAX movie theater. “Battle of The Bastards” should be getting similar treatment leading up to Season 7. How often did you catch yourself making involuntary noises from your couch? I cheered and screamed louder than I normally do watching my favorite football team play, it was that good.

Game of Thrones went Peter Jackson and maybe beyond with the quality of this battle.

…and we thank them for it.

This week’s Power Rankings are made in Loving Memory of Wun Wun.

1. Daenerys (Previously 1st)

“Dracarys” is the new Mortal Kombat-style “Fatality!”

I did not expect the resolution to the siege in Meereen to come so quickly, but I’m very glad it did. We’ve waited 6 years to see the damage that Dany’s dragons could inflict and there it was on full display. While she and her babies provided the death from above, her Khalasar took care of the ground game by cleaning the streets stained by the Sons of the Harpy.

I also did not expect her to be so civil with Tyrion after the Masters went back on his deal. A year ago, she likely would have given Tyrion the “Jorah Treatment” and shunned him. She’s obviously grown to the people around her and trusting Tyrion’s expertise helps way more than hurts. Oh, and she now has her ships…

2. Sansa Stark (Previously 6th)

Sansa’s “slow-walk and smile” while Ramsay’s dogs gave him a taste of his own medicine was even better than Beyonce’s “Lemonade” special.

After years of abuse and torture, Sansa is now the true Warden of the North. In a season full of big wins, Sansa’s was the biggest. And although Jon led the charge and fought like hell to reach Ramsay, it was Sansa’s raven to Littlefinger that made it all possible.

3. Jon Snow (Previously 5th)

Jon disregarded Sansa’s advice by chasing after Rickon. He went heart first into battle, clearly without the numbers, and almost fell into another Ramsay trap. Yet he still cut down everyone in his path, survived the most claustrophobic situations ever, and beat the living shit out of that bastard in his own home.

If Jon already had a reputation for being the best swordsman in the North, imagine what people think of him now. Where will he turn his attention to now? Uniting the North? The Freys in Riverrun? King’s Landing?…Most likely Winter.

4. Tyrion Lannister (Previously 20th)

Tyrion inherited a pretty awful situation when Daenerys left, and he pointed out to her what all he accomplished while she was gone…as the city was burning. The fact Daenerys still recognized it and took Tyrion’s advice before unleashing Hell on the Masters places him on a higher pedestal than either his siblings back at King’s Landing. Neither of them were second in command to a Dragon Queen.

Also appreciated the extra sass he threw Theon’s way. That stuff doesn’t get old.

5. Petyr Baelish (Previously 15th)

Twice now Petyr Baelish has bailed Sansa out and helped defeat her abusers. His plan seems to be back on track. It’s kinda scary to imagine what the endgame is and that might be Sansa’s next issue. For the time being though, he has the Starks’ strongest weapon.

6. Jaime Lannister (Previously 3rd)

Jaime being cast out from King’s Landing might be the best thing for him. He has his army, and alliance with the Freys (whatever that’s worth) and Riverrun. Walder’s toast in the teaser “The Freys and Lannisters send their regards” may prove to be a kiss of death though…for both houses.

7. Ser Davos (Previously 7th)

Davos held his own in the battle and survived. He even sent the cavalry after Jon as he charged the 6,000 man army by himself. After the win, Davos doesn’t appear to be in the celebrating mood. After finding Shireen’s toy that he made for her, he’s put together the pieces of what Melisandre did before reaching Castle Black. He’s been in the spot before, with Stannis. Will Jon and Sansa side with Davos or will history repeat itself.

8. The Night King (Previously 2nd)

There is a full understanding of how powerful the Night King is. Lack of action lets him slide a little after a big episode for the good guys. I doubt he’ll be on the down low for long…

9. Drogon (Previously 17th)

Even just seeing Drogon in the distance before he crashed the Masters’ insult party made me cheer like the Bears won the Super Bowl. His bond with Daenerys showed just how deadly they both can be…

10. Rhaegal & Viserion (Previously 25th)

…and even deadlier with these two.

11. Tormund Giantsbane (Previously 19th)

It was amazing how Tormund and his people looked ridiculously close to their end with the Bolton spears pointed at them, and then he’s beating Lord Umber’s ear off and stabbing him in the face an instant later.

12. Bran Stark (Previously 8th)

While it’s good to be a Stark (for once), Bran knows firsthand that there’s a lot of work to do. The sooner he fully understands his powers, the better…for everyone.

13. Yara Greyjoy (Previously 49th)

The next biggest power move to Sansa and Jon taking Winterfell back was Yara and Theon somehow getting to Meereen before Euron…and with 100 ships?! Where did they get 100 ships?

Yara went from being an outcast to the Iron Islands to being teamed up with the most powerful person in the Seven Kingdoms. She also was not shy about hitting on the Mother of Dragons either, which was charming.

14. Grey Worm (Previously 28th)

Sweet psych out, Grey Worm. Giving the Masters’ soldiers a choice to go home was a nice touch too.

15. The Hound (Previously Previously 10th)

I don’t know what Ser Beric has in store for The Hound, but it will likely involve lots and lots of violence. He also appears to be the only person the undead Beric fears too.

16. The Mountain (Previously 11th)

Cersei’s not going down without fight against The High Sparrow and her own son, the King. As far as we know, he’s her best shot and he’ll take anyone out who gets in her way.

17. Arya Stark (Previously 13th)

Arya’s going to be in for a pleasant surprise when she returns to Westeros. She’ll be able to use her family’s name too, at least in the North. 2 questions though:

Where in Westeros is she heading?
Are the Faceless Men following?

18. The High Sparrow (Previously 4th)

I’ve kept The High Sparrow pretty high for a while this season. With the Starks back in power, Jaime getting stronger/more defiant, Daenerys being on her way and Cersei putting the Targaryen Wildfire to use…his power looks less and less impressive.

19. Queen Margaery (Previously 9th)

Margaery is playing the long game with the High Sparrow and Tommen, and she’s still loyal to her brother. When shit hits the fan in the finale, will she get out of Cersei’s way or burn with the rest?

20. Benjen Stark (Previously 12th)

Benjen would proud of what Jon has accomplished, ya know…getting laid, coming back from the dead and ENDING the Boltons. But his attention and particular set of skills are being directed toward the impending White Walker invasion. Understandable.

21. Daario Naharis (Previously 24th)

You have to love Daario leading the khalasar into Meereen, chopping off Harpy heads right and left. His efforts have mostly eliminated all the doubt I had of his allegiance. Judging by the teaser for the finale, Daenerys is going to let us know her thoughts on the matter too.

22. Theon Greyjoy (Previously 50th)

Theon’s been a solid “campaign manager” for Yara, helping her team-up with Daenerys. He may have an even more important role though. When Daenerys makes her move on Westeros, Theon could help the cause because of her relationship with Sansa. Tyrion’s kindness to Sansa in the past would go a long way, but Theon endured Ramsay too.

23. Brienne (Previously 22nd)

Good for Brienne that the Blackfish situation didn’t make or break the Battle of the Bastards. The Starks need allies now though, so she might want to hurry back to Winterfell before things escalate again.

Wait, Tormund’s going to be waiting there…She can take her time.

24. Missandei (Previously 35th)

Loved how Missandei stood silent while the Masters discussed their “terms” and they planned to sell her again. She sat there knowing exactly how it was all going to go down and got to deliver the news to them that one (really two) of them were going to die. Then walking past the surviving Master, like he was nothing, was more than perfect.

25. Cersei Lannister (Previously 21st)

Hell is coming to breakfast in King’s Landing, and Cersei is cooking up a storm of Wildfire…I hope.

26. Varys (Previously 25th)

I would like to see where Varys intended to go to find help for Dany’s cause. I’m hoping it’s Winterfell, which would make for a funny reunion with Littlefinger.

27. Beric Dondarrion (Previously 30th)

I am really hoping Beric gives the Hound some work before the season is up. There are two people who get brought back to life (as far as we know) on this show. Beric is the one who seems to get that more than Jon.

28. Thoros of Myr (Previously 31st)

Of those capable of bringing people back to life, Thoros has the most practice…and he’s the least vague about his purpose too.

29. Ghost (Previously 33rd)

I know a lot of people are upset that Ghost didn’t get to participate in the battle, but shouldn’t we just be glad he’s okay? It’s been a rough go for Direwolves this season and I do not think he would’ve faired well in real medieval battle.

30. Lyanna Mormont (Previously 36th)

The “Lyanna’s Not Impressed” Meme definitely outdoes Obara Sand’s.

31. Qyburn (Previously 42nd)

Qyburn is just so excited to bring chaos to King’s Landing. Let’s just hope he’s there when Maester Pycelle goes down with it.

32. Bronn (Previously 32nd)

Bronn’s on a pretty nice track right now, aligned with Jaime. I don’t think everyone’s particularly safe hanging with the Freys, but I trust him and Jaime to get out of most situations.

33. Tommen (Previously 26th)

Tommen is king but he seems to have sealed his fate by turning on his mother. “The 7” can’t save you from a mother scorn.

34. Kevan Lannister (Previously 27th)

What’s the average tenure for the Hand of the King on this show? Not particularly long, I don’t think…

35. Lord Commander Edd (Previously 45th)

Edd has gotta be so glad that Jon won at Winterfell. Otherwise he would have a much tougher time defending the Wall and dealing with Ramsay.

36. Robin Arryn (Previously 37th)

He didn’t seem to be present at Winterfell, alongside Littlefinger and Sansa, but his army did save the Starks from their doom.

37. Yohn Royce (Previously 39th)

Also wasn’t seen on screen, but he is the Lord Commander of the Vale horsemen who came charging in like the Riders of Rohan.

38. Jaqen H’ghar (Previously 46th)

The more I think about how Arya left the temple of the Many-Faced God, I become more convinced that everything went according to plan for the STILL mysterious Jaqen. The Faceless Men want to influence Westeros and Arya appears to be their weapon for it.

39. Euron Greyjoy (Previously 23rd)

Seriously. You have the Iron Island fleet at your disposal and still couldn’t beat out your niece and nephew to Daenerys? Hard to believe that Euron will go down easily. Could be Big Bad in the next season.

40. Walder Frey (Previously 54th)

Everything’s coming up Walder Frey these days, right? I have a feeling someone else will be sending “their regards” when all is said and done in the Season 6 finale.

41. Edmure Tully (Previously 29th)

Edmure’s fortunes changed immensely after being let back into Riverrun. He is the Lord there, but how loyal are his men after he gave their castle up so easily?

42. Jorah Mormont (Previously 44th)

I will continue to beat on this drum until something else happens:

A Jorah – Samwell/Gilly team-up is coming. Hopefully sooner than later so Jorah can get cured.

43. Kinvara (Previously 43rd)

The High Priestess, who helped bring order back to Meereen, was MIA while it was being attacked. She believes in Daenerys and has seen visions of her rise to power. How much does Daenerys believe in her?

44. Melisandre (Previously 34th)

Melisandre is about to face serious Davos shit-storm. We’ll find out how Jon handles the situation. He doesn’t appear as sold on “The Lord of Light” and destiny as Stannis was…even if it brought him back to life.

45. Meera (Previously 47th)

Hope Meera learns a thing or two from Benjen. He should know her father very well, who fought alongside Ned.

46. Podrick Payne (Previously 48th)

After hearing Pod refer to his training from Brienne, and some sneaky pointers from Bronn, you wonder if he’ll be applying that training before the season is over.

47. Olenna Tyrell (Previously 55th)

Olenna knows that both Margaery and Cersei each have something planned when the trial happens. If she hasn’t left King’s Landing, it would be beneficial for her to play mediator to help them both. I don’t think she really cares what happens to Cersei though.

48. Samwell Tarly (Previously 51st)

Samwell sword action needs to happen this week.

49. Gilly (Previously 52nd)

I hope Gilly kept this dress.

50. Ellaria Sand (Previously 60th)

The Sand Snakes helped start the season…

51. Tyene Sand (Previously 61st)

…will they help close it?

52. Nymeria Sand (Previously 62nd)

Will I ever get to update this photo?

53. Obara Sand (Previously 63rd)

I’m never updating this one.

54. Aeron Greyjoy (Previously 56th)

Yara said she had some uncles to kill and Daenerys will happily oblige. That doesn’t bode well for Aeron.

55. Lothar Frey (Previously 58th)

If the Frey party gets crashed, Lothar is surely going to die.

56. Walder Rivers (Previously 59th)

Walder will die first though, and Jaime may be the one to end him…just because.

57. Robett Glover (Previously 53rd)

So Robett…the Starks you turned your back on just won the Bastard Bowl. They are also the Wardens of your territory now.

This must be awkward.

58. Melessa Tarly (Previously 65th)

We all know who wears the pants in the Tarly household…

59. Randyll Tarly (Previously 66th)

…but I’m pretty sure Randyll sent a search party for Samwell.

60. Talla Tarly (Previously 67th)

Your weekly reminder that Talla was hushed when mentioning the guy she is set to marry…and that might matter.

61. Dickon Tarly (Previously 68th)

#BroDickon is gonna #BroDickon.

62. Lancel Lannister (Previously 69th)

This might be my third time predicting that Lancel is about to die. Third time’s a charm, right?

63. Septa Unella (Previously 64th)

In a perfect world, both Margaery and Cersei get to beat the Septa down in the worst way possible.

64. Yezzan zo Qaggaz (Previously NR)

“Tell your people what happened here.”

The fact Yezzan didn’t sellout one of his fellow Masters like they did to him is probably why he isn’t dead.

65. Ser Loras (Previously 71st)

#ThoughtsAndPrayers for Lancel.

66. Harald Karstark (Previously 41st)

We didn’t see Harald die in battle, right? If he didn’t die, he shouldn’t be doing to well in Stark captivity.

67. Mace Tyrell (Previously 72nd)

Still supremely useless.

68. Maester Pycelle (Previously 73rd)

Hopefully he farts for the last time in the season finale.

Anyone too high or too low in this week’s rankings? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter. Don’t forget to checkout The Piffcast, where we regularly discuss the show. We’ll be doing a Season Recap the day after the finale!

More Power Rankings

S6 Ep. 1 – “Too Old For This Sh*t”

S6 Ep. 2 – “You Bastards!”

S6 Ep. 3 – “Oathbroken, Mic Drop”

S6 Ep. 4 – “Bow To Your Khaleesi”

S6 Ep. 5 – “What Willis Was Talking About”

S6 Ep. 6 – “The Ties That Bind”

S6 Ep. 7 – “There Will Be Blood”

S6 Ep. 8 – “I Choose Violence”

6 Comments Posted on January 28, 2016January 28, 2016 TV

Game of Thrones Pre-Season 6 Power Rankings

The closer we get to Game of Thrones S6, the more necessary it is to get talking about what’s to come. This season I’ll be keeping a power ranking of the many characters with significance to the plot. Below is “Pre-Season” ranking of characters who either did or may have survived the past season, as well as their importance for what’s to come. Season 6 will premiere April 24th, 2016.

Obviously a number of spoilers will be mentioned here, so don’t read the descriptions if you haven’t caught up on the series yet.

1. Jon Snow

There was no character talked about or speculated over more than Jon Snow. I had initially written this list (with 10 more characters) before the S5 finale and Jon was on the top of my rankings then. Nobody did more right, especially when he executed Janos Slynt with his own sword, but was still betrayed for it. What’s next is still a mystery and that makes him more compelling than anyone else.

2. Daenerys Targeryian

Daenerys’s rule in Meereen was parallel to Jon’s reign as Lord Commander. It took her a little longer to get the hang of imposing her power and they may have been her downfall when the Sons of the Harpy made their move. She put together a solid council of trust with Tyrion and Daario, and continues to build her army in the least suspecting ways…Oh, and she still has the badass MF’n dragons.

3. Tyrion Lannister

Whatever the redeeming qualities of a Lannister are, Tyrion embodies them. It’s those qualities of honor and a little bit of diplomacy that helped him survive traveling a world away from Kings Landing, while also forming the Thrones version of D-Generation X with Daenerys. With the Khaleesi away, he’s the only one in Meereen with experience of managing/ruling a city.

4. Night’s King

You saw “Hardhome”, right?

5. Samwell Tarley

Sam went from being virtually unable to do a thing to “White Walker Slayer”. Standing by Jon for as long as he did and standing up for Gilly to his fellow “brothers of the watch” make him about as pure as any character on the show. Along with his growing bravery, you have to imagine Sam’s meister-esque skills are going to come in handy too.

6. Jaime Lannister

I’m not sure if there’s a character that has evolved quite like Jaime. The shorter his hair gets, the less douchebag’ish he becomes. Taking down Ned Stark long ago is going to come with consequences, but the loyalty and honor he showed Brienne and Tyrion made you almost forget that happened. He’s going to be looking for blood though after spending all S5 trying to bring home Myrcella, and then losing her. Should be some clashing with Cersei over that…and the Martells.

7. Petyr Baelish

Petyr Baelish reminds you why it’s called “Game of Thrones”, and in a way he’s winning at it. Two comparisons to the actor Aiden Gillen’s work: Little Finger is like Marlo Stanfield (The Wire) in the way he gains power with cunning and blood. And similar to Bane, he’s necessary evil.

8. Ser Jorah

After losing all favor from Daenerys, Ser Jorah is charging back like a man with nothing to lose (because of the grey scale) and in love (duh). Probably want to stay out of his way.

9. Daario Naharis

Daario’s intentions have always been a little suspicious to me. Obviously an expert assassin and has wooed Daenerys, but I feel like I’m waiting for the other mercenary show to drop…perhaps with the slave owner-sympathizing Sons of the Harpy. He comes off as a bit of a frontrunner that way.

10. Tormund

Tormund is all firy ginger badass and now has the weight of his people on those super broad shoulders. With his “Crow” ally going down, he’s going to be left with handling the rest of the double-crossing crows.

11. Arya Stark

Arya’s body count is super impressing. Killing Ser Meryn may have been her most impressive move yet, but now she’s dealing with some weird Jedi training that has caused her to go blind. Does that make her more dangerous or calm her down? I assume the former.

12. High Sparrow

Impressively taking down 3 high ranking members of the royal family with the help of his extremist following makes the High Sparrow a very dangerous and powerful figure in Kings Landing. The King himself, Tommen, let him has his way with his mother and wife…We’ll see how that goes over in Season 6.

13. Bronn

Being charming, funny, and driven (for the right price) have helped Bronn battle through some impossible odds. It’s probably that charm that saved him after being poisoned by the Sand Snakes. I would rank him 2nd most skilled among the higher “guns”, next to Daario.

14. Gilly

Gilly’s been through some serious shit. So alongside Samwell Tarley, she’s done putting up with anyone’s shit, especially when she has to raise a baby too. That combination make her much more admirable than many of the characters on this list.

15. Brienne

Brienne can clearly kick nearly anybody’s ass on the show (see the battle with The Hound). However, sitting and waiting on Sansa for as long as she did, only to bail when it mattered most was really disheartening. I do hope she FINALLY catches up with Sansa to properly protect her, because none of her promises to Catelyn Stark regarding her children have worked out yet.

16. Ser Davos

Ser Davos is going to have some Wyatt Erp type rage when he learns about both Shireen and Stannis. I don’t think he’ll be satisfied until he has Melisandre’s head on a pike. Davos is resourceful and can lead an army. He may have either the Wildlings or Night’s Watch to work with when he settles somewhere, along with his pirate connections.

17. Lord Varys

I have a feeling Varys will be much higher on this list before long. Like Baelish, he’s playing the game, albeit more honorably. He has spies everywhere too and I’m very certain he orchestrated getting Tyrion to Meereen, knowing full-well that Jorah could get him there.

18. Drogon

Drogon is certainly the hot head of his dragon siblings, but he’s also far and away the most dangerous. Daenerys would have been Caesar’ed by the Harpy if it weren’t for Drogon, and he’s really the embodiment of her power.

19. Three-Eyed Raven

This crazy all-seeing character that will be played by the excellent Max Von Sydow is too mysterious to rank higher, but perhaps too powerful to rank lower. He tells Bran that he could eventually fly and that makes me want to ready the popcorn.

20. Hodor

Hodor. Hode…Hodor.

21. Bran Stark

Bran’s had a full year away from the screen to work on powers, while also likely getting old enough for us not to recognize him. You get the feeling he could be very high in these rankings by the end of Season 6…that is if the Three-Eyed Raven hype is real.

22. Queen of Thorns

I think we all know now that she had something to do with Joffrey’s death, and her demeanor certainly suggests there’s a power play in motion to spring her grandchildren out of the Sparrow’s keep…I would also tell the rest of the Lannister’s to look out as well.

23. Stannis Baratheon

This is my favorite GIF from all of last season. Stannis makes this list without real confirmation that Brienne finished him on the battlefield, but I wouldn’t be shocked if she had. So much to feel conflicted about regarding Stannis. He was obviously played by Melisandre. He ran his army like a true general and had every right to the throne, knowing what we do about the Lannisters. Burning your own daughter alive for selfish gain is still unforgivable though.

24. Jaqen H’ghar

I HAVE NO FUCKING CLUE WHAT THIS GUY IS! And that’s what makes him so interesting.

25. Cersei Lannister

Through the first few seasons, Cersei would have been very low on this list. She gave you every reason to hate her. But then when she was finally getting hers, I sympathized with her. How did you do that, Game of Thrones? I especially loved every threat she made toward the Nurse Ratched Sparrow nun. She’s going to exact plenty of revenge with her new Zombie Mountain too.

26. Zombie Mountain

…as I was saying.

27. Ghost

Don’t fuck with this Direwolf.

28. Sansa Stark

Every bad thing that has happened to the Starks, Sansa represents that. We saw her make some serious power moves, and some that just ended horrifically. She’s out of Ramsey’s grasp, for now, and we just need her to align with the right forces for once. Greyjoys? Stannis or Stark sympathizers? Resurrected Jon Snow?! Come on!

29. Podrick

Podrick is the purest of characters on the show and ridiculously loyal. I don’t know if that will keep him alive, but hey…it’s pretty damn admirable. Helps that he’s alongside Brienne.

30. Melisandre

Setting up Stannis, burning Shireen, making demon babies…Not a lot redeeming about Melisandre…except for the part where she could potentially resurrect Jon Snow, and we’re all hoping for that. She’s had her eye on Jon for a while, so *gulp*.

31. Lady Margaery

Margaery is so charming and obviously playing the game herself, so you know she has another agenda altogether…But I’m excited to see what the Queen of Thorns has planned to set her free and how much longer she’ll need to have Tommen wrapped around her finger.

32. Tyene Sand

Tyene is the one Sand sister that stuck out. “The most beautiful woman in the world” dominated Bronn, in her own unique way, and i don’t think we’ve seen the last of those two crossing paths again.

33. Tommen

The “He’s not Joffrey” point is loud and clear here. He is a bit of a wet blanket, but he’s king of the wet blankets.

34. Eddison Tollett

Eddison is the last of the notable Night’s Watch, besides Sam, to fight by Jon’s side. I don’t necessarily see that changing after their experiences fighting beyond the wall, on the wall and in Hardhome.

35. Missandei

Missandei was Daenerys’s voice to her people and that goes a long way. Should continue as she works with Tyrion while Daenerys is away.

36. Grey Worm

When you see Grey Worm in the next season, and especially in scenes with Missandei, picture George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” playing in the background. Seriously. Do it.

37. Wildling Giant

I hope he does this to Olly.

38. Doran Martell

Doren treated Jamie Lannister pretty fairly, and certainly Ellaria too fairly. But there seems to be a grander scheme with him sending Trystain to Kings Landing. There may be a vendetta for Oberyn that’s being masked by his calm demeanor.

39. Areo Hotah

Big man can move, that’s for sure. Would love to see him get a crack at Zombie Mountain.

40. Trystain Martell

Trystain worked his way onto the King’s council, with some negotiating by Jaime and Doren. If he was in on Mycella’s murder though, that’s cold blooded.

41. Meera Reed

Also been away with Bran, Hodor and “The Children” for a year. Probably stewing over the death of her brother. I have no idea what to expect from her, but I imagine it will be violent.

42. Kevan Lannister

Currently, the new Hand with plenty of battle experience. He seems smart and savvy like Tywinn, but I’m not sure how much that will matter. It will be interesting to see if he keeps supporting the Boltons.

43. Waif

Waif is mean and mysterious. She’ll likely be helping Arya train more, super reluctantly.

44. Obara Sand

I don’t know, did she say or do much?

45. Nymeria Sand

…at least she did this. The Sand Snakes were less consequential than I had hoped. I’m expecting more with Trystain in Kings Landing.

46. Malko

Malko probably has no real plot significance going forward, but he does have a connection to Tyrion and possibly with Davos (pirate thing). Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is too good an actor, in my opinion, for that small a role.

47. Loras Tyrell

Loras got cocky (literally). I feel a lot better about Margaery’s future than his.

48. Reek/Theon Greyjoy

I have to admit, I rooted for EVERY bad thing Ramsay did to Theon. When he didn’t step up for Sansa, I wanted worse things to happen to him…until he finally did.

49. Ellaria Sand

Oberyn once said, “We don’t hurt little girls in Dorne.” Well, you broke his word, Ellaria. You’re going to have to pay for that.

50. Roose Bolton

There’s a reckoning coming for Roose and his old pal Walder Frey. How it comes will be fun to speculate.

51. Lancel Lannister

Lancel is just another empowered asshole with a bad forehead brand-tattoo. Don’t expect his Lannister kin to sympathize when things go sideways for him.

52. Olyvar

Selling out Loras gets you zero brownie points.

53. Mace Tyrell

Quite possibly the most useless character on the show so far. He has done nothing of consequence at all.

54. Ser Alliser

Ser Alliser was showing signs at different points of an admirable character, but plotting a mutiny against the Lord Commander that only tried to build your forces is pretty selfish and shortsighted.