Credit: The Telegraph via HBO
First thing’s first. There be spoilers ahead for Game of Thrones season 6 episode 1! Stop reading now if you don’t want to know!
Okay, moving right along! Last night there was one major disappointment, several revelations, reunions (both good and bad), and even more questions for Game of Thrones fans. Instead of doing a long review about it, I’m going to break down the five things we learned from last night’s season 6 premiere.
Dany is Up Sh*t Creek Without a Paddle (or Dragon)
Giphy.com via HBO
Just when we thought things couldn’t possibly get worse for Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) after an assassination attempt and general unpopularity in Mereen (I’m talking Ted Cruz levels of contempt by the Mereenese people), we learn that she’s been made to walk while bound by a Khalasar full of sexist pigs… Sound familiar? Unlike Khal Drogo (gone but not forgotten, boo!) who was kind of gentle, these guys are straight up vile. Dany does manage to name drop Drogo (Jason Momoa) thereby saving her from all sorts of sexual assault, but it doesn’t save her from earning a trip to Vaes Dothrak with the other widows. Talk about a step backwards.
Jon Snow is Still a Popsicle
Giphy.com via HBO
Let me be clear. I do think Jon Snow (Kit Harington) will somehow be resurrected by The Red Woman or someone else. It just didn’t happen in the first episode. Resurrection is not a foreign theme in the series of books, so it’s not a stretch to assume that it could still happen in Game of Thrones itself. Of course, D & D could still screw it up. It wouldn’t be the first time.
The Ladies of Dorne Got in Formation…
Vanityfair.com via HBO
Maybe it was because the writers made them look petty at least and ineffectual at most on Game of Thrones season 5, but this season the Sand Snakes of Dorne are all about their business. And blood is definitely not thicker than sand, as we saw them kill the men in their family mercilessly. These ladies definitely got in formation and fans of the books should be pleased… For now.
Sansa and Theon/Reek Finally Catch a Break
Entertaintastic.com via HBO
When we finally catch up with Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) and Theon/Reek (Alfie Allen) they are still on the run with the hounds hot on their tails. Just when it looks like all is lost, Brienne of Tarth (Gwendolyn Christie) and Pod (Daniel Portman) ride in to save the day, with Pod even seeing a bit of action himself. The most revelatory action, however, came from Theon who finally grew the other stone to complete the set. Welcome back, Theon.
Arya Stark is Going Through It, Guys!
Dnaindia.com via HBO
Arya (Maisie Williams) continues to pay the price for opting to take action before Jaqen H’ghar (Tom Wlaschiha) gave her the word last season. Not only is she still blind, she is reduced to being a beggar. While this might not seem like good news, the fact that The Waif from last season has returned to train with her (and kick her butt in the process) is a good sign. If The Faceless Men were done with Arya, they wouldn’t even acknowledge her existence.
Honorable mention goes to Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) still being stuck in prison and Cersei (Lena Headey) continuing to pay the price for her wickedness when she finally discovers that Myrcella is dead. Update: How could I forget? If you think Melisandre’s hot, wait until you see her with her necklace off. *shiver*
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