Game Of Thrones: 12 Ups And 4 Downs From Season 6

3. Dorne. Again.

Game of Thrones Dorne Ellaria Sand Doran Martell
HBO

Dorne was one of the weakest links in Season 5, and a serious misstep in the show's storytelling. Although its Westeros' most progressive region, the plot felt stagnant and forced, the dialogue incredibly clunky, and even the presence of Official 100% Best Character On The Show Bronn couldn't elevate it.

The season premiere felt like a response to that, as Ellaria and the Sand Snakes took control and killed Doran and Trystane Martell. Even when that happened, though, it was hard to care, because Doran and Trystane weren't developed characters. After that, Dorne disappeared completely. While this was a good thing in terms of it not being fun to watch, it meant that it further ruined any impact of Doran's murder and the Sand Snakes' coup, leaving it instead as this random event that existed in isolation.

We eventually returned to Dorne in the season finale, as it turned out both Olenna Tyrell and Varys were there. The presence of those two helps, given they're both clever, scheming types, but that had nothing to do with Ellaria and the Sand Snakes. They were there simply so Olenna could insult them on the audience's behalf. With House Martell aligning with the Tyrells and Daenerys it may pick up, but so far Dorne remains a major weak link in the show's armoury.

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.