Game Of Thrones Season 6: 10 Ups And 2 Downs From 'Book Of The Stranger'

2. WomenOn Top

Game of Thrones has been criticised at various points over the years for its depiction and treatment of women, with them often partaking in gratuitous nudity and sex scenes, or the subject of sexual violence.

The show made a promise that this year would really see the women coming to the fore, and that's most evident in this episode. You have Daenerys (more on her soon) commanding the Dothraki, Sansa the one taking charge at the Wall, Margaery giving strength to Loras, Cersei and Olenna uniting to take on the Faith, Missandei getting involved in Meereenese politics, and Yara being supported by Theon in the Kingsmoot.

Strong women have always had their place on the show, but now it feels like they're the ones truly taking charge. As Beyonce sang:"Who runs Westeros?"

It's not without purpose, either - Sansa has gradually been transformed into a leader, and the rest of the actions all make sense and help serve the narrative, culminating with that fiery conclusion. It wasn't all great (a woman was killed, threats of sexual violence were made), but it's the biggest sign yet of the power shift in Westeros (and beyond).