This post contains spoilers for season five of Game of Thrones
The Primetime Emmy Awards announced Thursday that Game of Thrones has earned a whopping 24 nominations, more than any other TV show this year. While that would seem to be a reason for the cast and crew to celebrate, the nods come at a time when the HBO show is under fire from even its most dedicated fans for its treatment of women. The season five finale aired over a month ago, but fans are still bristling from controversial scenes this season like the rape of Sansa, the shaming of Cersei and the death of Shireen.
It’s a backlash that the producers of the show seem to have ignored—or at least decided not to register—considering that they submitted the season’s most controversial episodes for awards. These criticisms don’t necessarily mean the show isn’t worthy of Emmy nominations. The scope and production of the show cannot be matched, and Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey and Diana Rigg have all received deserving nods. But of all the episodes to be nominated for Emmys, the producers of the show chose “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” for best direction and “Mother’s Mercy” for best writing and best direction—the two episodes this season that had some fans declaring they were done watching the show.
MORE Maisie Williams on How Game of Thrones Treats Women and Female Superheroes
The tension between creators and fans reached a fever pitch at the Game of Thrones panel at San Diego Comic-Con last weekend. Most panelists at Comic-Con expect to geek out with their fans, sharing stories of what it was like to see the Millennium Falcon on the Star Wars set or enthusing over a new Batman v Superman trailer. But this year, fans who slept in line on the streets of San Diego to see their favorite Game of Thrones characters bombarded the actors, producer Carolyn Strauss and director David Nutter with questions about rape on the show.
A male fan asked whether the rape of Sansa made the character less strong, and a female attendee wondered whether the next season will “more overtly address and complicate these criticisms [of misogyny] by showing them as the pitfalls of patriarchy, rape culture, and other forms of oppression.” Again, the people asking these questions sat on concrete for 12 hours and plastic chairs for another 10 to ask these questions. It’s no wonder showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss decided to skip this year’s convention.
MORE Sophie Turner on Defending Sansa Stark and Her Surprising Dream Role
Given that even the show’s most rabid fans are starting to question the writers and directors’ choices, the nomination of two episodes that center on abuse toward women is particularly bold. “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken,” for those who don’t recall, is the episode in which Sansa is raped on her wedding night. That questioner at Comic-Con echoed concerns from critics about why director Jeremy Podeswa decided not to focus on Sansa’s pain during the assault but instead panned to Theon (Alfie Allen). Andy Greenwald at Grantland put it best: “Sansa’s anguished screaming as she was violently assaulted by her new husband was hideous, full stop. But it was almost worse the way Jeremy Podeswa’s camera lingered on Alfie Allen’s tear-filled eyes, as if his violation was somehow equal to Sansa’s; as if this disgusting act was somehow part of Theon’s long and ugly path to redemption, not a brutal and unwarranted violation.”
The season finale, “Mother’s Mercy,” was almost as controversial. As punishment for incest, Cersei is made to walk naked in front of an entire town as a woman chimes a bell chanting “shame, shame, shame” behind her. Flying feces, bloody feet and getting flashed by creepy men were among the many indignities the character (and Lena Headey’s body double) was forced to suffer during that scene. Though many critics said the writers skillfully handled Cersei’s evolution—presumably this humiliation and the death of her daughter will compel Cersei to take Joffrey-level vengeance on her wrongdoers next season—some complained that this was just another on a long list of sexual mistreatments every female character on the show must endure.
Whether the Game of Thrones producers chose only these episodes for submission or the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences chose them, the nominations seem tone deaf considering the fan outrage. But Game of Thrones will continue to draw a massive audience, no matter how many senators boycott the show. And if the Emmys love rewarding the kind of TV that gets people to tune in (if only to be outraged) then the move makes sense. Ultimately, the nominations are further proof that both HBO and the industry at large care little about sexism, even if viewers do. Remember, this is the same institution that literally put Sofia Vergara on a pedestal during a sexist skit at last year’s Emmys. Whether Vergara was in on the joke or not, it remains a symbol of how Hollywood treats its women: sexy objects to catch your attention.
MORE Game of Thrones’ Woman Problem Is About More Than Sexual Assault
Will
Role: Ranger of the Night’s Watch
Time of death: Season 1, Episode 1
Means of execution: Beheaded for desertion by Ned Stark
Likelihood of return: 0%
Jon Arryn
Role: Hand to the King before Ned Stark
Time of death: Season 1, Episode 1
Means of execution: Poisoned by Lysa Arryn and Littlefinger
Likelihood of return: 0%
Jory Cassel
Role: Captain of the guards to House Stark
Time of death: Season 1, Episode 5
Means of execution: Stabbed by Jaime Lannister through the eye
Likelihood of return: 0%
Benjen Stark
Role: First Ranger of the Night’s Watch, Brother of Ned Stark
Time of death: Season 1, Episode 7
Means of execution: Killed by White Walkers
Likelihood of return: 10% (Benjen was attacked by White Walkers and left for dead, but the Children of the Forest prevented him from becoming a wight. He lived on until he saved Jon Snow beyond the Wall, at which point he was attacked by White Walkers again and presumably killed.)
Robert Baratheon
Role: Lord of the Seven Kingdoms
Time of death: Season 1, Episode 7
Means of execution: Mortally wounded by a wild boar after drinking wine given to him by Lancel Lannister at Cersei Lannister’s command
Likelihood of return: 0%
Mordane
Role: Septa at Winterfell and tutor to the Stark girls in King’s Landing
Time of death: Season 1, Episode 8
Means of execution: Executed by the Lannister men following the arrest of Ned Stark for treason
Likelihood of return: 0%
Syrio Forel
Role: Master sword fighter and Arya Stark’s instructor in combat
Time of death: Season 1, Episode 8
Means of execution: Presumably killed by Ser Meryn in a sword fight (he was only armed with a training sword)
Likelihood of return: 30% (We never actually see him die. He was a master swordsman, after all.)
Eddard Stark
Role: Hand of the King and Lord of the North
Time of death: Season 1, Episode 9
Means of execution: Beheaded by Ser Ilyn Payne at the order of Joffrey Baratheon
Likelihood of return: 0%
Viserys Targaryen
Role: Exiled head of House Targaryen and brother to Daenerys Targaryen
Time of death: Season 1, Episode 6
Means of execution: Khal Drogo pours molten gold on his head at Daenerys’ command
Likelihood of return: 0%
Drogo
Role: Chieftain of the Dothraki people and husband of Daenerys Targaryen
Time of death: Season 1, Episode 10
Means of execution: Smothered by Daenerys Targaryen in a mercy killing after a spell by Mirri Maz Duur leaves him in a catatonic state
Likelihood of return: 0% (Unless it’s in another vision like Daenerys had in season 2)
Rhaego
Role: Son of Khal Drogo and Khaleesi Daenerys Targaryen
Time of death: Season 1, Episode 10
Means of execution: Stillborn because of a blood magic ritual performed by Mirri Maz Duur
Likelihood of return: 0%
Mirri Maz Duur
Role: Enslaved godswife
Time of death: Season 1, Episode 10
Means of execution: Burned alive on Drogo’s funeral pyre by Daenerys Targaryen
Likelihood of return: 0%
Rakharo
Role: Dothraki bodyguard to Daenerys Targaryen
Time of death: Season 2, Episode 2
Means of execution: Killed and decapitated by a rival khalasar while scouting the Red Waste
Likelihood of return: 0%
Yoren
Role: Recruiter for the Night’s Watch
Time of death: Season 2, Episode 3
Means of execution: Killed by Ser Amory Lorch, loyal to House Lannister, in a fight
Likelihood of return: 0%
Renly Baratheon
Role: Master of Laws, Claimant to the Iron Throne, brother of Robert and Stannis Baratheon
Time of death: Season 2, Episode 5
Means of execution: Killed by a shadow with Stannis Baratheon’s face that was birthed by Melisandre
Likelihood of return: 0%
Rodrik Cassel
Role: Master-at-Arms at Winterfell, Servant of House Stark
Time of death: Season 2, Episode 6
Means of execution: Decapitated by Theon Greyjoy
Likelihood of return: 0%
Irri
Role: Dothraki handmaiden to Daenerys Targaryen
Time of death: Season 2, Episode 7
Means of execution: Murdered during Xaro Xhoan Daxos’ theft of the dragons at Qarth
Likelihood of return: 0%
Maester Luwin
Role: Maester of Winterfell
Time of death: Season 2, Episode 10
Means of execution: Osha ends his suffering after he is stabbed with a spear by ironborn raider Dagmer
Likelihood of return: 0%
Qhorin
Role: Night’s Watch ranger
Time of death: Season 2, Episode 10
Means of execution: Killed by Jon Snow (at Qhorin’s own behest) in order to trick the Wildlings into thinking Jon has left the Night’s Watch
Likelihood of return: 0%
Pyat Pree
Role: Warlock from Qarth, Member of the Thirteen
Time of death: Season 2, Episode 10
Means of execution: Burned alive by Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons
Likelihood of return: 0%
Doreah
Role: Handmaiden to Daenerys Targaryen
Time of death: Season 2, Episode 10
Means of execution: Locked with Xaro Xhoan Daxos inside a Valyrian stone vault by Jorah Mormont at the order of Daenerys Targaryen
Likelihood of return: 1% (We didn’t actually see her die, but unlikely save a miracle)
Xaro Xhoan Daxos
Role: Merchant in Qarth
Time of death: Season 2, Episode 10
Means of execution: Locked in a Valyrian stone vault by Jorah Mormont on the orders of Daenerys Targaryen
Likelihood of return: 1% (Again, we didn’t actually see him die)
Hoster Tully
Role: Lord of Riverrun, Father of Edmure Tully, Catelyn Stark and Lysa Arryn
Time of death: Season 3, Episode 3
Means of execution: Illness
Likelihood of return: 0%
Jeor Mormont
Role: Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch
Time of death: Season 3, Episode 4
Means of execution: Stabbed to death by Night’s Watchman Rast during a mutiny
Likelihood of return: 0%
Craster
Role: A Wildling who lived with his daughter-wives beyond the Wall
Time of death: Season 3, Episode 4
Means of execution: Killed by Karl Tanner, a Night’s Watchman
Likelihood of return: 0%
Kraznys
Role: Salve-trader in Slaver’s Bay and one of the Good Masters
Time of death: Season 3, Episode 4
Means of execution: Burned alive by Drogon after he tries to trade the Unsullied for the dragon and insults Daenerys
Likelihood of return: 0%
Beric Dondarrion
Role: Leader of Brotherhood Without Banners
Time of death: Season 3, Episode 5
Means of execution: Killed by the Hound in trial by combat
Likelihood of return: 100% (He’s already back! Thoros of Myr has resuscitated Dondarrion six times via prayers to the Lord of Light)
Ros
Role: Prostitute in Littlefinger’s brothel and spy for Varys
Time of death: Season 3, Episode 6
Means of execution: Shot by Joffrey Baratheon with a crossbow
Likelihood of return: 0%
Talisa Stark
Role: Wife of Robb Stark
Time of death: Season 3, Episode 9
Means of execution: Stabbed in the stomach while pregnant by Lothar Frey at the Red Wedding
Likelihood of return: 0%
Robb Stark
Role: King of the North, son of Lord Eddard Stark and Lady Catelyn of Winterfell
Time of death: Season 3, Episode 9
Means of execution: Shot by a Frey crossbowman and then stabbed through the heart by Roose Bolton at the Red Wedding
Likelihood to return: 0%
Catelyn Stark
Role: Wife of Eddard Stark, Mother of Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran and Rickon
Time of death: Season 3, Episode 9
Means of execution: Throat slit by Black Walder Rivers at the Red Wedding
Likelihood of return: 0%
Polliver
Role: Man-at-arms for House Lannister
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 1
Means of execution: Stabbed in the throat by Arya Stark
Likelihood of return: 0%
Tansy
Role: Servant of House Bolton
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 2
Means of execution: Hunted down by Ramsay Snow and eaten by his dogs
Likelihood of return: 0%
Joffrey Baratheon
Role: Lord of the Seven Kingdoms
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 2
Means of execution: Poisoned at the Purple Wedding by Olenna Tyrell and Littlefinger
Likelihood of return: 0%
Karl Tanner
Role: Brother of the Night’s Watch, leader of the mutiny at Craster’s Keep
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 5
Means of execution: Impaled by Jon Snow during the raid on Craster’s Keep
Likelihood of return: 0%
Locke
Role: Man-at-arms for House Bolton
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 5
Means of execution: Neck snapped by Bran Stark while Bran is warging into Hodor
Likelihood of return: 0%
Rast
Role: Ranger in the Night’s Watch
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 5
Means of execution: Ripped apart by Jon’s direwolf, Ghost, during the raid on Craster’s Keep
Likelihood to return: 0%
Lysa Arryn
Role: Lady Regent of the Vale, sister to Catelyn Stark, briefly the wife of Littlefinger
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 7
Means of execution: Pushed out of the Moon Door by Littlefinger
Likelihood of return: 0%
Oberyn Martell
Role: Prince of the House Martell
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 8
Means of execution: Skull crushed by the Mountain in a trial by combat
Likelihood of return: 0%
The Mountain
Role: Knight and Head of House Clegane, loyal to House Lannister
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 8
Means of execution: Poisoned by the spear of Oberyn Martell in a trial by combat
Likelihood of return: 100% (Reanimated by Qyburn)
Grenn
Role: Ranger in the Night’s Watch
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 9
Means of execution: Killed fighting the giant Mag the Mighty in the Battle of Castle Black
Likelihood of return: 0%
Mag the Mighty
Role: Giant fighting in Mance Rayder’s army
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 9
Means of execution: Killed by Grenn and five other members of the Night’s Watch in the Battle of Castle Black
Likelihood of return: 0%
Pyp
Role: Brother of the Night’s Watch
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 9
Means of execution: Shot through the neck with an arrow by Ygritte during the Battle of Castle Black
Likelihood of return: 0%
Styr
Role: Thenn fighting in Mance Rayder’s army
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 9
Means of execution: Bludgeoned in the head with a hammer by Jon Snow during the Battle of Castle Black
Likelihood of return: 0%
Ygritte
Role: Soldier in Mance Rayder’s army and Jon Snow’s lover
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 9
Means of execution: Shot with an arrow by Olly in the Battle of Castle Black
Likelihood of return: 0%
Jojen Reed
Role: Warg, brother of Meera Reed, traveling companion of Bran Stark
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 10
Means of execution: Mercy killed by Meera after being stabbed multiple times by a wight; burned by a fireball thrown by “the Children”
Likelihood of return: 30% (Could Jojen have warged into someone or something before he died?)
Shae
Role: Prostitute and girlfriend of Tyrion Lannister
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 10
Means of execution: Strangled to death by Tyrion Lannister
Likelihood of return: 0%
Tywin Lannister
Role: Head of House Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, father of Cersei, Jaime and Tyrion Lannister
Time of death: Season 4, Episode 10
Means of execution: Shot on the toilet by Tyrion with a crossbow
Likelihood of return: 0%
Mance Rayder
Role: Leader of the Free Folk
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 1
Means of execution: Shot with a mercy arrow by Jon Snow before he’s burned alive
Likelihood of return: 0%
Janos Slynt
Role: Former commander of the City Watch in King’s Landing, exiled to Night’s Watch by Tyrion Lannister
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 3
Means of execution: Beheaded for insubordination by Jon Snow
Likelihood of return: 0%
Barristan Selmy
Role: Former member of the Kingsguard, advisor of Daenerys Targaryen
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 4
Means of execution: Killed fighting the Sons of the Harpy in Meereen
Likelihood of return: 0%
Maester Aemon
Role: Maester at Castle Black
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 7
Means of execution: Dies of old age
Likelihood of return: 0%
Karsi
Role: Chieftainess of the Ice-river clans
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 8
Means of execution: Mauled to death by Wights
Likelihood of return: 100% (We see her become a wight)
Shireen Baratheon
Role: Daughter of Stannis and Selyse Baratheon
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 9
Means of execution: Burned alive as a sacrifice to the Lord of Light by Melisandre at the order of Stannis Baratheon
Likelihood of return: 0%
Hizdahr zo Loraq
Role: Scion of the House Loraq, former slave trader, husband of Daenerys Targaryen
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 9
Means of execution: Stabbed to death by the Sons of the Harpy
Likelihood of return: 0%
Selyse Baratheon
Role: Wife of Stannis Baratheon
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 10
Means of execution: Hangs herself following the death of her daughter
Likelihood of return: 0%
Stannis Baratheon
Role: Lord of Dragonstone, brother of Robert and Renly Baratheon, claimant to the Iron Throne
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 10
Means of execution: Executed by Brienne of Tarth
Likelihood of return: 50% (We don’t actually see Brienne kill Stannis)
Myranda
Role: Servant of House Bolton and Ramsay Snow’s lover
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 10
Means of execution: Pushed off a ledge by Theon Grejoy
Likelihood of return: 0%
Meryn Trant
Role: Knight in the Kingsguard
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 10
Means of execution: Blinded and stabbed before having his throat slit by Arya Stark
Likelihood of return: 0%
Myrcella Baratheon
Role: Daughter of Cersei Lannister and Jaime Lannister, sister to King Tommen Baratheon
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 10
Means of execution: Poisoned with a kiss by Ellaria Sand with the help of the Sand Snakes
Likelihood of return: 0%
Jon Snow
Role: Commander of the Night’s Watch, bastard son of Eddard Stark (or maybe not)
Time of death: Season 5, Episode 10
Means of execution: Stabbed by Night’s Watch mutineers, including Alliser Thorne and Olly
Likelihood of return: 100% (Resurrected by Melisandre)
Areo Hotah
Role: Captain of the Guard for the Martells
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 1
Means of execution: Stabbed in the back by Tyene, one of the Sand Snakes
Likelihood of return: 0%
Doran Martell
Role: Prince of Dorne
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 1
Means of execution: Stabbed in the chest by Ellaria Sand
Likelihood of return: 0%
Trystane Martell
Role: Prince of Dorne, betrothed to Myrcella
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 1
Means of execution: Impaled through the back of the head by Obara, one of the Sand Snakes
Likelihood of return: 0%
The Flasher
Role: Man who flashes Cersei Lannister during her walk of atonement
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 2
Means of execution: Head smashed against a wall by Gregor Clegane, a.k.a The Mountain
Likelihood of return: 0%
Roose Bolton
Role: Lord of the Dreadfort, Warden of the North
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 2
Means of execution: Stabbed in the chest by his own son, Ramsay Bolton
Likelihood of return: 0%
Walda Bolton
Role: Wife to Roose Bolton, granddaughter of Walder Frey
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 2
Means of execution: Mauled to death by Ramsay Bolton’s dogs
Likelihood of return: 0%
Unnamed Bolton Child
Role: Child of Roose and Walda Bolton
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 2
Means of execution: Mauled to death by Ramsay Bolton’s dogs
Likelihood of return: 0%
Balon Greyjoy
Role: Lord of the Iron Islands
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 2
Means of execution: Thrown from a bridge by his brother, Euron Greyjoy
Likelihood of return: 0%
Alliser Thorne
Role: Acting Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 3
Means of execution: Hanged for treason by Jon Snow
Likelihood of return: 0%
Olly
Role: Steward of the Night’s Watch
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 3
Means of execution: Hanged for treason by Jon Snow
Likelihood of return: 0%
Ser Arthur Dayne
Role: Member of the Kingsguard of King Aerys II Targaryen
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 3 in a flashback
Means of execution: Stabbed in the back by Howland Reed and partially decapitated by Ned Stark
Likelihood of return: 0%
Osha
Role: Wildling loyal to Rickon Stark
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 4
Means of execution: Stabbed in the neck by Ramsay Bolton
Likelihood of return: 0%
Khal Moro
Role: Khal who presides over khalar vezhven
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 4
Means of execution: Burned alive along with the other khals by Daenerys Targaryen
Likelihood of return: 0%
Three-Eyed Raven
Role: Sorcerer and Bran’s mentor
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 5
Means of execution: Killed by the Night King
Likelihood of return: 25% (Yes, his body is gone, but with time travel in play Bran could be seeing him again)
Leaf
Role: Child of the Forest
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 5
Means of execution: Committed suicide with explosive device when attacked by Wights to save Bran
Likelihood of return: 0%
Hodor
Role: Servant to the House Stark
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 5
Means of execution: Torn apart by Wights
Likelihood of return: 0%
Aerys II Targaryen, “The Mad King”
Role: Lord of the Seven Kingdoms
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 6 in a flashback
Means of execution: Stabbed in the back by Jaime Lannister
Likelihood of return: 0%
Brother Ray
Role: Faith of the Seven Septon
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 7
Means of execution: Hanged by rogue members of the Brotherhood Without Banners
Likelihood of return: 0%
Lem
Role: Member of Brotherhood Without Banners
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 8
Means of execution: Hanged by the Hound
Likelihood of return: 0%
Brynden Tully (The Blackfish)
Role: Lord of Riverrun
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 8
Means of execution: Killed defending Riverrun
Likelihood of return: 50% (We don’t actually see the Blackfish killed)
Lady Crane
Role: Actress in Braavos
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 8
Means of execution: Throat slit by the Waif
Likelihood of return: 0%
The Waif
Role: Acolyte of the Faceless Men
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 8
Means of Execution: Killed by Arya Stark
Likelihood of return: 0%
Razdal mo Eraz
Role: Wise Master
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 9
Means of execution: Throat cut by Grey Worm
Likelihood of return: 0%
Belicho Paenymion
Role: Volantis Nobleman
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 9
Means of execution: Throat cut by Grey Worm
Likelihood of return: 0%
Rickon Stark
Role: Lord of House Stark
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 9
Means of execution: Shot with an arrow in the back by Ramsay Bolton
Likelihood of return: 0%
Jon Umber
Role: Lord of House Umber
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 9
Means of execution: Throat torn out and head stabbed by Tormund
Likelihood of return: 0%
Wun Weg Wun Dar Wun
Role: Giant in Wildling army
Time of death: Season 6, Episode 9
Means of execution: Shot through the eye by Ramsay Bolton
Likelihood of return: 50% (Bran has a vision of a giant that looks like Wun-Wun as a wight)
Ramsay Bolton
Role: Warden of the North
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 9
Means of execution: Eaten alive by his hounds on the order of Sansa Stark
Likelihood of return: 0%
Grand Maester Pycelle
Role: Grand Maester in King’s Landing
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 10
Means of execution: Stabbed by one of Quburn’s little birds
Likelihood of return: 0%
Lancel
Role: A brother with the Sparrows
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 10
Means of execution: Stabbed by one of Qyburn’s little birds, blown up by wildfire
Likelihood of return: 0%
The High Sparrow
Role: High Septon
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 10
Means of execution: Burned alive in a wildfire explosion orchestrated by Cersei
Likelihood of return: 0%
Loras Tyrell
Role: Former Lord Commander
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 10
Means of execution: Burned alive in a wildfire explosion orchestrated by Cersei
Likelihood of return: 0%
Mace Tyrell
Role: Lord of Highgarden, Warden of the South
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 10
Means of execution: Burned alive in a wildfire explosion orchestrated by Cersei
Likelihood of return: 0%
Kevan Lannister
Role: Hand of the King
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 10
Means of execution: Burned alive in a wildfire explosion orchestrated by Cersei
Likelihood of return: 0%
Margaery Tyrell
Role: Queen of the Seven Kingdoms
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 10
Means of execution: Burned alive in a wildfire explosion orchestrated by Cersei
Likelihood of return: 0%
Tommen Baratheon
Role: Lord of the Seven Kingdoms
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 10
Means of execution: Committed suicide by jumping from a window following Maergery’s death by wildfire as orchestrated by Cersei
Likelihood of return: 0%
Walder Rivers
Role: Bastard son of Walder Frey
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 10
Means of execution: Killed and baked in a pie by Arya Stark
Likelihood of return: 0%
Lothar Frey
Role: Son of Walder Frey
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 10
Means of execution: Killed and baked into a pie by Arya Stark
Likelihood of return: 0%
Walder Frey
Role: Lord of the Crossing, Lord of Riverrun
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 10
Means of execution: Throat slit by Arya Stark
Likelihood of return: 0%
Lyanna Stark
Role: Sister of Eddard Stark, Mother of Jon Snow
Time of Death: Season 6, Episode 10
Means of execution: Died after giving birth to Jon Snow during Robert’s Rebellion
Likelihood of return: 0%
Nymeria Sand
Role: Daughter of Oberyn Martell, Sand Snake
Time of Death: Season 7, Episode 2
Means of execution: Strangled by Euron Greyjoy
Likelihood of return: 0%
Obara Sand
Role: Daughter of Oberyn Martell, Sand Snake
Time of Death: Season 7, Episode 2
Means of execution: Stabbed by Euron Greyjoy
Likelihood of return: 0%
Tyene Sand
Role: Daughter of Oberyn Martell and Ellaria Sand; Sand Snake
Time of death: Season 7, Episode 3
Means of execution: Poisoned with a kiss by Cersei Lannister
Likelihood of return: 1% (We didn’t see her die, but she’s a goner.)
Olenna Tyrell
Role: Head of House Tyrell, Queen of Thorns, grandmother to Margaery and Loras Tyrell
Time of Death: Season 7, Episode 3
Means of execution: Poisoned by Jaime Lannister on the order of Cersei Lannister after the Lannisters defeated the Tyrells at Highgarden
Likelihood of return: 0%
Randyll Tarly
Role: Lord of Horn Hill, Father of Samwell and Dickon Tarly
Time of death: Season 7, Episode 5
Means of execution: Burned alive by Drogon on the order of Daenerys Targaryen
Likelihood of return: 0%
Dickon Tarly
Role: Son of Randyll Tarly and brother of Samwell Tarly
Time of death: Season 7, Episode 5
Means of execution: Burned alive by Drogon on the order of Daenerys Targaryen
Likelihood of return: 0%
Thoros of Myr
Role: Red priest of the Lord of Light, member of Brotherhood Without Banners
Time of death: Season 7, Episode 6
Means of execution: Froze to death after being attacked by a wight bear
Likelihood of return: 0%
Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish
Role: Lord Protector of the Vale
Time of Death: Season 7, Episode 7
Means of execution: Throat slit by Arya Stark on the order of Sansa Stark
Likelihood of return: 0%
Ned Umber
Role: Head of House Umber
Time of Death: Season 8, Episode 1
Means of execution: Killed apparently by White Walkers. His body is hung in the center of a circle of limbs.
Likelihood of return: 0%
Lyanna Mormont
Role: Head of House Mormont
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 3
Means of execution: Crushed by a wight giant after stabbing him in the eye and killing him
Likelihood of return: 0%
Eddison Tollett
Role: Acting Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 3
Means of execution: Mauled to death by wights
Likelihood of return: 0%
Beric Dondarrion
Role: Lord of Blackhaven
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 3
Means of execution: Stabbed to death by wights saving Arya Stark
Likelihood of return: 0%. Though Beric has been resurrected many times, Thoros of Myr is no longer alive to bring Beric back to life. Plus, Melisandre confirms that Beric has “served his purpose” by saving Arya, who then kills the Night Kin).
Jorah Mormont
Role: Advisor to Daenerys Targaryen
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 3
Means of execution: Killed by wights defending Daenerys
Likelihood of return: 0%
Theon Greyjoy
Role: Soldier in Daenerys and Jon’s army
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 3
Means of execution: Stabbed with his own spear by the Night King while defending Bran Stark
Likelihood of return: 0%
The Night King
Role: Leader of the White Walkers
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 3
Means of execution: Stabbed with a Valyrian steel blade by Arya Stark
Likelihood of return: 0% (We hope.)
Melisandre
Role: Priestess of the Lord of Light
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 3
Means of execution: Takes off her magical necklace that keeps her young, walks into the snow and allows herself to die
Likelihood of return: 0% (If soothsayer Melisandre herself is to be believed.)
Missandei
Role: Former slave and interpreter who became Daenerys Targaryen’s trusted advisor
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 4
Means of execution: Beheaded by the Mountain on Cersei’s orders
Likelihood of return: 0%
Varys
Role: The Spider, the Master of Whispers and a server of The Realm who became Daenerys Targaryen’s advisor
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 5
Means of execution: Burned to death by dragon fire on Daenerys’ orders, as she warned him she would if he ever betrayed her
Likelihood of return: 0%
Harry Strickland
Role: Captain of the Golden Company
Time of Death: Season 8, Episode 5
Means of execution: Speared in the back by Grey Worm in the siege of King’s Landing
Likelihood of return: 0%
Euron Greyjoy
Role: Pirate king of the Iron Islands
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 5
Means of execution: Evidently stabbed to death in the stomach by Jaime Lannister.
Likelihood of return: 0%
Qyburn
Role: Ex-maester who became Hand of the Queen to Cersei
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 5
Means of execution: Head smashed after he is thrown by the Mountain for trying to urge him not to fight the Hound
Likelihood of return: 0%
Sandor ‘The Hound’ Clegane
Role: Widely regarded as one of the most fearsome warriors in Westeros, nicknamed ‘the Hound’ for his loyalty
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 5
Means of execution: Killed when he lunges at the Mountain to take him crashing down into the fiery pit, sacrificing himself in the process
Likelihood of return: 0%
Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane
Role: Cersei’s bodyguard who was resurrected
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 5
Means of execution: Presumably killed when the Hound took him down so that they would perish together in the fiery pit after a dagger driven right through his head would not cut it
Likelihood of return: 0%
Jaime Lannister
Role: Former commander of the Lannister armies who left to “fight for the living” in Winterfell, and returned to King’s Landing for Cersei
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 5
Means of execution: Alongside his twin sister and lover Cersei, crushed under the rubble of a King’s Landing tunnel structure as it collapsed
Likelihood of return: 0%
Cersei Lannister
Role: Queen of the Seven Kingdoms
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 5
Means of execution: Alongside her twin brother and lover Jaime, crushed under the rubble of a King’s Landing tunnel structure as it collapsed
Likelihood of return: 0%
Ellaria Sand
Role: Ruler of Dorne
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 5
Means of execution: Presumably crushed in the prison in the Red Keep after Daenerys destroyed the building
Likelihood of return: 1%
Unella
Role: Septa of the Faith of theSeven
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 5
Means of execution: Presumably crushed when Daenerys destroyed the Red Keep
Likelihood of return: 1%
Daenerys Targaryen
Role: First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of Mereen, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, Mother of Dragons and, finally, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms
Time of death: Season 8, Episode 6
Means of execution: Stabbed by lover and nephew Jon Snow after she burns King’s Landing to the ground
Likelihood of return: 0%
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Where Trump 2.0 Will Differ From 1.0
- How Elon Musk Became a Kingmaker
- The Power—And Limits—of Peer Support
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Write to Eliana Dockterman at eliana.dockterman@time.com