*Spoiler warning
Everyone who knows “Winter is Coming” is eager for the start of season six of the "Game of Thrones" on April 24, 2016. With just a few weeks away from that anticipated premiere, it is a good chance to reflect on all of those characters who are still in the game who we really wish weren’t.
I would like to bring back the memory of Arya Stark in season two when three lives were placed in her hands the day she rescued Jaqen H’ghar and the two other criminals on her trip to the Wall. Perhaps the beloved Stark was a bit too rash and quick when it came to making her choices. But before I tell you my choices, let’s recap those moments back in season two.
In "Game of Thrones" season two episode five, Arya Stark is in Harrenhal. She chooses the Tickler as the first death, the man who tortured to death the captives that were brought there with her. Shortly after, Arya desperately chooses her second death—Ser Amory Lorch. Lorch had become suspicious of her while she was sneaking a peek at Lannister documents. And lastly, she decides to kill Jaqen himself. However, the Faceless Man desperately pleas for another option and Arya lets him live provided he helps her escape Harrenhal.
Of course, as ten-year-old Arya, we can not blame her for choosing the most immediate people whom she had a problem with. She felt in immediate danger and searched for quick revenge that she could see with her own eyes. Of course, maybe if Arya had ten more years on her, or an outsiders perspective like we do, she would have selected three other, and more significant people. So, who are my three choices to replace Arya’s choices back in season two?
The first choice is Melisandre, the “Red Woman.” Even though Arya is not really in contact with Melisandre, we all know the ruthlessness with which Melisandre, priestess of the Lord of Light is capable of.
After convincing Stannis Baratheon that he is the one meant to rule from the Iron Throne and convert all his people to Melisandre’s religion, she gives birth to a shadow assassin that kills Stannis’ brother Renly Baratheon. Furthermore, directly affecting Arya, Melisandre tries to have Stannis sacrifice Arya’s friend and supporter, Gendry, so that the line to the throne will be made easier with the Lord of Light’s help. Of course, as events turn away from Melisandre’s favor she departs for the wall to leave Stannis to ruin. A cruel, self-serving, woman full of bloodlust—-Melisandre probably deserved to be at the top of Arya’s list.
Second choice is Queen Cersei. Although it can be assumed that Cersei has received a decent amount of punishment for all of the trouble she has caused, Arya has quite a few reasons for wanting Cersei dead. The first is because Arya blames Cersei for the death of Sansa’s dire wolf Lady and the disappearance of Arya’s own wolf, Nymeria. It can also be assumed that Cersei had a part in Arya’s father’s death back in season one. So, there are a few reasons why Arya would want some revenge. Not to mention, we, as viewers, wouldn’t mind not seeing Cersei mess up our hopes in yet another season.
Third choice, but definitely not the least wanted, is Tywin Lannister, patriarch of the Lannister family. Luckily, Tywin is already on Arya’s list because Arya hates the Lannisters from what they did to her family and her father. But, if only Arya knew the true extent of her hatred for him. Tywin Lannister was the instigator of the Red Wedding—the occasion we would all like to forget. He encouraged the brutal murder of Robb Stark and Catelyn Stark. Arya’s mother’s, father’s, and eldest brother’s blood is on his hands.
Of course, the past cannot be changed, but we can only hope that these horrible characters will eventually get the endings they deserve.
