Game of Thrones review: Thanks Melisandre for all the speculation fodder

Game of Thrones Season 6 Episode 1 The Red Woman review: Thanks Melisandre for all the speculation fodder

Apr 26, 2016, 07:27:23 IST

Hindustan Times | By Soumya Srivastava, New Delhi

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SPOILER ALERT!

It was heartbreaking to hear Cersei talk about her dead daughter.

Game of Thrones tied up many loose ends and left us at a cruel cliff-hanger in the first episode of season 6, which was probably also the best opening to the series so far.

First, we address the elephant in the room: The Red Woman. But of course, something big is going to happen to you in an episode if it’s titled after you.

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Melisandre is revealed to be a woman who has definitely seen a few centuries go by. She is hundreds of years old, and makes herself look younger through an illusion (a la Mother Gothel).

Yes, we knew she could do magic but now we know she is – more importantly – experienced. Perhaps Jon Snow does have a chance. How she does it, though, is still unknown. Could it be the choker? What was that vial? But Davos has made up his mind to seek her help, and we are more positive about this than we were before.

The titular Red Woman gave us plenty of speculation fodder. (HBO)

It was heartbreaking to hear Cersei talk about her dead daughter. Her rare reveals of humanity come only when her children are in danger. And now, after what happened to her last season, she is more intent on bemoaning her loss than plotting revenge against the Sparrows.

Indira Varma has a more prominent role this season. (HBO)

The Sands overthrow the entire Dorne royalty in just a few very bloody seconds. Looks like they will not be contained anymore (notice how Indira Varma’s name now appears earlier on in the credits).

Also, it seems as if Daenerys is out of trouble for now, though one cannot trust the new Khal to keep his word.

Sansa finally accepted Brienne’s services in a scene that reminded us a lot of Catelyn. What happens to Jon? We will have to wait for another week at least.

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The author tweets @soumya1405

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Soumya Srivastava
Soumya Srivastava is the Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor at Hindustan Times, bringing over a decade of experience covering movies, celebrities, pop culture, and everything that feels current and compelling. With a sharp editorial lens and an instinct for what resonates, she writes stories that balance insight with accessibility — whether she’s reporting from a red carpet, reviewing a buzzy new release, or unpacking the craft behind cinema. An unabashed Swiftie and a devoted admirer of Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking, Soumya blends heart and analysis in equal measure. She holds a degree in English Literature from Janki Devi Memorial College, Delhi University, and is an alumna of IIMC Dhenkanal (2013). As a Rotten Tomatoes Certified Film Critic, her reviews reflect credibility, cultural awareness, and a nuanced understanding of storytelling across genres and formats. She has interviewed celebrities like Celine Song, Zoya Akhtar, Kajol, Shabana Azmi, Pankaj Tripathi and more. She has also reviwes hundreds of movies and written thousands of stories, made videos, special columns and more. While films remain her first love, Soumya’s interests extend deeply into lifestyle and design. She is particularly drawn to décor, thoughtfully designed spaces, and the subtle ways aesthetics influence everyday living. From celebrity homes and interior trends to broader lifestyle movements, she enjoys exploring how personal taste intersects with identity and modern culture. Her voice is informed yet relatable, analytical yet warm — making her work engaging for a wide and diverse readership. Through her writing, Soumya continues to shape conversations around entertainment, lifestyle, and contemporary culture.Read More

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