Like every season that preceded it, Season 6 of HBO’s Game of Thrones has provided its audience with some unforgettable moments that are completely original to television. GoT has continues to entertain by consistently pushing the envelope on what is acceptable in a television series — even for cable. The show is yet another successful example of what has recently become a trend in television: breaking the rules.
Below we highlight some of this year’s most memorable moments from Season 6. While there have been many to choose from thus far, here are five that can’t be argued with.
**Spoiler Alert: Do not read on if you are not caught up with Season 6!
Jon Snow Returns from the Dead
https://youtu.be/PHyEDlmUxF0
As Season 5 ended on a cliffhanger—Jon Snow was stabbed by his fellow brethren from The Wall—fans speculated whether or not Snow could actually return from such a tragic event. The symbolism of Snow being left to bleed on the cold ice beneath him had some wondering whether or not he could actually become a White Walker or some sort of zombie amongst the dead army. Others suggested that the actor, Kit Harington, was tired of the show and would move on to bigger and better things. (Is there anything bigger than GoT right now?) As it turns out, Davos Seaworth saw something special in Snow and asked Melisandre if she could bring him back from the dead. While at first it seemed unlikely, fans finally got what they wanted — Jon Snow came back to life. It turns out Snow was looking to do bigger and better things — just not at The Wall.
Daenerys Returns to the Flame
Daenerys Targaryen reclaimed her rightful place at the heart of the series after escaping from the oppressive Khal Moro and his bloodriders by setting them all on fire. As she once again stood naked at the center of a burning inferno, Daenarys watched with no remorse as her Khal captives burned alive. After they perished, she stepped away from the inferno and stood before the gathered Dothraki, who immediately bowed to their knees in praise of their new queen. This certainly put her back on the map of potential leaders to eventually take over the throne.
Hold the Door!
Everybody’s favorite oafish character, Hodor—who spent almost his entire run of the show carrying around the crippled Bran Stark—seemed to have no vocabulary other than his own name, “Hodor.” In a dramatic twist of events, it was revealed that he was not uttering his name at all. Rather, he had been rapidly rattling off a command that would ultimately save Bran’s life. “Hold-the-door.” Say that real fast, a million times in a row and you get, “Hodor!”
Return of the Hound
Just like Jon Snow, it was hard to believe that the ruthless Hound could actually die. After being left to die by the young Arya Stark, we had to assume that he would somehow find his way back to health. But after several episodes had passed by, many began to wonder if the Hound had, in fact, seen his last days. And then…leave it to Ian McShane to make a guest appearance and reintroduce the coldblooded killer. Now, don’t expect to see Ian McShane in any more episodes…
Arya Stark Has a Name
After many trials and tribulations with the Faceless Men, Arya Stark was being brainwashed to believe that she had “no name” and really no identity. What seemed a potential new haven for Arya certainly backfired after she was stabbed and left to die in the streets of Braavos. However, Arya represented the Stark name well after killing off her assassin and revealing her true self to the Faceless Men. Finally empowered by confidence, Arya tells Jaqen H’ghar of the Faceless Men: “A girl has a name, and it’s Arya Stark of Winterfell.” Impressed by Arya’s renewal of self-confidence, Jaqen allows her to leave unharmed.