Who’s winning in the ‘Game’
When you play the Game of Thrones you win or you die, as Cersei told us in Season 1. But sometimes playing the game takes a long time.
We ranked the top characters from the Season 7 premiere based on how well they’re winning the battle for Westeros, and their own survival.
1. DAENERYS TARGARYEN She may not have done any conquering yet, but she’s in the best position on the board based on her resources, allies and location.
2. CERSEI LANNISTER What’s that saying about possession being nine-tenths of the law? Jaimie is right, the Lannister twins are in an incredible amount of danger, surrounded by enemies on all fronts. But Cersei is sitting on the Iron Throne at the moment. And that’s something.
3. JON SNOW It’s good to be the king, most of the time. Jon is showing off his leadership skills in the North but he’s surrounded by enemies and his tense relationship with Sansa could endanger his rule.
4. ARYA STARK Without any armies, ships or fancy titles, Arya managed to do the most damage in the premiere. After murdering Walder Frey last season, she kills his entire family while wearing his face.
5. SANSA STARK Although Sansa has become more powerful, she’s still standing to the side of another ruler. Her dissatisfaction with Jon is clear, but questioning him in meetings isn’t the way to go.
6. LYANNA MORMONT Little Lyanna continues her run as the Best Character on This Show and makes a strong argument for women in combat.
7. JAIME LANNISTER His influence is waning and he lacks allies. But he is standing next to the Iron Throne.
8. SANDOR “THE HOUND” CLEGANE If there was ever a survivor in Westeros, it’s the Hound.