Game of Thrones season 7 episode 2: our favorite feminist moments

It’s not often that you see four powerful women discussing war strategy in a TV series, but it was only one of our favorite feminist moments in Game of Thrones season 7 episode 2 Sunday night.

Season 7 of Game of Thrones is off to something of a lady-dominated start. Two episodes in and we’ve already stockpiled a hefty stack of scenarios in which the female characters have made their voices heard, directed fleets, and even murdered a room full of enemies. In episode 2, much of the storytelling was in service of furthering the various plans and alliances among different houses and characters. There wasn’t much action, save the episode’s brutal final minutes, but there was a great deal of opportunity for the women characters to position themselves to gain more power and influence.

Here are some of our favorite moments from the episode that allowed the female characters to shine just as brightly (and often far more) than their male counterparts:

Daenerys

Back at her family home of Dragonstone, Daenerys kicked off the episode by questioning Varys’ loyalty in a tense exchange. Varys insisted his allegiance lies only with the people but that he knows the “people have no better chance than [her].” This faith in Daenerys’ leadership only bolsters her overall air of confidence (as if her confidence needed any bolstering). The fact that Varys and so many others look to Dany as the one who will lead them to peace in the seven kingdoms is both a vote of confidence for the Mother of Dragons and for a strong female leader in general.

As the episode continues, it’s clear that several other characters share that confidence in Daenerys’ leadership. There’s Melisandre’s prophecy that, when properly translated, entrusts Daenerys with potentially being the only one who can “bring the dawn.” Then there’s the other women in the war council meeting—Olenna Tyrell, Ellaria Sand, and Yara Greyjoy—following Daenerys’ lead (even if it does take some light convincing). And, of course, Tyrion has already expressed his trust in Daenerys and her plans to take the throne, and it’s that trust that helps push Jon Snow to decide to meet with Daenerys in what looks like the next episode.

Lady Olenna

Glenna’s heart-to-heart with Daenerys early in the episode is one of the most female-empowering scenes we’ve seen in the series so far. Though Olenna recognizes the wisdom someone like Tyrion brings to the table, she urges Dany to ignore his council and go with her gut if need be. Olenna claims she’s only made it to her advanced age and her position of prominence over the years by “ignoring clever men.” This powerful moment, however, isn’t about male-bashing. It’s about two fierce women connecting over what it means to trust yourself and your own judgement as a leader. Olenna tells Dany to “be a dragon” and knowing her, we’d guess that shouldn’t be a problem. Of course, Olenna’s pretty dragon-like herself.

Missendei

Missendei proved herself to be surprisingly assertive in Sunday night’s episode. Usually more reserved, we first see this spark when she corrects Melisandre’s prophecy translation to include Daenerys as a possible savior, not just a prince. Seeing women supporting women instead of being pitted against one another in the series is always a refreshing development.

Missendei’s self-assured arc stretches into her love scene with Grey Worm as well. After Grey Worm’s declaration of love, Missendei takes charge of the situation and her own sexuality. She wants Grey Worm despite his eunuch status and she tells him as much. The result is a gratifying and female-friendly love scene that’s a far cry from some of the depictions of sex the show has featured previously.

Sansa

The glimpses of Sansa the leader we saw last episode grew much bigger this week. When she speaks out against Jon’s plans to meet with Daenerys, she learns Jon intends to leave her in charge of Winterfell while he’s gone. This comes as a surprise to Sansa, but not to us viewers. Sansa’s leadership and resolve to protect her family and her people has clearly blossomed near the end of last season and through the start of this one. As she stands overlooking the courtyard of Winterfell while Jon and Davos mount their horses, she looks regal and determined. Here’s hoping she stays looking that way in the episodes to come.

Lady Mormont

Okay, we didn’t actually get a lot of fan favorite Lady Mormont in this episode (unfortunately). But she did show up to show her support for the King in the North and as always, her moxie and gumption can stop a room cold. (And that’s saying something in the icy halls of Winterfell.)

Cersei

Cersei’s fear-mongering speech to her people from the Iron Throne near the beginning of the episode establishes the lengths to which she’ll go to to hold onto power. Yes, some of what she says about Daenerys is warranted, but other comments are laughably hypocritical coming from a woman who blew up the entire Sept of Baelor (jury’s still out on whether her audience picked up on that irony). Regardless, the scene painted Cersei as a shrewd queen who knows exactly what she’s doing.

The later scene in the depths of King’s Landing added shades of violence to that portrait of power. Will Cersei be joining her people in battle and manning the giant dragon cross bow in the fight against Daenerys and the Unsullied? Probably not, but judging by Cersei’s steely expression in that scene, we’re not counting anything out.

Maisie Williams as Arya Stark – Photo: Helen Sloan/HBO

Arya

She didn’t massacre anyone in this episode (as far as we know), but Arya did continue her streak as a badass independent assassin on a mission. This episode’s friendly reunion between Arya and Hot Pie was a nice detour from her usual more serious storylines. It also served to show Arya for the nuanced, three-dimensional woman that she is. She may be a cold-blooded killer, but she also a friend, a sister, and, as Hot Pie points out, a beautiful young woman.

Next: Game of Thrones season 7, episode 2 recap: Stormborn

Nymeria

Yes, Nymeria’s a wolf. But her surprise return to the series was right in line with the spirit of female independence that was present throughout the episode. Arya’s long-lost companion and her pack surrounded Arya, but when she realized one of the wolves was her Nymeria, the two shared an important and tender moment. As the show’s creators pointed out in the after-the-episode recap on HBO, Arya quickly realizes Nymeria wouldn’t be happy leaving the wild for a domesticated life and sets her free by telling her “that’s not you”—a direct callback to a conversation Arya had with her father in the show’s first season. Nymeria, like Arya, can’t be fit into one convenient cage. They’re both wild in their own ways.