The 8 most empowering Game of Thrones episodes for women

Season 3, Episode 4: “And Now His Watch Is Ended”

Although Game of Thrones fans see Daenerys grow during the first two seasons of the series, the third season is when her talents as a ruler truly begin to shine through. During “And Now His Watch Is Ended,” viewers get the first taste of what Daenerys is capable of as a conquerer and a leader—and things look pretty promising.

During the episode prior to this one, Daenerys agrees to trade Drogo for an army of Unsullied slaves—a decision that left viewers and her two advisors protesting against it. But as Daenerys follows through with her plan, it becomes clear that she’s been looking at a bigger picture than everyone else. She tricks the slavers of Astapor by pretending she doesn’t understand them. She allows them to underestimate her, and then she strikes.

Daenerys uses the presumptions that the slavers have about women—namely that they couldn’t possibly be clever enough to deceive them—in order to defeat them and gain herself an army. The scene in which she reveals her plan is an epic one, and it’s one of the first moments fans truly come to understand Daenerys.

And although their moment isn’t nearly as monumental as Daenerys’ triumph over the slavers, Sansa Stark and Margaery Tyrell also share a scene during “Now His Watch Is Ended.” It is one that will leave any fan who enjoys seeing women support other women rooting for Margaery’s character. Not only does Margaery attempt to embrace Sansa as a sister during the most difficult time of her life, but she promises to help Sansa escape the clutches of the Lannisters once she’s queen. There’s power in Margaery’s compassion, and it shows in this moment.