‘Game of Thrones’ Returns for a Sixth Season

On Sunday, April 24, the HBO series “Game of Thrones” will return for its sixth season. Adapted from George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire,” the show takes place in the mythical lands of Westeros and Essos as several noble houses vie for control of the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms. Some of the main houses in “Game of Thrones” include House Baratheon, Stark, Targaryen, Lannister, and Tyrell. While there
is a large ensemble cast in the show, there are a few key characters that really drive the story. Some of the more popular characters include Jon Snow, played by Kit Harrington; Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilia Clarke, Tyrion Lannister, played by Peter Dinklage; and Arya Stark, played by Maisie Williams.

While the main story revolves around the control of the Iron Throne, there are side stories that are just as interesting. One focuses on Daenerys Targaryen, the last member of her house, as she works to reclaim the Iron Throne with the help of her three dragons. Another revolves around the approaching winter season and the arrival of the White Walkers, mythological creatures who have not existed for thousands of years and pose a threat to the entire realm. This show is for viewers who like fantasy, drama and politics. Viewers should be warned that “Game of Thrones” is not for younger audiences, as there are no content restrictions on HBO.

After a less then stellar fifth season which saw the show adapt the last chapters in Martin’s novels, season six will move into uncharted territory as the show has moved beyond the source material and can no longer use his books as a point of reference for the story. The first episode of season six, “The Red Woman,” will have the challenge of addressing several big cliffhangers from the season five finale.

The biggest question from the finale involved the fate of Jon Snow and whether he is truly dead after being stabbed by his fellow members of the Night’s Watch. Other cliffhangers involved Arya getting blinded by Jaqen H’ghar, Sansa and Theon fleeing Winterfell, and Daenerys getting captured by the Dothraki. Season six will also see the return of Bran Stark, who was last seen at the end of season four journeying beyond the Wall to visit the three-eyed raven.