But honestly, the main reason I stopped doing the Power Rankings was because I became a little disenchanted with the show this season. At the beginning of the year I would have said that "Game of Thrones" was the best show on TV. Now, I'm not so sure. I didn't understand why the show decided to turn a consensual sex scene in the books into a rape scene in the show, ruining the character of Jaime in the process. I was confused as to why Ygritte was barely in the show, especially considering her death in Episode 9 was supposed to be one of the seasons' biggest moments. But most of all, I was disappointed by the lack of theme and flow between the episodes. The first three seasons all felt consistent throughout their respective 10 episodes. However Season 4 felt more like a collection of big moments (awesome moments, I'll admit) than a constant narrative.
I still love "Game of Thrones." And overall I really liked this season. But before this season, I would've said that the show and the books are equal in quality. Now though, even with the problems of the series, I definitely believe the books are better than the show. Maybe Season 5 will change that.
Before you read this I will forewarn you that I have read all of the books! But there are NO SPOILERS in these power rankings! None! Of course, my prior knowledge of what is to come can't help but seep in a little here and there, but there are no blatant spoilers for anything major or minor that is going to happen. I HAVE WRITTEN THIS AS THOUGH I HAVE NOT READ THE BOOKS! You can read this post and still enjoy season five completely unspoiled. Get it? Got it? Good.
Honorable Mention: Daenarys Targaryen (Week Two: Fourth Place)
To be honest, Daenarys is lucky to be on this list at all. She's lost control of her dragons, with one burning a child to death and fleeing and being forced to lock the other two away. She's lost control of Meereen, as she struggles to make the right decisions and has raised the ire of the people of the city. Some of the slaves she freed even want to go back into slavery. And most embarrassingly, she lost control of her own people as she banished her most loyal adviser, Jorah Mormont, because he spied on her for a little bit a few years ago. Come on, Daenarys. The only reason she's here is because so many other characters are dead now.
Fifth Place: Sansa Stark (Week Two: Not Listed)
At the beginning of the season who would've thought that Sansa Stark would be anywhere close to this list? Yet here she is. Finally, Sansa seems ready to play the game of thrones. In Episode 8, she was able to expertly lie to the Lords of the Vale and she appeared in a new, seductive outfit that seemed to be intended to seduce Littlefinger, the new ruler of the Vale. Can Sansa successfully manipulate him? If so, expect to see her shoot up this list as next season progresses.
Fourth Place: House Tyrell (Week Two: Honorable Mention)
While the Tyrells mostly sat out the last half of Season 4, they are still a formidable force in Westeros. Lady Olenna was one of the main players behind the death of everyone's favorite, King Joffrey. Yet still, her granddaughter Margaery is posed to become queen by marrying Joffrey's younger brother, Tommen. Also, Mace Tyrell, has a seat on the small council while Loras is a Knight of the Kingsguard. Right now, the Tyrells are definitely sitting pretty.
Third Place: Roose Bolton (Week Two: Third Place)
Roose and his son Ramsay are now in full control of the North with their victory at Moat Cailin thanks to their loyal servant Reek. As Roose said, the North is bigger than all the other six kingdoms combined and if Roose can rule it effectively he could easily be one of the most powerful people in Westeros. He already has the support of the Lannisters, he's rid the North of the Ironborn, and now he's taking up residence in Winterfell. It will be interesting to see what his next move is, especially now that Stannis Baratheon has arrived in the North.
Second Place: Littlefinger (Week Two: Not Listed)
Littlefinger's plan has finally started to come to light. This season we learned that the entire series has pretty much been Littlefinger's fault, as he is the one who was behind the plan to murder Jon Arryn which, if you remember, was the entire reason behind the events of the first episode. Also, Littlefinger was able to escape the mess that was King's Landing and through marriage and murder became Lord of the Vale, one of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Not to mention, he is also the Lord of Harrenhal. On top of all of that, he played a huge part in Joffrey's murder yet absolutely no one suspects him of it. Littlefinger is certainly is an amazing position as of the end of Season 4.
First Place: Cersei Lannister (Week Two: Second Place)
Cersei's definitely gone through a lot of crap recently. First, her daughter Myrcella was shipped off to Dorne by Tyrion. Then Tyrion murdered her eldest son (or so she thought). Cersei was so close to getting her revenge on Tyrion when he escaped and murdered her father, Tywin. And of course, her relationship with Jaime hasn't exactly been stellar. Yet despite all that, Cersei is now the most powerful person in the Seven Kingdoms. With her father dead, she is the only one who can influence King Tommen. On top of that, Tommen isn't even technically of age, so she is still the Queen Regent in his stead. So for now she's at the top of the Power Rankings.
Missing the Cut:
I almost gave the Honorable Mention to Stannis Baratheon instead of Daenarys, but at least Daenarys has somewhere to rule. Stannis is just enjoying the hospitality of the Night's Watch...Bran Stark has finally made it to the Three-Eyed Crow and has met the Children of the Forest along the way. Depending on how they help his abilities, Bran could be on the Power Rankings sooner than later...Meanwhile Arya Stark has fled across the Narrow Sea. While it's nice to see Arya independent and free for the first time in a while it's hard to justify that she deserves a spot on the rankings...Likewise Tyrion Lannister and Lord Varys are also fleeing, but again, while exciting fleeing does not earn you a spot on the Power Rankings.
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