Fans of Game of Thrones, whether they’ve read the books or not, know that the Red Priestess Melisandre has been an important part of the events taking place throughout Westeros. From her interactions with Jon Snow to her guidance of Stannis Baratheon, the Red Priestess has made herself an integral piece of the process as to who will be the ruler of the seven kingdoms. Even though Carice van Houten is by all accounts cool person, Melisandre has up until now been a coldly confident character who makes sure to back the winning horse at all times and does what it takes to position the chess pieces in exactly the way she wants them to be set up.
But in season six, Melisandre’s confidence might have deserted her in the face of her greatest challenge yet. Carice van Houten spoke to Entertainment Weekly about her arc in the upcoming season, and much of what she says about the character’s direction seems accurate for someone who just saw her “magic” and power completely fail her at an important crossroads.
We see somebody whose whole belief system is tumbling down. She’s completely confused, and I really like to play that. After all the security and strength and pride, now we see something completely different. I’ve been really waiting for this moment.
Yes, that sounds about right for someone who just burned an innocent child at the stake in order to win a crucial battle only for that not to even remotely work like she wanted it to work. Anybody in the same position would have some confidence issues. Importantly, the season premiere is appropriately titled “The Red Woman” so it seems like audience will get a sense of her changed outlook on life sooner rather than later. The most important question though is whether she still has enough confidence in her powers to bring Jon Snow back to life. We’re only a few weeks away from the premiere at this point so let the speculation continue apace.
(via Entertainment Weekly)
