The new trailer for HBO’s Game of Thrones Season 6 recently aired and GOT rumors and spoilers are already flying. The new trailer certainly has fans excited for Season 6. It appears the Game of Thrones fan base didn’t take all that much of a hit in spite of all the controversy it received over the rape scene between Sansa Stark, played by Sophie Turner, and Ramsay Bolton, portrayed by Iwan Rheon, back in Season 5.
Some viewers threatened they would stop watching Game of Thrones after the rape scene aired on Season 5 . A boycott was even led by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill. The Democratic politician tweeted she was “done with Game of Thrones …Gratuitous rape scene disgusting and unacceptable.”
Ok, I’m done Game of Thrones.Water Garden, stupid.Gratuitous rape scene disgusting and unacceptable.It was a rocky ride that just ended.
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) May 19, 2015
Many Game of Thrones fans rushed in to point out there had already been a rape scene between Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo, as well as between siblings Cersei and Jaime Lannister at the foot of their son’s casket. Where was everyone’s outrage then, some fans demanded. Or the outrage over the murder of an innocent baby or the castration of Theon Greyjoy?
According to the Daily Mail , Sophie Turner also defended the rape scene.
“The thing is, Game of Thrones does not shy away from the reality of what happened in those times,” said Turner. “The oppression of women happened and still happens, particularly in wars and arranged marriages. Why is there so much attention when it happens on television and not when it happens in the real world?”
Good point, Sophie. And Game of Thrones fans should already be aware the hit fantasy show doesn’t shy away from controversy. Rape, incest, murder of babies, and torture are all fair game in Game of Thrones . If you have a weak stomach, don’t watch this show.
The Telegraph reported Iwan Rheon’s response to the Game of Thrones rape scene.
“I think if more people put their effort into the charities that help women in the world today deal with the horror of rape, and less effort in social media about a fantasy show, then maybe things could change,” Iwan stated.
As much as we all love the Starks on Game of Thrones , the stark reality is if your family name is Stark , your life may likely end, swiftly and brutally.
Early on Sansa’s father, Eddard Stark, who appeared to be the main character in the first season of Game of Thrones , was executed by Joffrey Baratheon. Eventually Sansa’s mother, Catelyn Stark, along with her brother Robb Stark were all brutally murdered during the “Red Wedding” episode. Arya Stark seems to be hanging in there, (rumor is she’s author George R.R. Martin’s mother’s favorite character and possibly the only one who doesn’t need to fear death). Also still surviving is little brother, Bran Stark.
Let’s also not forget about Sansa’s bastard half-brother, Jon Snow, who was stabbed to death by his own Night’s Watch brothers at the end of Season 5. So Jon’s now dead as well, or is he? Rumors have certainly been circulating along with pictures of actor Kit Harington filming Season 6. Sometimes in Game of Thrones , dead doesn’t mean dead. Usually it does, but not always.
Sophie Turner remained tight-lipped when asked about what she knew about Jon Snow’s fate.
“For now, he’s dead. Who knows about the future.”
“Jon. Come back.” #GoT50 pic.twitter.com/9fakitrIvF
— Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) April 12, 2016
Although Sansa is still breathing, fans may agree she has had some of the worse luck, going from Game of Thrones biggest sociopath, Joffrey Baratheon, to arguably an even bigger sociopath, Ramsay Bolton.
In Game of Thrones Season 5, fans were cheering Sansa on when she reminded Bolton’s lover, Myranda, she was “a Stark…and not afraid.” It seems Sansa is starting to gain back some confidence. In the Game of Thrones Season 6 trailer you catch a glimpse of the coldness on her face.
“It’s all I think about,” she says. “What’s taken from me.”
Read more from the Inquisitr regarding Game of Thrones Season 6 spoilers and watch the new trailer right here.
Although controversy continues to surround Game of Thrones , nothing seems to be slowing down fans’ excitement over the fantasy series that premieres on HBO on April 24, 2016.
[Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images]