Westeros

Melisandre of Asshai and Stannis Baratheon, in what are undoubtedly the best shots we’ve had of the actors so far. Carice van Houten looks amazing. No, she doesn’t have red contacts, but then we’ve heard that they found it difficult for the actors and that it detracted from their performances, so who really cares? I would have preferred a somewhat richer gown for her—this one feels a little modern in its cut, a little basic—but she looks terrific in it. And she has her choker with its big red gem…

And, at last, Stannis in some armor. It’s a kind of plated mail, not uncommon in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the Asian steppes in the Middle Ages. More notably? Look at the heart with what’s a stag’s head on the chest, partially obscured by his cloak. Looks like they’re keeping the stag in the burning heart as his personal sigil, which is terrific.

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Helen Sloan/HBO

Stannis Baratheon, S2, Melisandre of Asshai, Characters, Characters, Characters, Characters, Characters