** WARNING: Contains spoilers **

Recently there has been controversy over the Game of Thrones TV series. It’s been written about in the Guardian, and even Woman’s Hour has picked up on it. This all stems from one particular episode that included a rape scene between Jaime and Cersei Lannister, which was definitely consensual in the book – if anything Cersei was pushing for sex, while Jaime held back. I was not happy with this change because it isn’t consistent with Jaime’s character, which is becoming far more sympathetic.

This has started a discussion about the sexism in Game of Thrones. I can respect that some women might not want to read about or watch rape scenes, just like some people don’t like to read about murder, torture or anything harrowing for that matter. However, I understand its place in Game of Thrones, as it’s a medieval setting, where these things are common. Also, the series does not glorify or condone these actions. It’s a shame that women are being put off reading or watching this great series because there are so many reasons for women to love Game of Thrones! Here are just a few of them…

The female characters are badass!

In a lot of popular culture female characters are often portrayed in their stereotypical roles. The virgin, the mother, the whore. Well Game of Thrones has them all, but there’s also the soldier, the tomboy, the Queen, the priestess… Many of them have men wrapped around their little fingers (Cersei, Melisandre, Daenerys ) and some of them are physically just as strong as any man (Brienne, Ygritte, Yara). The characters are so well developed and however much you might dislike a character, you can’t help but respect and admire them.

Not all of the women are sexy twenty-somethings.

There’s a great age range in Game of Thrones and all characters, both young and old, are as important to the storyline as any other. The young Arya Stark is one of the bravest and most ferocious characters. Mothers, Cersei and Catelyn are both cunning and endlessly determined to get what they want and protect their families. Finally, there’s the fantastic Olenna Tyrell who is sharp, witty and deadly – I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of her!

The men are hot!

Whether you like a man with muscle, floppy blonde hair or a sense of humour, Game of Thrones has something to offer. You can also find men who are cheeky, arrogant, brave, rich, brooding, mysterious and cunning. If you don’t like men at all there are, of course, also plenty of beautiful women to admire.

The stunning outfits.

The detail that goes into the Game of Thrones series is unbelievable, and I particularly love the outfits. In the current season, Daenerys has a wonderful wardrobe that makes her look feminine, yet comfortable. Everything Margaery wears is a bit daring but always exquisite. And Cersei looks fabulous with her long draping sleeves, however evil she is.

 Finally, it’s a great story!

Game of Thrones has a bit of everything; politics, sex, war, magic, love, fantastic settings, brilliant characters and dragons! What more could you want?