I know they always say you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, but, now that Game of Thrones has brought one character back to life, I can't help hoping they'll do it for another. Namely, I'm wondering — will Catelyn Stark ever return to Game of Thrones ? The matriarch of Winterfell was killed off all the way back in Season 3, Episode 9, which was called "The Rains of Castamere." but which you probably call "The Red Wedding." You're welcome for the reminder of that incredibly gory imagery. I hope you weren't planning on eating today.
Catelyn's throat-cutting was particularly vivid, leaving no question that her death was genuine; you just don't come back from that kind of slaughter. Unless you do! Because, as we all learned in Season 6, Episode 2 of the show, people can be brought back from the dead. Melisandre proved that in "Home" when she resurrected Jon Snow. So, with that in mind, will Catelyn Stark be returning, either in Season 6 or beyond? Short answer? No. Definitely not. But the long answer does have some book spoilers.
If Catelyn did come back, it likely wouldn't be as herself, it would be as Lady Stoneheart, the name her character is given in the books by George R.R. Martin when she returns. In the books, Lady Stoneheart is resurrected via help from Beric Dondarrion, who gives his life so that she can rise from the dead and take revenge on all those who wronged her. It's a huge plot line in the books, and one that I have my fingers crossed so tightly that they end up using on the show.
I mean, Catelyn is such a ballsy, awesome character — as is Michelle Fairley, the actress who plays her. We need more lady power to come back and start kicking the ass of some of these terrifying males. I'm looking at you, Ramsay Bolton and Littlefinger. Time for everyone to stop messing with the Stark Babies, because Stark Mama is back in town.
At least, I'm hoping she will be, and pulling no punches while she's at it. It definitely feels possible. Even though Fairley isn't on contract for Season 6, that wouldn't preclude her from appearing in one or two episodes, just to give us a taste of what we've been missing and set up a full return in Season 7 or beyond. Because, at the end of the day, if we can bring back one member of the Stark clan, surely we can extend the same courtesy to another. Especially one as complex and intriguing as Catelyn.
Images: HBO; Giphy
