Discriminated against for her gender, mocked for her appearance, in love with someone who could never love her back, cursed by being in the wrong place at the wrong time, quite possibly doomed for swearing allegiance to people whose fortunes are falling rapidly: The warrior woman Brienne embodies nearly every misfortune that can befall the people of Game of Thrones, all in a single character. And towering actress Gwendoline Christie embodies Brienne in turn: If it weren't for "Blackwater"'s wildfire explosion, her very real height would be the season's best "special effect."