The 30 most heartwarming moments on Game of Thrones

9. Brienne and Podrick rescue Sansa and Theon (“The Red Woman”)

KATIE: This scene, from the Season 6 premiere, “The Red Woman,” radiates triumph and hope. Sansa and Theon, who have known such pain and abuse through the years, are on the verge of escaping it for good when Ramsay’s cronies catch up with them. But it’s not long before Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero” is heard through the woods, ushering in the heroic appearance of Brienne and Podrick. I challenge you to find me anyone who didn’t straight-up cheer.

For once, Sansa and Theon’s rescue isn’t feigned, sabotaged, or tainted by the questionable motivations of an even more questionable older gentleman. Brienne and Pod aren’t the likeliest of heroes, but as it happens, they are the truest. Their loyalty and altruism is unmatched, and that’s exactly what Sansa and Theon need now. It’s not only refreshing to see the good guys get a little love, but about damn time, too.

Brienne’s pledge of fealty to Sansa beautifully mirrors both women’s relationships with the late Catelyn Stark. These three women have been linked through Brienne’s oath to Catelyn, and her promise to extend that oath to her children, specifically her daughters. Now, finally, Brienne can fulfill that promise, and Sansa can once more feel safe under the protection of someone who genuinely has her best interests at heart.

Upon her acceptance of Brienne’s service, Sansa takes on the role of the Lady of Winterfell. She may not have her home or family back just yet, but she’s finally ready to. She has taken the reins from her mother and proves to be just as fierce and tenacious. In Brienne’s pledge, Sansa finds a safety and peace that she hasn’t known since the death of her father. Sansa finds someone worth trusting, because she knows her mother wouldn’t have placed her in the hands of anyone unworthy. Brienne of Tarth is many things, but unworthiness couldn’t touch her with a ten-foot pole.