Double standard much? You're bothered by Stannis choking the woman who murdered his brother and spurred him on to humiliating defeat at King Landing, but disappointed Arya didn't get to murder anyone? I guess violence is only bad when directed at female characters? "TAKE BACK THE NIGHT!" It DOES seem that you and Martin have a similar sentiment. Two seasons in and ONE woman has been brutaly killed (by another woman, so maybe THAT'S okay), while dozens of men have been butchered on screen. Catelyn betrays the King in the North, and is given house arrest. Osha tries to kill Bran and Robb, and is hired as the boys' nanny. Ygritte puts her own head on the chopping (stone) and Jon Snow falls in love with her. Tywin FREAKING Lannister engages in verbal sparring with a high-born Northerner and lets her handle his food and drink. Yeah - that ALL makes complete sense. /sarcasm /rant Although, I do agree that Stannis leading the castle attack was ridiculous. He was a foot away from having a dropped stone pulp HIS head. Way to tempt destiny, there, Chosen One.