It is no secret Carice van Houten's character Melisandre is one of the most hated in "Game of Thrones." She is manipulative, ruthless, and selfish.
In "Game Of Thrones" season 5, episode 9, the hate for the red-head, witch-like lady overflowed due to her role in the burning of an innocent child that endeared to many fans, Shireen (Kerry Ingram). She did not only convince Stannis to sacrifice his child, she was also the one who lit her up in front of the people.
Before that, the show was criticized for Sansa Stark rape scene, attracting more hate towards the show's portrayal of violence against women and children.
Melisandre has been working for Satannis Baratheon and most of the time, she gets what she wants. However, her latest act in the latest "Game of Thrones" season 5 episode will probably not match any crimes she committed before.
It is not just fans who think Melisandre went overboard in the latest "Game of Thrones" season 5 episode. Even van Houten herself. The actress even had to 'close certain parts of my soul' before shooting the scene.
"It's appalling. And the only way I tried to play it, which comes across as purely evil, is to be content with the fact that we were doing this because in Melisandre's head, it's the only way to save us al," the Dutch actress said in an interview with The Daily Beast hours after "Game of Thrones" season 5 episode 9 aired.
"She can't show any emotion. She wants Stannis on the throne because she thinks he's the rightful king she saw in the flames, so she sees the bigger picture-them or us. Melisandre thinks, 'If we let the girl live, we're going to die anyway, so we need to make this big sacrifice.'"
Carice van Houten also recalled the moments she had with Ingram before they shoot their fiery scene together.
"We had a lot of fun in the tent before, and she is the sweetest girl," recalls van Houten. "She gave me a little present-and she was dying! I felt bad and thought I should have brought her something. She got me an eternal flame, one of those candles with a fake flame on it. Really cute."
Although she thinks the latest Melisandre evilness in "Game of Thrones" season 5 episode 9 is too much, Van Houten still believes it was narratively justified.
"Game of Thrones" season 5 finale called "Mother's Mercy" will air this week,
