How 'Game of Thrones' failed its women

In the abstract, Season 8 sounds like Game of Thrones' female-friendliest yet.
The struggle for the Iron Throne has come down to Cersei and Daenerys. Arya slayed the Night King. Brienne got knighted and got laid. Lyanna Mormont is this season's breakout fan fave. And Sansa, much-abused, much-maligned Sansa, has emerged as one of the smartest players in the game.
So why does it all ring so hollow?
From the beginning, Game of Thrones has distinguished itself through its female characters. Unlike s