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HBO has just released 8 new photos from “The Gift,” the seventh episode of Game of Thrones season 5.
The episode synopsis: Jon prepares for conflict. Sansa tries to talk to Theon. Brienne waits for a sign. Stannis remains stubborn. Jaime attempts to reconnect with family.
New HQ photos below the cut!
“The Gift” is written by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. This will be the first outing as a Game of Thrones director for Miguel Sapochnik, who is also helming next week’s “Hardhome.”
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Plus, HBO published this photo from “The Gift” on their official website today:
Hodor ! Lol
Looking forward to Jaime and Myrcella talk : at last some good stuff about Dorne (maybe)
Also intrigued about how Tyrion will meet Dany and what dynamic Tyrion will bring to Dany’s storyline
What is Olenna planning in this photo?? What’s inside the letter she is holding ? I am afraid harder will be the fall for the Lannisters :/ You don’t mess with Queen of thornes
Tommen looks…. backed up.
Dany’s neckpiece with the three dragon heads AND I’M DEAD.
I wonder what tasty piece of info is written on that scroll, QoT?
Arya is officially cut like Bran. Damn.
That still with Jaime and Myrcella is just beautiful.
Tommen looks pissed. Is he about to put his foot down with Cersei?
Someone mentioned that there’s a scene from the Season 5 trailer we haven’t seen yet: the shot of Margaery, in her usual queenly finery, on the bed embracing Tommen (I think) with a fierce, determined look. Either this is from a cut scene, or Margaery gets released and restored to her former position.
Is Dany’s white dress with the dragon necklace
?
I’m wondering about Dany’s “wheel” speech from the Season 5 trailers. We haven’t heard it yet, have we? It sounds like something she would say to someone from Westeros, since the house names she mentions (Baratheon, Lannister, etc.) wouldn’t mean that much to someone Essosi.
M,
Also possible that Tommen visits her in prison.
He’s probably just found some beets on his plate is all.
Gd75,
The seal appear to be blue, that’s the Arryn color. Based on the conversation we saw in the trailer, my guess is that she made some kind of pact with LF.
Every storyline except Arya’s is confirmed to be appearing, it will be a pretty packed episode.
After both David Hill and B.Cog both failed to deliver, i can’t wait for D&D to put us back on track #InD&DWeTrust
Olenna means business…
Jaime looking nice
That really says a lot about Arya’s place in the show. She’s such a non-priority at this point that I wonder how she was even included this season. Why not just put her scenes in a small webseries instead or something?
Myrcella’s dress is beautiful. Dany’s necklace is the one she wore on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. Yaaaas.
Everyone has the same expression in these photos except for Sam who is hoping to get lucky.
M,
LOL.
In the last pic what is the last token on the map?
We see Boltons, Stannis’ army and… the other?
otterbox,
What counts is actual screentime. The last list i saw she came up at 4th place, that’s quite high for a character with an isloated storyline, who’se also just in a training periode.
otterbox,
Sigh……….(AT you)
Lars,
“lol” at the webseries idea? I think it would have worked great. There would be more time distributed to the more important storylines while the Arya fans would get what they wanted, and most people wouldn’t have sit through the tedious HoBW scenes. Everyone would be happy.
Jaime: Myrcella, I am your father.
Myrcella: Ewww. Go away.
What plan does (or did) Jaime have to escape with her? Back to the chaos of KL? By sea, by land? It’s not like they have a ship waiting. Impeccable planning!
It doesn’t look good for Bronn.
KrakenDaughter,
They shouldn’t have given her that much time, honestly. They should have just cut her entirely from episodes 2 and 3 because basically nothing happened in those scenes and they only served to frustrate/bore the general audience. And I can’t blame them since nobody wants to see a training arc.
You will be queen,
I was wondering the same thing. Could it be sellwords?
In S4, Cersei told Oberyn that she had a ship for Myrcella, as a gift. Oberyn said he would have it sent down to Sunspear. Maybe that’s the getaway boat?
The Jaime and Myrcella picture above is really nice. Looking forward to that conversation.
Poor Tommen.
Uh oh, Stan and Melly are eyeing the table again…”wanna have another go?”
Jaime and Myrcella, Cersei and Tommen. This is parenting at its finest!
As for Olenna, I’m assuming she’s sending a letter to Mace in Braavos about his children being taken captive.. telling him to abort negotiations with the Iron Bank with regards to helping the Lannisters.
Is Tyrion the gift for Dany?
Wow who ISN’T in this episode?
Arya I guess. Her story lines have always been slow, but usually more enjoyable. I feel like she had soooo many scenes with Tywin in Harrenhal but at least they were delightful together.
The costumes this season continues to be awesome. Both of Myrcella’s dresses we’ve seen so far have been so pretty and Sansa’s wedding dress last week was great. Dany always look good too until you see a full body shot and she’s always wearing pants under a dress? Whatever, still amazing. There was some magazine article with a significantly different outfit for Arya at some point too right? I wonder when we’re gonna get to that. I can’t believe how far along the season already is 🙁
Arya’s kickass episode is Episode 8, apparently. But I can’t say I’ve thought her training a waste of time. I think it’s been well done.
He doesn’t have a plan. That’s part of the problem.
Then, from the episode description:
Interested to see how this plays out.
Flora Linden,
Hmmm, fair enough. I always wondered about that. Thx.
You will be queen,
Da Umbers? THEY”RE BLOODY TOUGH!
otterbox,
Her episode 3 scenes were good. So was the hall of faces and her giving the young girl the gift of mercy in the last episode. IMO. I’ll be happy when she gets out of the dreary HOBAW, though.
Chrysee,
I think the girl who died at the HoBW was actually wearing the outfit Arya was seen in in the promo shots for the season (as her new look). And the hairdo. The little braid buns up high on the sides. So I think Cat of the Canals will be getting the dead girls look…
I’ve really enjoyed the HoBW scenes as well. They aren’t exactly action packed but slow and sublte doesn’t equal boring!
i cant see the dany pic….. 🙁
M,
I actually think Tyrion will meet Dany face to face in the show, in some interviews they have Tyrion dressed in very nice clothes, clothes we have not seen him in so far, but clothes one would wear when you meet the Queen.
btw…
i think both jon and dany will be in the next 4 episodes
Still the best line from an episode blurb this season.
Re: the Tommen and Cersei stills:
Aww looks at Stannis’ ridiculously light armour hanging up there. Somebody get the man a proper suit of armour!
That shot of Jaime and Myrcella looks beautiful – I’m confident the Dorne stuff will be much better this week.
What does it say on the scroll Olenna is holding !?!?
Can’t wait
don,
I don’t think Jon will be in episode 9. Just a hunch.
Myrcella looks gorgeous!
What are we thinking “The Gift” is??
If you took Arya’s storyline time & gave it to Team Bran, it would’ve been more interesting.
Arya sweeping, scrubbing and cleaning corpses
Or
Bran learning how to fly from the Three-eyed Raven
Audience would’ve loved Bran
Has someone been messing around with IMDB for episode 10???????
http://m.imdb.com/title/tt3866862/fullcredits/cast?ref_=m_tt_cl_sc
KrakenDaughter,
Don’t feed the trolls. LOL
Benjen? Must’ve.
debbie,
I originally thought it was referring to the gift of mercy, which would have been Arya related. But now I think it refers to the piece of land south of the Wall.
otterbox,
Did the “general audience” tell you that? or did you pull it out of your aass. You’re making an assumption basded on your personnel frustration with the storyline.
You seem to be an Arya hate. For some reason they keep popin’ up in WotW comment’s section.
Pigeon,
Someone sure has been messing with IMDB. That just made my day! Let the controversy begin…
Hodor’s Bastard,
That’s just a wild guess, by the way. Who knows if that detail will ever be brought up again, maybe it’s just a random moment that doesn’t mean anything. But it’s possible Myrcella’s boat could have a role in the Dorne storyline. We’ll find out.
mariamb,
Sure would be a lovely thought. 🙂
Roberta Baratheon,
I want to say, but I’m not certain, that the mini bun hair was seen on other ladies in Braavos too. Maybe when Arya first arrived at the beginning of the season? It’s hard to say because the lighting is so dim in those scenes, but I feel like the promo photo had some bright-ish colors. Maybe Arya is sent to live with that father’s family, as a favor for the gift to his daughter?
Pigeon,
I think its hilarious when this happens. It will take days to quiet everyone down.
I see there uncle Benjen and Balon Greyjoy !! interesting 😛
mariamb,
I know, like the ‘Hooded Figure’. LOL.
So Sansa becomes Jeyne Poole…and Bronn is going to become Aerys Oakheart?
Not only do I think Arya will be in this episode, I also think she’ll get the finale scene. In addition to the episode’s title sounding a bit “Faceless Men”y, check out the pattern going on in the synopses of the last bunch of episodes…
S5E4: “The Faith Militant grow increasingly aggressive. Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and Bronn (Jerome Flynn) head south. Ellaria (Indira Varma) and the Sand Snakes vow vengeance.”
Ended with the Meereen plot.
S5E5: “Dany (Emilia Clarke) makes a difficult decision in Meereen. Jon (Kit Harington) recruits the help of an unexpected ally. Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) searches for Sansa (Sophie Turner). Theon (Alfie Allen) remains under Ramsay’s (Iwan Rheon) control.”
Ended with Tyrion and Jorah.
S5E6: “Arya (Maisie Williams) trains. Jorah (Iain Glen) and Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) run into slavers. Trystane (Toby Sebastian) and Myrcella (Nell Tiger Free) make plans. Jaime and Bronn reach their destination. The Sand Snakes attack.”
Ended with Sansa and Theon.
Basically, in order to make it more surprising, they keep ending the episodes with a plot line not mentioned in the synopsis. So, bearing in mind that Arya has not had a finale scene yet this season, and “The Gift” doesn’t sound like it has much to do with the Meereen plot, look at this…
S5E7: “Jon prepares for conflict. Sansa tries to talk to Theon. Brienne waits for a sign. Stannis (Stephen Dillane) remains stubborn. Jaime attempts to reconnect with family.”
Pretty sure the episode ends with Arya.
Is hilarious. Arya, one of the original main characters, one of the first characters GRRM created, and the only POV with chapters in all books, and they say she is irrelevant. Guess that is also why she is still alive when they could have killed her a thousand times already, ’cause she is irrelevant
KrakenDaughter,
Most people can’t stand the storyline.
The Gift: more than one meaning?
The fighting pits opened were a wedding gift, poisoned spear a gift to Bronn, The actual Gift in the North given to the Wildlings, Oylenna throws Cersai to the High Sparrow ( a gift to us all!), Cersai’s boat gift to Myrcella, an army to help Stannis… And on it goes.
mariamb,
Pigeon,
Look at all those names! Lol!
You will be queen,
After some investigating, those markers belong to
Hodor’s Bastard,
It really would be brilliant. Aside from one name that is NOT there. 🙁
A wight, a white walker, and the night’s king walk into a bar…
Looking closer, Stannis is actually hodling one of those toys. So we’ll be getting an answer.
Could it they be krakens? with Yara confirmed to appear maybe they’ll be doing a version of Deepwood motte after all.
I’m going to say Sellswords… looks to me like an upright sword with a coin (or perhaps a round shield) against it, the sword hilt sticking out the top. If you look at the picture just above it, with Stannis and Davos, Stannis has one in his hand. You can see the hilt and crossguard of the sword more clearly. The only Northern houses with swords in their sigil is House Ironsmith (Northerners seem to favour axes in their heraldry), but that’s a hilt down sword, surrounded by horseshoes, and we’ve never heard of them in the books or the show.
Ajotanelsona,
You will be queen,
KrakenDaughter,
That look on Olenna’s face is about as formidable a look as I’ve ever seen. I hope more and more her line from the trailer “they’ll never even find what’s left of you” is directed toward Cersei.
The Rat Kook,
That would be an interesting pattern, if true. We’ll see if 507 bears that out, or if it’s just coincidence.
Nymeria Warrior Queen,
I’m hoping that it is directed at Littlefinger.
Glad to have Stannis and his stubbornness back in this episode. All is now right.
“Stannis remains stubborn.”
Also in this episode: “Sun rises. People carry swords. Life is grim.”
I need a Ghost cameo 🙁
Lion of Night,
That was my first guess. Maybe they’re discussing why the army would do bad against the snow.
Jacobes,
You’ll get one. 🙂
Do you think that the letter Olenna has
Pigeon,
I hope so. He’s my favorite character after Jon, lol. The little cameo he had in episode 1 got me way stoked.
Gd75,
I like how you say at last some good Dorne stuff based on a few words in a brief synopsis that is not from the source material. Now not being from the source material doesn’t automatically make it bad, but based on what we’ve seen from Dorne I am expecting the worst. I guess the optimist could see that there is no way they swing and miss again though.
jasonw,
Whoa…good one. A bit of QoT blackmail perhaps?
I think this episode will end with Cersei’s arrest 😮
mariamb,
That’s what I initially thought, and I wouldn’t mind it if it is directed at LF, but the last couple of weeks, especially last week, has made me want to see Olenna eviscerate Cersei, and just that picture above of Cersei talking to Tommen reinforces it.
jasonw,
I’m not sure the seal would be blue if it was, but I like that idea! Then again, I hope it is something even more damming than that.
Don’t ask me why I was zooming on Dany’s eyes, but just look at the reflection on her eye, am I crazy or you can see Jorah (or at least a man with a sword) in it? pic: http://i.imgur.com/BxFPFYC.jpg
Anyway, I thought that was pretty cool.
Jacobes,
(Spoiler!)
Here in Canada, we get a little excited over ‘one of our own’. LOL.
That seal looks black…
Nymeria Warrior Queen,
I wouldn’t object to a Cersei take-down but someone has to go after LF.
Luka Nieto,
Actually, the man who gets Margerie out of the custody of the high sparrow and his faith militant storm troopers is Lord Randal Tarley, a Tyrell bannerman, the father of Sam the Slayer. Lord Tarley arrives in Kings Landing with troops to back up a don’t mess with me attitude. He obtains Margerie’s release and agrees to keep her in King’s Landing for trial. Sam’s father isn’t a nice man, but he’s one hard nosed SOB who does not put up with nonsense. He and the Queen of Thorns would be a truly formidable combination.
Balerion The Cat,
I think I can actually see what you’re talking about….if true, you need to be hired by a technical forensic unit. LOL!
BeverlyMarsh,
Bbb buh Bev…….It’s Big Bill! Is thu thu thu that ya ya you?
This episode will DEFINITELY end with King’s Landing.
At least Dorne is gorgeous to look at…..
otterbox,
She’s in episode 2, 3, 6, 8, 9 and 10. Her big eps are at the end. Stop being a fool.
Did you notice that the weakest episodes of the season so far (4,5,6) were writen by Dave Hill and Brian Cogman?Maybe that is the reason for the bad writen scenes.I expect a noticeable increase in the quality of the scenes and dialogs in next episodes because it will be only D&D till the end.It’s their baby after all!
Ozymandias,
Dorne will surely get better now. Less ridiculous plans, more Doran, nice Jaime scenes.
That’s Sansa’s job. You have to wait about 12-13 more episodes, I am guessing.
One thing that puzzles me is why Diana Rigg hasn’t joined the main cast yet.
Pigeon,
after reading the photo caption on that article 🙂 🙂 🙂
Martin,
I quite liked episode 5, and 6 isn’t as bad as the outrage suggests. IMO.
I really really really really really REALLY REALLY REALLY hope Olenna has nothing to do with
Ajotanelsona,
What investigating? How?
It looks like a sword and a coin. previous Greyjoy markers on the show have been actual krakens.
Tyrion Pimpslap,
Yeah, the dying girl and Hall of Faces were good, but everything BEFORE that for Arya in ep. 6 could have EASILY been cut in favor of more development for Dorne or the Sparrows. Oh well.
Stannis!
Who will Ghost will be growling at next episode.. some FTW plotters maybe?
#noaryathankthegods
#aslittledorneaspossible
Jason,
I Google searched the map markers, heh. At first glance (before seeing the sword part sticking up), I was seeing the backside of the kraken. Alas, I think it is a mark for Sellswords/Braavosi, though that is a little strange that they’d be split from Stannis main force.
Perhaps Kevan takes on this role and has Margaery released. Tommen might write to him in a coming episode, and he rides to Kings Landing to set things right.
Oops. Kind of a double post.
Tyrion Pimpslap,
No they weren’t bad but they had weak points.Especially the Sand snakes and Dorne!I think that they shouldn’t have let the hardest episodes to be written by Hill and Cogman,because they had to introduce Dorne and the SS,but Hill is a writer for the first time this year and Cogman is not that experienced too.So I think that D&D should have written these episodes.
Two or three episodes left for Dorne?
Tyrion Pimpslap,
5 was great. 6 was largely awful. The two best moments in the episode IMO had almost nothing to do with writing: Iain Glen’s face and Alfie Allen’s face.
dothrakian raven,
Because her character isn’t a major player in the grand scheme of things and the character is good in small doses but has been shoehorned into this season because she has a following.
This season has been fine but really needs to pick up it’s game in the last 4 episodes as it’s currently the least enjoyable season so far by a lot.
Ajotanelsona,
My guess is, the Bolton sigils represent troops at Winterfell and the Dreadfort. If we take the boat to be Stannis’ fleet at Eastwatch, so it’s sat in the Bay of Seals, the Bolton sigil by itself is the Dreadfort, and the two together is Winterfell. Stannis is moving on Winterfell, but he’s leaving a force of Sellswords between him and the Dreadfort, incase Roose orders those troops to march on Stannis. The Sellswords are guarding his back, I guess.
Renly’s Peach,
You hope in vain. It looked very very very much like they were setting it up as her revenge, LOL 😉
TheTouchOfFrost,
Less of a major player than Bronn, Tormund, Missandei, Shae, Daario or joke of king Tomme?
TheTouchOfFrost,
I thought that after 3 seasons with quite a lot of presence she would be main cast. And then again a lot of characters haven’t been major players in the grand scheme but they made it to the main cast. At least she has contributed to a major plot in S4 and she seems to have a vital role in what’s going on in KL this season. I really enjoy reading your analyses and thoughts about the season in particular and GOT in general but I disagree with your conclusion. For me this is a very strong and enjoyable season. But then I have not read the books so I judge the show from a kind of limited perspective.
Still can’t wait to see what kind of bang the last episodes will offer~
Dornish stuff should be better by default. Two ridiculous plans to get Myrcella were stoped. Now there can be some real dialogues between various characters and it can get interesting.
I am more sceptical about Jon storyline. Jon going to Hardhome is purely the show invention and D+D have very bad track with it (Jaime in Dorne, Yara in Dreadfort). There will be a lot of battle scenes and those are often poorly done. And finally there will be no Ygritte or Stannis who usually made his scenes better. Olly or some redshirts are no good substitution.
It’s finally snowiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!
Season 1 (8.45) :
Winter is Coming : 8.5
The Kingsroad : 8.25
Lord Snow : 8
Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things : 8.25
The Wolf and The Lion : 8.75
A Golden Crown : 9
Season 2 (8.37) :
The North Remembers : 8.25
The Night Lands : 8
What Is Dead May Never Die : 8.5
Garden of Bones : 8.25
The Ghost of Harrenhal : 8.25
The Old Gods And The New : 9
Season 3 (8.45) :
Valar Dohaeris : 8
Dark Wings, Dark Words : 8
Walk of Punishment : 8.25
And Now His Watch Is Ended : 9
Kissed By Fire : 9.25
The Climb : 8.25
Season 4 (8.58) :
Two Swords : 8.5
The Lion and The Rose : 9
Breaker of Chains : 8.5
Oathkeeper : 8.5
First of His Name : 8
The Laws of Gods and Men : 9
Season 5 (8.50) :
The Wars To Come : 8
The House of Black and White : 8.5
High Sparrow : 8.75
Sons of The Harpy : 8.75
Kill The Boy : 8.75
Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken : 8.25
4 > 5 > 1 = 3 > 2 so far for me.
debbie,
The gift is
GaiusB,
You are saying that the battle scenes with Kit are poor??He is the best on the show in these scenes.D&D said that Kit is the best with the sword!Did you watch him in THE WACHERS ON THE WALL?There were no Stannis or Ygritte with him!.They filmed the Hardhome sequence for 17 days!It can’t be bad!
GaiusB,
Hmm, I think most of the battle scenes with Jon have been well executed. Hardhome was filmed over an extended period of time, with the cast and crew describing it as gruelling, I’m thinking it won’t disappoint.
Tyrion Pimpslap,
5 was the best of season 6 was the worst both by Coggman
MaesterofMasonry,
The snow started to fall last episode during Sansa’s wedding…
GaiusB,
The mission is to bring the wildlings camped at Hardhome south of the Wall, so they don’t become part of the army of the dead. I see this as a more action packed version of Jon letting the wildlings through the Wall at Castle Black in ADWD.
A Man Grown,
I agree 1000 percent
Hodorkovski,
If they do, it’ll make this shit pie even yummier. 🙂
Grand maester giz,
I like ‘High Sparrow’ the best and think ‘The Wars To Come’ was the weakest.
Threw the first 6 episodes I got it. 3-4-1-5-2 but for a whole season I have it 4-3-1-2 . It seems like this season will go down as being only better than season 2 , but it’s still my favorite show on tv
This season I got it 5-5,5-2,5-3,5-4,5-1,5-6
KrakenDaughter,
Deepwood Motte confirmed!!!!
The Jon story should be great but if the show has stannis die by the hands of Briene and just skips lsh and gravedigger to
Do
That I’ll
Be furious , and quit the show altogether
Of the Night,
How do u know this???
Seems likely we’ll get Olenna’s “They’ll never find what’s left of you” this episode. Maybe she’ll summon the Tyrell army to King’s Landing?
The picture of Myrcella with her “uncle” is breathtaking. Daenerys’ neckpiece – WANT! I hope she and Tyrion meet this episode, at least the first meeting. I hope Olenna’s grim face means the start of Cersei’s fall – I just can’t wait any longer. What is Ghost going to do?
I wonder what that scroll is that Lady Olenna is holding?
U bin played, Goldilox.
Pigeon,
That’s one crowded episode, it would have to be a double length feature to get that
cast enough time to shine.
SteveD,
I’m really hoping we get Randyll Tarly in season 6.
Grand maester giz,
The Water Garden overly staged “Errol Flynn” fight scene isn’t Cogman’s fault, though the Black Honeymoon is.
Three-Eyed Raven confirmed!!!!!!
Tyrion Pimpslap,
I am hoping Oleanna informs Cersei that Tarly is en route with the Army of the Reach, love seeing the look on her face with that news.
Sunday night is a busy night, besides GoT, there is the NHL and NBA semi games at 8:00, then Mother’s Day on top of those. Predict the lowest rating in two years. Except for of course overseas markets.
tyjon,
That why I totally believe it must be true. *cough* Although, maybe the entire episode will just consist of each character turning to face the camera and shouting what their name and lineage is for no reason. 🙂
Does stannis look like the type to wear heavy armor? The answer is NO! The armor wears the Mannis don’t you forget. Stannis is too smooth with the blade to walk around with heavy shit on.
Pigeon,
I AM SER BRONN OF THE BLACKWATER, SON OF YOU WOULDN’T KNOW HIM. I FIGHT FOR MONEY AND FUCKING. WHO DO YOU FIGHT FOR?
GaiusB,
You’re smoking crack straight out of a Kardashian asshole if you think Jon Snow sword fights are terrible. You should go to a corner of your house and look at the wall and think about it.
Tyrion Pimpslap,
He’s certainly been mentioned enough times that it wouldn’t seem strange for him to show up.
I have some ideas about how the Tyrells can refute Olyvar’s testimony. Most obviously, Olyvar served as Loras’s squire, something that is mentioned during this pre-trial session. And one of the duties of a squire is to dress his knight. Now, I’m sure that normally the knight would dress himself in smallclothes and undergarments and such, but there are surely instances where, especially after the soreness that comes with jousting or melees, the squire would draw the bath and completely undress the knight – or at least service the knight during the bath in the same non-sexual way that Myranda serviced Lady Sansa recently.
Another angle they could go with is that many knew of the Dornish-shaped birthmark, given its unusual shape.
And I’m sort of wrestling with the idea that they could easily pay a girl to testify that she’d been romantically involved with Ser Loras, although I’m not sure how far they’d want to push that since regular fornication is likely illegal, as well.
Whichever route they choose, I hope the Tyrells will be brilliant. I really, really hope so. I’ll be biting my nails while Loras bites his pillows.
A Man Grown,
I AM KING TOMMEN, SON OF A BITCH. I DON’T FIGHT CUZ MOM SAID NO.
Look I like Arya and she’s one of my favorites but you hardcore Arya fans are becoming annoying than those Greyjoys. Have patience and let my boy Stannis and others shine… damn! you suckas will cry over a bowl of noodles in a hookers purse.
King Stannis,
Lol i did not criticized Kit´s fighting abilities, but the show fighting scenes differ in quality a lot. He can not save a bad choreography, bad editing or a logical flaws of the scene no matter how good he is.
otterbox,
Well then why were you complaining about Arya’s “lack” of screen time
The Arya fans complaining about her lack of screentime are spoiled brats. If anything, she’s taken up TOO MUCH screentime scrubbing bloody floors. Get over yourselves. Sick of this overrated character. I’m thrilled this season’s taught her about humility. Give me more Stannis and Melisandre.
KrakenDaughter,
Short answer: yes.
dothrakian raven,
She’s fun to have around but the show and story would be absolutely fine without her. I know a lot of people loved the “tart” line but I thought it was pretty corny.
Whlist we’re touching on that, I think the script for this season is one of the reasons it doesn’t seem to have the same gravitas as others. There haven’t really been any moments or deep conversations and exchanges this season. Personally, I think it took too long to get going. Episode 1 was a dud, pretty much nothing happened. I think they should have trimmed some Brienne stuff (the stuff at the inn was a bit weak and the ensuing chase and fights were pointless) and Aryas a little last episode. They needed to introduce Dorne properly too, although at this point I hope it’s a one season deal with them. I mean it’s still good but doesn’t have the same presence as previous seasons perhaps because of the loss of quite a few heavy hitters last time. I all my fears are confirmed and Selmy, Aemon, Stannis and Bronn all die this season then the show is going to have an even harder time of it next season. I think Charles Dance/Tywin’s absence still weighs heavy on the show but obiviously it had to happen.
It is interesting that there are both people complaining about Arya not having enough scenes and Arya haters (who are those people? I understand them even less than those who claim Sansa wasn’t raped) who think her scenes are a waste of time and consist of nothing but sweeping. IMO, she has had an appropriate amount of screentime. Her material in AFFC was among the richest, but I’ll concede the training probably wouldn’t have made for good TV as is. Instead, we have nifty scenery, some cool interactions with her and the Waif (is that her show name? I don’t think its ever been mentioned) and Jaquen (though I still want to believe that it is someone – or should I say no one – else wearing his face), and some brief montages. No problems with the pacing or amount of screentime; it’s been about right.
Speaking of Sam,
Speaking of Stannis,
What’s left? Dorne? Hopefully with the SS imprisoned, the plot can have some semblance of normalcy. Cutting fan-favorite Arienne was a big mistake, as she drove much of the plot. Cutting Oakheart is understandable, but having an extra in Kingsguard uniform get cut down right before the SS attacked last episode would have been a nice touch of continuity from season 2 when Myrcella clearly had a KG escort. Not to mention make the SS appear dangerous. Hopefully they will have some dialogue with Doran, Bronn, Areo or whoever to establish the characters, because I don’t want to hate the characters, and the actresses need an opportunity to show their talents (hint: it isn’t fight scenes), and the scripts haven’t given them much so far.
Everything in KL looks like it will lead to the same end in the books but in a different way, and whatever way they take I’m sure will have some fun intrigue.
I suspect Dany and Brienne will have a presence in this episode, but just one short scene each.
Finally, Sansa must show some of that inner strength and initiative she showed at the end of season four. “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken” obviously did not refer to her body, but I believe it could refer to her mind and resolve.
The worst of the episode to me was the stupid mistakes . If olyvar is Loras squire than he should bath Loras than he would see the tattoo , Miranda being her hand maidon , first she’s with Tyrion and her handmade is in love with her husband now the same thing over again , yeh the ending wasn’t the best but I could of lived with it ,it was the small things obara having to say I’m obara sand daughter of Oberyn martell. . Yeh he knows yeh your his leaders niece ,
Like they never ate dinner together ? That’s what pissed me
Off besides the conveniant timing of Jaime and the sand snakes fight plus the way it
Was
Shot was just tedious
I am not sure why everybody loves Cogman. First Yara running from dogs, now the Dorne fiasco. These are the 2 worst moments in GOT history. I am excited for the big dogs to take back the reigns. The assistants are really struggling.
Renly’s Peach,
Yeah but the HS finds out about ir because of Osney Kettleblack. I think Olenna will be the one to tell him in the show
GaiusB,
I can agree about Dorne.More Doran and it will be much better.
It is the invention from D&D,but at least more interesting than Craster’s or Yara+Dreadfort.We’ll finally get to see more of White Walkers.Hardhome is such a mythical place so I’m really glad we’re visiting it in the show.It will serve as a reason why there will be THAT scene at the end involving daggers.I can imagine for the first time Night’s Watch and Widlings will be fighting side by side.
Some of the fight are poorly done and Bronn/Jaime vs Sand Snakes as prime example,but most of them are pretty good(Kit’ fights are among the very best).I’m not Mr. Harrington’s biggest fan,but he improved a lot over the course of the show.
Team Dragonstone and the Wall actors complemented each other really well and it translates to the screen.I really liked their chemistry on the show and particuraly that between Stannis and Jon.I wish there was more scenes between those two sets of actors like…Davos/Sam,Stannis/Aemon or Mel/Aemon.
Trolls. They seem to have emerged in response to the people complaining about her (alleged) lack of scenes.
Good insight regarding the birthmark. The Tyrells should use that as their defense, and the only reason they didn’t at the inquest was probably because Olyvar’s presence threw them off.
And Obara strikes me as the sort of person who tells the story of how her father gave her the spear at every opportunity. We all have friends like that 🙂
I’m not certain you’re in the US, Tyjon, but if you are, your mom may be rather upset with you. Mother’s Day was two weeks ago.
The Rat Kook,
I think that Cersei is also a possibility for end the episode with.
Beacon,
That’s the writers fault for having her scrub floors and bodies. Her storyline should be one of the best but they have made it mostly dull. If she wasn’t going to get significant screen time they should have moved fasted with it. There is so much potential for that storyline but they are wasting it.
JS,
“Welcome to McDonald’s, how can we help you?”
“MY NAME IS OBARA SAND, DAUGHTER OF OBERYN MARTELL, AND I FIGHT FOR DORNE.”
“Ma’am, can you please just make your order…”
“MY NAME IS OBARA SAND, WHO DO YOU FIGHT FOR?”
“Better starting salary, for what I put up with.”
jasonw,
As Stannis sent those throughout the kingdom, the Church would already know about the accusation. Moreover, Olenna really doesn’t want that being proven (even though she thinks it likely): Margaery’s link to any power and Olenna’s possibly great-grandson’s claim to power resides in the world thinking that Tommen is Robert’s son.
Instead, I would lean towards it being from someone who knows about Lancel and Cersei. Now that Lancel is Deputy Fanatic of No Name, it would not seem too contrived if he were to confess his sins. Moreover, as there is no reason to think that Lancel knows anything more about Jaime and Cersei than anyone else knows. Littlefinger would be a good bet. Varys would be a possibility, too: he and Olenna previously conspired, and if Varys is able to keep tabs on what is happening in Kings Landing, then he might be willing to help stir up the pot.
Or it could just be Olenna’s grocery list.
The Rat Kook,
I don’t think Arya will be in this ep and I’m almost certain it will end with Cersei.
I asked the same thing in the season trailers. Could they be… Krakens?
Deepwood Motte!!
Martin,
What? I agree with 5×05 being the weakest, but 5×04 and 5×06 were amazing! The complainers are all book readers butthurts.
I will quit reading these stupid fan reviews from now on. I’ll only come back reading them after the masterpiece of an ending this season will have.
I would be surprised if the show focuses much on that. Loras isn’t a main character, after all. Instead, the Tyrells basically are the antagonists for Cersei this year. Look for the confluence of events to somehow be used like the old Roman “fall back” tactic, with Cersei taking the bait and charging in to her defeat.
Pedro,
5 x05 was the best of the year 5-6 was just ok and besides 5.05 5.02 and 5.03 we’re better than last weeks . Maybe if you like the show simplified you would feel this way but 5.05 was deffinatly the best of the season . And 5-06 was the clunkiest episode ever does anyone else think that Sansa having two back to back husbands whose handmaidens loved them
Is retarted ???
isnt it the symbol of the golden company (sellswords)
hardly, id say ramsay was fucking with her by sending Myranda.
Pedro,
The ending I think will be good to this is the best fantasy story of it’s time but givin the source material is unbeleivable they shouldn’t be messin up . The dorne story line and cuttin charectors to add fan faction
The golden Company, beneath the raven the bitter steel. No I’m pretty sure they have skulls on a spear.
It really does look to me like a stylised squid figurine. Maybe we will see Yara!
Grand maester giz,
Most of the changes I love the Sansa dinner with the boltons was good fun , the hound vs Briene I loved it but this last episode , just had a lot of parts that had my unsullied friends saying it was stupid cause certain
Parts where? The timing of sand snakes and Jaime was horrible clunky than the fight was worse
ctid,
no. They’re marching for Winterfell, not Deepwood. Kraken markers look like Krakens…they’ve been on the show already. Those are a sword with a round disc, possibly a coin. Guessing it’s Stannis’ sellswords.
ctid,
http://news.entertainmentearth.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/1c9e_got_map_marker_set_with_map_pieces.jpg
Oberyn that u?
Grand maester giz,
5×06 was gold… it’s my favorite episode from all the seasons.
id say your right about the swords through a coin ones, but what could the ones behind them be, maybe his own they could be some kind of stylised flaming heart ?
Anyone have any idea what episode tens name is
Jason,
IIRC Stannis did not pay for sellswords… or at least Cogman said something like that in an interview for S4. He said something like: “the IB loans Stannis some money which was used to hire Salladhor Saan ships and supply his men”… Stannis already had 4,000 men last season.
StandOzone,
Ur the only person in the world who said that
Grand maester giz,
My bet: “Hear me roar” or “Winds of Winter” (although I would save the last for 6×01).
Grand maester giz,
Mmm… Nope… I am not sure if was in a Game of Owns… but was BCog… not with the words I wrote though.
StandOzone,
Wasnt the whole point of going to the IB so he could get a loan to hire men after his got all fucked up at blackwater (of course it was used to pay Sallador for his ships as well)
i’m gonna go with “OH FUCK”
Roose On The Loose,
Davos suggested Stannis to hire the Golden Company… but the IB refused to loan enough money to Stannis. Tycho even questioned them for how they would feed their men.
JamesL,
I’m enjoying Arya’s material in the shiw more than the book. That game of faces was better than any training sequence in the book imo.
They’re Robb’s markers. They’re a totally different design to Stannis’ stylised figurines so I don’t think your argument stands.
Even ignoring the controversial Sansa scene, S5E6 was one of the worst GoT episodes ever. Episodes S5E4 & S5E5 were also lackluster by GoT standards. This season was off to a pretty good start with the first 3 episodes though so hopefully D&D can bring it back on track with the next episode.
Grand maester giz,
There was some speculation that the title is ‘Winter’, though I’m not sure if it is accurate.
otterbox,
Calm your shit.
Arya isn’t any less important than she is in the books at this point. She doesn’t have much story to cover (5 book chapters, in all) and she isn’t in one of this season’s “hot zones” (Meereen, Winterfell, King’s Landing). When she comes back into the fold and return to Westeros (season 6?) I’m sure she’ll appear in more episodes.
Only Bran fans can complain.
DonalNoyesArm,
Melly Sanders isn’t really into him anymore
Tyrion Pimpslap,
Sounds plain to me.
Hodor Targaryen,
They don’t have to follow her story exactly as is in the books but there is a lot more they could be doing with it instead of having her washing floors and bodies and arguing with a snarky “Waif”. I would like to be seeing more of Braavos.
Pigeon,
I love Arya’s arc this season. People seem to forget that while the season is more than half done, Arya only appeared in three episodes. It shouldn’t be a surprise that her storyline is only starting to pick up.
LordGriffith,
But Olenna wasn’t sent to kill the previous High Septon on orders from Cersei. And Olenna SHOULDN’T know who killed Robert. So what the hell kinda proof is she gonna bring forth to the High Sparrow?
Guess weeee’ll seeeee..
And silence echoes through the boards!
otterbox,
Go look at yourself in the mirror right now. I mean really look at yourself and ask: “Do I really want more body washing and floor scrubbing taking up precious time in my GoT episodes?”
ctid,
Yeah, it is hard to imagine how Bran’s remaining stuff (which is basically from one chapter in Dragons) would have been watchable. It was basically just a string of meaningless scenes in the book. And, of course, it just doesn’t add much to the story.
Does anyone think they could make the Tyene/Arianne Bronn/Oakheart angle work
Geralt of Rivia,
YES!!! I especially wanted a scene between Mel and Aemon where she would realise he was a Targaryen and then he would drop the bombshell that Daenerys has hatched some dragons (isn’t that one of Mel’s objectives? At least in the original books it is). Finally, Aemon would ask Melisandre why she doesn’t champion Daenerys in the East?
otterbox,
False.
It’s a similar style of outfit, but not identical. Arya’s has some more intricate embroidery and fringes, and an extra sleeve layer (and semi-fingerless gloves). It seems to be a pretty common clothing and hair style for Braavosi women.
I’ve also really enjoyed Arya’s scenes this season, particularly the (not) getting rid of Needle, and all of her episode 6 scenes. I’m also a big fan of Braavos and the HoBaW, so just the visuals of seeing it all on screen have been great.
JamesL,
HBO built those elaborate sets, they need to get their monies worth.
Maybe Olenna’s letter sends for Tarly? He was mentioned and briefly talked about in Ep 5. Tyrell armies do head for KL in the books after all.
Fornication is a possibility, but it seems like he’d go for the bigger of the charges Lancel could testify against.
Incest doesn’t seem likely because convicting her of incest with Jaime would bring down Tommen / Myrcella and leave the realm without a king or a queen and marrying cousins is a common practice in Westeros, so that kind of incest can’t be viewed as a crime.
I think the HS has been sitting on the evidence the whole time and only doing Cersei’s bidding so long as it helps him consolidate power. Now that he’s the High Septon, there’s no reason not to go after her as well.
Roose On The Loose,
Well, GRRM certainly wasn’t able to do so! It would have been even more dismal on TV: it’s much too late in the series to have new lead characters.
Darren,
That would work well as plot, but it’s lacking in story. They need to (as in the book) make Cersei’s final fate (ultimately) her own doing. As I wrote above, it could be contrived by Olenna basically baiting Cersei to more and more until she trips up: after all, they’ve done such a good job of showing the audience that Cersei utterly believes that she’s wiser than everyone else that they would completely buy it.
Remember, it’s kill the girl and become the woman, so Cersei’s climax has to depend on whether or not she’s able to kill the spoiled domineering and short-sighted brat that we saw in the opening scene this year.
Despite having amiable ties to House Lannister via Tyrion and Jaime, Bronn once again sells out just as he said he would in “The Night lands” and like a classic Warner Bros 30’s Gangster stooge shares his book counterpart’s fate by meeting his maker on the end of Areo Hotah’s axe, ultimately punished for his criminality by the social justice in the narrative and realistically going out the way most Sell Swords do.
He should have stayed with Lollys.
While it sucks to lose his character the conclusion of his arc in this fashion would fit the story well I think.
JS,
Couldn’t agree more. All that chapter brings other than spooky magical stuff is speculation about Jojen and at the end of the day the show has already killed him off. The rest of it would make god awful TV.
I guess everybody has opinions. 😉 4, 5 &6 were all stronger than 1, 2, & 3 – other than the two ridiculous Sand Snake scenes, those were 3 solid episodes. (Yes, IMO, of course)
Truth be told, I fear we’re going to be left without Jaime in the Riverlands and the Arianne plot in favor a Romeo Martell and Juliet Baratheon story
Me, too! The “game of lies” was great stuff (“I hate the Hound!” *smack*).
Wimsey,
Ren Snow</strong
*Juliet Lannister
In other words, replacing two boring plots with just one boring plot, so a net gain …? 😉
Grand maester giz,
I don’t. During the preseason almost every bit of news somehow resulted in that statement. It was meant as a joke. Sorry if anyone thought I was actually harbouring intelligence.
That’s so true…no one can or should agree. Personally, I loved 6 (didn’t even mind the Sand Snakes so much) but loathed 4. Selmy’s lame death, followed by nothing but a bit of extra random thrashing about by Dany in E5, is something I consider one of the low points of the show. While the set-up to the rape scene was implausible, that was all history by E6. The all but inevitable consequence of Sansa’s poor choice was to get raped (or worse), and that is precisely what happened. And the E6 LF/Cersei scene was my favorite thing so far this season.
There’s only so much you can do with Arya’s training. It would be best to have her in episode 8 be already on her assignment
Just have Jaqen check on her real quick in 8 to see how she’s doing an explain whatever. Especially if everyone is going to be in episode 7 but her. Also since Hardhome will probably take up most of next weeks episode I would say the wall won’t be in episode 9.
Finally, I have ATT U-Verse and for some reason my synopsis are always slightly different then the ones you guys list. This is mine ” Jon gets ready for conflict, Sansa tries to speak to Theon, but he claims to not remember her; Brienne holds on for an omen; Stannis carries on as the stubborn Lord of Dragonstone; Jaimie hopes he can reconnect with family.”
Sorry if somebody already said that, didn’t want read through 200+ posts.
You guys realize that she wasn’t scrubbing the floor or dead bodies, they were teaching her to listen. That’s why she was able to get the little girl to drink. I thought it was brilliant.
Cameryn,
Really, it’s like they’ve never seen The Karate Kid. lol
I do get their disappointment on a certain level, though. When you’re expecting Kick-Ass and you get Unforgiven, boredom can be expected.
Daenery’s dragon accessories give me life. My favorite is the dragon hairpin she wears to tie up her hair. I would buy that in a hot second but my hair is too thin for those types of updos 🙁
“Stannis remains stubborn”
BEST. Loving Stannis and Team Dragonstone so much!
Unless Alliser needs a reason to threaten Sam & Ghost needs a reason to save him.
All of the fights this season except for the Stonemen have been bad. I don’t know if it’s the actors, directors, producers, choreographers, the budget, losing daylight or what. That shot of Brienne and the Knight of the Vale not even connecting right before she cuts his sword in two was ridiculous.
Straight up retartation.
A man has patrol duty is a woman? Didn’t see that coming 😛
Darren,
Thankfully it should pick up from here on out. Can’t wait for her encounter with
I didn’t think it was possible for Jon to look any more sad but shit, just looking at him depresses me
otterbox,
Speak for yourself. This season, Arya’s scenes have been my favorite. Beautiful, evocative, mysterious, eerie. Slowly building to something powerful. Not everyone needs a constant dose of fantasy politics soap opera, and not everyone has ADHD.
And the only time I have actually gotten emotional this season is when Arya was considering throwing Needle in the river. Her connection to Jon, and her family, was so well portrayed by Maisie. Young actress of the decade, IMO.
Cameryn,
Exactly. Guess we can’t expect the HBO crowd to pick up on those kinds of subtleties, though…
Only heavy-handed politicking, and sex, is “good drama” to some.
Viewers, like Arya: Learn to listen.
Ser Oromis Locke,
LOL! I’m paying homage to one of my favorite lines from the whole show 😀
ArgonathofBraavos,
Agreed with the ‘becoming no one’ scene….the look on her face when she looked at Needle was perfect. Maisie is easily the best young actress on the show, imo. Of course I also love her scenes for the presence of Tom Wlaschiha, who I could listen to for days.
I like the moments of silence and focus in the midst of the chaos. Sometimes the quiet tells more than the noise.
Cold Feet,
Every now and then I have to go back and watch the Seth Meyers skit with Kit to remind myself that there’s humour somewhere in that crow’s soul….
ctid,
Ep1 or 2: Bran walks around the cave while warging Ghost or Hodor. Cut to a scene with Bloodraven where he teaches him how to warg ravens and tells him why he’s so important. Then imply throughout the season that Bran might be watching various events through ravens (say at Winterfell or the Wall).
Ep3 or 4: a scene with Jojen and Meera where it’s clear he knows he’s about to die. He then goes to talk to Bran. At the end of the episode, he explores the creepy cave and gets ambushed by the Children of the Forest.
Ep4 or 5: Jojen dusappears, Meera is distressed and Bran tries to calm her. We can see that he’s in love with her (which was implied in the books). Then Bran is brought the Weirwood sap, and we see an intense set of visions climaxing in a Ned scene. Who wouldn’t want to see Ned again?
Ep7 or 8: Bran calls out to Theon through the Weirwood
Ep10: maybe a final Bran scene where he wargs a Raven and flies over the White Walker army… Or maybe a scene where Bloodraven announces that Winter has arrived.
You could even consolidate the first two into one episode rather easily. I just really wanted to see Ned again and expected a followup with some answers after the end of season 4. A light but powerful arc could have made it (which wouldn’t be any different to his appearances in season 4).
Ok wow. Arya hasn’t been in lots of episodes, but her screentime is still normal. We had heaps of her in previous seasons, so lay off!
We’ve had her in Braavos, Jaqen’s reveal, the discarding of her clothes, cleaning the bodies (in two episodes), and then heaps in 6, with her doing the lying games and mercy killing the girl, before the revealing of the faces.
I for one have really enjoyed the HoB&W scenes, and their atmosphere of sinister mystery. One of my favourite parts of this season. Each to their own.
SerCountryFriedSteak,
No,they wouldn’t,also you don’t even know what you’re talking about since we didn’t even see Bran’s training in the books,it could be equally or even slower .
otterbox,
Oh,so apparenty YOU are most people,good to know .
Cameryn,
You can’t expect brain dead morons to comprehend storytelling,i bet ottershit is one of those ADHD viewers who doesn’t care about anything that doesn’t involve sex,murder and battles,these type of viewers are as bad as book purists imo .
ctid,
Yes those are Robbs markers…but if you compare them with other markers…the Boltons for instance…whether they’re Robbs, Rooses or Stannis’ the Boltons are always some derrivative of an X…so why would some people have Krakens for the Greyjoys and others have round discs with a sword through them. I’m not saying it 100% IS sellswords…but why after the big production of chasing the Ironborn out of the North would there suddenly be several Greyjoy forces back on the map going “lol…we’re baaaaack!”…also….unsullied are confused enough on this show…Stannis isn’t going to make a big production out of marching for Winterfell just to show up randomly at Deepwood Motte. No one will know what the hell is going on.
is yara in this episode? i wanna see some greyjoys… fuck dorne
That are the markers of the Vale.
Jason,
Still, Roose Bolton used the flaming stag to indicate Umber forces back in episode 5. I don’t see how sellswords would just spring up out of nowhere in one episode without any mention of a large company being in Westeros. I think it could just be some back up from other houses.
You like sweeping floors then?
I am hoping it is a letter being sent back to the reach requesting “the Randyll” to come hither at the head of a Tyrell/Reach army to crush those pesky faith militant
Hopefully season 6 🙂
What a huge letdown dorne has been this season. It’s like watching scenes from a B-movie. The rest of the show has been great as always. The awfulness that is dorne just reminds me how infinitely better the books are than the show. I’m still holding out hope that he can somehow finish winds and dream before the show ends… I’d say there’s about a .01% chance of that happening though.
debbie,
The gift is land in the north that was given to the nights watch long ago but I also think it have more than just the literal meaning
Annie Wilkes,
I like sweeping floors tbh, one of the more therapeutic domestic chores one can do.
Pretty ignorant remark, I get that not everyone will agree on which scenes are best etc, but the quietness and eeriness of Arya’s scenes this year is the point. It’s all part of her training. I think the producers nailed the atmospherics of the HoB&W.
I think the naysayers are just used to brash Arya that kills any Tom, Dick and Harry she finds cos she likes the thrill that comes with killing. What this whole arc teaches her is that she has to be selective, and abide by the House’s code. The culmination of this arc is the conflict of being close to someone on her kill-list, but being sworn off killing them. As we’ve read she makes her choice.
Patience people. You’ll see the Arya you’ve gotten used to by the end of the season.
It seems HBO is considering Girona, a spanish city, as a filming location for season 6. I’m afraid the article is in spanish: http://www.lavanguardia.com/series/20150522/54431801316/juego-de-tronos-girona.html Could it be Oldtown?
Lyn,
There is nothing official yet. 🙂
HBO has other cities in mind, but they are working hard to have GoT in Catalunya.
otterbox,
Blame the crappy story GRRM stuck her in.
He is really good with the Sword
You mean the other way around right?
4 was the worst by far of the season, while 5 was the best.
6 I liked a lot except the stupid water gardens fight. The Rape scene was really good.
Lyn,
Very likely
This is going on over and over and over and over again. We are discussing the show, leave Martin out of it. I D&D did not like that part of the book they could’e changed.
Besides, Arya storyline is perfectly fine
Wow Girona, really??? It’s just 45 mins north of Barcelona, were I live. Is quite an amazing city, but I’d never though it could be Oldtown.
I think D&D just wanna spend sometime in the best city of the world (that is Barcelona, of course :P)
Edit: just read the article and it doesn’t say anything about Oldtown. He refers to a radio talk show which I listen to quite often, I’ll check out the podcast, see what Jordi Bosch said about it over there.
Edit2: He said that the possibilities are “very high”. And the way he said it inferred it’s nothing less that a done deal
Pigeon,
I can’t answer your query I’m sorry Pigeon, as to whether it is genuine, but it if is true that is surely going to be one very convoluted episode. I imagine it would have to be like last year’s finale and run slightly over the hour.
Am i seriously the only one who loved unbowed, unbent, unbroken? Yes, dorne Was a bit like a b-movie but it Was entertaining and sunny in an otherwise dark episode. The trial, the Hall of faces, Sansas wedding, all great sequences in true got fashion. They are changing things around but they stay true to the feel and atmosphere. Best episode of an okay season which Will be a great one i think
I mostly agree, but the WG scene was awful. I think if someone edited out all the Dorne sequences of the season, would be a great one…no need to even add new sequences.
One of Roose Bolton’s leeches,
The Umbers? No one’s even mentioned them in the show since Osha. I agree no ones mentioned sellswords, but we know Stannis hired some in Braavos…he could be using those markers to separate his troops from sellsword companies.
They could possibly be Arryn…no ones seen an Arryn marker. Though them being in the mix already would seem forced…maybe Baelish gave them all his jetpack.
Bottom line…no one knows who it is. I’m just betting it’s not Ironborn is all. This show has no continuity and makes no sense most of the time…but Greyjoys popping up without mention suddenly is out of place even for Ding and Dong. Though maybe that’s why I should believe they are Greyjoy.
Damphairintheshowplease!,
I liked episode 6 a lot. If I had to rate them, it’d be like this:
3>5>2>6>1>4 and I kinda liked 4 as well. 3 I think is the best slow episode of the entire show (or maybe I’m exaggerating). 5 was really great as well, but I didn’t like the way it was edited in huge chunks rather than flipping between storylines throughout.
I definitely think Dorne is this season’s Qarth, though. I hope it improves now that the crappy plots were thwarted by Doran.
And I think 7-10 can make this season the best one yet (though at the moment I’d rank it at #4)
Pau,
Replace the Dorne screentime with a handful of Bran scenes or some of the missing Dany stuff (like her treating the old guy by hand when the pale mare arrives, or the Green Grace) and I would have been very happy.
I’ve tended to think of the duller aspects of Arya’s training at the HOBAW as somewhat mirroring Commander Mormont telling Jon that he needs to learn how to follow before he learns how to lead back in series one. It makes sense that she would have to learn the mundane as well as the more interesting stuff – and they don’t send an astronaut to the moon the first day he turns up in training school, or the second or third day either. Life cannot be all “instant gratification” and while GoT is a fantasy, it is a fantasy that doesn’t present a sweety-sweet idealised version of life.
Alluding to sweety-sweet, some people seem to be finding Trystane’s and Myrcella’s relationship cloying. However when they are compared to Romeo and Juliet – well things didn’t end up well for R and J in Billy Tremblelance’s play did they? In history there were some arranged marriages that worked out well – in nineteenth century Britain there was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Considering GoT is a pretty hard-hitting show I don’t mind the occasional lighter moment, but that’s just me.
You’re not the only one. I’m a big fan of slow-burn episodes, and this episode had plenty of great stuff, including King’s Landing, The HOB&W, Tyrion/Jorah, and all of Winterfell. And then it had Bronn doing Bronn things. The Water Gardens stuff was rushed, so it’s not perfect, but I think it was very good.
So far, I wouldn’t say any one episode of Season 5 has been the best “#__” of any season, but in most cases, they’ve been #2 or #3, save the premiere.
Ep 1 rankings: Season 4, 1, 2, 5, 3. (Two Swords wins.)
Ep 2 rankings: Season 4, 5, 1, 2, 3. (Lion & The Rose, pretty handily takes this.)
Ep 3 rankings: Season 2, 5, 3, 1, 4. (What Is Dead May Never Die was a real standout, but Walk of Punishment is v good too, and Lord Snow underrated.)
Ep 4 rankings: Season 3, 5, 1, 4, 2. (And Now His Watch Is Ended the clear winner here, but 5 and 1 also both terrific.)
Ep 5 rankings: Season 3, 5, 1, 4, 2. (Kissed by Fire takes it by a nose, though I may have to re-watch Kill the Boy, as it’s possible it is better; the Doom of Valyria ranks among the most beautiful scenes the show has ever done)
Ep 6 rankings: Season 1, 4, 5, 3, 2. (These are all pretty good, honestly. But I give the nod to Viserys getting gold poured on his head.
M,
I think in the trailer they make it look like she’s talking to Hizdar. But given the stills of her wearing another dress, I expect we will see that speech this Sunday. I feel like it’s in regards to why don’t u want to marry a western lord to shore up your power there.
But Jaime needs a story, and that requires a plotline. You could replace it with the Riverlands: but then the audience would ask why we are still there when that plotline was concluded by the Red Wedding? (And, again, what fans consider “unfinished business” is considered “irrelevant detail” by most of the audience; for example, if you have ever read what Doctor Who or Harry Potter fans think should have been tacked on to the end of episodes/films, then unless you are a fan of those franchises, you would shake your head and ask why anyone would care.)
Isn’t all teen romance like that? I mean, geez, the crap I said as a teen (and the crap I heard in reply) is was more syruppy than all of Paul McCartney’s songs condensed into one. The only good thing about it is that it prevents you from making a total ass of yourself in your 20’s! 🙂
I thought that it was very powerful and very well-done drama. However it is not something that I would find easy to watch again. The Dorne stuff didn’t faze me, but I might be watching that through rose-colored glasses: an Arianne-free Dorne is a nice thought!
Wimsey,
I’d at least try that angle, not sure how well it could work but getting Brienne and Jaime back together seems like a good idea to me. And having him dump Cersei and burn the letter, too.
Kissed by Fire made me think BCogs could do no wrong, but I now have to admit agreement with the people hoping D&D can right this ship themselves with their scripts for the final four.
A Man Grown,
It’s puzzling to me that BCog could write such a great ep 5 and then follow that w/ep 6. Some of that has to do with directing and editing tho. This season has been really spotty – do you think that the project is just getting too big and unwieldy to keep under control?
Balerion The Cat,
Really good eye! I think it is Jorah too.
Grand maester giz,
I’m still rooting for Arya to give the gift to Ser Meryn
Dame of Mercia,
IMDB can be edited by anyone. So, someone could have just put that there. Also, they seem to periodically do “series” edits in which someone (or possibly even a bot) just updates the cast for individual episodes with the cast from the series.
So, we could be getting “trolled” or it could be an oblivious bot/suit. I have heard stories about surprise guest stars getting listed on IMDB and then getting removed once the producers found out: but those all seem to be apocryphal.
Doctor Who would run into this. Every now and then, actors/actresses from the past wind up listed on upcoming episodes. The hardcore fans then fill up their adult diapers in glee: only to have it be corrected later. (Then they blame Steve Moffat anyway…..)
Cersei’s Brain,
I think D&D will tidy things up. Not that I think episodes 4-6 were bad (the last two were great IMO) but the first three felt more… Consistent? Is that the word I’m looking for? Looking forward to these next few episodes 8-10 will all have huge scenes and 7 looks good so far.
jentario,
I could sort of see that, but I’d rather see Jaime try to
: I can see that happening in Dorne, but I couldn’t see that under the other scenario.
The other problem I would have in that scenario is that it runs a huge risk of either reducing Sansa to an incidental “damsel in distress” character like Jeyne Poole in the books or reducing Jaime to an incidental henchman like the Washerwomen were in the book. Now, Sansa is a distressed damsel: but it’s vital that she herself take an active role in resolving her problem; she, too, has (or should have) a “kill the girl, let the woman be born” arc. As it is, they’ve set it up so that she can take a very active role in what is to come. Similarly, Jaime has to take an active role in his evolution: and if Sansa is taking the lead, then he cannot.
I don’t get the problem with Arya’s storyline – I am really enjoying it so far. But I guess I really love the dark, mysterious, atmospheric stuff. Plus, I’m sure there will be a nice payoff soon
I would rate the storylines (so far) this season as follows:
1. Jon Snow (Wall)
2. Arya
3. Sansa (WF)
4. Cersei (KL)
5. Jaime (Dorne)
urangutan21,
Yep, yep, yep. Agree completely. Viewers like them always get on my nerves, just as much as book purists as you also say.
And also how to be “nobody.” Nobody notices the person sweeping the room. On the other hand, Arya is showing that she’s pre-adapted to doing menial stuff while alert for anything interesting.
Now, you cannot fill up a TV episode with this – that would get dull in a hurry – but it provides an effective counterpoint to the other scenes.
Cersei’s Brain,
I’ve been a little disappointed with Tyrion’s storyline so far. I guess I was hoping to see him brought lower than they’ve brought him so far. Still, that could be about to change, and they do need to vary the pace at which characters are brought low. Had it been done last week, then it would have been completely lost for Sansa. And the week before would have been too early.
The worst kind is people like you who have no respect for other people opinions are always resorting to personal insults. Go get some manners.
It’s not confirmed yet, but they say it’s likely. Also says they have no idea what scenes might be shot there, given the fact that TWOW isnt out yet.
Cersei’s Brain,
so you think dorne is better than tyrion and jorah and meereen ..
dragonbringer,
Oops – you’re right. Forgot a couple storylines (which may say something). Revision:
1. Jon Snow (Wall)
2. Arya
3. Tyrion (Essos)
4. Sansa (WF)
5. Cersei (KL)
6. Dany (Mereen)
7. Jaime (Dorne)
Cersei’s Brain,
Maybe trying to jam their version of most of books 4 and 5 into one season was just too much. Besides Arya and The Wall, the rest of the plotlines feel a bit rushed and forced. And well, Dany’s isn’t necessarily rushed, but it does feel a bit off, as her storyline basically always has.
She did; that was season 4.
Well, they basically have cut Book 4: but they are hardly alone in deeming that material unworthy. I think that fans in 2015 have forgotten (or are unaware of) how unpopular Crows was in 200 with fans, general readers and critics. Of course, the fact that a lot of SoI&F fans in 2005 stopped being fans because of Crows (I, myself, was one of them) might be part of it: the current fandom disproportionately represents the “surviving” fandom of that book.
The problem facing both book and TV series at this time is too many plotlines obfuscating the story. The show has worked more aggressively to merge some of the plotlines: but it is very possible that it hasn’t gone far enough. (As a book reader, I might be confusing “better” with “good.”)
Hardly. She took a small step in that direction at the end Season 4. Sansa needs a full-fledged character arc of the sort that GRRM gave to the characters in Dragons. It needs to be something comparable to what we are seeing with Jon on the Wall or Daeny in Meereen or Tyrion on his trek. That is what creates a story, after all!
Cersei’s Brain,
Mine would be:
1. The Wall- it has been great and very fun to watch. The only thing I miss here is Jon’s advice for Stannis (the Deepwood Motte stuff). Stannis has been amazing, especially.
2. Winterfell- it’s a melting pot of some of the show’s best actors and it has been very dramatic so far. If it doesn’t pay off, though (and by that I mean that Sansa, Theon, Stannis, Brienne and the Boltons should all have satisfying conclusions- especially Sansa and Theon, though), it’ll drop below Dany.
3. Arya and Tyrion tied- they’re both a great adaption of the source material IMO and add a lot of cool worldbuilding
4. Cersei- her finally battling it out with Margery without Tywin in the way has been fun to watch, and the best parts are still to come. This one might get bumped up.
5. Dany- it’s streamlined way too much from the book version IMO. Show Dany doesn’t have a quarter of the pressure and huge dilemmas of book Dany. I know people found that storyline tedious in the books and I think this is why the show chopped it down to the bare bones, but I think the arc in the books was much more intense, realistic and depressing (in a good, dramatic way). In the book there was a sense that Dany had no choice because of how bad it was for her, in the show she does- and choosing to marry Hizdahr and reopen the Pit just like that wasn’t satisfying for me. The actual scenes were good though, and this is Emilia’s best season since the first.
…
6. Dorne- it has been far beneath the show’s standard for quality and the only true weak link of the season. I liked Jaime and Bronn’s interactions in episode 4 and I liked Doran, everything else wasn’t good.
A Man Grown,
Really enjoyed Dany’s storyline Seasons 1-3 Last couple, not so much. We’ll see as this season progresses. Hoping it will vastly improve by end.
jentario,
Agree – I can definitely see Cersei and Dany storylines moving up on list by end of season. They actually should but a little nervous about the season ending plot lines.
exactly my thoughts …and the storyline in general is allover the place IMO….about Emilia i agree with you but i will give season 3 also just give her some good material she will do it good
Wimsey,
They’ve taken plotlines that were often slow, boring, and unfilmable, yet made logical sense, and streamlined them into rushed plotlines that make no sense. That’s basically what I meant.
On Stannis’ map, does it look to anyone else that his forces are surrounded? I can quite make out the other sigil at the top of his map and to whom’s house it belongs from the still alone. Anyways looking like a good episode!
Dark-Stark,
Been discussed elsewhere…geographically speaking, the single X looks to be Bolton @ Dreadfort and the double X appears to be Bolton @ Winterfell.
As far as the other marker it’s up in the air…possibilities are endless but it’s a sword and a coin…going to assume it’s the sellswords he bought in Braavos.
jentario,
My Ranking of storylines:
1: Arya
It’s one of the most dark, mysterious and hauntingly beautiful examples of use of magic in a fantasy story. It was built up great with the washing of the bodies and the mystery surrounding that, and topped off by that mindblowing visit to the Hall of Faces, where Arya is given her choice, which, when delivered, gave me goosebumbs. This is a pivotal season for Arya and Masie carries it so well.
2. Kings Landing
The Sparrows are such an impressive dramatic Development, since you dont really see it coming even though it makes so muh sence (rise of religion in the aftermath of a long war) and to see 5 seasons of hypocisy in Kings Landing slowly crumle is fascinating. These fanatics are truly terifying and I find Lancels arc (which takes a 180 turn in s5) to be a hidden gem in the show.And to top it off Lena Heady is nailing Cerceis stupidity and paranoia superbly. The fancy lords and ladies of this perfumed pile of shit is finally getting whats coming to them, but it is no way satisfying or pretty. Great writing. I loved the inquest too.
3. The Wall:
The burning of Mance, which started off this arc, (though brutal) is one of my favorite game of trones sequences. Jons arc in s5 is so much about ideals, so to start off by having The King Beyond the Wall burned alive for his beliefs was a great way to introduce that storyline. Ad in true got fasion, once mance made his choice, we have to see the consequences, ugly thought they are. Some people critisize the show for these Things, but I think it is one of its strength, that we always get to see everything, it ups the stakes. And Also I think Stannis has been great so far this season.
4. Sansa:
Initially I wasn’t too coolwth is. Sometimes the show moves very fast, and it takes some time to digest. But when she was finally in Winterfell and LF left her there, and you realise, though she is a changed woman, she still has that Little thread of trust left. LF leaves her in the Boltons nest and I interpret the last scene in Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken to be Sansa now completely loosing her trust to everyone. The real Darth Sansa moment.
5. Tyrion:
A perfect mirror of his season 1 arc and very refreshing to see tyrion out of KL Again. He travels are adventorous, entertaining and World Building, and has a nice edge ith Tyrions depression and drinking. He’s on his way to Dan, its so exciting. In fact I would almost say that the first 5 on this list are all very promising arc which I suspects will end up among the best of the Whole show.
6. Dany:
Its okay. Its not the best of her seasons, but it’s okay so far.
7. Dorne
Someone mentioned that Dorne was the new Qarth. I just wanna point out that we are some people (or maybe its only me) to whom Qarth is a very special part of the show. I loved its weirdness, and on rewatches its always great to see this oasis of supreme wealth in the middle of the red Waste, almost like a mirage, too good to be true, the Flamboyant summer islander with his endless ambition, the creepy warlock, the mysterious masked lady and of course the Spice King who in a few scenes embodied everything Qarth . It was also an important lesson for Dany, who turne almost Vicerys in that city. So no, I dont agree that Dorne is the new Qarth. Dorne is definately worse judging by what we’ve scene, but still, I dont think is that bad. This season is very dark, so I actually enjoy Jamie and Bron mission to Dorne. It is a Little clumsy in the way its told, but that fight was great intertainment and Obaras face with Areo was very cool. ‘I FIGHT FOR DORNE! WHO DO YOU FIGHT FOR??!!’ It’s not a disaster, its fine, lets wait and see. We needed to know what the sandsnakes were, now let us see how they flesh them out and bring them into the story more. I aso really liked Areo comment to Jamie, and Doran is promising. It is in no way a catastrophe!
Great season until now!
Olyvar is not Loras’ squire. He is the manager of Littlefinger’s brothel(s). He only squired for him that one time at a training session when he was spying for Littlefinger. Note that he says “I squired for him,” not “I am his squire.”
A Man Grown,
I really doubt that most viewers are having problems following the plotlines: there is nothing illogical about them, afterall, as the events all follow from prior events. It is when events do not follow that audiences get confused. Moreover, the story building up from what the characters are doing is becoming pretty coherent: I suspect that most of the viewers have figured it out by now.
Damphairintheshowplease!,
I really liked U,U,U but I still think it’s the second weakest episode of a great season.
Episode 7 sounds pretty good. Episode 8,9 and 10 should be way above the rest. It has to.
Wimsey,
Something can be easy to follow, yet not make sense when held under close scrutiny. If you read Jason Concepcion’s recent Ask the Maester column on Grantland, he makes a great case for why the Littlefinger/Sansa/Ramsay storyline as done on the show makes no sense within the internal logic of the show established in the prior four seasons.
And I’m not sure how anyone would think the Water Gardens scene in the prior episode made any sense at all.
You will be queen,
I think the “others” represent the Iron men army (Greyjoys). There’s even a ship somewhere south-west from that position. Could be theirs …
Maybe Stannis contemplates fighting them first, to cover his back, and afterwards go to Winterfell.
For me it seems, that on the map in Stannis’s tent the Baratheon army markers are put between Winterfell and the Dreadfort, while the ship marker is placed at the eastern shores of the North (possibly it’s Stannis’s fleet). I’m with those who say that the unknown markers are for sellswords (or maybe Sallador Saan’s men). If this is true then it means that Stannis won’t be going through the Wolfswood, but maybe he changes the plan after seeing that it won’t work… I guess that in this episode he is only in the Gift, so he could still choose various approaches, although keep in mind that there was no casting news regarding the mountain clans.
I’m quite curious as to how will Stannis come across Yara (provided she really appears this season). If she’s still at the eastern shores of the North, that seems a bit stupid IMO.
Try http://moviesnseriesonline.com/watch-game-of-thrones-season-5-episode-7-online-free-stream/
Obviously the episode titles have had different meanings for different characters but I think “The Gift” will also include a wedding present from Ramsay to Sansa.
Not sure if someone already mentioned this but in the preview, Sansa is obviously crying and looking at something. Anyone else think Ramsay
That would just be another mental fuck for this girl.
Because, as well all know, they can’t mentally torture Sansa enough. Ugh.
And sign me up as a fan who would like more Arya time. I enjoy the HoBW stuff in the books but understand it could get tedious. That aside, I can’t say I’m unhappy with her arc. It’s been slow but consistent. I would rather some patient movement with her story in a few scenes, then a bunch of fanfic filler. It worked well last season with The Hound because they where on the move and encountered different scenarios along the way. The partnership had good chemistry, even with little love between them. I think it makes sense to keep her in Braavos all season for her training to have any meaning. If that means less screentime or less to do, overall, that’s cool. It’s exactly what I wanted them to do with Sansa, as oppose to bring her to WF to merge another plot. I was hoping she would stay in the Vale, with Robyn, listening and learning from Littlefinger. A “make him yours” scenario would then make much more sense. I guess this season, for me, could’ve been one of transition for both Stark girls. Both growing strong, more attuned to their individual power. I think for Arya, it’s heading that way. For Sansa, I have no clue what the writers are hoping to get from this story line.
Kells,
I don’t think they’ll off Myranda just yet, so I think you’re right about ‘The North Remembers’ lady, most likely.
Interesting point about ‘make him yours’ with Sansa. I actually don’t see why it couldn’t still happen. Dany was helpless against Drogo at first, then decided to make him ‘hers’. It’s not impossible that Sansa could try the same (obviously Ramsay will never love her, but could possibly see her as an ally…or not).
I agree they could be going in that direction but with 3 episodes left, it’s a tall order. The difference from my view is Dany asserted her (limited) power with Drago and fell in love with him in the process. Drago wasn’t only her reality but, over time, became her future and one she embraced. And we got to see this develop in her over the season. Sansa has had any power stripped away, albeit a long time ago but that is what the Vale arc was for me. Sansa regaining some footing of her own.
“If I’m ever Queen, I’ll make them love me.” Not by force, not by conquering but by using her courtesy and compassion.
Unless Ramsay is completely daft, there is no way I believe he would think Sansa an ally. But if he thinks her weak or broken, this is where she could surprise him. I don’t expect the writers to delve deep into the aftermath of her wedding night (that’s another sad topic all together) but I feel that Sansas’ power, what still exists, has been so fleeting. The brief build-up to “Dark Sansa”, only to take her back to square one, is what makes me feel her arc would’ve been better served in the Vale. Not all is lost though. I still feel it we will get a moment of “Hell Yeah!” for Sansa this season. Its just a lot of darkness has marred what is a solid character arc.