Pilou Asbæk talks about Euron’s evolution, Bella Ramsey on the joy of shaming grown men, and Isaac Hemsptead Wright chats about growing up on Game of Thrones

Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk) unleashes his mad fury in season seven's "Stormborn"
Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk) unleashes his mad fury in season seven’s “Stormborn”

In recent interviews, Pilou Asbæk talked about what’s motivating Euron in season 8, Bella Ramsey reflected on Lyanna Mormont’s strength, and Isaac Hempstead Wright joked with Jimmy Kimmel about the the theory that Bran is the Night King.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Asbæk discussed the evolution of Euron Greyjoy and revealed that quite a lot of the differences between Euron in season 6 and 7 had to do with Asbæk’s increased creative input. For example, Euron was toned down considerably in the Kingsmoot from what had been originally planned.

“I had some great lines at the Kingsmoot that they took away,” he said. “I had some lines where he’s talking to Yara and then, there was like 20 more lines where he was being ruthless, where he was like doing a comedy show for the Iron Islands. And [David Benioff and Dan Weiss] were like, ‘This is too much.’

By contrast, in season 7 when Benioff and Weiss wanted to omit Euron’s “two good hands” line, Asbæk felt comfortable enough to fight to keep it.

“Because I had more confidence in season 7 and felt like I belonged more, I went to them like, ‘Guys, don’t take it away. I know exactly how to be this guy, he’s gotta be charming, he’s gotta be arrogant, he’s gotta look Jaime right in the eye and say it with the biggest fucking smile — because he’s an idiot and a prick and that’s what I like about the character,” he said.

Discussing Euron’s motivations this season, Asbæk doesn’t seem to think that Theon and Yara are really on their uncle’s radar.

“I don’t think Euron gives a shit [about them].” he said. “For Euron his main focus is power and Theon doesn’t have any. Yara and Theon are nothing to him. They’re not a concern.”

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Cersei, on the other hand, is very much at the forefront of Euron’s mind.

“He thinks Cersei is sexy and he wants to be the king with her and wants to be on the Iron Throne,” he said. “Because what’s more sexy than a powerful lady? He wants to become the king of the Seven Kingdoms. He’s also blackmailing Cersei — if you want a fleet you gotta do stuff.”

As for Euron’s longevity … of course, Asbæk couldn’t disclose if, how or when Euron dies, but he did strongly hint that, whatever happens, Euron won’t go out quietly.

“My agent sent me a text that said the most likely character to die first is me,” he said. “So a lot of people are gonna lose money … I do some cool shit,” he said.

Lyanna Mormont 801 Season 8

Bella Ramsey, who plays Lyanna Mormont, recently spoke to The Cut about her fan favorite character.

“I wasn’t sure whether people would like her or not, because she’s quite a unique character. But I’m very glad and very grateful that people do like her,” she said. According to Ramsey, playing Lyanna really is as empowering as it looks.

“I think [I’ll miss] the opportunity to stand up in front of a load of grown men and shame them,” she said when asked what she’ll miss about Game of Thrones “I think playing confident characters also helps with your own confidence. Say you’re in a situation where you’re feeling anxious or nervous — you can become a character and work through it that way. I’ll miss that about her.”

When asked which character she’s rooting for the most (aside from her own, of course) Ramsey named Arya: “She’s little and powerful. There’s this great line from the show Matilda: ‘Even if you’re little, you can do a lot. You musn’t let a little thing like this stop you.'”

Fun fact, Kerry Ingram was one of the actresses who originated the role of Matilda in the West End. So, in a way, Ramsey just praised Arya with the wisdom of Shireen Baratheon.

Lastly, 20-year old Isaac Hempstead Wright appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to discuss what’s it’s like to have spent literally half his life on a hit HBO show.

Hempstead Wright could “neither confirm nor deny” the theory that Bran is the Night King (by all means, keep adding gasoline to that dumpter fire) and offered some insight (pun intended) into how he does that unsettling Three-Eyed Raven stare.

“I’m kind of getting good at this sort of intense stare but it’s actually aided by the fact that I’m completely blind when I’m on set. I don’t have glasses and I don’t have contact lenses.”

He also demonstrated his ability to do the warg-eyeroll sans CGI. It’s fun! Give it a look.

67 Comments

  1. When asked which character she’s rooting for the most (aside from her own, of course) Ramsey named Arya

    She has good taste! Go ASNAWP!!! 🙂

  2. I’m looking forward to a Jorah/Lyanna scene, but I’m not a big fan of Lyanna’s right now. She’s one dimensional and frankly annoying. Probably not a popular opinion but 🤷‍♂️

  3. Jack Bauer 24,

    I agree with you. Full respect to the actress, she’s a lovely young lady and not her fault she’s written that way.

    I know she’s not a main character but it would be nice to see another side to her, even a glimpse of some vulnerability. Maybe her and Arya could have a chat and commiserate on being forced to grow up fast and their lost childhoods before they go back to being killing machines.

  4. Jack Bauer 24,

    I don’t disagree, but she’s a very minor character.

    Very minor characters don’t need more than one dimension. That’s reserved for the leads and supporting cast.

  5. kathy:
    Jack Bauer 24,

    I agree with you.Full respect to the actress, she’s a lovely young lady and not her fault she’s written that way.

    I know she’s not a main character but it would be nice to see another side to her, even a glimpse of some vulnerability.Maybe her and Arya could have a chat and commiserate on being forced to grow up fast and their lost childhoods before they go back to being killing machines.

    Of course nothing against Ms. Ramsey herself and I wish her a long and lucrative career. I should clarify it’s ok to have one dimensional characters and she is a secondary character as well, but Lyanna is just cringe to me and I don’t look forward to her “speeches”. Euron is also one dimensional and I’m always teetering on whether I like him or not, but I don’t even mind him as much as Lyanna.

    Also, when has Lyanna been known to be a “killing machine”?

  6. Poor Lyanna… The love was strong but not strong enough to survive dissing Special Snowflake 😀

  7. jfley:
    The novelty of lyanna mormont is long gone. She’s shortsighted, annoying, and either ignorant or stupid. Maybe both.

    Well-said. At this point, nothing Lyanna says is unexpected.

    Loved Isaac’s interview. Such a charming, articulate young man. I wish him well.

  8. The difference is…Euron in the books isn’t an idiot – he’s a much cooler, more sinister character. Show Euron is straight cheese, and the actor is zero help changing that. He’s been awful, and the character has been awful for three seasons now.

  9. Young Dragon:
    Joey,

    No, Book Euron is an idiot as well, not to mention cartoonish.

    You’re free to find him cartoonish in the books, though I think he’s much more so in the show, but he’s certainly not an idiot. Book Euron is about ten times more intelligent that his show counterpart.

  10. Nick20,

    He gives Dragonbinder, his most valuable possession, to a brother who hates him and gives Victarion the opportunity to use the horn against him by sending Victarion into the vicinity of actual dragons. That sounds pretty stupid to me.

  11. Euron in the books is an evil wizard pirate who does a tremendous amount of sacrificial killing, and is supposed to be worse than Ramsay Bolton.
    Euron in the show just wants to bleep the queen. So far.
    Either way he’s crazy. 🙂
    I’m not sure there’s a way for him to end up in the same place book vs show. I guess we’ll find out eventually.

  12. I don’t know. Lynna sounded kind of vulnerable to me when confronting Jon about bending the knee. Plus Bella’s young. Subtle emoting isn’t easy.

    I so feel you, Isaac. No glasses, no contacts. I can do unfocused stare all day.

  13. I adore Pilou. Good on him for getting them to keep the “2 good hands” line – it’s one of Euron’s best. Is he cringey? Sure. But he can be a great character too, like when he meets Balon on the bridge, and the fantastic ship battle. And he killed 2 of the SS which is points in my book.

    I loved the interview with IHW, even though Kimmel is a turd. My friend had just asked me “Why does he play the character like he’s blind?” And I was about to go in depth on how he’s so internalized within his visions that he probably barely sees what’s in front of him, and then Isaac says the bit about the glasses, and I cracked up. 😆

  14. Joey:
    The difference is…Euron in the books isn’t an idiot – he’s a much cooler, more sinister character. Show Euron is straight cheese, and the actor is zero help changing that. He’s been awful, and the character has been awful for three seasons now.

    His introduction scene is one of my favorites of the show.

  15. I so feel you, Isaac. No glasses, no contacts. I can do unfocused stare all day.

    If I take off my glasses, same.

    Pigeon:
    I adore Pilou. Good on him for getting them to keep the “2 good hands” line – it’s one of Euron’s best. Is he cringey? Sure. But he can be a great character too, like when he meets Balon on the bridge, and the fantastic ship battle. And he killed 2 of the SS which is points in my book.

    Absolutely. I have to say, episode 1 has actually turned me into a Euron fan. x-3

    Lyanna is also irritating me now, but I like the reference to the Matilda song, which I first heard while watching the canine freestyle competition at the Crufts dog show. Loved it, and immediately went and streamed the whole cast album on Spotify. ^^

  16. Am I the only one who’s really bored of Lyanna Mormont already? She’s a one trick pony and they’re flogging that pony for all it’s worth. A really one dimensional character IMO. 🤷🏼‍♂️

  17. Apollo,

    Maybe I should’ve read the other comments before making mine.. seems I’m NOT the only one who has this opinion! 🙈😂

  18. Still can’t understand the hate towards Lyanna this season.
    Say something bad to Sansa, Jon, Lord glover etc and everybody is cheering for her that she is so right etc.
    Now she attack our beloved queen’s honor and everybody chances his mind and start to hate her.
    Double standards, and that is something I can’t stand.
    Dany is not the only character in the story that should be excused from being scolded at. But that’s just my opinion.

    And the season is not done so we can expect a scene or 2 with Jorah or others maybe. She could even be the one that sees Dany for what she is and give Dany her blessing and bend the knee first of all the northerners, she is fast with scolding but also fast with correcting mistakes and make sure other lords now that and they follow.

    Pigeon,

    +1

    Glad he could keep his lines, it made him a better character in my opinion. Something was missing in season 6 with him that got better in 7.

  19. kevin1989,

    There’s no “hate” as such.

    She’s just overused, in a repetitive fashion. Kind of in the same way Davos gets wheeled out every. single. season. (sigh) to give some “stirring” speech about it not mattering who sits on the iron throne, the dead, skeletons, blah blah blah 😴 (when’s he’s never even seen any of the AOTD).

    I don’t think it’s related to her challenging Dany either- she became old last season, and it’s not the actors fault at all.

  20. I have a distinct feeling that show Euron will kill Cersei or try to; that he will switch sides and offer his “services to Dany. And for some giddy reason, I suspect, he will try to steal and tame/ride one of the dragons just as silly Quentyn Martell does in the books and fortunately (for us) with the same result.

    Could this be what is happening in the scene where Drogon blasts someone or something in the dark during last month’s official trailer? I hope so, as it would be a fit ending to that rubbish.

  21. kevin1989:
    Still can’t understand the hate towards Lyanna this season.
    Say something bad to Sansa, Jon, Lord glover etc and everybody is cheering for her that she is so right etc.
    Now she attack our beloved queen’s honor and everybody chances his mind and start to hate her.
    Double standards, and that is something I can’t stand.
    Dany is not the only character in the story that should be excused from being scolded at. But that’s just my opinion.

    And the season is not done so we can expect a scene or 2 with Jorah or others maybe. She could even be the one that sees Dany for what she is and give Dany her blessing and bend the knee first of all the northerners, she is fast with scolding but also fast with correcting mistakes and make sure other lords now that and they follow.

    Pigeon,

    +1

    Glad he could keep his lines, it made him a better character in my opinion. Something was missing in season 6 with him that got better in 7.

    A lot of people were saying similar things before episode one aired. I think many people were finding her repetitive last season too.

    Personally I find her overused. Are there truly no other lords in the north who have anything to say? Fair enough they don’t want to introduce too many minor characters, but prior to now we have seen Lord Manderly, Lord Cerwyn and Lord Glover speak up in these occasions. I know Glover has scuttled back under his rock, but where are all the others? Why are they silent and let a child (even one so confident and wise-beyond-her-years as Lyanna Mormont is) do the talking for all of them? I am finding her pretty grating at the moment, but it has nothing to do with Dany. I just find her pretty short-sighted and it started when she spoke against Jon looking for allies in Season 7. The king in the north should stay in the north – fine, but then the king in the north will die in the north as will everyone else. I know we have the benefit of knowing what’s coming, but they surely believe Jon and have faith in him, or they won’t have named him their king, so at some point they are going to have to trust him that they need a big army to stand a chance.

    I think if they threw in a few more dissenting lords then she wouldn’t stand out so much, but right now I find it pretty unrealistic that a young girl is the only one in the entire northern court who has anything to say.

  22. Apollo,

    Yes, well, that’s what you get with consistent characters in a long running TV show. Eventually they become predictable.

    What’s the alternative, drastically changing them? People are also complaining about Tyrion no longer being the strategic genius we thought he was in the early seasons.

    So it seems like a lose/lose situation for the writers.

    Keep character consistent –> predictable bland character
    Change character traits –> Bad writing

    I’m fine with Davos being consistently good at convincing people and it’s not something that bothers me. It’s just what he’s good at.

    Same for Lyanna. She’s been robbed of her childhood and it’s made her into this kid who is forced to act like (what she thinks is) an adult.

    But maybe this is just me being less easily annoyed by (fictional) people?

  23. Apollo,

    OK sorry, I see your point. My mistake. I see what you mean.

    But still I think we need to judge her what she does later in season. Episode 1 contained a lot of things. Many characters got only 1 scene and lyanna got this one. Maybe she get some family moments with jorah.

    Che,

    True, but that’s more the fault of the other lords who seems to have no balls. (tyrion could find a joke in that)
    But many characters have that overuse things. Bronn is fight fuck and making jokes for instance. And many more. I think it’s more lyanna personality to say things others are too chicken too say. And she is not only disagreeing with Jon etc also make a point Jon was right that the woman should fight. And still when she gives Jon Dany slack she never would break oath. She stays in winterfell and fight.

    She gives her opinion and advice and it’s for Jon and Dany to do what they want to do with it. But there’s still some advice in there they could use.

    King in the North East,

    +1

  24. lyanna mormont was cool but they are over doing it , the fan service for a lot of characters now is having the opposite effect ( dragon ride and ayra flirt anyone )
    if lyanna used her tongue lashing to get people to fight and come together, that would be cool, not more bitchin though, we have enough of that from whiny moaning me me me sansa, the smartest one alive apparently,

  25. sellsword,

    I don’t think Arya’s flirtation with Gendry was strictly fan service. In the books there’s a strong suggestion of attraction between them while they’re still in the Riverlands.

  26. sellsword:
    lyanna mormont was cool but they are over doing it , the fan service for a lot of characters now is having the opposite effect ( dragon ride and ayra flirt anyone )
    if lyanna used her tongue lashing to get people to fight and come together, that would be cool, not more bitchin though, we have enough of that from whiny moaning me me me sansa, the smartest one alive apparently,

    I don’t think the dragon ride was fan service. It definitely set up a future moment where Aegon will fly/use Rhaegal in battle or to flee battle.

  27. kevin1989: Still can’t understand the hate towards Lyanna this season.
    Say something bad to Sansa, Jon, Lord glover etc and everybody is cheering for her that she is so right etc.

    ONCE AGAIN, it’s not to whom she says things, it’s simply that WHAT she does is ALL she does. It’s a used up bit. It’s rather similar to Glover’s bitching all the time. We didn’t need to hear more of that. If you think “everybody (was) cheering” for her before you weren’t paying attention. If you weren’t around, there were discussions specifically about her during the hiatus. There were plenty of people like myself commenting on what they would like to see done and not done with the character. The “not done” was for more of the large gathering “speeches.” That’s what we were immediately given so that’s the reason you’re seeing what you consider ‘hate’ for her.

  28. Wolfish:
    sellsword,

    I don’t think Arya’s flirtation with Gendry was strictly fan service. In the books there’s a strong suggestion of attraction between them while they’re still in the Riverlands.

    Agreed. Book!Gendry was last seen smithing at the Inn at the Crossroads, with Hot Pie being there as well. In some manner I expect Arya to meet back up with him just as she did Hot Pie on the show. With Arya being older I can only assume the flirtations will be even heavier.

    Jack Bauer 24: I don’t think the dragon ride was fan service. It definitely set up a future moment where Aegon will fly/use Rhaegal in battle or to flee battle.

    Agreed. I have no doubt in my mind that AeJon will ride Rhaegal in the books. How it comes to be will probably be much different but the show had to get there somehow.

  29. Clob,

    As I stated above, I see my mistake. I can understand it now what some meant. But still that is happening with a lot of side characters. Bronn, Thormund, Davos etc also get their “same routine” since season 6. Even Bronn does the same since season 1, fight, fuck, jokes.

    And I agree, we need some Lyanna moments with her family especially Jorah this season. And I think she will fight in episode 3, that could give us some great moments.

    And I think we musn’t forget one thing, yes she is very expressive with their voice, but that’s only because this 10 year old is the only lord that dare to say something, all the others keep their problems with themselves, bitch behind Jon and Dany and sansa etc back, or leave like Glover. But not Lyanna, she speaks it out, get it done with. The throw the ball to the other and now it’s to Jon and Dany to find out how to deal with it.

    At least that is how I look at it, a 10 year old doing the work that other adult lords should do. And if jon and Dany gave her and the lords an answer they could live with and understand there was not a problem.

  30. It’s really not just Lyanna Mormont to be honest.

    Whether it’s Lyanna Mormont ‘shaming’ someone, Davos talking about being old and it not mattering who sits the Iron Throne, Sansa asking for Jon to listen to her, Jon saying why should I listen to her, Tyrion in the corner going on about ‘we need to fight together now’ or making unfunny jokes, Euron bulging his eyes out with some new kind of cheese ‘joke’, or Qyburn talking in a monotone Bond villain voice…many of the characters are repetitive and written monotonous since season 6.

    I still enjoy the story, but I think it’s good they are wrapping this up.

  31. Clob: ONCE AGAIN, it’s not to whom she says things, it’s simply that WHAT she does is ALL she does.It’s a used up bit.It’s rather similar to Glover’s bitching all the time.We didn’t need to hear more of that.If you think “everybody (was) cheering” for her before you weren’t paying attention.If you weren’t around, there were discussions specifically about her during the hiatus.There were plenty of people like myself commenting on what they would like to see done and not done with the character.The “not done” was for more of the large gathering “speeches.”That’s what we were immediately given so that’s the reason you’re seeing what you consider ‘hate’ for her.

    well… i’m fine with the way Lady Snot-Bear (© you, indirectly) is presented as an annoying, repetitive, stubborn kid that has become a lady too soon. cause that’s what she is. she has the self-confidence of a glacier meeting the soil and the life experience of a… kid.

    i remember Bran’s lessons with Maester Luwin about houses, sigils and words. this is what the kids of lords get taught. then they become lords or ladies. and then reality happens, and some of the stuff they learned as kids becomes worthless.

    Lady Snot-Bear may not have been confronted yet with situations that demand flexibility in thinking and judging. she’s learned her lessons about the traditional order of the world, and she’s bringing this over whenever she thinks it’s the time to bring it over. kids, y’know…

    we loved her for being cocky when we first met her. we are annoyed by now by the fact she didn’t already grow up, develop. but hey: she’s a kid. her first falling-in-love is still ahead of her (i hope), and her development has just been started. let’s give her time like we would give our own kids time.

    epi: if D&D don’t give Lady Snot-Bear some occasion to step forwards in the developement of her character, then, then get fçcked by a bear, you bad persons!!

  32. Kevin1989,

    Now I would love to see her in a scene with Jorah, and who knows.. maybe he will earn her forgiveness or respect or even fight with her in the battle (or even save her).

    I just hope they don’t screw it up and just have her giving Jorah her trademark tongue lashing. If that happens, I hope he puts her on the naughty step and takes away her iPad! 😋

  33. Young Dragon,

    You’re not reading between the lines. Yeah Euron gave Victarion the horn but even Victarion says (just too stupid to really apply the knowledge) that all of Euron’s gifts are poisonous. The horn Dragonbinder is directly linked with the Valyrian Steel Armor Euron is wearing. They both have the same glyphs on them. When the horn is blown, the dragon (Viserion I’d guess) will go to Euron not Victarion.

    That’s playing chess while Victarion is playing checkers and being used as a pawn. Plus book Euron is attacking Oldtown and about to gain some serious knowledge from the Citadel on both the Others and Dragons. I don’t know specifically what he’s up to but I assure you it’s gonna be MAJOR. Book Euron is looking like the endgame villain & nothing like the goofball that the show has been trotting out for a few seasons now.

  34. orange:
    It’s really not just Lyanna Mormont to be honest.

    Sansa asking for Jon to listen to her, Jon saying why should I listen to her

    To be fair to Jon, until Dany he was constantly saying, “Okay Sansa, what do you think I should do?”
    And she’d just give this really vague confusing advice. “Don’t be stupid” “Don’t do what he wants you to do” “Don’t be such a guy”
    I would love it if he asked her and she had a really smart list of options. “Well first, I’d share the story of how you survived, and why you let the wildlings in and how they helped you regain Winterfell. Maybe open your shirt for one or two people. Then I’d go to the individual lords and discuss the need for this alliance, oh and bring up father a lot, everyone respected father. And maybe use Sam to put a positive spin on the times throughout history where the Starks and Targs teamed up, such as the Pact of Ice and Fire during the Dance of Dragons. Then I’d…”
    LOL_but you get my drift.
    The truth is, Sansa and Jon are both really bad at communicating. We need Davos and Tyrion, for that reason alone.

  35. Aegon the IceDragon,

    That’s only your theory on what’s going to happen, not facts. It’s possible there’s more to his plan than meets the eye, but as of right now, his plan is stupid. The fact that Martin is trying to make Euron into the main antagonist is part of the problem. Euron simply isn’t that interesting of a character, and if he becomes the big bad, it’ll only be because Martin gave him magical artifacts that make him powerful. That’s lazy writing. Say what you will about Show Euron, but at least D&D made him a supporting antagonist, which is where he belongs.

  36. A lot of hate for the writing in this episode still.

    Every show ever made has one-dimensional characters. As said above, it lends to other complex characters and bring them to the forefront. Lyanna is a one-trick pony but one I don’t mind. So what if she calls out Jon and is the only one that does it. That’s her schtick. That is consistent with her character throughout the series. To this point, she is a quick highlight in the background and to spend time “flushing her out” would be a waste of time when I personally want more investment is other characters I have invested in for 10 damn years. From a logic standpoint, in the moment where she called out Jon in front of everyone, who else was going to do it? Old Man Royce? Glover was gone. Lil’ man Umber was trying to get to puberty. Karstark is a frightened young woman. Lyanna is only one that could do that so I don’t have a problem with it at all. Someone had to call Jon out.

    I’m really surprised that a few have had so much disdain for the Arya / Gendry flirt interest angle. It’s refreshing to see Arya loosen up a bit with someone outside her family that not an assassin. The connection b/n those two was a little awkward and unsure, just like teenagers usually act. (in a world with dragons and walking dead?? Maybe I’m reaching here!)

    There is going to be SO MUCH death and angst this season that an episode with a bit of light and, gawd forbid, some smiles is just peachy with me. I will have enough time to be frustrated, angry, sad, depressed and downright pissed coming up. Probably doesn’t help that I’m well lit in beverage heaven before each episode but whatever.

    I want to enjoy the small amusements, damnit!

  37. Young Dragon,

    Yes, that is just my theory but it makes more sense than just reading on the surface the Euron, Victarion, & Dragon horn storyline. And it is just your opinion that Book Euron isn’t interesting. I find the things going on with his character like him having green dreams (ala Bran & 3Eyed Raven) as a child, and collecting all of the worshipers of different religions for a giant sacrifice, and having a dragon horn and Valyrian Steel Armor very interesting.

    Much more interesting then anything show Euron has done yet. He’s had maybe 3 good scenes with his best being his initial scene on the rope bridge. I wish they had played him much more sinister and serious than over the top goof ball.

  38. Aegon the IceDragon,

    Yes, that is my opinion. Victarion is working on the dragonbinder and is trying to bond it with his blood, so it’s just as likely that Victarion will thwart Euron’s plan. I hate the fact that Euron has a dragon horn and Valyrian Steel armor and may have powers like Bran. We didn’t see him steal it or earn it in any way. He just showed up with it already in his possession. Like I said, that’s lazy writing by Martin. Show Euron isn’t great, but unlike Book Euron, I find him occasionally entertaining.

  39. Iceman240857: I want to enjoy the small amusements, damnit!

    I’m with you. Lyanna doesn’t need to be anything more than that voice of conscience for Jon – that loyalty matters. She showed that loyalty when Jon and Davos showed up to Bear Island. She showed the loyalty by standing up to a room full of big men and (essentially) crowning him king of the north. And now by serving as a constant reminder that not only did they swear loyalty to him, but he swore loyalty to them – not the pretty blond southern girl.

    It would have been easy plotline to skip over the emotions and have the Northerners just accept Dany as their new queen – and move quickly on to the big fight. But a little tension is not only good for the story, it’s more realistic. And Lyanna, Sansa, and Sam are great foils.

    I also love the Arya/Gendry fun. Not only is it a little comic relief, but there were glimpses of a little spark way back when. Of course she was too young, but even then I always said I wanted her to grow up and marry Gendry.

    I also think there’s more to this than side-flirtation. What it is, I’m not sure. I do remember one of the showrunners saying that Gendry was just brought back because he was a sort of fan favorite after rowing away.

    But what if that was a red herring? What if there’s something more between the Bastard Baratheon and Arya? I mean, why else did the original Ned./Gendry storyline happen if not for Gendry to have some bigger role than a sacrifice for Melissandre? We also still don’t know who Gendry’s mom is…

    Okay, now I’m going into conspiracy territory…better stop ;).

  40. ThisGirlHasNoName,

    I don’t see Arya as the marriage type, but Arya and Gendry together would fulfill Robert’s wishes in season 1 to unite the Stark and Baratheon Houses. Well, sort of. Gendry is a bastard, so he would have to be legitimized first.

  41. kevin1989: Say something bad to Sansa, Jon, Lord glover etc and everybody is cheering for her that she is so right etc.
    Now she attack our beloved queen’s honor and everybody chances his mind and start to hate her.

    The way circumstances were at the time, her criticism of Sansa, Jon, and Glover were appropriate. But now that the undead army are descending on them, criticizing Dany is just dumb. At least wait until after the battle. I mean, what do the northerners like Lyanna and Sansa want? For Dany to take her dragons and army and go home? Let the northerners face the threat alone? Under different circumstances, I would understand the dressing-down. But now is not the time, it makes her look petty and dumb. (But that’s on the writers, not the actress).

  42. Jack Bauer 24: I don’t think the dragon ride was fan service. It definitely set up a future moment where Aegon will fly/use Rhaegal in battle or to flee battle.

    Agreed. Rather like Harry Potter on his broom for the first time, or us learning to ride a bike….you’re not good at first. If, as seems likely he rides Rhaegal in battle, him having control won’t seem out of place now.

  43. RG,

    Yes, that is my critique of Sansa as well — the other characters TELL the audience how smart she’s become, we haven’t been shown it. The few decisions she makes are dumb. She criticizes Jon in front of others and undermines him, but what are her alternative suggestions? NOTHING. Complaining is not leading. She needs to show leadership if the show is heading where I think it is. Bickering about how much dragons eat is dumb (hey Sansa, wait until you lose the battle against the undead – then you won’t have to worry about food because dead people don’t eat ANYTHING).

  44. Apollo,

    hahaha true, but as stated above, she had to become an adult at such a young age, in the modern world we have the luxury to become adults when we turn 21, we have a long childhood. I know in the family children of 8/15 years old, and too think of them being the leader of a household is already laughable how about leading a whole damn village. Lyanna is a victim in a way, she was robbed of her childhood, she had done a job that she shouldn’t have for at least a decade or 2.
    Even Bran had the luxury of having mr Luwin to help him, I didn’t see such a person with Lyanna.

    We need to be glad she hasn’t have the personality of Joffrey, I think being like she is now is the best result for her character.

    RG,

    Good point, but still Sansa was right, she only needed to add one thing to her advice, if she told Jon the person she thinks has that knowledge, look at the advice Tywin gave Tommen, a good king is the one knowing his advisers and let yourself be advised. Jon should have asked advice to Davos in that moment.

    Young Dragon,

    I always found Euron to be great as a villain in the books. He has a big plan is my feeling, a dangerous plan. But I think show Euron is a combination of Euron and Victarion.

  45. Anyone have any ideas on what Isaac said about the Night King not being dead? Any theories on where that could go in the story?

  46. ThisGirlHasNoName: What if there’s something more between the Bastard Baratheon and Arya? I mean, why else did the original Ned./Gendry storyline happen if not for Gendry to have some bigger role than a sacrifice for Melissandre?

    I do think there is more to Gendry coming in the books. Maybe it’s partially because of who he is but also for his ties to Arya. I mean, he was a big part of her storyline and the show followed it closely right up to him deciding to join the BwoB. Of course it’s at that point that the show borrowed the story of Edric Storm and gave an adapted version of it to Gendry. (Edric is also a living bastard of Robert’s in the books and saved in a similar manner by Davos.) I kind of think George “set aside” Gendry for a while to allow Arya’s character to grow on her own in all meanings and will then reintroduce him back in as the show has done.

  47. Mr Derp: Gendry is a bastard, so he would have to be legitimized first

    But is he? A bastard, I mean. I know the show diverges on this point (which means it’s probably not a major plot twist). But I always think back to that moment in Season One when Cercei tells Cat about her black-haired first son, who died after childbirth. She hated Robert Baratheon – and knowing Cercei she should have sent the child away to be killed. I would imagine she wanted to have Jaime’s sons and put them on the throne. What if the person who was supposed to kill the kid didn’t follow through?

    Gendry did say his mom had yellow hair and sang to him.

    Anyways, just a little fun rehashing old conspiracy theories on a Friday afternoon.

  48. kevin1989,

    I absolutely agree about Lyanna, and was just thinking the same thing while reading all these comments about how annoying she is.

    She’s a little girl for pete’s sake! Would anyone take her seriously if she acted like a typical 10 year-old (maybe she’s 12 by now) – singing, giggling, whispering in other girl’s ears, and skipping down the hall? She’s serious and aggressive because she has to be if she wants her people to trust, respect, and follow a little girl. I’m sure she figured this out pretty quickly after her mother died and she took on this huge responsibility.

    Everyone criticizing her for her speech to Jon in this episode fail to see that for her it’s all about loyalty. That’s the very thing that we loved about her in the beginning. When she made that commitment to Jon, she was d*mn well going to keep it. Along with most of us, she believes in Jon. She knows nothing about Dany as a ruler at this point. But Lyanna is certainly not stupid, and she knows Jon isn’t either. I think she’ll come around soon enough. If she lives much longer.

  49. ThisGirlHasNoName,

    Interesting theory, but if Cersei sent the baby away to be killed, would she still come around and sing to him up until the time he was old enough to remember? Say, 4 or 5? Come to think of it, I have a hard time imagining Cersei sweetly singing to anything or anyone. A fresh decanter of Dornish red maybe. 🙂

  50. Boudica,

    That’s what I was thinking too when I read that. They would have touched on that topic again if Gendry was Cersei’s.

  51. Aegon the IceDragon,

    I know Ned talked to the moms of some of Robert’s bastards in one of the S1 episodes . I kinda thought it was Gendry’s mom that they showed him talking to.

  52. Dolorous Methuselah,

    Gendry told Ned that his mother died when he was little.

    The woman Ned spoke to in the brothel was the mother of one of Robert’s bastards, but it was the baby she was holding. The baby they came in and killed.

    She was also too young to be Gendry’s mother.

  53. orange,

    This is pretty spot on. The dialogue is off the rails, and they’re way overusing jokes that weren’t that funny the first time.

  54. MMR,

    Night King is not technically dead. He was turned when he was alive. None of the White Walkers are dead they were turned to WW when they were babies. I think Isaac just said that to confuse Jimmy

  55. kevin1989: Even Bran had the luxury of having mr Luwin to help him, I didn’t see such a person with Lyanna.

    In the first scene where we see Lyanna, the Bear Island maester is seated to her left. She consults with him and he whispers in her ear.

  56. Lyanna Mormont’s scene chastising Jon would have been MUCH improved if she had been introduced to Dany. The fact that she is Jorah’s kin would have added some intrigue/understanding and even some bemusement to Dany’s experience of the situation.

  57. Given almost every one is in the North, Euron isn’t going to die until at least episode 4, most like episode 5. Probably just before Cersei. If I had to wager I’d guess he will be roasted by dragon fire.

    As for the Little Bear, I love that character but I fear she will be a shock death when the big battle goes down.

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