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Burn them all! Family was the center of last night’s Game of Thrones with more than a few new and familiar faces brought into the fold. With yet another major revelation for the series, let’s jump right into the reviews of season 6’s “Blood of My Blood.”
Here at The Wall, Sue (Sullied) cheers for the courageous Sam and Gilly, the reveal of Benjen Stark, and the return of Edmure Tully. Oz, (Unsullied) returning from the land of no wi-fi, is back just in time for the first Bryan Cogman-penned episode of season 6! He reviews the Tarly dinner, Arya, and of course, Benjen Stark.
Since this episode contained moments from the book series and the past, some authors are noted as Sullied or Unsullied. Be sure to still exercise caution when reading some reviews for book spoilers.
Myles McNutt, A.V. Club (Sullied) – McNutt tackles Margaery’s new state of mind and her divergence from the book series as she becomes a larger player in the Game of Thrones.
Alyssa Rosenberg, The Washington Post (Sullied) – Slightly underwhelmed by Benjen’s return, (after Hodor’s shocking ending last week) Rosenberg reviews the family elements throughout “Blood of My Blood.”
Sean T. Collins, Rolling Stone – Collins revels in the intimate character conversations through the episode which he found “exciting.”
Rob Bricken, io9 – Taking a step back from the last episode, Bricken is disappointed the plots aren’t advanced very far and even baffled by the character choices made by Margaery and Arya.
James Hibberd, Entertainment Weekly – Hibberd talks flashbacks, family reunions, and the ironic lack of blood in “Blood of My Blood.”
Sarah Hughes, The Guardian (Sullied) – Hughes notes the more subdued episode set the table for the second half of the season.
Neil Miller, Film School Rejects (Sullied) – Miller mirrors the audience with Bran saying “we’re getting a frantic download of information” as Season 6 has proven itself absolutely full of revelations.
David Crow, Den of Geek – Underwhelmed by some of the progressions and pacing of the episode, Crow still applauds writer Bryan Cogman for his work on “Blood of My Blood.”
Laura Hudson, Wired – With the heavy flashbacks this episode, Hudson reflects on the characters preparing for the great battle of ice and fire as well as the families and swords in “Blood of My Blood.”
Alan Sepinwall, Hitfix – In the spirit of the players in Braavos, Sepinwall examines who is being true and who is simply playing the part.
Brandon Norwalk, A.V. Club (Unsullied) – Norwalk faults “Blood of My Blood” for having a loose grip on its characters but was still thrilled with Bran’s visions and the return of Needle.
Jen Chaney, Vulture – Chaney praises director Jack Bender and calls the episode “narratively sure-footed and beautifully realized.”
David Malitz, The Washington Post (Unsullied) – Malitz recaps the Tarly’s family drama, Arya’s choice, and The High Sparrow’s recent win.
Laura Bogart, Salon – Using Varys’ quote from Season 2, Bogart explores the illusion of power through Margaery, Bran, and Arya in “Blood of My Blood.”
Laura Stone, Hey, Don’t Judge Me (Unsullied) – Stone gushes for Gilly standing up to Randall, Mercy’s return to Arya Stark, and Dany and Drogon.
David Rosenblatt, Squinty Over Analyzes Things – Analyzing the plot/character developments and revelations of the episode, Rosenblatt takes a different approach to Margaery, comments on No One Arya’s decision, and the standoff in King’s Landing.
Michal Schick, Hypable – Our newest addition to the round-ups, welcome Michal Schick! She rejoices for our characters and the “thread of ownership sewn through the episode.”
Stay tuned for Bex’s recap round-up later this week which features the best handpicked Game of Thrones video reviews for “Blood of My Blood.”
Even off the high of “The Door,” most critics still enjoyed the episode. What do you think of this week’s reviews? Let us know below!
Hold the door
What’s the deal with the waif? Could she be someone we have already met, i.e. using a different face?
I’m baffled by the stupidity of Rob Bricken,how is this guy a reviewer again,did he bribe his way ? Out of all the things to criticise,he chose Arya and Margaery,especially Margaery which is clearly pretending but apparently it went over this guy’s head .
Pizdainpula,
That took me aback. Of all the things to complain about, he picked the two easiest to explain: Margarey’s faking and Arya’s had enough. What else is there to get?
I’m genuinely amazed at all the reviewers who think even for a second that Margaery is now a brainwashed fanatic. What the hell. And the flipside criticism that we don’t get enough of what Margaery wants to prove that she’s playing a game is pretty weird too, and it’s coming from generallz clever reviewers like McNutt. How much do people expect from a storyline in one episode? Are we not even allowed the slightest bit of ambiguity or mystery week to week?
Pizdainpula,
It’s really baffling. His main complaint is that the episode left him with questions. Um…you realize each season tells one story and we’re basically in the middle of the second act when you should be left with questions, right? If you got your answers in ep 6 there’s no reason for ep 7 and on.
I thought it was a very solid episode. Nothing spectacular, but everything hit its mark. Like most ep. 6, maybe I won’t remember it later (I honestly can’t remember a single thing about ep 6 last season), but as the bridge it worked, and even had some real highlight moments, albeit of a more subtle nature. I was actually glad that this is the first episode without a death, as it had become a tad pervasive lately, to the point where it seemed like they were just doing it because it seemed expected (Osha). Personally, I’m all on board for Jack Bender coming back next season for more episodes.
Ravyn,
Same here. He’s a really solid director. Maybe not a Neill Marshall, but I’d love for him to be back next season.
As for the io9 review, I’m baffled by his bafflement. It was obvious Margery was faking and that Arya couldn’t betray her true self.
In many other seasons, this would have been a top episode but this season has set the bar pretty high. That Bricken guy needs to be moved to Once Upon a Time recaps or something. After last week’s faux pas, he just steps right in it again.
My complaints about the episode are small-ish. I felt too much time was spent with Sam’s family especially considering how few main characters have actually been given that much time in an episode this season. That damn sword better be important.
Dany’s moment was weird, as everyone has noted. It just seemed out of place, I guess? I also felt Bran and Benjen’s reunion was a little less emotional than it should have been but I guess they’re both half human now so maybe not so much with the warm fuzzies then?
I am just as ready for the High Sparrow to die as I am for Ramsay to die, but that’s my personal preference. No offense to Jonathan Pryce or Iwan Rheon but please get these smug fu#&s off my screen!
Laura,
It wouldn’t surprise me if Dany’s scene was filmed for another episode, but it got shuffled to this one. I’ve been listening to the audio commentaries for season 3, and apparently it’s not uncommon for scenes to get shuffled between episodes. I definitely agree that scene felt odd, especially as an ending. The Bran-Benjen scene would have made more sense.
Alan Sepinwall is unsullied.
Davos Seaworth,
I think the Bran/Benjen scene means more to book readers than they do to the other 90% of the viewing audience. Anecdotally, but non book reader friends of mine thought “Cool Uncle Benjen. I remember him” but it wasn’t a “wow” moment, or anything. They probably calculated that in not ending the episode that way. And since the Dany scene is a both a big effects moment, as well as an ominous foreshadow of where she’s going, I thought it was an appropriate high note to end on.
Sam is now officially the worst character on the show, I thought he was pathetic at the Wall but he is even worst back home. I hope that Euron sacks oldtown and rids us of Sam the Loser, no wonder your father disowned you. The Danny event seemed forced and more aimed at the audience to get excited behind her all too slow journey to Westeros, I hope this time, she finally makes it.
Yeah I feel the same, the scene was still good but it felt stuck on at the end. Then again, they did the exact same thing with the Mhysa episode too.
Dany has to head for Westeros in the finale now after that ending right?
Bran is still quite human. If he’s to morph into the TER, I imagine some transformative event is on the not so distant horizon. The flashback memory transfer scene can’t be the end of it.
The Sam & Gilly story has been worked to establish Tarly as an A-hole, but more importantly to put a Valeryan steel sword back in the possession of the good guys. BTW, do Valeryan steel swords kill dragons?
Daenerys just flashed the first glimpse of her Mad King Aerys heritage. She is as much the product of incest as Tommen, but she’ll likely return to her saner side next episode, as that’s typically the recipe. It’d be far more interesting, though, if she’d go full blown roaster atop Drogon.
Way to go Arya. Never doubted she’d make the right call. It won’t be easy – it never is, but she’ll handle the waif and make her way out of Braavos. Maybe she meets up with Ian McShane? That’d be fun.
The KL scenes are my least favorite (aside from Dorne, but it shouldn’t even count). Nothing is really happening, other than distractions from the real war to come.
It appears that Jon, Davos and Sansa are having a hard time recruiting for the cause. People still believe the WWs are Old Nan tales akin to snarks and grumpkins. Again, nothing’s easy…
I think there’s a lot of merit in that idea. Yes, it was a much bigger deal for book readers, since for the Unsullied, while, sure, it may have been cool, it really was just some guy they may have liked from back at the beginning of season 1. Moreover, the Coldhands aspect would mean nothing to the casual viewer. In a much smaller way, Arya naming herself Mercy is the same. Book readers, or at least this one, loved it, but it was likely just a random name, or indicative of her choice to not kill Lady Crane, but nothing else.
Giocrypt,
Hardly. I really like Sam and really empathize with him, though my relationship with my father and brother are far worse than his. Go bully someone else.
that Bricken reviewer guy JUST NOW realized that faces the Faceless Men have are cut off the dead people that die in the house of Black and White? Where did he think they came from? Wal-Mart?
LLCJ</strong
Well Jon is still a bastard and Sans a is lady Bolton. Very logical and makes sense.
I can totally see this. This scene could have just seamlessly have been added to the last episode after Jorah saw the horde pulling out.
I wasn’t a fan of the closing scene at first at all, but after giving it some thought, I’m wondering if it was more purposeful than I realized. The concept of Daenerys emerging as a villain doesn’t land with me 100%, but they’re really setting up signs for us to indicate that things could move in that direction.
If we consider:
(1) The brutality of her speech tonight, mixed along with the “Burn them all” flashbacks
(2) Her recently murdering the khals – killing every ruler of a huge population of people
(3) The plan for Euron (someone who IMO will be taking over for Ramsay as the resident antagonist) to wed her, along with her desperate need for ships
(4) The potential for her to both accept Tyion’s deal with the slavers and retain the red priestesses in Mereen (both pending)
(5) Daario’s weird attitude toward her in the past few episodes, along with the constant nudge that she’s a “conqueror, not a ruler”
(6) The fact that GRRM likes to really fuck with us.
I don’t know. Part of me feels like it’s crazy talk, but the other part of me feels like there has been a lot previewing it, and it’s one good excuse for that odd closing scene. I’m happy to hear what other people think about all of this.
eejazz,
It really began in S4 when she insisted on crucifying the slave masters against Barristan Selmy’s advice. Even last season, when she brought the slave masters down to the dungeon and had one of them roasted, they had a lingering shot of Emilia’s face where she seemed to be thinking “What am I doing?” Initially I thought I was reading too much into it since it wasn’t brought up again, but things seem to be tying together for her to break bad.
eejazz,
I don’t think so.
Daenerys was smart, culturally savvy, and empathetic in how she dealt with the Dosh Khaleen and finally the Khals. She took their measure, patiently, and ultimately decided that while the widows are worthy of being leaders, the Khals are small men – casual monsters. They weren’t Khals like Drogo that could be influenced, but rather Rapists/killers of the worst sort. Which is what you tend to get in a society like that. She chose to kill them in order to aim those Arakhs at targets that are NOT innocent.
Now Dany is hardly a “good” character. She uses violence far too freely and with a touch too much joy. I would argue that she IS clearly a “heroic” character though – because she has always had higher principals in mind when she acts. She wants to protect the helpless and punish those who would harm them.
The way – the only way, IMO – that Dany could become a villain is if she is genuinely convinced that an act of violence against the protagonists is needed for the greater good / to protect innocent lives.
You are only a victim if u let others make u in to one. Sam was a scared little boy now he is nothing but a scared little man, making inpulsive and rash decisions (taking the sword, taking Gilly, practically adopting the boy) out of fear and stupidity.
That’s fair. Maybe in the books he will lend more time to her adapting to the Dosh Khaleen and meeting the Khals, but in the show, it looked like she got there and pretty much devised an exit strategy ASAP. I don’t feel like we (nor Dany) know much of anything about those Khals beyond their cultural stereotypes and the words of the loudest Khals who spoke against her. Certainly she could have killed good men in that fire. Albeit, I can buy the “necessary evil” in dire circumstances. But with all of the other signs supporting a potential transition, it’s hard to ignore.
Your comparison of good vs. heroic is really fascinating though, and so far right on point with Daenerys. My only thought is that she may be willing to dispense of a lot of people to reclaim the Iron Throne (from how it sounds). This is not quite the same as freeing slaves and punishing masters.
When you’re conquering a slave city, it seems inherently heroic. When there aren’t slaves to free, it becomes much darker.
This is really interesting stuff though. I’m incredibly curious to see where the next few episodes lead.
Ravyn,
Yes! This is exactly how I feel. I can’t say I consciously realized it until more recently, but it makes a lot of sense looking back.
Giocrypt,
I would argue that taking one of maybe 10 Valyrian weapons in the seven kingdoms to prepare for the fight against the WW is about as ballsy as it gets.
Randyll, is that you?
Ok on reflection upon those visions of Bran (downloads) I think I’ll sum this whole saga up to not so much good verses evil etc…but more like betrayal/sacrifice for the greater good or more pointedly ones own greater good and how on a whole everyones own agenda affects all involved, wether a good or bad outcome on how you see it or how everyone as a whole see’s and deals with it. Extremism of morals to extremism of greed and all that gets caught in between. Bittersweet!
Grrm’s world of fantasy is not that much different from what we live in today…..but I’m sure deep down we all know it already, that’s why we are so caught up/intrigued/interested….I’m surprised I had not thought of this sooner. : )
eejazz,
That’s fair. I do think there’s a chance she could start looking for “evil” to fight where it doesn’t really exist, because she has learned to love her role as a “savior” a bit too much. In some ways she’s like the high sparrow in that regard (though IMO he’s far more cynical, and she’s more idealistic).
In the grand scheme of the series though I’m not sure how Dany as a villain (in the sense of opposing the protagonists) works. The WW is very imminent. Being Ms. Savior, Dany is going to head straight for the wall the first she hears of it and at that point she’s back in hero mode.
In terms of human targets, She’s currently a threat basically to the Tyrells and the Lannisters but they are destroying themselves. A standoff with Jaime and Lannister troops could be interesting and complex but I don’t think puts her as a clear villain as such (unless she feeds him to her dragons against Tyrions wishes or something).
KL will possibly be rubble or even if it’s not, she could almost fly in on Drogon alone and be like “hey dudes, Tommen is a completely awful King… How about we do some Targaryen restoration action” and half of Westeros would be like “yes, thank the gods!”
Whoa, just cottoned onto the fact a new Aeron Chapter was read out aloud
http://heavy.com/entertainment/2016/05/aeron-damphair-greyjoy-chapter-balticon-george-r-r-martin-reads-winds-of-winter-video-outline-summary-how-to-read/
Hopefully when a good outline is given there’s a WotW article on it
Seems to be rather twisted apparently….
By looking at the ep7 preview they are making Jon into a mute this season.
Sansa speaks, Tormund speaks, Davos speaks …. Jon might as well stayed dead how much he is uninvolved in rallying the north.
And yea like I SAID the north will look thowards Sansa as a “traitor”, Lady Bolton/Lannister, not a Stark.
That is why we see her writing that letter to LF(?) with a worried face on her.
Can anyone make out what the letter says?
looking at the preview for S6e7 the last scene with someone walking through the bodies looks like the introduction of the ‘grave-digger’.
Over the past few seasons we’ve seen Jon take charge and give his speeches. Just because the trailer is not giving u all the cards it does not mean Jon will not be having lines.
Try again.
Pizdainpula,
He was also really bad at the walking dead recapsalmost like he doesn’t watch the show just reads other people’s review or recaps and writes his based of theirs
Sam has shown more bravery than u could probably ever be.
He’s no soldier, he’s mentioned time again but he has also stepped up when it matters.
Tell me? If I throw your ass in the middle of Syria right now let’s see how much balls you have to survive. Ive bet you’d coward at the first sound of gunfight.
Pizdainpula,
Nu vrei sa schimbi totusi userul asta oribil? Ca sa putem citi toti discutiile fara sa ne simtim ca in tramvaiul 36 printre manelisti… Just sayin’. Thnx.
Bender did well with that Benjen fight scene. Stylish.
I think he’s a great character. The world of Westeros is filled with strong, fighting men and in reality the world doesn’t work that way. Sam has weaknesses many people can relate to, and yet he remains loyal, positive, kind and above all so, so human.
I think he wants the sword because he knows its power against the WW and he’s hoping at Oldtown he can discover a way to create Valaryian steel.
I’m excited to see where his storyline goes as I think he has an important part to play.
Pizdainpula,
Absolutely agree about Bricken.
Every week his reviews are among the worst.
Try again what?
Alexa,
Lol,i chose this usename specifically to see if anyone figures it out,i knew there are romanians on this site .
Hoyti Von Totiy,
Not being a troll ?
This is amazing every time someone writes something that the fanatic “show can do no wrong” fandom finds displeasing that person is called a “troll”.
Pizdainpula,
Ok, so now that you know there are Romanians on this site, and one of them is asking you nicely to change the offensive username you have chosen, so that she can keep reading the discussions here without being forced to read “CUNTINCOCK” every time you grace us all with your exquisite comments, would you be so polite as to change it into something less disrespectful for those who interact with you here?
I thought D&D said no weak episode this season ?
Hoyti Von Totiy,
It doesn’t appear to be to Littlefinger, from the little snatches of it that people have been able to identify. It appears to be to a bannerman.
I’ll echo this. One of the reasons I prefer this site to many of the others out there, is that foul mouthed, juvenile idiots frequent those places. Ugh!
Seeing what this episode set up and the promo for next episode, I’ve just realized that “The Broken Man” may include an adaptation of many famous conversations and speeches from the books, all in a single episode:
1) Blackfish vs Kingslayer (confirmed)
2) Meribald’s “Broken Man” speech (as close as confirmed as can be)
3) Wyman’s “The North Remembers” (pretty likely)
4) Wylla’s “Stark Men” (always a possiblity, with Lyanna Mormont instead)
That must have been so fun for Cogman. He’s better at adaptation than new stuff, I think, and he seems to enjoy it more. Book readers will too, I’m sure!
I have to agree and chuckled out loud when I read “move him to OUAT”….here here!
You obviously are extremely knowledgable in psychological trauma and how it effects us all differently. If you aren’t a psychiatrist or psychologist you really shouldn’t judge how people should or should not react. You obviously have no empathy so if you had therapy to overcome your own troubles, it didn’t work.
Try to really keep in mind that this is “just a story.”
I just kind of went off on this person and I feel bad, but when I read what you had written it cheered me greatly. Glad I’m not alone! Thank you:)
I think the episode should have ended with Arya blowing out the candle, and then cut to credits. Would have been a much better way to end the episode instead of that Dany/Drogon scene.
Also, I think Dany did that was to show us and the dothraki that she has control of Drogon. And it was awesome to see Drogon much bigger than before. It’s always cool seeing his growth throughout the seasons.
My least favorite episode in season 6 and one of my least favorite in the entire series. Cogman’s episodes were my favorite in the beginning of this show and now two years in a row they’re my least favorite. The ending was ridiculous. I’m tired of Dany conquer speeches. It’s to the point where I no longer care if she comes to Westeros or not. It’s enough already. 5 years of desert travels and over the top cheese has done me in. I lost interest in her character, in her story, and I don’t care.
cosca,
especially if you think that Margaery’s deceit is obvious to anyone that has watched the previous episode, that is her scene with Loras. When he’s all whimpering and saying that he would do anything to get out of there, his sister, who so far was all “we must not break”, replies something like “ok”.
Come on guys, do your homework (the reviewers, I mean).
Oh boy. I sincerely hope you don’t have a scholar type son and a title and lands to pass on.?
Come on man, just change it. Be a grown up.
Giocrypt,
You mustve have had an idyllic childhood with cool parents, or not read much about those who didn’t.
Yeah, Margarey is faking it (has to be) and Arya is turning back to her true self. All is right with the world! Riverrun will be interesting – wonder if that is where Lady Mormont will be (I loved the scene in the book when Jaime is talking with his aunt – can’t remember who it was. In fact I loved that whole RR sequence)
Dany’s scene did feel tacked on. Tho since the same director is doing ep 7, we may see a much better reason for its inclusion…
Loved Hibberd idea of a Mel + BenJen ship – cold hands meets cold boobs. …
loolaa,
.
I like that. Actually much more gray then just ‘good vs evil’ would
be
Giocrypt,
Ah I see Ayn Rand has joined in
Alexa,
yes, esp now that we all know what that means
ash,
epsiode 7 is a different director than episode 6
Laura,
I pretty much agree with you except for the point about Sam’s family. I felt that story was well paced and other scenes seemed rushed or short by comparison. The rhythm was a bit off in this episode … maybe they hit some problems in editing.
After a second viewing, my initial reaction is more or less the same. It is a good set-up episode, with a rather strange ending note.
Best part for me was actually Walder Frey (David Bradley is perfect in every movement and gesture, from calling and dismissing the cup bearer, to ass-slapping, to anger). We are lucky to have such an amazing actor play this villain, since he has been in only 3 episodes and it feels like he never left.
Unexpectedly I loved Horn Hill and Arya was great as well. King’s Landing was a mixed bag and it really depends on how the resolution will be, but again, Lena Headey is so so good!!! Margaery is obviously playing, that is why that other scene with Loras was in. She didn’t expect her family to come though and her reaction was mostly an oops realisation.
Benjen’s return was underwhelming as I feared, never cared and wish it had been some unknown guy like Coldhands is in the books. The visions though…amazing. Caught me completely unaware and that future wildfire explosion combined with Dany’s vision…
Daenerys itself…well the scene was okay, and the CGI looked good enough on my screen (would have liked more Dothraki), but just jarring in all its suddenness. I’ll retract this criticism if Dany turns out to be like her father (which I doubt). Then this scene makes some form of sense within the episode.
What I gather from the critics is that most saw it as a good set-up episode as well. Some are just plain dumb 😀 they actually think Margaery is brainwashed!!! Even after she literally said that the High Sparrow is a dangerous man who is manipulating them.
I really enjoy reading all the comments and the articles, both.
I loved it that Arya is still Arya and she went and got her “Needle”. I can’t wait for her to wipe that stinky smirk off that ugly waif’s face!!!!!!!!!! GO ARYA GO!
A strong episode, IMO. I felt so bad for Sam and he’s still a little boy who cannot stand up to his father. Gilly is the one who stood up to him! Wow, Sam’s dad is a tyrant. Also, love Sam’s mom–at least she stood up to him!
I do think Sam taking Heartsbane was impulsive, not thoroughly thought out–rash decisions have a way of wrecking havoc on those surrounding us.
I liked the reunion between Benjen and Bran and even though it was rushed, Benjen helped explain alot of what happened to him and where he’s been. He knew because of the 3ER that Bran and Meera were coming.
I also believe that Margery is playing the HS and it’s priceless. I loved the slight smile on her face when Jaime rode up the steps…..
I did feel bad for Jaime that Tommen basically banished him….of course, Tommen doesn’t know that Jaime is his true father.
I believe Jaime is the true ‘Broken Man’ of next week.
thats also something that worries me atm. They had him resurrected so early in the season, have some bigger scenes with him and then just drop the character. Its like he is mute now and everyone else talks, are they doing this to make sansa look stronger after all the backlash they got last season? I am fine with them writing finally a stronger sansa but they really dont need to undermine all the male characters on the show just to make her appear stronger:/
serum,
Whos doing episodes 7 and 8?
and is that director new or has he done something else on the show
I think Arya somehow had this notion in her head that the FM had some type of “code” whereby they gave the gift of mercy to those who came for it personally, or those who were somehow injured or taken advantage of by another (justice, revenge killings). But ultimately she discovered that they put out a hit on anyone if they are paid. And Arya won’t kill for simple jealousy.
On the other hand, perhaps the Waif is also an more advanced acolyte and it was always meant to be the FM only taking one. So she hates Arya. So Arya is given a task he knew she’d not do (passes the test) which then allows him to setup the showdown to determine whose face goes on the wall, and who becomes a FM. Meaning they do have a code too. Tinfoil, I know.
It’s Mark Mylod. He directed High Sparrow and Sons of the Harpy (episodes 3 and 4) last year.
Lord Parramandas,
oh nice
I like those!
those are quieter episodes so wonder how episodes 7 and 8 will be.
serum,
yeah I noticed that elsepost – thought Cogman was doing two in a row, or was that se5?
Direwolf Lvr,
Ivd been thinking along similar lines Also wondering if Waif has been so awful to her that when Arya kills her, she finds out that was exactly what HOBW wanted her to do, and now shes a full fledged member. Or not. What I hope will happen after Arya kills Waif is that she takes her face…
ash,
Cogman is the writer.
He is writing next episode
The director was Jack bender for episode 5 and 6
You are either a troll or someone that likes complaining for the sake of attention so which one is it?
“Show can do no wrong” as in the trailer didn’t show you Jon give his speech? I recall that’s the topic we were on my friend.
Gilly baby still owed to the WWs. They want that baby! Baby special.
taim,
I don’t really understand this line of thinking. where is everyone getting this idea?
Ep1-2: dude is dead and yet every scene at the wall is about him to some extent.
Ep3: every scene at the wall was focused on Jon. He had a ton to do and it was all about him, as was appropriate.
Ep4: focus was on Sansa and Jon reuniting and I’d say it was even. As always, Jon was the reluctant hero – more than ever now, but that’s who he’s always been. Other interesting reunions occurred which have nothing to do with Jon, and shouldn’t (Brienne/Davos/Mel).
Ep5: more Jon / Sansa scenes with him as reluctant hero. focus is marginally more on Sansa because LF is involved. Which is exactly how it should be.
Ep6: not in this episode
Ep7: we have exactly no idea how much “more important” Jon is since we have not seen the episode.
There is more than one character in this show and that’s a good thing.
taim,
IMO Jon is being made “mute” for a reason. Here is how I see it. Jon wanted to be a hero hoping that this will pay him for his bastard life. He ended up killed by people he wanted to impress (Thorn and Olly primarily). He was brought back from the dead but even that failed to impress them, so Jon is in a very deep moral confusion. He does not want to be a hero anymore, he is not sure whether he is capable of. But nobody cares. Everyone (Davos, Mel, Sansa etc.) just want him to be a hero again. He also understands that he has to but he is lost and scared, there is this enormous burden of responsibility and there is no drive etc. But I hope that Jon will warm up little by litte when he sees that there are people who are ready to die for him or it will play out some other way. Anyway, pretty sure that 9 will be asepaslo psychological battle for Jon and that he will manage to break through somehow.
And “mute” Jon is an interesting contrast to Dany and her speeches.
Luka Nieto,
It would be amazing if they did. Cogman’s comments would indicate that it should be an exceptional episode
Totally agree about Jon. I think he is trying to find his place in the world and come to terms with what happened to him (betrayal), his resurrection, and the deeper implications of all that. He is very much taking everything in and his lack of confidence in himself is very evident.
The Dany scene was very much tacked on to the end, it was like ‘we better put something about her in this ep so lets stick it on the end’. That said, she is doing what she does best, rallying the troops to her.
I hope Jorah is doing well on his trek to find a cure…..not sure if he will cross paths with Sam….in any event, it would take Sam too long to complete his Maester’s training to be of any assistance to J Bear.
Omg LMAO! I just spit out my drink!
I heart Sam. He’s gentle and kind, and brave in his own way. He has come thru when he was really needed the most. And sometimes brains are just as important as brawn. He’s going to come in really handy…
watch and see.
I love all of this! Fingers crossed! Go Arya!
Luka Nieto,
The other speech I’d like to see, though probably in episode 9 is a truncated version of Wull’s “I’d like to live in a land where summer lasts a thousand years …” Though Ned’s daughter he’d refer to would be Sansa not Arya
Sou,
Lol ironically enough I woukd love nothing more
Elizabeth,
Yes, no and its a story. Not every trauma needs therapy.
Sam has shown zero growth since we first introduced to the character and has made things exponentially worst by stealing that sword. And yes he is Sam the Slayer and that is why is so ridiculous that he sat there like a lump and took ot from his old man who has not seen half the stuff Sam has. Sam is the anti-Hodor he keeps running away from every battle.
Queenofthrones,
First two episodes he played a corpse but they put more effort to Edd, Davos, Mel and Thorne as it should be. His corpse was there but they put rightfully so more time with others.
taim,
There is a reason why Jon is mute or more in the shadows. Probably something happens what will unleash him. That might be something to do with Ramsay. Sansa is getting more attention which is good and is ther for a reason why Jon is reluctant to fight and Sansa wants to fight. Jon fought basically all his time at the all and he’s tired of it. Sansa finally wants to deliver her vengeance. There’s a big difference to Daeny and her attitude and speeches this season.
Should be another emotionally moving episode. Hopefully it doesn’t feel rushed through those 4 adapted “milestone” conversations.
For me, the most intriguing aspect of this upcoming episode is the balance of information dissemination that Jon, Sansa and Davos must convey to other major houses. They must attempt to build a strong alliance and also convince their audience that the threat of the undead and WWs is not just a silly campfire tale.
Hodors Bastard,
Im so excited. is it sunday yet?
How long is episode 7?
Dee,
Maybe you can ask Bran to greensee us into Sunday evening! Say please and bring a horse and a custom saddle as an offering to the newly-minted 3eyeraven.
I think the episode is relatively short, around 52 minutes (although the diff between short and long is about 5 minutes!). 🙂
Luka Nieto,
I think that is too soon for the north remembers speech. Iwould like ir more more close to the battle
[/spoiler]And dont forget the one between Jaime and his aunt, when she tells him that tyrion is the real son of tywin[/spoiler]
I read fans speculating that Dany will go mad or become a villain. I don’t believe that’s the case. GRRM made clear he doesn’t like a clear split between heroes and villains. He likes to put good and bad in every character, more complex characters with different layers, because that’s how real people are.
The speech by Dany to me wasn’t villainous or the start of madness. She needs to show she can command her troops to fight for her and not just bow to her, as if she’s only an angelic queen. Be a credible leader and feared opponent in battles to come.
Jorah left (and has betrayed her before) and obviously she can’t have Daario in command (he’s like her toyboy) so to me this speech seemed very logical for her character development, and not mad or villainous. Giving it while sitting on the back of Drogon even better for showing strength.
Random questions: did Sam ever tell Jon that he saw Bran in that hiding spot near the wall? When he and Gilly emerged from that tunnel?
Do we think Gendry will pull a Ben and resurface or is he history? Does anyone care about the Baratheon bloodline at this point? It’s pretty much history, right?
Anyone else want to see a Arya/Hound reunion? I loved them together in every scene. He needs a chance to be a hero and redeem himself.
I think everything with Arya played out exactly as J thought it would. He sent her to see a play of her life and family. Her having the skills of the faceless men plus morality and a family name makes her way more powerful and useful than a nameless servant. He must know about Dany, the WW, and the dragons. He may know about her wolf. We can’t have seen the last of him.
The episode had to end with something Dany, it is called Blood of my Blood, right? Admittedly felt tacked on. I think we’re supposed to get that she’s owning her power and is thus now able to control the dragons. Why must a tough, powerful woman be a villain? Those khals threatened to rape her to death when she spoke her mind. They’d doubtless raped and killed dozens of people. They deserved to die.