With Game of Thrones coming to an end soon, most interviews with the cast follow the familiar pattern of looking back to nearly a decade of work on these characters, including their end, and also of looking forward to whatever may come next. In two fantastic new interviews, Kit Harington and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau may not break the mold but they do go deeper than most regarding their challenges throughout the Game of Thrones years, as well as the difficulty of filming as Jon and Jaime for the last time.
Speaking to Star2, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau says he’s “proud to have been on a show that has had this kind of impact and success” and relieved “that it has come to an end in the way that [showrunners] David Benioff and D.B. Weiss had wanted it to.”
“I had a great last scene. It was absolutely beautiful. It was the perfect way to end,” Coster-Waldau confidently says, before revealing: “It wasn’t the final scene [of Game of Thrones], but it was close to the end and it was shot at a beautiful location. At this point, I had seen quite a lot of colleagues wrap, so I had seen a lot of tears, beautiful speeches, and I knew what to expect … I didn’t expect to be emotional, so I don’t know what happened. I had allergy, there was something in my eye… My final scene was beautiful.”
Kit Harington opened up about quite a lot for a wonderful new feature at Variety, starting with how it felt to get rid of Jon Snow’s signature look:
“A huge part of my 20s are me with that look,” Harington tells Variety. “My wedding pictures [with former co-star Rose Leslie] are me with that look. For a long time toward the end of ‘Thrones,’ I felt like I wanted to be a new person but I was stuck in this shape. [On the last day of shooting,] I took off the costume, and it felt like my skin was being peeled away. I was very emotional. It felt like someone was shedding me of something.”
Sometimes during his time on Thrones, it appears the experience was as challenging as it was emotional: “Looking back at the entirety of ‘Thrones,’ there’ll be 70% of the scenes that I’ll just never be happy with. I’ve come to terms with that … My memory [of people’s criticisms early on] is always ‘the boring Jon Snow.’ And that got to me after a while, because I was like, ‘I love him. He’s mine and I love playing him.’ Some of those words that were said about it stuck in my craw about him being less entertaining, less showy.”
“I had a shaky time in my life around there — like I think a lot of people do in their 20s,” he ponders. “That was a time when I started therapy, and started talking to people. I had felt very unsafe, and I wasn’t talking to anyone. I had to feel very grateful for what I have, but I felt incredibly concerned about whether I could even fucking act.”
Thankfully, the actor started to turn the corner with the season for which he was first Emmy-nominated: season six. In particular, the Battle of the Bastards: “I now look back and I go, well, I was a fucking integral part of that whole thing. Jon was, and I am, and I’m proud of it. It took me a long time to not think ‘I’m the worst thing in this.’”
“I know who this is now, and I’m at peace with who this is,” Harington confidently states, regarding his experience in season eight. “I just got a feeling that it’s the most satisfied I will be with my work as Jon Snow.” However, that doesn’t mean it got any easier. Quite the opposite, in fact. For this last nine-month shoot “in extreme weather and just in heavy fucking costumes”, Harington says: “I was there the whole time this year. I felt a bit like people were coming in and out, and Jon Snow was just fucking there the whole time.” It was all for a purpose, though: “They went balls out, I think is the term. They could have easily set the same budget as they did for Season 7, but they went bigger.”
After seeing Peter Dinklage “just break down” as he wrapped as Tyrion, when it was his turn he felt “a huge heave of emotion. I’m just blubbing,” just as he did during the final table read. Here he points out, quite intriguingly, that “the end of Jon’s journey, whatever that may be … I was satisfied with how his story ended.”
This is an incredibly long and insightful interview, with additional remarks about Harington by cast-mates and friends of his such as Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) and John Bradley (Sam Tarly), so you really should go read the whole thing at Variety.
pleasebetarthpleasebetarthpleasebetarth
QueenofThrones,
Damn that’s be wonderful. I don’t think it’s happening but fuck, I hope so.
QueenofThrones,
pretty please with extra sugar on top
I think Kit’s right that he maybe overplayed the sullenness/gormlessness and was a bit boring in the first season or two, but I think he’s grown into the role with time, and has generally been a highlight since the end of Season 4 or so.
Nick,
Just to add to the group prayer! For Tarth, at least. For Tarth.
Isn’t that a big spoiler him stated it was close to the end? I mean I always though he could die in episode 3. Know we know he survives till episode 6.
almost certainly a cliche, but I feel like I’d like to see a few of the characters break down at the end just like the actors did. Just realise the enormity of what they’ve survived/done. Jaime’d be a good contender
It IS pretty revealing. I never thought he’d die that early, though.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh and also oooooooooof.
Absolutely pretty pretty please. Jaime ending in Tarth with Brienne would make me soooooo happy!
Definitely sounds like Jaime isn’t going out by taking a spear-thrust meant for a Stark outside the walks of Winterfell! I don’t do the prayer thing, but I’ll send visualizations of a contented retirement at Evenfall. They can raise chickens for whenever their pal Sandor stops by.
I would love for it to be Tarth too, but it just sounds too happy of an ending for Game of Thrones.
Kevin1989,
He’s talking about the last scene he shot (hence him getting teary and saying goodbye to the crew), not Jaime’s last scene.
He could die in episode 3, 4, 5…
I think I would consider any of them that have been in most of the series to have made it “close to the end” if they’re even only in S8E1. *shrug*
I’m guessing that it would look very different than the only shot we’ve seen of it in GoT:
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/gameofthrones/images/6/68/Tarth_season_5.png/revision/latest?cb=20150504154800
Clob,
I feel pretty much the same. To me, “close to the end” means close to the end of the filming schedule. Not necessarily close to the end chronologically of when we’ll see it play out on screen. *shrug*
QueenofThrones,
#PleaseBeTarthPleaseBeTarth
💎💎💎💎
“Tarth, Ser Jaime. The Sapphire Isle.”
(Ship captain, S5e4)
costello,
He has really improved in his acting. Specially when he doesn´t portray moody Jon. Watch how he laughs and smiles iin his scenes with Sam, Sansa, Tyrion or Gendry. Or his murdering glare.
Wonderful interviews – as if we couldn’t anticipate S8 more!!!
I remember seeing Kit on one of the first nights of Dr Faustus – he had the entire room eating out of the palm of his hand. Can’t wait to see what he does next.
“We’ve both done stupid action movies we regret and fabulous things we’re proud of, and we’ve always come back to ‘Thrones.’ “
I’m assuming that was Terminator for Emilia and Pompeii for Kit 😂It wasn’t even listed within his film works in the True West program. How To Train Your Dragon 2 was, but not Pompeii. 😂
Regarding Jaime
Dark Sister,
But Pompeii was the movie that made Kit the action actor he is in GoT. Back in season 4 he started getting swords fights added to Jon when he started making his own stunts and in one of the shots he swing the sword so fast they have to put slow mo to watch it.
Hey, did anything come about earlier? Should I stay off Reddit and YouTube? I’m afraid to even peak over there.
Jack Bauer 24,
Yes it came. Personally I didn’t find anything too spoilery because it’s already been talked.
But I would stay out of reddit and certain YouTube channels if you want to reach the season unspoiled.
Eonwe,
I think it was the other way around. I think he was typecasted for his Pompeii role because of his role in GoT.
Eonwe,
Jack Bauer 24,
I’m avoiding any spoilers or potential leaks so if anything did happen, please use the spoiler code 🙈🙈
Kit Harrington is far too critical of himself. His character is amazing. I would put it up there with Viggo Mortensen’s Aragorn and Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi in terms of quality of performance.
Jack Bauer 24,
There was a second page to that contract. He was paid for all six episodes. The main actors get paid for all the episodes so we know nothing about how many episodes Nik was in.
Dark Sister,
Don’t worry. I won’t say anything because I know people want to ber surprised.
Me? I’m just some guy who takes guilty pleasure in spoiling himself since Naruto’s days.
strong>whateverdgaf,
Alexander Sidig (Doran) was hired for like 5 or 6 episodes for season 6. But the backlash of season 5 made them cut the Dorne plot line so he only filmed one episode. To his utter surprise he got paid for the episodes that he didn’t film.
I think Kit is way too critical of himself.
Overall, his performance as Jon is very good, and has in any case become iconic.
I actually think his strongest seasons were seasons 1, 4, and 5. That’s when the character felt most charismatic to me. Most confident, as well.
If I ever felt his acting was a little weak, it was in some parts of Season 2, but honestly I think it had more to do with the cold of Iceland freezing his muscles than anything else.
He still nailed the important stuff, like the banter and chemistry with Ygritte, the stuff with Craster, the stuff with Qhorin.
I’m satisfied with Kit as Jon more than I am with most actors. Most everyone else had far more irregular performances in my opinion.
Also Kit is one of those who has now become basically synonymous with the book character in my mind. When I read the books, I see and hear Kit as Jon. Even though the book character is a little different in some respects, Kit’s portrayal is memorable and is the definitive Jon Snow to me, in terms of the look, demeanor, mannerisms, etc…
Do you have a source on that info ?
Nick20,
Yeah
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/09/game-of-thrones-alexander-siddig-interview-leaked-game-of-thrones-screeners/amp
Hilarious.
Dark Sister,
It was his GOT what got him into Pompeii. But it was that movie where Kit learned his swords skills and stunts shots. Then he came back to season 4 and we got Craster’s Keep and The Wall episodes.
Kinda hoping D&D use Kit in their Star Wars films. He’s become a talented swordsman and a really solid actor. Put a lightsaber in his hands. Go against type and cast him as a villain/sith/fallen jedi.
Sunfyre,
Revan. That’s all I’ll say.
They should hire Chris Avelone as their screenwriter. Nobody has being so cynical towards the saga while also respecting it.
Kit seems to be such a nice young man. I am glad he sought help.
I have commented on Kit’s acting several times. Kit and I seem to have a similar opinion. I am perhaps less critical of him – in, this role, he is mostly Ok and has been outstanding at times. It is also self-aware that he raises this in an industry focused publication – I do not know if I would have done the same thing. He is not the worst actor I have seen on TV. It is just that GOT has a very strong cast even in small roles.
Kevin1989,
I can’t tell if it’s clear he’s talking about the end of Jaime’s arc, the show, or filming. All of which would mean very different things. Sounds like he’s talking about the final scene he filmed, which does NOT mean the final scene Jaime is in, since most things are filmed out of order.
Jaime’s arrival to WF is one of my most anticipated parts of the season. I wonder how his “reunion” with the Starks will go, especially Bran.
Jack Bauer 24,
“I saw you with Cersei. It was beautiful.”
And then Jaime starts questioning if the kid lose his sanity with the fall.
That definitely seemed to me like he was talking about Jaime’s final appearance on the show being near the end of the show, not the final scene he filmed being close to the final scene filmed at all. But maybe. I get a pretty strong impression from both of these that Jon and Jaime both survive the entire run. I’d be a bit surprised at Jaime, but not much by Jon. Jon is this story’s Aragorn to Bran’s Frodo. He has to survive. Whatever becomes of him after the war is finally over is what GRRM claimed he wanted to explore, Aragorn’s tax policy and all that. The show will definitely not cover that, but it’ll give me something to still look forward to if A Dream of Spring is ever published.
Anyway, whether Jaime survives to the end or not, he’s going to survive the Battle of Winterfell. Even if the show sticks with the decision to totally ignore the Valonqar part of the prophecy, the season 7 finale was not the final time we see Jaime and Cersei together. I’d even be a bit disappointed if Sansa never sees Cersei again. Passing up a classic student becomes the master opportunity there. But at bare minimum Jaime and the Hound have to make it out of there. Way too much unfinished business in King’s Landing. The writers can’t just leave that hanging for eternity.
Adam,
I have never been able to decide. I always thought that maybe Jon was Frodo and Bran is Smeagol.
Bran has been transformed by magic as was Smeagol. I am just not sure if Bran is good or bad.
Frodo was the virtuos point person that is destroying/ interacting/facing with the evil powers as is Jon. Jon also has his Sam and Pyp.
Mango,
Yes, I have thought the same. I think Jon (and probably Dany, too) will go on dragonback to the Heart of Winter Beyond the Wall, to destroy the Night’s King while everyone else deals with the zombie army down in Westeros. Bran will guide them but ultimately it will be Jon (and Dany?) that will actually go there. And I think in this series, the ultimate sacrifice will be part of the score.
Adam,
I feel like Tyrion will be the one that has to rule and do the whole tax policy thing. He and Varys have several conversations about how that’s always the job of people like them in the end.
Queenofthrones,
We are aligned on this then.
I try not to think about it too much because I do not want my understanding of GOT to be biased by looking for too many parallels with LOTR.
I certainly think Tyrion is well set up to handle the tax policy. He even served as both hand and treasurer. He would meet the standards that GRRM set for King. I also notice that unlike LOTR – GOT has two senior leadership posts namely King and Hand of the King. This is a two-man leadership team.
Gandalf could be Daenerys that provides the bulk of the magic to fight the bad guy’s magic. She also has an army – a highly disposable one like the ghostly one Aragon had. I do not think she is Aragon who did not have any magic himself. Gandalf also had aerial abilities with the eagles.
Yes, I think they need to go on an errand. Jaime will lead the fight while they destroy the source or do the sacrifice.
Will be quite fascinating to see them meeting back at Winterfell (as per the Trailer footage) and it does take me back to some of the season 1 footage such as the article cover.
In this case to see how both Kit/Jon and Nikolas/Jaimie will interact in contrast to S1 where Jaimie is a smartass and Jon is a disgruntled outsider
Will be fascinating, not just Bran but Brienne and Jon and Tyrion (more properly than KL) as well.
Even Dany to a degree given how things occurred at FoF Mk2
Ghost Lunch,
Jaime can handle himself.
He is mature; an experienced military leader. He engaged Olenna, Roose, Frey, Blackfish, High Sparrow and the bad ass- Mace. He killed a king. He talked back to Tywin. He was bedding the fiercest bitch in the kingdom. He chased a dragon with a stick.
Oh yeah, he can engage these young people. He ain’t sweating it.
*Jaime stares blankly at Bran*
*camera pans out*
*Bran gets ejected from window…again.*
3 Eyed Raven: “I TOLD him he’d fly…”
Don’t forget that he was also limping around on a broken ankle during the scenes shot in Iceland during Season 2. I think a lot of the shots of him traveling with Ygritte are actually a body double.
Y’all dreaming of a Tarth wedding?! Nikolaj is the King of Trolls.
I remember people always criticizing Kit’s acting during the awards polls. He was one of the best actors in season 1. He played Jon perfectly, especially in scenes with Peter on the road to the Wall.
Kit’s acting improved a lot over the years. I remember season 4, when he had just returned to Castle Black, when he was talking to Maester Aemon, Alliser Thorne and Janos Slynt, how impressed I was with the way Jon/Kit answered them. It’s from that moment in season 4 that I started liking him. Somehow he suddenly found how to play Jon Snow and who he was, while before he was still searching for it.
I believe the broken ankle was season 3.
Hell yes.
Kit is right to doubt his acting as he has repeatedly been the worst actor on the show, wooden and inexpressive. what makes matters worse is that ridiculous over masculine voice he started developing around season 5 which sounds unnatural and absurd.
Jack Bauer 24,
True and I always expected him to survive till cerseis death but still. Huge spoiler on his part.
Eonwe,
I always though that was a huge mistake. Would have been awesome if he would have been the master mind like in the books. That would have upgrade the feeling we had for season 5 and dorne plot.
Ahh, the hero and the antihero … 😍
Not looking forward to any of the characters comming to an end, but at least it seems to suggest Jon makes it. If Jon and Dany both survive I think they should transfer the seat of power to the North.
I think Kit has played the part very well. Sometimes it was probably the suggestion of the directors that his character is sullen, taciturn and not so good with words that he had to act subtly and not overly expressive. The same goes for Emilia Clarke (the queenly mask, having an unreadable public face etc), so people questioned her acting skills.
Jaime’s arc has slowly become one of my favourites and NCW’s acting is just so good. He’s wordless scene when leaving KL in s07e07 is one of the most beautiful scenes in the entire show. I think he’ll stick around longer than episode 3. He is too integral to the story to be dispatched so soon.
His arrival in Winterfell is something I look forward to – his interactions with Bran, Brienne, Daenerys and Jon. Especially with Jon. Not just because of their shared scene from season 1, but because Jaime is one of the last characters still alive who could provide some information to Jon about Rhaegar Targaryen.
I would also like to see him with the Stark sisters. Have they shared any conversation at all with Jaime so far? I don’t remember, maybe Ten Bears does:)
Rygritte,
Didn’t read the spoiler but I 100% acknowledge that Jaime is at least as likely to die gloriously (or otherwise) as anything else.
A woman can dream though.
I’m pretty sure that he was talking about the last scene filming-wise, not plot-wise.
I’m betting a dollar Nik is trolling the ever living shite out of the fandom with this info.
Me thinks he’ll die at Winterfell and be zombie’d back to life by King Fishstick…..
This made me LOL
Milutin,
The same goes for Emilia Clarke (the queenly mask, having an unreadable public face etc), so people questioned her acting skills.
Why would Daeneryrs need a queenly mask? Why would an actress use a frozen unreadable face for 7 seasons? How are the viewers supposed to understand what is being communicated in the performance?
Cersei/Lena Headly has played Queen from day 1. She has been wife Queen, mother Queen and ruling Queen. She has played her face stunningly. Even when she is being formal and deceptive, her face is never frozen. She even expertly uses her profile in her performance.
Margery was also pretend wife Queen and then real wife Queen, why was she not required to have a queen mask, the frozen face?
So we have 3 queens, yet one plays 7 seasons with a queenly mask? Yes, I can see why it may have confused many into concluding that Emilia is a pretty actress with sex appeal who has been putting forth a persistently piss poor performance. Very unfortunate all around – for the people that pay HBO in particular. I hope she can demonstrate more when she is not so hampered having to act with a mask face.
Mango,
I think a lot of this is a bit insulting to Emilia.
If you don’t understand why Dany puts on a mask when she’s in Queen Mode… you haven’t read the books perhaps? Because that’s a huge, massive part of her character. She keeps everything inside – everything hidden. She believes everything relies on her maintaining a calm exterior – the safety of her people, the solidity of her rule. She feels huge responsibility and takes it very seriously. She thinks she has to appear invulnerable or everything may tumble down. Emilia lets this vulnerability leaks through many times throughout the series, but the character (Dany) is always holding back, trying to prevent it. Sometimes it’s a subtle look, other times she is more emotive. But it is always a game of holding back, and pushing through strong feelings of regret, self-doubt, pain, etc.
Cersei is an entirely different type of character. She doesn’t care about responsibility. She doesn’t care about leading, or keeping up appearances. She cares about power and her children (in that order). She does, occasionally, put on a queenly mask (like when holding court) but underneath it all is a fire for vengeance, a desire to hurt and kill. This comes out whether she wants it to or not. She doesn’t allow herself to feel regret or self doubt, let alone express them – she externalizes any of those feelings as they arise and redirects them to unfiltered rage against her enemies.
Margaery is not a leader. Her role is rather as an influencer – much like Varys, Littlefinger, or Catelyn. She can and must therefore act in completely different ways – she must flirt, cajole, convince, soothe, etc. She has neither the responsibility nor the desire to project a facade of leadership. or rather, her mask is a different sort – a mask of playful happiness. It cracks as well, of course, in moments like when Cersei comes to see her in prison. When she tells the High Septon that he is a fool and Cersei will kill them all.
Honestly if you can’t see the differences in character between these three queens… I am not sure what to say. Is it really necessary to disparage a character or actor just because you don’t understand them? Not everyone will be your favorite but why be so negative? I don’t understand.
QueenofThrones,
Yes, the three queens are different. But yes, I have seen enough cinema, theatre and TV to have a fairly informed opinion on performances. Even for a person giving a brave face. Of course, this is my opinion – it does not have to be the same as yours.
Many fans enjoy the portrayal of Daeneryrs, I did not. I have said so before and will say so again.
I am only questioning the need for a mask for such a long performance and clearly expressed a hope that she has roles in which she can show her range.
What’s with this need to bash Emilia’s acting whenever possible though?
I remember your comment saying “Lots of fine actors and Emilia”.. I mean at that point it is childish, surely.
Jay Targ,
I have a right to like the performances that I like and to dislike the ones that I do not.
I am also free to express this opinion. And you are free to express yours.
My favorite GOT actor is Peter Dinklage and I have even commented on his low energy performance in several episodes.
Why not? People complain when they do not enjoy…it is Ok for a paying customer.
Mango,
You do, but “Lots of fine actors and Emilia”… That’s just unnecessary .
But whatever, have at it..
Jay Targ,
Thank you for your kind permission to do what I wish. I will certainly have at it….
Mango,
Dude, at first you said “we have 3 queens, yet one plays 7 seasons with a queenly mask?” I explain why this is from a character perspective, with detail, and now you try to walk it back by saying “Yes, the three queens are different… I am only questioning the need for a mask for such a long performance”.
If the characters are different, which they are, then they should be played differently because they have different motivations and character arcs. Obviously. And indeed that comment another poster pointed out is extremely childish.
QueenofThrones,
Let me be clear, I am not walking back my comments nor revising my opinion.
Yes, I was trying to choose my words more carefully as you seemed so passionate in your response. You have a lot of confidence in the quality of your post/explanation. Thanks for the kind effort.
Thanks for pointing out my childishness. And Targ as well. I strive hard to retain my youthful exuberance and really appreciate your welcome feedback.
I cannot make you happy and I am not even trying. Maybe I will turn my attention to matters at which I may have more success?
Milutin,
“…I would also like to see him [Jaime] with the Stark sisters. Have they shared any conversation at all with Jaime so far?”
_______
Hmmm. I don’t recall any. In 67 episodes, I can only think of a few times when one or both sisters were in the same proximity as the Kingslayer, Oathbreaker, & Heartbreaker – with no face to face encounters or conversations.
• In S1e1, the sisters identified Jaime as the queen’s twin brother when Robert’s entourage entered WF. [As Jaime took off his helmet, I’m sure I’m not the only one who thought to himself or herself, “how can a man be so beautiful?] After that, I don’t think there were any WF scenes with either sister and Jaime.
• In S4e1, upon Jaime’s return to KL with Brienne, they observed Sansa:
Brienne: “There she is.”
Jaime: “Yes, there she is. – And?”
Brienne: “You made a promise.”
Jaime: “To return the Stark girls to their mother who is now dead.”
Brienne: “To keep them safe.”
Jaime: “Well, Arya Stark hasn’t been seen since her father was killed. Where do you think she is? My money’s on dead. There’s a certain safety in death, wouldn’t you say? And Sansa Stark is now Sansa Lannister. Bit of a complication.”
Brienne: “A complication does not release you from a vow.”
Jaime: “What do you want me to do? Kidnap my sister-in-law? And take her where? Where would she be safer than here?”
Brienne: “Look me in the eye and tell me that you think she’ll be safe in King’s Landing.”
Jaime: “Are you sure we’re not related? Ever since I’ve returned, every Lannister I’ve seen has been a miserable pain in my ass. Maybe you’re a Lannister too. You’ve got the hair for it if not the looks.” *
• However, Jaime didn’t talk to Sansa. Then, at the “Purple Wedding”, Jaime was off to the side trading insults with Loras while Sansa aka Mrs. Tyrion L. was up on the dais; shortly after that, when Joffrey started choking to death, Dontos spirited Sansa away.
• In S6e10, during the Frey-Lannister celebration of the end of the Riverrun siege,
Arya (disguised with her waitress facemask) scoped out Jaime sitting with Bronn. There was no conversation between Jaime and incognito Arya.
[Note: Bronn noticed one of the serving girls was making eyes at Jaime, who told Bronn he wasn’t interested. Bronn replied: ~ “Not blonde enough for you?“]*
• My general recollection is that Arya had essentially disappeared [“what, in a puff of smoke?” – T. Lannister S2e1] as of Syrio’s faceoff with M.F.T.; and Jaime had left the city after wounding Ned and then got captured by Robb and was a prisoner until Cat ordered Brienne to take him to KL.
* Forgive me. In my Jaime ❤️ Brienne wishful thinking addled mind, I like to imagine these highlighted lines as foretelling a future Mrs. Jaime.
Ten Bears,
I cannot help but assume that on his return to KL that Jaime would have met Tyrion’s wife in person. It did not happen on screen but given the relationship between the brothers, you would think so. I wonder how S8 will handle that.
His interaction with Arya may have been more distant both in WF and KL. So that would be interesting. They can talk about Jory, lol! But Arya also knows that he sent Brienne and Brienne tried to help her.
And yes, I did notice those Brienne “Lannister” very blonde references. I hope they come through on it in S8.
I feel the need to speak up in Mango’s defense, since a dogpile is apparently in progress. I for one got a good laugh out of “Lots of fine actors and Emilia” – in part, I suppose, because I tend to agree. As an actor, she’s certainly the weakest in the main cast, though she has improved somewhat since the early seasons. And now, I suppose, we have a better explanation for why her most embarrassing acting moments came in Season 2: Her brain was fried from surgery.
Yes, as a character Daenerys is described as often needing to put on an outward show of confidence that she does not always feel. The problem is that Clarke’s lack of expression manifests even at times when Dany is not supposed to be wearing this “queenly mask.” There is little nuance in her acting, ever. Her worst moment, yelling “Where are my dragons???!!!” was certainly not a time to be wearing a mask. What needed to sound like panic and rage came out looking and sounding like foot-stamping petulance. It was laughable, eyeroll-worthy bad acting.
I will cut her more slack now that I know that at the time, Clarke was coping as best she could with extreme physical stress. But no one will persuade me that she was the best possible choice for one of the two leading roles in what would turn out to be the biggest show on TV (yes, I realize that they couldn’t foresee that). I hope that in the future she will be cast mainly in comedic roles, which seem to resonate better with her naturally chipper personality.
Firannion,
I’m not seeing a dogpile going on at all. I see one poster saying he doesn’t like Emilia’s acting, and I’m seeing other posters say that they do like her acting. There is no right or wrong answer here. It’s all very subjective and both sides made their feelings known without it getting personal. Nothing to see here.
I’ll reserve comments on who I feel is the weakest… 😉
Firannion,
You have put this more elegantly than I could have. Thanks for your comment.
Emilia has lots of fans and a good career. She seems happy. She is fortunate to have recovered her health. May she find many roles that suit her.
Clob,
Obviously you think it’s Arya right?, lol!
🕊
Mango,
“But Arya also knows that he [Jaime] sent Brienne and Brienne tried to help her.”
_____
Although that was not expressly stated in the show, that is something Brienne definitely would’ve explained to Arya “off-screen” in S7.
When Brienne first encountered Arya with Sandor in S4e10, Sandor recognized that Brienne was carrying a Lannister gold sword and asked her where she got it. All Brienne said was “Jaime Lannister gave me this sword.” Things went sideways after that:
Brienne: “I swore to your…”
Arya: “I don’t care what you swore!”
Sandor: “You heard the girl. She’s not coming with you.”
Brienne: “She is.”
Ten Bears,
Oh yes! That is how it went….
So Jaime and Arya will have an interesting encounter. They are both my peeps so I hope they are still both alive with all body parts attached at the end of the discussion. Jaime might need Bronn after all. Tyrion might have to assist.
Mr Derp,
Lol!
Mango,
“His interaction with Arya may have been more distant both in WF and KL. So that would be interesting. They can talk about Jory, lol!”
______
Oh dear. I forgot about that. In Arya’s scene with Syrio, all she apparently knew was that “they” killed Jory and her father was hurt.
If Arya learns that Jaime killed Jory by impaling him through the eye (and out the back of his skull?), she may have a quandary about whether to draft an addendum to her List.
______
Come to think of it (in what I felt was Arya’s only unjustified execution), Arya added Rorge to her list and killed him because he’d once threatened to f*ck her bloody with a stick.
If she learns that Jaime Lannister threw Bran out of a tower window intending to kill him; ambushed her father and his men on the steeets of KL; and personally killed Jory…
Yes, Arya and Jaime could have an interesting encounter. While I can see Bran being all hippie dippy “that was my destiny” about Jaime launching him out of the window, how is Jaime going to explain himself to Arya?
Ten Bears,
Lol! This get worse by the minute.
Jaime should probably reconsider his trip to WF. The NK is nothing, he needs to worry about Needle. Hahhaha!
Well, in all fairness Jory attacked Jaime who was just watching the melee.
Ten Bears,
“Come to think of it (in what I felt was Arya’s only unjustified execution), Arya added Rorge to her list and killed him because he’d once threatened to f*ck her bloody with a stick. “
Are You sure, there wasn’t more Rorge did to give her reason?
Wasn’t he involved in the torture at Harrenhall?
Ten Bears,
Thanks, Ten Bears! I knew you would provide us with plenty of information on this topic.
QueenofThrones,
I agree with everything you wrote.
If you see some of Clarke’s short videos or sketches she made for the Omaze campaign, for instance, it’s obvious she has an expressive face. That is why I think it was the directors’ instructions to act in a certain way.
cos alpha,
Rorge did wind up among the Lannister troops at Harrenhal, and he did remind Arya that he had previously threatened to f*ck her bloody with a stick, but I don’t believe Rorge was part of the Mountain’s rat bucket torture & beheading squad.
Milutin,
That’s what I think, too.
What shall a young girl do without a loving family (that was killed), only with an abusive brother, who meant to be king of an realm, that is lost to usurpators, who punishes her, whenever she dares to have an own meaning?
She hides her feelings and longings, she learns to take on a mask to protect herself and eventually the mask becomes more and more static on the face, the role becomes not only a shirt, but an armament.
I thought it was very well shown in the beginning, in the pre-bath-scene, when Viserys took off her clothes and touches her and said her not to awake the dragon… she knew, what would happen, if she did.
She had to protect herself the whole time.
But there are moments, when this mask fell and emotions came through, one could see it in her then very speaking eyes.
For me it was fine acting, especially, when I saw the vidos besides, when all her abilities came to shine. And then to act over years with a by directors ordered mask: great!
That said, Daenerys isn’t my favorite character, it’s Sandor, I think. May be, because I have a faible for hounds ;o)
But there’s no character, whom I “hate”.
Btw there was a motto-wedding in our village today around our old Dutch cellar-windmill: GoT. Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen married. Lots of long clothes and capes with fur, white for her, black-brown for him, guests in medievial gowns – nice :o)
Do they know more than we do???
Eonwe,
Im so glad they did that! I felt so bad for Doran, the place was beautiful and if it had been done right, he could have brought that character to life. Good for GOT for doing the right thing for him!
Milutin,
Excellent point about Jaime and Rhaegar!
Ten Bears,
I’ve always found it very telling of Arya’s character that she didn’t kill Jaime. She doesn’t hate him for being a Lannister, any more than she hated the Lannister soldiers. She really does judge people by what she knows about them, not by their names or their (often forced) allegiances.
/Arbor gold out nose
In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face is that, in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. -Ratatouille
I’m not an actor, and I have little knowldge on the subject. It’s so easy to critique someone’s perfomance, who at least has accomplished giving one, while we have given none.
On my part I love the perfomances of all the cast, young and old, experienced and less experienced. And I especially appreciate the young actors who had to swim in the deep waters, with characters so complicated, and they did such a fine job bringing them to life. One of my most favourite is Kit who I love as Jon Snow – in fact I couldn’t imagine anyone else in this role. I love the obvious incecurity and vulnerability in the first seasons, as that fact made Jon Snow so loveable and relatable. I love the slow change in his character as he’s becoming more self-aware and more experienced like his character. He’s an excellent actor and a very nice guy too! And Emilia too.
Also it would be important to remember that actors do what the directors want and say what the writers want them to say – this is how they pictured Jon Snow, how the pictured Dany and etc so if Dany wears her Queen image, then that’s what the director wants her to do. If Jon Snow’s looking brooding, that’s what the director wants him to be. And who would blame either Dany for being so in control, or Jon for brooding, given their stories!
All in all, they all have earned my respect as excellent actors and my love as characters. It will be extremely difficult to let them go once the series is over!💖💖💖
Milutin,
You forget in the dragon pit whilst talking to Brieanne he refers to Jon as a dolt. Southrons have no respect for the honesty of the Starks.
beautfully stated, I agree with this whole post.
I do think there’s a strong correlation between people who dislike Dany’s character and whether they appreciate Emilia’s acting. That is they are irritated when Dany does anything and they wrongly attribute that irritation to the acting.
I like to say that I love every character in this show (even – or especially – the ones I hate).
Do we have to make this some sort of a South vs. North thing? cuz it’s not. See: Boltons, Karstarks, etc.
Jaime thinks that people like Jon and Brienne lack moral nuance, which annoys him, because he feels like it’s an easy a way out because sometimes there is no one right choice. I’m not saying he’s right but that’s his PoV not a “southron” one.
New Interview with Nikolaj https://twitter.com/nikolajcw/status/1109703807016013825
isildur,
Yes, Jaime called Jon dolt, and immediately afterwards he called himself an idiot and then went after him;) IMO, Jaime really feels some connection to Jon, even sees himself in him, and I hope to see more of that next season.
QueenofThrones,
Thanks for the link!!!
I hope the concluding quote bodes well for the only reunion I look forward to nearly as much as Arya & Jon and Arya & Hound.
The writer needs a better copy editor—“Lannister” isn’t a pseudonym for Jaime, ffs. It’s a patronymic.
/end grammar rant
Milutin,
“… His [Jaime’s] arrival in Winterfell is something I look forward to – his interactions with Bran, Brienne, Daenerys and Jon. Especially with Jon. Not just because of their shared scene from season 1, but because Jaime is one of the last characters still alive who could provide some information to Jon about Rhaegar Targaryen.”
_______
• The photograph of Jaime and Jon at the top of this post, and your comment, reminded me that the last and only time they met and talked face to face was way back in S1s2. Here’s a link to the scene, along with the dialogue:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB9Ks-sL6So
(Jaime confronts Jon at WF blacksmith forge)
Jaime: “A sword for the Wall?”
Jon: “l already have one.”
Jaime: “Good man. Have you swung it yet?”
Jon: “Of course l have.”
Jaime: “At someone, l mean. lt’s a strange thing, the first time you cut a man. You realize we’re nothing but sacks of meat and blood, and some bone to keep it all standing.
(Sarcastically) “Let me thank you ahead of time for guarding us all from the perils beyond the Wall – Wildlings and White Walkers and whatnot. We’re grateful to have good, strong men like you protecting us.”
Jon: “We’ve guarded the Kingdoms for 8,000 years.”
Jaime: “ls it ‘we’ already? Have you taken your vows, then?”
Jon: “Soon enough.”
Jaime. “Give my regards to the Night’s Watch. l’m sure it will be thrilling to serve in such an elite force. And if not — it’s only for life.”
• Rewatching that scene has got me looking forward to their encounter in S8: Now, their roles are somewhat reversed.
Back then, Jaime was a pompous d*ck, snarking about Jon’s inexperience at real swordfighting; mocking Jon’s naïveté for signing up for a lifetime membership in the Night’s Watch; and talking as if the White Walkers were imaginary creatures.
Now, Jon’s the battle-hardened, renowned sword fighter and (formerly) KitN; Jaime’s a one-handed, mediocre fighter who went rogue from his own army to volunteer to join the Northern Alliance; he now knows the White Walkers and AotD are real and they’re on the move.
As he told Cersei in S7e7: “The monsters are real. The White Walkers, the dragons, the Dothraki screamers, all the frightening stories we heard when we were young, they’re all real.”) Now he’s the one seeking to join the “elite force” guarding the realm from the imminent peril from beyond the Wall.
Yet, even in his exchange with Brienne after the S7e7 dragonpit summit wight-in-a-box show-and-tell, Jaime still dismissed Jon as Sansa’s “dolt brother.”
• While I’ve enjoyed the evolution of Jaime’s character and NCW’s portrayal, and want to see him regain his honor, part of me wants to see him eat crow [pun intended], or some humble pie – before he’s accepted as an ally.
• I’m a big fan of callbacks, and mirror-image and bookend scenes [e.g., Ned telling Arya in S1e3 “We can’t fight a war amongst ourselves”, repeated by Jon to Sansa in S6e10.]
So, I’d like to see an encounter that parallels the Jaime-Jon S1e2 scene – except with the roles inverted, with Jon (and others) giving Jaime a hard time before ultimately relenting. Of course, Jamie also has a lot of explaining to do: to Jon, to Bran, to Arya, to Sansa and to Dany.
• It wouldn’t take long for a brief Snarkfest upon Jamie’s arrival in WF. Something like..
[To be cont.]
I am thinking of not watching the last episode because it will not be an ending that I will like. Which is probably not easy to do, but one Always wants a satisfying ending,. Hm, the White Walkers will win!!
Ten Bears,
I share your hopes and I believe they will be fulfilled. At least, the trailer implies so. Jaime’s line really sounded like he was arguing and trying to convince everyone in his good intents.
(Continued from 4:20 pm)
I’d like to see something like this when Jaime arrives in WF…
Jon: “How do we know you’re not here as a spy to infiltrate our ranks and report back to Cersei?”
Jamie: “I want to fight for the side that fights for the living.”
Jon: “That’s the kind of pretext an infiltrator would use to spy on us.”
Jaime: “Why would you say that?”
Jon: “Because that’s the line I used as a Night’s Watch spy to infiltrate the Wildings.”
Jaime: “I wouldn’t have come all this way to spy.”
Jon: “Maybe your mission is to abduct Sansa and take her to Cersei. Rumor has it that you tried to pull off a princess abduction in Dorne. How did that work out?”
Jaime: “Look, I’m sh*t at espionage, okay?”
Jon (to Sansa): “Should we trust him?”
Sansa: “Only a fool would trust someone nicknamed ‘Oathbreaker.’”
Dany: “Kingslayer, how do I know you won’t shove a sword in my back if you disagree with one of my orders, or toss a spear through my chest if you get close enough?”
Jaime: “Dragons. Dothraki. I’d never get close enough.”
Jon: “You tried to murder my brother Bran by pushing him out of a tower window.”
Bran: “It’s alright. I was always destined to get flung out of the window and get paralyzed so I could become 3ER 2.0.”
Jaime: “See?”
Sansa: “I heard you and your thugs ambushed my father on the streets of King’s Landing and killed all his guards.”
Jaime: “That was because your mother had arrested my brother Tyrion.”
Sansa: “So? How is that an excuse?”
(Jon confers privately with Dany)
Jon (to Jaime): “How many fighting men can we expect? 10,000? 20,000?”
Jaime: “Uh… Less.”
Davos: “Fewer.”
Jaime: “What?”
Davos: “Nothing.”
Jon: “Come on. How many soldiers are you bringing?”
Jaime: “Just me.”
Dany: “Seriously?”
Jon: “Why do we need you?”
Jaime: “I was Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. I’m an experienced battle commander.”
(Jon and Dany confer again)
Jon: “Alright. We’ll appoint you Captain…”
Jaime: “Thank you!”
Jon: “…Latrine Captain. It’s long past time we dug some new latrine pits for our armies.”
Jaime: “I can’t shovel with one hand.”
Arya: “One hand is all that is needed. Turn your body side face. Use a trowel.”
Jaime: “Who are you?”
Arya: “No One.”
Jaime: “What?”
Arya: “Just f*cking with you. My name is Arya. Arya Stark.”
Jaime: “I thought Arya Stark was dead.”
Arya: “Yeah, I get that a lot.”
(WF gate guards and Jon Snow look down sheepishly)
Arya (to Jaime): “You need to get to work. Better start digging.”
Jaime: “You look like an angry little boy.
Don’t presume to tell me what I need. Let the grownups speak.”
Brienne: “Uh, Ser Jaime… don’t. Just don’t.”
Arya: “One of your goons speared my father in the leg. And you killed Jory with a short sword through his eye and out the back of his skull.” (Arya places her hand on Needle’s hilt.) “Why shouldn’t I put my sword through your eye and out the back of your skull?”
Jaime: “Have you ever used that sword? On someone, l mean. lt’s a strange thing, the first time you cut a man. You realize we’re nothing but sacks of meat and blood, and some bone to keep it all standing.”
Arya: “Yes, I’ve used this sword on someone and yes, I know all about carving men into meat and filleting the bones. Got any other pearls of wisdom? How about: ‘All men are made of water. You know this? When you pierce them, the water leaks out, and they die.'”
Jaime: “I’m not here to get into a swordfight with a little girl. Even with my left hand, it wouldn’t be a fair fight.”
Brienne: “Ser Jaime, please! Don’t get her started! Trust me on this.”
Arya: “I already killed one Kingsguard. I like killing Kingsguard.”
Jaime: “Who did you…”
Arya: “I could peel off your face and…”
(Sansa quickly pulls Arya aside.)
Sansa (whispering): “Remember you asked me to tell you when you’re being strange and annoying?”
Arya: “Yes.”
Sansa: “You’re being strange and annoying.”
Arya: “Sorry.”
Tyrion (to Dany): “Your Grace, he came alone when everyone would’ve advised him not to. He knew you could lop off his head or burn him alive with dragonfire. We asked our adversaries to pledge to cease hostilities and join with us to defeat our common enemy. My brother is here to honor that pledge. We shouldn’t turn him away.”
Brienne: “Your Grace. There is honor in him. I’ve seen it myself.”
Dany (to Jaime): “Where are the Lannister armies?”
Jaime: “Cersei double-crossed you. And me. I’m done with Cersei.”
(Jaime looks at Brienne. Brienne swoons.)
Jon (to Davos): What say you, Ser Davos?”
Davos: “Lord Tyrion and I fought against each other on the Blackwater. Now we’re allies.”
Dany (to Sansa): “Lady Sansa?”
Sansa: “I’ll never trust a Lannister, but I trust you and Jon. If you say this is the way…”
Jon: “My queen?”
Dany: “Well, we are a bit short on experienced field generals at the moment. ..”
Dany (to Jaime): “You chose an auspicious time to arrive at Winterfell. We’ve decided to pardon those who served the wrong queen. I offer you a choice. Bend the knee and join us; lay your sword at my feet; and pledge your services to House Targaryen. Or refuse and die.”
Jaime: “Anything else?”
Dany: “You will serve under Jon Snow. He is your commander now.”
Jaime: “Very well. I await my orders.”
Jon (to Jaime): “Like my sister said. Better start digging. The ground gets hard as a rock when the sun goes down.”
(Jaime glowers. Arya stifles a giggle. Jon gamely keeps a straight face.)
Ten Bears,
1. Some of these are very funny.
And highly unlikely.
I expect the northerners to give Jaime some grief and suspicion but if you think he is in for humiliation then I expect you to be disappointed. Luckily for him the Karstark men are all dead.
2. I am not sure that the power relationship with Jon in the photo was that straightfoward as one you describe.
Jaime was guard to King Bobby and son of Tywin. Brother of a queen that the King did not like. Jon was the son of King Bobby’s best friend and” brother” Ned (and the nephew of the woman that Bobby loved). In GOT, Ned’s power/importance was strong maybe at least close to Tywin’s at that time and Ned was about to become Hand. When they met, Jon was prolly as well or even the better connected to the King of the two. Jaime was the more self-confident and I think he remains so even now. He was also telling Jon the truth – in his jackass way. If Jon feels bad because of Cat then there is nothing Jaime can do about it.
3. I think in an interview, some-one said that D&D specifically wanted Jon and Jaime to meet early and their scene was added to meet this request. The dialogue may just have been filler (or not).
4. I expect the northerners to be upset with Jon when he arrives with the Targ queen. They will consider themselves betrayed by his submission. Jon knows the danger, no-one in the north has seen the NK so they may not really know how desperate the situation is and how much they need the dragons and army. He went for weapons, he turns up with the hated Targs. Jon will have his own problems. Jaime may actually help him to organise everyone – Jaime is a natural leader and will remain so. Eventually, everyone at WF will form an uneasy alliance including Jaime.
Mango,
Obviously, I was goofing around with my proposed scenario. And of course, I couldn’t resist a little ASNAWP fanboying.
However, I really did think Jaime was being a jackass to Jon in that scene from S1e2. The sarcasm and snark were unnecessary. I thought Jaime was deliberately portrayed that way as part of the setup for his eight season-long, dirtbag-to-hero evolution.
Ten Bears,
HAhahahahhahaha!
Ten Bears,
I did laugh out aloud more than a few times – even though you are talking smack about my boy Jaime. I will never make love of a fictional person stand in the way of a good joke.
Yes, I know the Arya situation at your house.
Ten Bears,
well played!
Let’s hope the actual show approaches the glory of your ‘fic ^_^
Somehow I doubt they will devote that much screentime to Jaime’s return.
Interesting comments from NCW, is he teasing his death/final scene is not until near the end as I am expecting him to die in the North myself so no later than episode 3 or 4. If he makes it back I assume he kills Cersei and dies in the aftermatch. All just guess work, no spoilers:)
He could be trolling (which he has done before) so don’t take it as fact just yet. I’d still wager he’s more likely to die sooner rather than later as he’s not crucial to the end game.
But that is still a spoiler too because we know the Winterfell battle filming wrapped up 3 months or so before the rest.
After seeing Emilia badly miscast in albeit terrible Solo film I hope D&D don’t return for GOT actors in any Star Wars films. I really don’t want them spoiled either way.
In my mind at least Arya would be more than justified in killing Jamie, remember he did cripple her little brother with the intent of killing him back at the very start of the story. I’d suggest the only reason she didn’t kill him was because she didn’t know this at the time.