Season 6 Episode 6 "Blood Of My Blood" - "Book readers"

Nody

Pre empting the upcoming episode post by including some highlights from the charter. I'll try to set up each episode in advance each week; thread will be unlocked on Sunday evening.

This is ONLY about the specific episode! No information from any interviews etc. are allowed to be posted but book related information is allowed as well as the lore from the DVDs. Anything relating to interviews can be posted with a spoiler tag.


In addition anyone picking up 3 yellow cards will be banned from the forum for the current season; in case of serious enough transgressions the ban may come earlier than 3 cards

Thread will be unlocked on Sunday evening.

Savage Tyrant

Weakest episode of the season so far in my opinion.
Too much Sam/Gilly.... Though the father and his venom in talking to them was a high point.
As soon as they showed the sword I thought to myself "Sam should steal that when he's leaving"... Be interesting to see if that plays out in the books.
Deanerys' rousing speech at the end seemed to just come from nowhere.... What was the point? They were already following her.
I was hoping for some expansion on those little vision clips from Bran at the start. Hoped to see a little more of the Mad King or ToJ.
The Benjen reveal was signposted a mile away.

J. Marston

Agree with this being the weakest episode of the season but it did have some good points.

Loved the Mad King flashbacks. Wouldn't mind seeing more of that.

Benjen back is cool.

Looks like we're getting Riverlands Jaime too which was a part of the books that I really enjoyed.

And Arya is finally back.

Also Starring LeVar Burton

All of the best characters had the week off, so I knew as the names rolled through the opening credits that it was probably gonna be a pretty 'meh' episode. Sam's story was the highlight of the week for me - maybe not the most exciting storyline, but enjoyable at least. Things were set up well with Arya and Bran for next week or whenever we see them next, but nothing else particularly memorable happened. Was good to see Benjin again but we'd pretty much guessed he'd return at this point after Hodor died last week and I'm interested to see what will happen with Edmure and the Blackfish. The King's Landing arc was a bit of a let down, and I just don't care about Dany so thought the ending was weak.

nicki11

Bit of a mixed episode for me on the one hand.
Mad king flashbacks yay and prove Jaime told the truth, the wildfire has future potential or could just be a reference to Jaime destroying the pyromancers cache to save everyone.
Then there's yet another Dany speech I get that its set up but god just get to Meereen and then leave already.

Lastly dear god Tommen, you have cotton balls for brains used by your Great Uncle and the High Sparrow, he has no common sense what so ever. High Sparrow wants to control him and so does Kevan but Margaery is either insane, brainwashed or conniving. Just waiting to see where this goes, it'll probably come to a head when Cersei faces her trial.

Walder seems same as ever, thinks everyones laughing at him, obsessed with the status of his house. He seems to be going ahead with the Edmure plot but I don't know whether they will add the wife plot line too. Everyone may or may not be laughing at him but considering what we have been led to beleive about Westeros and their codes of honour no one likes him and would turn against him if they had the chance. Not only did he kill a guest, he also slaughtered his liege lords family at his wedding and kept him captive for years. Doubt he'll last much longer.

Daith

I actually really enjoyed that. It was just a nice breather with some good setup.

So Bran is now the Three Eyed Crow and setup directly against the Nights King. Harks back to Jojen saying Bran was the crow too.

Jojen Reed: You can’t kill it, you know?

Bran Stark: Why not?

Jojen Reed: Because the raven is you.


Quite enjoyed the Arya and theatre players show. The Faceless men are boring but the theatre was a good plot. Arya saving "Cersei" from "Sansa". Hoping she tells the waif she's Arya ****ing Stark and stabs her with the pointy end.

Liked the Sam scenes mainly due to the actors portraying his mam and dad. Gilly wasn't that annoying. I like the contrast between the "soft" countryside and Sam's experience in the North.

The Faith bit was boring and telegraphed with the Margaery scence beforehand. Was hoping for some eye contact between Oleena and Marg.

Oddly enough it seems Littlefinger wasn't lying when he mentioned the Blackfish taking Riverrun. The show never really seems able setup misdirection here. Everything really is as it seems most of the time.

Lastly. The ladies of House Umber know how to hunt? Is this important?

Oh and we saw Aerys. Hold The Door. Burn Them All?

EagererBeaver

Agree, very weak episode altogether. However:

Randall Tarly was great. Menacing and contemptuous as he should be. In the books, Kevan knows he's the real threat rather than Mace and he gave off that air.

It was always my belief but Benjen=Coldhands appears to be confirmed.

The Riverrun timeline is all over the place. The show has already destroyed Jaime but this is a mess. Edmure isn't a big or significant enough character for that "dramatic" reveal. On a side note, people in Westeros have a real issue with needlessly putting hoods on prisoners.

Bronn mentioned! Tired of his fat wife and leisurely lifestyle?

Think the Arya angle is strange, but agree she needs to tell the Waif who the **** she is and then do her.

RobbingBandit

Damn that High Sparrow he is a smug ****er. No one died felt strange to see that. Why the **** did Sam take Heartsbane? Brotherhood without banners gets a nod so Lady Stoneheart must be included or else.

bleg

Dany: BRB... lol found my dragon.

Another week where very little explanation is given about the Children of the Forest's powers and how they created the nights king. I mean Benjen says that they kept him alive by doing the same thing as to create the walkers but how come it didn't turn Benjen into a walker? I know it seems like a very anal complaint but there has been basically no background given to them in the show and a non reader I know refers to them as the "tree people".

I'd expected Lord Tarly to be a bit more physically intimidating but sure he was good enough.

Was Jaime removed totally from the kingsguard or just Lord commandership? So is now Lord of Casterly Rock? Who's the replacement? Robert Strong is basically the only other named kingsguard bar Loras.

Mr.Prodston

F*ck it....

I like Sam. I like his stories, I'm enjoying his journey and he's one of my favourite characters who could well prove to play a key role in the show. He could have stood up to his father but that could well have got Gilly killed, instead he bides his time and makes use of his visit to get some Valyrian steel. In his own way he's more badass than most characters!

I guess Arya either gets deaded or deads the Waif and leaves!

Great to have Benjen back. Bran and his plot has always been one of the most interesting too, with added Benjen backstory and lore to uncover then even better

The whole Tyrell army and Jaime marching forcefully on the place where the King was makes sense.....how the hell did they not know where he was? No wonder Jaime got his marching orders :pac:

*Writers room*

- "Hey guys how do we end this low key episode?"
- "Maybe we could do the Benjen reveal. A guy we haven't seen since the start and gives more hope to the Starks?"
- "Mmmkay, I hear you but...."
- "Ok how about showing how screwed the rich of King's Landing now are with the Tommen reveal?"
- "Yeah I guess that happened but where's Dany?"
- "In the desert a week away at least from reaching Meereen with her Dothraki army that needs exactly 1000 ships to sail to Westeros"
- "Hot diggidy dog I've got it!! We haven't done a pointless, yet rousing Dragon set piece in a while. Why don't we have her explain exactly what her plan has been since season 2 and have everyone go "OOOOOh Khalesi we love you" while joyous yet purposeful music plays at the end".
- "........yeah I guess I mean I kinda thought it'd be pretty cool to see another flashback in Bran's mind like with the Mad King played out a little longer but ok"
- "Dragons though. Glad that's settled"

SB_Part2

I don't think this weeks episode was ever going to be able to top last weeks. I like that we finally got to see Benjen Stark. Not sure I 100% understood how he's not a white walker, though.

Arya's storyline was predictable and I hope it means that she's gone from there now.

The Kings Landing scenes really bored me. They used to be my favourite scenes but I find myself increasingly bored of them now.

I enjoyed the scenes with Sam's dad. He's an arsehole.

karma_

Mr.Prodston wrote: »

F*ck it....

I like Sam. I like his stories, I'm enjoying his journey and he's one of my favourite characters who could well prove to play a key role in the show.

Huge bit of foreshadowing that implies this in today's episode.

'...the Gods have a plan for us all.'
- Cuts to Sam.

theteal

Steady but unspectacular episode. It's a bit funny that southerners still think the whitewalkers are a myth. You'd think the night's watch would send a raven newsletter!

Isn't it just convenient that the number of ships Dani needs happens to be the exact same number as they're building at the Iron Islands? Who'd have thunk it???

Bronn got a mention so we'll no doubt see him back soon. Also with the Brotherhood getting name dropped, thoughts turn to a potential Stoneheart appearance.

Suryavarman

Am I the only person that thought that was a rather good episode? Sure it wasn't on the same level as the last couple of episodes but it's much better than the dross that was consistently served up last season.

rawn

theteal wrote:

Steady but unspectacular episode. It's a bit funny that southerners still think the whitewalkers are a myth. You'd think the night's watch would send a raven newsletter!

They have, but i think they think the Watch are telling tall tales in order to get more men!

I was so excited seeing the hooded man riding in to save Bran and Meera, when i saw there was no flock of crows or massive elk i thought OK, not Coldhands but definitely Benjen awesome! But i thought the reveal was a bit flat. Why bother with the mask if you're going to reveal your identity immediately. No mystery to who or why he was, just his name and back story laid out on arrival. Badly done imo.

Maergery has to have something up her sleeve. She's a strong woman who knows how to play the game, highly doubt she's been as brainwashed as she appears.

Excited to see the Riverrun scenes, really enjoyed that in the books.

I normally enjoy dany's scenes but that was so pointless. Did they shoot a scene where the Dothraki were having doubts then forget to put it in? Also, when did Daario learn to speak Dothraki?

Arya's story was awesome, just like in the books she will never truly be "no one ". Hoping for Arya Stark to stick the waif with the pointy end too

Gilly was adorable trying to act like a lady. Randyll is a scary mo fo, but how does Sam think they can hide from him?!

theteal

theteal wrote: »

Steady but unspectacular episode. It's a bit funny that southerners still think the whitewalkers are a myth. You'd think the night's watch would send a raven newsletter!

Isn't it just convenient that the number of ships Dani needs happens to be the exact same number as they're building at the Iron Islands? Who'd have thunk it???

Bronn got a mention so we'll no doubt see him back soon. Also with the Brotherhood getting name dropped, thoughts turn to a potential Stoneheart appearance.

Can't imagine they'll go for Stoneheart at this stage. Probably just stick with Beric Dondarrion.

rawn

Liam O wrote:

Can't imagine they'll go for Stoneheart at this stage. Probably just stick with Beric Dondarrion.

Agreed, Benjen is enough back-from-the-dead-yet-still-dead for one season.

FunLover18

nicki11 wrote: »

Lastly dear god Tommen, you have cotton balls for brains used by your Great Uncle and the High Sparrow, he has no common sense what so ever. High Sparrow wants to control him and so does Kevan but Margaery is either insane, brainwashed or conniving. Just waiting to see where this goes, it'll probably come to a head when Cersei faces her trial.

I think Margaery is being very clever. At this stage the faith is a far better ally than the Lannisters. I was surprised that Cersei wasnt more upset about Jaime leaving as her power and influence is plummeting at this stage.

EagererBeaver wrote: »

It was always my belief but Benjen=Coldhands appears to be confirmed.

I couldn't tell, was he wearing gloves or were his hands black?

Duckworth_Luas

theteal wrote: »

It's a bit funny that southerners still think the whitewalkers are a myth. You'd think the night's watch would send a raven newsletter!

They did.

The only person to take heed was Stannis.

mewso

Had a real "Life of Brian" moment at the end there. The boys of the Khalasar coming round the bend way at the back of the crowd probably asking "All right lads. What was the Khaleesi saying? Saw the dragon but couldn't hear a thing", "Think it was blessed are the cheesemakers or something".

karma_

Suryavarman wrote: »

Am I the only person that thought that was a rather good episode? Sure it wasn't on the same level as the last couple of episodes but it's much better than the dross that was consistently served up last season.

I did too, kind of slowed the pace of recent weeks which allows a breather and I felt it managed to keep things interesting. I enjoyed Arya and Sam's stories this ep more than I have recently.

Ben Gadot

I actually thought that was one of the better episodes this season.

While all of the episodes so far have had amazing moments I've found them to be top heavy so to speak, with certain parts being strong (north, castle black, arya) and others being tedious to put it mildly (mereen, king's landing, dotraki).

But this episode really struck a perfect balance while laying the foundations for some interesting avenues.

Arya's arc has really made big in roads where Maisie has been able to recapture the brilliance that was missing in Season 5. I'm also really enjoying Essie Davis' cameo role as the actress and E Grant's disgust at the crowd for sneering at Ned Stark was a highlight of the episode for me. :pac:

King's Landing managed to pull me in for the first time in two seasons, with special mention for Mace Tyrell cracking me up.

Being able to visit House Tarly was one of the highlights of the season so far and I loved that it was Gilly who was the one who gave sh1t to Randyll. It would have been clichéd for Sam to be the one to put him in his place as you could see on his face how much he lived in terror of his father. That's not something you get over in the moment.

Benjen's return was spoiled on me (but in fairness I do go actively looking for them), yet it didn't ruin the experience of having him back at all. Glad he was still very much Benjen, but I would have hoped that they could have been more creative with his look to reflect being brought back from death through the children's magic.

Not a fan of Dany closing episodes but can't deny it was a spinetingly moment.

unreg999

Just about that whole episode was a big yawn for me... another big speech from Dani?? Come on.. how many more of them can we take?!
I liked the Arya scenes & it was only a matter of time before she left...she's hardly going to stay there, but now she has skills!!
Marjorie defo has something up her sleeve.. I reckon she thought her bro was going to cave so she had to do something before that happened!!
Knew Uncle Benjen was going to come & save them... So obvious!!
Liked the flashbacks & at least there was no Dorn or Sandsnakes lol

pq0n1ct4ve8zf5

Ah it was grand, nothing awful in it but nothing too exciting either. Mention of Bronn, Jamie off to the riverlands, Benjen back, Sam has the Valyrian sword, Arya's back, thank god. Bit of a prick tease with the stuff in kings landing, it was a grand scene but that whole story is dragging its heels a bit. the squabbling in KL has far lower stakes now than it has for most of the run, and with no Joffrey, no Tywin, no Tyrion, no Varys, no Littlefinger...it could do with less build up and more action to keep things interesting when it doesn't have those characters/actors to do the heavy lifting.

Presumably things are going to get pretty intense now, so a bit of table-setting and reminders of how things stand is fine, kind of annoyed I stayed up to watch it though

Hans Bricks

I think the momentum since episode 2 has us all a little entitled and spoilt I thought it was a grand episode.

Anyone else seeing the contrast / foreshadowing between Aerys "Burn 'em all " and the fact that Benjen was taking out wights with that swinging fire mace thingy ? I definitely think Bran will be that voice in Aerys head come season's end.

Daenerys though. Just get the bleeding ferry to Westeros already. ****in hell.

rawn

Hans Bricks wrote: »

Daenerys though. Just get the bleeding ferry to Westeros already. ****in hell.

I think this will be the part where Yara and Theon suddenly turn up with exactly 1000 ships for them :cool: so I'm hoping guessing that her journey to Westeros will begin at the end of the season.

pq0n1ct4ve8zf5

Daenerys is like the world's most insecure girlfriend or something. Every five fcuking minutes she makes some big scene and starts looking for validation "you do really like me, right? You want to keep following me? I have dragons and hate slavery, you know that? Not sure if I've properly emphasised what I bring to the table. It's cool if you don't want to hang out any more, I'm very cool and low maintenance so if you don't want to it's fine, definitely won't burn your house down HAHAHA'

Conall Cernach

SB_Part2 wrote: »

I don't think this weeks episode was ever going to be able to top last weeks. I like that we finally got to see Benjen Stark. Not sure I 100% understood how he's not a white walker, though.

Arya's storyline was predictable and I hope it means that she's gone from there now.

The Kings Landing scenes really bored me. They used to be my favourite scenes but I find myself increasingly bored of them now.

I enjoyed the scenes with Sam's dad. He's an arsehole.

I'm assuming that now ten thousand years later or whatever the Children of the Forest have perfected their magic and made him into a sort of living/undead white walker who retains his own personality.

Billy86

SB_Part2 wrote: »

I don't think this weeks episode was ever going to be able to top last weeks. I like that we finally got to see Benjen Stark. Not sure I 100% understood how he's not a white walker, though.

Altered spell probably, like how the first time you made bolognese you read 'tablespoon' instead of 'teaspoon'.

Salty pasta, evil apocalyptic murder gods... look at it this way, makes cooking for the family in future a lot less stressful!

Billy86

Whereabouts is Lady Stoneheart located (geographically) in the books? Given her family's history I would imagine it would be around the Riverlands but only ever made it up to near the end of book three if I recall (need to get back on this when the current season ends). Could go some way to explain why they merely told us about the Blackfish recently in the show, without going into much of any detail as of yet... episode 9 reveal?