Game of Thrones has never been shy about its twists, but this week was particularly eventful. The second episode of Season Six continues the momentum of the premiere as it veers back and forth between leftover over plots about the Iron Islands to uncharted territory with Bran, Arya and the Night’s Watch. The good news is that means there’s still plenty to get excited about for readers and watchers alike; the bad news is that J now has a leg up on at least one thread once again.
We sift through the rather stunning turns this episode: Roose Bolton’s (Michael McElhatton) untimely death, Tyrion’s (Peter Dinklage) daring adventure among dragons and the Red Woman’s (Carice van Houten) latest attempt at dark magic (quickly confirming our biggest prediction about this season). Jeremy Podeswa continues to impress, further improving our opinion of him over last season’s efforts. He’s aided by gorgeous camerawork from Gregory Middleton; everything from Meera’s (Ellie Kendrick) longing gaze beyond The Wall to Balon (Patrick Malahide) and Euron (Pilou Asbæk) Greyjoy’s stormy contest on a rickety bridge is impeccably framed to inspire a sense of awe and emotion.
And perhaps best of all this week, no Dorne! Rejoice, peasants.
~ Søren
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Next week we’ll be discussing Season 6 Episode 3, “Oathbreaker.” See you all on the other side.
This podcast uses a clip from the song “Bughici—Suite for Violin, 8 Ardeleneasca, moderato” by Advent Chamber Orchestra / CC BY 3.0.
