Stark Contrast: Episode 18 "No One" • Television

“No One” continues an unfortunate lull in Game of Thrones, a character episode that has as many brilliant moments as it does head-scratching. The plot inches forward for characters like The Hound (Rory McCann) while going almost nowhere for the likes of Brienne (Gwendoline Christie), Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and the Blackfish (Clive Russell). Despite this, we managed to talk about “No One” for a solid two hours – so maybe there is more than meets the eye?

Of note, this week’s Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) moment is standout compared with weeks past as she rocks her re-entrance into Meereen. Arya’s (Maisie Williams) story seems to have taken a rather circuitous root to proving the House of Black and White had some value for her arc, although how well that pays off remains to be seen. Her story this episode also culminates in a bizarre Terminator-style chase – something J and I feel was out-of-place for an assassin fight. We also mention the popular fan theory currently circulating about Arya and The Waif (Faye Marsay).

At Riverrun, The Blackfish makes a series of odd decisions alongside his nephew Edmure (Tobias Menzies) — while the former gives his life for no reason other than honor, the latter sells out his kin for reasons that still elude us. Meanwhile, The Hound runs into the Brotherhood and finds they have not lost their way. This sets up a strong possible return of a famously dropped storyline from the books, according to J, which, if it happens, will be exciting to see unfold in the next couple of episodes .

Despite this, we’re looking forward to next week’s episode, directed by the mastermind behind “Hardhome,” Miguel Sapochnik.

~ Søren

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