This week J and I split on “The Broken Man.” It’s a great episode in many ways, but J lays out some of the same criticisms we discussed for “Blood of my Blood” — repetition, slow plots and hanging threads. I counter that it’s well-written and well-shot (thank cinematographer P.J. Dillon), much like the excellent “Oathbreaker.”
We concurred on many points, though. The cold open was a strange start and though great, Ian McShane seems wasted in a bit part as Ray. Bella Ramsey is also remarkable in a small role as Lyanna Mormont, who’s now assumed command of Bear Island. Arya’s (Maisie Williams) surprise encounter with The Waif (Faye Marsay) was well shot and well-edited, as are Jaimie Lannister’s (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) negotiations with the Blackfish (Clive Russell).
~ Søren
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We’ll be back next week with the first international installment of Stark Contrast (as Søren will be in England) as we discuss Season 6 Episode 8, “No One.” Keep growing strong.
This podcast uses a clip from the song “Bughici—Suite for Violin, 8 Ardeleneasca, moderato” by Advent Chamber Orchestra / CC BY 3.0.
