lol the pacing was insane this episode. This would've taken 3-4 episodes at the least if they still had the S3 pace.
Jorah going North of the Wall makes me think that he is going to be the wight they return - that he wants himself to be of final service to Daenerys by showing the realm WW are real.
It's tragically poetic and I really feel like that's the route they are going to take.
I feel like they should've showed the Hound/Beric/Thoros getting captured after them putting up a fight. That would've been better than a 3 episode absence in a 7 episode season. That could have filled us in about what they were up to by also putting some suspense for the upcoming weeks. Because prior to this episode people were theorizing that Jon would meet that trio once he came back to Winterfell and that they'd speak before heading up to Eastwatch together.. damn lol that pacing tho!
But either way - they could have done that scene prior to the loot-train attack by making E04 a little longer (apparently that was one of the shortest episodes of the entire series), they could have easily fit in something like that.
I just don't understand why they didn't utilize a little miniature cliffhanger like that.
Making too big of a deal out of it though that's for sure, haha. But I stand by my case.
Oldtown is like what? The fourth major city they completely erased all the history, lore, politics, etc from just to brush it over with a sloppy storyline so a secondary character could contribute to a major character? Others being Braavos, Dorne and the Iron Islands.
Oldtown is one of my favorite cities in the books (and knowing the big role it'll play in TWOW makes me so giddy), not only because of Sam's research but also because of the fact that JAQEN H'GAR, SARELLA SAND, MARYWN THE MAGE, PATE are all superb characters delved into the Oldtown plot that gives it so much spirit. That's not even speaking about the inevitable conflict the Hightower's will have when facing against Euron's fleet during his raid of the Reach.
SO MUCH POLITICS, SO MUCH LORE AND HISTORY, ALL SKIPPED FOR FAN SERVICE. :(
I get they are trying to get to the point but it just makes me so sad. This is why I feel they should have had a season inbetween S5 and S6 so that they could've appropriately handled the Dorne storyline (and actually included Arianne, Quentyn, Darkstar, realEllaria/Doran etc), handled the kingsmoot on the Iron Islands to it's full effect - with all it's historical significance intact (and included Victarion, realEuron, realAeron), as well as Lady Stoneheart (I know that argument has been driven to the ground, but damn, Brienne's storyline has had no purpose because they just took away her entire book-arc and didn't know wtf to do with her because of it - and plus, the Brotherhood Without Banners' storyline would have actually made sense). They could have actually given the Faceless Men more mystery and significance about them - by implenting that nearing 'doom' that awaits anyone who abandons the cult - which the show completely dropped, it's like Arya doesn't face any consequences but is still allowed to use their powers, it's fucking ridiculous. It hurts even more that the story ended in the most dumb way possible (in a deus-ex-machine chase). I already explained what they could have done with Oldtown with an additional seasons.
They just needed more time to establish these major cities and storylines, because now they all feel rushed and inconsistent. Reasons why Winterfell, King's Landing, The Wall, and even secondary cities like Harrenhall, Riverrun, Craster's Keep, all work so well is because they properly established all of it's history and lore in an intriguing and lasting way and make them actual intriguing places that feel like they could be part of our own history. Having an extra season to establish those storylines as well as show more of Bran's training (and have Sansa continue to grow as a player - preferably her not being matched with Ramsay, because fuck that change) and the show could have been so much better off because of it.
They wouldn't even have to introduce Young Griff and Jon Connington (as that would be way too much + way too confusing for the casual viewer) and still make Arianne's story work. It just saddens me to think of all the potential.
but in the spirit of my new philosophy to respect the show for atleast providing a guaranteed ending for the fans (even though it's sloppy fanfic most of the time), I gotta give them props for handling Olenna/Margarey's storylines better than the books, as well as the High Sparrow giving so much more depth and meaning to the King's Landing storyline in S5/S6. Superb storytelling that is a shining example that they can do things right if they try to!
Also. HARDHOME. <3
The way the books underutilize the White Walkers is criminal and I love how the show still keeps them mysterious by only featuring them a couple times per season, another great addition.
But still, they would have so profitted off of another season to fully fledge everything out so that everything wouldn't feel as inconsistent and rushed as it now does.
Yeah - the thing with the High Sparrow that I liked, was that even though the stood for 'good', it made you root for Cersei. It psychologically messed Tommen up and it was really intriguing to see how everything played out. Also because it effected the Tyrell's so much, and all of their storylines aren't as big in the books, so I dunno, I think it's just the general Tyrell-inclusion and how well they did it that makes me like that plot a lot! Plus - it was one of S5's only shining stars together with Hardhome.
I agree entirely about the consequences though - that was pretty ridiculous that people are cheering in the streets in S7 when Euron brings Yara/Ellaria/Tyene to Cersei. That's almost 'audience-for-Daryl-vs-Merle' bad.
Spoiler
+
People were in support of Tommen and loved Margarey yet were unphased when all of them died and blew up Westeros' equivalant of a cathedral. Like damn. You'd expect a coup - or atleast an attempted one. But everyone seems happy..
Oh oops, feel asleep for over 6 hours, lol. Gotta find a way to go to sleep again as I still have 6 hours till I am supposed to wake up for work, haha. screw me life. I'll write the theory as soon as I get home tomorrow. Expect 8PM Est.
