HBO
Blood of my Blood sees Game of Thrones move into the second half of Season 6, and thus starts setting the table for what’s to come in the final few episodes.
It’s not an inherently bad thing, but it does mean there’s a lack of conclusion to the storylines in this week’s episode, as we wait for things to be picked back up next week, serving as a sort-of two-parter from writer/producer Bryan Cogman.
That’s particularly the case with the ending, which felt a little tacked on, and Daenerys‘ speech didn’t come close to matching the visual power of her walking out of the flames unburnt a couple of episodes back. Still, she seems to have Drogon under way better control, so that’s something.
It wasn’t just that storyline left hanging though: the Tyrell/Lannister alliance fails in its bid to overthrow the High Sparrow, with a couple of surprises for good measure; Jaime is given his marching orders; Arya discovers her old self; Sam makes a brave/stupid decision; and Bran and Meera are saved by a familiar (if now slightly different) face.
It was all entertaining to watch, but without any real payoff. Hopefully next week’s episode, The Broken Man, will offer some conclusions, and answer a few of these questions.