Four new behind-the-scenes videos take viewers into the concepts and complex production behind Game of Thrones season 4, episode 5.
This week on “Inside the Episode,” show runners David Benioff and Dan Weiss discuss three pivotal scenes in “First of His Name.” They begin by delving into Daenerys’ choice to remain in Meereen.
According to Weiss, Dany is coming to realize that “Conquering is a whole lot easier than ruling.” He feels that Dany’s “deep empathy” leads her to understand why the Westerosi would not follow her as an unproven queen.
Next up is Bran’s choice to remain hidden from Jon. The decision “goes against all of his instincts,” says Benioff, but ultimately Bran follows what he believes is his destiny.
Weiss and Benioff also discuss Jon’s burning of Craster’s Keep, which they view as symbolic of his desire to protect the realm from the kind of terrible evil that occurred there.
Lena Headey and Natalie Dormer discuss the complicated relationship between Cersei and Margaery in the “Joining Forces” featurette.
Dormer acknowleges that Margaery is beginning to excel at her manipulation of Tommen, but feels that there is a “grudging respect” between her character and Cersei Lannister.
“It’s almost as if circumstances around them force them to be enemies,” she says, though aware that distrust in inherent between the two women.
In a clip called “Know Your Strengths,” A Song of Ice and Fire author George RR Martin delves into the territory and history of the Vale of Arryn.
Finally, episode director Michelle MaClaren discusses the technical elements of the battle of Craster’s Keep in “An Equal Fight.”
The complicated battle was difficult to shoot, and MaClaren wanted to emphasize the comparable skill between Night’s Watchmen and mutineers. “Jon and his group were the underdogs, because they were slightly outnumbered.” Between confined spaces, fires, and tough stuntment, Mark Stanley (Grenn) joked that he often feared for his life. “You don’t tell anybody,” he said, “Because you’ve got to get work done.”
Kit Harrington (Jon Snow) agreed. “The Karl-Jon fight was far and away the most difficult, complicated fight I’ve ever done on Game of Thrones – and in fact, ever,” he confessed.
Game of Thrones season 4, episode 6, “The Laws of Gods and Men” will air on Sunday, May 11 at 9:00 p.m. on HBO.