Inside the Episode: “Home”

With the conclusion of every Game of Thrones episode, the production releases a spate of videos detailing the behind-the-scenes work that went into making it. These videos explore the thought process that went into the creation of particular scenes, and highlight what the writers and directors see as the key moments of the episode. Once again, with George R.R. Martin seeming to sit out this year completely in order to focus on finishing The Winds of Winter, we have one video from showrunners Benioff and Weiss and then two from the point of view of the actors.

We start, of course, with the Inside the Episode featurette, featuring David Benioff and Dan Weiss. They cover Bran’s trip back in time to Winterfell, Ramsay’s murder of his father, and the all-important resurrection of Jon Snow.

Let’s move on to the two actor featurettes, each of which focuses on characters on different continents. First up: King’s Landing and the continuing emotional drama of Cersei Lannister, who was barred from going to Myrcella’s funeral. Lena Headey and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau discuss the volatile situation.

Next, we head to Braavos Essos, where Blind Arya continues to try and learn how to fight the Waif with no eyes. Interestingly, neither Faye Marsay nor Maisie Williams are interviewed. Instead, we discuss this scene from the point of view of Tom Wlaschiha (Jaqen H’ghar), whose character decided to allow Arya back into the House of Black and White. (Then again, I guess the Waif and Jaqen H’ghar are technically the same person. It’s hard to pick apart identities when it comes to the Faceless Men.)

Our clip this week takes us to Meereen. In perhaps my favorite moment of the episode (non-Jon-Snow division), Peter Dinklage’s acting skills and a whole lot of digital rendering make us believe that there are two beautiful, intelligent dragons who have finally been granted their freedom.