Game of Thrones cinematographer teases the “different” penultimate episode of season 7
By Corey Smith
Game of Thrones fans learned long ago that the penultimate episode of each season is where the action happens. From Ned’s death to the Battle of the Bastards, they’re can’t-miss TV. In seasons past, the penultimate episode meant the ninth episode of each season. With only seven episodes in season 7, this year the big moments will land in Episode 6, which was directed by Alan Taylor and which runs a record-breaking 71 minutes.
Speaking to Radio Times, Game of Thrones cinematographer Robert McLachlan teased what we’re in for with the still-untitled penultimate episode of season 7.
"I’m really looking forward to that one because it’s quite different to the rest. It was filmed after my shoots – it was done mostly in the winter time. They filmed in dismal conditions in a quarry in Northern Ireland. I think they got some nice scenic stuff in Iceland as well."
McLachlan, for reference, worked on Episode 4 (“The Spoils of War”) and 5 (no title yet) of season 7. In the past, he’s lensed famous episodes like “The Rains of Castamere” and “The Dance of Dragons.”
So what kind of “different” is McLachlan talking about? Large battle scenes are a staple of penultimate episodes, but they’ve also had plenty of smaller-but-no-less shocking moments, like the Red Wedding.
As Radio Times points out, McLachlan could very well be referring to Magheramorne quarry when he talks about “a quarry in Northern Ireland.” That’s where the show filmed, among other things, the Massacre at Hardhome and the Battle of Castle Black.
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McLachlan’s comments about “scenic stuff” in Iceland and the episode being filmed “mostly in the winter time” suggests a lot of snow. Episode 6 could well contain the shots of Jon Snow and friends fighting north of the Wall that we’ve seen in the season 7 trailers.
What would make Jon’s encounter with the wights “different” from other times he’s met them? The possibilities are getting us excited.
Next: New photos from “The Queen’s Justice” tease a momentous meeting
But Episode 6 is a while away. Episode 3, “The Queen’s Justice” airs this Sunday, at 9:00 p.m. EST.
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