Came to 'Game of Thrones' fairly late in the game and due to being so busy the binge-watching was gradual. Have found myself truly loving the show, very quickly becoming one of my favourites. It totally lives up to the hype and not only does it do the brilliant source material justice (a rarity in television) it is on its own merits one of the finest, most addictive and consistently compelling shows in recent years and quality-wise it puts a lot of films in recent years to shame.
"The Dance of Dragons" may not quite be on the same level as Season 5's magnum opus "Hardhome", also one of the best 'Game of Thrones' episodes overall. That is a very tall order, because that episode was so special and actually saw even those who found the previous Season 5 episodes slow going (personally feel that although not on the same level as the previous four seasons, and a flawed one, that all Season 5's episodes ranged from good to outstanding, not a popular opinion probably) impressed. Although the polarisation of the fan reaction is understandable, count me in as somebody who loved "The Dance of Dragons" overall.
Not without faults, no didn't think it was a perfect or 10/10 episode. The special effects have been much more polished before and the Dorne storyline (a consistent criticism of Season 5 among critics and fans) is not as interesting or as involving as the rest of the episode, also a bit silly.
However, "The Dance of Dragons" is notable especially for two scenes. One is the whole climax in Meereen, especially in Daznak's Pit, which was spectacular, exciting and thrillingly intense with Daenerys' role being iconic for her and of the show visually and dramatically. The other is the episode's most controversial scene with Stannis and Shireen, one of the most tragic and disturbing of the whole of 'Game of Thrones' and the most hard-hitting the show has been since the Red Wedding. It shocked me and it brought me to tears.
Am going to defend this scene now considering how much it's been criticised and talked about. Can understand the problems others had with this scene, with them showing dislike for Stannis turning from morally complex to a monster by one act which has been described as out of character and a character distortion. For me, that is true for book Stannis but not show Stannis, remember this is a character who would stop at nothing to get what he wants and he had shown numerous murderous traits actually since Season 2 and for trivial reasons, also he was much less wilful initially here than he was with those showing some moral complexity still.
Getting back on track, once again cannot fault the acting, with strong performances from Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Carice Van Houten and particularly Stephen Dillane in some of his best acting as Stannis to date.
Plot lines and character development continue to advance, there is a perfect balance of intricate character moments and drama and there is a powerful mix of heart-wrenching poignancy, nail-biting intensity and shocking revelations.
Visually, "The Dance of Dragons" looks amazing (apart from the effects), as one would expect for 'Game of Thrones'. The scenery is throughout spectacular, the sets are hugely atmospheric and beautiful on the eyes with a real meticulous eye for detail and the costumes suit the characters to a tee. The make-up is beautifully done. As well the cinematography and editing, which are cinematic quality as well.
One cannot talk about "The Dance of Dragons" without mentioning the thematically, orchestrally and atmospherically multi-layered music scoring and the unforgettable main theme. Again, worthy of a high-budget fantasy/action/drama film.
Writing continues to be layered and thoughtful and the storytelling riveting.
In conclusion, excellent if divisive episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox
"The Dance of Dragons" may not quite be on the same level as Season 5's magnum opus "Hardhome", also one of the best 'Game of Thrones' episodes overall. That is a very tall order, because that episode was so special and actually saw even those who found the previous Season 5 episodes slow going (personally feel that although not on the same level as the previous four seasons, and a flawed one, that all Season 5's episodes ranged from good to outstanding, not a popular opinion probably) impressed. Although the polarisation of the fan reaction is understandable, count me in as somebody who loved "The Dance of Dragons" overall.
Not without faults, no didn't think it was a perfect or 10/10 episode. The special effects have been much more polished before and the Dorne storyline (a consistent criticism of Season 5 among critics and fans) is not as interesting or as involving as the rest of the episode, also a bit silly.
However, "The Dance of Dragons" is notable especially for two scenes. One is the whole climax in Meereen, especially in Daznak's Pit, which was spectacular, exciting and thrillingly intense with Daenerys' role being iconic for her and of the show visually and dramatically. The other is the episode's most controversial scene with Stannis and Shireen, one of the most tragic and disturbing of the whole of 'Game of Thrones' and the most hard-hitting the show has been since the Red Wedding. It shocked me and it brought me to tears.
Am going to defend this scene now considering how much it's been criticised and talked about. Can understand the problems others had with this scene, with them showing dislike for Stannis turning from morally complex to a monster by one act which has been described as out of character and a character distortion. For me, that is true for book Stannis but not show Stannis, remember this is a character who would stop at nothing to get what he wants and he had shown numerous murderous traits actually since Season 2 and for trivial reasons, also he was much less wilful initially here than he was with those showing some moral complexity still.
Getting back on track, once again cannot fault the acting, with strong performances from Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Carice Van Houten and particularly Stephen Dillane in some of his best acting as Stannis to date.
Plot lines and character development continue to advance, there is a perfect balance of intricate character moments and drama and there is a powerful mix of heart-wrenching poignancy, nail-biting intensity and shocking revelations.
Visually, "The Dance of Dragons" looks amazing (apart from the effects), as one would expect for 'Game of Thrones'. The scenery is throughout spectacular, the sets are hugely atmospheric and beautiful on the eyes with a real meticulous eye for detail and the costumes suit the characters to a tee. The make-up is beautifully done. As well the cinematography and editing, which are cinematic quality as well.
One cannot talk about "The Dance of Dragons" without mentioning the thematically, orchestrally and atmospherically multi-layered music scoring and the unforgettable main theme. Again, worthy of a high-budget fantasy/action/drama film.
Writing continues to be layered and thoughtful and the storytelling riveting.
In conclusion, excellent if divisive episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox