Good point. If to be Faceless is to lose one’s self … but the Waif is so obviously envious of Arya being a noble or resentful that Arya gets to choose her path (as opposed to the Waif being given to the Faceless). I don’t remember if there was more nuance to their relationship in the books, but if there was I don’t…

Thanks for the reminder. I kind of recall the scene where Jaqen murders and takes the place of an apprentice at the Citadel (and befriends Sam, right?) except I couldn’t remember whether or not it was from Martin’s books or another fantasy book I read, probably because it was one of those leading non-POV chapters.

Yup, I was thinking that too. No way she would have named it and hidden it and then just give it up. I’m definitely more convinced after reading other people’s comments on Arya not ultimately joining.

That is my hope too, but I’m not sure if that’d be wrapping up plot points a little too neatly (for example, if Arya was marked to join them, did they plan for her to be separated from her family?).

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the comprehensive explanation!

Saw this on Reddit last night and had to share. So good. Source:

I think that’s one theory people have, but it’s never been proven. (Even whether or not Syrio did or did not die.)

Ah, OK. I couldn’t remember if it was just coin or if there was something more dear someone had to give up if he or she wanted someone dead. (Like how king’s blood has to be spilled for Melisandre’s magic to work.)

Yeah, for the reasons you and the author of this post give, I’m not sure she can give up herself to the god. The way she kept gaping at the stage. I wonder how her storyline will tie back in with what’s happening in Westeros. I’d always assumed she’d end up killing someone thought to be un-killable.

And somehow got caught? I don’t think he would have been that incompetent or sloppy, which means he had some other reason for being in that cage.

Could you or someone quickly summarize the Coldhands character? I don’t think I’d realized he was any different from the White Walker kings. They all wear the same makeup, don’t they?

I found myself disliking Jaqen and the Waif, who’s always been kind of a snot, even more in this episode. I’d never considered that Arya might not end up a Faceless Man, as she always seemed fated to it in the books, but I guess I still don’t understand what the deal is. Like the Faceless Men are not supposed to have…

I thought it was interesting how both Littlefinger and Varys, whom I think of as two of the most unflappable characters in the series, both seemed caught off guard in this episode. Although part of me still wondered if Littlefinger was sincerely sorry, if he’s even capable of such an emotion.

Yeah, I don’t recall when Cersei first appears nude on her walk of shame, if they shove her outside with no clothes on or what. I’m betting too that Margaery will appear to have converted, per the rumors, although I wonder how else she will be made to “atone.” I think another commenter thought she might give up Loras,…

Yara and Theon.

It’s funny how I missed that completely (I know you and other commenters have brought up that that’s most likely what the High Sparrow told Tommen).

Ugh, I’d assumed Loras had just been read to and kept in isolation like Margaery. I don’t recall any mention of his being tortured from the books, but it would explain his desperation. In which case I’m glad we weren’t subjected to any of it after having seen Theon go through torture.

Ooh, I will have to watch the preview again. I recalled something about a new Red Priestess this season but did not notice the woman wearing a red choker.

Another musing … I am not looking forward to whatever it is Varys learns on next week’s episode. The preview seemed to imply something going wrong with his little birds (consider Cersei’s maester, whose name I can’t remember, co-opting them for his use). Any thoughts on who the woman in the Mereen throne room is…

Interesting. I’m curious what Sansa and Littlefinger will say to each other in next week’s episode. I can’t help feeling that Littlefinger being the master manipulator that he is that Sansa will buy whatever excuse he comes up with for what happened. Now that I think about it, didn’t he lie about their party being…