Two deleted scenes from the DVD and Blu-ray of Game of Thrones season 4 shed light on painful decisions.
The first deleted scene comes from episode 2, “The Lion and the Rose.” After Tyrion’s painful breakup with Shae, Bronn has a chance to share his thoughts on the relationship between the highborn and lowborn of Westeros.
“You didn’t really think it was forever, did you?” the sellsword asks Shae. “These people, even the good ones — they use us as they please. And when we’re no longer any use, they spit us out, find someone else they like.”
The scene adds a surprising thoughtfulness to Bronn’s character, and gives actor Jerome Flynn a chance to show his range beyond hard-bitten sarcasm. His concerns here also lend some depth to the sellsword’s refusal, later in the season, to fight as Tyrion’s champion.
Related: George R.R. Martin promises unforeseen deaths in Game of Thrones season 5
The second deleted scene from Game of Thrones season 4 comes from episode 8, “The Mountain and the Viper.” The scene features Daenerys in a contemplative moment after she has banished Jorah Mormont.
We’d say it’s emotional, but Dany doesn’t seem to do emotional any more.
The scene, in which Dany coldly commands Missandei never to betray her, highlights Dany’s increasing rigidity and isolation. Let’s be real, it would be nice to see Emilia Clarke display more than her patented icy calm — but in fairness, the scene further illustrates that Dany has fundamentally confused loyalty with love.
Also, Missandei is awesome.
Game of Thrones season 5 premieres on Sunday, April 12 at 9:00 p.m. on HBO.