Game of Thrones Cast Talks “The Mountain and The Viper”
The latest episode of
Game of Thrones finally delivered the highly anticipated duel between “The Mountain” (Gregor Clegane) and “The Red Viper” (Oberyn Martell) and it did not disappoint. The result of the battle is an insanely shocking and impactful resolution that leaves character fates up in the air and once again reminds us of the increasingly high-stakes of the show’s universe.
Pedro Pascal, who plays Martell, gives his
insight on the momentous clash, “The Red Viper’s” demise, behind the scenes info, and Oberyn’s distinctive Dornish accent.
On Oberyn’s downfall:
“Getting too close and being too far delivered by his own passions. Because ultimately, it is about defeating this man who raped and killed his sister, but before he can do that, before he can end this man’s life, he needs a confession. He needs to hear it. And interestingly I had this great conversation with [
Thrones co-star] Lena Headey about Oberyn’s journey, and how even though it ends badly, he still hears the confession, you know? I don’t even need to go on after that once it’s been said out loud. And the ecstasy of achieving that, even though it’s being achieved in the instance of my demise.”
Prepping for the fight:
“None actually. I just kind of showed up and knew what I was doing — No, I was in stunt rehearsals with the incredible team here, and they actually gave me the opportunity back in Los Angeles to take classes in acrobatic martial arts and sort of learn how to hold the spear and stuff. I would say that I’m comfortable with movement, but not with props. So, putting the spear in my hand, I kind of had to start from scratch.”
While the showdown between Clegane and Martell was the episode’s highlight and big moment, there were other significant developments in the story. Of which one of the most devastating was Daenerys’ banishment of her right hand man, Ser Jorah Mormont. It was an emotional confrontation between two characters that we have really grown to care for and become invested in their relationship. What this will mean for the future of the exiled knight or Daenerys’ ambitions is unclear, but we sure do wish these two find a way to make up.
How does Emilia Clark feel about her characters’ harsh treatment? She
tells EW, “Emotionally for me it was so intricate,” Clarke says. “Jorah’s been with me since day one, season one. The scene itself is unpleasant because I — Emilia — know that what Dany is doing is wrong, And it was the first time I’ve ever felt that. I’m looking at Ian Glen thinking: ‘Don’t leave! I’m banishing him and all I want to do is cling to his ankles. It was really hard it marked one of the biggest decisions of this character to date.”
Jorah has been an important asset to Dany’s ascent in power; it is difficult to imagine her continuing her rise without her, arguably, most valuable advisor.
While the showdown between Clegane and Martell was the episode’s highlight and big moment, there were other significant developments in the story. Of which one of the most devastating was Daenerys’ banishment of her right hand man, Ser Jorah Mormont. It was an emotional confrontation between two characters that we have really grown to care for and become invested in their relationship. What this will mean for the future of the exiled knight or Daenerys’ ambitions is unclear, but we sure do wish these two find a way to make up.
How does Emilia Clark feel about her characters’ harsh treatment? She tells EW, “Emotionally for me it was so intricate,” Clarke says. “Jorah’s been with me since day one, season one. The scene itself is unpleasant because I — Emilia — know that what Dany is doing is wrong, And it was the first time I’ve ever felt that. I’m looking at Ian Glen thinking: ‘Don’t leave! I’m banishing him and all I want to do is cling to his ankles. It was really hard it marked one of the biggest decisions of this character to date.”
Jorah has been an important asset to Dany’s ascent in power; it is difficult to imagine her continuing her rise without her, arguably, most valuable advisor. 
