We already knew that the entire Iron Islands subplot was being cut from the fifth season of HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones and now it looks like we won’t be seeing Bran or his travelling companions either. However, unlike the previous subplot removal and changes to the adaptation being forced to fit the constraints of television, this one should make a bit more sense with how the novels actually present the story timeline wise.
According to showrunner David Benioff, “The fact is, even though we’re making changes to the books and adapting as necessary, we’re trying to keep the various story lines the same as the books and trying to keep them roughly [chronologically] parallel.”
It’s that last point that is key but he also clarifies it by saying that, “Last year we caught up to the end of Bran’s story line. So if we pushed him forward this season, then he’s way ahead of where the other characters are.”
While this wouldn’t be the first time the the show has potentially spoiled a plot line for book readers, I’m happy to see that they are trying to stick with where we actually are in the story. At least, as much as possible with a novel adaptation.
It’s hard to say if in all honestly nothing is happening with him that matters for the upcoming season or if the next time he steps in will have an impact on another story arc or if it is just set so far after current events that it wouldn’t fit properly here.
What do you think about having to wait an entire season to find out what is happening with Bran’s training and his increasingly almost immoral use of Hodor as his hands? Do you think that his continued use of the man will work against him down the line? Share your thoughts below!
Source: EW
