‘Game of Thrones’ season 4, episode 5 preview: Director on White Walkers, baby shocker

This past episode of “Game of Thrones” was a pretty strong hour of TV, but for fans of the George R.R. Martin series, it was perhaps even more important. The series has made a couple of moves this season that are different than what was in the books, but we’re willing to discard the Jaime – Cersei rape scene from this discussion because it was terrible, and actually feels more like a mistake that something the show is actually proud of.

The more interesting surprise is seeing what happens between the White Walkers and the babies. This was not something that had been featured in any of the books at all, and it really blew many away. The show is obviously doing something more to remind you that the White Walkers are still out there and important, and they must be paid attention to. This presumably is something that will play an even greater role as time develops before we get to the finale.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the director of both last week and this week’s episode in Michelle MacLaren (probably one of our two or three favorite TV directors out there right now) explained that revelations for both book and TV fans are going to happen “more and more” as time goes by. She also explained her own shock when she learned that the White walkers had a different purpose for the baby sacrifices than everyone first assumed:

“I was so blown away to find out what they are doing with the babies. I thought ‘Wow.’ I was very excited to do that. I had thought they ate the babies – isn’t that horrible?”

This does actually make a little more sense that the Walkers have a larger purpose in mind for the children. After all, why would they eat the kids when there are so many other alternative food solutions out there?

We’re going to have plenty more “Game of Thrones” coverage coming up, including a review and preview later tonight. You’ll be able to find all of that at the link here. Also, be sure to sign up now to get further TV updates via our CarterMatt Nwesletter.

Photo: HBO