In regards to episode 506, “Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken,” some of the few scenes that I like were those ones associated with Arya. However, I am not happy with the adaption of other scenes. Obviously, the quality of the writing has deteriorated since the book material is lacking at this stage. In regards to Arya, the process in which she becomes “no one” was subtly done.
One highlight of this episode is the story of the waif. Arya is interested about the fate of the people who commit suicide. The Waif tells her that she is not ready and the she will learn everything at its own time. Then Arya asks her, “Who are you?” The Waif tells Arya an “invented” story of her life, a lie, but something that Arya would like to hear. She mentions she is a Westerosi, a lord’s daughter. Her stepmother tried to poison her in order for her stepsister to become the heir. With the aid of the Faceless Men, she was able to kill her stepmother. There are some inconsistencies with this story. As a group of assassins, the Faceless Men do not promote personal revenge since their members lose their identity. The Waif probably read Arya’s mind of planning to use the skills of the Faceless Men to avenge her family. Obviously, Arya is not ready at this stage. This is reminiscent to what Jaqen tells Arya later during the game of faces: “We never stop playing.” The Faceless Men are in constant training.
The scene in which Jaqen and Arya are playing the game of faces, reveals that she has almost become “no one.” The viewer is aware that her answers are mostly true, but because she is becoming “no one,” she is lying. At the same time, it could simply mean that she is still Arya Stark but has become an effective liar. Her expected encounter with Ser Meryn Trant in Braavos might determine whether she has become “no one” or a successful liar.
Arya’s ability to sound genuine are obvious when she meets the sick girl. She gently soothes the girl by making up a story, a deed that is reminiscent of the waif’s lying skills. Arya gives the girl a peaceful death. She invents a story which is exactly what the sick girl likes to hear: she was also a sick girl that got cured by drinking from that fountain at the House of Black and White. Obviously, Arya is a fast learner who applied the Waif’s storytelling or lying skills for this particular case. She is rewarded by being shown the faces collected from the people who killed themselves. As per Jaqen, she is not ready to be “no one,” but she can acquire a new identity.
Featured image is from www.watchersonthewall.com. Material from other scenes will be discussed in a subsequent post.