Came to 'Game of Thrones' fairly late in the game and due to being so busy the binge-watching was gradual. Have found myself truly loving the show, very quickly becoming one of my favourites. It totally lives up to the hype and not only does it do the brilliant source material justice (a rarity in television) it is on its own merits one of the finest, most addictive and consistently compelling shows in recent years and quality-wise it puts a lot of films in recent years to shame.
Despite how my review summary sounds, actually still liked a lot but didn't love the Season 6 opener "The Red Woman", though some fans did not. Am of the opinion also of finding "Home" the superior episode, it was what "The Red Woman" should have been and felt more like for me like the season opener. It is one of the most positively received Season 6 episodes and have seen it often considered one of the best latter season episodes, both distinctions for very good reason.
Here in "Home", characterisation and plot lines are both advanced (loved seeing more of Bran, after being neglected for a while, Ramsay being suitably despicable and am still really appreciating seeing Theon in a completely different light to when he was first introduced.
There are plenty of shocks and leaving-one-floored revelations, with like "The Red Woman" necessary questions and predictions left on fans' lips being answered and with full impact. A lot happens in "Home", but it doesn't feel like there is too much going on or that it feels rushed. It is tautly paced but also takes its time without ever being too much of a slow burner.
As one would expect, the cast can't be faulted with Iwan Rheon and Isaac Hampstead Wright here being the standouts. Peter Dinklage as always steals every scene he's in.
Visually, "Home" looks amazing, as one would expect for 'Game of Thrones'. The scenery is throughout spectacular, the sets are hugely atmospheric and beautiful on the eyes with a real meticulous eye for detail and the costumes suit the characters to a tee. The make-up is beautifully done. As well the cinematography and editing, which are cinematic quality as well.
One cannot talk about "Home" without mentioning the thematically, orchestrally and atmospherically multi-layered music scoring and the unforgettable main theme. Again, worthy of a high-budget fantasy/action/drama film.
The writing is thought-provoking with plenty of passion and sensitivity.
Summing up, outstanding episode and one of Season 6's best. 10/10 Bethany Cox
