I really like how the series is now moving on from being entrenched in the characters, to moving the zoom out on the lens, so we are not tied to the perspective of one chess piece's view/perspective, to now being able to start to see the whole board (or parts of it). Over the seasons, the characters, their motivations (most of them), have been revealed, they're not simply players in a game, but each (big players) has had their characters fleshed out. Now, we are reminded, that it is indeed a game, and get to see the larger scope of it.
My favourite was Arya's SL in this most recent episode. Through watching the play, she was able to view the happenings of the past, in a new light. Giggle some at the skewed interpretation, but also self-reflect. Most notably, on Cersei's character. She had always thought of Cersei as black/white. The hated. On the list. Personal grudge. Now she realizes, like we have come to, that Cersei is still a very terrible human being, but she was motivated by something 'pure'/relatable, almost. A shared value. Mother's love. I think, through the brilliant performance of the actress playing Cersei, a light bulb went off in Arya's head. Of a life that still echoes to her. Of her own values (killing for the sake of killing, because one has been instructed to, vs., killing because they 'deserve' it).....was wonderful to see. Arya looking at her reflection for a split second before putting in the poison in the rum jug. Then, preventing the actress from drinking it. To finally reclaiming her identity back. And knowing what it means for her (imminent death). And choosing to await that battle.
In the sewer system down below the city of Bravoos, she waits with Needle. No one has no shadows, she was told. In the candlelight, there it is, the shadow of Arya Stark illuminated larger than life, on its walls. And she snuffs out the candle, snuffing out her shadow, covering herself in darkness, and waits..........
Was beautiful story arc, with character development wonderfully woven in there.
It also showed how difficult it is to become a "Faceless Men". Because even the Waif, the star pupil to Arya's failing, cannot truly give up her own motivations. As, when Ja'quen instructs to not make the girl (Arya) suffer, you see her sinister smile. It's personal. Yet, the motto of the Faceless Men is death is not personal. All men must die.
I think Arya's old instructor from King's Landing might just make an appearance in her time of need.
As the Faceless Men says: All men must die.
And her instructor (forgot his name?) had told her: What do we say to the God of death? Not today.
I'm even wondering if her instructor is the actress playing Cersei....hmm....