Game Of Thrones Season 6: 10 Ups And 2 Downs From 'The Broken Man'

9. Ian McShane's Septon

Game of Thrones McShane Brother Ray
HBO

The most high-profile casting ahead of Season 6, Ian McShane finally makes his return to HBO in this episode, and doesn't disappoint.

Yes, the bigger focus is on who comes with him, but the Deadwood star deserves plenty of praise for his part in the storyline. The role of Brother Ray (an amalgamation of book characters Septon Meribald and the Elder Brother) could've easily been overshadowed by the return of Sandor Clegane, and likewise could felt like some sort of High Sparrow-lite.

Instead he's someone who is kind-hearted, and doesn't claim to be all-knowing when it comes to the Faith. He's cracking jokes and making dinner, but McShane also brings weight to the role. He may have dismissed the show as "ti*s and dragons," but he seems to be enjoying himself here, and it's just a shame we only got him for the one episode.

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.