Alik Sakharov on the revelations inside Tyrion’s cell defining the next two episodes

In last night’s new episode of Game of Thrones, the impossible seemed to happen: Tyrion’s situation got even worse. Realizing that his brother was not fit to defend him, and that Bronn’s loyalty had been purchased by another Lannister, Tyrion was on his own. And then his situation got a little better. Oberyn Martell, seeing an opportunity to avenge his sister, and willing to risk his own life to do so, offered his services as champion.

In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Director Alik Sakharov says that the revelations inside Tyrion’s cell define the next two episodes, and that every scene in “Mockingbird” was important in setting up for what’s going to happen next. He also looks back on his last year of work now that his Season 4 episodes have aired.

Tyrion has three meaningful conversations in his cell this episode – each memorable despite being in a small space. How’d you manage that despite the backdrop being stagnant?
I think those scenes excite me the most. I was pleased with the scenes with Peter Dinklage in his cell. Tyrion realizes he doesn’t have a champion for himself. He cannot fight the Mountain. That scene basically defines the next two episodes. It’s a very big setup. They were simple but they were great. They were performance-based scenes.

What scene was the hardest thing to get right?
They are all very challenging because every single scene is so nuanced. We feel like we need to play proper attention to every little turn and twist. Whatever is being asked in the script. It’s not like one scene takes precedence over the others. They are all very important. There are very few scenes in the episode. It only has 24 scenes or something. Each scene is sort of like a block that moves toward the other scene. They are not throwaway small scenes that last 20 seconds or 30 seconds and move on. They set up where the characters are going and what’s going to happen next.

This is your second and final episode of this season. What’s your big takeaway from this last year of work?
You’re working on probably the best show on television right now. One feels particularly lucky to be involved in something like this. The dedication of every person and every department and the attention from the writers and producers is enviable. It’s very rare that you come across something like this. It’s a very special feeling.

For more from Alik on Aidan Gillen and Sophie Turner’s amazing performances, and the logistics of shooting Lysa’s flight through the Moon Door, visit The Hollywood Reporter.

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• Published on 05/19/2014 at 12:57 PM CDT
• Last updated on 10/21/2016 at 12:42 PM CDT