Game of Thrones Writer Responds to Sansa Scene Criticism from Season 5
Last season, outcry was met with a scene in which the character of Sansa Stark was raped in a horrifically visual scene, causing many longtime fans to, finally, walk away from the series.
But while the reasons for why we watch a series like this are questionable, there is certainly validity in the response to the scene, and in particular its choice to cut away from the woman suffering to focus in on a male bystander.
To that, in a commentary track on the episode, writer and producer Bryan Cogman explained that, "...If you really watch this scene it’s played from Sansa’s viewpoint, for the most part. The main reason we cut away at the end, frankly, is that this was Sophie’s first scene of this nature, and we didn’t want to show the attack."
On the scene itself, Cogman said it's a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation, regarding whether they discuss it publicly or not. "If she’s marrying Ramsay, what would happen on her wedding night? And we made the decision to not shy away from what would realistically would happen on that wedding night with these two characters, and the reality of the situation, and the reality of this particular world.”
Cogman refuses the criticism that the scene exists for shock value, but understands that it was an upsetting scene. "It's meant to be." But he makes sure to justify it by alluding to the bigger picture of Sansa, and the entire series', story.
Game of Thrones Season 5 arrives on Blu-ray and DVD on March 15. Season 6 premieres April 24.
Source: Collider
