Okay, well, here we’ll start with ‘ordinary actors’ (which is pretty amazing given the size of the cast). Unlike lead actors, though, supporting actors might not all get great material to work with – sometimes their role is really to just feed lines so that the lead can really show off. I’ll thus try to take into account the actual material that they’re working with. My bias will still get the best of me, particularly as we approach the top... and in one instance near the bottom-middle. You have been warned.
28. Esme Bianco (Ros)
Now I liked Ros’ character back during Season 1, when the writers didn’t start to shoehorn her in every other scene. I’ll say the same of her actress, albeit for different reasons. Bianco was at her best in Season 1, in the North, when she could act a bit smug around the likes of Theon and whatnot. She’s good at being smug and lively.
She is not, however, a great actress when it comes to being subtle, low-key and a bit afraid. Thing is: her Season 2 ‘character arc’, if we can call it that, called precisely for the kind of low-key performance she has trouble offering. I’m thinking about her scene with Littlefinger in Episode 2, and the scene last episode with Varys. She’s not bad per se, and never detracts from the scene... but it’s like she’s not there. There’s a difference between being in a supporting role to cast the lead in a better light or to make them more compelling, and just not being there. Whenever she’s being bullied by Littlefinger and has to act afraid, I just get the feeling that she’s on one of these HBO casting people who are just there to spew lines in order for the casting directors to evaluate Gillen/Gleeson/Hill’s work. That’s... not a good thing.
Although I’m probably a bit harsh on her because I really don’t like her character in Season 2. Oh well. There’s your bias.
Best scene: Probably the beginning of her scene with Varys last episode, before she realized to whom she was talking. As I said, Bianco’s pretty good at nailing the lively, mischievous whore who’s just a bit too reckless with clients for her own good. Sad that she reverted back to usual Ros when she felt the gash.
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When you have nothing to say, quote yourself ~ Solfadore