Curtain Call: Mark Stanley, Josef Altin, and Yuriy Kolokolnikov 

Curtain Call: Mark Stanley, Josef Altin, and Yuriy Kolokolnikov

First, the honor must be given to the men of the Night’s Watch.

Mark Stanley and Josef Altin–we salute you! It’s weirdly appropriate they bowed in the same episode, as they’ve been attached since the beginning of the series. Even in the books, Grenn and Pyp were sort of a quick/strong Yin/Yang to challenge Jon Snow.

It’s well known that, in the books, both Grenn and Pyp are still alive and well. It is the opinion of many that they were killed unnecessarily; I contend that if neither are due to suffer worse deaths in future books, then this

the way to go. Pyp ended up being a very important part of Sam’s growth as a character, and Grenn ended his days in the boots of the books’ Donal Noye, valiantly giving his life in a way that

Up until then I had viewed Mark Stanley’s best scene as the rather comedic one where Grenn told Sam about the farm girl he used to “wrestle.” Grenn’s death scene was a notch above, however; the recitation of the Night’s Watch oath, sweeping the other ill-fated lads (and their actors, who also rose up seemingly infused with Stanley’s energy) into an immovable force brought tears to the eyes. Pyp’s passing was shocking and tragic; Grenn’s death was powerfully heroic.

When we first got to know Mark and Josef, they couldn’t have been more different. Mark got the role of Grenn practically straight out of drama school; Josef, though young, was already a seasoned pro, having played memorable parts in television shows like

. (Spoiler: he dies horribly in both. Joe is the new generation’s Sean Bean.)

lore–a vital, heartbreaking part of one of the best episodes in the show’s history.

I love to hate villains, and often find them more valuable than many of the heroes. If not for Styr’s ruthless quest for crow blood, if not for his menacing physicality and his sheer power, we would not have the hero Jon Snow rise to the heights he did.

Yuriy was fantastic, and I can’t wait to see him in future roles–and other endeavors behind the camera. (Yuriy is a producer as well!) In future auditions, I highly suggest he carry a boom-box with him, and have it play Ramin Djawadi’s “Thenns” theme. I don’t think I will ever be able to see his trademark glower and not hear that frighteningly excellent piece; he could well frighten people into giving him whatever role he wishes.

As for Mark, he has just completed a short in which he stars,

, with Ewan McGregor, Damian Lewis, and Stellan Skarsgård.

Joe is, as usual, in a ton of things, including the critically well received comedy

(currently just released in the UK I believe), as well as having just finished shooting

with Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, and Noomi Rapace. I will be in line the first night out to see that one.

Tagged Curtain Call, Grenn, Josef Altin, Mark Stanley, Pyp, Styr, Yuriy Kolokolbikov

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Mark Stanley was hot yo, alright? I don’t care about Donal Noye cause he was missing an arm and stuff, but Grenn was smoking. You do NOT kill smokin’! What’s wrong with you?

Unless it’s intentional timing to get more site hits, you guys should post up the pre-finale recap that’s now up on the Game of Thrones youtube page :)

Their heads were still attached to their bodies so Pyp and Grenn are still alive.

Stannis’ arrival at the wall what a joke. Couldn’t be anymore obvious now.

Thanks to Brian Jurgens, I will always think of the Magnar of Thenn as ‘The Poutiest Cannibal’ whenever he appears on screen. He was a great villain though.

Mark and Joe…they’ve been with the show since the beginning, so there’s a special sadness attached to saying goodbye to their characters.

Still can’t believe they killed off Pyp and Grenn , just glad that Edd survived .

Josef Altin is so cool. He follows me on Twitter and tweets to me all the time LOL

Mark Stanley was hot yo, alright? I don’t care about Donal Noye cause he was missing an arm and stuff, but Grenn was smoking. You do NOT kill smokin’! What’s wrong with you?

That may be true but I always thought Josef Atlin/Pyp does not get enough credit for being even hotter. ;)

Marcin Bartnicki Posted June 13, 2014 at 5:33 pm

Thanks to Brian Jurgens, I will always think of the Magnar of Thenn as ‘The Poutiest Cannibal’ whenever he appears on screen. He was a great villain though.

Hah, it seems we read the same recaps. This show seems to get the strangest target demographics. :P

I definitely lean toward the intense, tragic poet type of guy (hel-LO Viserys, my secret shame) but I would not have kicked Grenn out had he come calling, that’s for sure.

All three did a fantastic job, Styr was a memorable villian and Pyp and Grenn have been with us since the first season. Great job by all 3 and you’ll all be missed.

Styr was fun. Pure camp, unambiguous villain. I appreciate that. And also he’s really hot under the scarring and cannibal weirdness but that’s incidental.

Pyp and Grenn <3 Hurts to see them go so soon. I\'m glad they went out fighting. Hats off to Altin and Stanley.

I also kinda felt that their deaths was unnecessary,just like Poor Irri and Rakkaro, but after reading this curtain call i kinda feel better about it,they are now immortal. jon vs Styr was just epic about all. Thanks for you excellent preformance !

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