WARNING: Game of Thrones spoilers follow. If you have not viewed Episode 8 (entitled “Hardhome”), Season 5 of HBO’s Game of Thrones , proceed with caution!
Just when you thought there could never be a wildling quite like Ygritte (played by actress Rose Leslie) in HBO’s Game of Thrones , along came Karsi (Birgitte Hjort Sorensen). Karsi was a warrior chieftain who could battle just as fiercely as she could protect her children by getting them on a boat and away from danger.
In this week’s episode of Game of Thrones , she sided with Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) when he pleaded for peace between the wildlings and the Wall. You see they had a common enemy, the White Walkers and their army of undead that are no where near the slow, lumbering corpses you see on AMC’s The Walking Dead . These undead are fast and cunning and can kill before you even know they are upon you.
And just when you were falling in love with Karsi and thinking maybe it was time for Jon Snow to give wildlings another go in the romance department, all hell broke loose! In a battle that was as spectacular as it was violent, the White Walkers descended on Jon Snow and his band of new friends, culling the group as they either fought or fled. Unfortunately for Karsi, she fell at the hand of the undead while Jon Snow escaped. Yet, Game of Thrones fans witnessed the resurrection of Karsi, and it will now be interesting to see if she turns up in upcoming episodes of Game of Thrones .
In an episode that had many fans pointing out the metal band, Mastodon , Birgitte Hjort Sorensen nearly got overlooked. But, for the keen of eye, Sorensen – might have seemed a little familiar. While many couldn’t place her face, PopSugar came to the rescue and announced just where you might recognize her from – Pitch Perfect 2 ! That’s right, Birgitte Hjort Sorensen played the German villain Kommissar. Game of Thrones and Pitch Perfect fans alike were “throne” off by the change in hair color and the complete turnaround when it came ot costume.
But what did villain Birgitte Hjort Sorensen think of playing Karsi?
“When I approach any script I always try to find what I would relate to most in it. I never thought of Karsi in terms of gender. She’s just a warrior defending her tribe as anyone would. Being a woman has nothing to do with that. But I think we can all relate to a mother saying good-bye to her kids, and I think that really helped me connect with her and hopefully connect with the audience.”
Birgitte Hjort Sorensen told Vanity Fair all about the challenge she had of having to portray such a strong role in such a short amount of time. She also spoke about the role of children and how it not only engaged her to the audience but was ultimately her undoing.
“Well a lot of credit to the script there for planting the children theme earlier. I think it’s pretty clear that she could cut down any man but that she’s incapable of thinking of defending herself against those kids. I think it was pretty easy to tap into that.”
Birgitte Hjort Sorensen also hinted at the fact she just may return to Game of Thrones – after all, there is a big difference from being dead on the show and being un dead. As Vanity Fair pointed out, Birgitte’s role is listed as a credit in the Season 5 finale of Game of Thrones , and considering fans saw her open her eyes at the very end of Episode 8, it seems like Episode 10 just might have another epic White Walker battle!
What did you think of Birgitte Hjort Sorensen as the wildling Karsi in this week’s episode of Game of Thrones ? Do you think she will reappear in the Season 5 finale? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below!
[Image credit: HBO Inc.]