It was always speculated that this season of "Game of Thrones" would see actors Ian McShane play a role in returning a key character back on the show. While fans were hopeful that McShane would bring Jon Snow back to life, they were left disappointed.
Despite McShane's continuous hints at his role in bringing back a character, it was Melisandre - a character played by Carice can Houten - who revived Jon Snow. However, that does not mean that McShane was lying all this time about his role in the show. He did, in fact, played a role in bringing back a character, and it was none other than Sandor Clegane or The Hound (Rory McCann).
Bryan Cogman, the co-executive producer of the popular HBO television series, "Game of Thrones," recently told Entertainment Weekly that the character of The Hound was always going to return to the show. However, it was just a matter how the return would take place.
On the show, The Hound was plotted to lead a simple life away from the violence. However, Season 6 episode 7, "The Broken Man," introduced him to bloodshed and death once again. According to Cogman, McShane - who has had a painful history of violence - saw Clegane as a candidate for his group of people trying to rebuild their lives. In fact, he recognizes Clegane as a bit of himself.
On the other hand, The Hound shows his gratitude towards McShane and starts to open up with him. McShane was, in fact, his first and only friend in life and this sought of relationship is what the show runners wanted to explore.
"The scenes have a light touch and gentleness and humanity and humor that you don't find on the show - then the raiders ride in," Cogman explained. "The Hound is few miles away chopping wood and they come back and slaughter everybody, pushing him back into the cycle of violence."
The return of The Hound took place after the revival of Jon Snow and the unexpected reappearance of Edmure Tully. As of now, McShane was supposed to appear in just one episode, but he is not disappointed by it. Despite a pretty short appearance on the show, McShane was able to generate a lot of headlines.
In a separate interview, McShane recently told Entertainment Weekly that his main purpose behind his short appearance on the show was to re-introduce a character that the fans thought was long gone and someone who needed some humanity. McShane further revealed how his daughter, who is a fan of the "Game of Thrones" series was left excited by the return of The Hound.
The following video is Season 6 episode 7 clip depicting the return of The Hound: