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Sunday’s 'Game of Thrones' director was surprised by fan reactions to this brief character interaction

Tormund Giantsbane wildling Game of Thrones
HBO

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Game of Thrones" season six.

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Sunday's "Game of Thrones" episode had a strong theme of familial reunion — Jon and Sansa were brought together, while Margaery and Loras spoke for the first time since their imprisonment and Theon returned home to Yara. 

But there was one onscreen duo people online couldn't stop talking about: Tormund Giantsbane and Brienne of Tarth. The wildling leader was making eyes at Brienne over his mutton, and this small moment was one of fans' biggest takeaways of the night.  

Tech Insider caught up with director Dan Sackheim, the man behind the camera for season six episodes three and four, "Oathbreaker" and "The Book of the Stranger." Naturally, we asked him what he thought about viewer's "shipping" Tormund and Brienne.

"Honestly, I'm surprised anyone even noticed," Sackheim told TI. "I mean it was meant to be a little grace note, and the fact that it’s blown up with the buzz it has on the internet and on the blogosphere is kind of shocking to me."

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Brienne and Tormund Game of Thrones
HBO

"I think it’s great, and it was certainly a fun moment to direct," Sackheim said. "It’s cool because they’re two characters who are sort of expressly cut off from emotions. Certainly [Brienne] is. She’s not particularly forthcoming or feminine. She’s all about her charge, her duty, her responsibility, and you hardly ever get to see her as person."

From the backstory we know of Brienne, she's never been seen as a conventionally attractive woman in Westeros, and any advances men made on her were either jokes or threats. She was probably mystified by Tormund's ferocious attraction to her.

Brienne of Tarth Game of Thrones
HBO

"Tormund, you know, he’s a f---ing wildling!" Sackheim said. "The notion of these two unlikely people coming together, I think it’s very cool. I’m very grateful that I got the chance to direct a little bit of humor in both 'Oathbreaker' and 'The Book of the Stranger.'"

Sadly, we might not see this romance come to fruition. Based on a scene in the full-length trailer, we know Brienne winds up in the Riverlands this season. Tormund probably won't follow her down south, no matter how taken he is with the woman warrior. He was also spotted in the trailer at what looks like a big northern battle. In the meantime, fans will just have to use their imaginations. 

Game of Thrones HBO TV
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