postcards from westeros volume 19

Rest in Peace, Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish — if you can. That's quite the interesting life you lived.

Irish actor Aidan Gillen (The Wire, The Dark Knight Rises), 49, who imbued the treacherous Littlefinger with charm, wit and a hint of danger, spoke with Paste BN about the death scene, his character's downfall, his favorite moments and how it feels to be departing an international phenomenon a year before it ends its run.  

How do you feel about Littlefinger, a character you've embodied for seven years, being dead?

 … It was inevitable. I knew that was coming sooner or later. ... I felt they gave me some good space to continue to develop the character. … It's been a long ride and an exciting one, so you feel a little empty afterward. In a way, it's good to get out when you're ahead. 

Do you think Littlefinger deserved to die?

As the actor playing him, I’ve always been able to justify his actions: This is survival, this is revenge. If you're talking to me as Littlefinger, I'd probably say no.  From (the audience's) point of view, they want him to get his comeuppance. He’s a classic villain, in a way. That’s what they want. It’s a classic payoff. I’m fine with that.

Did Littlefinger really love Sansa or was it political, a means to an alliance that would lead to greater power?

Tricky question. … You can tell somebody you love them, and it can mean 50 different things. I've always tried to be a bit nonspecific about that. He definitely has feelings for her and strong protective feelings, as well. I think (feelings and politics were) inter-meshed. And there was a degree of obsession to it. 

Arya (Maisie Williams) had a satisfied smile on her face when Sansa accused Littlefinger of murder and treason.

Well, she would, wouldn't she? … Here's an interesting piece of information: In the last three years, I've had two Funko (Thrones) dolls on the shelf in my house, (Littlefinger) and Arya standing just behind to the right with, not a dagger, but a sword.  … There was a Q&A over a year ago where I suggested Arya (would kill Littlefinger). I hadn't read anything. (But) if I had known it was going to be her, I wouldn't have said it.  (He laughs.)

Read the full Q&A here.

In other post-finale news:

-If you're just now catching up on episode 7, here's what we thought of it.

-Ugh. We didn't want this to happen, but unfortunately, it did. 

-Why won't the show kill off any of its main characters anymore?

-You weren't the only one watching the finale Sunday night.