You know, I read this article again and it got me hopeful for a Jaime wake up in episode 10. NCW is usually one to speak of Jaime in the moment, so I was actually really surprised when the writers, director, and NCW went full on It's Love in the post episode interviews, because Jaime and Brienne's interactions in 6x08 were not much different than how they were in season 4, and specifically "Oathkeeper." There was nothing new said or done that pushed their relationship forward, it only continued how they left off. He gave her the sword in S4, he gave her the sword in S6. He sent her after Sansa in S4, he let her negotiate to help Sansa in S6. They had sad-face goodbye and stares in S4, and they had pretty much the exact same expressions in S6. But the interviews after "Oathkeeper" kept the romance more ambiguous, so why the sudden straight forward declarations that they're in love - focusing on Jaime's feelings (most of these interviews are from Nick), especially since this has been one of the shippiest JC seasons? If it weren't for those interviews, we'd be left off where we were in S4 in regards to the fandom wars over if they love each other or not (ignoring the few suffering JC stans who are in severe denial). The only reason I can see them being very direct about Jaime's feelings is if they want the audience to be absolutely clear that he loves her in order to setup a decision he makes in 10 so the interpretation is correct.

And in regards to Nick's comments: "Well, I hope that they could get a little further." This isn't a past tense "hope" this is very current. He did not close the door on this relationship, or lead us to believe this was the end. Like I said he only speaks of Jaime in the moment, and in the moment judging by the Edmure scene and even the tent on, Jaime is still very loyal to his family and is in love with his sister. There was nothing to suggest that there was anything more than a great respect and care for Brienne from that tent scene, because like I said it was o different than Oathkeeper. The only reason we can safely say it's about love is because of his comments (and the writers/director) and how the sword was his heart.

"Everything they do, they’re following someone else’s agenda all the time — by choice." CHOICE has been brought up a couple times by Nick, which is also suspicious. Before in interviews Nick was just "But Jaime is loyal to Cersei and his family" the end. There was none of this CHOICE aspect involved. Jaime was always going to stick by Cersei's side, because there was nothing to suggest otherwise back in S4, S5 or up until now in S6. He spoke for Jaime in the moment. But now Jaime CHOOSES to be with them? Jaime has a choice? And in the other interview Nick implies that what Jaime wants is to follow his heart and not be stuck following "someone else's agenda." What changed in the show to make NCW suddenly have Jaime's heart more aligned with Brienne and to perceive his loyalty to his twin as more of a CHOICE... ?? Nothing yet.

So since NCW is taking their relationship to another level than in S4, it makes me believe that Jaime does something in episode 10 that makes it very obvious for Nick, and us, that Jaime is in love with Brienne of Tarth.