Game of Thrones: Will Jon Snow choose love over family?
Dany’s doe eyes prevent Jon Snow from seeing the truth about her and himself in the Game of Thrones.
Game of Thrones Season 8, Episode 1 opens with the Westeros’ newest IT couple riding into Winterfell. Not a care in the world, minus the impending army of the dead approaching and a few guarded Northerners. Jon sees no problem for himself and his new queen.
The Northerners, and Jon’s family, quickly remind him that trust is earned, not given.
Our favorite Starks reunite
Arya and her favorite brother reunite underneath their father’s beloved Godswood tree. Out of all the Stark children, their bond ran the deepest before they embarked on their respective journeys around the world. It makes sense that Jon would ask Arya for help to turn the rest of the family to his side.
However, Jon does not expect the rebuke she gives him about Sansa. Arya and Jon were always a united front against Sansa, but now Jon stands alone because he’s acting against his Stark family’s interest. After all, as Arya said in Season 7, Episode 7, “the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives.” Jon must remember his Stark heritage to truly move forward in this game, even if he currently doesn’t believe he is playing.
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Next, we see Jon and Daenerys on their dragons in the snow date, where the Dragon Queen decides to subtly threaten Sansa, “But I am her queen if she can’t respect me…” Needless to say, Sansa could easily find herself as crispy as Randyll and Dickon Tarly if not careful. Still, Jon thinks his sister will come around once she gets to know Daenerys and vice versa, but patience isn’t a virtue of the dragon queen.
Currently, Jon’s avoiding making hard decisions because he refuses to see Daenerys as the Fire and Blood conqueror. This misjudgment will come back for him later in the season.
On the bright side, Jon Snow rides a freaking dragon! Here’s to an epic Jon and Dany against the Night King dragon battle sometime this season.
Now, what about Sansa?
Now to the most problematic Stark sibling relationship, Sansa and Jon. Sansa’s one of the smartest players in the game, and after two seasons, Jon has finally realized that. This is why he explains his decision to bring Daenerys and her army to Winterfell. Jon does respect Sansa; he just chooses his honor over her strategy.
Sansa wouldn’t make Jon’s choices, which has saved his life in the past. She has the right to question his decisions, “Did you bend the knee for the North or because you love her?” Jon doesn’t answer her. It’s not clear even to him any more why he knelt for the Dragon Queen.
Related Story. Should Dany have shown remorse?. light
Jon knew Northerners wouldn’t accept a Southern queen at the beginning of Season 7, but after he has fallen for her, he willingly kneels. Did he need to, though? Wouldn’t Daenerys, after seeing the army of the dead, willingly have helped the North? Jon has given up his best bargaining chip and respect of his people. Sansa knows this, and it may result in his ultimate death.
Two brothers telling unwanted truths
In Jon’s last scene in Episode 1, Sam reveals Jon’s true parents, Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. His name is Aegon Targaryen, and he’s the true king.
Yes, this is all valid information, but Jon’s reaction furthers showcases his need to downplay himself in favor of Daenerys. He loves her, and his vow binds him to her. These two aspects will result in Jon choosing between his birthright and honor/love.
Jon’s never wanted a crown. He already gave one away in favor of saving his people but will he claim the Seven Kingdoms? At the moment, he won’t. He believes Daenerys will be a just queen, but his entire family points out faults in her character. He does his best to avoid the subject.
Next. Why Sansa is more like Cersei than she knows. dark
Jon must see Dany for who she is to make an objective decision about his future in the game of thrones. Until he does that, he can’t move forward. He controls his next steps, but he needs to wake up and listen to those around him.
What are your thoughts on Jon Snow after Episode 1? Leave your comments below.
Game of Thrones airs Sundays a 9 p.m. on HBO.