"I shouldn't be here," Jon Snow declares in last night's episode of "Game Of Thrones." He's right; he no longer belongs in this world, and yet here he is amongst the living once more. It is that contradiction that sits at the center of "Oathbreaker," an important yet slightly underwhelming episode that may be appreciated more as time goes on.
This sense of belonging is integral to each character's identity. It is how they define themselves within the story and how we the audience view them from afar. Jon has always been the goodhearted ostracized bastard; that is how he sees himself. But now, things aren't so [House of] Black and White. A lack of understanding sets in when these lines are blurred, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Those that are resurrected in this world don't always come back as the same person. Beric Dondarrion revealed that every time he is brought back to life, there is "less" of him. Fans were concerned that the same fate would befall Jon Snow, especially after Kit Harington admitted that his character would be "changed." Yet perhaps we were not abstract enough in our thinking to realize what kind of change we would see. At first glance, Jon Snow appears to be the same person deep down, but his convictions will never be the same.
"Where did you go? What did you see?" a shocked Melisandre asks him eagerly. "Nothing...There was nothing at all," Harington answers with perfect mortal confusion.
Is that not humanity's greatest fear? Our entire belief system is built upon the existence of life after death. Imagine the soul-crushing realization of being confronted with an eternity of oblivion. Jon is questioning the whys and hows of his very own existence (much respect to Davos for yet again giving sound, true advice and making everyone, including viewers, feel better). It would be impossible for Jon to emerge from this experience as the same man he was. This existential crisis is a terrifying personal journey that will birth a new man with new ideals, and that is a remarkably enticing transition for those of you that enjoy character development. Jon must re-discover where he belongs.
As does "Game of Thrones" itself. As I said last week, it is truly impressive that the series has transformed Jon from a dull, one-note Boy Scout into the show's most layered and intriguing protagonist. Sure, some of that is due to the inexhaustible Jon Snow Death Watch we were all subjected to over the past 12 months. But I think everyone can agree that the juices have really started flowing on screen this season every time we've cut to Castle Black. With a Wildling army at his back and a "Zero F---s Given" attitude, Jon's new life away from the Night's Watch will be fascinating. But "Game of Thrones" has been unable to keep that momentum going in other storylines.
Here's the part where I tell you that I'm a snotty book reader who has been looking forward to the Tower of Joy scene (Bran's flashback) for years. It's an epic fight, to say the least, and Arthur Dayne's brief introduction was more exciting than any moment the Sand Snakes have provided. But in the end, it was somewhat of a letdown.
(Side Note: Howland Reed saves Eddard's life by stabbing Dayne in the back. You would think that Eddard would have learned his lesson right then and there: sometimes, you have to do something that seems dishonorable in order to win. For as terrible of a King as Robert was, his rebellion led to the demise of the psychotically violent Aerys Targaryen and 20 years of relative peace in Westeros. Ned's shortsighted naiveté destroyed his family and plunged the Seven Kingdoms into further chaos. How did he not learn from this encounter that there are far worse things than a slight detachment from unrelenting honor?)
The showrunners aren't stupid; they knew that viewers expected a confirmation of R+L=J in this scene. But instead of revealing Jon's true lineage, they planted the seed of Bran's potential to change the past. Zigging when everyone else expects a zag is usually clever storytelling; think Jimmy McGill's reversals in "Better Call Saul" or every single phenomenal episode of "Fargo" this season. But sometimes, it can get you into trouble (see: "True Detective" season two).
Cleary, the showrunners felt as if this tease of what may come from Bran was more important than what has already passed with Jon, at least for now. But I fear the implications of such a development. If Bran can indeed impact the past, is the show setting us up for a grand finale in which he re-sets the entire timeline? No War of the Five Kings, no Red Wedding, no dragons?
Through Bran's frustrations with the Three Eyed Raven, we see his own struggles with his place in this world. Perhaps he'll disregard his teacher's warning about "staying too long under the sea" and decide that whatever price he must pay to change the past is worth it.
Such a move would undoubtedly lead to a happy ending, which is something, but it would wipe out the entire journey millions of fans have taken together. Not only would it be cliché and lazy, it would actually anger me as someone who has devoted an embarrassing amount of time and brain power to a work of fiction.
"Oathbreaker" finds many of its characters asking where they belong in the grand scheme of things. The fact that this question remains unanswered is a good thing. As we wade out into the unknown, "Game of Thrones" continues to combine blockbuster-level entertainment with intense and emotional character drama this way. But hopefully, the powers that be know where "Game of Thrones" as a show belongs and that the series isn't blindly progressing forward.
Some Other Thoughts...
- How can Alliser Thorne witness a literal walking miracle in Jon Snow and not be the least bit disturbed from his ill-advised self-righteousness? It takes a special type of blind spot to be unphased by a Jesus-like resurrection.
- Daenerys Targaryen is a fan-favorite character for obvious reasons. We love her because she fights for truth, justice and the American Targaryen way. But when she isn't ruling with a morally justified iron fist, she's actually not that compelling. Every time she is faced with opposition, she resorts to listing her many titles and making empty threats in the moment. She has very little tactical or manipulative prowess. Not only is this a weakness from a leadership standpoint - Tyrion and Varys really need to coach her up - but it's also boring for us fans. Let's hope that the Vaes Dothrak storyline isn't drawn out very long.
- Jaime and Cersei are also trying to figure out where they belong. Together, they can be a formidable power couple. But right now they are on the outside looking in with no real royal recourse to turn to. How will they get back in the game? Also, who will step up on behalf of the Faith to fight Zombie Mountain when Cersei calls for a trial by combat? Could we possibly get the long awaited Cleganebowl we've been hoping for?
-Tyrion's drinking game without drinking scene was hilarious. Season six has placed a greater emphasis on humor to break up the otherwise relentlessly grim world of "Thrones."
- Arya gets her sight back, but not for a second do we really believe she's accepted being no one. Her story is cool, but was her sight restoration really a "big" moment? And how will she be brought back into the main fold?
- Arya gets her sight back, Sansa has teamed up with Brienne, Bran may be the world's true savior, Jon is upright and breathing and Rickon is at least alive. The Starks are making a comeback.
- I know I just spent several paragraphs criticizing the Tower of Joy scene, but holy seven hells was that a truly awesome action sequence.
-Where's Littlefinger? Three episodes in and we haven't seen him yet.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
