Though we’re only two episodes into the new series, HBO’s House of the Dragon has so far successfully captured the thrill of week-to-week dark fantasy epics, political drama, and overall excitement for the characters and world of Game of Thrones.
However, Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things show the early signs of Jon’s most admirable qualities. At the Night’s Watch, a terrified and woefully out-of-place Samwell Tarly struggles to get used to life surrounded by hostiles, but Jon goes out of his way not only to protect but also to try and train Sam so he can eventually fend for himself. Likewise, it’s also the beginning of one of the show’s most heartwarming relationships.
Kissed by Fire Jon Snow’s life has been unfortunately been marred with tragedy, including romance. But before Daenerys Targaryen’s descent into maddening authoritarianism, Jon did manage to capture moments of respite with Ygritte beyond the wall. At this point in Kissed by Fire, Jon had managed to win the cautionary acceptance of the Free Folk.
Emotions were running high as Ygritte was betrayed by someone she loved, even though Jon’s love was just as genuine. Seeing Jon at her mercy, yet reluctant to let the arrow loose was painful to watch and even more so when Ollie abruptly murdered her. It was another vintage brand of Game of Thrones heartbreak — and a new meta scapegoat for the fandom in the form of Ollie.
Battle of the Bastards Another standout episode of the series, Battle of the Bastards was a landmark in Jon’s arduous quest. Just as importantly, it was a thoroughly satisfying close to the story arc that started when the vile Ramsay Bolton rose to power. Jon Snow had become the reluctant Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and was tasked with quelling Ramsay’s blood-soaked conquest of the north, as well as preventing his sister Sansa Stark from falling back into the sadist’s grasp.