Here are some photos of Kit Harington in London yesterday, going into a performance of David Mamet’s American Buffalo, which is currently being performed by John Goodman, Damian Lewis and Tom Sturridge. I guess Kit just fancied seeing a play.
If you’ve been watching the new season of Game of Thrones, the following interview will be somewhat interesting to you, as it’s just Kit talking about what’s going on with Jon Snow on the Wall. If you haven’t been watching then… SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS.
Jon Snow has actually seen his position in The Night’s Watch strengthened following the battle with the Wildlings and Stannis’s occupation of The Wall. Jon Snow was elected the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and on Sunday night’s episode, Jon Snow killed a douchebag. Jon Snow the character seemed to have somewhat mixed feelings about it, and as it turns out, Kit Harington had mixed feelings about playing that scene:
In the episode, “High Sparrow,” the newly elected Snow was publicly challenged when cowardly schemer Janos Slynt refused a direct order. Snow wanted Slynt to take charge of Greyguard (an abandoned castle located along The Wall) and fortify the position. Slynt repeatedly refused, so Jon Snow had Slynt hauled out to the Castle Black courtyard where he personally beheaded him.
“There’s a great juxtaposition there from when [in season 2] Jon’s captured Ygritte and he knows he should kill her but he can’t do it because he’s too good of a person,” Harington tells EW. “He had that moment again here. He’s thinking: ‘Can I kill a man in cold blood?’ And this time he does it. That’s a big change for Jon.”
Harington also pointed out that Jon is getting some justice for his father Ned Stark in that scene, even though he doesn’t know it (since Slynt was leading the King’s Landing City Watch, and betrayed and arrested Ned, in season 1). “I feel like somehow Jon knows, somehow deep down, that Slynt is an unjust man who’s done bad things and that’s what gives him the power to do that,” he says.
Yet filming the scene was difficult. Videos of Islamic fundamentalists from ISIS beheading prisoners were featured frequently in media reports late last year while Thrones was in production. Harington says this real-life horror made pretending to behad a prisoner in front of a camera more uncomfortable.
“It felt really dark because of the current news, what was going on in the news at the time,” Harington says. “And I’m doing this on camera. It really didn’t sit well.”
Harington is quick to point out he doesn’t believe Thrones should not have done the scene. “You can’t shy away from horror in drama and the things that you see on the news ever day,” he says. “But to have Jon doing it—whatever the right or wrong reasons he’s doing it—this is a character I love and he’s very good in this story, and to have him committing this murder in cold blood, that for me was the most controversial bit this season.”
I realize that it’s probably not a good idea for an actor to say “OMG, I love fictionally beheading people, it’s amazing.” But I’d like less angst with this one – I thought Jon Snow was completely justified in beheading Janos Slynt for cowardice and disrespecting the chain of command. But hey, I’m really enjoying the hardcore “gothic” feel of this season. It’s so moody and horrifying.
Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet.
I fast-forward through the Jon Snow & Stannis scenes. Neither actor has a shred of charisma.
I’m not a Stannis fan either, but I’m digging Jon Snow this season. He’s changed, it’s fun to watch. But I also like Kit so neener neener Kit h8rs.
Oh no! I disagree! Jon Snow this season is very very important. How can you fastforward?? You’ll miss all the important details for the story as a whole
Don’t fast forward too much – as one of those elitist ‘I read the all the books’ types (lol), I can tell you without giving too much away that John Snow is one of THE pivotal characters in GoT, and you need to know what he’s gone through to understand where he’s going. Harington actually does a pretty good job of portraying the character; in the novels, Jon Snow has relatively little dialogue with other characters, and most of what we know about him is what he’s thinking. Short of putting a thought bubble over Harington’s head letting know us what Jon’s thinking, there isn’t much that the actor can do to convey what the character is feeling, other than looking scared, confused, and isolated, what Jon Snow has been most of his life ( a fact made clear in the books.)
I would argue that Jon Snow is the most pivotal character in/on GOT.
Agree with mimif. I think he is the most pivotal character. without him nothing would happen. He might know nothing but he seems to have earned his place.
Agree, though I haven’t watched this week’s episode yet, so I’m reading this with one eye closed. I’ve read the books. Don’t fast forward.
jon snow is pretty amazing, bran really is the only pov character that boreds me. i love stannis and i think you all mean davos not stannis -.- though in the show stannis is a smiling weird o in my opinion. too many diff things i cant stand it
I’m not even ashamed to admit it, Jon Snow has been one of my favourite characters since Season One.
I found him extremely boring through season 2 and 3… but now I really really like him.
I’ve always loved Jon Snow also. Of course, I always love the character who kind of fades into the background, but is also around to stand up and do the right thing. Or at least what he believes in his heart is the right thing i.e. Neville Longbottom, Sam-wise.
Wow really? I didn’t use to care for either character but I LOVE their scenes together this season, their bro-chemistry is awesome (that little nod of approval Stannis did when Jon beheaded Janos was perfection.)
Stannis in general is a much me likeable character this season. I watched the leaked episodes and in episode 4 he has a scene with his daughter that I think is gonna convert a lot of viewers to team Stannis.
The Wall stuff just bores me — I feel like we’ve reached a point where so many other characters are becoming more interesting.
I find the Wall tedious at times too, but it’s sort of the most important part of the story. Dragons are more exciting but the Wall keeps those ominous White Walkers out (for now).
I really like Jon Snow in this season. He’s growing some balls and the beheading was necessary for his new status. He has now gained respect and power.
Exactly. Loved how Alliser was all, sorrynotsorry bro to Janos and I think he’s starting to gain a modicum of respect for Jon, too.
mimif,
The usual suspects are talking about you and your lover behind your back on the Cap’s post. #mimifandmarkforever
Yours truly,
Tatler
Thank you, Agent Sourdough. I shall avenge myself!
I don’t know mimif. I think Allistair is just biding his time. Waiting for the right moment. He’s smart. Certainly smarter than Slynt. He knows not to challenge Jon publicly, but he’ll work in small ways to circumvent his power and authority, build his minions, and rise up against Jon when he thinks the time is right. He also knows in order to take out Jon, he has to take out Ghost, and that has me very, very scared for Ghost… Don’t be Rob, Jon. Ghost is your greatest ally/weapon and never forget it!
Good points, but the old guard is dead and Jon has a pretty big following (including Stannis) with the new guard. Not sure how many minions Alliser could collect at this point. Plus…he’s First Ranger now so Alliser is heading out beyond the wall. Perhaps he will make some new “friends” there… 😉
Agree. Jon Snow had no choice. Janos Slynt had to go.
On another note. Dark Sansa, you in danger girl!
Amen. Ramsay can’t hurt her, but that mistress… oh, girl. I’m holding out hope that Sansa will be the trigger to help Theon overcome the torture and come back to himself. Then he can help her kill Ramsay and get her to safety before the mistress manages to kill her.
Rachel unless Reek’s character is going in a different direction from the book too… there’s no way of saving him. Ramsay f-cked his brain up for good.
@Rachel, I think I’m more afraid of his mistress than Ramsey himself!
I hate what the series made out of Sansa’s story. Do they want to save time? No way would Peter Baelish be that stupid and hand his precious incarnation of Catelyn over to such a sick and volatile man!
Liv, I don’t like it either. There’s no way Littlefinger would give up his pawn to a Bolton. He’s a master at the intel game, and would have surmised that these two depraved, power hungry cretins cannot hold the North for long. And, he’s too smart to completely blow off Stannis’ presence in the North. On another note, the lead up to the beheading scene was intense–well acted by all. Kudos to Kit (for once).
paola, but the scene where theon saw sansa he was all slow and shuffle-y and I thought he looked like he’d be useful at some point. then again he’s slow and shuffle-y anyway.
beheading was deserved. that guy was just ugh..no words for him. glad, jon snow grew balls and didn’t break down sobbing.
why am I thinking that those sparrow guys have something to do with melissandre? they keep mentioning light. but man, they went from relatively tame to friggin nuts
@Liv
I don’t think following the book would have been wise for the tv show’s success.
It would have been pointless to introduce another minor character to impersonate Arya. On thew other side putting Sansa in Winterfell makes things easier and juicier. I think it was the right chioice for the sake of the tv storyline.
I agree with booboobird. There were a couple of scenes where I thought maybe Theon was trying to break thru, but maybe they won’t go there. I got stuck after book 3. The books are just so dark, it’s hard for me to sit and read them for hours on end like I would with another book. I need to get cracking though. I don’t like not knowing!
I interpreted Reek being shuffly and slow as in ‘oh oh here comes more trouble. I better keeo quite and not get myself regognized’ not as ‘oh my that’s Sansa! We could team up and get Ramsay’s ass flayed and burnt’
And don’t forget that Theon is the one who backstabbed the Stark in the first place and it’s all his fault if Winterfell is in such a dark place now. Why would Sansa team up with him?
Maybe Theon would like to make amends but a this point i believe he’s beyond repair.
@Paola I didn’t realize that the location was supposed to be Winterfell. It looked so different, didn’t it? Especially the long shot.
@Olenna This! I get that they had to cut the storyline to not introduce more characters, but never ever would Baelish have been that stupid.
@Liv
I don’t believe Littlefinger is handing over Sansa. I believe it is all part of a plan to make him and Sansa rule the North.
paola, yes, he was the backstabber but maybe that’s the whole thing. he’ll totally redeem himself and help sansa. it’d just be more of a shock since he is so far gone. I mean he wasn’t half as screwed up as he is now when yara tried to save him and he still stayed with ramsey.
Rachel, I was just thinking what is more entertaining to read – a description of ramsey entertaining himself by torturing somebody OR a sexay part from 50 shades. both feel equally painful and nightmare inducing
Liv
the long shot was Moat Cailin, the entrance to The North.
Winterfell looks different ( I think producers changed the location since last time) and I think Theon burnt it down a bit when he took over Winterfell.
Winterfell was sacked by Theon, but didn’t the Boltons burn it down after taking it from the Ironborn? I read the producers are filming it to look extra special run down as a consequence.
@Paola Oh I’m relieved then! I wondered why Winterfell was placed in something that looked like tidelands! 😉
And Jen43, I really hope you’re right because otherwise the whole story is just wrong and sucks.
Theon’s character is slow and shuffling because he is missing several body parts, including toes.
Toes, teeth…penis.
I haven’t read the books, but know this Sansa stuff is all off piste now from hubby who has read books. So not knowing what happens to Theon/Reek in books, I don’t see why they wouldn’t change his character to regain some semblance of humanity – saving/teaming up with Sansa, etc. I get the feeling the producers like Alfie Allen so I can see them prolonging/changing up his story line. On a side note, where are my wolves at?! Where my Hodor at? (I know they disappear from the books for a bit but it feels off balance without them). I am super bored of Daenarys. I am so happy they kept Jerome Flynn (Bronn) in (again, not in the books), looking forward to his adventures with Jamie because it’s all getting a tiny bit boring at the moment.
Exactly. Jon and Sam are now two of my favorite characters.
Mimif I was thinking of Ramsay Bolton. I think the look on Myranda’s face when Sansa arrived in Winterfell was jelousy ( Myranda is the sick-o who helped Ramsay torture Theon and the one who used the crossbow against that poor girl running in the wood)
I think she’ll try to hurt Sansa and Ramsay will punish her because he can’t hurt Sansa. He is afraid of his father and he needs Sansa’s power.
Does this mean that Ramsay will groom Sansa to make her his sidekick??
Yep, just said this upthread, that little bit of foreshadowing with his mistress gave me the chills, and I think you’re right that Ramsay will punish her. I don’t think Ramsay will groom Sansa; she’s very familiar with psychopaths (Joff) and instead will manipulate him to get into position. Roose is the one she needs to worry about, imo.
Ramsay definetely won’t hurt Sansa. She’s famous all over the kingdom for poisoning Joffrey, that should be enough to gain Ramsay’s respect. Plus she belongs to Winterfell. And the north remembers! All the people in Winterfell are loyal to the Starks.
Maybe Sansa will turn Ramsay into her own personal reek. She will make him kill/torture Myranda. And Ramsay will forever fall in love with a woman is even more twisted than himself.
The show could get a lot of mileage by screwing with us and having Ramsay, be, in fact, a sweet, caring, doting, gentle and protective husband to Sansa. And covertly, so that she never actually sees what a sick bastard he is.
At this point I don’t know what Roose is up to.
I just don’t have that much faith in Sansa. She’s always to busy crying about her circumstances; perhaps my dislike for her character is showing but I’m not holding my breath for something cunning and clever comming from her. If she does, I’ll be pleseantly surprised, though.
She’s changing, it might be subtle but it’s there. I think Sansa is going to surprise us all and turn into a total bad ass.
Sansa is definetely doing something. no doubt about that. After 4 seasons where she did nothing but cry she has to do something. She is a Stark after all! FFS!!
I hope one day Jon and Arya will meet again. I know I’ll cry buckets.
Given that her TV storyline is diverting from the book storyline, does anyone think that maybe Sansa will be killed off, since Sophie Turner’s been cast as Jean Grey in the new X-Men film? Would the filming schedules interfere with each other that much?
Nina i don’t think we should make assumptions based on her schedule.. I know they’re shooting GoT6 now if not soon.
We’ll see what happens. I like to believe that the Stark kids ( jon included) will be arrive safely to the end.
Agree with all who said the location llooke like Moat Cailin. It was my first thought when I saw this Sansa scene–Winterfell seemed larger and appeared to sit on higher ground. Also, I can see the writers are trying to strengthen Sansa’s character, that keeping her in the forefront of the struggle for leadership in the North makes for good TV, but it’ll be hard for me to forget she’s been such a malleable, gullible girl. If it comes to pass that she’s to be a real player, then I hope she’s smarter than her mother, who I thought played the game in the book and series very poorly.
The location is Moat Cailin, it was identified in the opening credit sequence and Littlefinger says it at one point. Ramsey is not to be trusted with Sansa in any way shape or form. However, Brienne is on the way.
I am also a book reader and I have enjoyed seeing Jon grow into a man. He’s definitely one of my favorite characters……but he needs Ghost! Where is he??? Jon is making some enemies and he is going to need his protection. Come back Ghost!
True. We haven’t seen much of Ghost this season at all. And speaking of direwolves, in the books, there are frequent references to Nymeria leading a pack of wolves through the riverlands and attacking people – much like Arya was doing. We had a few glimpses of Nymeria back in Season One but none since and Nymeria was a most awesome direwolf.
Kind of fitting tho, since Arya too has “disappeared”.
whining again, I see
Ottomans do that.
I actually get what he’s saying; recently, terrorists’ frequent use of beheading has been a huge part of global consciousness, and he was uncomfortable with it being used as a plot device in an entertainment industry, especially while it’s still happening to such an extent.
Then again, he is part of a very dark fantasy world, so what did he expect?
Kaiser you are my nemesis. I swear to God this Kit loathing causes me nightmares, NIGHTMARES. If I knew where you worked I would sit outside with posters saying “Free Kit, Fire Kaiser”. First you imply he’s not beautiful, then you imply he’s dumb, now you pick the worst picture as the article tag!!!! Curse you!
LOL!
I can understand why it was difficult for the actor and the character. But it hardly was murder and there have been many excecutions in the show (including last week) so it is a bit suprising. I think Jon Snow’s storyline has improved very much this season, I am a book reader so I have been waiting this.
Well said on all fronts, and I agree.
So glad we skipped Dany this episode. When Jon Snow is more interesting than you, you’ve got a problem. Then again, I’d be happy just watching Jaqen on a loop for an hour.
Haha! I loved how the only Dany we saw was a look-a-like in a brothel. Jaqen is hot AF and I’d sweep the floor all day long too if it meant I could hang with him. Except I’m not into wearing dead men’s faces so, that might be awkward.
Hi Abbott!!
It seems like all we 3 do is talk about GoT! ahah
my fave part was:
‘it’s good luck to rub a dwarf’s head’
‘it’s even better luck to suck a dwarf’s c-ck!’
*dead with laughter*
I don’t know what I’d do without you two. My coworkers have been dodging me on Mondays bc they know I want to yell about the show.
You tell me!!
I have no one to talk to about the show because is not very popular here.. just one of my colleagues watch it and my bf. so i can obsess about it here!!!
QQ is good for GOT talk too, if she rears her head. And speaking of dwarves, I’m actually kind of worried about Tyrion. WHICH QUEEN is Jorah taking him to??
He’s taking him to Danaerys. Who else were you thinking about?
I was thinking the Queen Mother Cersei, because of the bounty on his head. Why would Dany want him, because he’s a Lannister? She’s got her hands full and the Lannister family is crumbling. Not sure how much of a bargaining chip he would be for Dany.
He has to be taking Tyrion to Dany, yes? He’d do anything to get back in her good graces and Tyrion is a brilliant political strategist. And well… Dany is struggling on that front.
What about Varys? Will he go after Tyrion? They were like the Oprah & Gail roadshow of Westeros.
I see your point but since Jorah was friendzoned many times we all know he worhsips Danaerys and he is smitten with her.
Jorah said ‘I’ll take you to the queen, the real queen’ and this shows he’s still in love with her. Jorah used to be a spy for the Lannisters and in his head bringing Tyrion Lannister, brethren of the usurpers in King’s Landing, to Her would mean proving his loyalty and undying love therefore this would bring forgiveness on Danaerys’ part.
@Abbott
Varys seems to know too many secrets, he’s very shady, shifty and I’m starting to think he belongs to the group of the faceless men.
Lol the Oprah & Gail road show, you kill me Abot.
Ah, I missed “the real queen” bit, good points ladies. Hm, I wonder how Dany will receive the traitor Mormont and his little prize.
What do you think is Varys’ deal? He says he’s working for the people of Westeros but is also a Targaeryn supporter (or both?)
There are some wild theories out there about him.
Did you read the theory Varys is actually Illyrio’s wife? *throws up tin foil shield* Varys just wants peace for the realm man, peace. (Cough, no clue what he’s up to.)
whaaaaaaaaaat!
The server is down, otherwise I would link it!
ETA: I do think they both want Aegon on the throne tho.
Is it me or it doesn’t make any sense??
Which bit, the supposed marriage (bs IMO) or Aegon?
Illyrio and Varys sounds bs to me.
And Aegon too.. if it has to be a Targaryen to end up on the Iron throne I want it to be Danaeris.
I read that! Some people think Varys is really a lady.
I dunno about Dany. If there’s a Targ* on the throne, I want it to be—
Noooo
OooOoo
*falls off spoiler cliff*
*i can’t spell Targaryen for the life of me
I know it’s late there for you, but here’s some good Vayrs Illyrio stuff (not the wife theory, I still can’t get that one to load):
http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/53705-adwd-spoilers-the-varys-illyrio-conspiracy/
Um, my head hurts now. Why do we do this to each other?
http://www.reddit.com/r/asoiaf/comments/156odh/spoilers_all_complete_analysis_of_the_blackfyre/
i have no idea! i thought it was the flu giving me a headache but mauybe it isn’t!!!
by the way it’s only 8pm here and I can’t watch any more tv today.. i was about to start reading 50 shades of grey (my 3rd attempt) but you saved me giving me something interesting to read instead.
thank you mimif, you are a good friend 😀
ahha Abbott! i can never spell the Lannister names!!!
Friends don’t let friends read 50 Shades. 😉
Everything this dude posts on reddit is muy interesante:
http://www.reddit.com/user/c_forrester_thorne/submitted/
Also, I’m not feeling Dany on the throne at all. I’m trying to remember her visions from the House of the Undying and…either the Iron Throne falls with the coming of winter, making it obsolete, or Jon takes it (the blue rose that bloomed in her vision). I think Dany is going to (wait for it) go.up.in.flames and that will be the most interesting thing that will happen in her whole character arc.
I’m so reading all of this. Potential spoilers be damned.
Paola, 50 Shades is literary butt garbage.
can you believe we’ll have to discuss this for at least other 3 years???
yeah i know 50shades is bad… but i never leave a book unfinished. it is really bad. especially when anastasia keep biting that f-ing bottom lip.
As long as you don’t start 50 Shades Darker, I don’t see any problems. 😉
Abot, read them all! Click on his ‘gilded’ posts, those are the ones that are least tin-foily, and the comment section is pure gold too.
That commenter is amazing. The comedy alone almost makes me want to read the books. Almost.
‘Because sexing your sister is dumb. Unless she’s a magic silver haired fire elf. If my sister was a magic silver haired fire elf I’d bang her.
Come on. So would you.’
Haha! That particular post is way more raunchy then his usual stuff…I can’t remember if that’s the one he posted at 3am or not, but regardless he’s a helluva writer. The books are good, but jesus you need the attention span of an elephant as well as extreme comprehension skillz, of which I possess neither. I listened to them on Audible which doesn’t count, but gave me just enough overview to understand both the book and TV geek commentary. I like the show tho; stand alone I think it’s doing a really good job at keeping us entertained.
Jorah is taking Tyrion to Queen Danys but Tyrion thinks he is taking him to Queen Cersei for the reward and to get his lands back. At least that is how it goes in the books but stuff happens to them on the way.
Yes! Gimme more Jaqen….
Valar Morghulis.
Yes. He’s mysteriously hot.
ITA!
Agreed. I’ll be happy to see more Dany when she finally does something……maybe starts heading over the sea…….anything at this point……..
I love the Real Housewives of Kings Landing s*it between Cersei and Margaery. It’s so much fun to watch Cersei be drunk and c*nty. Every recap before each episode shows her spewing about that “smirking little whore”. You know she wants to slap that smirk off her face so badly. Margaery has been groomed for this her whole life and Cersei is a drunk sociopath, I can’t wait for it to get really ugly. This almost makes up for the loss of the Arya and Hound storyline.
For the first time ever, I felt sorry for Cersei. Margaery is playing her insecurities like a fiddle, and all of Cersei’s worst nightmares are coming true. She’s still a horrible bitch, but oh, how the mighty have fallen…
Oh I could never feel sorry for Cersei.
I loved Margaery’s dig at Cersei’s drinking habit.
‘I wish we had some wine for you, it’s a bit early in the day for us’
ahah! Ace!
Her face when she said that, ouch. My pity is more the generalized sorrow for women at court, or women in general, always being replaced by someone newer and younger. Cersei definitely deserves every ounce of shade thrown her way, but just that bit about losing another child so young, blah blah. Lol I better get off this thread, I’m going too deep down the GOT wormhole. 😉
Yes GoT it’s the land of no return.
I’m sick at home.. so thank you for keeping me company!
But I am aware we can’t talk about this all day long… have a great day! Or better.. what is left of it! 🙂
Feel better paola, see ya next time!
Agree: love the Margaery Cersei story line! I have a question that I think is stupid, but I want to make sure: when Joren said he’s taking “the imp” to the queen, did he mean Danaerys or Cersei??
Yeah that’s what I am wondering too!
I thought danny. wouldn’t it be a chance to worm his way back into her good graces? cersei is done an danny has dragons even if she can’t tame them.
Yes it’s Danaerys.
Brining Tyrion to her means he hopes for forgiveness.
I tried answering this but it went somewhere. Jorah is taking Tyrion to Dany but Tyrion thinks he is taking him to Cersei. Stuff happens on the way.
Oh, Aemon Targaryen’s favorite saying about his family is: “the dragon has three heads.”
I think I was thrown for a loop because he said the QUEEN instead of the Khaleesi!
Thank you, everyone who answered! 🙂
Considering videos of ISIS beheading people have been everywhere on the news (British Muslims joining ISIS was just the profile story in this Sunday’s NYT magazine and they referenced the Jordanian pilot that was set on fire) I don’t think Kit is being angsty about this. I would be super uncomfortable too, even if it is acting and fake. Those videos are graphic (haven’t watched them, just seen stills).
I’m enjoying the characters changing, growing, getting darker this season. Arya and Jon especially — and Sansa. It’s time for the tides to turn and the Starks to get some justice. The “kids” are taking on more of life and living as adults who have lost their parents. Can’t wait for more warg-ing with the direwolves, too.
Me toooo. Can one warg a dragon? That’s what I want to know.
I think the context of Game of Thrones is far enough removed from terrorist beheadings for it to be perfectly fine. I mean, ISIS allegedly burned someone to death but no one drew any parallels between that and when they burned the guys in the first episode. People need to remember that fiction is fiction and Game of Thrones is nowhere near real life happenings.
Not to change the topic, but is that Downton Abbey’s creepy Mr. Green in the background of the first photo?
100% agree with him. Wish more people would think deeply about the impact of what they do in the world, regardless of their intentions. Also love that he comes down anti-censorship in the end. This is the most I’ve ever liked him.
I’m way too late for this party, but I’ll post anyway. I actually loved the scene, because it mirrored Ned Stark in season one, episode one. The acceptance that Ned/Jon had to do his duty. Following through with the beheading – quick and clean – even though the guy is begging for mercy. The use of the valerian sword, and taking no pleasure in the act. And best part of all – “Winter is Coming”. All call backs to the very first episode.
Remember Ned made Bran be present so he would know what to do someday. But it wasn’t Bran who followed in Ned’s footsteps, it was the bastard. And whether Jon is son or nephew to Ned, he clearly learned about honor and duty from him.
It also mirrored Robb’s beheading of Karstark in season 3.