Game of Thrones has produced some of the most beloved and hated television characters of all-time. The fan’s love for characters such as Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie), and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) is equally met with their hatred for villains like Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane), Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon), and Joffrey Lannister (Jack Gleeson). These characters, among other reasons, have contributed to the show’s frequent and passionate online discourse.
More than almost any other show in recent years, the series has inspired massive discussion amongst fans, both good and bad. One of the most discussed characters in the show is Jon Snow (Kit Harington), whose adventures and actions throughout Westeros and the rest of the world become impactful beyond almost any other character. Harington’s portrayal of Jon on Game of Thrones has resulted in the talented young actor achieving worldwide fame, as well as a unique way of getting out of a speeding ticket.
What is ‘Game of Thrones’ about?
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Despite a largely-dislike series finale, Game of Thrones is one of the most popular and critically-acclaimed television shows ever made. The show’s combination of political intrigue, blood-thirsty violence, taboo romance which is performed by incredible actors over eight seasons resulted in an incredible near-decade of television.
The main story of the series focuses on the Starks, Arryns, Baratheons, Tullys, Greyjoys, Lannisters, Tyrells, Martells, and Targaryens, all of whom vie for power and to put their selected leader on the Iron Throne. To achieve this, the families plot, murder, and create uneasy alliances, and do anything else they can in pursuit of ultimate power.
The saga, which is also referred to as the Song of Ice and Fire, focuses on many characters, all of who could be brutally killed at any moment. One of the most prominent characters in the show is Harington’s character Jon, whose journey in the show is full of shocking turns and reveals.
Who is Kit Harington and his character Jon Snow?
Jon was first introduced to Game of Thrones fans as the bastard son of the tragic Ned Stark, the Lord of Winterfell. Jon, though beloved by his father and half-siblings, was always the lone wolf of the family, and dreamed of a way to prove himself as worthy of his father’s name.
His method of doing so is to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Benjen Stark (Joseph Mawle), and join the Night’s Watch. The brothers of the Night’s Watch are sworn to protect Westeros from the dangers the lie beyond The Wall, which includes the Freefolk and the mysterious White Walkers and their undead army.
One of Jon’s main arcs on the show was during his time as the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, which leads to his betrayal and death at the end of the show’s fifth season. He is betrayed by his supposedly loyal men, and is literally and figuratively stabbed in the back, left to bleed out as the credit rolled.
How did Harington use his character to get out of a speeding ticket?
After the stunning season five finale, passionate fans of Game of Thrones were forced to wonder about the future of Jon Snow and wonder whether the beloved character was dead or alive. The character known for knowing nothing had turned the tables, leaving the fans with a frustrating lack of knowledge.
This led to many fans of the show to speculate and sleuth with the goal of figuring out if Jon’s watch had ended forever. One of these questioning fans was a police officer that happened to pull Harington over for speeding. According to Mental Floss, the officer offered Harington a choice: reveal whether Jon lived or died heading into the next season, or pay the speeding ticket fine.
While Harington was supposed to keep the information to himself, the actor chose to reveal the secret, to which the officer answered “on your way, Lord Commander.” The officer seemingly kept the massive spoiler to himself, and the Game of Thrones fandom was pleasantly surprised to see Jon back alive and not so well in season six.