Game of Thrones, Episode 1: Winter is Coming
Jon Arryn’s Role in the Episode
Jon Arryn plays an indirect but pivotal role in the episode, as his death serves as the catalyst for the unfolding political conflict. While he does not appear alive, his corpse is shown, and discussions about his passing set the stage for the central intrigue of the series.
Key Moments and Contributions:
- His Death as a Political Catalyst - His corpse is first shown in King’s Landing, with robed figures walking around him in a ritualistic manner. Cersei and Jaime discuss the possibility that Jon Arryn knew something dangerous before he died.
- Robert Naming Ned as the New Hand - Robert Baratheon visits Winterfell largely to appoint Eddard Stark as Jon Arryn’s successor. Robert reminisces about Jon Arryn, highlighting his role as a mentor to both him and Ned.
- Lysa Arryn’s Letter and the Lannister Conspiracy - Catelyn receives a letter from her sister Lysa, revealing that Jon Arryn was murdered by the Lannisters. This revelation pushes Ned toward accepting Robert’s offer, setting him on a path of political intrigue and danger.
- Foreshadowing Greater Conflicts - Robert and Ned discuss how the last Targaryens still live, hinting that Jon Arryn’s death is just the beginning of larger schemes. His death serves as an early mystery that deepens the political tension of the series.
Impact Rating: 7.5/10
- Drives the Plot – His death is the inciting incident that brings Robert to Winterfell and forces Ned into politics.
- Political Intrigue – The mystery of his murder becomes a major subplot.
- Foreshadowing – The Lannister conspiracy and Targaryen threat are linked to his death.
- No Direct Presence – He only appears as a corpse, meaning his influence is posthumous.
- No Immediate Consequences – The full impact of his death unfolds later in the series rather than this episode.
Final Score: 7.5/10 – Jon Arryn’s death is one of the most important events in the episode, setting the entire political conflict in motion.