Game Of Thrones: 18 Most Outrageous Moments So Far
4. The Sept Of Baelor
Although Game of Throne is largely an ensemble piece, following the fates and fortunes of a huge array of characters, there are those who serve as the nominal leads for the show. The likes of Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister fulfil this role, and back in season 1 it was undoubtedly Ned Stark who was the focal point for the audience.
Sean Bean was the most recognisable actor on the show (that should’ve been a spoiler from the off), and he was the head of the main family. It’s established now, but back then it was assumed there would be no chance of a show killing off its central character in only its first season.
Oh, how naive we were. Even as he took his place on the Sept of Baelor, even as Ser Ilyn Payne raised Ice and prepared to bring it down onto his neck, there was expectation something would stop it. Only nothing did. Off came Ned Stark’s head, and the way we watch Game of Thrones changed completely.