Game Of Thrones: 18 Terrible Ideas That Were Great To Watch

11. Theon Choosing Balon Yep, definitely didn't see this one coming. Game of Thrones may be infamous for its unexpected twists and turns (to non-readers, at least), but Theon's defection is not one of them. It just...happened. Of course, Theon's case isn't helped by the fact that literally nobody other than Robb seems to like or trust Theon. Catelyn strongly advises Robb against sending Theon to Balon, and we can only imagine what Maester Luwin would say at this point. Surprisingly, it's actually difficult to fault Theon for his defection to Balon. He's just so pathetic that we really shouldn't be surprised that he was shamed into abandoning the Stark cause and taking up against them with the Iron Islanders. When he burns the letter of warning that he'd intended to send to Robb, it's more sad than infuriating. The scene in which Theon is re-baptized with salt water, kneeling in the sea and saying his family's words, is amazing. Alfie Allen portrays Theon's grief and determination primarily through his eyes, and the ceremony truly feels like a turning point, despite the fact that Theon spent the majority of season 1 as "that guy who always stands behind Robb." "What is dead may never die," says Theon Greyjoy, unaware of what awaits him in season 3.