2. Why Did Dagmer Betray Theon?
What Happens? The events that occur after Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) captures Winterfell in season 2 are significantly different than their literary counterparts. There may have been some uproar from fans over the omission of the Reeds and Reek, but given that all three are confirmed to appear in season three in some capacity, there is only one thing left to take umbrage at. After Theon is sent to the Iron Islands by Robb Stark in an attempt to obtain the naval support of his father Balon (Patrick Malahide), he is in turn told of the Ironmens intentions to capture territory in the North whilst the Starks battle the Lannisters in the South. Torn between loyalty to his father and the man that he considers a brother, Theon opts to forsake Robb and join his family, though as an insult, he is assigned just one ship and the task of raiding fishing villages, whilst his sister Asha (Gemma Whelan) is given thirty and the task of taking Deepwood Motte, a major Northern stronghold. A man by the name of Dagmer (Ralph Ineson) becomes something of a Reek substitute, taking on the role of Theons first mate and pushing him to prove himself to earn both the respect of his family and the disobedient men assigned to his command. He then proceeds to becomes the devil on Theons shoulder as he and his men capture Winterfell, the Stark seat of power. After convincing Theon of the need to execute Ser Rodrik Cassel (Ron Donachie), Dagmer then murders a farmer, his wife and two orphan boys in their care so that Theon can present the latter as the corpses of Bran and Rickon Stark (Isaac Hempstead-Wright and Art Parkinson), allowing him to masquerade the fact that they have escaped from his captivity. Despite his exceptional loyalty, Dagmer proceeds to turn on Theon when Winterfell becomes besieged by Northern reinforcements, knocking him out cold to hand him over and ostensibly save his own skin.
Why Doesnt It Make Sense? Unlike the travesty that arose when the writers changed Daenerys story in Qarth, their decision to change the Winterfell storyline in season two was an inspired one, with the exception of this one moment. Its a problem of discontinuity; above all else, as it seems completely out of character for Dagmer to suddenly betray Theon, particularly as he is predominantly responsible for the events that have made him a wanted man, such as the apparent killing of Bran and Rickon. Perhaps Dagmer will be revealed to be in league with a certain character that well meet in season three, which would serve to explain his actions. There is no news of Ralph Ineson returning to the show, however, making this wishful thinking more than anything.