Game Of Thrones: 5 Winners & 5 Losers In 'Breaker Of Chains'
4. Jon Snow
Once again, Jon Snow demonstrates that he has the coolest head amongst his brothers in black. In a time of uncertainty and impending doom for the Nights Watch, it is Jons temperament that is keeping everything finely balanced on the precarious edge. Alliser Thorne may be the acting Lord Commander in the wake of the demise of Jeor Mormont, but even he is starting to recognise the levelheaded wisdom of Ned Starks bastard son. In this episode, two survivors from the falling out at Crasters Keep make their escape and return to Castle Black, having been held prisoner up until now by the traitorous brothers who started the fight. Short on resources, and especially short on men, Alliser Thorne judges to leave justice be, and instead stay to defend the Wall. Only moments before, Jon had supported this same decision when the Nights Watch learned of the Wildlings raiding a village not far from Castle Black. In the case of the treacherous Night's Watchmen though, Jon sees a different, more relevant risk in taking no action against the mutineers. Jon has told Mance Rayder that a thousand men manned Castle Black, and currently that lie is the only thing preventing the inevitable attack. Should Mance learn the truth from the brothers at Crasters Keep, he would march immediately. Jon sees that consequence, and knows that the risk of sending more men beyond the Wall to silence the traitors must be taken.
