‘Game of Thrones’ season 6 debate: The main question for Kit Harington’s Jon Snow

For the first time in over two months, there is no new episode of “Game of Thrones” airing on HBO Sunday night. Of course, that is a difficult pill to swallow. (Warning: Spoilers ahead if you are behind on the series.)

Even still, while we wait through this hiatus we want to craft a few specialty debate pieces here and there, and we want to begin today with a very simple question in regards to Kit Harington and his character of Jon Snow: Is he actually dead? The show certainly made it look that way with the blood at the end of the finale, but we feel like we have also seen enough of the fantasy genre over the years (plus, we know the rules of George R.R. Martin’s book series) to know that dead does not always mean dead, and there are a variety of other things that the show could be doing with this character. It all comes down to whether or not the show wants to travel in a similar direction.

Why Jon could be alive – This is the world of “Game of Thrones,” and far crazier things have happened than Jon not making it out alive. You also have to remember here that coincidence is on his side. Melisandre has just returned up to Castle Black roughly around the same time, and we know that she sees something in him. There has long been debate as to Jon’s true lineage, so is it possible that there is something special about his blood in the same way that there was Gendry and Stannis? It should not be perceived as random that he has drawn the same sort of attention from her.

Also, you could play conspiracy over the fact that we do not know yet of many other projects that would impede Kit Harington from doing something on the show moving forward. Also, since the show really has not implemented the Stoneheart story and they have killed off plenty others without bringing them back, we don’t think they have a reputation of not allowing characters to die. That fear is not there.

Why Jon is dead – Because Harington and the show executive producers seem to be telling us so. Also, it’s not exactly like we feel the Red Woman is going to be able to stay at Castle Black for long, and even if Jon is revived, what would really be done with him? It’s not like he will suddenly have the Night’s Watch suddenly on his side. There may not be a use for the character anymore unless you threw him somewhere else, and that would force the character to completely start over storytelling-wise in the last two seasons.

While it may be tempting to want to see Jon get his revenge on Olly and company for plunging the daggers, we feel like there are much more satisfying acts of revenge out there that the show could give us. Remember that Walder Frey is still out there somewhere, likely still being as evil as ever.

Your take – Is Jon dead or alive? Vote in our poll below, and head over here to see some other speculation in regards to Stannis! Also, you can sign up here to get some other TV news on all we cover, sent right to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: HBO.)