These 2 'Game of Thrones' characters have never spoken on the series — until now
HBO
Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Game of Thrones" season six.
Sunday's "Game of Thrones" episode was another jam-packed hour, with action in Vaes Dothrak from Daenerys, the High Sparrow in King's Landing, and news from Littlefinger in the Vale. But Castle Black held one of the most touching moments in the season so far.
The reunion of Jon Snow and Sansa Stark was a highly anticipated moment — the eldest remnants of the family that once ruled Winterfell. Though we know Sansa and Jon were both raised together as half-siblings, this is actually the first time we've seen them speak in the history of the show.
HBOBack in season one, we were introduced to all of the Stark children during the pilot episode. Bran, Rickon, Robb, and Jon all practice archery in the courtyard. But Sansa and Arya are learning to sew, that is, until Arya cuts in and interrupts archery practice to show off. While Arya gets a moment with the Stark men, Sansa is never featured one-on-one with any of her brothers.
HBOJon and Arya have a close bond — he's the one who had Winterfell's metal worker make Needle for her. We saw them have a heartfelt goodbye when Jon leaves for Castle Black and Arya is sent to King's Landing with Ned and Sansa. In the books, Arya and Jon often think of one another and hope to reunite one day.
HBOBut Sansa? That's a different story. In both the books and the show, she doesn't really interact with any of her brothers before leaving for King's Landing. She's very swept up in the idea of being queen one day, of marrying a handsome southern prince and living her days out in the capital. While the rest of the Stark children have always closely identified with the North, Sansa was more of a southern girl in the beginning.
Sansa acknowledged their differences in Sunday's episode. She admitted to being indifferent toward Jon in their youth, and asked his forgiveness. Jon brushed it away, but forgave her all the same.
HBONow Sansa has seen her family murdered and betrayed time and time again, and has realized just how important her roots are in the North. Sansa and Jon have reunited, the two oldest remaining siblings from the Stark family. And for the first time, they could begin working together towards a common goal — taking back the North.
Sansa's plan is clear — take back Winterfell from the Ramsay Bolton. Jon is reluctant, and even had a brief outburst about wanting no part of another war. He's weary of fighting ... but what is the alternative? Sansa points this out. There is no safety in Westeros for either of them, not while Ramsay Bolton is alive and ruling.
HBOAnd, of course, Ramsay Bolton is the person who finally convinces Jon he cannot rest. A threatening (and graphic) letter arrived from the new Lord of Winterfell at Castleblack addressed to Jon. Once Jon and Sansa learn of Rickon's capture, the way forward is clear. They will fight to reunite the northern houses, and answer Ramsay's threat.
Sadly, we'll have to wait until the coming episodes to see this plan in action. But the Starks are in position to finally take the vengeance they deserve. Stay hype, fans.