Years after the groundbreaking fantasy TV show most disappointing TV finales in history. However, rare though they may be, there are some faults with the writing in the show's earlier seasons.

Whatever you argue to be Game of Thrones' best season, the show was at its peak around the midway point, when emotions were always running high with events like Peter Dinklage's career-defining monologue at Tyrion Lannisters sham trial, Daenerys Targaryen's (Emilia Clarke) dragons coming of age, and the brutal, infamous cliffhanger of Jon Snow's death. This was a great moment in TV history and provoked much curiosity about under what circumstances Jon could and would return. However, while the moment itself is perfection, the aftermath is a bit underwhelming.

Game Of Thrones Failed Jon Snow's Resurrection

Jon's Death Was, Strictly Speaking, Only A Blip In Game Of Thrones

One could argue that Jon's death was Game of Thrones' dumbest decision when the way it is structured is about suspense more than anything else. One of the most popular characters on the show, one who was entrenched in many unresolved storylines, Jon's death in the final moments of Game of Thrones season 5 kicked off a phenomenon of fans demanding to know the truth from the cast and crew. It is a situation that naturally contributes to anticipation, the longer it goes on. And this was only the case for the show.

Overall, it is one of the most unique, infuriating scenarios a die-hard fan can be stuck in.

Meanwhile, Jon has been dead for a decade in the books, and we continue to wait for The Winds of Winter's release. Overall, it is one of the most unique, infuriating scenarios a die-hard fan can be stuck in. And yet, while the exact moment of Jon coming back has a historic thrill, that's about all there is to it. People knew Melisandre (Carice van Houten) was near Castle Black and could bring Jon back, which is exactly what happened, and the show carried on as before. When there was this much lead-up, Game of Thrones failed to make Jon's resurrection a more dramatic affair.

Jon Snow Was The Same Character As Ever After He Came Back To Life

Dying Probably Should Have Changed Jon In Some Way

Namely, Jon retains his exact characterization after literally dying. He is the same broody knight as ever, thrust into a leadership role he doesn't want — only making him more suited for it, in the eyes of many — and being forced to make one devastating decision after another. Previously, Jon pushed for an alliance with the wildlings, reflecting both the values imparted upon him by Ned Stark (Sean Bean) and the pragmatism of desperately needing this population to help fight the advancing White Walkers. After coming back, Jon then does what he has to in executing his murderers to maintain authority and the alliance.

However, Sansa's (Sophie Turner) arrival then leads to a pivot in goals for Jon, as he agrees to retake Winterfell. Yet even this is another step towards his ultimately unchanging goal of protecting all of Westeros — nothing else matters. There is a sense of exhaustion in Jon after his resurrection, something that was already gradually building with everything he went through before this event. However, he keeps pushing forward, with the same stubborn worldview, sometimes too idealistic and lacking the finer political insight that Sansa has. All of these things were traits of his before death.

There's Enough Evidence In ASOIAF To Believe Jon Would Return As A Changed Person

Jon Is Incomparable To Beric Dondarrion & Lady Blackheart

An experience like death and resurrection would understandably change a person, and wider A Song of Ice and Fire lore has given audiences reason to believe it should in this setting — it's not just going to sleep and waking up. After being called upon for aid by Ned and killed by Beric Dondarrion (Richard Dormer) is resurrected several times, supposedly for an unknown purpose the Lord of Light has for him, for which he needs to live long enough to see through. Beric converts to this religion and loses more of his memory with each revival, though mostly retaining his personality.

Still, Beric's beliefs plausibly shifted because of what had happened to him, and there are actual consequences for this repeated experience (ittedly, Jon only died once). Another major case of resurrection that did not make it into the TV show is that of Lady Stoneheart. Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) is killed at the Red Wedding and never seen again in the show, but in the books, she is brought back as a zombie-like ghost of her former self. Catylen's body is tossed in a river and found by Beric's Brotherhood without Banners, and he gives up his life for hers and dies permanently.

Beric and Catelyn see slightly different circumstances than Jon, but they at least suggest there are repercussions.

Due to having been dead much longer, Lady Stoneheart rises as a decomposed figure, assumes leadership of the Brotherhood, and pursues those responsible for the Red Wedding. She is completely devoid of her former comion and humanity. Beric and Catelyn see slightly different circumstances than Jon, but they at least suggest there are repercussions. The magic used to revive them is also incredibly vague, as it's never exactly confirmed that there is a Red God. In one form or another, it appears as a kind of blood magic that can achieve the impossible but doesn't always work, having varying, costly results.

Jon Snow Refusing His Claim To The Throne Was Not Really A Problem

Jon Becoming King Wouldn't Have Worked For His Arc Either

Part of what derailed Game of Thrones season 8 did have to do with the conflict arising from Jon technically being the heir to the Targaryen dynasty ahead of Daenerys, but him having no desire to be king while Daenerys' entire life is occupied by the goal of becoming queen. What happens may be a rushed, botched character turn for Dany, but Jon's reactions make sense for him. He doesn't want to be king, but when he sees that Daenerys has become a threat, he makes the brutal decision to take her out — and he has done similar things before.

Yet Jon has never seen himself as a traditional leader, having been raised to believe he would inherit nothing. He sets out to prove his worth as a soldier, contributing the same grit and hard work as everyone else. Of course, his skill and magnetism compel people to follow him anyway, creating a complex depiction of the dynamics of leadership. As far as how Game of Thrones ended, all of Jon's decisions made sense — but they might have laid the groundwork for something different if he had actually been changed by his resurrection.