Shocking ‘Game of Thrones’ finale sparks Internet frenzy

The season five finale of U.S. series Game of Thrones its fans into a fury as they took to social networking sites to voice their shock after one of its biggest characters was killed off.
Warning, spoilers ahead.

In the controversial episode, Jon Snow, played by British actor Kit Harington, is killed by his young protégé Olly, who delivers the deathly blow.

Variety magazine described the fictional death as “one of the most shocking TV moments of the year.”

While fans voiced their hope that Harington’s character would return in the next installation of the show, the British actor confirmed: “I’m dead. I’m not coming back next season.”

“I kind of knew it was coming. I didn’t read [George RR Martin’s novel] A Dance with Dragons. But I read the other books and
I had heard this is what happens,” he was quoted by Entertainment Weekly as saying.

“So I had an inkling it should be this season. I didn’t realize it would be the final shot of the season and that made it extra special.

“I loved how they brought Olly in to be the person who kills me,” he added.

Producers killed off a number of other characters in the bloody finale. Stannis Baratheon was executed by Brienne of Tars, hours after his wife, Queen Selyse, hanged herself.

“How are they gonna continue?” one person tweeted.

Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and Dan Weiss had informed Harington of his imminent death before production on the fifth season began last year, the actor said.

“We did the Tony Soprano walk [to tell an actor they’re going to die]. And they said, ‘Look, you’re gone, it’s done.’”

British actor Robert Kazinsky tweeted: “Totally felt like that was put in for shocks sake only, and I’m totally okay with that. Just when you thought it was safe to care again.”

“Well #GameofThrones it’s been swell. See you again in 8 months. Should be enough time work with my therapist to get over this last season,” another fan tweeted.

Some even took their anger at HBO, where Game of Thrones is aired.

“This show is dead to me. I’m cancelling my HBO subscription. I hate you.”

“There’s really no one left to kill on #GameofThrones. Next season they start killing viewers at home through the TV,” another fan added.

The finale also featured a scene where Cersei Lannister, portrayed by British actress Lena Headey, was stripped naked after her head was shaved, and paraded through the streets in a public walk of shame after admitting she had slept with her cousin.

“I know it’s just acting and all but I can’t imagine how difficult that scene was for Lena Headey,” one fan tweeted in admiration of the actress’s performance.

“There needs to be a bravest actress in TV history category at the next Emmys so they can give it to @IAMLenaHeadey,” another fan tweeted.

Lynette Rice added: “If Lena Headey doesn’t get an Emmy for tonight’s performance, there is no TV God.”