Perhaps the most relatable character on all of Game of Thrones is none other than Jon Snow's BFF Samwell Tarley. And, though I can't be exactly sure how he'll act when Sam finds out Jon is dead on Game of Thrones, I'm pretty sure he's going to lose his goddamn mind. Of course, there are many a-theory that Jon isn't actually dead, but even if he is brought back to life, a raven could deliver a message to Sam about his friend's death before whatever insanity goes down to bring back Jon Snow.
Sam left the Wall with his love Gilly and baby Sam to go study at the Citadel to become a maester. While this was a great career choice for the intelligent and sensitive Sam, his maester knowledge may also be a huge help in the battle of the White Walkers. The show is following Sam's path in the book of becoming a maester, but since the last published book in the series by George R. R. Martin featured Jon's death and relatively little aftermath, I must come up with my own theories about Sam's reaction. Sam's training, combined with his best friend's death, are bound to profoundly change the Sam Game of Thrones fans know and love. So, here are six potential ways that Sam will react he finds out his buddy Jon is "dead." (Note the quotes, because I refuse to believe he's gone for good.)
1. He'll Storm Back To The Wall
Once he finds out that Jon has died at the hands of the Night's Watch, Sam is going to be angry. Although he's not much of a fighter, he could return to the Wall to give his former brothers some hell.
2. Move On From Gilly
Gilly and Sam finally had sex and now that they have left the Wall together, I had expected them to continue their romantic relationship (which Sam's Maester training is bound to be a problem for, since Maesters must take a vow of celibacy — though it hasn't stopped Grand Maester Pycelle from getting it on). But, with Jon's death, Sam may neglect Gilly because he's depressed or because he wants to distract himself with his training. Sorry, Gilly!
3. Search For Bran
Sam knows that Bran is alive and beyond the Wall. He could search for Bran and their combined intelligence and magical powers could be pretty unstoppable.
4. Cry Into The Coat Of Jon's Direwolf Ghost
I mean, that's what I would want to do. And, then maybe Jon will end up being in the body of Ghost via his potential warg powers!! (A girl can dream, can't she?)
5. Die In His Pursuit For Justice
Sam is physically weak and with so many characters dying on Game of Thrones, it wouldn't be out of the question that he'd die on the show — especially if he returned to the Wall to face Alliser Thorne. But, something tells me the smart Sam won't react to the news of Jon's death without thinking through his actions...
6. Use His Maester Powers For Good
Maesters study science — along with magic — so if Sam decides to continue with his training, he could become very powerful. Perhaps even powerful enough to bring Jon back to life?? While I don't think Sam will acquire the skills to bring back the dead as quickly as Jon will need them, Sam the Maester could bring order to the mutinous Night's Watch. While Sam has never been particularly vengeful, the death of his best friend and brother could push him over the edge. Let's just hope he keeps his head about him when he does hear the depressing news — and keeps using intelligence in the pursuit of good.
Images: Helen Sloan/HBO; Giphy (4); rubyredwisp/Tumblr (2)
