Curtain Call: Sean Bean

After Baelor ended, the entire roomful of people I was watching the show with just sat there in silence for a solid couple minutes. Almost everyone in the room had read the books; we all knew what was coming. But after what Sean Bean had brought to the role, that final scene was just one of the most emotionally impacting things I have ever seen on screen.

Here’s to you, Sean, and thanks.

Lies & Perfidy,

It was the same here. Readers and non-readers just sat there without saying a word. Eventually a non-reader said, quietly, “I… wasn’t expecting that.”

Bean rocked the shit out of that role. I knew he’d be good, but he was properly great.

I loved Sean Bean as Ned. And wow, watching this was at least as heartbreaking as reading.

What to say? I have LOVED Sean Bean since Fellowship of the Ring, and always thought he made a better good guy (despite often being cast as a villain).

He was my first choice for Ned years ago, and the day his casting news broke (right here on WiC) was one of my favourite GOT-moments. I literally danced around the room.

And then Bean managed to exceed my expectations, making my favourite character from the book even more likeable on screen. Despite only featuring in 7 episodes before being thrown in a dungeon, he managed to create so many awesome Ned moments. Facial expressions, body language, cool accent… Sean Bean was a pleasure to watch on screen. I will definitely miss both Sean and Ned, possibly even more than in the book. LONG LIVE EDDARD STARK!

PS My city is rioting right now, downtown is on fire!

*CRIES* still not over Ned’s death, 6 years after reading the series. And if they show the scene in Clash where Cat receives Ned’s bones from the Silent Sisters, I’m gonna break down all over again!

Oh and that portrait by Grant Gould is great. The Jon Snow on his website is also fantastic.

Recast as Davos!

Bravo Sean, you were epic.

Thank you, Sean, for giving us such an outstanding performance as one of my favorite characters ever, and congratulations on making TV history with one of the most shocking exits ever.

FaB already used my favorite Bean quote, but since this is also a goodbye to Ned, here’s my favorite book quote (which unfortunately didn’t make it into the show):
Bran thought about it. “Can a man still be brave if he’s afraid?”
“That is the only time a man can be brave,” his father told him.

He was perfect in the role.

He was gracious in the interviews.

Another heartwrenching death of an imperfect hero.

Thanks, Sean. No actor has ever cost me more in kleenex.

GO EDDARD!

Did anyone hear the story about Sean Bean this week? He got into a bar fight (defending a woman), stabbed by a broken bottle, then went back into the bar, refused treatment, asked for a first aid kit and another drink. SEAN BEAN RULES!

The_Rabbit01: One of the greatest scenes in the series so far – that definitely brought the tears to my eyes was the scene when Ned says goodbye to Cat in Kings Landing.
He was great in that scene, Michelle Fairley was also great!

Yeah, as I mentioned before, they were really feeding from each other’s acting. Give the two a big movie together with a great story and it will be the best drama ever!!!

To FaB:

When I finished reading the articule only one word came to mind … BRAVO!!!! …. the only thing I will add is I agree with your assessment of the title of the episode … seeing Arya at the statue’s feet and seeing Yoren … it all feel into place … once again … BRAVO!!!!

Sean Bean made a perfect Ned Stark. From “Winter is Coming” to Baelor’s Sept, he did a superb job. And his tireless round of interviews and positive attitude toward the series went a long way toward making this series the success it is. Even though I can’t stand Ashley Judd, I’ll watch Missing mostly just to catch Sean Bean.

Lies & Perfidy: … But after what Sean Bean had brought to the role, that final scene was just one of the most emotionally impacting things I have ever seen on screen.

Couldn’t agree with you more!

His final scene was, in a word,”perfect”… from from the borderline crazy gleem in jofferys eye, to to sansa’s broken hearted scream, to the queen’s look of somewhere between what have I done and, oh shit. Arya’s soul deep sobs, and in the midst of it all the calm zen like moment of peace as he lowers his head for a clean blow from the very blade he has taken so many heads with. Live by the blade, die by the blade. Go with honor my Lord of Winterfell, your battle is done…

Agreed

after what Sean Bean had brought to the role, that final scene was just one of the most emotionally impacting things I have ever seen on screen.

Kudos for Sean Bean. You’re as badass as they come :)

Hats off to you sir. I knew what was going to eventually happen, but part of me wanted it to not end. You may not have been the quote unquote main character like most of the newbies thought but you fooled them well, even more so than Mr. Martin made us think of Ned in the first book. Many props.

When I was reading the book Sean Bean was always the character I had in mind for Ned, so that imo was probably the best casting decision of the show. You will be missed! Truly, a fantastic performance

The look in his eyes when he promised Jon to talk about his mother was the best Ned scene for me.

That was amazing to read.
I have to agree with most of it. Sean was a great Ned, I will surely miss him as a caracter and as an actor in this siries.

Well, your writing just put tears in my eyes all over again, well done…

I also was not very convinced when Sean Bean was cast as Ned. He did not correspond to the image I had in my mind, at all.

But, as you said: “But boy did he step up.”

He did. I can never, ever, again, picture another face when I think of Eddard Stark. And I think that’s the best compliment I could ever pay him.

Well done, Sean Bean.

R.I.P. Ned.

Sean Bean “introduced” me to two new series of books simply because he was featured in the TV series viz. Sharpe and A Song of Ice and Fire. As a character actor his range is amazing! Many thanks, Sean.

I hope they would do a side story of the whole rebellion against the mad king. that would be epic……

If you were to pull one of the actors competeing for the Lead Male Emmy and actually behead him right there at the podium I doubt it would elicit more shock and awe from a viewing audience than Ned Stark’s death caused in Baelor. People who read the books, people who heard the spoilers, people who saw that train a commin’ down the traks, and knew Ned died were still reduced to sobs after actually seeing the event.
Sean Bean has always been a talented actor. Sharpe’s final words over his chained nemesis, who just murdered Sharpe’s wife, shows this clear as day. Bean’s reasons for chosing characters are his own. He does not court Hollywood fame or recognition which is why precious little of his talent is seen outside of the UK.
I hope the Emmys does not repeat events in Westeros and out side a London pub, in showing that Honour is so out-moded it a liability.

I think the point where I REALLY appreciated Sean Bean in the role of Ned is when he is watching the first dancing lesson with Arya. The range of emotions that cross his face are AMAZING. He goes from humor, possibly remembering when he was young and first learning how to use the sword to pride that his daughter is so strong in will, so Stark that she can do him proud. And his pride. But then at the end, the realization that the road she was starting down is a road he knew well. He knows the COST of traveling that road. The end of that scene, it just moves me.
Just amazing.

I think the outraged reaction to Ned’s death is testament to how fully Bean inhabited the role. It also has to be the first “Sean Bean Dies” role that is actually shocking. Great pairing of character and actor. Kudos to Bean for a pivotal role well-played.

Bruce Stark:
I think the point where I REALLY appreciated Sean Bean in the role of Ned is when he is watching the first dancing lesson with Arya. The range of emotions that cross his face are AMAZING. He goes from humor, possibly remembering when he was young and first learning how to use the sword to pride that his daughter is so strong in will, so Stark that she can do him proud. And his pride. But then at the end, the realization that the road she was starting down is a road he knew well. He knows the COST of traveling that road. The end of that scene, it just moves me.
Just amazing.

Agreed- I’m surprised to see the post didn’t mention this scene to be honest!

Sean Bean was always the actor I imagined as Ned, and absolutely perfect in the role. The amount he can say with a look, without needing any dialogue at all, is truly astonishing.

I loved his scenes with Arya, Catelyn, Varys and Robert particularly. Ned’s death was the real shocker of the book, it’s where you start to believe no-one is safe (having read all 4, I’m now thinking a couple of other characters seem highly unlikely to be killed off- and rather hoping for another nice shock) and really does change everything. Then when Ice is melted down, you realise it can’t be about Robb claiming justice for his Father either, since to do so poetically would require Joffrey losing his head to Ice, which throws another trope out of the window.

But the important thing about Ned isn’t the moment of his death- that’s important to set up the story for other characters- it’s who he is throughout his time, that he really is a good and deeply honourable man. And completely unsuited for a life in politics- which is probably just as true in this world. I keep him and his attitude to life in mind when reading later chapters- seeing how his family follow his values- and how they don’t. I very much doubt he’d approve of Lady Stoneheart’s treatment of the Freys, despite all they did- he’d never approve of punishing those who had no part in it, regardless of who they’re related to- and about half the riverlands must be related to Lord Frey!

Sean Bean made Ned everything he should be, and without making him different from the books, made him somehow both more real and more amazing. I always thought he’d be good- but he was even better.

Physically he wasn’t how I pictured Ned but he acted him well. I think knowing what would happen I distanced myself from the portrayal intentionally and I still almost had a panic attack in those last 5 minutes. I think that speaks to the skill of everyone involved.

A fantastic portrayal by a great actor. He was billed as the ‘star’, and he was definitely that.

As others have said, even though I knew the last scene was coming, I couldn’t help but be moved by it.

If you enjoyed Sean’s emotionally charged acting chops on GoT, then I highly recommend watching another of his films “Equilibrium”. It’s more Orwellian than sci-fi I’d say, but another great rendering of a character by Sean.

Now the only question I have is whether to let my son watch the series on HBO (when he’s old enough) first or read the books first. I guess I’ll have to see how he is with his reading skills once he gets there. He’s on my lap in my picture up there. :)

Rimshot: I’m forever proud of my hour standing-in for Sean during the Ser Hugh tent scene and talking to him briefly while he was dressed as Ned.

That is something to be rightfully proud of indeed, and will be told to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and so on.

And if rumours are to be believed, we haven’t seen the last of Ned.

Oh? I’m here quite a bit but don’t remember hearing those rumours… Please fill me in!

I’m wondering now when we will see this scene.

http://winter-is-coming.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/brandon-stark.jpg

I thought it would sort of a flash back where Ned was thinking about his father and brother while he was in the black cells. Do you think we’ll see it Sunday night? Could it be Jaime thinking about it will he is being held captive?

Not sure where my “Bravo” entry went, so here it is again.

BRAVO!

Reading this post and seeing the pics got me all misty eyed. Sean played the part of Ned better than I’d hoped. You’ll be missed, but hey, remember that mystery shot in the throne room with that rope around your neck? We do. See you Sunday buddy.

I see Sean Bean as a badass, a rough-and-tumble type guy. Then I watch interviews with him and he’s soft-spoken and sweet. And then I see him in Game of Thrones and he makes me angry, happy and sad in turns, or, frankly, all at the same time.

Actors like Mark Addy and Dinklage have received a lot of praise for the work they did with their characters. And they deserve it. But they play Robert and Tyrion, who both have comedic and raucous behaviors interwoven into their personalities. Ned is much more quiet and reserved and dutiful, and that could have come across as very flat and boring on screen considering we can’t get inside Ned’s head.

But it didn’t. Oh, how it didn’t. I think some of Sean’s best work came right off the bat. “You may not have my name, but you have my blood.” When he tells Jon Snow the next time they see each other, they’ll talk about his mother. Ned was in pain then. And so was I, because I knew that moment would never happen. Another great scene was when Robert was pressing Ned about Jon’s mother- the way Sean sort of twitched and turned away when he said Wylla. So subtle and so perfect. His first time watching Arya train with Syrio and the range of emotions that pass over his face. The little smile he and Arya share when Sansa is whining about her “love” for Joff. Even his chuckles with Robert. All of these moments showed a guy who was tormented in a way, but still knew how to have a laugh or share a smile with his kids.

And Baelor. HBO was airing the episode again last night, so I watched it for the third/fourth time, and the last 10 minutes were no less sad than the first time I read AGOT. Sean Bean just so deftly navigates that scene, from fatigue/physical pain, recognition and relief when he sees Arya, concern when he speaks to Yoren, doubt before he’s about to give his speech (when he looks at Sansa), dishonor and shame when he declares himself a traitor, shock when Joff flies off the handle, desperation when he looks for Arya one last time. And after that, I can’t quite even figure out what Ned is feeling. I believe it’s a mix of two very conflicting emotions: sadness, as he would have liked to see his daugther’s face one last time, and relief, because he didn’t want her to see what was about to happen. And then, there’s something like acceptance when Ned bows his head slightly, waiting for his own blade to come down. That’s a lot of emotions in a few minutes.

Sean Bean made Ned exactly what he should be – the moral compass and heart of the show. His loss angers people, but it also pushes them forward. People were really drawn to him, I think, because he represented a good guy while simultaneously being strong. And he was REAL. He was a real guy, not a fairy tale knight in shining armor. I think people appreciated that. My dad, new to the story, told me last night, “It’s going to suck without Eddard now!”

It will, but we all knew he couldn’t stay. :( For the time we did have with Ned, we were very fortunate to have Sean Bean. He made Ned a real person, right before our eyes. Thank you, Sean!

blackear,

Ran was of the opinion that it’s been cut.

OT: long and somewhat spoilery interview with D&D at the LA Times.

I was wondering when this would show up. He did a great job bringing Eddard Stark to life. Well anyway cannot wait to see the Finale.

just saw this. i really laughed hard.

ill be using this to show to my wailing and complaining friends who havent read the books

http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_lmptm836dL1qbb23yo1_1280.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJ6IHWSU3BX3X7X3Q&Expires=1308321114&Signature=tkh%2F69D%2FazuFdJEX4E%2BF%2F3dfztI%3D

When i first saw advertisements for the show, the images would have Sean Bean sitting upon the Iron Throne. I had never heard of the books, but being a fan of the genre and of Sean, from the Sharpe series, Lord of the Rings, Ronin, Goldeneye, Etc. I knew i had to see it, and the more adds i saw, the move excited i got. The show has yet to disapoint me, and the episode “Baelor” was Amazingly good. If asked i would say that it was Sean Bean that made me want to watch Game of Thrones, and as Powerful as he was on the show, and as much as he will be missed, it’s the show itself that has kept me. The Writting, the acting, the characters, the scenery, the violence, the dialog, all of it. I’ve been waiting 30 years for a tv show like this. Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the north, and Hand of the King, We will miss you. ” The Bards with sing of your sacrifice.”

Otherwise; Well done, well played. That fighting scene with jaime was my personal favourite just because it showed that Ned is capable warrior. And if he was so good, how much better must have been Brandon who was considered as the real swordsman of House Stark.

Though I like Sean Bean, he wasn’t who I envisioned in the role when I heard the series announced. He made Ned his own. Playing a nice man lacking in any flamboyance or showy behavior can make an actor be ignored when it comes to awards time, but I hope he is nominated for an Emmy.

I watched the last ep with my non-reader mom. She cried, “He’s dead!? NO!” I smirked (I made peace with the death long ago, and yet I still get a little misty right now, thanks to Sean). She asked, still shocked, “Is he really dead? And don’t tell me you don’t know!” After I explained she forced me to explain how the next episode will end. “Oh. Well, I suppose I can get into that.” Nonetheless, I’m a concerned her water works will really unleash upon rewatching the first ep and her remember when Ned tells Jon that he’ll tell him about his mother when he sees him again.

My father, however not quite as animated in his dismay (although he did sorta shout, “you don’t kill heroes! That doesn’t happen in real life!”), only took solace in what seems most assuredly to him the triumphant rise of Robb Stark as a epic war hero. When he finally sees the season of Storm Of Swords to him it will be like William Wallace dying in the first act of Brave Heart. He won’t stand for it one bit.

anyway, Sean Bean ruled. It seems too late for any ToJ flashbacks now, but if they do come… he’ll be back. Nice thought.

Would have liked to see him nekkid, sigh.

Nevertheless, you have all my admiration and gratitude, Mr. Bean.

M.

RIP Ned Stark, but long live Sean Bean! He was absolutely everything we could ask for in this role, but even more importantly to my mind, he gave the show instant credibility, enough to grab a good-sized audience, which might have been near-impossible with a lesser actor in this role. He took a great role and elevated it, and made this character come alive almost perfectly. In re-reading these books, everytime I hear “Winter is Coming” it now sounds like it came from Sean’s mouth. He owned this role as much as anyone could. Thank you Sean Bean for everything you gave all of us who love this series.

R.I.P. Ned.

WINTERFELL!!

I, for one, have not read the book. I fell in love with both Ned and Sean and just sat there for a moment after the final scene in silence. I actually thought that maybe he really couldn’t be dead, because he seemed so vital to me. I have not felt so strongly about a series or character probably ever. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

When Sean Bean was cast as Ned, I could see a resemblance, but I’ve always known Bean as a villain (even as Boromir, he tried to steal the ring). I originally thought he’d make a better Jaime Lannister than Ned, but that’s why I’m not a casting director. He couldn’t have been more perfect.

There is a reason why Bean was the top billed actor and featured in a lot of the marketing; his talent. He did not disappoint and turned in a legendary performance.

Bravo!

MajorPayne: Hitler hears of Ned’s deathhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kLSYTHQbm4

OMG!!! I never laughed so hard! It beats Larry’s reaction by a mile! LOL!

Farewell Ser Sean Bean
Your Ned subtly brilliant
Heads above the rest

With only a glance
You convey more than words can
Ned Stark will be missed

weeds: As a long fan of the books, I had a clear vision of Ned Stark. Obviously, Sean Bean who usually plays a morally weak character shattered that image. I think I gave him a fair chance to fill Ned’s shoes yet I have to sadly admit (against the grain it seems) he was so miscast being quite unfamiliar with the landscape of a fully fleshed character carrying Ned Stark’s demeanor (looking downcast throughout the season and mumbling often does not do Lord Stark justice), and for the fact that he is aging badly (you call it hitting the wall). I realize Sean Bean was a vehicle for the show’s ratings and for that many if not all benefit. It was an unfortunate necessary sacrifice of the main character of the first season.

Yeah you’re right about being in the minority! (actually you’re the only one). Well everyone is entitled to their own opinion but after reading 97+ posts here singing his praises (including positive remarks about Sean from some of the top professional reviewers/critics who do this for a living), I’m glad most people recognize that Sean WAS Ned!

As far as your statement of saying that the man is aging badly, I beg to differ. We should all look this good at 52!

(Click on photo to enlarge once it comes up)…..

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/18/sean5600.jpg/

Great performance! And now we have a new line to throw out when people (inevitably) start to bitch about GRRM’s delay in getting out the next novel: “Every time you complain about the time it’s taking to complete “The Winds of Winter”, another character played by Sean Bean dies!”

Beautiful curtain call.

When I first heard that Sean Bean was cast as Lord Eddard, I thought to myself “this is too good to be true”. But he fit the image of Ned in my head perfectly. My fav stuff from him was the farewell scene with Jon, his chat with Benjen, the greeting of King Robert in Winterfell, his chats with Arya and of course Baelor.
I know the next time I read AGOT, I won’t be able to picture anyone but Sean as Ned Stark.
Farewell Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North and Hand of the King. May the Gods judge you justly.
Bye Sean!

I have to admit, I started watching the show because Sean Bean was in it. As a huge fan of Lord of the Rings, his portrayal of Boromir was brilliant. I saw the previews for this series on HBO for months and months before the premiere. I was hooked at the first episode.

I am starting to read the books now, and I’m fully convinced no one else could ever have played this role the way Sean did, so hats off sir! You will be missed, but forever admired.

It’s amazing (and awesome) how Sean Bean, who has a history of portraying shifty, sometimes evil, morally ambiguous characters, is getting so much praise for his role as the most honorable and decent man of the series.
Of course, I’m aware in his career he has portrayed also “good” characters, but the roles he is most known for are the “evil” ones, especially in the non-british world.
What a great way to break this trend!

Sean’s portayal of Ned had a depth and gravitas one doesn’t often see on television, combined with moments of love, humour, and frustration that showed Ned was a man with human cares and weaknesses. He may not have fitted my mental picture of Ned’s physical appearance exactly, but in terms of personality he embodied the character totally. His presence in Game of Thrones will be missed.

RIP Edard “Ned” Stark, you did us all proud and more!

My eternal gratitude to Sean Bean for being in “Game Of Thrones”, it speaks volumes of the man himself and his talent, that he agreed to take on such a difficult and, now we know, limited-run role in a series which abounds with talent and strong characters!

I remember when Sean Bean and Peter Dinklage were first cast on the show, they were spot on! When I saw the first image of Sean Bean as Ned, it just felt right, and this is coming from someone who hasn’t read the books yet!

Sean Bean inhabited Ned’s character, hell more than that, he WAS Ned, in the same intricate, complex yet subtle way as Mark Addy’s embodiment of King Robert!

Will I miss him…of course! But on the other hand I am grateful that the show did not take any unecessary liberties and kept him alive just for some misguided purpose to appease this or that entity! Ned’s fate was sealed and unfolded accordingly! Is it painful to watch a character that pretty much everybody agreed was the moral compass of the show! Yes, but guess what? One of the strengths of this show is the fact that it is uncompromising, unflinching and utterly merciless when it has to!

In real life there are many people that deserve to live and those who we perhaps wish never existed in the first place, but death takes all just the same, good, bad and everything in between…

So congratulations to Sean Bean for his extraordinary work on “Game Of Thrones” and for the giving us the precious gift of his acting and the pleasure to watch him every week!

When I will eventually read the books, I have the added bonus that I know who Ned Stark is and looks like…

what a loss
I followed all the ninth episodes just for Sean Bean and taking him out like this done a severe damage to the series. They could change what in the books goddamit the guy was the reason behind a huge number of viewers. I’m done watching Game of Thrones.
Yahia from Saudi Arabia…

I’m done watching Game of Thrones.

At the very least, watch this sunday’s finale before you give up on the show. :)

I think Ned’s death ends up being a beautiful thing for the over all story. It triggers a lot of wonderful, emotional, powerful journeys for the rest of the characters.

This series has a lot of shocking moments, but it’s all part of the greater tale. Embrace the tragedy!

Thanks for the excellent job Sean Bean! I foresee an Emmy going home with you.

To those that are “done watching” your missing out on one of the best stories ever written… Did you also stop watching LOTR when Boromir was killed off? Or how about when Gandalf “died”. A Song of Ice and Fire is so good because it’s a real life portrayal. No character is safe, and things don’t always go the way they should, just like life.

The show is simply excellent! Look forward to the second season.

Thanks, everyone! :)
SeanFan: That composite is awesome! Crazy that you found a shot where the angle/pose is so similar. Makes me want to go back and fix my drawing and make it look more like him. haha

I think that Sean Bean was actually too good for this role. Let me explain. To anyone who saw the movie ‘Kingdom of Heaven’, the biggest problem was Liam Neeson. Not that Neeson was bad the problem was that he wasn’t. He was brilliant! He gave a towering performance of dignity and forbearance under great hardship that was awesome. Then 20 minutes into the film they killed him off leaving a huge Liam Neeson shaped vacuum to be filled by err…. Orlando Bloom. Didn’t work, was never gonna work. Well I think the producers of GoTs have the same problem. They now have a giant Sean Bean shaped vacuum to be filled by…well who? Richard Madden? Jon Snow? Don’t think so.

Pedelibero: They now have a giant Sean Bean shaped vacuum to be filled by…well who? Richard Madden? Jon Snow? Don’t think so.

Davos?

Either way: As great as Sean Bean was, i don’t think the vacuum Ned left behind was that big. It doesn’t really need to be filled.

Grant Gould: Thanks, everyone! :)SeanFan: That composite is awesome! Crazy that you found a shot where the angle/pose is so similar. Makes me want to go back and fix my drawing and make it look more like him. haha

I have tons of screencaps from the show (especially closeups of Sean/Ned) and I just knew after seeing your sketch that I had something capped that was similar! I about fell over when I found it! You’ve got him down to a nutshell! Magnificent job! I wouldn’t change a thing on the sketch (well if you did…..maybe adding the scar that Sean has under his left eyebrow. The one he received when Harrison Ford accidentally hit him with a grappling hook while they were filming the dramatic ending of “Patriot Games”!). LOL!

Nancy: PS: I hope someone forwards this to his agent…I bet he’d be happy to read 99% of these comments!

I bet he wouldn’t even take the time to read’em. Maybe if was a young up and comer, but…

This is a serious question: Is Jon Snow really the son of Rhygar Targaryen and Eddard Stark’s sister, or not? I’m sort of guessing that since you have previously removed this question, the theory may be correct. “The Prince that was Promised” would be Jon, right? He is Rhygar’s true heir and a controller of dragons by blood, eh? When are these books going to be completed?

SeanFan,

don’t respond man, it’s just a troll craving for attention.

Thank you Sean for one of the most beautiful portrayal of an honorable man
So long Lord Eddard Stark, you will be missed but not forgotten.

I havent read the books and unfortunately neds death was spoiled for me by someone who had read the books so when he died it wasnt a surprise for me. My wife and my brother were watching it with me and when the sword dropped on ned my brother flipped, he couldnt believe what he just saw and when i looked over at my wife she had tears in her eyes. I just shook my head pissed that something that huge in a story that I love was ruined for me but when I saw Arya look at her fathers body being dragged away in the next episode it killed me! Its funny how we grow so close to fictional characters and have a huge hole in us when they die. Great job Sean your are one of my favorite actors and the reason I even started watching this show! You will be missed!

Ned, come back please..