Olly's Decision in 'Game of Thrones': The Turning Point on Jon Snow's Policy

In the iconic show Game of Thrones, Olly's journey towards a turning point regarding Jon Snow's policy towards the Wildlings is a pivotal moment. The episode Hardhome serves as the crux where Olly's initial loyalty shifts, marking a significant departure from his previous allegiances. This article delves into the reasoning behind Olly's decision, exploring his background and the influence of influential interactions that led to his ultimate choice.

Background and Initial Loyalties

Olly, a supportive and loyal member of the Night's Watch, initially admires and respects Jon Snow. His admiration is grounded in Jon's leadership qualities and his understanding of the responsibilities of the Watch. However, Olly harbors a deep-seated resentment towards the Wildlings, primarily because of their brutal massacre of his village and the loss of his parents and possibly his entire family. This intense hatred influences his initial perception of Jon's decision to allow the Wildlings south of the Wall.

The Turning Point: Hardhome

The conflict escalates when Jon announces his intention to let the Wildlings through the Wall. Olly's prime motivation for this decision stems from the massacre that occurred at Hardhome in the previous season. In this episode, we see Olly's interactions with Samwell Tarly, where he articulates his grievances about the injustice of the Wildlings being allowed through, given the atrocities they committed.

Olly expresses his opinion that Sam's explanation that the massacre doesn't mean all Wildlings are bad is insufficient. Furthermore, Olly points out that Tormund Giantsbane, a Wildling leader, had personally led the attack, making it even more difficult for Olly to reconcile with their liberation into the safety of Castle Black.

Samwell Tarly's Influence and the Turning Point

Despite the difficulties, Olly engages in a dialogue with Samwell Tarly, who attempts to rationalize Jon's decision. Sam states that what is right isn't always popular, and that difficult decisions must be made for the greater good. Olly's response to this is complex and multifaceted: instead of accepting the inevitability of the decision, he adopts a more calculated approach to dealing with his internal conflict.

Instead of outright rebelling against Jon, Olly embraces a formulaic response that aligns with Sam's advice: if one is faced with a difficult choice, one should make the best but correct decision, even if it's unpopular. This pragmatic outlook encapsulates Olly's ultimate decision-making process, leading him to side with Jon without fully overcoming his personal objections.

Pitfalls of Rationalization and the Outcome

While Sam's intervention serves to justify Jon's decision, it may not have been as effective as intended. The practicality of the decision might have been accepted, but the emotional weight of Olly's resentment still remains unaddressed. Olly's conclusion, while minimizing his personal grudge, still leaves a lingering sense of betrayal and a reluctance to fully embraced Jon's policy.

The decision marks a significant change in Olly's alignment within the show's universe. It signals the beginning of a complex relationship between Olly and Jon, one that acknowledges the need for pragmatic leadership but is still marred by personal and emotional tensions. This narrative choice by the show's writers enhances the depth and realism of the characters' interactions, adding a layer of complexity to the overarching plot.

Conclusion

Olly's decision in Hardhome is a profound moment in 'Game of Thrones', highlighting the tension between personal loyalty and the larger good. Through this turning point, viewers witness the evolution of a character, the influence of pivotal dialogues, and the challenges of implementing difficult decisions. This episode underscores the intricate interplay of emotions, logic, and duty in a world where choices have far-reaching consequences.