Game of Thrones is notorious for killing off characters large and small at the most unexpected times. While a lot of those deaths are at least somewhat justifiable, there are always innocents who suffer as well. Poor Hodor was the latest innocent to lose his life, and the tragedy was even greater for how his entire life had been building up to his death after Bran damaged his brain during a trip to the past. In the fateful episode's aftermath, Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D. B. Weiss dropped by Jimmy Kimmel Live to hilariously apologize for what Hodor’s death means for fans everywhere. Check it out!
The apology clip from David Benioff and D. B. Weiss may not be what somber Hodor fans wanted in the wake of Hodor’s sacrifice, but at least it gives us a reason to laugh through our tears. If Hodor were around to see just how much his death has affected pop culture already, he’d probably have to say a very emotional “Hodor.”
It’s too soon to say just how right David Benioff and D. B. Weiss were in their apology. Enough fans are still in mourning that “Hodor!” jokes might not be ringing out in elevators everywhere just yet. Once Season 6 comes to an end and we’re faced with many months of hiatus, however, the jokes and memes about “Hold the door!” may continue to come out in full force. Some people may indeed be the worst if the joke lasts for too long.
Of course, as the clip shows, Game of Thrones fans are not the types of viewers that anybody should make mad. By this point in Season 6, we know a lot of ways to get revenge, and saying “Hodor!” over and over again might be enough to get each of us channeling our inner Tywin Lannister. If somebody starts humming ”Rains of Castmere” after an elevator “Hodor!” comment, it’s probably a good idea to get out of the confined space as soon as possible.
In all seriousness, Hodor’s death at the midpoint of Season 6 may mean that we’re still in for a lot more bloodshed from relatively innocent characters. There are still five episodes to go this season, and plenty of folks are in enough danger that they could easily follow Hodor to the grave. We may need to rewatch David Benioff and D. B. Weiss’ apology from Jimmy Kimmel Live a few more times over the coming weeks just to have a reason to laugh again.
Personally, I think my favorite thing about the clip might be the fact that neither of the showrunners acknowledge or comment on all the dollar bills strewn about them. It’s a great visual gag that had me grinning before the jokes even started flying.
Game of Thrones airs on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO. To see what other shows you’ll be able to catch on the small screen, take a look at our summer TV premiere schedule.
