Despite having only been on Game of Thrones for one season — its first season, at that — Jason Momoa was one of the series' breakout stars. After surprising everyone with his brutal, yet earnest portrayal of Khal Drogo, the Dothraki warlord, Momoa cemented himself as an actor to watch. But, that was years ago and Momoa has moved on from the GoT world. Now, in Netflix's Frontier, Jason Momoa will be taking on a role much different than the one that helped make him a household name. While these characters seem to have little in common, what happens when I pit Momoa in Frontier against Momoa in Game of Thrones?
In Frontier, Momoa has taken on the role of Declan Harp, a part-Irish, part-Native American outlaw who gets caught up in a violent struggle for control in the North American fur trade in the 18th century. While Declan Harp and Khal Drogo don't initially seem similar, the trailer for Frontier proves that Drogo has a nasty murder streak that even Khal Drogo may find himself envious of. Despite their penchants for violence, there are still some key differences between the two — but which one comes out on top?
Round 1: All Things Fashion
Khal Drogo, like many of the Dothraki warriors in Game Of Thrones, ditched real clothing for very revealing armor. Khal Drogo's armor was able to protect his stomach, but left his tattooed pecs and biceps out in the open for all to see.
Declan Harp, on the other hand, believes in the power of layers – likely to survive in the harsh North American winter. Harp may be interested in controlling the fur markets, but judging solely by his wardrobe, one could safely assume his real interest seems to be hunting vampires.
Winner: Khal Drogo, for understanding that sometimes less is more.
Round 2: Hair
It seems that there's no such thing as a Jason Momoa character with short hair. Momoa's breakout role showed the actor dawning long Dothraki locks tied together into a ponytail. It also showed him with some kind of beard-bun or face-ponytail.
Declan's hair, however, is as wild and free as the feared outlaw himself. Despite living in the late 1700s, Declan Harp is sporting some luscious locks and a tasteful beard. It's almost enough to make the whole vampire-hunter wardrobe thing work. Almost.
Winner: Declan Harp, for having the good conscious not to try and tie up his beard.
Final Round: Leadership Skills
When you're trying to attain power and control your kingdom — whether that kingdom is the Dothraki race or the North American fur trade — all the well-fitting leather and luscious locks of hair don't mean anything if you can't back it up with good leadership skills. When GoT fans first met Khal Drogo, he seemed to have years of leadership experience behind him. He was already in control of a massive army and took future badass Daenerys Targaryen as his wife. He was swift with justice when he was wronged, but always seemed to keep a level-head when doing business.
Declan Harp, on the other hand, is a loose cannon. Harp will stop at nothing to leave his mark on the fur trade, even if it means killing everyone he runs into that may disagree with him. Harp is a man with a vengeance, and — while his passion is palpable — his act first, ask questions later approach may not be the best way to inspire followers.
Winner: Khal Drogo, for keeping a relatively level-head despite being a warlord.
That brings the final tally to Khal Drogo with two and Declan Harp with one. However, that is just three points of comparison based on what I know of Harp so far. Perhaps Harp's growth over Season 1 of Frontier will prove that even though he may not start off a great leader than Khal Drogo, he may become one. Maybe one day Declan Harp will be an even better Jason Momoa character than Khal Drogo — as long as he keeps the beard in check and doesn't mess with that perfect head of hair.
