We need to leave Theon alone, because Alfie Allen’s explanation of that whole jumping ship thing makes so much sense

Theon Greyjoy is back in the center of Game of Thrones controversy after making a questionable decision in Episode 2, “Stormborn.” But before we get too down on Theon, Alfie Allen has a perfectly reasonable explanation for why Theon abandons his sister.

So, listen up!

Theon Greyjoy (Alfie Allen) has been through a lot on Game of Thrones. After being mentally and physically tortured by Ramsay Bolton, he’s now back in the game with his sister Yara (Gemma Whelan), and they’ve joined forces with Dany. But when his really evil uncle Euron (Pilou Asbaek) attacks their ship, the siblings are put in a terrible position.

Euron captures Yara and Theon, in a shocking twist, jumps overboard — leaving his sister.

According to Allen, there’s a totally reasonable explanation for Theon’s decision. He told Making Game of Thrones:

"There’s conflicting emotions for him, because he’s sort of back in battle mode, which he hasn’t been in for a long, long time. The sight of blood is going to remind him of physical pain or mental torment. It brings him back to that place, and he’s torn as to what to do. The reptilian part of his brain just takes over."

And in case you were wondering exactly what Yara was thinking during that moment, Whelan told The Hollywood Reporter the following:

"I think she probably understands he has no choice. But I also think she's very upset that he's having flashbacks, and she understands there's a lot going on for him. I don't think she feels like he's abandoning her. I think she feels like he's having a terribly traumatic time, there's nothing he can do, and maybe — just maybe — he's jumping ship now so he can come back and do some good."

With Theon AWOL and Yara captured by Euron, it’s hard to say what’s next for the duo. But hopefully, they’ll be back together soon. Game of Thrones airs Sundays on HBO.