Page 2: Our 10 favorite moments from “The Laws of Gods and Men”
Tyrion expected to hear lies and half-truths from the tongues of Cersei, and the Kings Guard members whom she appointed. It was quite another thing to hear the accusations fall from the lips of Shae. All Tyrion ever did was try to save the woman he loved. In the end he calls her a whore to drive her away because despite being a bright woman, she just didn’t get it.
“He ordered me to call him ‘my lion,’ so I did. I took his face in my hands and said, ‘I am yours and you are mine.'”
Shae’s lies, laced with bitter revenge, cut deeply because of the intimate details of their relationship that were shared. The court would have believed her without the falsehood of “my lion.” The bigger question now is: Has Bronn been bought off? Bronn’s never made any bones about the fact that his loyalty is to his own skin, and money. It was his job to get Shae to a ship, and out of King’s Landing. Who bought them off: Cersei, Tywin, or both? – Laura Byrne-Cristiano
Having accepted his position as one of Tyrion’s judges, Oberyn Martell also earned a place on the Small Council. After seeing his and Mace Tyrell’s first meeting with Tywin and Cersei Lannister, you’d be forgiven for thinking the ‘Red Viper’ wasn’t the only snake at the table. The rulers of Westeros spat venom at each other in a series of tense political talks.
“I have been to Essos and seen the Unsullied firsthand. They are very impressive on the battlefield. Less so in the bedroom.”
There was some light relief with the way Tywin treated Mace as well. We’re sure the esteemed nobleman was hoping to be treated as a bit more than a glorified pen-fetcher. Here’s to the next Small Council meeting, and here’s hoping it’s as vicious as this one. – Harri Sargeant
Oh how interesting it would be if Varys and Oberon were running the Seven Kingdoms unencumbered. On the surface, they are survivors who seem to be the only logical and cool-headed men in Westeros. Nonetheless, it’s a rare thing for the just and selfless to rise to power unless they can also embrace being ruthless.
“The absence of desire leaves one free to pursue other things.”
Their scene was more of what wasn’t said than what was. It was as if they were two tigers circling each other in an intensive study. Each one got deeper, and yet almost no insight into the other. They each have some limited information. Will they use it against each other, or will they become allies? – Laura Byrne-Cristiano
Tyrion and Jaime’s bromance has been building each week, but in this episode we finally saw the latter put his neck on the line in an effort to protect his younger brother’s life. Despite all of his better judgments, the lion of Lannister pleaded with his father to spare Tyrion’s life.
“What happens to your dynasty when Tyrion dies?”
Charles Dance is commanding as Tywin Lannister, and his quick but confident response suggests that the head of the household has been planning for this situation all along. Though Tyrion later threw the lifeline away, the Hand of the King probably has a few tricks up his sleeve yet. – Harri Sargeant
We’ve seen Tyrion lose it in front of Joffry, Tywin, Cersei and others largely motivated by frustration and anger. In part, one of those episodes is exactly why he’s on trial now (can we say ‘imp slap’ anyone?). This is the first time, however, Tyrion throws all caution aside and viciously strikes out at all present with years of abuse by his family and the betrayal of Shae fueling pure rage.
“I’m guilty of a far more monstrous crime. I am guilty of being a dwarf!”
Trial by combat is what Tyrion chooses, not so much because he believes in the new gods, but because he won’t let them make him a victim. If he is to die, it’s by his choice of champion, and if he is to live…well…then hell hath no fury – Laura Byrne-Cristiano
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