What were the 10 best moments of Game of Thrones sixth episode of the series, “The Laws of Gods and Men”?
We’re past the halfway point of Game of Thrones’ fourth season now, and the series shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, this episode had so many things to love, it’s hard to whittle down all of those great moments to a list of our 10 favorites. So, Hypable writers Harri Sargeant and Laura Byrne-Cristiano have teamed up to try and narrow down the entries. Then, Tariq Kyle worked some GIF magic so you can re-live this week’s best laughs, shocks and one-liners again and again.
Check out our favorites below, and don’t forget to share your picks in the comments! This article contains strong language.
With a dwindling army, an empty gold purse and most of his ships at the bottom of Blackwater Bay, Stannis Baratheon finally made the voyage to Braavos to ask the Iron Bank for a loan. The opening moments were beautiful, with their ship sailing under a breathtakingly large statue. They’ve been teasing Braavos since the first season, and though it took them long enough to bring it to the screen, it was certainly worth the wait.
“Here our books are filled with numbers. We prefer the stories they tell.”
Guest star Mark Gatiss (writer and star of Sherlock and Doctor Who) made a delightfully condescending figure of authority in a guest appearance that makes multiple fandom-followers salivate with delight. Props must also go to Liam Cullinham, who continues to give a quiet but commanding performance, proving a worthy foil for the passionate Sallador Saan. – Harri Sargeant
Book fans know that there are several areas where Games of Thrones has strayed from book canon. The fact that Theon Greyjoy is a known prisoner at the Dreadfort is one of those items. Given that fact, it’s interesting to see how the Ironborn under the direction of Asha…her name is Asha darn it Yara Greyjoy react to this fact. There is no other women as skilled in Westeros save for possibly Brienne.
“My brother is dead.”
After rallying the Ironborn, and essentially telling them that if they fail in their quest they are not men, Yara has little choice but to disown Theon when he cowers rather than be saved. The biggest question is where do we go from here? Is Yara now forced to head back to the Iron Islands to get nothing more than a big old “I told you so” from her father? – Laura Byrne-Cristiano
We haven’t seen the iconic dragons in the show since this season’s opening episode, so if you’re anything like us, you were starting to wonder why their mother wasn’t running around Meereen shouting “WHERE ARE MY DRAGONS?” Upon their return, they at least made their presence known.
“I will see that he is repaid their value three times over.”
Drogon’s looking bigger than ever as he attacks a group of grazing goats. Dany’s army may be swelling with each and every conquest, but they may turn out to be redundant, as the creatures’ sheer destructive power is (there’s no other way to put it) awesome. We saw that things might not be all roses with the dragons in their last appearance, but the consequences of their rampage brought serious repercussions. – Harri Sargeant
So, last week when Ser Barristan Selmy advised Danaerys that she had won her battle with Mereen, and that perhaps some mercy might be in order, maybe she should have listened. I know, I know, no one likes advice from someone old enough to be their grandfather, but at the end of the day he’s seen more battles than Jorah and Dahario combined. He knows the difference between justice and vengeance, and what ignoring that nuiance that has cost rulers of Westeros before.
“My father and 162 noble Meereenese are still nailed to those posts, carrion for vultures, rotting in the sun.”
Dany has made a key mistake. She has styled herself as the defender of the underdog, the only one fighting for the rights of the slaves. In her rush to judgement, she has slain a man who, like her, was trying to change the tide. Does realizing her error and allowing Hizdahr zo Loraq to bury his father make up for this, or will others in similar circumstances turn on her? – Laura Byrne Cristiano
After Yara’s failed attempt to rescue her brother, Ramsay Snow rewarded his servant Reek with a long overdue and much-needed bath. But given his track record, no one could help but anticipate the manic and murderous twist that the Bolton Bastard was surely about to unveil.
“Yes, of course, My Lord.”
Nothing sinister ever came, but the way the tension continued to rise and rise made for compelling viewing. After all of the gore and car-crash television of this storyline last season, it was refreshing to see a scene with a genuine sense of dread – we were on the edge of our seats, and without a single drop of blood being spilt. – Harri Sargeant
On page 2:
Snake pits, betrayals, and fits of rage…
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
