Tyrion Lannister: Our favorite season two moments – Beyond the Wall

During the first season of Game of Thrones, Peter Dinklage’s character Tyrion Lannister was a giant among men, despite his diminutive stature. He was an instant fan favorite, and won an Emmy for his portrayal. The second season gave Tyrion an even greater opportunity to shine; with his father off fighting a war, he was now the Hand of the King. The Imp of Casterly Rock was equal to the task, and Dinklage turned in another series of outstanding performances.

Tyrion Lannister is certainly greater than the sum of his best scenes, but in this week’s Beyond the Wall, we intend to look back at our favorite Tyrion moments of season two. As usual, Bob and I approach Game of Thrones from the perspective of readers of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, so spoiler warnings apply. As we are looking back at the season that was, the spoiler warning is accordingly relatively light, but specifically applies to the third book in the series, A Storm of Swords.

Ivey:

When you and I first started talking Game of Thrones last season, I had already gravitated to Tyrion as one of my favorite characters. Of those two or three individuals, he was one of the few whose story was as great in the second season as it was in the first. The Imp fights more often with his words than physical weapons – though he does wield a pretty nasty battle axe – and can deliver a witty jape as well as any individual in all of Westeros. One of my favorite comebacks in all of the second season was in his come back to Janos Slynt, the very-soon-to-be ex-Lord Commander of the City Watch:

Bob:

Tyrion did have some fantastic moments this season, probably more than in season one, even. After all, Dinklage was the top billed cast member this year. I remember non-book readers being all excited for Dinklage, but knowing the plot of the second book, the move made perfect sense.

I think my favorite Tyrion moments had to be whenever he was hitting Joffrey. Seriously, I can’t get enough of seeing him smacked in the face. Sometimes, I even settle for that scene from Batman Begins just to take the edge off.

Bob:

At this point, I don’t think there are a whole lot of people rooting for Joffrey, and nobody can put him in his place like his uncle. In fact, I don’t think there’s anyone else who can put him in his place, period. It’s a shame that those smacks in the head didn’t seem to take.

The other big Tyrion thing that stands out for me from this season is his relationship with Sansa. It showed how he may have inherited all the humanity in the family. He understood her political importance, but I think that his kindness towards her was not just because of that. As he said in the first season, he is fond of bastards and broken things, and Sansa may not have been physically broken like her little brother, but there’s no denying the emotional damage she has seen.

Ivey:

No doubt. Tyrion and Sansa’s scenes are an interesting foreshadowing of things to come. When you reference him inheriting the humanity of the family – assumedly from Joanna – I’m not so sure it is humanity as much as it is “not being a dick.” Regardless, I’m with you; the scenes between the two of them, from her “rescue” in the throne room to her rather real rescue during the riot are both very well done.

But that was a more serious moment. For me, there were fewer times better when Tyrion was quipping with either Bronn or Varys. But when he was speaking with both of them? Arbor Gold:

Was there a particularly funny moment that stood out for you?

Bob:

One scene that stands out is the one above with Tyrion threatening Ser Meryn Trant in the throne room. The look of angry fear in Trant’s eyes as Tyrion ordered Bronn to kill him if he opened his mouth again was priceless. The funny moments don’t really stand out for me, though, if we’re being honest. I don’t know why. Perhaps it’s because I’m never in a comedy mindset when I’m watching the show.

No, the things that stand out most for me with Tyrion is the drama. The scenes with him and Cersei were great this season, and I’m looking forward to seeing him go up against his father again next year.

As great as Tyrion was being the defacto Hand, I think I may be looking forward more to seeing him as the downtrodden outcast of the Lannister clan again. I think he’s at his best when his back is against the wall.

Ivey:

No argument. As wonderful as Dinklage was as Tyrion this year, things are only going to get better as time wears on. As a big fan of Tyrion’s wit — as well as enjoying the foreshadowing the books and series are so well-known for — I close with this moment, one of many great Tyrion moments from the ninth episode of the season, “Blackwater.” Sure his Westerosi version of a St. Crispen’s day speech was solid, and the line he gives when he realizes that Stannis’ men are about to overpower his position is great. But it’s the little things — “and weddings” — I appreciate most:

Clacked by Ivey West
on Jun 20, 2012 @ 10:00 EST5EDT