Warning, full spoilers follow.
“A very small man can cast a very large shadow.”
Tiny Tyrion toys with a trio of treacherous traitors, Margaery’s mighty mammaries are of minimal meaning to her man-loving man, and Yoran shaves his last spider’s arse.
The noble morality of the Stark family very much lead the audience through season one, and the scattering of its members meant they either influenced, or were involved with, almost every major event in the story. As a result, they were responsible for a considerable part of the show’s overall tone, and the traces of heroism that were felt throughout. With most of them now in positions of vulnerability (except Robb, though his battle victories are mostly off-screen), this second season of Game of Thrones has shifted significantly in tone. What could once be simplified as the story of a noble family, is successfully transitioning to the broader (and arguably more appealing) tale of selfish and often petty people, squabbling over their claims to power.
How fascinating then, that a scheming dwarf now stands as one of the show’s most moral characters? Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) has stepped up as the man of action this season, and although the nature of his endgame remains unknown, watching him manipulate the pieces of his mysterious puzzle continues to delight. His character beautifully represents that tonal shift, away from having clear ‘good guys’, to explore murkier and more ambiguous shades. Were his actions this week simply part of his larger plan to undermine his sister and nephew? And if so, is he doing this with the noble intent to free Westeros from Joffrey, or to further surpass Cersei in the eyes of their father Tywin? Perhaps he truly did want to secure his niece safe passage from the threat of impending war. It’s hard to say, but fun to ponder.
Elsewhere this week, we rejoin Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) as she arrives at the camp of King Renly Baratheon (Gethin Anthony). Since we last saw Renly, he has wed the sister of his lover Loras (Finn Jones). Queen Margaery (Natalie Dormer) of House Cleavage (er, make that Tyrell) establishes herself as a willing participant in the political games this marriage has enlisted her into, admitting full knowledge of her husband’s homosexual affairs and offering both her womb and co-operation in perpetuating the deceit. Clearly not intended to be a background character, it will be interesting to see how her story unfolds.
Then there’s Yoren (Francis Magee). Poor Yoren. If Arya is to go through all the horrible things one can reasonably assume the writers have planned this year, Yoren’s role as her guardian was always going to be an obstacle. Having accompanied Tyrion last season, and Arya (Maisie Williams) since she fled King’s Landing, he’s represented a sense of (rough, but lovable) decency in his role as protector, that has no place in the bleak storylines that await. He, and particularly his colorful use of language, will be missed.
Game of Thrones airs Tuesday nights, 8:30pm on Showcase. Click here to see more of our reviews for the series.
