What I’m Watching: Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones: Season 2, Episode 3 “What Is Dead May Never Die” (B+)

With the continued introduction of more and more claimants to the throne, it’s interesting to see which regular characters are spotlighted as they plot their own ascensions to power. That final proclamation near the end of the episode, in response to the charge “In the name of the king!” couldn’t be more accurate: “Which king would that be?” Tyrion has always been this show’s best character, which is saying something when it comes to this talented and rich ensemble, and here he gets the opportunity to once again, as is alluded to by the mention of a “very small man that can cast a very large shadow.” Tyrion was hard at work undermining his sister in this episode, plotting carefully to uncover her informant by planting different information with different potential allies, and in the process, he didn’t manage to make any new friends, alienating the ever-unfortunate Petyr by damaging his credibility. Sensa isn’t having an easy time of things, having to stand by her murderous fiancé when she hears that he might next kill her brother, and it’s no wonder that she took out her anger on her incompetent new handmaiden, a secret of Tyrion’s sure to soon be uncovered by the endlessly manipulative and vindictive Cersei. If Tyrion is the show’s best character, then Arya is the coolest, and hopefully she’ll now find herself headed closer to getting revenge on Joffrey and helping the rightful heir to the throne reclaim the spot without getting herself killed or found out in the process.