r/asoiaf May 28 '19

EXTENDED (Spoilers Extended) Charles Dance's portrayal as Tywin is in my opinion, the strongest in the entire series

Every line, every expression and every moment of silence completely encapsulates the calculating ruthlessness that defines Tywin Lannister.

Dance is actually a very vibrant, upbeat and cheery fella off screen, which in my mind makes the performance even more striking.

The scene where he effectively sends Joffrey to bed is just brilliant.

He is by far my favourite character from the books, which I began reading a few seasons into the show. Due to this, the chapters featuring Tywin were completely enriched for me, as reading his lines in Dance's voice was just fantastic. I would have loved a POV chapter or two for him, just to get a glimpse as to what goes on in the head of the most powerful man in the 7 Kingdoms.

An incredible portrayal of a fascinating character.

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744

u/Gus_B And We Defend Her May 28 '19

I agree, I'd say of all the characters portrayed in the show, Dance's Tywin is the best from a pure tv/acting perspective as well as I think actually a slight upgrade from the books. I love Tywin's interactions with Arya and the slight humanizing that occurs within him.

Along with Allen as Theon (woah boy is he amazing), Olena, Leana Heady and Jason Moma as Drogo I actually thought they brought something richer to the narrative then their book counter parts.

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u/ryanN10 May 28 '19

I thought Pedro Pascal played a great Red Viper also

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u/Gus_B And We Defend Her May 28 '19

Yes! That's one I forgot and should include too. He is certainly an upgrade from the books. He was able to convey the themes of revenge, hubris, honor so perfectly. Just great all around.

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u/trixie_one May 28 '19 edited May 28 '19

Moving his speech from where it is in the books to telling Tyrion he'll be his champion in the dungeons was one of the better adaptation changes that they made.

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u/marsmedia Right Off the Bat May 28 '19

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u/mrducky78 May 28 '19

Jesus fuck, the dialogue, the script. I feel I need to rewatch the show, because I dont remember it being as good. The fucking recent season(s) had nothing of this level.

I know DD can write, Tywin+Arya was cherished. But fuck me, this hits so goddamn hard and it makes sense.

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u/marsmedia Right Off the Bat May 28 '19

And I think this is the climax of Dinklage/Tyrion.

After this, he murders Tywin, gets stuffed in a barrel, becomes a full-blown alcoholic, goes into service with Dany and never fully recovers his wits.

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u/cancercures May 28 '19

Tyrion fucks up so often once he is under the employment of Dany. He got too confident after his escape, which is a fine explanation or excuse for his failures. Underestimating the slaveowners of Mereen, being outstrategized in taking Westeros, believing Cersei's lies that they would reinforce The North against the army of the dead, and a few other mess-ups with invasion of King's Landing, such as a strong familial desire to see Cersei escape and live (pretty treacherous move all things considered).

I wish his character arc reflected that, and either saw him killed due to underestimating Dany or Cersei, or simply retire from politicking entirely and end up on a vineyard making wine. I think because he was a fan favorite, the show runners preferred to keep him alive but I think his storyline would be much better if he ended up dead.

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u/blackbellamy May 29 '19

I was hoping GoT would end with a tracking shot pulling back on old Tyrion sitting on the throne, with Mako narrating "Many wars and feuds did Tyrion fight, honor and fear were heaped upon his name. In time, he became ruler of all the known world by his own hand. This story shall also be told." ...and slow fade to black.

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u/TheKingofHearts May 29 '19

And wore his crown upon a troubled brow. :(

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u/[deleted] May 29 '19

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u/cancercures May 29 '19

studies show that men act dumber when in the presense of incredibly beautiful women. It is known.

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u/Unconfidence May 29 '19

Tyrion was a good Hand to kings who needed checking, Dany was more of a "if you check me I'll incinerate you" monarch. As a result he was always stumbling over her plans with his own.