6. Tyrion’s Dragon Tale
Everyone adores Tyrion Lannister, and quite rightly so. Not only is he a regular voice of reason and insight, he is also wise, endearing and hilarious. He understands the complex landscapes of Westeros and the slimy, untrustworthy scoundrels who sit in the power positions. His council is exactly what Khalessi needs if she is to ever claim the Iron Throne, but he knows she could also do with all three fire breathers…
Two glasses down the hatch, Tyrion chats informally about next steps with Varys, Missandei and Grey Worm. He comments on the two remaining dragons – Rhaegel and Viserion – which remain locked underneath the Pyramid. Dragons cannot withstand captivity. They need to eat, they need to grow. He comically explains that chained dragons become no bigger than cats.
His plan is simple. Dangerous, but simple: free the dragons. They’re intelligent creatures, he reasons, and they’ll realise he’s their friend. “How do you know this?,” asks Missandei. “That’s what I do,” Tyrion replies. “I drink and I know things.”
Torch in hand, he heads downwards into the swallowing darkness. The ever-smart Varys stays firmly above ground and watches on. In the flicker of the flame, an assortment of white razors appear. “I’m here to help,” he tells the captives. “Don’t eat the help.”
After a tender dialogue exchange which profiles his youthful affection for the flying beasts, the tension continues to crank, the sweat continues to bead. But suddenly, the dragons lean into the Imp and allow him to remove their chains. Whilst it was unlikely that Tyrion would make for a bite-sized meal, you can never be too sure with Game of Thrones, and the symphonic blend of humour and horror makes for a spectacular sequence.
It is also capped off with the sharpest line of dialogue in the episode too. “If I ever have another idea like that, punch me in the face…” he tells Varys.
