Dinklage and Headey bring an interesting dynamic to Tyrion and Cersei Lannister

This week’s first airing of Game of Thrones was watched by a record 5.5 million viewers. The ratings have been been climbing all season, peaking in the episode where Dame Dianna Rigg uttered the immortal line, “He’s a sword swallower, through-and-through.” Readers of the novels have long known that the Queen of Thorns spoke her mind, but Rigg brings something special to the role.

The casting of Game of Thrones has truly been one of the most exceptional aspects of the show. While fans might not have cheered the announcement of every character, several were obviously dead on from the beginning. Peter Dinklage was one of those, but one of the things that I have been most pleased with is how well he and Lena Headey work together. The relationship between the two characters is different on the screen, a testament to both actors.

Before we get into that though, a quick reminder of the spoiler scope. Beyond the Wall is written for those who have already read the A Song of Ice and Fire novels that the series is based on. So, if you aren’t wondering why Willas Tyrell wasn’t in the mix as Sansa’s potential husband, skipping this column might be a good idea.

Ivey: That Dinklage has owned his performance as Tyrion Lannister from his first second on-screen is no secret — just ask Emmy voters. I’ve always particularly enjoyed his dynamic with Lena Headey as Cersei. There’s something about their connection that brings their odd relationship to a different level than portrayed in the books.

There was a scene this week that gave them both an opportunity to shine once again. The discussion on who ordered Ser Mandon Moore to attempt Tyrion’s assassination during the Battle of the Blackwater was completely created for the show. Hell, it was basically a retread of the scene last season when Tyrion determined it was Joffrey that had his father’s bastards killed; despite that, the scene was incredibly gripping.

Cersei didn’t want to admit anything. Doubtful it was because she’d be scared of Tyrion knowing if she’d actually made the order. Buried amongst her jealousy of Margaery Tyrell and her anger with her father was a twinge of fear. She loves Joffrey, and obviously wants to protect him, but there’s a part of her that she likely can’t even admit to herself that is afraid of her child.

Bob: Wouldn’t you be afraid of your son if he was using whores like pin cushions? Creepy little douche bag.

You are correct, though, Cersei and Tyrion are fantastic together. Have they become this year’s Arya and Tywin? Perhaps they aren’t THAT awesome together, but it’s close. I have to say that Lena Headey’s Cersei is very different than the Cersei that was in my head while reading the novels. She plays the character with a lot more subtlety than is on the page, and it works. When you add Dinklage in there as Tyrion, it does really shine on the screen.

The two characters (and actors) play very well off each other; they are very convincing as siblings. I think this is also an example of the differences between the page and the screen. With actors, you can rely on body language, and subtext, which you really can’t do as easily in a book. We saw it a couple weeks ago in that great scene with the small council as well. They make for some of the best moments of the show.

Ivey: One of the things I’ll always be jealous of is those that read the books before the series premiered. I didn’t set in on Game of Thrones until halfway through the first season, so I never had the opportunity to “see” Cersei or any of the other original characters as anyone except the actors cast to play them. But you’re right about Headey’s character being more subtle than her book counterpart. Part of that, I think, is that now that we’ve seen the inside of Cersei’s mind in A Dance with Dragons, it is hard not to look back at all of her actions throughout the series with her own special brand of crazy.

Honestly, we shouldn’t be that surprised that Dinklage and Headey work together so well; they have been close friends since well before the series began. The way the story goes, he lobbied hard for her to get the role.

The fruits of that labor are obvious on the screen. I don’t really compare them to Tywin and Arya … those two had some truly wonderful scenes together last season, but the loaded history between the Lannister siblings — and the way these two actors are so comfortable in that history — that makes this dynamic so interesting to watch play out.

Bob: Indeed. It’s going to be fun to see what happens when Jaime makes his way back to King’s Landing. It will be interesting to see the whole family back together again. I’m sure he’ll throw a wrench into the current dynamic. If Jaime has proven anything to date, it’s that he can cause trouble.

Ivey: “….and Moon Boy for all I know.”

Aside from loving Tyrion and Cersei, there was something in this episode that I found incredibly disappointing. You’ve already mentioned Joffrey’s crossbow work. I know that Ros has never been the most popular character amongst book readers, but I was always a fan. I’ve never minded when the story diverged from the novel, especially when those changes informed on the characters more than we might have previously been aware of.

The writers have done a wonderful job in the creation of Ros, weaving her in and out of the story. Many have degraded her; she has been the living symbol of the frustration with “sexposition”, but I always enjoyed the character. Her departure here was abrupt … and that’s saying something for Game of Thrones. They had been building up her character, and her death here — especially since it doesn’t affect the greater story in any way we yet understand — seems like a waste of all of that effort.

I might be alone, but I tip my hat to Ros/Esme Blanco, and will miss her on the show.

Bob: Yeah, I never minded Ros either. I didn’t quite understand the backlash, but I think her story had probably run its course, unless she was going to have another change of scenery (which would have stretched credulity). Littlefinger’s time in King’s Landing is short, and even Varys is going to take a little bit of a backseat as we move forward (there can never be enough spider for me). They at least deployed her death in grand fashion, once again showing how much more vile TV Joff is than book Joff. It was also a nice blow in the battle between Baelish and Varys.

So long, Ros. Your death will be overshadowed shortly!