A Lannister Always Pays Their Debts

"And so my watch begins." — Tyrion Lannister, "Game of Thrones"

When "Game of Thrones" began, it seemed easy to figure out who the heroes were supposed to be and who the villains were supposed to be. But much like life, people are more complex than that. While King Joffrey remains a villainous cad, many of the other characters who looked to be villains have become more sympathetic in this third season.

Jamie Lannister — the Kingslayer — has proven gallant on more than one occasion. Even the events that earned him his nickname — when the whole story is considered — may have painted him in an unflattering light. I'm not saying he's a hero, just that he lives in a world of grey.

Likewise, his siblings have become more sympathetic and more fascinating as this series has played out. Cersei Lannister has plenty of flaws, but she hasn't had an easy life. That she cares deeply for her children — despite one being an unrepentant monster — and her lowly brother makes her more interesting. She has a vindictive side, but that's clearly something burned into her by her family. The story of the last group to challenge the Lannisters, and what Cersei saw in response likely colored her view of the world and her place in her family.

Something similar came to Jamie Lannister when his father's army sacked the city and put an end to the reign of the Mad King.

But of all the Lannisters, the one who's undergone the biggest transformation might be Tyrion. When we first met Tyrion in season one, he was more than a little self involved, and seemed to be a little self destructive. But the events of that season, and the subsequent seasons, have given him a new perspective.

While the little Lord still doesn't get a lot of respect — either from his father or the boy king — he does have a lot more respect for others. That was on brilliant display in his union with Sansa — just a girl — which he never wanted.

From the way he reassured her prior to the ceremony to the way he has decided to endure this new assignment from his father, Tyrion has shown himself to be a gentleman, capable of a kindness that is absent from his father, King Joffrey, and many others in Westeros.

My only fear is in what it might cost him. As "Game of Thrones" has shown, kindness becomes a liability your enemies exploit. That may not bode well for Tyrion.