The Aftermath of the King's Death

"I will not become a page in someone else's history book." — Stannis Baratheon, "Game of Thrones"

Last week, "Game of Thrones" shook the board up again with the death of Joffrey. It wasn't a sad moment, but it was sort of unexpected. For most of three seasons it seemed like the story was about Joffrey battling Rob Stark and, soon enough,  Daenerys Targaryen. By the third episode of this fourth season, two of those would-be rulers is dead, and one remains an ocean away building an army and freeing slaves.

So what is this show about? It's about the smaller moments, the ways the destruction of the ruling families have ruined the lives of the people of Westeros, and the threats that linger beneath the surface. It's about a dangerous world, and the dangerous people who will do anything to survive. It's also about those who don't understand where they live, putting themselves in jeopardy.

In the midst of that, it's been interesting to see who the only honorable people are that are left. For the most part, those that have clung to honor have not met with a good end. Though Tywin Lannister told his grandson — and heir to the throne — that wisdom was what mattered most for a good king, it seems cunning is the virtue that helps people get ahead.

That's probably why I've always liked Tyrion. The Lannisters started out as enemies but have slowly morphed into a sort of protagonist — at least some of them. Jamie and Cersei have some big flaws, and Tywin is cold and cunning. But Tyrion seems to have developed a sense of honor that the rest of his family lacks. That, sadly, might not be a good thing.

Tyrion has fought long odds to get to where he is. He's a dwarf that lacks the respect of society and even his own family. His cunning, quick thinking, and knack for outsmarting people have gotten him to a certain point. But they've also helped make him a target — likely the reason he's in jail accused of plotting Joffrey's murder.

Despite his circumstances, Tyrion refuses to play the game. Last night he did all in his power to save Podrick, a loyal friend who would have gone down with him. It's why I like Tyrion, and why I fear he might not be long for the "Thrones" world. Much as it is for those in "The Walking Dead," this is not a place that rewards compassion, honor, or loyalty with much more than an untimely death.

Which makes young Daenerys interesting as well. She seemed to be driven by a desire to retake the throne and avenge her family. But over the past few seasons she's shown another desire — to better the lives of those in slavery.

As the hour closed last night she set her sights on another major city that mistreated its slaves. She appears ready to break more chains. But the question is, why? Is she moved by morality, or the same desire to crush the ruling families in Westeros? I guess only time will tell.