GoT Season 2: The Book of Tyrion
Season 2 of Game of Thrones is largely based on the 2nd book in George R. R. Martin's series, Clash of Kings. If it were a Disney Star Wars spinoff, though, it'd likely have been called The Book of Tyrion Lannister. That's because while the series continues with an ensemble cast with many important characters, Tyrion is clearly the character Season 2 is most about. And unlike Disney's The Book of Boba Fett, Tyrion is actually an interesting character. (See my review of TBoBF S1E6: Boba Fett Writes a Book About Someone More Interesting.)
Why is Tyrion an interesting character? Well, for one, actor Peter Dinklage did a fantastic job. He won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2011 for that season. He racked up several more nominations & awards in successive years.
[Minor Season 2 spoilers below.]
Tyrion is written well, too. In Season 2 his character progresses through a classic dramatic arc. He rises from a position of being relegated to third-class status even in his own privileged family to acquiring more and more power through his own wit and wile. Meanwhile he grows as a person, ultimately exhibiting true leadership and selflessness in a climax that surprises even himself. And, he suffers a tragic setback at the end of the season.
One of the most enjoyable scenes with Dinklage occurs early in the season. In a bit of deft camera work that matches Dinklage's deft portrayal, Tyrion tell three secrets to three advisors to ferret out discover which is disloyal to him by breaking their promise of secrecy. The camera cuts smoothly from one meeting to the next, Dinklage's lines matching perfectly as he repeats the common elements of the secrets.
Tyrion's setback after the season climax is disheartening but ultimately satisfying. Sure, I would have preferred to see him ascend even higher as a result of his success. But him being dealt an unexpected setback is in keeping with the show's theme that terrible people win again and again while good people lose.
Why is Tyrion an interesting character? Well, for one, actor Peter Dinklage did a fantastic job. He won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2011 for that season. He racked up several more nominations & awards in successive years.
[Minor Season 2 spoilers below.]
Tyrion is written well, too. In Season 2 his character progresses through a classic dramatic arc. He rises from a position of being relegated to third-class status even in his own privileged family to acquiring more and more power through his own wit and wile. Meanwhile he grows as a person, ultimately exhibiting true leadership and selflessness in a climax that surprises even himself. And, he suffers a tragic setback at the end of the season.
One of the most enjoyable scenes with Dinklage occurs early in the season. In a bit of deft camera work that matches Dinklage's deft portrayal, Tyrion tell three secrets to three advisors to ferret out discover which is disloyal to him by breaking their promise of secrecy. The camera cuts smoothly from one meeting to the next, Dinklage's lines matching perfectly as he repeats the common elements of the secrets.
Tyrion's setback after the season climax is disheartening but ultimately satisfying. Sure, I would have preferred to see him ascend even higher as a result of his success. But him being dealt an unexpected setback is in keeping with the show's theme that terrible people win again and again while good people lose.