Game Of Thrones: 20 Most Shocking Moments Ever

16. Tyrion Murders Shae & Tywin

Tyrion Shae Death
HBO

Tyrion’s murder of both his lover and father almost became something of an afterthought. As the character went on to meet Daenerys and make mistake after mistake, this action - this Tyrion, even - felt like so long ago.

Tyrion is, by and large, a heroic character. And one that, especially during Season 4, we’re invited to root for and sympathise with. Which we do, because he’s good and funny and wronged, and because Peter Dinklage is ridiculously great. But that then adds to the surprise of this act.

Really, killing his father is the lesser of these, even if it has a bigger impact on Westeros. The real shock comes just before, when he’s stunned to find Shae in his father’s bed, and horribly, almost regretfully, strangles her to death.

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.