5. The Mountain vs The Red Viper
Following Joffrey's death, a kangaroo court is convened, in which Tyrion is betrayed by both his lover, Shae, and his uneasy ally, Varys, who both provide damning evidence in the case against him. Invoking his right to a trial by combat, as he did successfully in season 1, utilising the services of Bronn, Tyrion's actions are anticipated by his accuser, Cersei, who provides the seven foot barbarian Ser Gregor Clegane, as her champion and bribes Bronn to reject the opportunity to fight for Tyrion once more. Friendless and seemingly doomed, Tyrion finds an unlikely ally in the flamboyant Oberyn Martell, a visitor to the capital from the region of Dorne who harbours a burning desire for vengeance against Ser Gregor for the rape and murder of his sister and nephew at his hand, leading to him volunteering on Tyrion's behalf and engaging in one of the most epic battle scenes in the books, which should be replicated well on the screen.