4. Dame Diana Rigg- Olenna, Queen of Thorns
The introduction of a critically-acclaimed classical actor into one of GoTs political intrigue parts can pay off massive dividends. Charles Dances ferocious performance as Tywin Lannister is proof of this. So when it comes time to cast one of the titans of Kings Landings political scene the course is surely clear; more of them same. But even then one cannot have hoped to have cast such an acting giant, even for such a part as Olenna, Queen of Thorns. But no, Dame Diana Rigg is taking part. Thus far, I have listed a few films to explain why so-and-so will be good for a part. Yet arguably, Rigg transcends this. Shes simply done everything- from classics such as Shakespeare, Dickens and Austen, to her most famous role as Emma Peel in spy romp
The Avengers. Shes even been a Bond girl. Thats why shes a dame- shes played all kinds of roles. This myriad of acting experience will undoubtedly help in portraying the courtly nuances that comes as part and parcel of playing Lady Olenna. Such a part requires subtlety- Olenna is technically not the head of the Tyrell dynasty; that honour belongs to her son, Mace. Yet Olenna secretly dominates her progeny in a manner akin to an understated subterfuge. This is a character of secrets, one that requires a gifted actor capable of playing light and shade. She must seem seemingly benign but endlessly cunning, and this is a tightrope walk that's incredibly to pull off. But if anyone can carry such a burden, it's Rigg- she's been there and done it countless times over her storied career. Such a part could belong on stage, a classical figure that's right in Rigg's wheelhouse. On top of this, she's capable of the sharp comedy inexorably bound to the Queen of Thorns' reptoire; watch her turn in Extras opposite a sex-mad Daniel Radcliffe, and tell me she's not the best thing in that episode ('Do you still have that catsuit from the Avengers?' 'Give it a rest, Daniel.'). Yet even if she doesn't wholly succeed, her role could undoubtedly carry her. Olenna is a character that is never anything less than interesting, and can be said to (perhaps) pull off one of the greatest pieces of espionage in the canon. But what is that? I'm not going to tell you, you'll have to watch the show.