Game of Thrones Power Rankings: Season 4, Episode 2

Prior to tonight's episode, I would argue that there have been really only two cases of major character deaths in Game of Thrones. Of course, these would be Ned Stark's beheading in Season 1 and the infamous Red Wedding last year.

But now, we have what is, in my opinion, the third huge death in the series' history. (And yes, I'm kind of counting Rob and Catelyn's death as one.) The most hated character in the history of television, Joffrey Baratheon, is dead! Of course, this spawned many questions from those watching the show. Was Joffrey poisoned? And if he was, who poisoned him? Is Tyrion truly the guilty party? But the question that was on the forefront of everyone's minds was: How will this affect the Game of Thrones Power Rankings? Well, ladies and gentlemen, it's time to find out!

Before you read this I will forewarn you that I have read all of the books! But there are NO SPOILERS in these power rankings! None! Of course, my prior knowledge of what is to come can't help but seep in a little here and there, but there are no blatant spoilers for anything major or minor that is going to happen. I HAVE WRITTEN THIS AS THOUGH I HAVE NOT READ THE BOOKS! You can read this post and still enjoy season four completely unspoiled. Get it? Got it? Good.

One other note; it is unclear exactly who is in charge in Westeros after Joffrey’s death. Is Margaery the Queen now? Or does Cersei regain that title? Personally, I believe that because the marriage was never consummated that Margaery never officially became Queen. Therefore, these Power Rankings are based on the assumption that Cersei is now the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

Honorable Mention: House Tyrell (Last week: Second Place)

Yes, the rulers of Highgarden have taken a huge tumble down our power rankings with the death of Joffrey. The fact of the matter is that his death was a double edged sword for Margaery and the rest of the Tyrells. Yes, Margaery doesn't have to be married to a psychotic asshole. However, any power that the Tyrells were going to have is now gone. With Joffrey's death, Margaery is no longer the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Any influence or power the family could have obtained died along with the King. The only reason they cling on to the Honorable Mention spot is due to the fact that I can't imagine Lady Olenna will let the Tyrells power fade away without a fight. 

Fifth Place: Oberyn Martell (Last week: Honorable Mention)

Here comes a man to King's Landing with a hatred of the Lannisters and everything to do with them. And a few days later, the Lannister King dies a horrible death. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. To poison the King at his wedding seems like an extremely risky thing to do, and the Red Viper appears to be the kind of man that enjoys taking chances. But would he risk starting another war over his quest for vengeance? And when would he even have had the opportunity to poison Joffrey? Regardless, Oberyn moves up a spot on our power rankings due to the vacancy left by Joffrey's death as well as his hatred for the Lannisters. If nothing else, he seems to be motivated, which is more than I can say of some of the other characters on this show. 

Fourth Place: Daenarys Targaryen (Last Week: Fifth Place)

Khaleesi has moved up a spot this week, despite the fact that she was absent from the episode. This is largely due to the fact that Stannis Baratheon was still stagnant at Dragonstone as opposed to moving up North to help fight the White Walkers like he was planning at the end of last season. Also, she has dragons, so it’s pretty much impossible for me to kick her off these power rankings.

Third Place: Roose Bolton (Last Week: Not Ranked)

Bursting on to the scene here in the second episode is the man who dealt the final blow to Robb Stark, Roose Bolton. Tywin Lannister has granted Roose the North, and the only thing standing in his way are the armies of Balon Greyjoy. And considering they’re never in the show, I don’t think they’ll pose too much of a threat. And if Roose can acquire the North, he’ll be one of the most powerful men in Westeros. Perhaps powerful enough to challenge for the Iron Throne. Of course, the fact that he trusts his psychotic son Ramsay could be a hindrance. But he did provide the valuable information that Bran and Rickon Stark are still alive. As long as they live, Roose can never truly claim the North.

 Second Place: Cersei Lannister (Last Week: Not Ranked)

Ironic, isn’t it? Despite, rather because of, the death of her son, Cersie Lannister shoots up the power rankings in a massive shift. With Margaery no longer posed to be the Queen and without Joffrey in her way, Cersei is technically has the most power in Westeros, at least until her younger son, Tommen comes of age. Maybe her newfound power will help soften the blow of losing her oldest son.

 First Place: Tywin Lannister (Last Week: First Place)

With all of the turmoil caused by Joffrey’s death this week, one man still stands heads and shoulders above the rest of Westeros’s political elite. While Cersei is now technically the most powerful person in the Seven Kingdoms, it is clear that Tywin is still the one in complete control.  Many times in the past, he has proven his authority over his children, Cersei included. Even with everything going on, there is no doubt that he is large and in charge. It would take a HUGE event to knock Tywin off his perch.

Missing the Cut:

Stannis Baratheon and Lady Melisandre are obviously in no rush to get to the Wall to assist the Night’s Watch. So I’m in no rush to put them on the Power Rankings…Bran Stark’s journey, while somewhat boring, has flashes of inspiration like with the Weirwood Tree this week. Depending on how his magic grows, he could easily find himself moving up these power rankings in episodes and seasons to come.

Game of Thrones Power Rankings: Season 4, Episode 1

At long last, Season 4 of Game of Thrones has arrived! After each episode of this season, I will be putting together a power rankings to determine who exactly is winning the proverbial game of thrones.

Before you read this I will forewarn you that I have read all of the books! But there are NO SPOILERS in these power rankings! None! Of course, my prior knowledge of what is to come can't help but seep in a little here and there, but there are no blatant spoilers for anything major or minor that is going to happen. I HAVE WRITTEN THIS AS THOUGH I HAVE NOT READ THE BOOKS! You can read this post and still enjoy season four completely unspoiled. Get it? Got it? Good.

Also, one other note before I get started. I deeply dislike the new actor playing Daario Naharis. It's not even that he's a bad actor, I just get extremely annoyed when characters are recast, especially characters that got as big of an introduction as Daario did last season. And if they were going to change the actor, couldn't they at least have given him a blue beard?

Honorable Mention: Prince Oberyn Martell (Pre-season: Not listed)

The Royal Wedding between Margaery and Joffery is almost here, which means the guests are starting to arrive. Of course, the crown is obligated to invite dignitaries and rulers from all over the Seven Kingdoms, including Dorne, the southernmost part of Westeros. The Lannisters were expecting that Prince Oberyn's more level-headed older brother, Prince Doran, would be attending. However, due to his failing health, Prince Doran sent his hotheaded brother in his place. Prince Oberyn not only is a hothead, but he has a great dislike of the Lannisters. During Robert's Rebellion, when the Mad King Aerys was defeated, Tywin Lannister's forces carried out a sack of King's Landing. Aerys' oldest son, Rhaegar, was married to Elia Martell, Oberyn's sister. When the city was sacked The Hound's older brother, Gregor Clegane, also known as The Mountain, raped and murdered Elia and also killed her children. For this, Oberyn not only blames The Mountain, but Tywin and the rest of the Lannisters as well. Last night, he told Tyrion that the Lannisters are not the only ones who pay their debts. Could Prince Oberyn be considering a play for the Iron Throne?

Fifth Place: Daenarys Targaryen (Pre-season: Fourth Place)

Oh, Dany. What are you doing? Your dragons are bigger, you have a whole army of slaves who would gladly follow you to the grave, and many would argue that you have the rightful claim to the Iron Throne. So why are you insisting on going to Meereen to free even more slaves. Don't get me wrong, it's admirable. But get the Iron Throne while you can! You can always come back and free the slaves later. For her lack of motivation, Dany drops a spot this week. 

Fourth Place: Stannis Baratheon (Pre-season: Fifth Place)

The Lord of Dragonstone was absent from this week's proceedings, however he moves one spot up the rankings thanks to Dany's actions. Luckily for Stannnis, these rankings aren't based on which characters are the most interesting or he'd be off of the list completely.

Third Place: Joffery Baratheon (Pre-season: Third Place)

There was only one scene with the King of Westeros this week, but it was more than enough to remind us why he is one of the most disliked characters in the history of television. As if mocking his Uncle/Father Jaime wasn't enough, he was wearing an extremely obnoxious golden cape, or something like that. Anyway, despite the fact that he sits on the Iron Throne, Joffery is definitely not the most powerful person in Westeros. His grandfather, Tywin, is clearly the one running the Kingdom, and once Joffery gets married to Margaery it's likely he will become even more susceptible to her charms. 



Second Place: House Tyrell (Pre-season: Second Place)

We didn't see much from the Tyrells this week, but what we saw was encouraging. Margaery is keeping up the facade that she is glad to be marrying Joffery, while being aware of his sadistic nature at the same time. If she can continue to to manipulate Joffery like she did last season, Margaery will have practically complete control over the kingdom once she marries him. While he might not be the most pleasant company, marrying Joffery could very easily cement the Tyrell's place as the most powerful entity in all of Westeros.

First Place: Tywin Lannister (Pre-season: First Place)

The top of the rankings remain static after the first episode of the season. Tywin Lannister was firmly in control at the end of Season 3 and remained so through this episode. Never was this more evident than in the cold open, when Tywin melts Ned Stark's sword, Ice, into two smaller swords. The Starks have been eliminated, he has complete control over King Joffery, and basically everyone is terrified of him. Everyone, that is, except his son Jaime, who flat out refused to return to Casterly Rock as Tywin commanded. This apparent falling out between father and son could spell trouble for Tywin if the relationship should deteriorate further. Also, Prince Oberyn is waiting in the wings, desperate to avenge his sister Elia. These things could be trouble for Tywin, but for now, he sits happily atop of the Power Rankings.



Missing the Cut

Jaime Lannister was in for a rude awakening upon returning from captivity. He doesn't get along with his Dad, Cersei no longer wants to hook up with him, and all he got was a cumbersome golden hand. I agree that a hook would be better...Cersei Lannister used to be one of the head honchos in Westeros. However she is outranked and overpowered by her son, her father, and her future daughter-in-law. Her new love for wine definitely doesn't help her case in the Power Rankings either...Sansa Stark is still helpless in Kings Landing but at least Tyrion seems to truly care about her. Also, she got an awesome neckless from Ser Dontos. Seriously, that neckless is awesome...Jon Snow is far from the center of the power struggle in King's Landing, but the fact that he avoided execution for breaking his vows to the Night's Watch has to count for something...Tyrion Lannister's fall from grace since the end of Season 2 continued in this episode. He became a glorified welcome wagon for the Dornish and he might be in trouble now that one of Cersei's spies saw Shea leaving his room...Arya Stark continued her path of revenge she started out on in last season's finale. She crossed one name off of her list in Poliver and depending on how many more she can eliminate it might not be long until we're talking about Arya on top of these rankings.