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.