Continuity mistake: When Jon and the others emerge onto the other side of the wall, there are 4 people with torches. Pay attention to the one at the back on the screen left. He has his torch in his left hand in this shot, but as the shot changes to the front he now has his torch in his right hand. (00:44:30)
Continuity mistake: When Jon is taking his vow at the tree, the red markings on the tree change between shots. 2 single lines become joined, and a third single line becomes less smudged. (00:45:00)
Continuity mistake: When the group of men emerge at the other side of the wall, the last man with a torch has it held vertically. Camera cuts and now it is held at around a 45 degree angle. (00:44:30)
Continuity mistake: When Jorah gets his royal pardon, the wax seal is hanging freely. Camera changes and now the wax seal is resting on his fingers. (00:31:00)
Answer: As Hand of the King, Tywin is the second most authoritative person in Westeros behind only the king. The Hand's duties include sitting on The Iron Throne and dispensing order, justice and judgment, similar to what Ned Stark did in the Season 1 episode "A Golden Crown" while then-king Robert Baratheon was out hunting. It's also worth pointing out that Tywin's enormous wealth makes him the de facto most powerful person in Westeros, which he demonstrates in the Season 3 episode "Mhysa" when he sends King Joffrey to bed without his supper and remarks to Tyrion "You're a fool if you believe he's the most powerful man in Westeros. Do you really think the crown gives you power?"
Phaneron ★