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 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: Arya and Syrio are practising at the start, we see them stop with their swords touching and crossed. Camera changes and Syrio's sword is much lower and no longer touching Arya's. (00:02:10)
Continuity mistake: Catelyn confronts her sister about the raven's message that arrived at dawn. When she does, the roll of paper is rolled completely differently between the 2 camera angles. (00:16:05)
Continuity mistake: When Catelyn meets up with Robb's forces, she hugs her son and then puts her hand on his shoulder/chest. In the next shot, her hand is down by her side. (00:41:40)
Continuity mistake: When Ser Barriston throws his armour and sword on the floor after being demoted, the armor and sword are inside the black tiled square on the floor. Camera changes to show Sansa kneeling before the council and now the armor and sword are outside of the black tiled box despite no-one touching it. (00:52:30)
Continuity mistake: When Ser Barriston throws his armor and sword on the floor after being demoted, the sword stops by his armor. However when Sansa kneels down, the sword is now a good distance from the armor. (00:52:40)
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 ★