The Mountain and the Viper - S4-E8
Trivia: Pedro Pascal used to let fans playfully gouge his eyes, in reference to Oberyn Martell's brutal death scene at the end of this episode, which led to him getting an eye infection.
The Mountain and the Viper - S4-E8
Trivia: Towards the end of this episode, Tyrion and Jaime have a discussion about their brain-damaged cousin Orson. This is supposedly a swipe at Ender's Game author Orson Scott Card, who is a harsh critic of the show.
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 ★