Though Game of Thrones featured one of the biggest casts in television history, Tyrion Lannister always stood out as perhaps the most popular character. From the very first episode of the show, Tyrion set himself apart from the other figure of Westeros and made for a funny, complex, and sympathetic character to follow through this story.
While his storylines might not have always connected with people, Tyrion is responsible for some of the best moments in the show. From making audiences laugh to shocking them to making them cheer for him, these are the episodes that highlight why people loved Tyrion Lannister.
A Golden Crown (Season 1, Episode 6)
Tyrion often found himself in sticky situations, but one of the most entertaining things in the series was watching him figure a way out. Such was the case when Tyrion was captured by Catelyn Stark and imprisoned by her unhinged sister.
The episode showcases Tyrion's rebellious attitude as he makes a big show of "confessing" to past hilarious misdeeds. But it also shows that he is not someone who will be pushed around as he demands a trial by combat, which starts his long friendship with Bronn.
What Is Dead May Never Die (Season 2, Episode 3)
Season 2 of Game of Thrones was a big one for Tyrion as he was given his first real position of power when he is named Hand of the King by his father. But whereas Ned Stark failed to see all the enemies surrounding him when he held that position, Tyrion is not as foolish.
In only the second episode of the season, Tyrion decides to figure out who can be trusted. Watching him manipulate and play other schemers like Littlefinger and Varys is impressive. And there is a very funny scene in which Tyrion confronts the exposed traitor.
Blackwater (Season 2, Episode 9)
Tyrion is clearly an intelligent character which gets him far, but he also knew that he was at a disadvantage in this violent world. However, he is thrust into the role of a warrior in "Blackwater" which served as the show's first big battle episode.
Tyrion shows he is a brilliant military strategist with his epic wildfire plan, but he surprises even himself by stepping up in bigger ways. When Joffrey flees the battle in terror, Tyrion leads the defense of the city and shows how effective of a leader he would be if people gave him the chance.
Valar Dohaeris (Season 3, Episode 1)
Perhaps the most important aspect of the character of Tyrion is his relationship with his father Tywin. Though Tywin has never shown much love to any of his children, he is particularly hateful towards Tyrion which has haunted Tyrion his whole life.
The extent of his hate is really explored in the first episode of season 3 when Tyrion asks Tywin to name him as heir to their home of Casterly Rock. Tywin's brutal and cruel rejection shows where all the pain in Tyrion's life comes from.
Second Sons (Season 3, Episode 8)
As much as audiences love Tyrion, he is often made the subject of ridicule and humiliation within his own world. The episode that displays this the most is the one in which he is married to Sansa Stark. It is a wedding that neither of them wants and it turns into a predictably awkward affair.
To make matters much worse, Joffrey Baratheon seeks to torment the newlyweds in any way he can. This culminates in the crowd-pleasing moment in which a drunken Tyrion threatens Joffrey in a very direct way.
The Lion And The Rose (Season 4, Episode 2)
While Tyrion and Sansa's wedding was a disaster, it was nothing compared to what would happen at Joffrey and Margaery's wedding. Up until this point, the deadly feud between Tyrion and Joffrey had been building and building with it only being a matter of time before something went terribly wrong.
Joffrey's cruel behavior and Tyrion's sharp sense of wit were at odds throughout the entire festivities leading to the moment in which Joffrey is poisoned. However, the thrill of seeing the show's most despicable villain die was quickly replaced by fear as Tyrion was accused of the crime.
The Laws Of Gods And Men (Season 4, Episode 6)
No one expected Tyrion's trial for the murder of Joffrey to be fair, but the whole affair ended up being more heartbreaking than anyone expected. Along with Cersei and others telling blatant lies about him, Tyrion has to watch Shae betray him and give false testimony as well.
This is one of the most important episodes for Tyrion because the audience witnesses a lifetime of mistreatment and injustices he has faced finally boil over. His epic rant against his father and all of King's Landing is one of the greatest moments in the series.
The Children (Season 4, Episode 10)
Fans knew Tyrion and Tywin would need to have a real face-off eventually and the season 4 finale delivers that moment in a spectacular and surprising way. After being released from prison by his brother, Tyrion goes to confront his father.
It is heartbreaking that Tyrion had to suffer one more humiliation as he find Shae waiting in Tywin's bed. But it is the conversation between the father and son that is truly riveting as both strong men stand their ground ending with the dignified Tywin Lannister being murdered while on the privy.
The Gift (Season 5, Episode 7)
With such a large ensemble, it is strange to realize that some key Game of Thrones characters never even met. However, the worlds of the show started to come together in this moment when Tyrion finally meets Daenerys Targaryen.
Given how much they were paired together in the subsequent seasons, it might not feel like a big moment between these characters. However, seeing them finally sharing the screen was a turning point towards the end of the show.
The Iron Throne (Season 8, Episode 6)
The final season of Game of Thrones resulted in a lot of storylines ending in ways that left fans disappointed. Quite surprisingly, Tyrion was one of the biggest letdowns of the show's final run as his character was robbed of all his agency and made to be much less intelligent than he previously had proven to be.
However, his storyline in the finale was one of the more satisfying. While his suggestion of Bran as king remains controversial, seeing Tyrion taking his place as Hand of the King for a just ruler where he could continue what he is good at and also make up for past mistakes, was a fitting end for the character.