'Game Of Thrones' Season 4, Episode 6 Review: The Best Moments From 'The Laws Of Gods And Men'

"Game of Thrones" Season 4, Episode 6, "The Laws of Gods and Men," focuses on Tyrion's trial as well as what it is means to rule, or be ruled, in Westeros. Danerys must learn to rule and she is beginning to learn that her time will be dedicated to the people while Stannis continues his pursuit of the Iron Throne. "The Laws of Gods and Men" also featured another combat scene, although it's not as uplifting as last week's fight at Craster's Keep," and it looks like we can expect more action in the upcoming "Game of Thrones" episodes. The varied, and complex, nature of this week's storylines made "The Laws of Gods and Men" a really good viewing experience and here are our top five moments from the latest episode of "Game of Thrones" Season 4.

Warning: Full "Game of Thrones" Season 4 spoilers ahead.

The Trials and Tribulations Of Tryion

Tyrion's trial for the death of Joffrey has started and Cersei presents a formidable argument. Tywin, Mace Tyrell and Oberyn serve as the three judges that will decide Tyrion's fate. Tyrion seems resigned to his fate and is dismissive of the charges brought against him by Cersei. Speaking of Cersei, she has quite the list of witnesses, including Grand Maester Pycelle who explains how Joffrey was poisoned. Cersei also takes the stand to testify against her brother as does Varys. Tyrion's fate is a foregone conclusion and Jaime tries to plead to his father to save his brother but Tywin is one step ahead of his son. It seems like it was Tywin's plan all along to get Jaime to forsake his oath as a member of the Kingsguard and become the Lannister heir, which includes marrying a proper lady, and Tywin's smug smile to close the scene is perfect.

Peter Dinklage continues to add depth and nuance to the role of Tyrion and Shae's return to testify against him was a painful moment to watch. Tyrion's pained look as she says Tyrion and Sansa planned to kill Joffrey, and subsequent humiliation, is a painful parallel to Tywin's treatment of Tyrion's first love, Tysha. Dinklage's anger is easily understood and rather than accept what Jaime told him and plea for mercy, and put his life in the hands of his father, Tyrion chooses for trial by combat. For Tyrion, here's hoping his decision has the same outcome as his trial in "Game of Thrones" Season 1, when Bronn stepped up as Tryion's champion and defeated Lysa Arryn's champion.

Stannis Comes Up With A Plan That Does Not Involve Magic

Stannis and Davos head to the Iron Bank in a scheme hatched up in “Game of Thrones” Season 4, episode 3, “Breaker of Chains.” Viewers also get their first Tycho Nestoris, a representative of the Iron Bank, and the man is even more pragmatic and a stickler for the rules than Stannis. Tycho quickly sums up why Stannis’ position, and claim to the Iron Throne, is in so much doubt. Despite his legitimate claim, Stannis has no power, no advantage, produces nothing and has been defeated by the Lannisters.

Davos continues to prove his worth as Hand to Stannis following his impassioned speech to the Tycho and again with his proposal to Salladhor Saan. While Melisandre has proven her worth using magic, and securing Stannis’ commitment to the Lord of Light, Davos is the practical advisor and the way he is able to turn a defeat into a victory is what saved his life, but not his fingers, in the past.

The Greyjoys And The Boltons Fight For Theon

Yara returns to “Game of Thrones” in a rescue mission to save her brother, Theon. Yara reads the letter sent by Ramsay to rally the Ironborn. While it looks like the mission will be a success, Ramsay’s training proves too much to overcome as Theon, now Reek, does not recognize his sister and refuses to leave his cell. This gives the Boltons enough time to rally and the standoff leads to Yara fleeing the Dreadfort saying her brother is dead.

Alfie Allen gives his best performance as Theon in “The Laws of Gods and Men.” Reek is a broken man, unable to think for himself and paralyzed by fear. His screams as Yara tries to free him were painful and the changes made by “Game of Thrones” series creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have made Theon a truly sympathetic character. In “A Song of Ice and Fire,” Theon’s story tends to drag and the changes help accelerate Theon’s story and it will be interesting to see if the recent events of “Game of Thrones” Season 4 act as a detour or a totally new storyline that’s different from George R.R. Martin’s novels.

Ramsay continues to be a demented character that is a master manipulator, showing enough kindness to Theon before asking him to cruelly play himself in an effort to capture Moat Cailin.

Daenerys Gets A Throne Worthy Of The Queen Of Meereen

Daenerys made the decision that, in order to rule Westeros, she has to actually be a ruler in the last episode, “First of His Name.” We now see the Queen of Meereen sitting on a throne, listening to her subjects and transitioning away from being just a liberator. Unfortunately, Dany has a big, dragon, problem after Drogon kills some goats. She easily handles the goat herder’s loss but has a harder time dealing with the rites and traditions of the people of Meereen and she is going to have many long days ahead of her as a ruler.

The Red Viper Sits In On The Small Council

The Small Council has its first meeting and it looks like the Red Viper is keen on learning about what is going on in Westeros. The conversation between Oberyn and Varys was as an interesting one as the Spider is very rarely surprised. Oberyn is quick to discern Lord Varys is from Lys, despite his lack of accent, and their discussion about desire is a loaded one that leaves Oberyn with more questions than answers. Varys’ nod to the Iron Throne is intriguing as he has previously stated that he does not want the Iron Throne for himself and his main objective continues to be serving Westeros.