The 30 most heartwarming moments on Game of Thrones
By WiC Staff
29. Margaery interrupts Loras and Olyvar in bed (“The Wars to Come”)
SARAH: Prior to their unjust incarceration in Season 5, blushing bride Margaery Tyrell stopped by her brother’s chambers for a chat and discovered him getting frisky with Olyvar, his squire-turned-lover-turned-filthy rat. I’d wish Drogon on him, but he’s probably already dead. Oh well.
Anyway, back to the heart-warming part. This scene isn’t an obvious choice, but what makes this moment so sweet is what it implies, rather than what happens on screen. In the past, characters like Tywin and Joffrey have made it clear to the audience that most of Westeros considers homosexuality an ugly perversion not practiced by decent folk. This attitude is typical of the real-world history on which Game of Thrones draws, so it’s no surprise.
So why was Loras Tyrell, a famed knight from a prominent family, so confident and comfortable in his sexual orientation when so many would have felt shame? Sure, coming from a powerful family afforded him some privilege, but it was his family members that gave him peace of mind. The Tyrells loved and accepted Loras for exactly who he was, and none moreso than his sister.
Margaery walks in on her brother in bed with another man and scolds him, not because of what he is doing, but because he is keeping her from having dinner. This blasé reaction told us more about their relationship than any emotional heart-to-heart could have. It’s very clear that she didn’t feel the need to affirm her acceptance of her brother’s sexuality because, to her, his sexuality was a non-issue. This scene serves as a lesson on how to be a supportive sibling. That Margaery Tyrell was a woman of many qualities.
KATIE: In Game of Thrones, family dysfunction abounds. Whether siblings are being torn apart, betraying one another, or sleeping together, the scale of potential Jerry Springer material never ceases. That’s why Margaery and Loras’ relationship is so refreshing. While we see a healthy dynamic between the Stark children as well, most of their stories revolve around coming back together after separation. The Tyrells, on the other hand, are always in the same zip code, so to speak.
There’s a bit of good-natured razzing, but Margaery’s suggestion that “Perhaps you might consider being a bit more discreet” is yet another demonstration that one of her ultimate goals is to keep Loras safe. As Sarah pointed out, neither Margaery nor Olenna are ever particularly fussed about Loras’ sexuality. All the same, they’re both aware of Westeros’ generally intolerant atmosphere. Margaery doesn’t recommend discretion for her sake or even for their family’s reputation, but because she wants her brother alive and well.
Despite these strong emotional undertones, the scene doesn’t overtly tug at the heartstrings, which makes it more effective. Natalie Dormer and Finn Jones perform with an ease and naturalness that makes their characters’ bond not only believable, but relatable. Had the dialogue taken a more serious turn, it would have come across as overwrought drama. But as it stands, the scene is a sincere display of familial affection that is well-placed alongside the more turbulent, destructive relationship between siblings Cersei and Jaime Lannister.