Game of Thrones Early Reaction 4x6 The Laws of Gods and Men

Tron - you illustrated a lot that lines up with me own personal beliefs regarding Shae in this episode. I considered several possibilities when I first watched this, and I still go with my gut. I think Shae was heartbroken and her method of handling those emotions was, unfortunately, to hurt the person who hurt her. Her testimony made that obvious, in my opinion. Like you pointed out — if it were anything else, there’s zero call for her to have made things as personal as she did, make the snide remarks that she did, and so on. Overall, it’s really just sad. That’s the overwhelming truth of this entire part. It’s truly sad.

Natalia

Yeah, that's what upset me. I'd figured there was a good chance she was coerced into saying he was guilty, but I sincerely doubt any of them knew about the 'my lion' and the 'i am yours and you are mine' stuff, so that was most likely her adding those things out of spite, in my opinion.

Lady Beyond The Wall

Look. I really understand where the people who sympathize with Shae are coming from...but Shae put some super personal digs in her "confession". Maybe she was captured. Maybe she was given a speech. But those personal digs represented her personal vendetta against Tyrion.

Yeah Shae wasn't forced to do anything; she did it out of spite. I can't imagine how she could be "manipulated" into falsely accusing Tyrion and Sansa of murder. Even if her life was threatened, which it may well have been, Shae is the type of person who would rather die than betray someone she loves (let alone two people). There's no way she would just obediently go along with everything. And if she was forced there would be no reason for her to make her testimony so personal and reveal all those intimate details that she knew would hurt and/or embarrass Tyrion. Nobody else knew those details so she could have easily left them out.

Tron

I don’t think she’s weak. She’s not. Quite the opposite, she’s doing what she has to to survive. Being on the bottom of an impossible power imbalance isn’t personal weakness. It’s a failure of societal structures. Because she is a survivor, she is put in this position. I really don’t want to go through arguing this point again. No one will change their minds, and it’s emotionally exhausting. I just wanted to tell Eric that I appreciate him.

Jessica (petaljammies)

I think you think very little of Shae, if you think she's being controlled and manipulated. She is not weak, she is not being manipulated, and she is not being controlled. I believe everything she did was her choice, from not leaving King's landing, to testifying at trial, to things that happen at future events. but I may be biased, I've read the books and she is clearly not being manipulated in the books. I don't know why you keep thinking she is some weak-minded puppet of a man. It's actually kind of insulting to her character, who has always been strong-willed, independent and devious.

theshadowfax

I think a lot of people assume that Shae is testifying against Tyrion as some sort of vengeance for how he rejected her the other episode. The truth is that no one really knows what kinds of pressures she's under at this point in time. As viewers we tend to sympathize with certain characters (in this case Tyrion) because we have more insight into his perspective. I certaintly don't blame people for reacting the way they do.

Ekorren

No it’s great! You considered what was happening rather than just saying “THIS BITCH!” like everyone says! ❤️

Jessica (petaljammies)

You don’t disappoint! I think what she says seems rehearsed, and I don’t think she has any agency in this situation. She’s hurt and lashing out, yes, but I also think she’s being controlled. People forgive Varys for his testimony (fairly, as he only stated things that Tyrion said in front of others, and he didn’t put any inflection in his voice), knowing he has to for his own survival. How much more true is that for Shae? Remember, she knows what Tywin did to Tyrion’s first wife when he discovered their marriage & her alleged profession.

Jessica (petaljammies)

A Davos is necessary for world domination :D

Eric Reacts

Now I'm scared! D:

Eric Reacts

Davos is indeed everything!

Jessica (petaljammies)

Two things: 1.) When I finally take over the world, I’m gonna have me a Davos by my side. He is EVERYTHING. And 2.) Tywin totally knew Jaime would do that. It’s why he said “Done!” so quickly. That was Tywin’s plan all along — to get his heir back. And Tyrion just threw a giant monkey wrench all up in it.

PaulaC

Ok. Before I start watching, I’m going to say this is the episode I’m usually most nervous to watch people react to, as it usually hurts to see their response to Shae. And it’s the episode I’ve gotten the most angry responses to my comments on. But this is exciting right now, because I fully trust you. That’s awesome! 😀

Jessica (petaljammies)