Why Tywin's Storyline Makes No Sense In Game Of Thrones

From the very first episode, "Game of Thrones" captivated audiences with its fantastical elements and immense world-building. Week after week, fans sat in front of their televisions, waiting to see what would happen to their favorite characters next and even coming up with their own wild theories. This continued for eight seasons, allowing the cast and crew to win award after award, despite the mixed reviews the final episode garnered. 

In addition to introducing audiences to the kingdom of Westeros, Season 1's "Winter is Coming" and its further episodes established the story's many players. In particular, it revealed how their family names carried their personalities and goals throughout the series. And as any fan knows, it quickly becomes clear that the Lannisters are cunning, self-serving, and exceedingly clever. For example, Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) pushes Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) out of a tower after the child discovers him and Cersei (Lena Headey) are romantically involved; Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) uses his wits to get out of trouble; and Tywin (Charles Dance) regards those around him with coldness.

Though these traits are often demonstrated, fans have noticed that the Lannisters do not always act in the way that is expected. While Jaime, Cersei, and Tyrion are still fairly young, Tywin appears to be devoid of emotions and able to assess a situation and act accordingly. Interestingly, these characteristics made viewers more aware of one of Tywin's early storylines and how it seems to go against everything they know about the Lannister patriarch. 

In the 2nd season of "Game of Thrones," Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) has escaped King's Landing following her father's execution. Dressed as a boy, she vows to get revenge and ends up in Harrenhal, a castle that houses Tywin Lannister's army against Robb Stark (Richard Madden). There, Arya becomes Tywin's cupbearer and uses her position to gain any information she needs about her family and other happenings in Westeros. Her efforts do not go unnoticed by Tywin, who engages in conversation with her. 

In a Showbiz CheatSheet article detailing things in the series that don't make much sense, the outlet highlights that Tywin does not become suspicious of Arya. Servants are not normally well-read, smart, and sharp, nor do they usually have interest in their masters, especially if said master is a Lannister. However, this does not seem to bother Tywin, as he never investigates and learns that his servant is actually the sister of the man he is trying to kill. Tywin should know when he is being manipulated, and though he might not find the Starks to be a threat, he could have easily used Arya as leverage against Robb. Indeed, this would have shown just how vicious and strategic he is, allowing him to stay true to his Lannister name.