‘Game of Thrones’ season 4: Sibel Kekilli on Shae’s surprising move

Tyrion’s trial on “Game of Thrones” was to us one of the most exciting events of the entire season, and for so many reasons. Not only did Shae come back after seemingly departing in the care of bronn, but she ended up being the potential nail in Tyrion’s coffin. (Yes, he is still alive, but anytime that you resort to a trial by combat, things are not looking up for you.)

But why would Shae do this? There have been questions regarding this for so many reasons. For one, Shae is a smart woman, and we would have assumed that she would in part understand the political implications behind Tyrion needing to do away with her. Now, that does make it any less painful, but she may still understand a part of it anyway.

Speaking on this subject in a chat with The Daily Beast, the actress behind the part in Sibel Kekilli at least does her best to offer up a little bit of insight into why she feels betrayed, and how Tyrion never leaving King’s Landing to be with her is a major part of it:

“It was not easy at all for Shae to be there … She is hurt, she is angry, sad, and desperate. She never wanted to be in that kind of situation but Tyrion forced her somehow. He always had the opportunity to go away with her to a safe place and live quietly and peacefully. Yet he has never taken it.

“Did she have a choice [to testify]? The Lannisters found her and there was only a choice between agreeing to testify against Tyrion or die. And of course she was badly hurt and wanted revenge on him. She is a proud woman, she has always been fully loyal to Tyrion, and instead of maintaining her relationship he decided to go for power—and against love.”

This is a great explanation, and a very realistic one to go along with that. Ultimately, this is a struggle and something that can be very applicable to present day in that choosing your work or other passions over love can lead to devastation. In the end, this is what Tyrion is guilty of.

Just for fun, we’ve also included a fun George R.R. Martin chat from “Conan” in the video below. Dive into that, and we’ll have more scoop on the show at the link here. You can also sign up now to get more courtesy of our official newsletter.

Photo: HBO