Pycelle and Tywin – Season 3

Although it quickly becomes evident to the audience—especially after watching Pycelle’s penchant for whores and post-coitus calisthenics—that the Grand Maester is nowhere near as feeble as he appears, it seems very few in the Red Keep have caught onto the act.

In a deleted scene from season three, we also get a glimpse at Tywin Lannister in a much different light: relaxing while fishing in the bay below the castle. Pycelle pays him a visit to ask for his seat back on the Small Council, and Tywin quickly cuts through to the heart of the issue, calling out Pycelle for his feeble and befuddled act, and demanding that he drop his performance—at least with him.

It’s an important scene because Pycelle also reveals just how long and how deeply he has “served the interests of House Lannister”—ever since he convinced the Mad King to open the gates of King’s Landing for Tywin’s army, which then proceeded to sack the city.