Rolling back in time to Game of Thrones Season 1 Episode 1 titled 'Winter is Coming', we land in the north of the kingdom of Westeros, Winterfell. King Eddard (Ned) Stark rules the province that lies closest to The Wall - a massive structure made of ice guarding the Seven Kingdoms against miles of wilderness inhabited by fierce creatures called The White Walkers.
The first episode of Game of Thrones starts with a rather gritty tone introducing these deadly creatures and viewers also witness a man from the Night's Watch (the people who guard The Wall) getting executed by Ned Star on account of deserting his men. On the other hand, the arrival of King Robert Baratheon (an old friend of Ned) in the North sets up the politically complicated storyline.
Her wife Queen Cersei Lannister also accompanies him along with her siblings (Tyrion & Jaime). While Winterfell engages in pomp and celebration (on the ocassion of Ned Stark getting officiated as Hand of the King), Ned's younger son Bryan catches Jaime & Cersei off-guard while they were consummating an incestuous relationship at the top of a tower. It is at that point when Jaime grabs Bryan, and pushes him off that height after delivering the coldest line ever:
"The things I do for love."
Jaime Lannister's ruthless Season 1 Episode 1 delivery still resonates among Game of Thrones fans after so many years
Jaime Lannister (portrayed by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is a character that has multiple shades to it. Though initially introduced in a very grey avatar, Jaime is one of the personalities whose evolution through the entirety of Game of Thrones is noteworthy.
During the first few seasons, he is portrayed as someone who is ruthless, courageous, fierce and in ways quite arrogant - not to mention his prowess as a true Westerosi knight. Time and again, Jaime proves that not only does he care for his loved ones (with all his heart) but also is an able warrior on the field ready to die for the greater cause.
His words about the 'things' he does 'for love' have been often considered controversial (given the fact that he almost coldly kills Bryan at the moment) but, they were probably hinted towards something even deeper - a premonition of how things will unravel for the people of Westeros.The dialogue reflects Jaime's ignorance about someone's life when it comes to protecting his family.
His ruthless action also foreshadows that how the Seven Kingdoms will eventually become victim of nobles taking rash decisions - sometimes even out of love! Jaime knew for fact that if people found out about his incestuous relationship with his sister Cersei, it could damage House Lannister once and forever - even before they come into power. Moreover, it would bring disgrace to his beloved sister and his entire clan and they will always be looked down upon by the other houses.
So, to make sure that nothing of that sort happens, Jaime does not even hesitate once before pushing young Bryan Stark off the tower. It proves that he is a character who can even kill at the blink of an eye when his family is at stake.
More about Jaime Lannister
Jaime is the one who also kills King Aerys II aka the Mad King thereby earning himself the accolade 'Kingslayer' (the point from the main plot unravels). His brave display as a knight reaches the peak when viewers witness him going back to war even after losing one of his hands.
The introduction of Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones pulls out a side of Jaime Lannister that fans never thought existed at all. His conscience eventually awakens and we also find a compassionate side to his character.
Jaime also starts to notice Cersei's manipulative nature. However, fate brings him back to King's Landing where we witness his dying moments alongside Cersei - a character arc which would have otherwise got the much deserved redemption.
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