One of the most despised television villains of all time had an ever-so-satisfying death on Game of Thrones. Joffrey Baratheon, son of King Robert Baratheon (but actually Jaime Lannister), ascended the Iron Throne after his “father” died from a hunting injury during the fantasy epic’s first season.
The cruel youngster ruled over Westeros and the Seven Kingdoms for three more seasons before he was assassinated during season 4 episode 2, titled “The Lion and the Rose.” His death scene took place on his wedding day after he was married to Margaery Tyrell. During the celebratory feast, Joffrey was up to his old antics; specifically, dehumanizing his uncle, Tyrion Lannister. After pouring wine on Tyrion’s head, he proclaimed that his former Hand of the King and present Master of Coin was now his cupbearer.
After being publicly embarrassed, Tyrion was then asked to bring Joffrey wine. Well, once the sinister king took a sip, he began to choke. After vomiting and collapsing in a short battle to breathe, King Joffrey died — ending his reign and ruthlessness. Tyrion was immediately accused of murdering the king by his sister and Joffrey’s mother, Cersei Lannister, and was taken into custody. Tommen Lannister, Joffrey’s brother, succeeded him.
It isn’t revealed until much later in the series during “The Queens Justice” — season 7 episode 3 — that Joffrey was assassinated by Lady Olenna Tyrell. Lady Olenna, Margaery’s mom and Joffrey’s former mother-in-law (for a few hours), admitted to Jaime that she had poisoned Joffrey during the Purple Wedding. She then killed herself by drinking poison as well.
Joffrey’s death led Tyrion across the ocean into Essos, and to a new ruler
Joffrey’s death was one of the most important plot points in Tyrion’s storyline as it set him up for his voyage to Essos. He was thrown on trial on suspicion of killing his nephew, which would eventually result in a Trial By Combat in which his warrior, Oberyn Martell, would lose to “The Mountain,” cementing Tyrion’s fate: death. However, Jaime allowed Tyrion to escape his cell while also preparing a boat out of King’s Landing for his brother. After a quick detour – Tyrion killed his father Tywin Lannister with a crossbow – he escaped.
After a long journey filled with trials and tribulations, Tyrion would finally find himself in Meereen and in front of Daenerys Targaryen. Tyrion aligned with Daenerys, eventually becoming her Hand of the Queen and firmly placing him against his sister, Cersei.