In HBO's Game of Thrones, there were many profound moments and epic speeches fans adored. Whether it be from Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen -- both as a liberator and as a Mad Queen -- or the bloodthirsty Arya Stark, the series became one of the most quotable in TV history. It wasn't just about specific lines or words, though; it was about delivery and impact as war ran wild in Westeros. However, while the battle for the throne in King's Landing took many twists and turns, there's one mic-drop that really stunned viewers. Coincidentally, it came from the show's most subdued character.
This was none other than Highgarden's Olenna Tyrell -- the matriarch of House Tyrell, someone quite unassuming and calm despite her potty mouth. She hated the Lannisters, though, especially after her granddaughter, Margaery, died thanks to Cersei's sinister shenanigans. Lady Olenna couldn't stand how she had to oversee Margaery's marriage to Joffrey earlier as well, feeling guilt over how she mismanaged and let her house crumble.
It came to a head in Game of Thrones Season 7's third episode, "The Queen's Justice," when the Lannisters sacked her realm. Queen Cersei wanted Olenna taken out, especially as the matriarch conspired with the likes of Varys and Dany in the past. Thus, she sent Jamie to finish the job. Luckily, Jamie liked Olenna and talked Cersei out of a public flogging, hanging or decapitation. He respected Olenna's strategy and how she ran her realm, so he poured poison into a wine glass, wanting to make her passing easier. Olenna was glad because she also felt a connection to how Jamie viewed family, not even making fun of his incestuous relationship with Cersei. The big swerve, however, came after she gulped the drink and made it clear she had a message to deliver.
Olenna confessed she was the one who poisoned Joffrey, leaving Jamie speechless. The Lannisters thought it was Tyrion, or Sansa, or anyone they felt wanted the throne. But never did Jamie think Olenna was capable of such cruelty. She admitted she never saw the poison work, though, so it was a surprise to see Joffrey turn purple and bleed out. But she enjoyed every second, knowing he was a tyrant she didn't want desecrating her kin anymore.
Olenna metaphorically dropped the mic when she said, "Tell Cersei, I want her to know it was me!" which had layers to it. Firstly, it was a cruel blow to show the arrogant Lannisters what she did right under their noses. Secondly, it stung Jamie as Olenna gloated how tough it was as parents to watch their son die -- which ironically kicked over dominoes that led to Tommen's death too.
Lastly, Olenna knew it'd cause tension after Jamie got Cersei to offer a mercy killing, not realizing what a sadistic murderer the old lady really was. Admittedly, while fans felt for Jamie, as they wanted him to redeem himself, it was karma for Cersei's wicked ways. So, Olenna got one over on them before she died a painless death. The way she did it, though, with scathing words searing into Jamie's soul, really crafted Game of Thrones' biggest gut punch and solved a years-long mystery.
All eight seasons of Game of Thrones are available on HBO Max.