The most shocking moments of Season 4 of ‘Game of Thrones’

Warning: This article contains spoilers

The stunning conclusion to Season 4 of “Game of Thrones” has brought to mind what a rich year it’s been for the HBO series — which started with the Purple Wedding and ended with a double murder. At its best, the show has everyone talking.

These were the most shocking moments:

Joffrey’s demise

Boy, did he have it coming — poisoned at his own wedding by Littlefinger. Not only was this a shocker, but the plot point also set in motion the season’s climax: the trial of Tyrion for Joffrey’s death.

Cersei’s rape

This was another talker — that Jaime could take advantage of his twin sister/lover in this way, while their dead son, Joffrey, lay on a bier nearby. It was controversial and illustrated what a savage time these characters live in.

Prince Oberyn’s death

It was a thrilling fight between the Mountain and Oberyn, in their “trial by combat” for Tyrion’s fate.

Battle of the Wall

This episode featured the Wildings trying to take Castle Black. We also saw the Giants for the first time. Ygritte’s death was another unforgettable moment.

Tyrion’s trial

Peter Dinklage was simply mesmerizing when he stood up to his rather strange sister and father and said, “I’m on trial for being a dwarf and have been my entire life.”

The season finale double murder

In a sense, the season belonged to Tyrion. Through a series of violent events, he achieved liberation. In the end, he had to destroy the people who tried to destroy him: Shae and his father,Tywin.

Fans will be talking about that for years to come.

Brienne and Arya

Brienne promised the late Catelyn Stark that she would protect her daughters, Sansa and Arya. Brienne’s thrilling battle with the Hound in the season finale was one of the show’s best battle signs.

We won’t know until next season whether the Hound, who went over the side of a mountain, is alive or dead.

Lysa in the Moon Door

Once Littlefinger married Catelyn’s sister, crazy Lysa, he was in control of her kingdom. So when he didn’t need her anymore — and when the poor thing started acting cray-cray around Sansa Stark, he had choice but to shove her through the Moon Door, saying that he’d always loved Catelyn more.