Quote Originally Posted by YianKutku View Post
Except this isn't a class on communications; it's part of a story, and basic storytelling requires that a scene like this must be Relevant and Significant. In other words, there must be a reason why we, as the audience, are shown this scene, and that reason must have something to do with the story to come.
Well, there's one big reason why it was required to show this scene to the audience: To explain why Varis isn't coming down on the alliance like the wrath of God for the death of his son. The fact that we were shown a scene depicting his coldness over his son's loss isn't enough. The alliance has slapped Garlemand in general, and Varis in particular, in the face by freeing two territories and slaughtering the crown prince. If Varis doesn't strike back for this insult, it will be seen by his own people as a sign of weakness.

But... if his son isn't dead, a lot of the urgency disappears. Varis himself may have orchestrated this farce to placate the people of Garlemand and allow him time to solidify Garlean hold on the territories they have and prepare a more strategic counterattack, rather than a reckless one.

Of course, clones, frankensteinian resurrections, body doubles, and long-lost twin brothers are a lot more fanciful and exciting, so I'd be a fool to rule those possibilities out - but the purpose of this scene could be simply to show how Garlemand uses lies and propaganda to influence its people - AND to introduce the mysterious fist-clencher.