gregg22

There is plenty of time to waste with no WoW in sight.

I thought the same. The only thing i can think of is that it would be way too risky for the QoT to attempt to acquire poison in Kings Landing. Remember Littlefinger has a role in orchestrating this . Besides, there is definitely an attempt by the show to imply that this scheme happened in this way. The first Dontos scene of season has the sole purpose of giving Sansa the necklace (no mention of him helping her escape as in the books). Olenna clearly handles the necklace, and appears to be palming something. She is the closest to the cup right before Joff gets the fatal sip, and they make point to show her face right as Tyrion grabs the cup to hand it to Joff. Joff drops dead, and Dontos suddenly appears to wisk Sansa away as if it was a moment he knew was coming. The casual watcher (non-reader) likely won't catch it, some one who pays close attention should, and most readers should as well. Its too subtle to be a red herring, yet the connections are there. I think it is what it is.

Exactly the gem is missing from the far right side right where Olenna touched it. My wife hasn't read the books either, and said it was Olenna right away (or "the old lady"), but she didn't see the slight of hand. Other non-readers I talked to all said it was obvious it wasn't Tyrion. These are people that can't even remember the characters' names. I think they tried to make it rather obvious that Tyrion is a patsy. I don't think most non-readers will pick up on HOW it was done, but I think they have an idea as to who.

We all know it wasn't Tyrion. The show clearly portrays that. He has a genuine look of shock on his face, and he would never have picked up the murder weapon after (the cup) if it was him. The best part of the scene is when he picks up the cup, not realizing what is about to happen to him, Then instantly he feels Cersei's accusatory eyes on him, and realizes, I picked up the murder weapon, I am about to become a patsy.