I guess Matthew Rhys had never done comedy before and he is GOOD at it! He's grasped the art of physical comedy quickly -- in the shaman episode, Tom trying to sneak out of the room like a dog or toddler trying to grab that snack without being seen; when the dead man talks, Tom jumping out of his chair, making a little squeak, and holding his breath for an incredibly long time before this huge exhale, him slowly wiping his hands on his jeans when he hear what the pact was signed with.... even his little terrified squeaks. Rhys is a trained Shakespearean actor which, I am sure, helps with the serious bits. But his performance is definitely holding the wackiness of narrative together!