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House of the Dragon S3 Ep 4 Review

You know, the longer I watch House of the Dragon, the more I’m reminded of why I stopped giving a darn about the end to Game of Thrones. Up until Arya killed the Night King, I wanted to believe that everything that had happened would end up being worth something in the end. Instead, I had to watch as the cruelty of reality led to Westeros continuing to turn on itself even after the war against the dead came to an end. And the further we get into House of the Dragon, the more I see the rot set in that will doom House Targaryen, and it’s so disappointing. But as disappointing as that is, I think my disdain for the Faith of the Seven, or at least its fanatics, is even greater. Case in point, I watched as Ormund Hightower starts to sink his claws into the one decent male Targaryen that’s part of the Greens, and it breaks my heart.

Tumbleton threatens King’s Landing

Rhaenyra is beside herself with problems, both of her own making and created by her enemies. She’s broke, her city is hungry, and she’s still grieving the loss of her eldest son. Needless to say, her mental state is starting to deteriorate, and if this keeps up, she’s going to succumb to the madness that will eventually doom her house. At the moment, though, the biggest thorn in her side goes by one name and one name alone: Tumbleton.

After lying right to Daemon’s face last episode, Ormund Hightower took his army to capture Tumbleton, a town on the road to King’s Landing. Throughout the episode, we see him lording over the place like he’s a king, openly bathing in the hall of the rightful lord and lady while his soldiers force themselves into the homes of the citizens. One of which, I might add, is now home to Hugh Hammer’s wife and her family. And when one of the soldiers tries to assault her, everyone’s lives are put in more danger than they realize.

It should be noted that this episode also our formal introduction to Daeron Targaryen, the youngest of Alicent’s children, and next to Helaena, the only decent one. That was due entirely to Alicent’s decision to have him fostered by her relatives in Oldtown under Ormund, which she thinks was the best decision she ever made as a mother. And you know what? She’s right. I’ve read the wikis and listened to the audiobooks, and by all accounts, Daeron is awesome. He’s kind, caring, and doesn’t want to hurt a fly. Not to mention just how sweet his relationship is with his dragon, Tessarion. Unfortunately for everyone, Ormund Hightower proves to be as rotten as so many of the men in his family.

Ormund Hightower is as bad as the other guys in his family

According to Alicent, Ormund considers himself a scholar, and he certainly appears so. The show does attempt to make him look good at first, as when Kat is almost assaulted by a Hightower soldier, he orders the culprit to be gelded as punishment. Unlike the Starks, who genuinely want to be just and fair, though, Ormund is only doing this to look good. In truth, he’s an insufferable man with a holier-than-thou attitude, with the final part of the episode showing just how corrupt he is. He brings Kat’s brother to Daeron and forces the boy to execute him for hitting one of his soldiers, showing he doesn’t care about what’s right. In that same scene, he also demonstrates that he’s a religious fanatic regarding the Faith of the Seven and a racist, saying that the Targaryen’s are savages and their dragons abominations. And he’s saying that right in front of Daeron, a Targaryen himself. The cherry on top? He tells his charge that he should make his own play for the Iron Throne.

This is why I have no respect for the Hightowers on this show. They act so smug and self-righteous and think they’re smarter than everyone else. But in truth, they’re just selfish, power-hungry fools who can’t stop pissing off the people with dragons. Ormund doesn’t know it, but he just killed Hugh Hammer’s brother-in-law and is basically holding his wife hostage. The moment that Kat dies, which I know she will, he is going to crash out, and him and Ulf are going to burn Tumbleton to the ground!

Which reminds me: Ulf is more upset at the Targaryens than ever. When Rhaenyra finds out he’s been going out to taverns and his old drinking buddy’s are trying to get favors out of him, she bans him from going out. Yet another reason for him to become disloyal to her.

Daemon faces the consequences of his bad parenting

The other big highlight of the episode, though, was Daemon’s trip to the Vale. He was successful in getting Lady Jeyne Arryn to give Rhaenyra money, but then Caraxes senses Sheepstealer nearby and goes to investigate. As a result, Daemon discovers that he was claimed by his own daughter, Rhaena, putting him in an impossible situation. If he spares her, he will be denying his wife justice for her son’s death. But if he brings her in, Rhaenyra will kill her stepdaughter. And it looks like Rhaena is going to spend the rest of her life on the run, thereby making her the Nettles of the show. Which, personally, I’m not a fan of. Nettles was one of my favorite characters from this era in the books, not only because she tamed Sheepstealer through cunning, but at the end of the Dance, she is one of the few people who manages to survive with her dragon. She and Sheepstealer disappear to who knows where, and to the best of our knowledge, they live the rest of their lives freely, however long that may be.

Thankfully, Daemon does have some standards, and he realizes that his neglect of his daughter is what led her to do what she did. Therefore, Jace’s death is on his hands as much it was the Triarchy and Rhaena’s. Though, his decision to kill a random goat-herder and pass him off as Sheepstealer’s rider makes those standards questionable, at best. Rhaenyra buys it for the moment, but I’m convinced that this will not last. When she finds out the truth, this could drive a rift between Rhaenyra and Daemon at the worst possible time, and make her already questionable mental state even worse. But, at least Rhaenyra is doing better than Aegon is.

I Still think Sunfyre is alive

As many of us guessed, Aegon was taking himself and Larys back to Rook’s Rest to find Sunfyre, who was so badly injured that he had to be left there. In the books, Sunfyre does survive the battle, but in the show, everyone keeps saying that he is dead. Sure enough, when Aegon finds the one being in his life that made him happy, Sunfyre isn’t moving. The squatters at Rook’s Rest are all convinced that the dragon’s dead, but Aegon thinks otherwise, and I’m inclined to agree. It’s been months since that fight took place, and it doesn’t look like Sunfyre’s body has started to rot. Then again, we don’t really know how long it takes for a dragon’s corpse to decompose. Case in point, the headless body of Meleys remains where she fell in the castle, and looks largely fine.

This episode continues Aegon’s humiliation, as Larys insists on keeping his identity a secret, especially since Rhaenyra’s declared him dead. He is forced to harvest animal waste for money, and is, understandably, grossed out about it. In addition, when he mouths off about it, the garrison leader forces him to kiss his smelly, stinky boots!

In many other stories, going from being king of an entire nation to being on the run and forced to do work considered beneath him would trigger some character development in Aegon. He would learn humility and other important life lessons that will make him a better person. Sadly, the world of Ice and Fire rarely ever lets this kind of positive development play out. We all know that when this is done, Aegon will have learned nothing!

Tumbleton is gonna Burn!

Tumbleton marks the halfway point of the season, and the war itself. In the weeks to come, it’s likely that we’re going to see the battles of Tumbleton, which go down as one of the worst moments of the Dance of the Dragons. Considering how this war has already seen Aemond manslaughter Luke, the war crimes of Blood and Cheese, and the tragedy of the Gullet, that’s saying something. The worst part for me, though, is knowing that this fight is going to kill some of the few characters on this show that I still consider decent. And I’m going to hate that.

I wonder if there’s a high fantasy series out there that refutes the cynicism of R.R. Martin’s world. Because I am past the point of being fed up with the cynicism.

I Give “Tumbleton” a 3.5/5

House of the Dragon S3 Ep 2 Review

The season three premiere of House of the Dragon managed to start things off on an absolutely crazy note. HBO proved that the time and money they put into the season opener was well spent with The Battle of the Gullet, one of the biggest clashes of the Dance, as this war shall be called. Thanks to the impulsiveness of Rhaena Targaryen, we had to watch as Prince Jacaerys and his dragon were slain by the Triarchy, depriving Rhaenyra of her eldest son and heir to the Iron Throne. And as we know thanks to her descendant, Danaerys, when Targaryens lose the ones they love, they will set the entire realm on fire. And that is what pretty much what happens in this episode as Queen Rhaenyra gets what she wants: she gets the Iron Throne. But I think she’s already questioning if it was worth it or not.

Rhaena is a Dead Woman Walking!

The opening to this episode is a somber one as Baella and Moondancer return to Dragonstone with Jacaerys’ body. Everyone on the island is shocked and horrified by the death of the prince, but the person who is most horrified is, naturally, Rhaenyra herself. Emma D’arcy has proven an oustanding actor as Rhaenyra, as they manage to have the Queen go through multiple stages of grieving in a matter of moments. Seeing her be in initial denial that her son is dead to howling in tears over it is absolutely heartbreaking to watch. It was Jace who chose to fly to what would be his death so he could prove himself a worthy heir, but Rhaenyra still blames herself like any good parent would. That, and she blames the person who rode Sheepstealer. Though she doesn’t know that it was Daemon’s own daughter…yet.

As for Rhaena, she is pretty much a dead woman walking. She defied orders to flee to Pentos so she could claim a dragon. Then she impulsively decided to ride said dragon into battle without any further training, leading to Jace’s death. She knows that Rhaenyra will kill her for this, so rather than let that happen, she flees back to the Vale to hide, though Lady Arryn say she doesn’t want to see her again. I don’t blame her, either. I was happy that Rhaena got her own dragon at last, but what Sheepstealer did only proves the late Viserys point that dragons are too dangerous for man to control. Which sucks, because the dragons are the coolest part of this entire franchise!

The one Silver Lining

The only silver lining to all of this is that Corlys Velayron is still alive. But Driftmark is now in ruins, and it’s likely the Triarchy made off with a lot of his fortune. His house will never be as big as used to be. But at least he has his granddaughter and sons, Addam and Alyn. The latter of whom is now ready to accept Corlys as his dad.

So, with Aegon in the wind and Aemond having flown to capture Harrenhal, Alicent has held up her end of the bargain to Rhaenyra, but it almost gets her r*ped in the process. No, really. Lord Jasper, the Master of Laws, figures out what she’s up to and tries to blackmail her for s*x in exchange. And then we get a very graphic moment where he attempts to r*pe her! I actually thought the show was going to go through with it, but thankfully, Alicent is saved at the last second. Sadly, she and Helaena are unable to escape King’s Landing before Rhaenyra, Daemon, Hugh, and Ulf fly in to capture it.

The Queen Lands

The capture of King’s Landing is incredibly well-executed, in my opinion. The sight of the people panicking as Queen Rhaenyra’s dragons fly overhead is an excellent contrast to how nonchalant they were about in the first episode. Seeing Rhaenyra and Daemon tear through the Red Keep and take it for themselves is an excellent display of assertiveness. And that moment when the City Watch helps them take the city out of loyalty to Daemon? Chef’s kiss. Of course, I think that my favorite scene has to be how Rhaenyra deals with those who tried to deny what was promised to her.

So Long, Otto!

Like Littlefinger centuries later, Otto Hightower is the man responsible for the chaos unfolding in the show. He tried to put his own blood on the throne by selling off his own daughter as a bride. He and his conspirators basically enacted a coup by putting Aegon on the throne against the wishes of Viserys. Otto was a traitor hiding behind a veil of tradition, and it cost him his life. I was happy to see him go, but that joy was muted by the show’s decision to have Rhaenyra execute him herself.

The bloody footprints as she climbed towards the Throne that was promised to her is peak symbolism, in my opinion. It’s a Throne she’s had to win in blood, and the distraught look on her face as Alicent enters the throne room says that she is shocked at what she had to do to get it. But the bloodshed has only just begun.

The season is far from over, and while Rhaenyra can now say she is Queen, she has to hold it while Aegon and his brothers are still on the loose. And holding the Iron Throne is even harder than winning it! Ball’s in your court, Rhaenyra. Let’s see how long you can hold it.

I Give “Queen’s Landing” a 4.5/5

House of the Dragon S3 Ep 1 Review

Remember back when Game of Thrones was in its heyday, and every episode was enough to make the Internet shake? The battles were epic, the betrayals and drama had us on the edge of our seats, and we cared when the characters we liked bit the dust? So many of us were hoping that House of the Dragon would recapture that feeling, but outside of a few key moments, last season was a snooze-fest. For all this talk about a civil war between the Targaryens, there was barely any war involved. But that has now changed. The fight at Rook’s Rest was a good warm-up, but Season Three opened up by giving us the best battle the franchise has seen since the original series! Smoke and salt, fire and blood, the gullet runs red!

So Much to Keep Up With!

It’s been two years or so since we last saw House of the Dragon, so I was a little disappointed to see the new season not open with a recap. Plus, I still don’t know if I like the tapestry intro. It was hard for me to keep track of things on this new tapestry, but that’s just one small gripe.

Given how massive the show’s cast is, there’s a lot of jumping around, with some moments proving to be more important than others. However, the most important aspects of the episode center around a few key plot points. Firstly, Alicent has now decided to sell out the Greens to stop the war that she partially started, offering Rhaenyra King’s Landing in exchange for sparing her and her daughter. Her plans are almost derailed, though, by Aegon’s flight (the irony that he’s captured by Rhaenyra’s supporters is not lost on me), and Aemond now declaring himself King like he always wanted.

Which reminds me. Remember how I said that I respected Aemond more than his older brother, and thought that he at least had the potential to be a king? What respect I did have for him is largely gone now, and it all has to do with that one scene with him and his mother. I know that incest is common in the Targaryens, but kissing your own mother? Somehow, that feels even worse than kissing your sister! What the heck were the writers thinking with that? Furthermore, it feels like Alicent’s attempts to trick her son out of King’s Landing were way too telegraphed! Aemond should be smart enough to realize his mom was up to something, but no! He falls for it hook, line, and sinker.

I know the show is trying to follow the established history, but come on. The writers can do better!

Speaking of doing better, we have one of the moments that I wanted to see only for it to get rushed: Rhaena and Sheepstealer.

Sheepstealer Didn’t Disappoint…but his Rider did

I was excited when the season two finale gave us a look at Sheepstealer, the wild dragon that will come to have a role to play in the Dance of the Dragons, and while I’m sad that his rider from the books was written out, I’m happy to see another dragon. Though I have to admit, Sheepstealer is one ugly-looking SOB! His scales are jagged, his teeth are crooked, and it’s obvious that he’s had a hard life. I guess the dragons the Valyrians raise tend to look much healthier, given how they’re probably well-fed and groomed. Beyond that, though, I didn’t like how quickly Rhaena was able to gain Sheepstealer’s trust onscreen. It should have taken her more than a single episode to win him over, but she does so by eating some of the sheep he cooked? That doesn’t make much sense! In all honesty, it feels like the show was rushing things just so it could get to the real highlight of the episode, the Battle of the Gullet.

Why didn’t we get the Battle of the Gullet in Season Two?!?

This was the kind of battle that we expected to take place in season two. The Battle of the Gullet is the biggest naval battle that we’ve ever seen in the franchise, and HBO clearly went all out on it. The sight of ships being set aflame, the brutal melee combat on the decks, and the sight of dragons flying overhead all made for spectacle that we haven’t seen since the heyday of Game of Thrones. I think that the franchise has improved its combat scenes since then, if this is any indication. I especially appreciated the one on one between Corlys Velaryon’s crew and Admiral Lohar of the Triarchy. That chase between the shallows was nail-biting! And then seeing Corlys lose the will to fight as Driftmark was sacked! Watching his legacy be tarnished while his own ship, the Sea Snake (I’m assuming), died under him is just incredible! Even if he survives the war, House Velayron may never recover what it has lost.

Speaking of which, this battle sees Rhaenyra suffer another devastating loss: her son, Jaceaerys. And the worst part is that it was his decisions that got him killed.

RIP, Jace

I think we all saw the red flags waving when Jace ordered his Mom be kept in her room so she couldn’t join the battle. I know he was trying to keep her safe, but he was depriving himself of another dragon rider in a situation where that was desperately needed. Maybe if she and Syrax had been there, Jace wouldn’t have had to die. Of course, it wasn’t just Jace’s desire to prove himself that did him in. Why Rhaena thought it was a good idea to take Sheepstealer into battle right after she got him to let her ride on his back is beyond me. She wanted a dragon so badly, she forgot the training that goes with it. And now, her cousin’s death is on her hands.

The Battle of the Gullet is nothing short of a bloodbath that neither side can say they won. The only real winners were us, the viewers, who got to see the bodies hit the floor, and it’s only going to get worse. By the time the show’s done, almost everyone on the cast will likely be dead, and the show knows it. Steel yourselves for what’s to come, guys.

I Give “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood” a 5/5

House of the Dragon Episode 10 Review

One hundred-seventy year’s into the future, Danaerys Targaryen gave the slave masters of Astapor a chilling reminder: ‘A dragon is not a slave.’ In context, she was talking about her dragons wouldn’t obey anyone unless they chose to. However, Danaerys had no idea how right she was. The Valyrians may have learned how to tame and ride dragons, but at the end of the day, they’re still a dragon. If they want to do something, not even their riders can stop them. The hubris of thinking otherwise is what leads to the last chance at peace in House Targaryen to finally, tragically, close. Only the war remains.

A Dragon Loses One Child

After her dramatic escape on dragon back at Aegon’s coronation, Rhaenys makes for Dragonstone to deliver the bad news to Rhaenyra. In one fell swoop, her father’s dead and her throne taken out from under her. The shock of what happens sends the pregnant Rhaenyra into premature labor.

Four times now, House of the Dragon decided to display childbirth in all its graphic detail. Besides the gross-out factor, though, this moment serves as a powerful thematic moment for Rhaenyra. Her refusal to rely on her nurses to help her highlights just how proud and defiant she is in adversity. It’s an admirable quality, but just as it leads to the death of her unborn child, it’s a trait that will likely have tragic consequences for Westeros.

By the time she’s recovered from birth and cremated her dead baby, Rhaenyra’s hit emotional rock bottom. It makes her coronation by the few followers she has on Dragonstone a very bittersweet moment, and things only stand to get worse from there.

Before Being Faced With a Choice…

Almost everyone Rhaenyra knows starts arguing that she should go to war for the throne that her father promised her. She may not have the manpower, but she has almost every dragon alive in her possession. Even Rhaenys, who’s spent years opposing her husband’s plays for the Iron Throne (he’s fine, by the way,), is saying she should do it. And when Otto brazenly comes bearing a message from Aegon promising to let her keep Dragonstone and her son’s alive (as hostages), she visibly considers this.

Underneath her fiery will and temper, Rhaenyra’s very much Viserys’ daughter, someone who sees the forest for the trees. She has the foresight to see that a war between the Targaryens could destroy Westeros, and that the dragon’s are little better than magical nukes. They’re great on paper, but when both sides have a dragon, they risk destroying each other. 

Rhaenyra Sees The Bigger Picture…

More importantly, Rhaenyra’s aware of the Song of Ice and Fire and the second coming of the White Walkers. She and her father believe that Westeros needs the Targaryens leading it to prevent armageddon. We have the benefit of knowing they’re right, but no one else does. Thus, what we see as foresight, other see as foolishness. Even Daemon, Rhaenyra’s husband, knows nothing of this future due to Viserys not telling him. For all his skill, Daemon’s as shortsighted as the majority of the Targaryens, urging Rhaenyra to fight despite the risks.

This is one of the great tragedies of House of the Dragon, in my opinion. There are so many chances to avoid war, and everyone keeps making the wrong decisions. It’s tempting to imagine what could’ve been had Rhaenyra accepted the Greens offer. House Targaryen might have stayed in power, the dragons could be booming, and a united Westeros would’ve fought the Night King. Alas, tis but a fantasy. And House Targaryen proves to be the architects of its own downfall.

…Before Losing Another Child to Another Dragon

A dragon is not a slave. This was something that Danaerys Targaryen, one of the last of her family, deeply understood. She saw firsthand that, while powerful, dragons couldn’t win wars or do whatever she wanted. They were their own beings with their own wants and needs, and there was only so uch humans could do to keep them under control. Tragically, the children of Rhaenyra and Alicent learn this the hard way as they herald the start of the Dance of Dragons. 

As Luke and Jace leave Dragonstone to find allies for the coming war, Jace travels to Storm’s End on his dragon, Arrax. However, not only is he turned away by Lord Baratheon, but none other than Aemond Targaryen is there, having already won the Baratheon’s over. And he hasn’t forgotten how Luke took his eye.

In the books, what happens was very much deliberate on Aemond’s part, with the One-Eyed Targaryen chasing Luke on Vhagar. The show opts for a different approach, one that hammers home the idea that the Targaryens thinking they control dragons leads to their downfall. This was the result.

Aemond’s face says it all; he was trying to scare Luke. However, he overestimated his ability to control his dragon, just like how he underestimated Vhagar’s ability to think for herself. Luke failed to keep Arrax calm, causing him to give up their best chance of survival. Both boys failed to handle their dragon’s and paid the greatest price possible.

And with that, the final chance at peace is lost—the end of the dragon approaches. And there’s nothing Rhaenyra or Alicent can do to stop it. 

Let the War Begin

Wow, what a season. After the disaster that was the last season of Game of Thrones, I was ready to say goodbye to Westeros altogether. I didn’t think Martin would finish his books before he died (he’s in his 70s!) But then, HBO managed to pull out this gem. Now, everyone’s fallen in love with Westeros all over again. 

This first season of House of the Dragon managed to span two decades but rarely if ever, lost its pacing. It told a story of a family torn apart by power, greed, and hubris. Now that all the pieces are in place, all that’s left is to see everyone die. My only regret is that the dragon’s will die along with the Targaryens. That, and we’ll have to wait two years for the next season.

Also, the sight of the table at Dragonstone being lit up by candles is so cool to look at!

I Give “The Black Queen” a 4/5

House of the Dragon Episode 9 Review

I swore I wouldn’t take sides in this show. I swore that I would remain neutral in all of this. But Otto Hightower, you are poison.

King Viserys is dead. Now it’s left for the living to pick up the pieces. Or rather, for the circling vultures to come and feast on the carcass. And, much to Alicent Hightower’s shock, the vultures have been waiting for a long time for Viserys to rot.

In a moment meant to separate Alicent from the level of self-serving attitude of her father, most of the Small Council’s revealed to on Otto’s payroll. Alicent’s misguided beliefs of Viserys’ last wish merely gives them an excuse for something they were already going to do. First order of business: purge King’s Landing of Rhaenyra’s supporters, either with imprisonment…or execution.

To her credit, Alicent’s rightly horrified to learn what her father’s done behind her back. More so when Otto all but states he plans to assassinate Rhaenyra and her family. It shows that despite the hatred, a part of Alicent still cares about Rhaenyra. However, this episode also exposes how naive she’s truly been throughout the first season. It also gives voice to what’s probably Alicent’s greatest flaw.

Alicent Hightower Sucks

It’s said best by Rhaenys Targaryen, whose locked under guard by Otto’s men. When Alicent comes to visit the Princess to get her on their side, the former admits the latter should’ve been Queen. This segues into Rhaenys verbally chewing out Alicent for what’s wrong with her. What Rhaenys says is short, but it encapsulates just what it is about Alicent that sucks.

All her life, Alicent’s been a pawn for her father to maneuver in the great game. And even after reaching the point where she’s become aware of her pawn status, Alicent continues to let herself be treated as such when she’s capable of so much more. The fact that the most ambition she shows is to be the guiding influence behind the Iron Throne says it all. She wants to be free, but unlike Rhaenyra, she’s too afraid to act. So she resents her former friend since she can live the life she wants. Now, all I feel towards Alicent is pity.

Especially after what we saw Larys Strong…cringe.

Even Aegon Knows He Sucks!

Then we have Aegon. He’s a man who, were he not royalty, would belong in jail or the gutter. All he does every day is get drunk and sire illegitimate children with other women, whether they want it or not. In other words, he’s not the kind of person that should be king of anything.

The irony here is that Aegon knows that he’s not meant to be king. When he’s finally found in the Great Sept, he admits to the parties feuding over him that he shouldn’t be king. For all his faults, he’s well aware that he’d suck at the job. He even says that he’d rather board a boat and never come back.

No one cares, though. Despite everyone knowing that he’s not fit to lead, Otto Hightower and his cohorts want him as king anyway so they can control Westeros. Because that’s what it comes down to: power. That’s why Otto fears Rhaenyra so much. She’s a woman they cannot control and thus don’t want around. But as Game of Thrones showed us time and again, don’t underestimate a woman.

Don’t Mess With the Dragon, Otto

The episode’s climax comes with Aegon’s coronation at the Dragonpit with all of King’s Landing watching. Then, Rhaenys (who escaped thanks to a defecting Kingsguard) bursts through the floor on her dragon, killing dozens and causing chaos. She has the Greens dead to rights…and she lets them go. Simply escapes to Dragonstone.

Rhaenys’ message is clear: the Greens only live because she let them. That’s the kind of authority that Danaerys will exert centuries later. That said, she refuses to slay her kin, which is a huge mistake in this case. She could’ve ended the Dance of Dragons before it started. Or at least killed Otto Hightower and the main ringleaders. Instead, she kills innocents and leaves. Bad decision.

Game of Thrones did use the penultimate episode of each season to bring out the big guns. From the look of things, House of the Dragon seems ready to continue that tradition. Given the preview for the season finale, though, that could end up being proven wrong. Regardless, though, the long-brewing storm of the dragons is going to break. Expect a lot of characters to die before things blow over, because I know I am! Otto Hightower shall reap the seeds he has sown before the series ends!

I Give “Green Council” a 4/5

House of the Dragon Episode 8 Review

Well, we all knew this day was coming. It would happen before the first season ended, no less. However, knowing that it was coming didn’t make it any easier for us to watch. Especially since this moment would doom almost everyone in the cast to what will come next, this week on House of the Dragon, King Viserys breathes his last. It’s the beginning of the long end of House Targaryen.

The Driftmark Affair

After yet another time skip (the last, I hope), the episode opens up on Driftmark in a succession crisis. Corlys was badly injured fighting in the Stepstones (again), and his survival remains doubtful. Thus, his brother Vaemond’s trying to press his claim to the lordship of House Velaryon since it’s obvious that Rhaenyra’s kids aren’t Laenor’s. While Corlys seemed aware of this, he ignored it, preferring to let House Velaryon live in name if not in blood. In the end, House Velaryon decides to take the issue to King’s Landing, now firmly a Hightower stronghold.

Side note, I never read the books, but I know that Corlys Velaryon made it to the end of what’s to come and was a major player in the Dance of the Dragons. While his fate’s unknown, his death would be a major change of events with massive consequences. Hearing about this, Rhaenyra’s family heads to King’s Landing to head Vaemond off, since if he wins, it could cost her the Iron Throne.

Aegon the Elder Belongs in Jail

I wasn’t joking when I said King’s Landing is under Hightower control. Otto and Alicent have redecorated to focus on the Faith of the Seven, and stacked the court with their loyalists. Worse, Alicent has gotten even more paranoid. Though given how her firstborn son is a rapist, she has every right to be.

I’m being serious here. In a series filled with plenty of dark moments, one of the darkest might be learning that Aegon forced himself onto a poor servant girl. And he considers it to be harmless fun. I could spend an entire post listing all the reasons why this is messed, but the bottom line is that if Aegon weren’t a Prince, he’d be thrown in the cells. Alicent’s ready to disown him, she’s so beside herself. The message is clear: Aegon as King is a bad idea. 

King Viserys: Too Good for This World

However, the most surprising part of the episode is what we see of King Viserys…or what’s left of him. Already in poor health at Driftmark, Viserys has become little more than a living corpse. His body’s covered in sores, his hair’s gone, and he’s missing an eye! He looks absolutely horrible…and it makes it even harder to see what’s become of him. It also hit…really close to home.

A few years back, an older relative of mine passed away in the hospital while we were visiting them. While they looked nothing like how King Viserys does, the sight of seeing someone that you’ve known all your life, that you see so full of life, hooked up to machines and tubes, is heart-wrenching to see. That’s how I felt when watching Viserys. The curse of the Iron Throne led him to this state!

In essence, this whole episode painted King Viserys’ entire life as this great tragedy. All Viserys ever wanted to do was protect his Kingdom and make others happy. As a result, others took advantage of his good nature to manipulate him for power and create discord. And even now, when he’s in so much pain that he can barely move, he still tries to keep his family together! The sight of Viserys limping toward the Iron Throne was a brilliant example of how far he’s fallen, and how determined he is to keep his family together. 

I swear to God, if Paddy Considine doesnt win an Emmy next year, I’m going to be so pissed.

A Last Hope Snuffed Out

In the end, it seems like Viserys determination to keep his family together might have worked. Some negotiation between Rhaenyra and Rhaenys has her eldest sons promised to her granddaughters, ensuring Velaryon would survive in blood and name. Vaemond suffers from death by Daemon in the process, though. Daemon is such a badass!

In addition, Viserys organizes a family dinner for both sides, and, despite everything, Rhaenyra and Alicent find that they still have things in common. Rhaenyra thought that Alicent was exaggerating how hard it was looking after her father, but seeing King Viserys’ made her realize that she wasn’t. It was that hard for Alicent. So Rhaenyra genuinely thanks her former friend for what she gave up. And for a brief moment, it looks like both sides can reconcile. Which is why what happens next made my heart sink like a stone. 

Firstly, the animosity between the kids still leads them to come to blows, a result of the hate their parents encouraged in them. Rhaenyra ends up deciding to take her kids back to Dragonstone as the dinner ends with her and Alicent seemingly parting on good terms. They don’t know it, but this proves to be a tragic decision could doom them all.

As the episode ends, King Viserys lies on his deathbed in the dark, alone. No family to be found. With his final breath, he speaks of the Song of Ice and Fire and Aegon’s dream and how he believes in it. There’s just one problem: he thinks he’s talking to Rhaenyra. In reality, it’s Alicent who hears his last words. And she ignorantly thinks he’s talking about making Aegon king. Without even realizing it, Viserys destroyed his family as he died.

The Storm Breaks

The King is dead. Long live the King.

I don’t blame Viserys for what’s happened beyond the death of his wife; at least, not entirely. Viserys was a man who saw the forest for the trees. While everyone else schemed for power, Viserys knew the evil from beyond the Wall would come, and the blood of Aegon would have to face it. Ultimately, Viserys was vindicated. It would Rhaenyra’s descendants in Daenaerys Targaryen and Jon Snow that would rally Westeros against the Night King. It was Aegon’s dagger that Arya used to kill the Night King. In the time of House of the Dragon, though, most of the players will die.

I promised I wouldn’t hate or get attached to any characters in this show, but after seeing the preview for next week’s episode, I feel my anger rising. Alicent, you just doomed everyone. 

King Viserys is dead, and the storm will break next week. The dragons shall begin to dance, and it will tear Westeros apart. Man, this was such a good episode. Kept me glued from start to finish!

I Give “Lord of the Tides” a 4.8/5

House of the Dragon Episode 7 Reivew

House of the Dragon had no right to go as hard as it just did with its seventh episode. Yet it did, and thank goodness it did so, because this show’s bringing us all the drama and heartache of Game of Thrones at its height. As the Targaryen’s and Velaryons reunite at Driftmark for Laena’s funeral, everyone does something that could spell doom for all, especially Aemond. The Dragons start to bring talons out and readying their fire. Worse, Alicent and Rhaenyra both do things that, in my opinion, cross the line. 

Or, maybe it was just Alicent, given how the episode ends.

MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD. 

Daemon+Rhaenyra. A Match Made in Fire

Following Laena Velaryon’s decision to commit death by dragonfire, House Velaryon and House Targaryen convenes at Driftmark for the funeral. For some, the grief of losing a loved one should unite everyone together. However, not even Laena’s death can stop the dragons from fighting each other.

Firstly, the funeral brings Daemon and Rhaenyra together for the first time in years. They’ve both lost the other parent to their children in a short span of time, both to fire. And, much to the joy of their shippers, the spark between them hasn’t been lost after all these years. Thus, despite Rhaenyra being wed to Laenor, they do what they couldn’t in the brothel in King’s Landing years ago.

That’s strike one, but that’s nothing compared to the big highlight of the episode, and it all starts with dragons.

Aemond Goes Full Gangster

As established last episode, Aemond’s the only one of his siblings that doesn’t have a dragon yet. Thus, Aegon and the others mock him endlessly for it. Not helping the fact is that all the adults in his life keep saying he’ll get a dragon but don’t follow through. In this episode, Aemond decides he’s tired of waiting and taking matters into his own hands. So, he bonds himself to the biggest dragon alive, Vhagar.

As much as I refuse to become emotionally attached to the cast this time around, I have to admit, this whole scene with Aemond and Vhagar was multiple levels of badass. The Heavy Spoilers channel pointed out how Aemond’s actions and decisiveness contrast with how foolish and unsuitable his Aegon would be as King. Aegon got his dragon because he was entitled to it. Like Daenerys and Jon Snow do centuries later, though, Aemond earned his power. Seeing the boy ride atop Vhagar so easily, I almost thought that Aemond should be King were Rhaenyra not in line. Respect, Aemond.

Too bad his actions lead to the rift between the dragons growing further. 

The Dragons Bare Their Fangs

The kids all wake up to discover what Aemond did, and Laena’s daughters are furious that Aemond took Vhagar from them, even though he rightly points out they should’ve claimed her first. Then, tensions boil oil when Aemond calls Luke and Jace bastards. A fight breaks out, and, in the process, Luke blinds Aemond’s left eye. 

All hell breaks loose from this point. Both sides start throwing insults and accusations at each other. Alicent tries to cut out Jace’s eye in front of everyone, crossing a huge moral line. And all the while, Viserys tries so hard to avoid the obvious truth. Rhaenyra’s children are considered bastards. His family is at each other’s throats. The dragons will tear each other apart, and he’s too kind to stop them. 

Viserys is, by no means, a fool. He’s a good man who wants the best for his family and Westeros. He, like his grandfather, sees the folly of fighting over the Iron Throne. However, that wisdom seems lost on everyone. They’re already drawing battle lines. Anyone smart would bail now while they still have the chance.

Laenor Wins Happy Ending…For Now

Someone ends up doing just that: Laenor Velaryon.

Rhaenyra knows that her husband’s a liability. He’s failed to keep up appearances, spending his time with other men than his own family. In all fairness, it’s not for lack of trying. He tried to have a child with Rhaenyra, but he just couldn’t. His grief over losing his first love is too great. Thus, Rhaenyra does what she sees as necessary: she and Daemon take Laenor out of the game.

At first, I thought that Rhaenyra and Daemon had Laenor murdered. That was what happened in the books, after all. His boyfriend, Ser Qarl, killed him in a jealous rage. However, it wasn’t until later that I realized what really happened.

Laenor did what few people in the Game of Thrones can do: he left the game with his life intact. While I can’t approve of him faking his death and leaving his parents to think he’s dead, I also understand why he did it. He wasn’t fit for the game and he and Rhaenyra knew it. So he did what Rhaenyra and Ser Criston should’ve done years ago: he walked away from it. Smartest move anyone’s done on the show. As for Rhaenyra and Daemon, they tie the knot.

Three episodes remain in the first season, but I don’t know how they will top this. “Driftmark” was easily the best episode of the series thus far, and I cannot wait to see what happens as we get closer to the war we all know is coming. The dragons are drawing battle lines, and before the dust settles, people will start dropping like flies—what a waste of life. 

I Give “Driftmark” a 4.5/5. Loses Points Because they Repeated Mistake from “The Long Night”

House of the Dragon S1 Ep 2 Review

If you’ve seen Game of Thrones (or read a book on Medieval Europe), you’ll know there’s one constant. That constant being that the elites would rather have a man ruling than a woman. Not many women broke that glass ceiling in the days of old, and that number’s even fewer in Westeros. Fans remember how paranoid Daenerys became when she learned Jon Snow was a Targaryen, which helped lead to her fall. She had good reason to be paranoid, as she likely knew what her ancestor, Rhaenyra, dealt with in her time. As we see in the second episode of HOTD, that disrespect continues when King Viserys makes the biggest mistake of his life. 

Also, click here if you want to see my thoughts on the new intro.

Where’s Rhaenyra’s Respect?

So, six months have passed since the death of the Queen and Viserys decided to name Rhaenyra his heir. In a nicer world, that would be the end of matters. Since this is Westeros, though, it’s not, as the Small Council keeps pressuing King Viserys to take a new wife. They argue (as does Viserys later to his daughter) that this is so that their bloodline isn’t in danger of extinction. However, their motives couldn’t be more obvious. They still want the King to have a son who can inherit the Iron Throne in place of Rhaenyra. 

Much like most of Medieval Earth, Westeros remains stuck in this sexist mindset. They think that being a good ruler means being a man. Or, as Rhaenys tells her relative:

More than anything, the show hammers home that this mindset is a big part of the reason why things will go south for House Targaryen. Much of the Small Council ignores Rhaenyra and her sound advice. While using Dragons to intimidate the Free Cities of Essos might be a bit excessive, it’s an effective tactic, and Rhaenyra’s right to suggest it. Instead, she’s brushed off as the Small Council keeps scheming to manipulate King Viserys to take a new wife. 

Marriage in Westeros Stinks!

Since child-marriage laws don’t exist in Westeros, one candidate is Laena Velaryon. Like the Targaryen’s, the Velaryon’s are one of the few survivors from Old Valyria, so the match seems perfect. Except she’s twelve in the show. Even King Viserys isn’t comfortable with that. However, who he ends up choosing ends up sealing the fates of everyone involved in this era.

Meanwhile, Daemon’s squatting on Dragonstone and refuses to move out, despite his brother’s pleas and the Small Council’s demands. Things come to a head when he flat-out steals a dragon egg and says he’s going to take a second wife himself, purely to anger the people at King’s Landing. It works, too. Otto Hightower goes to confront him and demands he leave while giving back the egg.

Rhaenyra Has More Stones Than Most Men

How did it not occur to him that would be a bad idea, since Daemon has his own dragon, Caraxes? His stupidity almost gets him killed…until Rhaenyra pulls up and gets things done.

In one move that demonstrates that she deserves the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra makes her uncle back down by calling his bluff. He doesn’t act like it, but he does love his family; or at least his niece. Thus, he goes to vacate Dragonstone, and returns the egg.

What does Daenerys get for acting decisively? No recognition beyond a reprimand from her concerned father. While King Viserys has the right to scold her, he should also praise her for defusing the mess his Hand caused. Later, it doesn’t even appear that Otto feels grateful as he continues his schemes for power.

The Sound of Doom For All

And they work. King Viserys announces that he’s going to wed Otto’s daughter and Rhaenyra’s best friend, Alicent. It’s a move no one besides the Hightower’s are happy over. Corlys Velaryon, his master of ships and relative by marriage, walks out on the Small Council and decides to team up with Daemon to head to the Stepstones and clear out the pirates there.

So, by the end of this, King Viserys has let the Game of Thrones make him make what viewers know is a terrible mistake. By remarrying, he will have to have more children. And since one of them will be a son, that will put Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne in question. He’s undermining his own family’s power. 

The seeds are already sewn, though. The House of the Dragon’s going to go through its greatest crisis ever. And if you know the history of Westeros, then you know that it won’t end well for anyone. So, good going, King Viserys.

This is why I’m not trying to get attached to anyone in this show. 

I Give “The Rogue Prince” a 4/5