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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 Ep 5 Review

WHAT. THE HECK. JUST HAPPENED? I knew knives would come out on House of the Dragon, since this is Westeros, but damn. I didn’t expect that to happen so soon! We are now past the point of no return for House Targaryen. In what should be a “joyous” royal wedding, instead becomes a tragedy. And for once, Daemon wasn’t at fault.

No, seriously, Daemon wasn’t at fault this time. 

In the episode’s opening minutes, we get our first look at Daemon’s “bronze bitch,” Rhea Royce. It’s also the last because Daemon kills her.

The books say Rhea died when she fell off her horse. The show takes some creative liberties that would make George RR Martin proud. Daemon tricks Rhea into causing her own fall…and then just kills her. The knives have come out, and Dameon’s taking crap from no one.

A Mutually Beneficial Relationship?

For the players in King’s Landing, though, there’s plenty of crap to go around, especially for Rhaenyra and Set Criston Cole. Rhaenyra heads to Driftmark to meet her betrothed, Ser Laenor Velaryon. On the surface, it seems like an ideal match. Both houses are Valryian, and both have dragons. However, there’s an issue: Laenor’s gay, and Rhaenyra knows it. While the parents discuss inheritance, Rhaenyra and Laenor come to an understanding. They essentially agree that after they do their duty, they’ll have an open relationship. It’s not that bad of a deal, honestly. Unless your Ser Criston Cole.

Poor Ser Criston Got His Heart Broken

Oh, poor Criston. My heart couldn’t help but go out to you just as much as I wanted to slap you across the face. Rhaenyra made him break vows of celibacy as part of the Kingsguard, something he deeply regrets. Being the idealist he is, he gives Rhaenyra an offer: walk away from all this madness. They can leave for Essos, forget everything, and leave the insanity behind. 

Hindsight has never felt more painful than it does here. Because if you know the story, then you know how it will likely end. What Ser Criston’s offering is the best chance Rhaenyra could get for a happy life. If this weren’t Game of Thrones, then maybe Rhaenyra would take that offer. Instead, her sense of duty, pride, and desire for the Iron Throne make her turn him down. And he’s not happy with the idea of sharing Rhaenyra with someone else. 

Again, I feel for Ser Criston. From his perspective, he feels like Rhaenyra just used him for her own amusement. The Lords and Ladies can afford that kind of slip-up, but someone common born like Ser Criston? He tarnished himself as part of the Kingsguard for nothing. It’s painful to watch, especially when he just admits it to Alicent when she lightly prods him. 

Knives Come Out With Blood in the Water

Things come to a head at the feast that’s supposed to mark the start of Rhaenyra and Laenor’s weeklong wedding celebrations. Alicent comes dressed in Hightower green, which is her way of saying to Rhaenyra, “I know what you did. I know you lied to me, and our friendship is over.” 

It gets worse. In the middle of the dancing, Ser Criston lets the guilt and resentment he’s feeling get to him, and he snaps. What happened next was a tragedy that left people horrified and me with my jaw on the floor. Thus, Rhaenyra and Laenor hastily wed in a private ceremony, even while blood lays dripping on the floor as a rat comes by.

So, to recap: two minor characters are dead. Any relationship Alicent and Ser Criston had with Rhaenyra’s damaged beyond repair. And if it’s not clarified, King Viserys won’t live to be old. 

Knives Out, Lines Drawn, Bonds Destroyed

Can someone ring the gong to announce the impending doom for the Targaryen’s? Because, as Princess Rhaenys said this episode, knives will come out. People will fight over who sits on the Iron Throne. All because they can’t accept having a woman as a leader. 

What’s especially tragic about all this is that Rhaenyra had an out. She had the chance to walk away with Ser Criston. They could’ve taken Syrax and left for parts unknown, but pride and duty made her stay. Now she must face the consequences of what comes.

This episode also marks the final appearance of Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhaenyra and Alicent. Starting next episode, they’ll be played by older actresses to signify the big time skip. They both did an amazing job as these two women, and I hope they find success in the future. 

Alright, people, the knives are out. Let’s watch the Dragons tear at each other’s throats!!

I Give “We Light the Way” a 4/5

House of the Dragon S1, Ep 4 Review

Have you ever seen an TV show episode that makes you go ‘uggghhh’? Like, every character makes the wrong decisions and digs deeper into the hole they’re trapped inside? It’s frustrating to watch, especially when you like being straightforward like me. However, Westeros doesn’t care about truth. It cares about the chaos of the Game of Thrones. And, as Littlefinger will say centuries later, chaos is a ladder.

As of this week, most major characters fall down one ring on the ladder of chaos.

Daemon Returns to King’s Landing And Brings Chaos With Him

After crushing the Crabfeeder and the Triarchy pirates, Daemon got crowned King in the Narrow Sea. However, he doesn’t want that title since the Stepstones are worthless rocks. So it’s back to King’s Landing and the arms of his Brother, who forgives him thanks to winning them the Stepstones.

Sadly, he returns at the exact same time that Rhaenyra does. She’s been on a tour at her father’s behest, trying to find a husband. But like a bad Tinder experience, she swiped left on all of them. Even if she didn’t compare them to Daemon so much, though, they weren’t impressive. She’s happier with Daemon back…and even more so when he sneaks him out for a night of fun in King’s Landing.

It’s clear that Dameon’s tone away hasn’t changed his need to cause chaos. And chaos is what follows in his stead.

The Chaos of Daemon Targaryen

When people first heard that Matt Smith would be playing Daemon Targaryen, they panicked, thinking he’d be a bad fit. However, it seems that the chaotic energy he brought as the Doctor serves him well. He’s a perfect fit for Daemon.

Daemon may cause chaos in his family, but he does know what he’s doing a lot of times. Besides serving as a means to give Rhaenyra the freedom she can’t get in the Red Keep, Daemon’s night out’s meant to teach her something important. A few important things, truthfully.

Firstly, the street-play satirizing the issue of succession is meant to be a brutal truth to Rhaenyra. That truth being that even the smallfolk don’t want a woman to be Queen. And if the smallfolk don’t approve, then how can she hope to rule? This is where Daemon has an advantage over the other elite: unlike many of them, he understands the need to be loved and respected by the people. Sadly, Rhaenyra fails to learn that.

It also doesn’t help that the second of Daemon’s lessons takes her to a brothel.

Yes, it’s exactly what you think it is. But, surprisingly, Daemon doesn’t go through with doing that. He leaves at the last second!

Too bad for everyone. The chaos has already spread.

Rhaenyra Takes Charge of Herself…and Causes More Chaos

People who’ve gone through puberty knows that when most teens see others engaged in intimate acts, it’s going to affect their hormones. And getting blue-balled by the man she’s into (Daemon), Rhaenyra’s understandably frustrated. However, what she does next might be just as bad. She…sleeps with Ser Criston Cole.

Viewers would be hard-pressed to deny the romantic chemistry between Rhaenyra and Ser Criston. I saw it from a mile away. However, I didn’t expect her to act on it so soon into the show!

As much as I applaud Rhaenyra for taking charge of her love life, I wish she’d given this some more thought. Because what she does, no surprise, causes more chaos

Otto Hightower Falls Off the Chaos Ladder

From the outset, Otto Hightower’s been hated by viewers. Despite King Viserys trusting him, viewers see him for what he is: the schemer who gave up his daughter to an older man so he could put his grandchild on the Iron Throne. As such, Rhaenyra rightfully despises him, and those feelings only worsen in this episode.

After hearing from spies about where Rhaenyra and Daemon went, Otto wastes no time in bringing slanderous rumors to King Viserys. While we know nothing happened behind making out, Otto doesn’t care. He sees this as the chance to get rid of Rhaenyra he’s been waiting for.

It backfires. Big time. Rhaenyra learns about this from Alicent in a tense confrontation, and while her Dad’s rightfully pissed at her, she uses this to her advantage. As a result, Otto Hightower’s fired as Hand of the King.

It’s the smartest decision that Viserys’ made this far, but sadly, it likely won’t stick. While Rhaenyra, and now her Dad, see him as the threat to order that he is, Otto won’t go quietly. He’ll be back, one way or another.

What Chaos Has Wrought

So, despite finally winning back his brother’s favor, Daemon’s penchant for causing chaos costs him his standing. Again. His plan to force Viserys to let him wed Rhaenyra (and get the Throne) sees him sent back to the Vale.

As for Rhaenyra, she’s forced to fave the consequences of her actions. Her Dad orders her to marry Laenor Velaryon, Lord Corlys son. And take a contraceptive tea. So, despite choosing her first time, Rhaenyra still loses in the end.

Basically, chaos reigns in House Targaryen this week, and everyone’s miserable. Rhaenyra for her lot in life, Daemon for his second exile, Viserys for the headache that is his daughter, and Alicent for being a pawn of her Dad and stuck in a loveless marriage.

Westeros is fun to watch, but it sucks to live in. And, honestly, this was the show’s weakest episode thus far. And I’m not saying that because it relied on sex for drama again. Next week marks the halfway point for the series. They need to keep up the momentum.

I Give “King of the Narrow Sea” a 3.5/5

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