#and i was reminded how much i LOVE the scene where laena and daemon show off to the magister

[darklinaforever]

What do you think about the fact that Aegon was shown to be a rather loving father and kind king in the first episode?

From what little I've seen, he just seems interested in his son because... well he's a son. Nothing more. Not to mention being his heir.

He seems to not care enough about his daughter.

And this even if fans of Aegon II try to exaggerate his gesture like "oh it's so cute he checks his daughter without touching her so as not to disturb her, and probably also because she doesn't like touching him like his mother", whereas... he just checked if it was his son because he can't tell the difference seeing his daughter from behind (although she has a pretty specific hairstyle that might help his guess...).

Also I've seen a lot of defender Aegon II in mode, no one can be sure whose back child is, but the fact is that he didn't pay any attention to the girl when he saw that it was a girl (and also... believe me, I have seen mothers with their children among other children who looked like theirs and even from behind they could generally recognize them... even if they are girl and a boy twins).

And others actually say that "oh it's adorable Aegon II is able to tell the difference between his children !!!" Once he saw the kid face to face ? Because once again, he quickly checked which of the two children it was ? So how is he capable of making a real difference between his son and his daughter if he has to see them face to face to do that ? You know, most parents know how to differentiate their children from the front, even if they are twins... What it so like it's some kind of feat for some people ? WTF ?

Then like I said, once he saw that it wasn't his son, he didn't really seem care about this kid.

(And people still try to say that this scene and the one with the boy is proof of Aegon II being a real good father to Daemon... Daemon who at least showed interest in his daughters by learning the high Valyrian to Baela, saying that Pentos was his and his /children - so his daughters' - home, and that he collapsed on the beach when baby Visenya died, not to mention that he was visibly excited by the birth of his children, whether with Laena or Rhaenyra. That he actively defends his step sons alongside Rhaenyra. And that in addition to seeming proud to present Aegon III and Viserys II, he had a real gesture of affection for Viserys II, running his hand through his hair and trying to console him when he cried, but hey... I guess it's all worth absolutely nothing !)

And besides, he doesn't even know where his son is now. Like his son is having lessons and he doesn't even know it ? WTF ?

Not to mention the looks the servants give each other when Aegon II is there ? They are clearly afraid of him ?

So basically what this scene shows is that Aegon II can't tell the difference between his son and daughter from behind, even though they have relatively different hairstyles.

That once he realizes that it is not his son once he has seen her face he shows no interest in his daughter and is only interested in his son, of whom he ultimately does not even know not only the latter has lessons, things that are nevertheless elementary.

(Besides, people who think it's a great sign of love that Aegon II can tell the difference between twins may simply not think it's because he's so much more interested by the boy that he can actually tell him apart from the girl from the front ?)

He doesn't understand Helaena, and the maids are obviously afraid of him !

Oh yes, what a wonderful father, brother / husband (I also remember that he said Helaena was an idiot in season 1) and individual !

So sorry, but the whole nonsense that Aegon II is a loving father will still be bullshit to me.

He's clearly still the same disgusting person in my eyes and that won't change.

As a reminder that Alicent has plenty of moments where she seems / or try to be tender with her children, and that doesn't stop her from being a horrible and hypocritical mother to them. (While for Daemon, I remind you that we have no canonical proof in the show that he is really a bad father. On the contrary he seems completely correct, despite Rhaena's words, and all the cut scenes or the script original supports this, and so the word of Laena about Daemon trying to do his best. Aegon II and Alicent, on the other hand, in addition to their canonically horrible behavior towards their children unlike Daemon who does not have this kind of behavior, well they have nothing positive in relation to the relationship they have with their children add in the scrips to counterbalance all this for example...)

Sorry not sorry.

And as for being a kind king, I haven't seen the whole episode yet, just parts for now. I'm waiting to finally see it in full before giving a real opinion on it (if I have the courage... because normally I had planned to wait until the end of season 2 to watch the episodes in full). But I'm willing to bet I won't feel that way either.

[nrilliree]

https://www.tumblr.com/lilyofthevalley-11/752593702109724672/the-fact-that-aegon-didnt-want-to-get-married-to?source=share

WTF ?! But do you people realize that this has no support ?!

This so-called “good father” was ready to abandon his children in episode 9 of season 1! He raped the servant who was supposed to dress them in episode 8, I remind you ! He doesn't even have any fucking scenes with them ! Nor any dialogue related to them !

Daemon, the so-called bad father, only remembers the testimony of one of his daughters (Rhaena) feeling bad about herself and unsure of herself. Aside from that, Laena says that Daemon is doing his best in the same episode where Rhaena is upset that Daemon is ignoring her. In episode 7 Daemon says that Pentos is his and his children's home, so Rhaena includes. She was also briefly seen glancing towards where her daughters were in episode 7 when everyone was gathered for Aemond's lost eye. She was seen making Baela study the Valyrian top with the latter kissing her on the cheek. It is known that Daemon maintained a correspondence with her when she was there ward of Rhaenys. Rhaena doesn't seem at all unhappy with Daemyra and her half-brothers. Daemon also defends alongside Rhaenyra the legacy of Jace and Luke, without forgetting the fact that he seems proud to present Aegon III and Viserys II. Viserys II whose hair Daemon stroked and tried to console when he cried. He also seemed to love his unborn baby with Laena and just as much the one with Rhaenyra AKA our little Visenya. So sorry, there's way more canon proof that Daemon is a good father than Aegon II in HOTD in season 1. Not to mention the cut scenes and the original script at this point too.

Nothing in Season 1 of HOTD suggested that Aegon II was a good father in any way. And this even with potential cut scenes or the original script.

Good god, we're talking about a guy who likes to watch his illegitimate children fight in an arena (book and show) and who was ready to flee far from Westeros leaving his legitimate children behind without any qualms ! How the hell could he be a better father than Daemon ?!

Daemon who in addition in the book is listed as a good father without any problem with his children, unlike the inventions of HOTD which unnecessarily complicated his relationships with his children, more particularly Rhaena (and this for an additional reason inconsistent with the character of Daemon and the rules of the GRRM universe in relation to dragons) ! But even though in HOTD Daemon's relationship with his children is portrayed as having problems, it is not horrible at all, contrary to what the antis like to say.

Aegon II once again on the other hand has nothing on his side in positive terms in relation to his children. Whether in the HOTD canon, the cut scenes or the original script. And this is even less the case in the original text without which HOTD would not even exist, namely the book Fire and Blood.

Essentially, if Aegon II turns out to be a good father in HOTD Season 2, or at least the writers attempted to portray him as such... well it's still a crappy adaptation compared to Fire and Blood. In fact it's downright fanfiction at this point. But on top of that it's a retcoon of season 1.

Not to mention yet another proof of the pro-greens bias of the writers. No because you have to explain to me how it is not pro greens favoritism to make AEGON II - Mr. Rapist, pedophile, alcoholic, who likes to watch children, including his own being illegitimate, fight in an arena for survive - a so-called good father in their adaptation. And alongside, making their HOTD adaptation stormy, parent / child relationships which had nothing of the sort for Daemon Targaryen, the gray character of the story in the original story that is Fire and Blood.

What do you call that if not a huge proof of pro greens favoritism ? It's barely a sign at this point !

Now Aegon's fans claim that Aegon knows nothing about his bastards, and that they are definitely not his. It was definitely Daemon (even though he hadn't been in KL for 16 years) who was secretly returning there to breed bastards and thus damage Aegon's opinion ;P

We just have to admit that now it's official that the series is a fan fiction written for TG. I know that it will still be too little for TG and they will still shout that the series favors TB, but this will probably be the fact. I'll just have to watch scenes with dragons that someone will post on YT :P

[daylander1000]

Hi, I've recently discovered your fic and I absolutely love it! I'm currently reading chapter 8 and Aemond's list is such a great idea. He reminds me of Arya, but your version of him is even more interesting and likeable imho. Just one thing, I believe that the bastards born in KL/the Crownlands are called Waters, so the names of Aemond's nephews on the list would be Jacaerys and Lucerys Waters, not Rivers. This is not a criticism or anything, just a tiny detail a nerd like me noticed😅. Anyway, I'm in love with your writing and would like to know what is your opinion on Alicent in HotD. Her interactions and characterization in SWHHW is just what I imagined her to be as a mother, especially to Aemond after the eye loss. As for the show, I mostly liked her characterization until episode 8 and the whole "you'll make a fine queen" thing. After that I had mixed feelings about the route they decided to take with her.

Also, how did you get introduced to Rhaemond? Hints from the show, Tumblr...? It is an interesting ship with a lot of potential, but sadly not as popular as some others, at least not yet. Thanks in advance for your answer and for giving me something good to read:))

Nerds together, strong!

(sorry x1000 for taking so long to respond. Exams are done but I picked up an eyestrain 😒 This was half-answered in my drafts for a week? Very sorry.)

Criticism is fine! It's good! I mean, I would love 100% total praise, but I am honestly amazed that people love this. My ego is well pleased. 😅 Thank you (and everyone) for reading! Like, I would love to say that I write for the simple joy of it, but no. Readers make it worth doing.

I will confess that I didn't research this properly. I went with Harwin Strong > Riverlands > Rivers, but yeah. I've been out of the fandom for a minute and did not think it through. I have to edit this when I'm done so hopefully I remember to fix it. Will make a note.

My view on Alicent... Honestly, I'm almost at a point where I feel like any criticism of any non-Rhaenyra character is unfair because imo the writers aren't actually trying to create characters, they just contort everyone else to fit whichever role they need for Rhaenyra's plot, but okay, pros and cons? What I like versus dislike?

She's too apologetic, for one thing. I like the green dress scene, but it's so rare to see her show some teeth. I get it, that she really doesn't have all that much power, especially after Driftmark when she's watching her husband try to get their son to snitch on her so that he could have her tongue cut out, or have her tried for treason or killed or set aside or whatever Viserys was angling for in that scene, but I still wish she had a more proactive personality. More like Cersei, Catelyn, Margaery, Brienne, etc.

No way is Catelyn being gaslit into apologizing for being angry that Bran got pushed through a window, you know? Cersei might apologize but she'd also probably leave half the city blind by the time she's done getting her vengeance. I wanted some of that.

Half the fandom hates her for wanting Aegon on the throne instead of Rhaenyra and my problem is that she's not doing enough to make that happen. Everyone's living the grimdark life, playing the game of thrones, while she's a high fantasy damsel queen. They make her a sort of 'Trapped In the Wrong Genre'/'Not Built For This' character like Sansa and it's kinda hard to watch tbh.

I mean, she's more of a Good Wife™ than Alicia in the actual show named Good Wife. Rhaenyra wants to put Jace on the throne, and presumably Daemon, the family serial killer, would want to have his own son take the throne, either way, all Alicent's children and grandchildren will have to be killed to fully secure the throne since Westeros plays by Best Claim Wins but also Keep What You Kill rules. Why isn't she leading the charge to prevent that?

From her perspective she has witnessed the destruction of House Velaryon. Laenor, Laena and Vaemond dead, Baela and Rhaena, Daemon's own daughters disinherited and dismissed for Luke, the boy who cut her son's eye out without so much as a slap on the wrist. What does she think is waiting for her children and grandchildren under Queen Rhaenyra, King Daemon and then King Jace and Master of the Tides Luke?

It's not like she doesn't know how Rhaenyra feels about her children. When someone calls for your still bleeding child to be tortured - there's not a lot to misinterpret about that. Fans can be like "No, that happened a whole episode ago. Get over it! She meant to say gently questioned with cookies and tickles! Rhaenyra would never!" but Alicent isn't supposed to be a fan of Rhaenyra in the show.

Post time-skip, she's like “water under the bridge” when only minutes ago they were accusing her of poisoning the king. You cannot "water under the bridge" your enemies throwing you, your father and your children into highway traffic at every opportunity.

It's like they wrote her to be the show's butt-monkey. Daemon and Viserys literally laughing at her when she's just trying to be cordial, Rhaenys of all people gets to give her that "you have failed feminism" speech, Rhaenyra gets her “now they see you" moment...

Not even sure if butt-monkey is the right trope. She might be more of a Chew Toy? I don't understand why they're this determined to make her a permanent victim. With Sansa, there was the sense that she was being punished in a way for getting Ned killed, for being naive, childish, etc... Ned gets punished for his rigidity... People get "punished" in asoiaf world, but it's like Alicent's being punished for "seducing" grown ass Viserys? For not buying in wholesale to her Hightower inferiority and the natural order of Targaryen supremacy?

I don't understand the desire by the writers and the showrunners to keep kicking a character who is down and has never been up.

When you have one opponent being OP, the other one is usually powerful in some other equivalent way. Like superman has physical power but Lex gets social power and genius intellect.

Dr Manhattan is near omniscient/omnipotent but Ozy is smart enough to plan for that.

You would think it's supposed to be Aegon v Rhaenyra because they're both Viserys' Dragonrider children who stand to inherit, but S1 is entirely Alicent v Rhaenyra where Rhaenyra has

physical power in a dragon,

political power in being the named heir and Viserys' clear favorite with Corlys in her pocket,

childbirthing power (5 sons to Laena and Aemma's 0, and Alicent's 1, 2 or 3 depending on how you count it), and

social power with Daemon and Rhaenys killing for her without hesitation (or repercussion). Even Baela who barely knows her eagerly wants to go fight for her.

What does Alicent have to balance it out?

Instead of giving her the cunning tactician card, they make her dependent on Larys the Clubfoot with a Foot Fetish™

God, I'm ranting again.

I hate how Laena was written too, as a "Daemon's trying his best" Good Wife™ but it's hard to think about them as actual characters outside of simply being Rhaenyra's foils so of course I had to fix it up a little in swhhw.😅 It's mostly a fix-it fic for Rhaena, but if I were doing one for Laena or Alicent, I don't think Rhaena and Aemond would have even been born. I'm talking about serious murders from Day 1. 🤣 As soon as Aegon was born, we're going directly into a Queen Regent Single Mom Era and Vhagar is being fed on pedigree prince meat.

I hate HotD with the passion of a thousand sons, but I have a soft spot in my heart for the black characters and the ND/disabled/maimed characters.

Alicent already had my empathy from the beginning. I don't nail pick, but I hair-pull (BFRBs are a bitch) so, it's near impossible for me to be on the side of the Kool Kidz laughing at her, just personally speaking, regardless of how inconsistent/incoherent she's written.

I try to really avoid a lot of the discourse on hotd because of how ableist it is, but you still see so much of it. All the r-words thrown out for Aegon and Helaena, all the eye jokes on Aemond and the idea that Alicent has inferior/disabled children and grandchildren who should be killed... Like, in 2023, it's just sad that this is still a thing, but I'm always going to be team weirdos (endearing).

And being Team Rhaemond... I have a longer post where someone else asked me about it but it generally boils down to Tumblr and AO3. Basically:

The fanart on here... The Aemond fanart and headcanons are hilarious. Rhaena fanart is harder to come by but it exists.

The dinner staredown gifs. I completely misread that scene. I honestly thought Aemond was looking at Rhaena because I thought the kid was Joff. (I am moderately faceblind and I couldn't really tell them apart on first watch). I was also just kinda generally confused by how they were all sitting down to dinner to feast after Vaemond's murder earlier that day.

Rhaena's is painfully underwritten. I've never seen a character more in need of fanfiction than Rhaena.

This pic: (not mine, I just found it on Google but the original has Aegon in it. it's like a fanart "cover" of a real behind the scenes photo of Ewan and Phoebe and Bethany... )

The lack of Daemon-free Laena fics. I went to AO3 looking for Laena fics but I can't read Daemyra. I tried, but I can't and maybe 90% of Laena fics are actually Daemyra fics, so to avoid that I had to filter out daemon and Rhaenyra so I was left with nothing. And then I tried Baela, but they were only Jace x Cregan fics with more Daemyra. And then searching Rhaena led me to Rhaemond, and there were like 20 fics or so and I read them all, and then I came here for more fics but realized that between the Sirius Black tag and the Velaryon Strong!Reader tag and Visenya lives/Daemon's OC daughter that it would be near impossible to get an actual black reader, Velaryon reader, Rhaena, Baela or woc OC fic, and I was like "FFS, how did this fandom get worse? This is 2023!" and I decided on shipping rhaemond out of spite.

[exobrasiloficial]

Things i liked in hotd:

Most of the costumes are much better than the ones in GoT. They gave us vibrant fabrics, weird cuts, funny looking heraldry, everything a medieval setting needs. And dont even make me mention the over the top armors looking straight out of the book pages.

Casting was spot on for all the characters. I thought i wouldnt like matt smith as daemon but he does a good job. Highlights for me were paddy, olivia, emma and ewan.

The dragons' designs are amazing, they all look beautiful and unique and COLORFUL and each has a distinct personality. Overall a huge improvement over GoT's copy paste trio. I especially loved the idea of making different breeds, that was something i wasnt expecting.

Im gonna sound like a broken record, but i cant get over aemond's character design, he just looks so cool. Such a refreshing design for the series. Im glad they embraced the over the topness instead of going the euron route like in GoT.

The emotional core of the story is very good. It was gut wrenching to see rhaenyra and alicent go from loving, to falling out, to almost reconciling and now to deeply resenting each other, all bc of wrong decisions and situations beyond their control.

Things i didnt like:

Alicents costumes are beautiful and i live for the headpieces, but some of the fabrics and styling looked a bit too modern to my tastes, to the point of bothering me. There were a couple of dresses of hers that reminded me of cersei's styling in s6 onwards, which i dont like.

Whats up with the foggy, greyish filter they use? Ngl i much prefered the high contrast and warm lighting of the early seasons of GoT. Also, the extremely dark night scenes where i cant see shit is a HUGE no for me, have they learned nothing from the long night fiasco?

Time jumps. Yeah, ik, everyone dooked on them, but it cant be overlooked. The time frame depicted in eps 6 and 7 SHOULD have lasted longer and not just bc of the amazing kid actors. We needed more time to get used to all the new characters and relationships they presented. I would have loved to see more of the politics of the kingdom now that alicent has not one but 3 sons, as well as the dynamics between all the children and their relationship with the adults. What did rhaenyra feel for her siblings? What did they feel for her? Did rhaenyra have more supporters then? Did the population know of the bastard rumors? We DONT KNOW.

Far too many ignored and rushed characters. Laena, laenor and harwin were used as simple plot devices. Halaena and especially baela and rhaena have very little to no personality and we know nothing about how they feel about the events and other characters. That is a direct problem of the nature of the book being adapted. Asoiaf has many characters, but each serves a purpose and makes an impact. F&B doesnt have characters, it has a bunch of names grrm crampled in there so he could make a dragonrider civil war.

I already mentioned it, but we DID need to see rhaenyra and her siblings properly interact. Some will say the wars in asoiaf can be impersonal, like tywin and robb having the biggest rivalry in the first half of the story and never once sharing a scene, but that doesnt work here. The dance of dragons is a family infighting and the show goes out of its way to portray it as an event caused by human relationships getting in the way of politics and vice versa. We needed to know what the two monarchs fighting for the throne think of each other. Think of stannis and renly, for example.

There are more but i'll have to rewatch to properly talk about them

[callsign-blue]

The dinner scene with Aegon, Aemond, Lucerys and Jacaerys it’s very tense, because there’s still that animosity from six years ago, obviously, but you can still see how Rhaenyra’s children have more maturity, when interacting with their uncles that puts the uncles to shame. Aegon, Aemond have this mentality to project so much hate onto their nephews solely because , for other reasons, Alicent is constantly comparing them in situation and continuously to Rhaenyra’s kids. Those emotions that she is holding in because she is queen, she can’t let these emotions rule her decision making.

I just find it very hypocritical and funny because when she’s in the room with Aegon it’s exactly how she was when she was younger with her father.

(“Think of the shame on your wife, on me. How can you keep carrying on like this,especially on a day like today?” “Why? What is it today?”*slap*)

*silence*

(Sniffles)

“You are no son of mine.”

“I did not ask for this I’ve done everything you’ve asked me to, and i try so…i try so hard, but it will never be enough for you or father.”

It’s very much full circle. Probably very much how Otto was with Alicent in the beginning and now it’s carrying over to Alicent with Aegon. And I can also see a little bit of Daemon in Aemond as much as the kind of rebellious side. I felt like he was also very hesitant to add his father into that too because it is very much all Alicent.

We actually only ever see the Viserys interact with the kids and grandkids, while in a more public setting or even with just immediate family. It was never seen as one on one with the children and so with that you can see that he is choosing to overlook certain aspects and not call attention to it unless it is any involvement with Rhaenyra or her kids. He has her on such a pedestal because she has a constant reminder of his basically true love, Aemma.(which I am referring to an episode 107 where he calls Alicent Aemma by accident in fromt of everyone. And if he could do things again, he would probably, maybe, choose her over the baby. Like how Daemon did with Laena.(Far fetched just hopeful thinking.)

“Final tribute to the health of my nephews: Jace, Luke and Joffrey. Each of them handsome, wise…hmm strong. Come lets us drain our cups to these three… Strong boys”

“I dare you to say that again.”

“Why? ‘Twas only a compliment. Do you not think yourself strong?”

The dinner was very much how last episode was. The tension between the two houses, how it was the blacks versus the greens in the sense of children children acting upon it then the adults. It’s also was very ballsy of Aemond to bring up/mention the fact that both jace and luke in sentence with the emphasis of Strong within it.

Also very much tells you how Helaena is being treated by Aegon. Luke offers to dance with her after she admits that her husband clearly doesn’t want her unless he’s drunk so he shows compassion for her and it shows a little bit about how Alicent has a little bit more sympathy towards her with a hug after her confrontation with Aegon.

Instead of action, it was words that were put to battle.The last episode “Driftmark”, 1x07, we obviously see a shift and change in Aemond. From then on did not want to be pushed around anymore. He is acting more of an air than Aegon is. I bet we will see more of Daemon like tendencies him with the following episodes to come.

I feel as though Alicent does want some peace with Rhaenyra. But if she shows that emotion or swaying of side that the people that were behind her will go behind her back. I think that she truly does not want this at all she could care less about this she would rather leave, then have all this weight of the crown, and who succeeds Viserys by rightfully heir by ceremonial decree (Rhaenyra) or by political view (Aegon the Older). She was a decision by Otto as a distraction for the Viserys. But since he’s literally falling apart and not “right of mind” , truthfully, if he was given the right medicine, he could be of mind than the Maesters they have for him there. I bet they’re just literally giving him medicine so he could be incompetent. 

[whateverthedragonswant]

HotD: 1x06-1x07 Thoughts

I enjoyed these episodes, more than I thought I would to be honest:

I admit, I was leery of the time jump and recasting but I have to say it worked out very well, the new cast is fantastic (and we got to keep Fabian) and it actually really fits where the story is at now I think (besides the time passage)

Alicent, Alicent, Alicent - wow, time has definitely changed her - that one scene with her and Criston walking really shows just how much bitterness (and jealousy) has taken root and been allowed to grow or maybe fester is a better word

Not gonna lie, I was happy for Aemond to get Vhagar (especially after all of the bullying) until what happened and I was reminded that Laena's daughter did not have a dragon either - not to mention, I don't think this will be a good thing for Rhaenyra's family, Otto seemed way too pleased with this development

Aemond in that fight scene and afterwards gave me strong Draco Malfoy vibes - can you imagine?

I kind of rolled my eyes at the Daemon/Rhaenyra scene but I have to say I felt way more comfortable with it happening now that she's a full on adult and she initiated things

My heart still breaks for Alicent and Rhaenyra, but as is reiterated by the show, who we saw in the first 5 episodes is not who they are now, they're no longer those versions of their characters (literally)

While I'm not a Daemyra fan, I am curious to see what will happen now that they married and just what kind of chaos Daemon will unleash against the Hightowers, and in KL when they return; I think that was a very smart move on Rhaenyra's part, no matter how I feel about Daemon; he's that guy if you're going to war, you want him on your side, because you just know he's going to be one hell of a formidable weapon/opponent, especially in the Game

Sorry, but to me, Aegon is such a waste, he's nothing but a spoiled brat and a bully (love the actor though!) - imho Aemond showed more guts and his ability to handle things/play the Game

Alicent is truly giving off some Cersei vibes in that scene where she demands justice for Aemond; I have never been so glad to see Daemon when he prevented Criston from reaching Alicent's side; I also love how no one was going along with what she said, I get it, her kid lost an eye but to say one of Rhaenyra's kids has to do the same...yeah, no; it seemed like everyone else, even Criston and Otto, were looking off to the side thinking 'right now she's being cray cray, I ain't getting caught up in that'

I am so relieved they didn't kill Laenor; had Rhaenyra really okayed that and the murder happened, I would have been so upset with her; I'm glad she let him go live his best life instead (though I feel sad for Rhaenys and Corlys, especially after they just lost Laena)

speaking of Laena, what a badass! I'm sad at what happened to her but I thought she was a remarkable character - one I don't think we got to see too much of unfortunately

Larys needs to go but then again he does make a good villain

I'm about to slap Criston silly if he so much as smirks at or about Rhaenyra one more time - I get why he's bitter but in no way does it excuse this douchebaggery

I'm glad Otto is back but I'm also wishing he wasn't back if that makes sense?

When do we get to see more Caraxes and Syrax action? I loved seeing Vhagar but I need more of the other two as well

Harwin Strong should be renamed Hot Second, because that's literally how long he was in the show though he fathered all three of Rhaenyra's children - I would have liked to see more interaction with Rhaenyra and him, even if for only one more episode

The Inside the Episode for 1x07 was amazing - I loved Emma's honest take on Daemyra (she's so right btw) and Matt's blunt take on Daemon - they really understood the assignment

Loved Miguel directing 1x07 - it showed imho

Should be interesting to see where we go from here. Daemon is now officially back in the Game for the IT, what he always wanted and how he wanted it be. And Alicent, Otto, and his grandsons are standing in Daemon's way.

Interesting indeed.

[iris-sistibly]

The Targ Talk (a review series): House of the Dragon episode 2

[🔥]

Rhaenyra THE BADASS PRINCESS!!! I love how she constantly proves to the men that she's not a little girl whom they could boss around or tell her what to do. If there's one thing she and Dany have in common, it's their badassery (if that's even a word). In addition to that, the highlight of this episode for me is that scene in Dragonstone where Rhaenyra and Syrax appeared. She knew for a fact that her uncle would never hurt her, that's why she was so confident that only she can put an end to that commotion without bloodshed.

Rhaenys real-talking Rhaenyra.

One thing that I love about Daemon Targaryen is that he loves his family. He could have easily killed Rhaenyra, yet he chose not to and gave (tossed) his stolen egg back. Even in the book, he was depicted as someone who is ambitious, stubborn and...well, basically the exact opposite of Viserys I. But he would protect his loved ones and mercilessly kill anyone who dares to harm them, I thought I was gonna hate Daemon, but he is actually one of my favourites in both the show and the book. I can't wait for more scenes between Daemon and Rhaenyra.

Not that I'm surprised with the turn of events in episode 2 but like I said, Alicent "getting close" to Viserys I (based on Mushroom's accounts in the book) actually makes so much sense. In this episode, I felt bad for Alicent. She's being used as a bait or pawn for her father's ambition and she cannot refuse. At this point, everyone agrees that Otto Hightower is the Tywin Lannister of this era. In all fairness, Otto is so good at pretending to be a leal man with good intentions for the realm that no one actually thought that he's just as ambitious and far worse than Daemon (there is nothing worse than a pretentious asshole tbh).

Syrax and Caraxes 💕 I don't need to say anything else. I hope to see Vhagar and Dreamfyre in the future 🙏🙏

The love of Viserys for Rhaenyra, I really like how he considered his daughter's feelings first. I like that he assured her that no one is replacing Aemma in their lives and even if he remarries, nothing's gonna change (but alas, it will).

I also like how Rhaenyra handled the marriage talk. She is a 15-year-old girl who just lost her mother, yet she understood her father's situation. Though her reaction during the announcement scene was...I'd say it's normal, I mean you can't expect her to be happy especially when she had no idea about what was really going on between her dad and bff. She just wasn't ready, that's all.

[Meh]

That scene between Viserys I and Laena Velaryon made me feel so uncomfortable. I know this is a different timeline, incest and child brides/marriages are common especially among royal families and highborns in general, but duuuuude seeing a grown ass man and a child who's barely even a teen was just fucking...no. Even if Corlys Velaryon's proposal made sense, I couldn't blame Viserys for not wanting to marry Laena. Even the thought of young Alicent and the king makes me cringe.

I like the opening, don't get me wrong. It's just that I wish they used the ending theme of episode 1 instead of the original GoT opening theme. To me, the other version screams more of the Targaryen history. The original however, reminds me of the different Houses vying for the Iron Throne. And while basically House of the Dragon still is about that, this show tells the most tragic tale of the Targaryens. IMO, that other version is more fitting for this story.

I was expecting Caraxes to be more intimidating than Drogon, as far as I'm concerned, he's one of the older dragons (his first rider was Aemon Targaryen, son of Jaehaerys I). Sooooo I kinda was expecting him to look more terrifying just like what I imagined how he looked like based on the book, honestly he's kinda cute (even his roar) for his nickname, the blood wyrm.

[al-hekima-art-astro]

House of the Dragon 1x02 (none reader review)

episode 01 review here

It was a very good episode, relatively calm. A classic westeros episode where everyone is scheming against everyone in shadow or plain light. We further explore the different teams and alliances who will confront in near future.

Big disappointment☹️, the opening music was exactly the same than Game of thrones. I would have like something original or at least if they insist on keeping the same theme, but with a new rearrangement. We have a different map however, it seems to represent the old Valyria's capital, and the bloodline linking the targaryen family tree.

I definitely like the family drama tone of House of Dragon. There is something fascinating that any of their disagreements can end up in a major military conflict just because they're the royal family and happen to possess dragons. Daemon is the perfect demonstration of a little brother needing his big brother's attention and creating a political crisis for the sake of provocation. Despise the episode being called The Rogue Prince (Daemon's nickname), the whole theme was around King Viserys' remarriage. And again the actor Paddy Considine confirmed his talent to show a very human side of the king who is force to find a new wife while he hasn't yet mourn his previous one.

Like I said last time, I haven't read Blood and Fire, but I read all Song of Ice and Fire books and by experience a bad choice in spouse always create later mortal consequence (The red wedding). I love how the showrunners present Laena Velaryion as the most logic and wise choice to reconciliate both targaryen lineage but...she is 12! Oh gosh, this scene where she is taking a stroll in the garden with the old king made my skin crawls... In the end he took an other child of 15 years old... which also happened to be his daughter's bestie... Can I point as well how realistic it is? Back in time it was absolutely normal to contract political marriage amongst noble family and children could be promised to marriage way before there puberty to older men.

The whole casting is so good, I have no negative point. My love for Daemon is naturally growing episodes after episodes, he is built to be my future crush but I'm waiting for more bold actions, I want to be impressed and left like...Woow what a man !!! Let's wait &see 👀. Rhaenyra is also still one of my favourite character I just like her straightforward character and she's trying to show leadership quality while no one takes her seriously. Alicent's character is so good she gives me so much anxiety just by watching her own anxiety lol. I can't wait to see what type of queen is she going to be : a Cersei-type? a Sansa-type? Or an Olenna?

I don't know why but Lord Corlys gives me : I'm-gonna-die-pretty-early-in-the-cast-vibe-because-i'm-too-smugly. He's way too head-on in his opposition to the king. But I might be wrong, and I hope I am because his character is very interesting. He sees himself as equal (or even superior) to the Targaryen, except he's not a dragon rider and that's HUGE difference in this show. So we'll see in future how far he'll accomplish his goals.

Last thing I like about targaryen's culture, the fact that they are bilingual. It keeps reminded us, that they are "invaders". They aren't originally native to Westeros. They came with a very distinctive and ancient history back from Old Valyria.

Ok now, we all understand the characters and their opposite interest. It's time to fight ! We are still in the GOT universe after all ! Next episode I'm expecting more battles.😈 Yes, I'm craving for blood, violence and dragons ! Dracarys !

Note : 7/10

episode 3

[nrilliree]

 I didn't see the interviews and all for season 1, but doesn't it seem like Rhaenyra is brought down and I don't know kind of insulted in some of them. It's great the actors are friends but Alicent is genuinely not a good person, show or book. If the show writers wanted a wlw show that bad, why not write an original story.

It's kind of weird, the EW recap interview, saying vaemond is not entirely wrong, blaming Rhaenyra and Daemon for the eye accident, that they were shagging, Alicent is not blamed for anything actually, talking about Laena as an afterthought. Then there was the one interview, where it was said about rhaenyra she just lies. If these are jokes, or meant to be funny, they are not, and are in very poor taste.

 Alicent is pillar of truth? Marrying viserys, meeting him behind her friend’s back, whatever crap she had going on with larys, making aegon king, literal poisoning her kids against rhaenyra. List is endless. The whole EW promo, trailer, alicent holds love for enemy, yeah, right. But showing the trailer rhaenyra questioning daemon, you can bet he will say in show, its because I do see you as my queen and ruler I am doing this, going to harrenhall, that’s the theory I saw that he is going there and rhaenyra doesn’t want him to.

 It is Corlys' inheritance, not his greedy brother’s. His wish, who he wants to make heir. Reminds me of Knives Out, the man gave everything to his nurse and family got upset. But we as viewers weren't defending the family, in HOTD it's the opposite. At least Luceyrs has Velaryon blood if TG fans are being very cruel and horrid. Targs and Velaryons married for generations. Corlys, Viserys, the king, Laenor acknowledge him, not even anyone else cared except for miss alicent and her greens.

Also people celebrating the assumed Daemon cheating scene, uh. Why do people hate Aegon and like Alys when this vile woman very much likely ra**d, enchant Aemond, and it's likely being presumed she is doing the same with Daemon. She is a rapist too like aegon. Would love to see Daemon choking her. Cause she is just bad, it would be deserved instead of the unnecessary daemyra one. I can't stand her character. Would actually make sense with book that Daemon did not fall for her tricks. Not to mention Aemond is already a victim of sexual assault in show, courtesy of aegon.

The way we got Aemond's weepy shot in trailer, he is not gonna force anybody, least of all the wannabe witch, he is 16 according to show. His derogatory remarks about rhaenyra in books, for bastards, he hates them, alys is all of that, way older than rhaenyra or even alicent.

 if he is forcing people, there were other women too there. And she is not good looking, please, not looking your age doesn’t mean a person is good looking, that’s just her fans delusions. Again funny fact, rhaenyra is beautiful, the realm’s delight, but all I see is whining from certain fans about why they didn’t make her fat, being vile about the actors playing rhaenyra who are good looking when alicent’s whole story is opposite of what she is.

Some Hotd fans are  strange. They are like, nah, its good aemond was enchanted, raped cause he is villain. Now the daemon haters are like, oh goody, he’ll be assaulted by alys. Why are they rooting for a rapist? Or maybe it shouldn’t be shocking since people love aegon 2. Ra**st whether a man or woman is a monster in my eyes.

Okay, I'm curious about one thing. How could Daemon be blamed for the eye accident? How? That he didn't force his grieving daughter to try to bond with the dragon that burned her mother alive? I guess that's a good thing after all…? Or that he had sex with Rhaenyra? And if he didn't do it and went to sleep, would he be guilty too? Because he was supposed to stand and plinch Vhagar? Or children? What should Criston do? Or Alicent, because it was her son who escaped to the dragon :P?

And...

"Alicent is pillar of truth"

"Alicent is a pillar of truth"

"ALICENT is a pillar of TRUTH"

I died. I just died. Guys, this is the funniest thing I've read today :D Really. I'm not lying, I choked up when I read this. Please tell me this isn't true and someone didn't say it seriously. I'm begging you.

I'm officially dead.