A new KING? House of the dragon Season 2 Ep 5 Review.

[@Empxenu]

Vhagar needing some downtime makes sense, partly becuase it was wounded by Meleys and also because it's really old. A fierce battle would take more out of it than a younger dragon.

[@joshb8302]

If you watch closely in the last episode, Sunfyre rolls at the last second before hitting the ground to protect Aegon from getting crushed under him.

[@MentalParadox]

😪

[@KoshoShinogi]

@@joshb8302 There's only so much damage mitigation that rolling can do for an uncontrolled fall from 10,000 feet

[@afordiam]

​@@KoshoShinogiFacts! If he recovers beyond just being a useless brain-damaged cripple, the stakes in this show will be broken beyond repair. This will just become a marvel movie if he's just fine.

[@Lowkenn_Edits]

@@afordiam well...

[@bailey03]

​@@afordiamYou seem to forget this is a fantasy show. And this is how George RR Martin wrote it.

[@badandy9716]

Thought Cole cleaning his sword would be Shad's favorite scene. Haha!

[@JonnyAugz]

Me too.

[@zebuldevil5499]

I just like how Amond didn’t even need to say anything when they were putting him in as regent.

[@TealWolf26]

It's like Tywin said: Any man who must say "I am the king" is no true king. *cough* Daemon...

[@megarakadmea]

@@TealWolf26 that’s an amazing supplementary quote thank you.

[@TheKillaShow]

Because it was obvious. Why Alicent thought she was gonna be regent made no sense. Aemond is heir and he has literal victories under his belt.

[@frankvandorp9732]

18:06 I think the reason they didn't go to the Freys before to provide passage for the Starks, is Rhaenyra's indecision, her refusal to do anything for several weeks, and her refusal to let Jace leave Dragonstone. Even in this episode, Jace goes there without Rhaenyra's permission.

[@leiana_yt]

This hasn't been several weeks, it's been like 2½, maybe 3½ weeks since Luke died.

[@frankvandorp9732]

@@leiana_yt I don't think that's even possible, considering that Jace got a Raven reporting Luke's death while all the way out on the Wall, and he returned home to Rhaenyra in episode 1 already. No way he can fly that distance in just a few days, even on dragonback.

[@lucasrizor3251]

Deamon’s “flashback” scene wasn’t a flashback. He never knew his mother. That was mentioned later in the episode. These are visions, that the witch is giving him. Which is opposite of the books. Deamon was the one person that the witch didn’t have an affect on.

[@mjbull5156]

The show seems to think thar Daemon knew his mother somewhat. Viserys jibes Daemon in S1 by saying Daemon was their mother's favorite. I presume Alys's comment about Daemon not really knowing his mother was a double entendre on knowing a woman in the biblical sense.

[@bailey03]

​@@mjbull5156Deamon was 3 when she died. Viserys could remember that he was the favorite but he could not.

[@orcocan]

well that's only what the maesters tell us

[@nuralibolataev4474]

Ryan Condal: Malys kills hundreds of people in the pit. Also Condal: "Malys was a beloved Dragon"

[@Kornn66]

Well its not the dragons fault if her rider is and idiot.

[@Twiska]

I've decided just to forget that detail. It wasn't in the books; it was just there to give a very dialogue-heavy episode a climax at the end. It seems like it was a mistake, and the writers want to forget about it as much as I do. There was the writer's strike, too, so I imagine the writers for this season changed. A few plots have been dropped. Remember the end of last season when Daemon sang to Vermathor? He had the idea last season to find riders for the other dragons and even brought it up at the council, but they are making it seem like it was Jace's idea now, and they are acting like it's the first time anyone has brought it up.

[@aliciahauskins7825]

I didn't take it so much that the people loved malyse, but more that they feared/were in awe of her as a God, with her being so powerful and so ancient, being older than any human, and seeing her dead and on display like that made them feel existentially afraid.

[@luisa.acevedo3326]

The last dragon that died in war was Meraxes, and that was a long time ago in Dorne. Nowhere close to Kings Landing, this is the first time they see a dragon die in war.

[@josef-ralfdwerlkotte8333]

People thought those dragons were like gods. So yes

[@TheBrownleader]

I think the "It's just meat" line about parading Meleys head around is foreshadowing something terrible coming... just as Aemond is locking in starving ppl. 😬

[@MentalParadox]

The Targaryen authority comes from the people's fear and reverence of the dragons. The smallfolk literally see these beasts like Gods, and the Targaryens as demigods almost, because they can ride them. Seeing that they can be killed, and that they are in fact "just meat", might foreshadow that people are losing their respect and fear of the Targaryens and their dragon trump card. It might be foreshadowing the eventual fall of their dynasty. Parading that dead dragon for everyone to see was a BIG error in PR.

[@GoogleVideoMan]

The scene with Alicent at the council gave me chills. In that moment when Aemond takes charge, I perceived her experiencing a range of emotions starting with anger, then fear, and finally almost full panic. It was as if she realized that all her decisions up to that point had led to this monster, and now the monster was out of its cage.

[@TheKillaShow]

But the thing is, what has Aemond done in her eyes to be a monster? What has he actually done? And please don’t say Luke. She didn’t care about who Aemond was, she was just mad that she was completely tossed aside for regent. Not one single person or ally she thought she had supported her. So in that moment she realized just how alone she was…again. Not one ally, not even her children.

[@GoogleVideoMan]

@@TheKillaShow “You know what Aemond is?”

[@TheKillaShow]

@@GoogleVideoMan okay and what is that? Say it. A lot of the characters in this show speak as if they are watching the show.

[@GoogleVideoMan]

@@TheKillaShow She knows he’s a psychopath and she’s terrified of him. She just has that motherly sense that her son is not right.

[@nunyabusiness8000]

Vghar is pretty old and was actually wounded by Maelys(got clawed pretty deeply once) so Vghar is definitely weaker right now.

[@orcocan]

yeah i think the point was that vaghar got injured not that a dragon couldnt fight again...

[@Twiska]

I don't think it's just power for Aemond. In season one, Aegon asks him to let him go and offers to let him be king, and Aemond turns him down. He said he thought he could be a better king in season 1 but didn't shirk his duties. I think Aemond really thinks he could be a better king than Aegon and actually wants to win the war. I don't think he ever planned to kill his brother; he was content to let him have the throne in name only, but he just saw his opportunity and took it. I think seeing Aegon fly drunkenly into battle was the last straw for Aemond. Remember, Aegon didn't know about the plan. He just flew in like an idiot without telling anyone. I think he genuinely believes it's his duty to take the throne and save his family before his brother gets them killed.

[@verihimthered2418]

Bro sacrifices a dragon, now the Greens only have 2 operational. 3 officially with the queen. And the blacks can literally attack with force anywhere. Aemond officially lost the advantage and now has to fight a defensive war.

[@Twiska]

@@verihimthered2418 Not saying his logic isn't flawed and that his desire for the throne and power didn't play a part in his decision-making. Just that it wasn't all about power; I think he saw his opportunity and took it while justifying it with the logic that they would have a better chance with him in command rather than Aegon messing up his and Cole's plans. And he probably thinks trading Aegon and Sunfyre for Rhaenys and Meleys was worth it. Especially as he has Vhagar under his command and now the full support of the Green Council, minus his mother.

[@alexanderm8880]

I think the implication is that he put his armor on without padding because he was leaving impulsively and didn't want to be stopped once people noticed he was being armed.

[@mjbull5156]

Which would suggest Aegon does not really understand how armor works as part of a defensive weapon system.

[@TheKillaShow]

@@mjbull5156which is almost adds up with his character if you ignore that he has trained for combat since he was a child. But I suppose his alcoholism impaired his judgment to even that level.

[@Duke_of_Lorraine]

@@alexanderm8880 another issue with plate armour : it's tailor-made for its user. We can assume Aegon the Conqueror's armour didn't fit Aegon II very well, and as it's valyrian steel reworking it would be near impossible.

[@JarinCOD]

@@Duke_of_Lorraine It doesn't fit him though.

[@sackbeatgaming7751]

21:05 The people in that scene were all lower lords who are all under the Brackens in status accusing Daemon to have basically given the Blackwoods a reason to massacre the innocent subjects, women and children of house Bracken. It is also revealed here that Willem Blackwood was proudly wearing the Targaryen banner while doing so, which is basically the opposite of what Daemon wanted, since he didn't want the committed atrocities to be able to be traced back to him. Maybe we will see some vengeance from Daemon next episode, since Willem Blackwood openly slaughtered and kidnapped innocents (and refused Daemon's command to do so not as openly).

[@Twiska]

What happened was that the other riverlords were outraged at Daemon's tactics. So he gained two Riverland houses but made all the others hate him.

[@sarwatarannya8786]

The brackens most definitely hate him too

[@Twiska]

@@sarwatarannya8786 True, but they still capitulated to him because of the hostages. And the Blackwoods were with him from the start. But he has no leverage against the other river lords.

[@Twiska]

I don't think Alicent was sabotaging Aemon. I think she was having a panic attack and wasn't even listening to what was being said.

[@najex1]

In defence of young Rhyneara and her not being studieus. We see her speaking perfect high Valyrian. Which I feel is something that is being equated to being well educated. Like with Aegon barely speaking it and Aemond speaking it very well. So I felt the implication was that young Rhyneara was well educated or just very talented. One or the other.

[@TheKillaShow]

The bigger point is that Rhaenyra was NEVER taught to lead. She wasn’t the heir until she was like 16. Then her brother was born and she was dejected. But even still, if she truly wanted to be heir to be queen and be great she should have taken it upon herself to prepare. And she never did. Ever.

[@CSPaffy]

I'll defend Aegons survival. 1) Sunfyre is shown to have some controll when she falls. Its a crash landing, which is why he breaks so many bones, but it makes sense to me that he would have landed just soft enough to survive. 2) valyrion steal is absolutely magical, which is why westerosis cant reproduce it. 3) while the Targarians arnt fire*proof* like Danny is in the show. Its likely thw case that they have some level of fire resistance, as evident by Danny and Aegg bathing in scolding hot water that burns their servants.

[@aliciahauskins7825]

@@CSPaffy plus Viscerys always holding his hands directly over little fires, and Aemma saying the baby only wanted hot baths, lol.

[@CSPaffy]

@aliciahauskins7825 I guess GRRM does hint that Targarians aren't so easily hurt by fire a lot. I guess that explains why the fiber between skin and armor can burn up while the steal is hardly damaged and the skill is just melted. Eck

[@Twiska]

The Velaryons only had dragons because Rhaenys had one before she married into them, and she wanted one for each of her kids. So three. Meleys, Seasmoke and Vhagar. They have long propagated that you need to be at a quarter Targaryen to ride a dragon. That's why they are adamant about marrying brother to sister. Jace is talking about people from other houses with less than a quarter Targaryen blood. And even full Targs can fail to bond to a dragon and get killed. That is why they don't want to risk Rhaena trying again, as she was almost killed the last time. (Edit: Also, there is a belief that bastards are somehow inherently dishonourable and prone to betrayal. There is some BS about them being born of dishonour. It's not believed by everyone, but it is a significant belief of the Church of the Seven. It's more likely just a concoction to stop bastards from claiming titles and lands from their "true-born" siblings. The point is conservative nobles wouldn't even consider putting bastards on dragons. That's why Alicant said, "I'm surprised their dragons even hatched" about Luke and Jace in season 1. Even if they are half Targaryen, they are still bastards, thus not "real" Targaryen. Her own kids have just as much Targaryan blood as Jace and Luke. After all, she wasn't Targaryen.)

[@aliciahauskins7825]

@@Twiska So was Aemond in episode 6 of season one 😆

[@ΚατερίναΤσιτσιμπίκου]

It's not the Targaryen blood that makes you bond with a dragon, it's valyrian blood in general. A Velaryon or a Volantene of valyrian descend can technically tame a dragon. The Targaryen dragons were the only ones that survived the Doom so people think that only Targaryens can ride dragons, which is not true.

[@Twiska]

@@ΚατερίναΤσιτσιμπίκου That is all true. I was just saying what the Targaryen family has long tried to make Westeros believe. That they alone can control dragons and that only "true born" Targaryens with "strong blood" can do so. And that the only reason House Velaryon was given dragons was because Rhaenys married into them with her dragon and her kids were technically part of the royal family. It was left out of the show, but in the books, there were some that wanted the Throne to pass to Laenor after Jaehaerys died.

[@ΚατερίναΤσιτσιμπίκου]

@@Twiska I know...they cut him to make it look like they didn't want a woman to rule (well, in the books the female line is rejected too). Anyway, regarding the Velaryons, theTargaryens are in for a big surprise.....

[@TheKillaShow]

There’s also a theory that Targs are lying and you don’t need a single drop of blood to tame a dragon. I tend to believe that line. It’s propaganda to keep their house strong.

[@Duke_of_Lorraine]

It's strange they didn't mention the idea of bringing Otto Hightower back as a regent, but being already on his way to Oldtown for quite some time, he wouldn't be back in King's Landing for a while.

[@Broomtwo]

I was thinking the same thing, I would have thought it would have at least been considered, but then again Criston Cole and Aemond have massive egos and probably wouldn't want to give up power to a figure as imposing as Otto. Plus as you say, him traveling to Oldtown causes a bit of a logistical issue of him getting back to King's Landing. I could be wrong, but I think the timespan of the show since Viserys' death has only been a few weeks or month or two, so Otto is very likely just still traveling

[@Duke_of_Lorraine]

@@Broomtwo as we haven't seen anything in the Reach yet, yes he's still on the road. It's much longer than a round trip to Rook's Rest.

[@baldfraud1806]

In peace time, that would likely have been the smart move, but now everything escalates so quickly that instant resolutions need to be made.

[@TheKillaShow]

They didn’t mention him because Aemond was right there. He was beyond the obvious choice. He just had a great victory, “saved” the king, and is the actual heir and future king should Aegon die. Otto is irrelevant to the crown now. As is Alicent, something she learned harshly.

[@orcocan]

aegon dismissed him as hand, why on earth would they call him back

[@DexLuther]

I'll never be able to remember how to spell most of the names in this show lol Queen black said that he saw no more battle than she has, but then later tells Jace that boys had swords put in their hands as soon as they could walk while she was given her father's cup. I don't think this was some big revelation to her. She's known this the whole time. She said what she said at first not because she thinks she knows better, but didn't want to appear weak. After explaining this to Jace, she goes and asks the dude she had confronted for help. His first response to to ask if she was being kicked off the council. When she explains what she needs him to do, the body and facial language between the I think shows that he understands what she was doing earlier at the council.

[@constcarry]

Was hoping you'd comment on Cole seasoning his sword for dinner or something 😂

[@hedinsee6830]

It's mostly Sunfyre who's responsible for Aegon surviving the fall. He did his best to protect and cushion the fall for Aegon. Alicent wasn't judging the specific decision of closing the city, she was in shock and disbelief of the whole situation. She is seeing the cart she once thought well in hand tumbling down the hill with her being powerless to do anything.

[@KoshoShinogi]

Honestly I think that from a strategic standpoint, the Blacks should welcome Aemond taking over as king. It could mean taking Vhagar out of the equation, as his advisors are going to insist Aemond keep away from battle for his safety the same way other rulers have been advised.

[@richter6699]

The difference is that he's Aemond. He won't listen to them

[@hawkeyemihawkgettingmoneylord]

How well did that work for Aegon my guy?

[@ForzaMara]

It's hard to take Rhaenyra seriously when she complains about daddy not making her an accomplished fighter. I mean, first, Viserys wouldn't even be my tenth choice for instructor in that department. And two, she's married to the best, most experienced fighter in all of the seven kingdoms. I mean, if it's a choice between Viserys or Daemon teaching me. I'm going for Daemon.

[@TheKillaShow]

She could always learn now, but her value is as a dragon warrior not a swordsmen. Just like Rhaenys. This story about her not being a fighter is dumb. Full stop.

[@laatgunship401]

I think Daemon having that set scene was more so him manifesting his doubts about his masculinity and prowess. I can't remember where it's said but he looked up to Baelon his father, and he named if his daughter after her. I believe that Daemon felt insecure that he couldn't live up to his father, so he visualises himself with his mother as a way to tell himself that he is more macho than his dad. His mother also died when he was three he barely remembers her or knows here. We don't even know if he properly knew what she looked like and maybe just imagined a generic attractive Targayen woman.

[@fconstraints]

I appreciate what they're doing with Cole this season. I don't "like" him as a person, but I've really been enjoying his character.

[@manvirshergill1739]

Yeh definitely, Criston Cole has definitely been a standout in this season... we are seeing different aspects to his character and I'm all here for it.

[@vincentthendean7713]

9:36 Reminder that Cole attacked with 1500 men and 900 of them died.

[@cheften2mk]

Strange that tiny force was somehow able to defeat four houses and their castles. It was smaller even when it first set off from Kings Landing

[@LordSevarg]

@@cheften2mk The first two castles weren't a fight, only Duskendale, a city, really put up a fight.

[@richter6699]

A small price to pay to bring down Meleys. But I imagine the number may possibly have been smaller if Aemond stuck to the plan and entered the fight sooner

[@cheften2mk]

@@LordSevargDuskendale is a walled city you’d think it would be able to hold for a bit

[@LordSevarg]

@@cheften2mk maybe they figured that they could win the battle if they sallied out and it just didn't go well for them?

[@Erunerr]

Regarding the Stark army and why no one thought about it. I think there are two way you can look at it. One Twins are part of the Riverlands and Daemon wanted them all at his side so when the Freys would join so would the Starks. Add to it the distance Staks have to go and the fact that Daemon is arogant and racist against anyone that is not Valyrian and he would not think about it at all. The second way is that I don't think most people care about the Nort. Even Rhaenyra sort of implied it when she said that she learned all the houses from Stormsend to the Twins, Dorne is not part of the kingdom so that is fine but the North is.

[@TheKillaShow]

Daemon is just worried about getting Tullys bannermen on his side. The Stark graybeards can’t join anybody so long as the Frey refuse with their classic blackmailing of the twins bridge. Jace has won the starks the vale (shaky) and now the freys. Daemon is struggling to get the river lands, and Rhaenyra is not betrothing her youngest children for more allies because……reasons.

[@Twiska]

He's something to think about for Cole's motivations for backing Aemond. If Aegon dies, Aemond WILL be the next king (for the greens, at least), even if Alicant is regent now. Would you really want to go against Aemond if you knew there was a good chance he would become king anyway?

[@TheKillaShow]

And raising Alicent after Aemond just killed a dragon and saved the king would make zero sense. Why Alicent thinks she’s revenant to the throne anymore is beyond me. And she has full grown children. Nobody cares about a Hightower anymore. This is the Targs kingdom!

[@bigdaddystep.]

Is daemon still wandering around the haunted house in his Jammies?

[@HolyknightVader999]

Yes. But he encouraged the Blackwoods to commit war crimes when the Brackens told him to get bent.

[@housseinemin8941]

Go watch it mf

[@TrueFork]

not a fan of the Daemon arc, the hallucination stuff is too confusing for me

[@amirhossein1382h]

They're mostly to show that he feels guilt for all the things he has done and also for himself to realize what he really wants​@@TrueFork

[@housseinemin8941]

@@bigdaddystep. go watch the episode?it's not that serious , Enjoy little dialogue....btw the pay off will be good?!!

[@ladysnowblood]

Aegib survives in the book. The scene was accurate. So it's cannon. Also, he's one of the most relevant characters in this story.

[@FVWLN]

I also liked the implication about the none-pure Targaryen dragon riders that they are much more dispensable to them. When Rhenyra said "I forgot her name" almost got killed last time she tried to bond with the dragon, she wouldn´t risk that another time. She could get powerful dragonriders in non-Targaryens (expecting them to be loyal), without the risk of sacrificing one of her kind if it didn´t go as planned. And also: Offering other houses a own dragon, would be probably the best way to get them to fight on your side. Forget castles and titles... Everybody in a war would like a personal flying nuke.

[@TheKillaShow]

Targs keeping the dragons close to home is wise. Them starting to hand them out to houses is a dangerous game. Short sighted

[@aliciahauskins7825]

I really enjoy your breakdowns, but something about House Velaryon really seems to confuse you, and it's got a little bee under my bonnet. They do not have dragons. Coralys's kids were half Targaryen. That's why they had dragons. Damon's daughters can have dragons because they are 3/4. Targaryen. They bear the name Targaryen, even though you keep referring to them as the Velaryan girls. They are technically more Targaryen than Aegon, Aemond, and Jacerys. A lot of people seem to forget this because they look different. But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that that's not the reason for your confusion. 🤷‍♀️

[@TheDream6842]

Aemond is not so smart and you will figure out later. Unlike Aegon, he won't consider the smallfolk that much. And the fact that he ordered to close the city gates will only reinforce the hatred of the citizens.

[@Birzo-gv9ho]

Agreed, he was so stupid in the book.

[@sarwatarannya8786]

He is smart like daemon is smart. In very specific aspects but ignorant in so many others. Actually this is true of most "smart" characters in asoiaf like tywin, otto etc . With the seeming exception of varys and littlefinger

[@luisa.acevedo3326]

@rahimg6842 he's smart, just not the right kind of smart. He doesn't understands the peasants. To be fair there is no precedent to the events that are about to unfold. In a way, this mirrors the Valyria slave insurrections and the rise of the Faceless men.

[@Birzo-gv9ho]

@@luisa.acevedo3326 If you are a Book reader, you would know how he will cause the demise of Cole's army later, just because of his stupid pride.

[@luisa.acevedo3326]

@Birzo-gv9ho yeah, I'm wondering how they are going to show it. Things got really messy, especially since Aemond started acting like a crazy Daemon at the final stages of the war. Coughs... Alys' influence.

[@iliaponomarev1624]

> Why didn't anyone think about Freys before? Well, this Frey bridge is important for a very niche mission of marching from the North to Seagard, Raventree Hall (which is, supposedly, the Black capital of Riverlands now) and Riverrun. And it wasn't obvious Stark army would have a need to go there.

[@ddawajh]

After the fallout from the last episode, this one was slower but clearly set many things up for the future, Daemon's conflict with the riverlords, Aemond becoming regent, Jace and Rhaenyra looking for dragon riders, Corlys becoming hand and Ser Alfred being sent to Harrenhal and other things. Also from how I understood it, Rhaenyra expected Grover Tully to side with her and compel his vassals, the Freys of the Crossing, to let the Stark army through and that's why they were so late to secure it as they believed it to be already secured, even the Frey lord says that he remains neutral because of Grover Tully's inaction when talking to Jace. Though there could be an argument made against this since even after the Tullys join Robb in Game of Thrones he still has to convince the Freys for passage.

[@christopherwichman7968]

Aegon the Conqueror is burned on the pyre with his sword Blackfyre, and Vhagar lit the pyre and the sword was retrieved by his son Maegor and it was just blackened a bit.

[@tmntgirl4life]

My theory on the Daemon dream sequences could his personal “ghosts” haunting him which stem from his rocky relationship with his family: 1. The first one shows his regret for being the reason behind slaughtering his great nephew (his brother’s grandson). 2. We see a Aemon and Daemon hybrid man which mostly symbolizes how similar the two of them are. Two 2nd born sons who most would say were more fit to be kings but due to the order of birth couldn’t ascend. 3. Him and young Renyra showed his hidden hatred towards his wife/niece since her severed said how he was angry that his brother loved her more. 4. Due to comments I learn that Daemon’s mom died when he was 3 and probably never knew her was why he didn’t original recognize her. All he knew was a Tarygaren woman who truly deeply loved him and he wants to return that love in the way he does best eg sex. But at the end when she states if only he was born first, her favorite son. And he sees blood on his hands makes you wonder if he blames himself for her death. Also forgot that he sees his previous wife in his waking moments, probably regretting their time together.

[@mikecobalt7005]

Cole knows exactly what happened especially Aemons role and how it turned out. Cole and Aemon have been conspiring together all along. Neither knew Aegon would show up but they both did jump on the opportunity to boths favor.

[@lanceforbus3094]

Best show of 2024

[@frankie3010]

If you have shit taste.

[@kjellduteweert9262]

Targaryens are more fireproof, but even dragonfire can burn them. Like Daenerys is the show GOT. Viserys does something similar in the first episode, his hand hovering over the flames.

[@danielleeskelton]

They aren't fireproof, that is a myth. The Dany thing was a one off event down to blood magic.

[@aliciahauskins7825]

@@danielleeskelton in the books it's a myth. But in the shows it's cannon

[@danielleeskelton]

@@aliciahauskins7825 I don't care about show canon.

[@aliciahauskins7825]

@danielleeskelton great... so comment on a breakdown of the books, not the show then.

[@danielleeskelton]

@@aliciahauskins7825 I can comment on what ever I want and where I want. Don't be a child. Liking the books doesn't mean I can't like a show and vice versa.

[@rikers_libido]

For what concerns Aegon's survival... look, I'm a Black, I hate him and I'm easy to justify Daemon's war crimes (it's still fiction after all), but I have to admit something: the bond between Sunfyre and Aegon is said to be the strongest of all bonds between dragons and riders by Martin himself. So I would imagine that Sunfyre voluntarily broke the fall with his body and let Aegon survive, probably by landing on his back so Aegon would have landed on Sunfyre's stomach. For what concerns the melting of his gambenson/arming doublet... yeah, that's an error, but if this is one of the biggest error of this show than it's truly a great show tbh. Also, for what concers women at war (and this is not a critique to Shad, just a consideration), yeah, women are generally weaker than men and therefore less suited for war, but dragons are perhabs the greatest equalizers of force in this world, therefore a woman is just as suited for war as a man if she is riding a dragon. Let's take Rhaenys as an example, she would have sucked with a sword, unlike Daemon for example, but with Meleys she was absolutely deadly and equal to any man. The good thing of dragons is that no matter the age, sex or experience of the rider, the bigger/better/more experienced the dragon you are riding, the better you are at war. I think this is a good way to make women go to war without ignoring science, to make women strong without making them men (thus disrespecting women who prefer a more femenine lifestyle), just like a woman with a nuclear bomb will always be as strong as a man with it, besides of actual physical strenght. I know Shad never denied it, I'm just saying that this wonderful show managed to have women that fights bravely without ignoring the obvsious limitations that they have

[@maylo3697]

On your point at 18:35 based on the map of Westeros, the Freys bridge crossing is only important in the north of Riverlands and is maybe crucial in the future? to fight the Westerlands Lannister army. You don't need the bridge if the Northman would go to King's Landing or Harenhall, they can cross the Ruby Ford where Rheagar died or will die.. In aGoT Tywin and Jaime Lannister separated their armies, and thus might seem like a big blunder but Tywin thought that Freys would not give the crossing to Rob Stark and such he would be in Harrenhall and in control of the Southern crossing - Ruby ford.

[@TheKillaShow]

The show is just recalling GoT season 3 where the crossing is key for the north to join the fight.

[@maylo3697]

@@TheKillaShow Well Lord Stark promised to Jace only 2K troops that is laughable. He should have mention to the Frays that he needs the crossing for the Vale man to join the fight, at least they have promised 15K.

[@christopherjager4924]

On the topic of Aegon being alive, it's worth noting that Targaryens have a considerably higher tolerance for heat compared to other men. We see this in season one, when King Viserys is running his hands through candle flames a lot slower than a normal person would, to no ill effect. So this probably played a part in Aegon's survival.

[@frankvandorp9732]

21:52 Interesting theory that all Daemon's visions really happen and he just sees people as different people. But it does make me wonder who he beheaded, when he thought he beheaded young Rhaenyra.

[@TheKillaShow]

If daemon actually like someone he would be confronted by somebody over it.

[@ShaneMichealCupp]

The reason I got for Alicent not speaking up at the council was that she knew that being a women, she lost any control she might have had. That look she gave a bit of shock while all the men at the council talking to me was a realization that she had no control anymore.

[@patriciafenwick5846]

Hey Shad, love the medieval cup on your left in front of the computer. I've got one just like it, which I bought when I visited Arundel Castle. 👍

[@xyxxyyxx]

To my understanding, the people at the scene discussing the atrocities of the Blackwoods with Daemon are the other Lords of the Riverland. So through the actions of the Blackwoods Daemon might have gained the armies of the Brackens but united the other Lords of the Riverland against him

[@TedSaint-r5b]

The Freys are under Lord Tully. The probably figure that once they rally the Riverlands, it wouldn’t be a problem.

[@grahamsmith2753]

I'm not sure the king was being referred to specifically, but there was a mention of Valyrian steel armour being melted.

[@HistoryandHeadlines]

Will Season 3 be better?

[@Mister_Skar]

Daemon is failing at diplomacy quite badly imo, I don't know if the show is heading towards a point where via his hallucinations and his failings that he will realize he sorta needs someone like Rhenerya to counter balance his aggressive way of doing things? or if this is a revelation he will never reach, who knows.

[@ajcgolf69]

The weird thing I thought was weird about Aegon being alive in the box with the injuries was that they just marched back with him in that box, presumably giving him minimal medical attention, we’ve seen it’s at least a few days march from rooks rest to kings landing. You’d have thought they’d have sent a carriage as fast as possible. Apparently they even waited to behead the dragon before leaving 😂 while the kings is just lying there roasted

[@simonmoody8400]

Something that Shad didn't mention was the effect of the parading of the dragon's head through King's Landing. At first I thought the negative reaction was going to be the small folk seeing dragons as more 'mortal'. The gap between hearing that a dragon has been killed and the up close 'here is it's head!'. But, it seems more like they are going with it being a 'bad omen'. Either way, my guess is that the White Worm could use that as a springboard for some sort of whispering campaign. So, I think that is going to come back, maybe next episode, to bite the Greens in the arse. That the Blackwoods did their nastyness while flying the banners of Damon's family is what turned the other River Lords off. The result could well be that the Blackwood Lord meets a sticky end from Damon's anger, plus, killing him might get the Brackens more fully onto his side. I think Alicent missed a trick in arguing for being regent. Amond is the Green's single biggest war asset, and will be put in direct and significant danger in an ongoing basis. They have essentially, already lost one 'king' figure, losing another would really hurt moral among their side. Her being regent insulates them from that. It also frees Amond up to go out and be an active battle asset, without leaving the council leaderless while so doing.

[@TheKillaShow]

The dragons are a deity to the small folk. A representative of the power of the Targs. Them dying is something that doesn’t happen. Being beheaded like a commoner is not a visual you want to send out. A veteran targ leader would understand this. But we have none.

[@xxxlonewolf49]

V steel seems magic enough, when it, along with dragon glasses, makes the ice zombies go pop.

[@lenski8306]

I think the all reasonning of not dealing with the Frey at the very beginning was that they trusted Daemn to just gather all the lords of the riverland and now that they begin to have doubt about Daemon trying to become a third faction, Jace came to have the Frey to their side as their Castle being a huge bride, it is very hard to siege (cut access to water or food) and with them on their side and the North in the Black camps, the North territories being just north of the Freys, you can't besiege them. And the North coming thourh the Twins, it potentially stop Daemon having his own faction as he would have to fight both the Black and the Green army And they are wealthy

[@LCliffhanger]

I dont have an issue with them not sending anyone to treat with the frays directly because Daemon is meant to be rallying the Riverlands, which includes house Frey, so technically he's meant to be handling that region and she's short staffed as it is, Rooks Rest lost both Raenys and one of the members of her small council, she's just had to send another member of her council just to make sure Daemon is still loyal, and she doesnt want to send her son and heir out because he has one of the younger dragons and doesnt want to risk him coming to harm.

[@justincarter1217]

2 points 1. alicent would be a much better ruler than aemond shes done this before and she even says to let him keep running the war effort thats wer hes suited best. 2. Its wild to me that the council would readily trust a known kin slayer over the queen theyve known for years

[@TheKillaShow]

1 we don’t know what kind of ruler she was 2 Aemond is the heir who just had a great victory. And the kin he slayed was a traitor to the realm The moment Viserys died, Alicent’s relevance died too. It only took her this long to realize it

[@JarinCOD]

Viserys was such a loving father (to her), if she wanted to train with a sword just like Arya, she could have. Not necessarily bad writing, but it makes Rhaenyra look stupid.

[@TheKillaShow]

I don’t think so. Viserys was very dismissive of most things Rhaenyra wanted, even when she was heir. She would have to fight to get instruction in combat. And in the end probably have to do it in secret. And even so, her value is not as a sword fighter. She is a dragon rider, and that is her full value in war. Just like her women cousins. Rhaenys and Rhaena werent dueling anyone. She’s not thinking clearly and instead dreaming of Vysenia and dark sister…for some reason

[@JarinCOD]

@@TheKillaShow I fully agree that she should fully focus on her dragon, lol. She kinda forgot her queensguard saved her life.

[@ViolentMessiah666]

Valyrian Steel is definitely magic, it's thought to be spellforged with dragonfire & human sacrifice which is why they can't make any new since the Doom, only 3 or 4 blacksmiths in the known world can reforge the metal that remains (Tobho Mott, Gendry's master that Ned talks to when he first finds him is the one that reforges Ice after the Red Wedding in the books, in the show Tywin did it). Solid reset episode, lots of good character work & scting. Love the Aemond actor is getting more chance to shine, he felt a bit sidelined in the first 2-3 episodes but the last 2 weeks he's had more focus

[@tonipedia1908]

"How you call the queen's husband?" For me declares Daemon isn't going "the usurp the throne way", but he is gonna go all in for his family. "Queen consort Daemon" seems denigrant, King Daemon sounds a lot better.

[@orcocan]

he's definitely overstepping

[@KevDaly]

I think Aegon's survival and them having to cut his armour from his flesh are both from the source material. GRRM is sometimes iffy about practicalities.

[@mjbull5156]

Rhaenyra's dismissal of that she was given her father's cup is as shortsighted as Jon Snow's peevishness at being made Lord Commander Mormount's steward. It should have been her time to learn how to be Queen by observing the Small Council make policy as it happened. An opportunity, it seems, that was not given to Aegon or any other of Alicent's children. Though where Aemond learned to run a meeting that efficiently is anybody guess.

[@MalonzeProductionsGaming]

Some targaryens have a resistance (not immunity) from fire. As does valerian steel. So those were two levels of protection from dragon fire. But both not immune so he was still badly burned.

[@lunamorvran8202]

I think Alicent wants it because she feels like she is being ignored and pushed aside as unimportant. She wants attention and relivence.

[@MentalParadox]

Bit of a snorefest, but I feel like it's probably a connecting episode linking two major events (the battle from last episode, and whatever happens next).

[@bushmaster195]

If Aemond was about duty he would have served his King faithfully and wouldn't have spewed nonsense behind his back to Cole about "I would would be a much better king than Aegon"

[@lennynull-funf-zehn5416]

Some people will say this was a boring/filler episode but there's some great setup and character work being done "I am blood and fire... Driftmark must pass to salt and sea" gotta be one of my favourite lines from the show.

[@blinkusfishus2052]

The line is cool, but the scene doesn't make sense. In theory Her and Jace would inherit the Iron Throne should Rhaenyra win, of course she can't inherit Driftmark unless Corly's assumes they're going to lose. 🤣

[@Duke_of_Lorraine]

Some people would want a big dragon battle every episode to keep their attention more than 5 minutes. Gods be good, their opinion is not the priority of the showrunners.

[@Hero_Of_Old]

​@@Duke_of_Lorraineno thats a cope. Slow episodes of GOT were always good because the story and characters were fantastic. Fire and Blood's material is too thin to make a good story out of.

[@100hellcaretaker]

@@blinkusfishus2052It would likely be decades until Baela would become Queen (providing they won and Rhaenyra lives). Rhaenyra is 35-36 currently. She could rule it until then, and after becoming Jace’s queen Driftmark would pass it to their (second) son.

[@lennynull-funf-zehn5416]

@@Hero_Of_Old Idk about you, but I think HotD so far has been a blast... and in no small part because George himself is directly involved with the show.

[@Mai2708]

I saw a comment somewhere about how we see the smallfolk have rotten fruit to eat but criston has a fresh lemon to clean his sword.

[@anthonywarren9885]

Valaryan steel is magical. It can only be made with dragon fire which is magical also.

[@Dsrgreyy]

The king was in there to not let the people know the king might be dead, even when aemond became regent it wasn’t announced. They want to leave the people in the dark. I think cole is realizing how different war is when dragons are involved. I’d say he’s somewhat in shock about it. I don’t believe it’s a new respect of Aemond but rather a fear of what aemond might be willing to do Rhenyra to me just wants to feel respected as queen. I didn’t think she was complaining about not knowing war or the sword but that was just a side effect of her desire to be respected It would be cool if white worms word lead them to causing rebellion from the people opposed to making things harder

[@anthonyd.8067]

To be fair Rhaenyra might not have experience with swords, but does she has experience with dragons. Which is probably more important what does Lord Alfred know about dragons?

[@Madison-iw8ix]

Sunfyre did everything in his power to keep Aegon alive.

[@camerons6859]

The biggest dragon is used for ambushes and somehow is the only dragon used in stealth is honestly funny. At a certain bigger is not better and that happens very quick with anything that flies and especially aerial combat where speed and maneuvering matter more. I mean at what point would the wind generated from those wings not be blowing down trees? Big Man Mentality ruins villains and beasts too often. Its always but he is really big! Wow so creative. Still ten times better than Disney though.

[@Strega4646]

This episode shows the PRICE of war. Small folks suffer more. Jace and Baela are the MVP of this episode. Appreciates that Rhaenyra acknowledged that she doesnt know what she's doing since she was trained with a cup, not with a sword that's why she needs other people's help.

[@trogers1493]

If Jace is such a great stand up guy he wouldn't have attacked his uncle with a knife.

[@allenyork3239]

The show is great and with the ending of this episode we get closer to seeing the Wild Dragons come to the show. Bring out The Cannibal

[@drrohanjacob]

Only reason the usurper is still alive is because he was unworthy of a dragon riders death 😂 Or at least according to the author

[@LucLB01]

I got a really uncanny feeling from this episode. I could really feel the discomfort of the characters. I also thought it would be revealed that Daemon was actually sleeping with Rivers, but they might be keeping it for later.

[@apacalypsagon3758]

Worthy? Not it sure if there was much if a standard of character if who sat the iron theine to begin with. The two succescors after aegon the conquerer was an unfortunate weak-willed people pleaser and a brutal fighter who inadvertently saved his house from the first guy despite his dogmatic methods.

[@VoFALT]

That's not what dogmatic means

[@apacalypsagon3758]

@@VoFALT the second guy is the one with the dogmatic methods

[@auo2365]

All hail aemond Targaryen first of his name lord of the 7 kingdoms and protector of the realm

[@GoogleVideoMan]

Targaryen’s are also fire resistant which could explain why Aegon wasn’t reduced to ash. To those who say they aren’t fire resistant why does the show constantly hint it with them taking super hot baths or letting their fingers just sit over an open flame for longer than should be humanly tolerable?

[@iliaponomarev1624]

> Targaryens outside Targaryen family There aren't many, actually. Book-canon-wise, at least. For the previous 100 years, Targaryens married within the family or to Velaryons.

[@booksandbubbletea]

The fact that Jace has to go to the Twins implies they have not yet bent the knee to team Black so I don’t think that’s bad writing. They are more focused on where the war is currently happening in the riverlands and none of the Black council seems particularly good at strategy with Daemon gone. Also Rhaenyra’s indecision and her not wanting Jace to leave at all so she’s been relying on Baela to do all the dragon riding patrols etc. it is mentioned that she has sent as many ravens as possible but a raven is easy to ignore while a prince on a dragon isn’t. The Greens parading the dragon head through the streets was a BIG mistake for sure. It’s their house sibilant ffs!

[@radekhomola7658]

Good video, but something that has bugged me even from you previous review is that Aegon the II. has Valyrian steel armor. I have read ASOIF and Fire and Blood many times and I am really positive that a set of full Valyrion armor is somenthing no one has, maybe except for Euron Greyjoy. You could probably buy a small kingdom for the full set of the armor.

[@blackshade1840]

In the books it was never mentioned if anybody has or has not Valyrion armor. if a greyjoy may have one then its not implausible that the conquerer could have one aswell

[@radekhomola7658]

@@blackshade1840 You are right, but if the Conquerer had an full suit of VS armor, it would have been mentiond somewhere through out the books. To all the knowlage we have, there is not single full suit of VS armor after the Doom, except the one Eureon claims and Euron claims to findthis armorin Valyria. To put it simply, there is no Valyrian steel armor before Euron, for if there was, it would have been mentioned, everytime someone wields a Valyrian steel sword, GRRM tells us.

[@MatthewLoom]

Samwell Tarly is a Targaryen confirmed. Tarly for the Iron Throne 2024.

[@Shamrock797]

Turns out Aegon is only *mostly* dead! Mostly dead, means slightly alive… 😂

[@Myrcella_Rykker]

Vaegar is an old granny dragon. If you took your granny out for an exciting day how long would it be for her to recover enough for a second round. And I'm talking a gran in her 80s or 90s

[@lunamorvran8202]

Witch might not even be real..i think he is hallucinating her

[@aliciahauskins7825]

@lunamorvran8202 I mean... we haven't seen anyone but Daemon interact with her 😂

[@ionutcristian9650]

I think they didn't do a good setup for Aemond to be a bad king. They say it, but he seems like a capable king to me.

[@Somebody-pq1jq]

i don’t think closing the gates was a good idea

[@ionutcristian9650]

@@Somebody-pq1jq If all the workers leave, they lose the war. What would you have done ?

[@_JacksMyth]

I didn't read Alicents silence as her being upset and withholding her info. Imo the sound cues and the acting shows Alicent is completely paralysed with fear. She doesn't say anything to aemond. The sound is semi muted and focuses on alicents breathing. She seems to be going around aemond to find out what happened. Pair it with her line of "and aemond... Well you know what aemond is" from the last episode. I'm reading it as genuine fear of aemond

[@Hero_Of_Old]

"wHy dIdnt DaDdy TeAcH mE hoW to FiGht wiTh a SwOrd" Rhaenyra is becoming insufferable.

[@Kornn66]

She has been insufferable for long time now.

[@ForzaMara]

And fails to mention that Aegon didn't get taught by daddy either.

[@VoFALT]

You aren't bothering to pay attention if that's your perspective. She's lamenting she wasn't, not questioning it.

[@TrueFork]

as if her daddy was capable of teaching anyone to fight with a sword LOL

[@als3022]

​@@TrueFork my thought, viserys always seemed much less of the physical type.

[@realBatman-89]

I imagine dragons have a high metabolic rate.

[@thanes1343]

Shad you should review castles in Westeroscraft it would be grate even some of the ones not finished look amazing like starpike you can bring you castle knowledge to look at the builds and there are hundreds so a lot to see

[@elpsykongroo8308]

Valyrian steel is supposed to be magic steel in asoiaf...for one the swords never loose edge... which is the basic thing magic steel does... plus there are in world theories that human sacrifices might have been used to create the steel.

[@steven469]

I’m confused shad.. do you know game of thrones or just watching along? The twins are part of the riverlands currently ruled by tullys if I understand the story. If daemon had done his job.. the riverlands would be secured meaning the frays join the blacks. Hence no reason for Jace to go to the frays. BUT daemon failed to inform anyone of his progress meaning the frays are up in the air. Meaning Jace going and getting it done without the lord of the riverlands approval took some courage. That is what I understand from what happened. Please tell me what I am ill informed of.

[@danielleeskelton]

I though Daemon was going to be a badass. But he isn't the Rogue Prince in this show as he is in the books. He is more like a little baby throwing his toys out of the pram because he hasn't got his own way.

[@John21WoW]

I haven't read the books but from what we have seen so far, Daemon isn't even season 1 Daemon this season at least... His achievements so far this season have been as great as those of your typical Scooby Doo villain...

[@impofangmar3247]

the if she wanted to be sword shit is hilarious on every angle. I met this girl Brienne of tarth close to best in the realm. people weren't a fan of her prowess a buck+ years after this princess.

[@NYCfrankie]

No the dragons dont get "depleted" in the books they just need food and rest

[@hammerofscience534]

I thought the dragon riders of the blood were fire proof. Didn't they show that with Danny in Game of Thrones proper?

[@FVWLN]

I more thought of it as, that they are fire resistant than fire proof. A bond fire or pyre, yeah. But a dragon fire is probably a few levels higher.