Aemond Started a War | House of the Dragon Episode 10 Breakdown and Explained

[@32ndKhalif]

When Rhaenyra was crowned I damn near got up and bent the knee 😂😂😭

[@houseofmatrix6174]

Hell yeah

[@melissazorola8581]

Same!

[@thegreatpage5912]

Treason!!!

[@natedoggg2002]

I did! 🤣

[@matthewlee4697]

Lol I felt the sameway.....mentally I did bent the knee

[@SunShine-ve5nr]

Did u notice? Corlys when he mentioned they will go to Driftmark with their grandkids, they included the strong boys. That's why Rhaenys said the 3 are claimants to the throne and hence will never be safe if Aegon is on the throne. I think that's very sweet for them to take the boys as their own even though they know they aren't theirs.

[@rohanshende4338]

She cares about them because her grand-daughters are bethrowed to them. Remember epsiode 7 when she wanted Baela to be heir to dirftmark? She does care for the boys. ButI do believe she respects Rhynera

[@Red1Green2Blue3]

Viserys will have your tongue for that

[@brendonrookes1151]

if they did luke might of be alive

[@feleciawebster7863]

The baby's

[@janellejulianajoy]

No. The deleted scene showed they only stayed because Baela stood her ground to fight. Rhaenys was getting ready to take Baela and Rhaena to Hightide. Rhaenys in turn convinced Corlys to assist. I think learning of Vaemond's death and how it happened was the last straw. The Velaryon's have gained nothing from this "alliance".

[@AnndenMark]

I don’t understand how people would be confused that two boys, inexperienced in dragon battle, can’t fully control their dragons. One dragon is the oldest and most set in her way. She has seen things in her time. Her rider is an emotional teenager. The other is a baby dragon, ridden by a little boy. Makes perfect sense they lost control.

[@pearltheboomkin1247]

Yep. The only people mad are *irresponsible* pit bull owners lol

[@AnndenMark]

@@pearltheboomkin1247 I’m a pit bull owner.

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

14 isn't what I'd call "little" lol. They were both teenagers.

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

@@pearltheboomkin1247 What's wrong with pitties?

[@marleymarsss]

@@RedRoseSeptember22 Aemond is like 20 and Luke was the youngest for the 4 at 14. He was a boy

[@blackap6480]

The fact that they don’t totally control the dragons actually makes the story more compelling. Makes things a lot less predictable. Great review!!

[@KabbalahSherry]

No, it really just gives a pass to one of the most psychotic characters in the novel. 😒 Aemond is a psychopath! He kills that boy on purpose in the novel & you know it. He even goes home & BRAGS about that sh*t. It doesn't happen because his dragon, who is a veteran of over 100 battles, disobeyed her rider. What a cheap cop-out for such a ruthless, cruel character. And now when Blood & Cheese happens... all of the bamboozled audience is going to think Team Black is just being evil, instead of seeing it as justice. They're gonna say Rhaenyra is going mad & everything else. I'm already annoyed just thinking about it.

[@horsepuncher95]

​@@KabbalahSherry That's your take, I think it's an improvment because Aemond doing that made him like one of the stupidest characters to me. The revelation that he just wanted to give Luke a scare and the dragons went rogue is way more exciting than "bad boy is psycho, no hidden depths to be found here" lol

[@harleyhowl4271]

@@KabbalahSherry I agree, this change is so stuped, and what idiot would terrorize another with a huge dragon, he almost killed him a couple of times. Aemond knew what he was doing, the dragon knew what Aemond wanted, so the dragon killed the boy. That doesn't make him a complex character, but stupid one-celled brainless idiot (who also looks 40 years old)

[@draconis3d140]

@@KabbalahSherry TV shows play by different rules than books. There have been many changes from the book so far. If we are going to follow these characters around and invest ourselves for a number of season, they need to be more relatable to the audience. Making characters grey is an established theme of the GoT franchise, and the potential character development of Aemond bearing that cross could be very interesting down the road imo.

[@brendonrookes1151]

the thing is if amond or what ever his name is didnt follow luke this wouldnt of happened the war coming is on his shoulders and i hope to god he loses his head over it and i am willing to bet damon will be the one to take it

[@dixienormus8406]

Felt bad for that dragon pup.

[@juliew1426]

IKR! He was such a cutie!

[@joasbenjamin6804]

RIP Arrax

[@rebornreligion]

Agreed my heart broke 💔

[@TheAutumnWind_RN4L]

Felt bad for both pups.

[@aemondtargaryen7837]

Bastards

[@lyflingx23]

the whole dragon chase scene was like a horror scene...i knew the outcome but gasped when it happened. Poor little Aaraxx and poor luke!

[@talya1877]

Blows my mind that people don’t realize Daemon is not an internet boyfriend, he’s a dragon.

[@lisadee7]

"You're a dragon. Be a dragon!" 🐲

[@blacklite911]

Exactly!!! People want him to be some Twilight character

[@KabbalahSherry]

Yeah but he doesn't kill his 1st wife OR choke Rhaenyra out in the novel, so WTF?? 🙄 He's already a morally gray character.... there was literally no reason to sully his name like that. Meanwhile, they're giving passes to Team Green, by having it look like Aemond just killed Luc "by accident", or Alicent just "misunderstood" Vicerys' wishes. WTF is this Team Black slander anyway???

[@tsheporabekane4172]

@@KabbalahSherry: When Laenor was kept alive to make Rhaenyra and Daemon look "good", book readers had no problem with that... No that they show Daemon being abusive, book readers have a problem with the change? Daemon is not a sympathetic character, and they showed this from episode 1.

[@rohanshende4338]

@@KabbalahSherry You are a cringey Daemon stan trying to defend him on literally every HOTD reaction video. Get a job gurl. Your daddy ain't gon pay your bills forever. 😂😂😂😂

[@dragonrider4339]

Daemon singing to Vermithor was the most epic thing ever.. Artistically it was beautiful and it was so dam bad ass.. I also think the dragons can see into their souls and already know what they want and whats going on.. thats why you see fire in daemons eye when vermithor and daemon lock eyes.. There is definitely a bond.. I think the dragons can sense all emotions of the person they bonded with..🔥🐉🔥🐉🔥🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@JenPolishAholic]

The visual of Vhagar over Arrax was frightening. The episode was so so good! Also when that table lit up I screamed, I have got to make a crochet version of that somehow

[@zainahmed5294]

I whish l could knitting shawl like that table😭😭

[@Aioki.Germany]

That would be amazing ,if you do send it to Gray so she can show us.

[@seththornton4907]

I agree. It made me think of Jaws or something.

[@thing_under_the_stairs]

That's brilliant! Maybe I can embroider something like that...

[@shan1554]

I was yelling during the bridge scene kidnap otto. Keep him hostage 😂

[@constantlycriminal8630]

She was a whole fool for not roastin' Otto on the spot.

[@madyjules06]

Agreed …but I bet that if Otto & his simps showed up on Dragonstone after her sweet Luce was murdered we would have seen a Hightower BBQ on that bridge

[@booknerdlover3675]

I love how proud Daemon looked when Rhaenyra pulled up on Syrax! He’s like “Yeah that’s MY girl” But I can’t believe that people say Daemon choking her was “out of character” for him. No it’s not. They must’ve been sleeping during the many scenes that prove he’s violent

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

Then she had the lady balls to mock him after the fact lol, love Dae & Rhae XD

[@brandonman1315]

He choked her to show her that being like her father will get them all killed. He’s unhappy to hear about Dreams when being a dragon makes you a king!

[@Darkstar_Dayne]

Dreams aren't helpful many Targareyens can confirm that

[@theseaasnake7864]

I would call it violent he's was trying to wake her up

[@horsepuncher95]

Yah I love the character but dude splits peoples faces in half without a second though, and people gonna gasp in shock when he chokes Rhaenyra?? Hahaha

[@karenlundy8189]

The dragons aren't slaves, but I do think they could have been controlled better. We've seen that Vhagar can playfight, Laena used to have her do so with Daemon and Caraxes. But that's because Laena's emotions were in the right place for doing so. Aemond is a butthurt little kid inside and hates Lucerys. Vhagar felt that and acted the way she did to that emotional command regardless of what Aemond was verbalizing. She did what was in Aemond's heart. Arrax too probably. The riders need to recognize dragons as their emotional equals, not servants.

[@marleymarsss]

The bond is what really makes the connection. We’ve seen that they feel what their rider feels, I think Arrax fired because he and Luke were deathly afraid and Vhagar attacked because before it happened Aemond was literally stalking and hunting Luke savagely.

[@robertxamseb5162]

Well put ❤️

[@draconis3d140]

I would have liked to see a bit more time with riders on their dragons to flesh out the bond a bit more. Character development can be just as interesting for dragons too

[@Aioki.Germany]

@@draconis3d140 character development is already there ,the story has been out,it’s just being put on the screen. Everything you want to know or see is in the books, it’s not a new story. The producers and George have said so many times ,this is not being baby fed to you. The work has been done and you just have to read it ,audiobooks or vids of the lore.

[@draconis3d140]

@@Aioki.Germany right we’ll I’m just talking about what would make the show more interesting with only a handful of minutes of screen time. They’ve already made a grip of changes from the books, and many folks who watch the show aren’t going to go back and read all the books or do audio books or lore vids that will have potential spoilers. Doesn’t have to be drawn out, just quick subtle moments here and there would take the show up a notch imo.

[@peezyorpj]

It was good attention to detail of Arrax being stressed in the rain since in the books it’s made clear that dragons hate rain and snow.

[@cloclo7717]

Ive never laughed so hard listening to a HOT D review. You killed this. Loved every moment and detail. I appreciate your approach sis. She said "Arrax decides, Im tired of this old b**ch chasing us. Im about to dracurus her in the eye". That had me rolling.

[@niloticnya]

@kevonstage has comedic reviews too you should watch him

[@seththornton4907]

Me too! Lol

[@whitneycrawford2226]

It was the 1738 comment that sent me😂😂😂😂

[@heartboyxo2496]

Jace reminds me of Robb Stark. Headstrong for his house and has this "something to prove" sort of attitude. I just hope no Lannisters send their regards...

[@BazookaIke]

Yes, Aemond's actions push them into war. But let's not forget that immediately after Viserys was discovered dead, Otto put out an assassination order on Daemon, Rhaenyra and their children. Maybe they don't know this and never will....but that shows you where things truly are with the greens.

[@cosmiccomedy7394]

Well not necessarily with all the greens...just with Otto really. But I get what you mean. I love the show so far. They really put a lot of thought into it and the writers did great imo. That was a tough season to adapt especially with all the time jumps and they made it work without the pacing feeling too off. Season 2 should be a banger I cant wait.

[@BazookaIke]

@@cosmiccomedy7394 I think it was more than just Otto who wouldn't have cared too much about the assassination order. Only Alicent stopped it from happening.

[@cosmiccomedy7394]

@@BazookaIke fair enough...but I think making the assasination order n being responsible for it us alot different then just not caring if it happens. Cheers mate.

[@Kcrink1]

Am I mistaken or was Rhaenys included in Otto’s hit? I thought the hit was put out to all possible claimants to the throne which would also add to the reason for her being locked in her room.

[@BazookaIke]

@@Kcrink1 no, Rhaenys was not on the hit list. Remember...she was still in the Red Keep. She stayed overnight. If they wanted her dead, she never would have left her sleeping quarters alive.

[@dookieshoe2905]

That end was awesome and I have no issue with it at all. That was the perfect finale to this first season. Even the badass Aemond doesn't really know what it means to kill, he learned a hard lesson when he saw Arrax being chomped into pieces a thousand feet in the sky over the bay. Now he will know not to use that dragon unless he's ready to go all the way and and ready for the consequences once its done. That Sapphire looked fuckin badass too. XD

[@cosmiccomedy7394]

Yeah the sapphire eye is amazing. Why bother with an eye patch when you look that bad ass without it? Haha

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

Yep! The sapphire looked like a dragon's eye in a way, very neat :)

[@melissablackwood]

My boyfriend hasn't read the book, so he asked if Aemond's blue eye was some white walker stuff. I explained that no, it's a sapphire... but it sure did signify death.

[@CynicallyObnoxious]

The shot with Vhagar over top of Arrax in the storm with the lightning........oooooooof the chills

[@TheeSecondSon]

The confusion and disappointment in your voice when you said “Thats all we gone do, we not gone feed him to Syrax or throw his body in the water?!” TOOK ME OUTT! 😂 LMFAO. Be easy on my dude Gray

[@GrayArea]

Lol I wanted his blood on dark sister REAL BAD!

[@joasbenjamin6804]

@@GrayArea ahah

[@TheeSecondSon]

@@GrayArea lmao. you’re such a damnn savage ! 😂

[@copperhead2694]

@@GrayArea TOTALLY. I liked Daemons Idea of sending it home with his chard body stuffed in his mouth along with his Cok hahaha

[@AnndenMark]

Fire and Blood.

[@MidoriLiz]

i think Daemon was correct in securing Dragonstone. Daemon is a hardened warrior and he knows the snakes he's dealing with and how they think. It's great he's being proactive. No one can be mad at him for not following her orders. Daemon KNOWS war. Daemon IS war.

[@StLouisTheatreSnob]

I don't get why folks thought this episode was subpar. An adaptation is never going to be just like the source material. I loved it. Seeing so many scenes come alive from the books, especially Aemond and Luc on their dragons in the pouring rain was fire! I love the way they're showing the connection between the dragons and their riders. Didn't mind that they put the onus on the dragons instead of on Aemond and Luc. You can't be playing with dragons! That slo-mo shot of Rhaenyra wearing her crown surrounded by her guards was stirring AF. I cannot wait for more of your videos and season 2!

[@StLouisTheatreSnob]

@@kmjkmjkmj That's fair -- I get it. If it helps, it could be so much worse. J. R. R. Tolkien is my "first love" and watching "Rings of Power" has been truly painful for the same reasons you mentioned. 😄

[@mortalkomment8028]

Aemond taunting Luke while being a boy himself. He didn't expect the dragon to be out of control. Thought he's the man. But Daemon is the man. Aemond is just a wannabe Daemon with his capital D.

[@williamstephens3503]

GIRL, when I tell you, I was in full garb, silver lace front on point, repping the Black and Red colors, with a lil teal for the Velaryons and the Arryns. I had on my dragon necklace my bf got me for my B-day, it was lit, we had all the twitch stream with us in one room looking my homies big ass 60"45' TV. We was turnt up, ngl, but when Rhae got Crowned Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, we all bent our knees to our RIGHTFUL QUEEN, and I was crying, man. My hubby had to hug me after, and even during the Black Council, I just couldn't, man😭😭😭

[@vanessalore9942]

I share the Daemon love, but yeah he’s not the Rogue Prince for nothing. We could list a multitude of reasons for his behavior this episode. It’s a shame people are only concentrating on the choking, because he is giving Rhaenerya agency throughout. More than she is, apparently. He knows how she can handle almost anything, she has the Blood of the Dragon. She’s not a frail little girl, and one of the reasons he’s currently furious with her. She has the audacity to mock him when he releases her throat and I loved it. I mean, these two are made for each other, lol

[@draconis3d140]

Agreed. I keep hearing about how Daemon is a no good abusive husband for choking Rhaenyra, but the reason he did it is cuz he watched his brother's will bend to dreams and prophecies his entire reign, and now that the Greens have committed treason and intend to kill them if they do not bend the knee, Rhaenyra seems to be considering following in Viserys footsteps. He wasn't trying to hurt her, he was trying to shake her out of complacency and make her understand that Dreams did not make then Kings and Queens, Dragons did...

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

I saw one disturbing comment from some freak saying "Yes choke me Daemon" eww x.x

[@februaryschild0216]

I just pulled a dead baby from my hussy and you mad Cuz I'm not doing what you want me to do and got the nerve to choke me out. Can I choke you out for missing my near death experience? Miss me with that logic. Men do this to women all the time. She will have the world on her shoulders and if she loses step one time, they get in their feelings.

[@vincentblea4285]

I hated Daemon in the books, but I do love Matt smith’s portrayal of him. With that said, can y’all be more of a simp, he’s a bad dude 😂

[@vanessalore9942]

@@RedRoseSeptember22 Thats a little much. She wasn’t asking for it

[@JeremyIceAndFire33]

This is what happens when you fck around & find out that playing Chicken on a Dragon may not be the best move. And im totally with you Gray, Caraxes is my dude as well!!

[@Divine_Chareka]

The episode was definitely a 9/10. It was just epic. The cinematography was next level.

[@christianvennemann9008]

Ikr? I was so happy to finally see Storm's End, and it looked beyond epic in that dark storm.

[@joasbenjamin6804]

Facts

[@TheJulior1983]

16:49 you described how I felt about Borros better than anyone else I’ve heard talk about this scene😂😂😂

[@mortalkomment8028]

And her voice is so beautiful while swearing

[@FernandoStarkTargaryen]

I love MJ’s breakdown videos so much 😂 it’s the comedic relief in all this death and war! Her reaction to Rhaenyra not killing Otto, was my exact reaction. I felt like the Sith just whispering “do it, do it” 😂💀 It’s been so fun watching this series, watching your breakdowns and enjoying the livestreams with DireWolf City. Thank u for putting all this wonderful content, we love u ♥️🖤 Can’t wait for season 2… even though it’s coming out in 2024 😅😮‍💨

[@champagneslurpee]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your presentation of these episodes! I’ve been watching you since GOT and I love how you break things all down with some well researched lore and background because you know this story in and out. It’s not just that though you break it down in Layman’s terms with all the grit and sass that makes it so entertaining like we are getting the tea from the source! ❤️

[@MillersLostGoatFarm]

I did not watch the scene of Daemon making plans to defend Dragonstone as him not caring about Rhaenyra. I view it as him doing what he does best, taking care of his family with is one skill. He is Dragon, he is ready to attack when he feels his family attacked.

[@K124B]

facts! i agree 100% ... plus i dont think he wanted to get caught up in another "life or death" scenario with the STILL BIRTH

[@paultaylor9477]

You're knocking it out of the park with these. Concise, sassy and covering the Dragon free will bit better than anyone.

[@LaurasharkCW]

"THROAT GOAT" ahhhhhhhh! I died 😂

[@spideyschaf9489]

I get not wanting to start a war but…the opportunity that Rhaenys had was to Start And END a war by uttering a single word before the costs become too great. There’d be no one left on the Green side (with dragons) to avenge. Sure Houses Hightower and Lannister would buck but once Daemon flexed on em by Air and Corlys by Sea they’d have no choice but to yield. I honestly believe it simply came down to Rhaenys not knowing how she felt about either side.

[@drrohanjacob]

Exactly. It's all the fault of rhenys. Her granddaughters are alligined with Rhenyra. She is already on their side. Default

[@marleymarsss]

@@drrohanjacob blame Sarah Hess not Rhaenys

[@keirangrant1607]

It's much more in GRRM's character to have someone accidentally kill a family member while not really meaning to. It adds stress to their character and makes negative comments (being a kin slayer) sting them even if they dont show it. Just like the King Slayer

[@e.h.4933]

I loved this episode and I thought the depiction of the Dragon fight/fright was done exceptionally well. And yes, we've had hint after hint about the dragons and their connection to emotion, but also their danger. I think Daemon used a binding spell he found in Old Valeyrian texts in Pentos on Vermithor. I think that will be different than a 'natural' dragon bond.

[@rhaenyratargaryen1stofhern55]

This show makes them so…..human. I love it!

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 How are you doing today??

[@Divine_Chareka]

"Zaldrizes busdari iksos daor" ~ Daenerys Targaryen

[@rahbeeuh]

Google translate doesn't recognize High Valaryian. What a shame

[@uniquelyme3581]

@@rahbeeuh 😂

[@morganrandler7235]

I love your recaps because we have the SAME EXACT OPINIONS on everything! Daemon was so good this episode and everything he did was SO IN CHARACTER for Daemon. And I love how you really pick apart people's interactions and subtleties. Great video!

[@robinsnest5904]

Your commentary is always spot on! Love it. The wait is going to be sooo hard.

[@rahbeeuh]

It'll be here before you know it

[@K124B]

@@rahbeeuh 2 years? yeah you think lol

[@rahbeeuh]

@@K124B Highly doubt it'll be exactly 2.

[@K124B]

@@rahbeeuh lol they said it should release around the same time this season came out and 2024 has already been confirmed

[@rahbeeuh]

@@K124B 2022 is ending soon. As previously stated, not exactly 2 years. I don't round up. Why make the wait longer than it is y'know?

[@thv353]

If "and I took that personally" had a face, it would be Vhagar 😂

[@Mr._B-rian]

Girl, I could barely contain myself waiting for this! ♥

[@pachisi13]

The way Luc smiled when Corlys came in made me smile and cringe at the same time. The Sea Snake is going to be pissed too!

[@caramiepayne1217]

I saw someone mention on Twitter about the scene where Nyra is shouting for Daemon and he didn’t go, it may have been because of the trauma from Laena’s and maybe even Aemma’s birth

[@K124B]

couple of things, 1) he didn't want to be present for another birth that could go wrong where he had to make a decision of either "the baby" or "the wife" ... 2) he also had to secure Dragonstone, and make sure they were safe in that regard of no one storming the island/castle

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

LAENA! Why does everyone keep getting her name wrong?!

[@caramiepayne1217]

@@RedRoseSeptember22 blame autocorrect not me 😭

[@caramiepayne1217]

@@K124B yes exactly!

[@dipsydoodle2728]

That and let’s not forget Rhaenys said THEY ARE COMING FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN Daemon had to secure Dragonstone that’s what he was doing he was actually trying to protect her

[@mebabi44]

Rhae’s shock at Daemon choking her looked, to me, like that’s how they made them 3 babies. Wasn’t expecting outside the bedroom and couldn’t think of her safeword. And poor baby Luke, Rhae bout to burn all that shit to ground a la Dany losing Misande.

[@Annelita1116]

Can’t wait for all those videos you have conning!

[@ironswolemaiden9954]

Jace has Jon Snow vibes because he's honorable and all that but Luke is the one that says "I don't want it" 😂

[@beastley4318]

Daemons song was kind of spooky sounding, very cool scene. I thought your explanation of a dragons nature was spot on.

[@j84martinez44]

Hands down the best & most entertaining episode breakdowns. Period

[@kaziglubey4455]

Great breakdown as always. Aemond looks awesome with the sapphire eye. Seriously how utterly terrifying would it be to see Vhagar in that storm? I mean she's like way bigger and scarier than a T-Rex. And the shot of her flying over Luke and Arrax, brilliant stuff. The overkill is incredible with Vhagar just casually chomping another dragon to bits in midair. They have definitely put the budget to good use.

[@Darkstar_Dayne]

I hope they put every penny into Battle Above The God's Eye to maintain consistency

[@kelleycleveland4692]

Sorry, not sorry...but I love Vhagar so much💚💚💚

[@kaziglubey4455]

@@kelleycleveland4692 yeah she is incredible. She even makes Drogon look small

[@LeeBeeDeeTree51]

Anyone else think that in the final scene when Rhaenyra turned to the camera that she looked like Kathy Bates in Misery?

[@melissablackwood]

She shoulda hobbled that cockadoody Otto.

[@ieradossantos]

13:11 "He's not a good person, he's a good character". There you go, perfectly said

[@Cokaa]

Grey Area I keep coming back to your channel we need more theories or speculation about s2 of HoTD or Snow. We are turning into summer kids. Talking thrones collab again?

[@K124B]

"My Caraxes, my lil' bowlegged throat goat" 4:53 @grayarea this had me dyingggg lol

[@britanymedina6064]

I have been waiting for you like a stalker continually typing your name into the search bar, but its always worth it lol. When you started spitting Valyrian about a dragon not being a slave I was like YESSSS 🎉😂

[@janellejulianajoy]

Daemon cared, but, he's been in this high risk position before. The last time he watched his wife immolate herself. On top of this he's extremely hurt and pissed over Viserys death. And I'll be honest and say that Viserys is the only person he loved openly and deeply. The grief on his face before it turns to rage is something to behold. He was genuinely hurt.

[@pinkleslie1275]

Lord Borros been alive for so long and never bothered to learn a single thing 😂. Aemond looks 29, and Luke 8 years old. Poor tink tink 😢

[@jaleesagreene6800]

Also Rhanea and Luke are his family as well. Rhaenys is his cousin or his neice I don't know.

[@Darkstar_Dayne]

@@jaleesagreene6800 Cousin I think

[@Hereintheswamp]

Gray, just started your obsidian nights podcast from the start again haha. I miss your streams and videos. 😢

[@smashley4201000]

Thanks for all you do Gray! ❤ best breakdowns ever!

[@mbranche4234]

Daemon is preparing for the long war game. By getting all available dragons acumated to a rider, the Blacks can always have a dragon ready to ride. The Greens will ride but their dragons will tire out and get hurt from battle. The Blacks can jump from one dragon to another with fresh dragon energy. The long game will cause Kings Landing to be cut off from food and supplies. The long game will also cause Aegon II to make mistakes cause he and the Greens are impatient and have little experience in war. Daemon is a true warrior.

[@frankietheheathen4513]

Some riders (Daemon) is way more connected to bud dragon than any of the greens. He has absolute control

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

*Daemon* *Targaryen* If you know how Daemon dies (if he really did die) you know he leaves like a true BADASS! Better exit than Jaime Lannister. I expect so many people cheering once he exits the series which should happen probably in the end of Season 3. I'm not worried because Daemon is written as a DIVISIVE character. _ *George* *R.R.* *Martin* You know, I’m notorious for my love of morally grey characters, and one of the greyest characters in the entire story of Westeros is Daemon Targaryen, the Rogue Prince. We took one of those separate sidebars and made a story out of it ‘The Rogue Prince’. Daemon’s the younger prince of King Viserys I. For a time, he was the heir to the throne when Viserys had no children. Then Viserys had children, and he stopped being heir to the throne. He’s a *notorious* *bad* *boy,* *a* *rogue* *in* *every* *sense* *of* *the* *word,* he was a rival for Viserys’ daughter and his niece Rhaenyra, and then later he became [her] husband. He switches sides several times. You never know what side he’s going to come down on,” Martin finished. “He’s a very colorful and *unpredictable* character, and I think he has to rank up there as *my* *favorite.* *The* *Rogue* *Prince* Daemon was a skilled warrior, described in the histories as dashing, daring, and *dangerous.* He was also ambitious, *impetuous,* *mercurial,* *amoral,* *reckless,* and *quick* *to* *take* *offense.* Archmaester Gyldayn described Daemon as being as charming as he was *hot-tempered.* _ Daemon is not written as a good person, is he? He's not some Gary Stu like Steve Rogers. While I was bothered at first watching Daemon choke Rhaenyra last Friday, we have to remember he is short-tempered and unpredictable. Daemon wanted to go to war ASAP while Rhaenyra talked about dreams. He's written like an antihero. A grey character that GRRM loves. Daemon doesn't have many qualities of a hero or a good human being but he can still be heroic. And that's what makes Daemon so intriguing. You just don't know what he'll do next or how you'll feel about him. He's not written like a typical protagonist or antagonist. He's neither. Or he might be both depending on that moment. He can be a hero and a villain. That's why he's hard to understand over characters written with clichés. Choking Rhaenyra was still breaking canon and Matt Smith read it and probably shook his head. Or maybe he just went with it knowing how ruthless he can be. Did Rhaenyra have much of a choice? Daemon is her most POWERFUL ALLY. Losing him is like losing her MVP on her team. Rhaenyra can't really piss him off or divorce him at this moment, can she? She'd probably be dead without Daemon before the war even starts. Since I already know that Daemon will be one of the biggest HEROES to this war, I'm really not that worried. I'm also confident in Matt having more creative control over Daemon that he won't ruin him because a few female writers seems to hate Daemon and want him to look unredeemable. The Battle Above The Gods Eye will redeem every bad thing that viewers will feel about Daemon. Newbies can hate Daemon for the next two seasons. But once Daemon exits the show, they'll start loving him like GRRM does. More people will figure out Daemon was the hero all along even though he'll do some awful things along the way because that's what war does to people. Commit awful things. People will flip their feelings towards him like they did for Jaime by GOT's S3E3 when he saved Brienne from a gang rape. Let's just say Daemon is complicated. And our feelings towards him should feel the same. We can love him and hate him with a snap of a finger. This is just how he's written and how GRRM describes him. I find Alicent and Aegon a little more complicated for the TV show. My feelings for them can be all over the place. I usually love Daemon in every episode except a couple of moments I didn't agree with what he did. Daemon is flawed like 95% of the major characters in GRRM's lore but his real stans will only learn to accept them. Jaime RAPED Cersei next to Joffrey's corpse and fans still rooted for Jaime. Daemon was just high-strung in that heated moment with Rhaenyra. But Rhaenyra doesn't have much of a choice. She did propose marriage to him after Laena died. She needs him as much as he needs her. What did Olenna tell Daenerys when they were in Dragonstone? "You're a dragon. Be a dragon." I'm starting to think Daemon choking Rhaenyra was also a foreshadowing of Aemond and Lucerys not being able to control their dragons. You really can't control Daemon when he loses his cool. He's as hot-headed and grumpy as Caraxes. We've all seen far worse characters in Game of Thrones or in films more evil than Daemon. Some make it seem Daemon is Hannibal Lecter. _ *Matt* *Smith* There are so many elements to Daemon. I love the relationship with his brother. He’s a brilliant character because you never quite know what he’s thinking. I liked the ambiguity of that. There’s a ruthlessness in his personality that I thought was really interesting, to see characters who behave that badly. But in many ways, he comes from what he thinks is quite a genuine place. I said this to [the producers] at the start that I don’t just wanna make it this one thing. On the page, Daemon could really be one thing. I was always interested in trying to subvert it a little into something else. I think there’s a sort of strange, sensitive nature to Daemon and quite a genuine loyalty to him and humanistic qualities that you can peel away and see. What I uncovered, which perhaps wasn’t there in black and white, is that there’s a deep fragility to Daemon, actually - particularly when it comes to his brother. He cares what his brother thinks. The rest of the empire can go stick it. He doesn’t really give a toss. The thing with Daemon is he just keeps pushing - pushing the envelope, pushing the boundaries, pushing the rules that were in place around him. But it’s weird. The more time I spent with palace intrigue … He’s got a strange moral compass of his own. What looks like he’s just being erratic and mad, he thinks he’s doing the right thing. There’s a sort of folklore among ‘Fire & Blood’ fans and ‘Game of Thrones’ fans that when a Targaryen is born, you flip a coin. One side is greatness and the other side is madness, and you don’t know which side it’s going to land on. With Daemon, the coin is still in the air. _ *Sara* *Hess* He’s become Internet Boyfriend in a way that baffles me. Not that Matt isn’t incredibly charismatic and wonderful, and he’s incredible in the role. But Daemon himself is … I don’t want him to be my boyfriend! I’m a little baffled how they’re all, ‘Oh, daddy!’ And I’m just like: ‘Really?’ How - in what way - was he a good partner, father or brother - to anybody? You got me. He ain’t Paul Rudd. *Ryan* *Condal* He's not Ned Stark ... [he's] the antihero of the story ... if you’re looking for Han Solo, who’s always going to do the right thing in the end, you’re in the wrong franchise, folks. _ Daemon's greatest threats aren't Aemond and Criston but HBO writers. But Matt will save Daemon from character assassination because he gets Daemon just as much as George does. He improved Daemon with more compassion like the scene of helping Viserys and crowning him. Many scenes were an improv from Matt. HBO should fire all the writers and directors and let Matt direct all the episodes from here on out. There's a deleted scene in Ep 10 when Daemon first hears about Luke's death. He's trying to process it and thinking how to tell Rhaenyra. The final scene was Matt's idea next to the fireplace 🔥 since Targs are Fire & Blood. Matt has quietly been the MVP of the HBO production crew. The guy is trying to make Daemon look great like how he's written in F&B because he fully gets the character while the HBO writers wants to keep destroying GRRM's fav Targ and Aemond's idol. Don't worry, Team Daemon. Let the naysayers hate him or feel confused. They'll flip their feelings for Daemon by the end of S3. Daemon does have an ending in place. Writers don't need to make it up. Matt will save Daemon from all his haters in the writing staff trying to turn him into an unsympathetic monster by adding bullsh-t non-canon/breaking character scenes like choking Rhaenyra and deleting Daemon hugging his daughters. Real Daemon stans know better.

[@dannisewarrick6195]

Not Fetty on the Vhagar though!! 😂😂 I died when you said that, Gray!!

[@GrayArea]

1738😂😂😂

[@joasbenjamin6804]

😂😂😂

[@QueenShanine]

Yesss that line took me out

[@lollypop2310]

Daemon was all like “f*** your b*** and the click you claim!” 😅😅😂

[@cosmiccomedy7394]

I love how you don't sit on the fence like most creators and your all in for the blacks. Alicent is the only sympathetic character for the greens for me and I'm team black too. Man they did a great job with this first season...it was not easy to adapt with all the time jumps and pacing issues they faced and they did better than I expected for sure. Season 2 is gonna be a banger.

[@KabbalahSherry]

Well in the novel Alicent i's a cruel, vindictive mean spirited, nasty wench. So I can see now why the show changed things up to make her more sympathetic. They changed things up w/Aemond too, and had him killing Luc "on accident", cuz the writers really don't want the Team Green people knowing just how psychotic, overly-ambitious, ruthless & disturbed most of them actually are. The ONLY Greenie I like is Haelena. The rest can get dracarys'd for all I care. 😒 **hmph**

[@thegreatpage5912]

The Greens are the ones who really win in the end. Sure Rhaenyra's son becomes king. But Westeros wouldn't have a ruling Queen for the next 200 years until Cersei I. Inheritance laws became even more restricted for women, and the history books refuse to acknowledge Rhaenyra as Queen during this period.

[@cosmiccomedy7394]

@@KabbalahSherry haha right on mate I think most will ne dracarysed by the end. I like that they made the greens more sympathetic and made some of their decisions more understandable. I see alot of people that don't like it but I think it makes the characters more complex. I really hope they can make the turn around for season 2 fairly quick. We shall see.

[@joustingdude]

Did you just speak High Valerian? I couldn't love you more!

[@copperhead2694]

I with you 1000% on this! I totally got why Daemon acted that way, I totally wanted to send that note home with his chard body , or at least kept prisoners. But that is where the line of Daemon comes into play. “Who cares what these lords and their houses think , you are a Dragon “ Daemon never cared for the politics/ the back stabbing lying BS that came with the crown. He is a Black and White deals in absolutes . But I get Rhaenrya understands the power of perception. She knows the greens are in the wrong but needs the other houses to believe that as well, before she storms off in to war being perceived as a warmonger / temper tantrum. But her choice to act with in these guidelines and underestimating others cost her something very precious. She will now embrace that Dragon blood instinct and ITS ON BABY!

[@YourGraceMyLady]

Every scene with Rhaenys makes me just want to bow down to her. OMG that scene at the painted table was dope!

[@QueenShanine]

Your reviews are legit the most lit reviews on this show I have ever watched. 😂 I’m at work laughing and feeling like I’m talking to one of my girls spill the tea. I sooo appreciate this channel and your take on this. ❤

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 How are you doing today??

[@Blackrosey]

Gray your commentary is 🔥 and EVERYTHING 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@AnitaAnneLloyd]

How brilliant was this! TRUE! Dragons are not slaves. They are born out of magic and have magical temperaments. As humans we shall never be able to control them. Absolutely LOVED this and it is a superb end to season 1. Let The Dance begin.

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 How are you doing today??

[@cassandra2968]

lmaoooo I was screaming "ARE YOU ILLITERATE OR JUST LAZY???" at the screen when the Baratheon guy didn't want to read the paper Lucerys gave him.

[@devilovesdevil]

To say I have been waiting for this video is an understatement. That scene of Rhae getting crowned was chefs kiss. Also Greens suck if they wanted this so called order and care for the realm they couldve said just make your children with Daemon heirs not Luke or Jace. But nah they wanna straight kill em cuz they want the power.

[@suzianderson4203]

Same!!!

[@britanymedina6064]

But by accepting a deal like that she then has to admit her sons are illegitimate 😢

[@devilovesdevil]

@@britanymedina6064 but they are and its a small pain for what its brings saying they are legitimate. Besides as Queen she can legitimize them regardless as just Targaryen not Valeryon. Then Baela can get Driftmark as head even tho Vaemond would fight her for it probably if it went a little differently.

[@AaronGuest]

Only Otto wanted to kill them, the others didn't want to.

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

@@britanymedina6064 They could be made legitimate though :)

[@samanthaspringman5527]

I have So been waiting for this. From you. The bond is almost symbiotic in many ways.

[@JeremyIceAndFire33]

I loved the Vhagar vs Arrax change, like you said A Dragon is not a slave. This shows me Ryan is really taking book lore into account when plotting the show out & makes the Dance of the Dragons that much more tragic, knowing it all started with an accident. Great breakdown as always! 🔥

[@lr324]

I swear, when Rhaenyra is looking into the camera, it looked like she wanted to say “BURN THEM ALL!!!” Did she not?!

[@NvardQueen]

the "did she not?'' should be said in daemon's voice

[@K124B]

she shoulda let Daemon cut down Otto Hightower right there on the bridge. this mistake will come back to haunt her... the Greens show no mercy in wanting to kill her, only by Alisson telling her father to not kill her have they slightly slowed down on that position, but that truly is what they want.. they dont want to show Rhanerya any mercy. She is a FOOL to show mercy to them.. Otto would've been dead, i tell you!!!

[@Darkstar_Dayne]

@@K124B" showing mercy to the foe only sows the seeds for the next rebellion" - Daemon Targareyen F&B - Lord Bloodraven Dunk & Egg

[@lr324]

@@Darkstar_Dayne that’s a brilliant line.

[@lr324]

@@K124B all facts!

[@ilisawilliams9358]

First time here and I am LIVING for this commentary!

[@fulanspeaks7319]

Honestly, had season 8 ended with Daenerys losing control of Drogon and feeling remorse afterwards due to Drogon feeling and acting on her pain....people would have been prone to accept her fate. House of the Dragon cant redo GOT but it can and has explained some of the more arcane aspects of it.

[@brandonman1315]

This would have been brilliant

[@Darkstar_Dayne]

Daenerys was stupid

[@grayscales1864]

Thank you for being a diamond in the rough and actually understanding the complexities of these characters you give me hope for humanity lol 🐺 🐉

[@tilafaye3200]

I live for your reviews! You break it down in a way I can relate. 👍👍 I’m not sure why people are complaining about the dragons not obeying. IMO, that’s one of the things that made this episode amazing. They were emphasizing that dragons cannot be controlled. Great finale (IMO)!

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 How are you doing today??

[@breanacrazybull90]

Can't wait for your upcoming HOTD videos!

[@robinsnest5904]

They panned to Raena when her father spoke of who had dragons and were available to ride in war. Could Daemon have been preparing a dragon for his daughter? After all he can't ride both. Just wondering. 🤔😁

[@kristi4113]

I thought that, too. The eggs he found were clearly for Lil Aegon, Lil Vis and Baby Visenya, but sending Rhaena to claim Seasmoke makes perfect sense.

[@panman2568]

Just found your channel and straight up binged the fukk out of your vids. I absolutely love them. Thank you. One of the best channels of ASOIAF on the entire internet hands down. Hard to find anyone else that knows the books and show like you do.

[@HK-gm8pe]

I think that killing Otto there would have been staring a war....it wouldnt have been smart decision but they should have taken him captive....

[@aron898]

hands down my favorite westeros commentator

[@JarvisJonesakaTheeFlyyGuyy]

The queen made a grave mistake, sending that young boy to handle such an important issue was a mistake and it cost him his life and the dragon.

[@aurorasilverthorne]

Otto Hightower should've never left Dragonstone alive. Have the dragons burn him and send his ashes back to Alicent with demands that she and her children surrender or die. I like Aemond, but he's petty, and an idiot to believe he's in control of Vhagar. That she-dragon has been through so many wars and taken part in too many battles to ever be used as a toy. Dragons aren't meant to be playthings, pets, or slaves. They're deadly weapons and must always be handled with caution and care or things will go wrong. I like that they had Aemond kill poor Lucerys by accident. I think it made One Eye appear far more relatable and morally grey than he was in the book. Great video!

[@KeishaB580]

I was waiting for this review. 😊

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 How are you doing today??

[@elfredrick3]

I took the eye thing with Vermithor as perhaps this Dragon likes to make sure his rider is Valyrians, purple

[@beawitched5252]

Aemond had a reality check…Aemond be like, “Mom and grandpa, …Vhagar just killed and devoured Luc and Aarax, and um…I told Vhagar no, but…anyways-my bad.

[@joshmedina5127]

The way you explain this episode is so hood, I love it. Dracarys the eye lol. I had to figure you out to subscribe.

[@laurendaniels6295]

Hey Gray! Do you think all the “studying” Daemon did in Pentos was about the horns and magic that they used in Old Valyria to control dragons? Might be useful with all the riderless dragons on Dragonstone.

[@David_Robert]

Hello 👋 How are you doing today??

[@craigfackrell3496]

Love it Gray, best breakdowns out there. Everyone should follow you!

[@MrsG0113]

Also why did Aemond attempt to stop Vhagar in Westerosi and not Valyrian?

[@Fermi_Paradox]

Bow-legged throat goat 😆 classic @ GrayArea

[@tanishadee3883]

Daemon is a dragon baby. Pure fire. Rhae knows that. She wasn’t tripping about that choke. Could have just been me but the anger and passion all mixed together…she knew what was up. That wasn’t the first time he did that. Just probably not in anger if you know what I’m saying 😉

[@C-White-88]

Exactly they are Dragons , definitely a lot ruffer then regular folk well some folk .

[@HypeGod6969]

Robert: "Does Honor keeping the peace? Its fear! Fear and Blood!" Daemon: Fax

[@melissablackwood]

Also Daemon: Hey Bobby, you mispronounced Fire.

[@batgurrl]

Thanks, I agree with all you said. I thought it was a great episode. I have a love/hate set of feelings about Daeman myself. That miscarriage scene was brutal. Emma was the acting MVP in this episode

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

That wasn't a miscarriage, it was a still birth given how far along she was.

[@WatashiMachineFullCycle]

THANK YOU I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thought the episode was like 9/10 brilliant only to be really confused by all the backlash and hate people had for it online. I really thought I was going insane for a second because I did notttt understand where everybody's hate was coming from I didn't even think twice about the dragons disobeying commands - not only is it demonstrated several times throughout George's writing (Dany's last chapter in dance, not to mention poor Aerea Targaryen) that dragons do not blindly obey their riders, but even for non book readers WE ARE TOLD just a few episodes earlier with Vermax that it takes time and training to fully form that bond and have mastery over a dragon. Like the show didn't even expect us to know that from book lore, they established it in-show for this EXACT reason I'm willing to bet. I accepted it utterly without even thinking about it beyond "oh interesting! I'm sure Aemond is going to own that kill later on and that's how Gyldayn would write about it later" It never occurred to me that people would think it took agency away from Aemond either, this whole thing is still very much his fault, he CHOSE to follow Luke on the biggest meanest dragon in the realm, after rushing at him screaming that he would take his eye. Boy didn't need to do any of that lol, he's totally still culpable, and the way it went down was totally believable as far as conflicts between kids with deadly weapons goes. It's really wild to me that people are so determined that Aemond is this evil psycho from the moment he pops out of the womb, rather than slowly making choices over the years that lead him to that dark place. Wild

[@WatashiMachineFullCycle]

Haha I had to pause and make this comment mid way through the video and now I'm at the end and you're making all the points YES THANK YOU

[@jdmchick1275]

😂😂😂 when she ripped that hand pin I felt you Gray!! I wanted Rhae Rhae to kill Otto right there!! Loving all the 🧃