House of the Dragon S1E07 Explained

[@AltShiftX]

Get a free audiobook with an Audible trial: www.audible.com/asx Was Aemond wrong to take Vhagar?

[@Methus3lah]

No. If he was wrong to take Vhagar, Vhagar would’ve killed him.

[@JoshuaKevinPerry]

We ever figure out who they killed? Rando guard?

[@edwarddesive4605]

Nahh Aemond earned vhagar he knew the risks and still went for it also jayce and lucerys we’re pretty much bullying him so i say it was fair

[@lynnshort1635]

Targaryens really have a thing for boat sex don’t they? daemon and Rhaenyra , Jon and Dany…. Boat sex it’s a Targ thing

[@februaryschild0216]

Yes. Vaeghar was mourning the rider he had to kill.-which is unnatural. Aemond was at a funeral at someone's private home. Vaeghar was not lost. It's almost what his mother, Alicent, did with King Viserys. He was mourning and she entered his private space to "claim" him. Aemond could claim the dragón, but was it the right time or place? No. Was it cruel? Yes. I am sure those girls have memories of riding with their mother on Vaeghar since infancy. After seeing her burnt corpse on the beach, the last thing familiar and good to these girls is gone.

[@olly123451]

Daemon was great this episode, he just sat back and watched everyone become the people that he’s been for years. He doesn’t need to stir up the trouble, because it’s already here. The way he just leaned on walls and just watched from a distance was wonderfully done.

[@AltShiftX]

First time he's ever been the calmest person in the room.

[@HNfilms]

he's a leaner, daemon. I like how he leans

[@KabbalahSherry]

Yeah Daemon is great tbh. I sort of feel like the show did him dirty having him kill his 1st wife. 😒 Something he does NOT do in the source material. Kinda messed up.

[@youtubeaccount5904]

@@KabbalahSherry Yeah but it was kind of necessary to make it harder for the viewer to pick a side.

[@creedolala6918]

he used to work so hard to get respect and power, killing 50 dudes singlehanded while getting peppered with arrows. now he's about to be king by just doing the EZ lean with and twinkling his eyes

[@DG-ez1dq]

Imagine being rhaenyra and daemon’s kids during that wedding, losing a parent so recently and then watching your surviving parent have a steamy make-out sesh with your uncle/aunt

[@freeffree4133]

All in blood. It was disgusting imo.

[@mioszskrzynski7101]

My thoughts exactly. They had recently lost their real father and grandfather in a tragedy, the tensions in the family are sky-high and your mom immediately marries your uncle, wtf...

[@nightingalecat]

kids of ancient kings and queens (in all parts of the real world) had to deal with such things all the time. Rhaenyra couldn't waste time mourning, and had to take advantage of the situation while Daemon was available. It HAD TO BE DONE. We cannot judge the situation by modrrn day moral standarts, for Targs they are irrelevant.

[@AaranMoonlight]

@@mioszskrzynski7101 It is kind of weirder because this isn't just your uncle but also someone you probably haven't met like ever

[@merrittanimation7721]

That moment when you're pretty sure something real suspicious had to happen to get them to this point but you're like ten and can't do anything.

[@ShubertReads]

14:16 - "He's a leaner, Daemon. I always liked the idea that he sort of leans" -Matt Smith. Give this man an Emmy 🏆

[@breezeshooter42]

"And the award for Best Leaning in a Drama Series goes to..."

[@valaraukar_595]

I see this quote frequently, but I don't understand the joke. Can someone explain?

[@nathanj3528]

@@valaraukar_595 in an interview for "Inside the episode of House of the Dragon" which you can watch it in the HBO KZbin channel, there Matt Smith talked about his character Daemon and he explained it in that quote

[@Bishey]

Such deep and thoughtful analysis of Daemon. Matt probably leans around at home to stay in character...

[@lucasimmons075]

I thought Leaner was a Valeryon though?

[@Kittyapoc]

Find someone who loves you as much as Viscerys loves not making a choice or taking any actions

[@ayushman3359]

He just wants to play with his legos leave him alone 😭

[@raymondl9320]

Poor guy just wants his fam to get along happily. ;(

[@alisterfolson]

Viscerys: Can't we all just get along?

[@NeedsContent]

This cut deeper than Luke on Aemond's eye.

[@LuisSierra42]

I feel bad for him. He's like the "this is fine" dog

[@loklan1]

Just wanted to say that the running gag of the spoiler warning being behind the scenes footage of the cast doing meme dances is excellent, please keep it up.

[@AltShiftX]

The young Luke actor Harvey Sadler has some incredible moves

[@Bludgeoned2DEATH2]

Am I stupid as fuck or did I miss this entirely? Edit: Yes I am stupid as fuck and I in fact missed it because the video is usually background for me. I will now go back and rewatch all the explained videos for this gag haha.

[@giulioDev]

@@jenabiant Aemon: Funny How? How the F am I funny? I'm a clown, i'm here to amuse you?

[@Lilobeetle]

anyone got a timestamp? 😅

[@diskeyes]

@@jenabiant aemond

[@Mordecai626]

RIP random squire with an adequate skintone to pass off as Laenor. Gone, but not forgotten.

[@friendlybane]

"Some of you may die, but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make.

[@tracyranger]

Pour one out for the caramel homie 😔 he didn't deserve that

[@aintnoslice3422]

Do you think Daemon coloured his pubes white before he threw him into the fire?

[@zizoumonk10]

But like what if Laenor had some weird birthmark or crazy dragon tattoo on his lower back and they examined the rest of the squire’s body

[@masenformen]

Headcanon: there's no more dark skinned people by the time of Game of Thrones because black commonfolk kept being mistaken for Velaryons

[@carmacksanderson3937]

Can I just say that Emma D'Arcy's Valyrian sounded so rich and fluent when speaking with Daemon? Props to David J Peterson for creating this beautiful conlang, and props to the actors for speaking it like they were born with it

[@LuisSierra42]

It makes the show feel so immersive

[@BurgundySorcerer]

Much better than Daenerys in GOT

[@mdnblues]

Emma's valyrian is the best we've heard in both shows. Hope there's more in the next episodes.

[@mariebourgot4949]

@@BurgundySorcerer But isn't it supposed to be this way, as Dany and Rae situation about heritage and language is very much opposed?

[@dogemaester]

I fucking love Emma as Rhaenyra.

[@atlasprime6193]

I love how Corlys’ actor in behind the scene is just staring at Luke’s dancing like, “I’m too old to understand this”.

[@shorey66]

I think it might be more of a...'goddammit this is the fiftieth take, I wan't to hit the lunch truck.'

[@fezmel]

18:48 - For the first time, we see the older Alicent picking at her fingernails because she’s nervous about what happened. Although, I do sense a little restraint from her, as she grasps her hands - almost as though she’s trying to stop herself from the picking of the skin. I thought this was a subtle but effective method of communicating character development.

[@Acer-exShorts]

How you see this little details makes me wanna observe more as I have read the books too. Truly great episode!

[@SacredDaturaa]

It's a great detail that mirrors her spiraling into mania. In some scene in the previous episode Alicent makes nervous little hand motions like she wants to pick at her fingernails, but doesn't.

[@Bingo_the_Pug]

At first I disliked her, but now I realize she’s in an impossible situation. Now I kinda feel bad for her. She’s basically trapped in her position with no escape.

[@kikima258]

@@Bingo_the_Pug yes i can't help but feel bad for her too whether we like it or not her children will always be a threat to Rhae thinking otherwise is nothing but naivety when one is familiar with real history it's a messed up situation all around and it is all viserys's faul

[@fezmel]

@@Acer-exShorts I pick at my fingers a lot, too, so I’ve been following this detail/character arc for the entire season. As soon as the time jump happened, I was immediately curious about how much Alicent would be picking at her fingers as an adult, especially after the green dress moment in episode 5. Predictably, I didn’t see much (if any?) finger-picking in episode 6, but I immediately picked up on it in this scene from episode 7. I do a lot of the hand grasping when I’m trying to stop myself from doing that when I’m nervous. Or I’ll brush my hands away when I pick up on it since I’ve been good at stopping myself from doing it as soon as I start. I’m curious to see if this is something they continue exploring for her character in the next 3 episodes, and so on.

[@SoBeDragon0]

i always like the little touch you do in these videos, where your voiceover is sync'd up with what the actor is saying. Just puts everything together nicely.

[@benjrokeefe]

a highly appreciated detail

[@gaIIivanter]

It's nice when the visuals match what the content creator is talking about, or at the very least have a thematic connection. When it's not it's just distracting.

[@sjtimmer7]

I think "Dragons of flesh weaving dragons of thread" means the sewing of the banners. The dragons of thread.

[@aegonbreakspear9102]

Amazing!

[@made-line7627]

That's what I'm leaning toward, though I can see why other people are interpreting it as Rhaenyra and Daemon finally getting married, too.

[@sjtimmer7]

@@made-line7627 interpretation is the danger of prophecy. Although the phrase "Aemond needs to give an eye for a dragon" is pretty clear.

[@AltShiftX]

I like the dragons of thread referring to tapestries as well -- evoking generational history, family trees, bloodlines..

[@krystofdayne]

I was thinking "dragons of thread" was another way of saying something like "mummer's dragons" like we hear constantly about in the main series because mummer's dragons are like cloth dragons on poles. So I though the Dragons of flesh might refer to Alicent's children because they are true Targaryens, true-born, while Rhaenyra's children are fake, bastards, so mummer's dragon of a kind. The weaving part is harder to explain. Maybe it means something different, like Rhaenyra is the dragon of flesh _weaving_ her fake children. I don't know. But the dragons of thread thing immediately made me think of mummer's dragon.

[@eugeneimbangyorteza]

3:42 -> This is a subtle nod that 180 years later, the motto of House Targaryen would be "I don't want it"

[@Phongphammmmm]

lol 🤣

[@z34n]

Ay, both bastards too! Btw I’m only on book 1 of GOT so no spoilers plz

[@thesavagesbotever9208]

@@z34n book one but know jon is a bastard targaryen??

[@55titles12]

The nighttime scenes look alot better in this video than they did in the actual episode vhaegar looked so good here

[@freeffree4133]

It's crazy they did the same thing from GOT.

[@AltShiftX]

Had to bump the brightness waaaay up to see anything lmao

[@JammesJammes]

Idk what you talking about cause i pirated

[@rkiwtir1146]

Second highest budget tv show on air rn has budget problems and couldn't afford having lighting for their scenes 🤣

[@royaltyblessed2454]

I saw the scene pretty well. But then again I didn't see it on HBO lol

[@mariahanczewska8109]

After phrase "[Alicent] got three devils on her shoulder and no angel" I started to feel sorry for her. Alicent's anger is also understandable; years of suppressing your feelings, while seeing that someone who breaks the rules is not held accountable, while knowing that if you break the rules, there will be trouble. As "gentle kid" I kinda understand her.

[@alifimran9049]

And daemon is a true angle for you? Gosh both rhanyera and allicane have accompanied by wrong people.

[@cancerino666]

@@alifimran9049 raynera chose daemon. She had lots of choice, the entire kingdom even at one point. But she chose him.

[@mariahanczewska8109]

@@alifimran9049 Nope, he's not.

[@AubLambe]

Enjoy idolizing a psychopath.

[@rinray9685]

@@cancerino666 do you know what is grooming?

[@finnancahill2644]

I think Alicent is okay with Aegon and Halaena more so because she’s paranoid and wants to keep her children closely within her grasp and opposed to marrying them out to the influence of other houses

[@7Nebulae7]

Or even worse, Rhaenyra's bastard sons.

[@poppyonline4034]

Doesn’t make her self righteous hypocrisy about incest any better

[@viceb7]

Yea just furthers her hypocrisy too

[@Ashbrash1998]

She gives me a lot of show Cersei vibes

[@moonlight-im8ik]

@@Ashbrash1998 nop, Cercei is stupid and cruel, Alicent, so far is strategic and didn't show cruelty yet

[@jeffandjoannbauer9567]

There was a lot of great subtly with Lord Commander Westerling too: gently reminding Viserys about watching his queen Alicent (after Viserys called her Aemma), the look he gives Cole when Alicent tries to overrule Viserys and order Cole to take Luke’s eye, and then he tells Cole to stay his blade when Alicent attacks Rhaenyra.

[@shinsenshogun900]

Ser Harold Westerling, likely the last fine and loyal Lord Commander Kingsguard of the Westerosi Realm capable of holding their brothers' blades from kin-strife, having to take up the position vacated by his predecessor Ser Ryam Redwine.

[@thewayfarer8849]

The actor apparently taught himself acting purely from experience, think he's shaped up to be a good depiction of a Kingsguard knight. The standard, the kind of person Selmy and Jamie assume the role to be at first.

[@TheKurtkapan34]

@@thewayfarer8849 he was also pretty good as djikstra in witcher.

[@Lurklen]

He's a very skilled actor, and I hope we get to see him bust out some moves in this show. I liked how tense it got between him and Criston.

[@SiberianWolf]

@@TheKurtkapan34 and he is one of the dwarves in Hobbit!

[@blakekush5640]

My favorite day is when Alt-Shift-X delivers a video on the previous episode the day a new episode comes out. Blessings from the Old Gods and New.

[@HOTD108_]

Those New Gods are surely Middle-Aged Gods by now.

[@YungBenGriffey]

All these other KZbinrs rushing their vids out and Alt Shift X taking his time, knowing he’ll have the best breakdown, AND reminding us that we’re about to get an episode the same day. It’s genius

[@SlaughterHobo]

“Rhaenyra is cut with the knife and their conflict draws first blood…” Aemond: Am eye a joke to you?

[@Steelion69]

I just realized, Aegon the elder being the party boy, and Aemond the younger being the dutiful son is awfully familiar; it's basically another piece of the "history repeating itself" theme Martin uses throughout ASOIAF, history in the series would later repeat itself again with Robert and Stannis; the former being the party boy and the latter being the dutiful son. Maybe Aemond's fate in Fire & Blood (and HOT D) will shed light on Stannis future in TWOW.

[@cleigh113]

at least Aemond dies in an epic dragon battle

[@made-line7627]

I was literally just thinking this about Aegon/Aemond and Robert/Stannis

[@made-line7627]

@@cleigh113 Hopefully Stannis gets a better death in the books

[@SantomPh]

The trope is subverted be Aegon III and Viserys (both dutiful) , Daeron and Baelor (both ambitious) and in a sense Daeron II and Daemon Blackfyre (the younger "brother" is the rebel).

[@friendlybane]

It also has to do with the theme of 2nd sons. The 1st son is handed everything by inheritence, but the 2nd sort of hangs around the throne. He is a prince, but has no real authority and has to find his own way. Becoming Hand, Commander of the City Watch, Leading the crown armies in battle, being dutiful. They kind of have to work to gain recognition.

[@frommyashesrisenrebornredemed]

The scene were all kids brawl and the scene where kids argue and the king yells.....its the most real and true humanlike reaction.....all kids played it masterfully. Great scenes. props to everyone infont and behind the cameras.

[@jarnodatema]

Every time. Every time I watch an episode I think I spotted every detail, every bit of symbolism, but for everything I have you have always have two or three more things I always completely overlook. You’re godlike mate.

[@realsanjo]

He has the benefit of having a community to talk it out with. Check out his after show streams as we help each other make sense of the episode.

[@REHANKHAN-en5zn]

Loved how the characters spoke so much through their eyes in this episode.

[@jarnodatema]

Except for Aemond. He spoke half as much.

[@EL-ISS]

The fight between the children was MAD lol they were throwing straight punches without holding back! Also I liked how large Veghar is, they really emphasized how large she is compared to Aemond.

[@AltShiftX]

I haven't seen hand to hand combat that advanced from children since Spy Kids 2

[@givemeliberty700]

​@@AltShiftX lmao

[@EzraDair]

You forgot one very crucial part. King V actually threatened anyone who speaks of the rumor to have their tongue removed. Also Criston refused to follow Alisent’s order cause he said “ I swore to protect you” not to follow your orders blindly

[@missbeliever5133]

I think Laenor living by the end and escaping was very fitting for his arc. Throughout ASOIF we're told that love is the death of duty, but I think the choice he makes is not a compromise of either. He gets to perform his duty to his wife, the heir to the throne, by the very act of leaving her because that's the only way she can strengthen her claim to the throne (a marriage with Daemon, with Laenor out of the picture). He also gets to pursue love because he's chosen a life of freedom with his true lover. Love _with_ duty.

[@isabellemani6453]

i loved rhe and laenor bond

[@xxxhatchetjobxxx9817]

Good point

[@BrandonIsWise]

Personally I think Larys Strong is just craving approval from the Queen because he's never gotten positive attention or been needed before. No motive to go for the crown, just chasing positive affirmation from her.

[@AltShiftX]

I wish we got some interactions between Larys and Lyonel. What was his relationship like with his dad? And his mother??

[@freeffree4133]

I'm just wondering what he will do when he stops getting that approval.

[@billyyyyy809]

@@AltShiftX But his relationship with his brother was great. They were close. That makes Larys super terrible

[@shinsenshogun900]

@@freeffree4133 Definitely look up to one that upholds Targaryen traditions: the green lads in Aegon II, Aemond, and the other children of Viserys & Alicent (as if he can convince Helaena)

[@DieEineMieze]

Big cap, nobody kills his family for affirmation.

[@whyareyoureadingmynickname8158]

One little detail I really liked about this episode is that Daemon only interfered when Rhaenyra's life was in danger. He didn't care for the fact that Aemond hit his daughters, he was smiling when Aemond lost his eye, didn't seem too upset when Alicent demanded retribution but he immediately stepped in front of Criston when latter moved towards Rhaenyra during her fight with Alicent. I think it kinda ties in with what was mentioned in the video that Daemon won't be a good husband: he seemingly doesn't care about her children nor about his own. Really makes me wonder about what he could do in the future.

[@FirefulXD]

exactly my thoughts. i was watching him lean like wait those are YOUR daughters up there too..

[@mokvid]

Woke up randomly at 1am to pee and caught this fresh Alt Shift X video. If you are in the chat brother, I am a long time fan. Love your works and all you do to expand these and many other amazing stories and worlds. Please introduce more amazing lore from other classics. Was gonna head to bed but now gonna finish this video and hopefully not go down this hot d alt shift x rabbit hole. Wish me luck. Good night

[@SHZAISLISTENING]

Same story woke up at 3am (I currently have a cold) and decided to watch while sipping some tea! This is truly an Amazing channel that has added so much insight into the lore of different series! Keep it up Alt Shift X

[@Dylunic]

@@SHZAISLISTENING Honestly that sounds like the vibe, just a quiet night sipping tea and watching Alt Shift X videos

[@HousedHorse]

My interpretation was that Alicent betrothed Aegon and Helaena to put a stop Rhaenyra's plans to marry Helaena to Jacaerys. In the last episode when Rhaenyra says she "has been undermined" my thinking was that this is what happened behind the scenes.

[@christosmadrid]

When Alt Shift X uploads I get a really warm feeling deep inside of me

[@jaspersong622]

Same

[@HB-ey2dk]

That's what she said

[@umacalopsitaeumviolao]

Mr. Chang has a specific reaction to your comment.

[@hazriqhusrin1282]

Me too. Although they are other channel upload review within 24hrs after the show aired, its still feel incomplete.. Alt X is much better.

[@tjequalstd20]

That’s your IBS flaring up again

[@agustoalarco8452]

“Love is the death of duty” also resonates with Viserys choosing Rhaenerys as his heir because of the love he had for his wife, instead of doing his duty and re-marrying to get a male heir (someone who will have better chances of being accepted) and secure the Targaryens bloodline to continue so they can fight against the WW.

[@DeepDarkBoys]

Thanks for these Alt, I love watching them after the eps to make sure I've got it all straight. The work you put in is nothing short of phenomenal!

[@AJFilms14]

I love the perpetual worried look on Helaena’s face, the actress has done a lot with her limited screen time.

[@mohanish94]

I have a theory about Viserys surviving this long only because he doesn't sit the Iron Throne anymore at all. He was never shown taking a seat on the Iron Throne ever since he cut his pinky off it and at the same time Mellos was replaced by Orwyle as Grand Maester which helped him recover better.

[@DieEineMieze]

That's like a common view in this matter

[@AgusSkywalker]

But in ep04 he was sitting in the throne when Daemon arrived with the crown.

[@mohanish94]

@@AgusSkywalker Nope, he didn't take a seat was only standing before the throne two steps above everyone. To assert his power, he wore the crown in front of everyone and took hold of Blackfyre the legendary sword of Aegon The Conqueror which passes on from King to King.

[@supravak8481]

the last scene of the episode was absolutely brilliant, said so much without really saying anything

[@sama2086]

I love the stuff about Viserys' guilt fueling his undying loyalty to rhaenyra. Its very tragic and moving. Absolutely love what HOTD and paddy considine have done with Viserys I.

[@poppyonline4034]

He’s the best actor. Amazing!

[@Sarciasm]

Another parallel i noticed was criston's previous offer to rhaenyra of escaping the troubles of the crown and how Laenor ended up. Maybe these thoughts helped her empathize with laenor better and let her grant her own deep seated wants to another. Im also really keen on any future interactions between Rhaenyra and Criston, on how messy it would be lmao

[@antrayen1979]

Hearing Dany's theme (when she flew Drogon for the first time) in the scene with Aemond and Vhagar was truly beautiful ❤

[@adrianoalves5829]

I thought that Daemon laughed at the funeral to attract the attention to him and not to Rhaenyra and the kids as a way to protect his crush/niece. Before he starts laughing he is looking around and he seems to notice that people are looking at her.

[@miguelmarques4583]

When Coryls talks about "not casting a shadow on the boys" I felt that it sounded like he loves them regardless.

[@skyaltaria]

the way rhaenyra set laenor free reminds of how she also spared the white stag during aegon's nameday hunt. there is a deeply tragic irony in watching her more noble actions go unnoticed by the other characters in the show.

[@SamButler22]

In the books the legitimacy of Jace, Luke, and Joff is much less certain. I think it would have been better if the whole Strong family had been cast with black actors too; the kids could look like Laenor but not have the silver hair. Just make it a little less obvious, make the king a little less stupid

[@holysecret2]

The Strongs are supposed to be descendants of the first men, so making them black would surely break the lore

[@SamButler22]

@@holysecret2 yeh and the Valaryons are Valyrian; that bridge had already been crossed and it was fine

[@holysecret2]

@@SamButler22 I see no reason why we should believe that all of Valyria was white-skinned, or racist for that matter. They were slavers, and traders. You can easily imagine some black families forming in that environment. And regardless of that, I strongly disagree with your sentiment. Whatever mistake they may have made in the casting department, it does not excuse or open the door for more. In fact, they should (and will) be scrutinized even more in their future decisions.

[@MourningCoffeeMusic]

Man those Valyrian outfits look incredible. The cosplayers have been alerted.

[@batgurrl]

Love your analysis with the occasional snark and sarcasm. They will get sand in all of their crevices made me pause the video because I couldn’t stop laughing. What you said about Alicent’s attitude toward Rhaenyra was so spot on. Can’t wait to see tonight’s episode☮️

[@jayclearmen411]

Yup did that once Never again.. Thought I was being romantic & spontaneous and stuff. Take it from me fellas it isn’t a good idea Even with a blanketp

[@mrz87456]

Your dedication to putting out the video before the next episode is unmatched! Appreciate the effort man

[@marinewauquier8630]

Glidus could never

[@khaylinsnead3420]

Thanks for a spoiler free review!!!! Every other KZbinr just fills these reviews with spoilers, just basically telling the entire book story. THANKS FOR NOT RUINING THE STORY FOR US NON BOOK READERS!

[@RevanTheRebel]

Because Helaena’s prophecy about Aemond’s eye was worded very literally, I viewed her visions about the loom much less metaphorically. She says spools of black and green, and dragons of flesh weaving dragons of thread. I think she can literally see the divided banners of Targaryen being erected by the two sides in the war to come.

[@madamn]

I think all Helaena's prophecies happened within the episode. "Hand turns loom" Otto kicked and picked up drunk Aegon and put him to bed shows his power over the prince; or this could be Otto starting the civil war. "Spool of green, spool of black" Aemond claiming Vhagar and losing his eye to Lucerys creates further division of House Targaryen, fully establishing the Blacks vs. Greens. "Dragons of flesh, weaving dragons of thread" This could be Daemon and Rhaenyra secretly getting married through Valyrian tradition; or Aemond and Rhaenyra both getting their cuts literally sewed up by the maester.

[@made-line7627]

The last one, definitely

[@VictorSchmidt]

I think they'll maybe she's hinting at the next episode, like the last one hinted at this episode.

[@hydrocooledcarrot]

I think we got the "he'll have to close an eye" prophecy this episode and the dragons of thread will happen in the next as the factions prepare for war and we see a lot of banners with either green or black dragons on them (dragons of thread)🤞

[@made-line7627]

@@hydrocooledcarrot Noice

[@lykentropy6857]

Real dragons going extinct and becoming only dragons in the tapestries.

[@sandipanghosh0511]

Watching Aemond ride Vhagar was truly wonderful. It is, in my opinion, the best dragon-riding scene in all of GoT so far.

[@m_zero3009]

That was the only dark scene i liked in this ep as well, thats how it shouldve looked when jon and dany were fighting the night king on their dragons

[@sandipanghosh0511]

@@m_zero3009 fr

[@hammygaming101]

Thank you for all the work you do on your videos X!! I’m sure it takes a lot of your time and effort but you do it for us every week. Just wanna say we all appreciate you so much

[@AltShiftX]

Thanks so much! Glad the effort is appreciated.

[@made-line7627]

@@AltShiftX 16k views in 35 minutes is pretty crazy, but well-earned. Still the best recaps on the Tube 💫

[@lobomedina6312]

@@AltShiftX You have a wonderful speaking voice.

[@Kay-kg6ny]

@Ry and why shouldn't they?

[@lobomedina6312]

@Kamil S A "speaking voice" can also be a person's "normal" voice. Not sure what your point is. "lol".

[@jorgerincon6874]

I really think they didn't actually killed Laenor Velaryon, just to make the audience sympathize more with Rhaenyra side, I believe that was a cheap cop out, cause I don't see Laenor just abandoning his family and his dragon for the chance to live free somewhere else, even if it was an offer he couldn't refuse

[@missbeliever5133]

Maybe he did it for more than love, maybe he did it because he saw it as a way to perform his duty for his wife, the heir to the throne. If he's out of the picture, she can strengthen her claim by marrying Daemon. With this plan, he gets to choose both duty and love.

[@cosmo588]

@@missbeliever5133 that’s the vibe I got too.

[@tinaye8638]

Exactly, especially since his parents just lost a child. I doubt he'd want them to suffer more

[@oneannoyingwhiteguy]

The build up of this show, showcasing the ever faster speed towards conflict is so good. I described it to a curious friend as like; “a show about WWI where the first season is all about the building of tensions and the archduke gets shot in the season finale”

[@yeahDasLante]

Is that what the shows called?

[@Coooooops]

I actually love these coming out the day before the next ep, basically reminds me of everything without the need to rewatch if I don't have time

[@lmr2o]

My Sunday routine before new HotD is to watch your recaps to show me the details I missed. Thanks for putting these together for us!

[@santiagomendez1626]

Today was a really shitty day for me. It was exhausted, sad and stressful, but you have no idea how happy I felt when I open the KZbin app and saw that the new annalisis was up. Thank you so, so fucking much.

[@chidieberendukwu]

Hi there. Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate all the work you put into the videos...and the timing. Just a day before the next episode is like a good refresher course.

[@ser_ryon_vine6392]

“That’s why Alicents life sucks.” The sophisticated analysis I came here for.

[@vestyycpn9265]

Tbh I was shocked how focused everybody was on Alicent for demanding an eye of Lucerys for stabbing her son in the eye, while Rhaenyra wanted to torture a little boy for telling the truth about her bastard children.

[@albertoquezada2862]

Yeah but the Rhaenyra apologists brush this like nothing !!! Eddard died because of Joffrey bastardy, Cersei high treason & started the War of the Five Kings, but hey double standards right, wrong!!! No problem to Viserys; Rhaenyra can do no wrong, even if Aemond is his son too.🤬😈

[@bolokowsky]

Yeah Iam on team green for sure, Rhaenyra and Daemon griefing way to much

[@albertoquezada2862]

@@bolokowsky Team Green!!!🟢🟢🟢 Because its mean!!!😄

[@jaredheath3642]

@@bolokowsky Aegon 2 underrated.

[@vestyycpn9265]

@@jaredheath3642 true

[@_Jumby]

Character development and buildup was masterfully done in this episode. The post-funeral reception scene was so good, so much was said with so little dialogue

[@nicholascole9673]

"and their conflict draws first blood" *Aemond the recently one eyed* "Am I a joke to you?"

[@varsoonhks3211]

Really appreciate your analysis. Always on-point, attentive, and with takes that drive engagement with the material. Too often, criticism is leverage to deride a thing rather than celebrate it. Your videos always just make me want to indulge in more of this world and I love that.

[@nhtidmore9734]

As soon as I set down the book, I get this notification before bed. Only Alt Shift X can keep me from sleep.

[@KerioFive]

The clip at 0:12 is part of my head canon now. Lucaerys showed off his true passion after telling Corlys he didn't want it.

[@merrittanimation7721]

“She is muh queen” -Lucaerys if he ever has to inherit the throne from his mother

[@lukesguywalker]

"Larys Strong slides into Alicent's DMs and offers to do a murder." he's so weird 😭

[@mejuliie]

I actually think that Criston would have followed Allicent's order, if the confrontation happened in a more private setting. He's petty enough to show his favoritism towards Aegon and Aemond during training, even pit them against the much smaller/younger Jace and Luke. Cole's definitely not above hurting children.

[@ssotkow]

Love Alt Shift X. My go-to channel for things HOTD and GOT. Lightness of humor, detail oriented backed with scholarly wisdom, without book spoilers. Eloquence and soothing voice to put audience at ease are always expected journey, steered by the master at the helm.

[@ud1819]

Since Sunday I have been watching reviews of episode 7 on KZbin and wondering why no one talked about the "hand turns the loom" hinting towards the role of Otto Hightower in initiating the events of Dance of the dragons. Yours is the only review that mentions it.

[@timetravelingnecromancer1051]

I took that as referring to Larys. But the more I think about it the more I realize it could refer to alot of people. Otto, Rhaenyra & Alicent, Larys, Daemon. Everyone is weaving in this episode.

[@justt1984]

“Their conflict draws first blood” Aemond : • - -

[@KayCharisse]

“Larys Strong slides into Alicent’s DMs” lmao 😂

[@basang32]

Saw someone say that "dragons of thread" could also be banners for future battles

[@luigi-1545]

What hasn't been explained so far is why Otto craves so much power. There are a lot of power-hungry characters in the primary asoiaf timelime and you pretty much get and understand their motivations (Varys wants to sit a Blackfyre in the throne, Cersei was neglected and used as a pawn her entire life, Littlefinger was being constantly humilliated and berated because of his poor man status, etc.) but Otto? he may be a second son but his family is one of the wealthiest and more powerful ones, not only that but they do seem to get along and support each other as much as they can. As of now, Otto is kind of a caricature villain twisting his mustache without any reason whatsoever.

[@TeaSquiffy2]

I took, from his conversation with his brother, that this is how the Hightowers operate. They're taught to take and keep as much power as they can. Otto's brother persuades him to chase power, he teaches Alicent to do the same, and so on.

[@BhBc8f8]

Otto is a second son, his elder brother's family will inherit Hightower while his family will have nothing. Second sons aren't given power, they have to take it. Like how Daemon became King of the Narrow sea

[@strega0]

"They will get sand in their various crevices." XD my dude, please never change.

[@NateDoggeh]

Honestly my favorite episode so far. Can’t wait for those intense moments later on.

[@MD-sy3iw]

Once again you outshine all others with your thoroughness and humor.

[@fugchugson]

I like how you had to up the exposure of all the nighttime scenes since they were barely visible in the episode itself.

[@neon9999]

Thank you for fixing the dark scenes in order to show them here!

[@ridhoirvan1070]

The best part of HOT D was when Daemon leaned

[@yanek_]

Dude, you're awesome. 1. I had no idea you would make a shoutout to the new Patreon members, so hearing you say my name in your video is heart-warming. 2. You actually pronounced my name right, this means a lot. Thank you Alt Shift X.

[@sabrinetbini8391]

I love daemon and his attitude this episode, how Matt Smith portrays him is spot on I think. But does anyone else think he's a bit cold towards his daughters? They just lost their mother and he didn't even give them a hug.

[@evannesbitt7852]

I thought that shot of Rhaenyra looking at Aegons blade cast in front of fire as Alicent was about to stab her was brilliant. It adds another layer of tragedy and meaning to this entire conflict, Rhaenyra isn't just worried about having the Iron Throne for herself and her sons, she is primarily concerned with the fulfilment of Aegon's prophecy about the Targaryens ending the Long Night. Which won't happen if the Greens who may not even know of the prophecy will care more about restraining dragons and giving concessions to the Hightowers and their allies over preparing for winter

[@lucajm2485]

LOVE THE VIDEOS, I make sure to set aside a special portion of time specifically to enjoy watching them with no distractions

[@The_Malcontented]

Ever since the timeskip in between episode 5 and episode 6, Alicent has become an awful person and the show shows her continuously becoming a more and more awful person. It's subtle but you can see that the Velaryon kids and Targaryen kids were actually pretty cool with each other until Alicent and Criston got involved to sow seeds of discord- Aegon, Jace, and Luke all prank Aemond together, Aemond couldn't stand Aegon 'cause he's a twat so he totally could have got on well with his nephews, and when Aegon or Aemond (I forget which one,) knocks into Jace or Luke (couldn't tell) in the practice yard, he gives him a pat on the shoulder to show he didn't mean anything by it and they're cool. Then Criston got involved because he's a psycho and an incel to pit them against each other, and Alicent not only pushed Aegon to hate the Velaryons, but also pushed him to claim the throne one day, despite the fact that 1. he didn't want it and 2. he would (and did) make an awful king because all he cares about is boozing and whoring- very similar to Aegon IV who was a LEGENDARILY-bad king

[@xytech7432]

Aegon IS a bad king, but he does BECOME a decent one. After he gains a spine and does his own thing ignoring his mother and grandfather.

[@sydneycraig]

These analyses are as good as watching the show for me! So insightful and funny!

[@DavidB091]

I like how none of the Kingsguard attempts to simply take the dagger from Alicent. It would not have been that hard

[@RougeBananaman]

Never thought I'd be thinking about your Explained videos the whole week after watching the episode.

[@uhuhuhuhuhuh91]

Can we all sit and appreciate the 9:10 editing?

[@laurenmichero9003]

What was Daemon about to say before he told Viserys he needed nothing? It looks like he was about to say something beginning with an R. Maybe he needed Rhaenyra or he needed respect. Did anyone else pick up on that? It’s such a small thing but it’s so annoying not knowing lol

[@ChristopherCoxFilm]

I def picked up on that too! Awesome little detail

[@electric_whelk1653]

Leo Ashton gave a really chilling performance here imo. I knew bullies at school who got good grades and who the teachers liked, and who stayed calm in the headteacher's office after the kids they were picking on lashed back at them. Young Aemond has that exact energy to me.

[@billma12345]

Look forward to these explanations each week just as much as the episodes

[@TheeSecondSon]

Aemond claiming Vhagar will go down as one of the most badass scenes in GOT/HOTD history. EPIC!

[@ayushman3359]

Just wished they had better lighting

[@freeffree4133]

Yeah but you couldn't see it.

[@louis8487]

@@ayushman3359 They somehow did not learn their lesson from season 8. People want to see what the fuck is happening on screen. I don't care if the cgi looks spotty I'd rather see subpar cgi than a black screen.

[@varunchauhan8014]

Yoooo nice seeing you here

[@ayushman3359]

@@louis8487 Facts

[@lukekiba8424]

When you wake Up, think about alt shift X and suddenly you See He uploaded His new Video Eleven minutes ago You know the day will BE good !

[@kaceydillin7367]

Alt x shift uploads always worth the wait. ❤

[@MisakiZora]

I think Visery’s determination to make Rhaenyra heir is very understandable. After Aemma died and Daemon left, Rhaenyra seems to be the only one around who truly loves and care for him, while the others just want power and try to manipulate him. Especially now when he’s sick and old and wants to be surrounded by loved ones, he probably thinks of Aemma more than before, and wants Rhaenyra to be happy and gets the throne more than ever. Yes, Alicent’s children are his and he probably loves them too, but he might not love them as much as Rhaenyra, because they’re more Hightower’s than Targaryen’s, and a part in his mind probably keeps telling him they’re the products of Otto’s manipulation. It’s also why he tries to reach out to Daemon here. Because deep down Viserys knows Daemon does love him, something he desperately needs right now.

[@freeffree4133]

Rhaenyra was a straight up bish after Amma died though.

[@shinsenshogun900]

@@freeffree4133 with no mother to guide and the ailing father to do his duties as King of the Realm, Rhaenyra is definitely prone to be awakened by a smooth criminal leaner of an uncle

[@freeffree4133]

@@shinsenshogun900 True!

[@Cobalt360Degrees]

@@freeffree4133 To be fair, Rhaenyra wanted to be included more in his work as his heir and Viserys still dragged his feet on that, so her being a bitter teenager does at least kinda make sense. She still does plenty that prevents me feeling like, *bad* for her, but I can at least understand where her frustrations are coming from.

[@jorgemoya1341]

"Rhaenyra seems to be the only one around who truly loves and care for him" are we seeing the same show, where rhaenyra did so many fuck ups that her father allowed?, the same show where allicent was shown to be a loving, kind and really caring wife with him regardless in his state, she may been manipulated to become closer to the king but true kindness and care cannot be bought.

[@frankvandorp2059]

Rhaenyra and Alicent were not driven apart because Alicent "projects" anger about"her life" on Rhaenyra, you missed the mark there completely. Alicent defied her father and supported Rhaenyra for a long time, she even went out of her way to first convince Viserys to let Rhaenyra choose her own husband, and then to find suitors for Rhaenyra so she can make a choice. Rhaenyra did very little with that, but what's much worse from Alicent's perspective, Rhaenyra directly lied to her face, swearing on her mother's grave that "Daemon didn't touch her", and Alicent's father getting fired was partly because Alicent believed Rhaenyra and defended her. It was only at that point that their trust and friendship were irreparably broken from Alicent's point of view. And from Rhaenyra's point of view it is even more obvious why she hates Alicent, she felt it as a deep betrayal that Alicent married Viserys without telling her anything beforehand, and giving birth to the very heirs that now threaten her own claim. That's what Rhaenyra believes destroyed their trust and friendship. So the feud between Alicent and Rhaenyra is barely political at all, instead it was intensely PERSONAL and grounded in both of them feeling deeply betrayed by the other. It has nothing to do with "projection" of Alicent's "anger" at "her miserable life" on Rhaenyra, that's a very weird interpretation of the situation that doesn't seem validated by the show at all. The only person who is saying this seems to be Alicent's actress, so I think she simply misunderstands the role she is playing, or is looking at it through a 21st Century lens without taking the context of the setting of Westeros into account at all.

[@godemperorofmankind3.091]

rhaenyra has no reason to be angry. arranged marriages are a part of their lives and she knows full well alicent was forced and had no choice. so rhaenyra is pissed off for no reason other than being extremely petty and petulant that viserys and alicent understand duty as she never ever will.

[@saverna1]

Aemond is becoming my favorite character, he wasn't even mad that whole time. I like how he protects his mother because he knows Viserys wont harm his firstborn son. Smart cookies like him make the series so much more interesting!

[@svh9]

I was low key expecting Larys' face to be replaced with Krombopulos Michael when you said "he just loves killin'".

[@zipblockarchives900]

I love these detailed recaps. Keep up the good work.

[@Vhagar_CaneCorso]

Finally....A story breakdown with great footage/edits and No spoilers beyond the episode. Thank you

[@SamButler22]

In this sort of society, if someone goes for the heir to the throne with a knife, they should really have lost their head before the next morning

[@olorin4317]

That would require a very un-Viserys like king.