House of the Dragon 1x8 REACTION!! "The Lord of the Tides"

[@BlindWave]

Check Blind Wave playing some scary games on Scream Stream all Month Long at www.twitch.tv/blindwave Raw Rider Patrons can watch the Full Length Reaction HERE: blindwavellc.com/house-of-the-dragon-1x08-full/

[@Nistel88]

@Blind Wave ...That was Helena! @46:00 yes Alicent's son, Aegon, is married to his sister Helena. Which is just ANOTHER thing on a long list of why Alicent is such a hypocrite. She wanted to talk smack about "Targaryen Queer Customs" when questioning young Rhaenrya, but then (just to spite Rhaenyra's proposal to marry Helena to Jace) she allows a brother-sister incest marriage for HER children!

[@christopherlockwood1857]

How do you guys not know Aegon married Helena. She even gives a speech about it . They were betrothed last episode and now they are married . I don’t know how you guys all Missed that

[@Honken55]

@@Nistel88 the thing with Rhaes boys with Strong is that they are bastards. Noone has a problem with incest.... Incest is good, keeps the blood pure.

[@madiisonno]

the measters study at the citadel in old town so the Hightowers and them work together

[@Honken55]

@@madiisonno not enterily true. As its written after the conflict they write for the winners.....

[@Chiwalker]

For me, Viserys entering the throne room was probably the most powerful entrance ever in all Game of Thrones. Such love of a father for his child that he went out to defend her when she needed him the most.

[@BhBc8f8]

🤧

[@frname7665]

To me the most powerful entrance will always remain Tywin bursting in during the battle of Blackwater. But this one comes second, true

[@chaost4544]

It's up there with Tywin's entrance on horse in the throne room.

[@memento81]

he looked like a badass Elden Ring boss right before sh*t goes down

[@Atlasss97]

100% and the look on Rhaenrya's face of the gratitude and love for her father

[@Wolf6119]

I love this idea that Rhaenyra and Alicent have passed on the animosity so thoroughly to their children that even at this rare, precious moment, where both of them are open to the idea of de-escalation, the whole thing has already spiraled out of their hands because the next generation isn't ready to set those grudges aside even if their mothers might be.

[@andrewli6606]

Think if Viserys’ final drugged-out and incoherent rambling is enough to push her to war, it was inevitable.

[@d3l3tes00n]

Just like real life

[@benji0099]

Highly agree with this. I even think Alicent (in the show) might have come around and let the crown to pass to Rhaenyra......before she misinterprets Viserys' last words about the prophecy. Her telling Aegon 'you're no son of mine' revealed she holds a deep dislike for her eldest son and knows he would make an awful king. Whilst she toasts Rhaenyra with 'you will make a great queen' recognizing her old friend would be the far better ruler. Along with her husband's emotional plea at the dinner table and a lessening of the grudge against Rhaenyra for her past (as she now has to clean up her own son's indiscretions)....there was a chance.

[@rdpaik]

That might be the case with Aegon, because he initially didn’t want the throne and was ok with not challenging Jace but I feel Aemond’s primary source at anger didn’t really have anything to do with his mom, Alicent. As we all could see in the scene with the cooked pig, the memory of “Pink Dread” and the bullying Aemond faced still bothers him to no end. And of course, he’s still vengeful over the loss of the eye. Both things happened with “kids being kids” in many ways, and wasn’t an inherited hatred.

[@keerthanatharal7572]

@@andrewli6606 I think it was meant for Rhaenyra

[@CABRALFAN27]

Viserys' walk was already beautiful on its own, but when you know his backstory, it gives the scene even more power; Viserys was the last rider of Balerion the Black Dread. Balerion, being around 200 years old at that point, was old and dying, but he still mustered up the energy to make one last flight before he died, and Viserys' status as Balerion's rider was pivotal in him becoming King. Now, an old, dying Viserys makes one last flight, for the sake of his daughter and grandsons. Absolutely phenomenal, and, as far as I'm aware, completely show-original.

[@sean253]

They said the last episode that Aegon and Helaena were betrothed. In this episode, we learn Aegon is married. Helaena also walks in to ask about the maid and, I believe, mentions children. Then Helaena makes a statement at the dinner about how marriage isn't too bad because "He mostly ignores you unless he's drunk". I feel so bad for that little bug-loving weird girl.

[@mp6640]

A little Cersei and Jamie Lannister going on lmao… “oh brother touch me like you have never before” I’m dead 💀

[@TheArrowedKnee]

I mean Helaena might just seem like the person that holds the least amount of animosity towards the "other half" of her family(i.e the blacks for those in the know).

[@sierotkamarysia4199]

@@mp6640 That's your own little weird fantasy dude 💀💀

[@jasonuchiha3748]

It didn’t matter that he looked like a zombie when he entered the throne room he still gave the feeling of a king

[@Glamode]

at that moment he was no king, he was a dragon, a father foremost

[@rajkumarn.t4581]

He was a father at that moment

[@mp6640]

Speaking of zombies, are we gonna see the white walkers or any appearance of them for the series? We did hear Viscerys talk about the “dark” forces

[@benjaminhartsock3281]

@@mp6640 Oh, almost 100% no. The White Walkers emerging is several hundred years later

[@maddoxio]

​@@benjaminhartsock3281 They were still around, just waiting for a longer winter. I can imagine them playing cards or something

[@thedarkknight2221]

Honestly this is the happiest possible ending for Viserys. On his last day of life he gathered enough strength to walk on his own all the way to the Iron Throne (where thankfully his brother helped him the rest of the way), managed to get his family together for a final dinner, and miraculously managed (if only for a brief moment) to bring the family back together. Yes he was in agonizing pain, but his last thoughts before he died were of his family gathered around him and having a genuinely happy dinner. Also Paddy Considine BETTER get an Emmy for this show. This episode was also slightly triggering for me because mother fought stage 3a breast cancer on and off for almost 10 years and when the radiation and chemotherapy hit her their hardest she looked as pale, thin, and drained of energy as Viserys did. And just like Viserys my mom fought longer and harder than anyone thought a human being was capable of. So while it was only for a brief moment I was so happy that Viserys actually got to see his family happy and together again.

[@jrm371]

Sorry for your loss

[@CaptainMarvel-ew7rn]

I’m sorry about your mom. My brother also died from ammonia and other illness that I rather not say. Let just say it was hard watching my older brother be so weak and skinny and not look like he use to. And having my mom lose her oldest son and the worst thing is that no one could do anything to help him. We all knew what was coming. Like you this episode hurt me bad. Because my older brother was like vicseris. He was the glue. He always tried to get the family together and he eas always trying to mediate situations in are family. And now it’s not the same. Are family is so separated and watching this. Watching vicseres watch his family actually being happy hurt. Because when my brother was in the hospital that might be the last time all are family we’re together. Actually together. And you can see it brought happiness in his eyes. I hope the last moments he had before he took his last breath that we were all there for him together like he wanted us to be. I hope we will see them one day.

[@thedarkknight2221]

@@CaptainMarvel-ew7rn it’s the same with my mom, after she passed my family cut off contact with me and I with them. They never came to her aid.

[@mermaidreviews4693]

I feel that my grandpa had have his I removed before he died and my uncle brain cancer he wasted away so young it was hard to watch

[@emmasnow29]

Agreed.

[@datsapaddlin]

In his weakest moment the King was still the strongest person in the room. His love for his family kept him going longer than he shoulda lasted.

[@scotthewitt258]

I mean, he totally WAS going to collect that tongue if Daemon had not had his back. I think it would have been so awesome to see Viserys, in his worn down state, take the usurper like cutting a cake.

[@marti9734]

More like his love for Rhaenyra... lol

[@jaredf6205]

This whole situation is his fault

[@johnnyd1790]

@@jaredf6205 agreed, he should've never named his daughter as successor.

[@ddandymann]

Only at his physically weakest point did he find the strength of character that he'd lacked on so many occasions in the past. It's depressingly poetic.

[@Cadinho93]

The saddest part for me besides Viserys final dinner with his family was Daemon's reaction. He seemed so sad and lost seeing his brother suffer like that. Also, the last thing Viserys saw was everyone happy and enjoying each others company, I was actually sobbing multiple times in this episode. So powerful!

[@datsapaddlin]

He probably wished they spent more time together side by side. He still looked up to him as his older brother even if he didn’t always think he was right when it came to being king.

[@ShanghaiChang]

King Viserys be like... "I wish I've been tested like other kings.". You've been tested alright... to the very last breath.

[@yaboyrams9500]

@@ShanghaiChang he's been a peacekeeper throughout his life but that last moment of his life just caused the biggest civil war

[@CoRLex-jh5vx]

Daemon was supposed to give a speech as well but it got cut (implied because it was too personal a conversation fot Daemon to have in front of everyone)

[@majbrat]

Performances on this show have been so good. He did look totally lost as to what to do. Until it was head chopping time! Love his character so much.

[@aimeemarie5462]

No disrespect but anyone who didn't realize that Daemon has loved and adored his brother since episode one wasn't paying close enough attention.

[@ecstasyecs]

This. I think they made it pretty obvious really early on that he's done what he's done for his brothers attention. Like when Viserys sent his hand instead of going to see Daemon himself when Daemon was "getting married". Poor thing, he was so upset.

[@tsheporabekane4172]

"Heir for a day". Stealing a dragon egg. Grooming his niece. "The gods have been especially cruel to you." The only reason Daemon even came to see Viserys was because Vaemond was contesting Driftmark. Daemon did not love Viserys as much as people say.

[@aimeemarie5462]

@@tsheporabekane4172 everything you mentioned just further proves how many people lack the ability to understand his character. Watch the behind the scenes of every episode where the directors and producers spell it out for you

[@thelibraryhorror]

Matt Smith has said in his interviews that Daemon loves his brother. Just because you’re mad at your own blood doesn’t mean you don’t love them. Daemon showed up for Viserys when it was needed…made sure he was up on his thrown with his crown in tact. And Viserys allowed it. The face Viserys repeated Daemon’s name serveral times when he came in to see him was so moving. The last two sons of their parents.

[@jameer7565]

@@tsheporabekane4172 He did selfish and dumb things but he would have never tried to take his power or kill him.

[@stevetrevor7004]

This episode got me so emotional Viserys was in so much pain but he came to his daughters aid, a daughter he loves so much one last time ❤ and the perfectly minimal acting of Daemon showing himself to be a strong player of this game but you see the moments when he's hurting to see his brother this way 💔

[@nkxseal8398]

Saw my father deteriorate like this as well but not that severe, so tragic.

[@yazilliclick]

It was all the more sad because she questioned that he loved her and would stand up for her his entire life. Finally in the end I think she realized just how much he cared for her and had her back.

[@math9172]

I litteraly cried during his speech at dinner, and when Rhaenyra then toasted to Alicent... If only it could end like Viserys wanted, with them beingnok with each other again... At least that's what he saw and believed before dying.

[@yaboyrams9500]

@@math9172 and it would've stayed that way if he didn't mess up at the end 😂

[@math9172]

@@yaboyrams9500 Nah first how is that his fault? It's the delirious last words of a suffering old man. That's Alicent's fault for taking it so seriously. Second, I don't even get how she could possibly take it for herself? Does she really think that he's saying "your pervert son must be king"? She didn't even get what he meant by "song of ice and fire". Woman it took him to walk all the way to the throne and to diner and for him to give one of his best speeches to finally break a little from your father's brainwashing, but the second you hear dying words you can't make any sense of you change your mind back? Seriously if they're going with that as the first reason to why she's gonna betray Rhaenyra (who YET AGAIN made a move of friendship towards her) she is either stupid or this is bad writing.

[@nightgirlmelody6987]

Yes, Aegon is married to his sister Helaena. It was confirmed they were betrothed last episode (when Aegon and Aemond were watching Helaena with the spider), and now they are married. And they have kids too.

[@juliamarian]

So funny how Alicent was hypocritical about Rhaynera being with her uncle and then she married her son and daughter together 😂

[@Forcy-20]

@@juliamarian The incestual connotations there weren't Alicent's biggest concerns then. It was the fact that if true then Rhaenyra would have lost her virginity in full view of anyone watching within the bowels of a whorehouse without having been married yet and while Viserys and her were working on trying to find her a good match she would like.

[@AL-jg4pr]

@@juliamarian but Alicent isn't mad about Rhaenyra fooling around with a relative but because she did it with a married man and have coupling with her protector and then lied to her face which resulted into her father getting sacked. From her pov it makes sense.

[@juliamarian]

@@AL-jg4pr I was just referring to the incest lol

[@juliamarian]

@@AL-jg4pr she did make a dig about how Targaryens have queer customs

[@eddiebaker40]

The symbolism of Viserys rotting away on the side where the Hightower’s sit and his good eye being on the side where his family sits was outstanding. And so was the way Viserys taking off his mask for them all to see what he really looked like was almost like an inversion of when Rhaenyra told Alicent “now they see you as you really are”. What an excellent season of television that’s only getting better.

[@kallemort]

So is his hand rotting off on the side of his family symbolism too?

[@RealmDesigner]

@@kallemort Yes. Very much though. Think about what you do with an eye and what someone else can do with a hand.

[@oglambo]

@@kallemort I always thought of that as more symbolic of the rot beginning or stemming from the hand of the king, in other words Otto Hightower

[@Mrryn]

Similar to how I see it. The Hightower side has his Hand, but he's also blinded to that side

[@forn99]

this episode is fucking amazing man. paddy absolutely killed it as viserys. 10/10 so far imo

[@Blinkptx]

One of the best acted characters in all of the Thrones franchise.

[@johnnyd1790]

10/10 for his performance, but the 1st season of House of The Dragon is still not as good as the 1st season of Game of Thrones for me. But getting there! 😊

[@Blinkptx]

@@johnnyd1790 I'd say both seasons are just as good as one another for different reasons. For me. They both have given me the same emotions while watching. I have issues comparing the two because while they exist in the same universe they are both extremely different stories. Both had amazing acting, great characters, and incredibly fun and interesting stories. Couldn't ask for anything more. One thing I think HotD had over early GoT are some of the visuals, but I can't hold that against it because the budget is just wildly better for this show.

[@Chair991]

@@johnnyd1790 HoTD season 1 feels like a prologue, not that much happening, it's gonna ramp up now that Viserys is dead though. Season 1 of GoT just jumped straight into it. That being said I definitely think HoTD season 1 has better writing

[@johnnyd1790]

@@Blinkptxyeeeh, but... the changing of the characters does it for me. And the events, much closer to my heart in GoT. I also loved Tyrion in seasons 1-5, I don't love anyone here. But we'll see what the last 2 HotD eps. bring.😃

[@Mr_M_]

The fact that the crown falling off of Viserys' head was a mistake and Matt Smith just went with it and improvised is amazing!!

[@ObligedUniform]

Was it really? Odd they didn't put that in the making of the episode companion bit.

[@NinaPB]

@@ObligedUniform it was an accident in rehearsal that they put in. When it fell in the scene, it was planned based on the rehearsal improv.

[@lolilie]

@@ObligedUniform I was surprised it wasn’t included in the making-of too, but you can find the story in an Entertainment Weekly interview with the director. As someone else mentioned, it was improvised during the rehearsal and made it into the show.

[@baokachi9767]

He should of bowed after daemon put it back on

[@that.ll_do_pig]

@@baokachi9767 I was saying aloud "ok cool, now bow. Booow. Dude, bow!" Haha

[@blurrylinesx8039]

Paddy Considine is gonna sweep at next year's award season and rightfully so. His performance as Viserys was devastating

[@Freshman704]

Bob Odenkirk is clear.

[@Vambiche]

@@Freshman704 Bob is a lead, Paddy isnt

[@Wolfhunter5607]

@@Freshman704 still crazy how he hasn’t won yet like wtfff

[@williamegan6756]

@@Vambiche Paddy’s name comes first in the credits. He is the lead, just as Sean Bean was for the first season of GoT. I think a sweep is definitely possible. House of the Dragon is clearly the most popular show on TV at the moment, and by a significant margin if we rely on the ratings.

[@Vambiche]

@@williamegan6756 yep, but if thatss the case i think Bob Odenkirk will take it

[@lolilie]

Viserys and Daemon’s moment in the throne room is so beautiful after all these years. It bookends their moment from the first episode when Daemon told Viserys he wanted to be his Hand and would defend him.

[@destructo6t942]

Probably one of my favourite performances in TV history! Paddy Considine is amazing!

[@DazHotep6EQUJ5]

You should watch Dead Man's Shoes. He's fucking brilliant in that movie.

[@darthlucas-nq6jg]

I wanted to kill him everytime he showed in Peaky Blinders, and yet in this show he seems to be on the verge of death every single time and I don't want to see him go. My god give this man all the awards

[@AlyssaK83]

If he doesn’t get an Emmy for this show, there’s no justice in the world.

[@princeofthedragon3029]

@@DazHotep6EQUJ5 also in peaky blinders

[@DazHotep6EQUJ5]

@@princeofthedragon3029 I've not watched Peaky Blinders past s2 I really must.

[@Lord_Draco_III]

The theme that plays when Viserys enters the Throne Room is in fact "The King's Arrival", which first played all those years ago in GoT's pilot when Bran climbs the tower and watches as King Robert was riding up to the castle in Winterfell with the royal family. The last time I remember it playing was when Dany and Jon rode up to Winterfell in the first episode of Season 8.

[@phoenixfox2697]

I’ve noticed bits and pieces of a few different GoT themes sprinkled in throughout the series. Little musical Easter eggs.

[@scooterjones303]

This episode contains 2 of my favorite scenes. I cry everytime I see the King watching his family be happy one last time, and also when he walked into the throne room, so moving and captivating. STRONG stuff.

[@cluster_f1575]

Same. When Daemon helped up Viserys & placed the crown on his head, I got misty eyed.

[@AFR0MAMBA]

My favorite was when Daemon told Vaemond, “Say it!”

[@haasgaming]

Every variation of Viserys on HOTD has been incredible. So well acted.

[@SpiralSine6]

When George RR Martin himself tells you that you did a better version of Viserys than he wrote, I don’t think I can imagine higher praise.

[@thesenate9455]

@@SpiralSine6 source? I really want to see that, thanks

[@MrFlick-df1fi]

@@thesenate9455 Blog by George

[@irenecortes5470]

@@thesenate9455 ççç Ppp Lo of p of p

[@irenecortes5470]

@@thesenate9455 ççç Ppp Lo of p of p

[@margaretconnor5623]

That moment when Viserys entered the throne room. I almost cried from how happy I was with that. I could feel that hopelessness Rhaenyra must have been feeling. The ones in power completely against her and not a thing she could do. Then her father, with what little strength he has left, comes in to take that power back and defend her when she needed him most. It was just so beautiful.

[@Ghilannugs]

He used the last of his strength to save his daughter, he died to save Rhaenyra. It mirrors how he chose to kill Aemma to try to save his son. Except this time he sacrificed himself and was (partially) succesful.

[@ThatLonelyGamer_]

Paddy Considine deserves an Emmy after this episode

[@theindoorkites]

George RR Martin said that Paddy's Viserys was much better than what he had written. He said he had this sort of "tragic majesty" about him. And that is such a perfect description. I felt that and cried when Viserys went through those doors struggling but with majestic music and presence, to save his beloved daughter one last time. "Tragic majesty" indeed.

[@andyb6400]

Love Daemon in this one. Helping Viserys, standing up to Aemond, and of course defending Rhaenyra from Vaemond

[@shavedata5436]

@Alyssa Ravenheart what is the "rightful heir" anyway. If Corlys and Viserys agree that Lucerys should be heir, shouldn't they be able to determine that? Especially considering that Lucerys is betrothed to a "true blood" Velaryon, Vaemond has no ground to stand on save his own self interest.

[@uhneeuhnjee1031]

@Alyssa Ravenheart I mean can you really use “the royal line must remain pure” as a moral high ground

[@Derry123456]

@@shavedata5436 vaemond was Corlys’ actual brother and is actually a velaryon that’s all the ground he needs to stand on. And lucerys wasn’t betrothed to a true blood velaryon not until right before veamond died anyway. He had every reason to believe he should take the driftmark throne over a pretender who was only ever heir in the first place based on a pack of lies and due to corlys’ own self interests

[@hex_1733]

@@shavedata5436 But tbf the male Velaryon line just died. True, if the king wishes - then everyone will call the sky green and the grass blue. Doesn't make it so tho. I kinda understand Vaemond here. To the Targaryens, it's only to keep the facade up - but for him, his line ends.

[@hex_1733]

Ehh, Daemon's first action after seeing his weak brother was to try and get him to help their lie. He didn't talk to him kindly, didn't ask how he is, mocked him in his talk with Alicent. Don't put too much honour where there's none.

[@Youngblood-Pirates]

Viserys picking himself up from the brink of death to perform his final duties as king and father is such an awesome moment. The man can finally die with peace of mind and a heavy burden lifted off his shoulders.

[@mp6640]

There were still some burdens because he had regretted that his family being distanced from each other during those years. The last time he saw his daughter and brother was 6 years ago.

[@MarkusR144]

I just realized, making plans for supper was not just to be with his family, it was also an excuse to get off milk of the poppy that day without raising suspicions to Otto. Otherwise Otto might know something is up when the King randomly wants to be "clear" the day Driftmark is being decided.

[@generalgrievous92]

Viserys walking across the throne room is already one of my favorite scenes in the GoT universe. I had chills every step of the way and then tears at the dinner scene. Incredible episode.

[@archmaester6594]

No matter how spectacular the dragons are, nothing will come close to an old man crawling out of his deathbed to sit a chair for one last time. On his final day, decrepit and barely able to walk, King Viserys finally became worthy of the Iron Throne.

[@SwiftFoxProductions]

Quick Correction: it's Jace (aka the one in line to be king) who was learning High Valyrian, not Luke (the Driftwood heir). Jace is learning it because, as he says, he believes a good king should honor his family heritage. Though, it's not a stretch to believe that Luke will probably learn it one day too (especially now that he's betrothed to Rhaena, who likely is already fluent). He's just not as dedicated to studying it as Jace, who clearly sees it as part of his duties as a future king.

[@lauramartin7675]

It's certainly interesting how quickly Viserys' health went down in the first 5 episodes with Otto as Hand and the old Maester at his side. Then suddenly he lives another 10-15? years with a new Hand and Grand Maester in place...then Otto comes back and once again his health falls rapidly. 🤔

[@Darkfire9189]

Viserys is only 52. He just got really really really sick. He wasn't super old.

[@AzureDragon100]

Decades of badly treated infection and crappy medicine would do that to ya.

[@anhkriva5274]

@@AzureDragon100 He is a king. He have best doctors and medicines the world have to offer and yet ended up like this. Imagine how horrible it is for a commoner or a poor noble to get sick.

[@mp6640]

Ain’t no way that man is 52 years old currently when we had so many time jumps. I would say between episode one he gotta be in his late 30s or early 40s

[@danimoorehead]

@@mp6640 well he had Rhaenyra when he was like 18 so episode 1 that would be 15 years later so he would’ve been 33. Then in episode 3 they had a 3 year time jump so he was 36. Then a 10 year time jump so 46 in episode 6 and in this episode it’s been 6 years so 52.

[@callumsmith7404]

This episode solidified daemon as being my absolute favourite character so far. Overall such a great episode

[@timslade5808]

The Aemond actor is also known for being in The Last Kingdom, a Viking show on Netflix that you guys should definitely start watching

[@SissouLoveVideo]

OMG thank you !! I couldn't find where I knew him from ! BABY MOOONK ❤

[@kennetherhabor5543]

Thanks for the recall. I kept wondering where I had seen him. He was so naive and fragile as Baby Monk last time I saw him. But in this show, he looks damn awesome; looks like he is going to be a serious problem for Rhaenyra and her children.

[@jmoney6782]

It gives me goosebumps everytime Viserys walks in.. What an actor. Deserves an Emmy!!

[@neonoires]

Daemon's perspective in this episode really hit home for me because before my grandmother passed away of cancer last year, we had a pretty bad falling out. Thanksgiving 2020 I saw her for the first time after 2 and a half years or so and to see someone I've known all my life in that state was shocking for me. I don't think anyone is ever prepared for that. What an emotional episode.

[@CactuarNick]

God I've been watching reactions all day long at work and after work, I've said it from the beginning, Viserys is the GOAT. Paddy Considine needs awards for this performance. I've cried multiple times today, his speech at the dinner table gets me, if not for your king for this old man who loves you all 😭

[@SpiralSine6]

There’s so many things I could mention in this episode that I absolutely loved. One of the things that seems to get missed is the thematic storm clouds and thunder behind Rhaenys when she’s talking with Rhaenyra. It calls back to Rhaenys’ mother, Jocelyn _Baratheon_ . She may be a Targaryen, but she definitely has some of the “Ours is the Fury” heritage stored away within her.

[@haridaspalleeri6765]

Wait you guys think they deliberately ordered a pig to mock him? I thought it was just a coincidence and Luke was just like "ha yeah remember that time we gave you a pig instead of a dragon? yeah good times"

[@danchinan]

ofc nobody ordered a pig...it's not mcdonalds...a piglet is just a regular dish in a GOT feast. I also think that the placement was just a coincidence

[@nyma4287]

@@danchinan Eric is always trying to see the worst in the blacks and defend the greens lmao

[@danchinan]

@@nyma4287 somebody has too :))

[@haridaspalleeri6765]

@@danchinan well yes lets not be pedantic here. You know what I meant. Also Eric said ordered as well, which is why I continued with that.

[@Tooba-K123]

I don’t know why anyone would think it was intentional. I thought Pig and Lobsters were basic meals for feasts in medieval times.

[@Xervello]

That Aemond-Daemon stare down was great.

[@Mr.Brightside8810]

Daemon definitely saw himself in Aemond. it's why he's kind of chuckling when Aemond backs down and walks off. the look in Daemons face is that of, I know who you are. (Aemond is the unpredictable second son just like Daemon)

[@TheRealNeil-kc7si]

Aemond and Daemon are my favorite characters. They scary as hell 😂

[@wakaflockachewbacca6577]

I loved that little taste of the rivalry we will get. Can’t wait for them to have more scenes

[@brentleysadiki358]

@@wakaflockachewbacca6577 same seeing them square up gave me chills

[@BlushGush]

It’s one of the few times when viserys sat on the throne and the throne DID not cut him. He was the worthy king for this.

[@srkier]

Ooh nice catch! I hadn’t even thought about that!

[@TyrannosavageRekt]

This is actually at least the second time that Rhaenyra extends an olive branch to Alicent. The first was a few episodes ago (Episode Six, to be exact - The Princess and the Queen) at the small council meeting when she proposes a marriage between Jacaerys and Helaena, as well as offering a dragon egg for Aemond when Syrax brings forth a new clutch, but Alicent dismisses it and instead embarasses her by drawing attention to the leakage from her breasts. Seeing Jace dance with Helaena in this episode is a glimpse at what could have been had she accepted that offer, rather than the tragic relationship with her whoring, alcoholic rapist brother she finds herself in. Alicent has pushed for Aegon's claim too long already by this point, and the animosity between the two factions and families has already festered beyond repair, despite the new intentions of their matriarchs. We see too, what could have been if Viserys had considered betrothing a young Rhaenyra to Daemon years ago, thus ending any debates about the succession by uniting the two strongest candidates through marriage.

[@joaoascencao575]

You people are insane! Jacerys is a bastard and everyone knows it. Of course Alicent doesn't want her only daughter to marry a bastard. Are you out of your mind?

[@TheLoneOarsman]

I recently loses my grandfather and any time Viserys was on screen this episode I felt myself tearing up. Paddy is an amazing actor and I’ll miss him on the show.

[@frnknstndrgqn]

sorry for your loss :( i lost my grandfather who raised me almost 10 years ago now. everytime viserys was on screen just wanting people to get along made me sob.

[@raymondsantiago29]

Aemond: Growing up hansome, wise and ...Strong...., Luke : Great we can see things Eye 2 Eye... 👁

[@manasas868]

Eyes 👀 to eye 👁️

[@fatshinobi]

I kinda think Alicent gave up fighting rhaenyra briefly at dinner because she knew how shit her son is and that he would make a terrible king.

[@LS13.]

Aegon has no purpose yet so I feel like he drinks and whores around. Like a mini Robert. I think if it comes to it he could turn around honestly

[@lanisnts]

The difference between Rhaenyra and Alicent as mothers is worth the mention. You see how caring Rhaenyra is, she actually takes the time to educate her kids. Alicent on the other hand, is raising future kings (!) but since they were babies she never seemed to care to raise them or want to spend time with them. Now she is demanding good beahviour but what did she expect?!

[@srkier]

This! For all of her self-righteousness and smug surety that she’s better than Rhaenyra, Alicent has been a horrible mother from what’s been shown. Constantly screaming at and slapping them. And as a result her sons are kind of monsters. Aegon is a raping bully and Aemond is a bit of a psycho.

[@hali_55]

In Alicent’s defence, she was a child when she had Aegon. She couldn’t my have been older than 17 in episode 3 which was when Aegon was 2

[@mbanerjee5889]

Also, Rhaenyra's kids were born out of love/pleasure, Alicent's only from obligation. And Laenor, Strong, and Daemon were all good father figures whereas Viserys was always too sick.

[@itsrickus3582]

Man I WEPT this episode. Such a powerful collection of scenes.

[@higorximenes9034]

47:00 Yes, Aegon Targaryen is married to Haelena Targaryen, his younger sister. Yes, it is kinda weird that the Hightower would push incest since they are very close to the Faith of the Seven. That is why is interesting. Alicent (and probably Otto) didn't want Haelena marrying Jace like Rhaenyra proposed earlier in the season because they're rivals but instead made her marry Aegon to show the common folk they are true Targaryens (because incest, pale blond hair), to keep the lineage and the family strong, to please Viserys and probably as a giant middle finger to Rhaenyra.

[@farazalikhan5242]

King's acting was on point man, brought tears to my eyes, watching him see his family united and enjoying as one !

[@franciscooctavius5957]

LMAO. Best Calvin line ever : 27:12- “you can see through his cheek. He’s like Imhotep”. Friggin classic. A,so freeze on 24:42- just awesome reaction. Viserys was totally thinking he was talking to Rhaneyra about her Aegon. Sad death and such a tragic figure Viserys. Excellent job Paddy Consadine. Emmy worthy.

[@wyattchandler6359]

I know everyone gushing over Paddy's final performance as Viserys, myself included, but can we also mention how amazing Matt Smith has been as Daemon? In some episodes he's a force for somewhat good and in others he's ambitious and a total bastard. And in all of them we can't help but love him. I hope we see many more amazing and badass scenes with him. No spoilers I've only seen the show.

[@danielmacdonald9287]

Episode 7 had already told us that Aegon and Helaena were betrothed. Aegon and Aemond talked about it after the funeral, I believe.

[@seanmorton4689]

Viserys entering the throne room might be my favorite scene in HOTD/GoT. It’s up there with the transition from Baby Jon Snow to him being named King in the North

[@shalom3486]

The Crown falling off Viserys' head was supposedly a mistake that kept happening due to his posture, and Daemon picking it up was improvised by Matt Smith. What an actor and what a moment!

[@ms_scribbles]

The dude playing Aemond was in The Last Kingdom, but god damn, he sank into this role so well that I didn't recognize him at first because of how totally different the two characters I've seen him play are!

[@soemmasays]

Viserys coming out one last time to support his daughter will always get me.

[@margaretconnor5623]

They literally had Aegon last episode talking about marrying his sister. He made a comment about her being weird and Aemond said. "She'll be your Queen." And then said "I'd do my duty, if mother had wed her to me." or something like that. So YES. Aegon married his sister. They are Targaryens. That's kind of their thing lol

[@MidnightClad8]

I’m upset Viserys moment of finally getting the family “peace” he so craved didn’t make the cut but nevertheless truly a beautiful scene and that’s all Viserys truly wanted. Also Otto not helping the Viserys up the stairs while Daemon did was an amazing call back to episode 1

[@TehMighty]

1:04:00 I'd like to point out that the only reason Daemon lost against Cole during the joust is because he show boated. Daemon dominated that fight. It wasn't even close until Daemon started playing the crowd.

[@srkier]

Yep! And he’s grown up a lot since then. I bet that fight would end differently now!

[@kylemma33]

Daemon didn't dominate the fight at all, it was a close fight. Criston was getting the best of him until Daemon threw his shield at Criston which stunned him. This opening allowed Daemon to seize control/ momentum of the fight. Also in the book it's clear Daemon isnt at Cristons level as a fighter. Criston beat him both times they faught, with relative ease both times.

[@TehMighty]

@@kylemma33 k.

[@nagaayyachamy2823]

37:20 I love that scene where Daemon helps Viserys to the thrown and crowns him too. In the book Fire and Blood, Daemon was Viserys’ most vocal and active supporter during the original succession crisis. Even when he was mad at Viserys for being exiled, he warned Corlys not to speak bad about his brother. It was fantastic seeing Daemon’s support and love he has for his brother no matter what happened between them.

[@TheeKorovaMilkBar]

"This is why you shouldn't name everyone the same name." That seems to be the general agreement on Twitter.

[@pyrothemusical]

This probably has already been said so many times in the comments, but Paddy Considine's acting as Viserys is fantastic in this already stellar cast of actors in the House of the Dragon. I really do consider him as one of the best in the show so far.

[@forn99]

ewan mitchell as aemond is perfect casting. he's great in the last kingdom as well. i'd love for you guys to react to that series one day.

[@Zero-mn8bt]

Loved the scene of Darmon placing the crown on Viserys head. It was the perfect end of their relationship

[@douglas2938]

45:15 I like this theory. "Your maesters were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should keep the old king alive..." 😂

[@Crystalbella1999]

The queen who never was, has had so much death around her. The cremation of her daughter, the faked death of her son, the unknown death of her husband and the beheading of her brother-in-law.

[@Rex-rg3ce]

It is ironic that the seemingly 'fake' emotions at the dinner was actually the most authentic we've ever seen them. It was the only time they were NOT putting on their masks. It shows that without the line of succession and primogeniture and all the other royal madness mirroring what existed in medieval Europe, these people could've been really good friends. But the system they lived in destined them to murder each other. It's like being born into rival blocks in southside chicago. You don't have much of a choice. The dinner sequence was so despairing because they all knew it was the last moments of solitude, but at the same time they probably did briefly delude themselves into thinking "maybe, just maybe things will work out". They’re all unwitting participants in a tragic theater that’s about to unfold.

[@triinomial]

Calvin: "It's made of stone!" Pretty much the final words of Harren the black before aegon the conqueror dove down from the sky before dawn on Balerion the black dread. He left the towers of Harrenhal warped and candle-like glowing with molten stone. Lmfaoo

[@kallemort]

Yeah, open castles can't defend against dragonfire. I think only Casterly Rock and maybe Storm's End could take a dragon assault out of the great seats. There's some minor castles that are weirdly built (such as Castamere) that would be impervious too, but they're not powerful enough to matter.

[@swedish_malin]

Loved the discussion about last week's poll (an eye for a dragon)! 😂

[@haridaspalleeri6765]

Hats off to Paddy this episode. One of the most powerful performances in all of GoT.

[@Luzarioth]

What I found wierd: Alicent to her Son: "You are no Son of mine !" Viserys to Rhaenyra: "my only child"

[@jrob18mvp]

Common phrase King's mind is addled. He called Alicent by his first wife's name in the previous episode.

[@halicarnassus8235]

I find it fascinating that people who watched The Original HBO Game of Thrones , Did not pick up in this Episode the Seven Pointed Star in the main Hall light was begun by this. The subtle yet Important Replacement . Even in Game of Thrones, the main hall was lightened by the seven-pointed star windows light. It was the Targaryen/Hightowers of this period that introduced it.

[@jadewest4066]

loved the stare down between aemond and daemon after aemond's toast. really powerful when you consider the events that are to follow between the two of them.

[@DanielGonzalez-xu1hi]

Its sad knowing that viserys final wishes of his family uniting and putting aside their differences will not be honored. But at least theres mercy of him not knowing the bloodshed that will come after his death.

[@mp6640]

Bloodshed??? We are talking about a massacre or genocide of a bloodline where only 3 or 4 Targaryens are left counting Jon.

[@supersquare04]

@@mp6640 Jon isn’t born for another 150 years buddy. The targs nearly get wiped out after the dance but they repopulate again until Roberts Rebellion and the Tragedy of Summerhall

[@mp6640]

@super, I was talking about the future timeline buddy

[@DanielGonzalez-xu1hi]

@@mp6640 bloodshed, massacre tf is the difference.

[@emiliebrooklyn3963]

BEST ENTRANCE EVER give this man an Emmy

[@firecat4529]

Helena sees the future. She talked about Aemond only gaining a dragon when he looses his eye in a previous episode. That's why pople don't know what she's talking about half the time.

[@aTucki]

Viserys's entrance for me is one of the best House of the Dragon/Game of Thrones scenes. It is up there with Tyrion's "I did not kill Joffrey but I wish that I had" speech.

[@aTucki]

@@kmjkmjkmj you talking about the Viserys or Tyrion scene?

[@GamiCross]

(Maester looking at the headless body) "He's lost the will to live"

[@webx135]

Aemond is quite possibly the most badass-looking character in either of the series.

[@TheRealBillix]

The darkness in the 7th episode is the most realistic spring night I've ever seen. Might be hard to see but it has great ambience

[@texasrattlesnake31637]

Incredible Episode! Top-Notch Acting (especially from Paddy Considine)! That Final Walk was something to see indeed! That dinner scene as well, . . . whew, . . . Looking forward to the last 2 episodes!

[@epsilon1179]

Viserys entrance is such a powerful moment and a true testament of strength.

[@jimmymcfly9822]

I don’t know if that’s the dude’s resting face, but Aemond is just perpetually smirking.

[@rhaenatargaryen8061]

fun fact the director of this episode spoke briefly about alicent and rhaenyra's tentative reconciliation scene: "Alicent is feeling very alone. She feels she doesn't have a real partner in her life, even her father. She feels her father has pushed her to the place she's in, and she can't hear her own voice. She can't hear her own heart beating. So when Rhaenyra enters, that's what she wants. She wants the love in her life, and it's a bit of a love story in a way, of these two women"

[@thenameisgad2578]

I like the symbolism when they are all sat at the dinner table, Alicent and her family are sat on his blind side where as Rheynra and her family are sat on his good side.

[@rfnugi]

How Daemon resisted saying, "I'll keep an eye on you, nephew." to Aemond is beyond me

[@brentleysadiki358]

Because he knows Aemond is OP

[@Leo501st]

Man its such a whirlind of emotions when Viserys walked in. I am team green all the way…but man i absolutely BROKE DOWN crying (which is very rare for me to do) when Daemon aided his brother to the throne and placed the crown on his head. Probably one of my favourite moments ever in GOT live action.

[@triinomial]

Team Green 😟

[@Ziaotic]

Team Green 🤢

[@MoviesAndTvShowsAreSubjective]

@@Ziaotic probably because they never did something horrific as blood and cheese by daemon and rahenyra

[@a.a677]

@@MoviesAndTvShowsAreSubjective nah but they support a rapist in Aegon and a child killer, genocider in Aemond. greens are 100000000000 times worse

[@a.a677]

why are you wanting a rapist to be on the throne?

[@ianmoriarty2199]

I was so sceptical when I learned Paddy Considine would be playing Viserys, having only seen him in more light-hearted media before, and he has consistently proven me wrong, episode to episode, scene to scene. Viserys is now among the top 5 of my favourite Thrones-verse characters. Give the man all the rewards.

[@tuxegirls]

I didn’t get the impression that Rhaenyra’s boys ordered the pig. Just that Luke noticed and smirked. Did everyone else think the boys planned that?

[@serkaloy1996]

Been refreshing my search results since yesterday waiting for this. haha Let's go!

[@cheddarandsourcream]

I really like Aemonds character. When Alicent drove the idea into his head that a war will be coming he took it very seriously and does not fuck around at all.

[@Blinkptx]

Started rewatching GoT for the millionth time, and I absolutely love having this show's history in mind when watching GoT. Idk why but it's just adding another layer of interest for me.

[@nyma4287]

Where did you guys get that they ordered that pig lmao. They were putting plates and pigs in the whole table, it wasn't just for aemond. But when Luke saw the pig in front of aemond he reminded of the prank and laughed

[@anregalado]

Otto was in charge of that dinner. I think he added the pig on purpose to sow tensions between the younger generation. He might not have been there when the pink dread happened but I'm sure he got word of it considering Aemond is his grandchild.

[@jaysax7381]

I wonder if he wasn’t so sedated with milk of the poppy at night would he have gotten them confused. It sucks that viserys didn’t have that convo during the day 😭

[@aaralynhall]

I thought it was cool that in his final moments Viserys sees his true love and reaches for her. With his last breath you can hear him say “My Love”

[@sang1342]

What we've learned is Rhaenys would have been an exceptional queen. Cuz bro, she knows how to play this game Also really happy this episode straightened out a lot of curious character arcs (esp the over-hero-ization of Rheanyra) Daemon's a troll, but he handles business for the family. Vaemond won't keep challenging Luke's legitimacy if he's dead lol. And ya, they have to make two kids in particular the heroes for this to work. Jace is one of them. This was a big step in making that work

[@sang1342]

also this is a minor thing, but I think Otto's point about Luke and Jace isn't that they aren't old enough, it's that they don't know how to sail and thus are inadequate to command a navy. Vaemond would have been groomed for sea life before he could walk

[@ObligedUniform]

And Daemon only actually does it AFTER Viserys has drawn his blade and given the verbal assault. Had he not Daemon might have kept it to a blow by the fist (then again this IS still Daemon so who could really say with certainty)

[@WarNeverChanges9191]

Daemon Targaryen actually loves his brother and you can clearly see it the first episode of the season at Aemma funeral Daemon said to Rhaenyra "he is going to need you now more than ever". There was also many times where Viserys exiled him from kings landing and Daemon never lost his cool for his brother. And now in episode 8 where he picks up the crown and help his brother to the throne clearly shows how much respect and love he has for his brother.