HATE This POS More than Joffrey

[@Alteori]

Ok we got some good convo going.👏 Ok hear out. I'll repost this here. I did NOT say the things that Joffrey did were NOT worse. I said I hate Cole more than Joffrey. Why? My reasoning is bc Joffrey was a KNOWN monster. He was open about that. He's a THING. His cruelty and lack of empathy are visible and expected. Because of this, investing emotional energy in them - whether it's anger, hatred, or even attempts to understand him - feels pointless since all that exists for him IS evil. Would you hate a rabid animal or a crocodile, or shark that attacked you or a tornado or even a serial killer? You could, but our emotions are usually wasted on certain KNOWN monsters. At some point, we don't see them as human or having any markings of humanity. So those strong human emotions are wasted on them. I think Aba from Aba and Preach said it best. For example, he said he would rather deal with people who are openly racist towards him because at least he KNOWS what they are. They don't hide that. However, the ones that pretend to be friends or allies while they are secretly racist and have the nerve to accuse OTHERS of being racist are worse. I think Malcolm X said something similar. You know the saying women have about preferring to encounter a bear in the forest alone rather than a man? It is a VERY stupid saying and worthy of mockery, but I think their point is, the bear is a known monster. They know what to expect, but with some random man in the forest with them alone, they don't know. Or some shit like that. That's what I mean and that's why most people despise Cole. Even Ramsay Snow. I did not hate him bc he was not human to me. I felt nothing when he got ripped apart by his own dogs. It didn't feel as satisfying. I did hate Cersei even MORE than Joffrey but even still, not as much as I hate Cole. Cersei was too a monster. I just couldn't stand her smug smile. Shit irked me.

[@difgy4712]

@@Alteori Daemon is even worse than Cole tbh.

[@Alteori]

@@difgy4712 True but at least Daemon ain't pretending and talking about honor.

[@Taurean_SAMA]

@difgy4712 Daemon isn't a hypocrite, though. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and he keeps his word 🤷🏽‍♂️.

[@therestisg]

I gotta say, I still have a soft spot for Cole :'3 I guess it's borne from pity more than anything else. He was so full of promise of goodness at the start. But for all his physical strength, he is so inwardly fragile and that just makes me so sad for him! Lowkey I think I'm invested in him the most. I've not read any of Martin's works, but I'm excited to see where his character goes :)

[@misssoso5859]

@RoodBull_SAMA He is a hypocrite, lol. He lied about deliberately murdering a child. He pretends to be a better man than this. That's hypocrisy. He was a coward who couldn't own up his own evil. Rhaenyra was correct when she called him pathetic.

[@bigyoshi5170]

“MY GRANDSON IS GOING TO RUIN EVERYTHING!” -Otto “First time?” -Tywin

[@agm5424]

Wouldn't be the other way around?

[@classmst89]

@@agm5424 the way the writers were going so badly, i wouldnt be surprised if they did 🤣

[@wolfbane7497]

Aegon the first, jaehaerys : " first time "

[@marywinchester1322]

🤣

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

@@wolfbane7497 Wild how the history repeats: Jaehaerys repaired the ills of his father & uncle; Aenys, like Viserys was a good man, but a weak king- & Maegor was Daemon on acid & speed & steroids -- Jaehaerys had two good, strong, popular sons- who died in rather rapid succession, ill luck (or possibly something more- s1 seeded that hint) - which was what led to the Great Council of 101...

[@hectoraccented5312]

"Chaos is a ladder" , and Criston Cole is stumbling up that ladder like gravity was a bad joke

[@nont18411]

Still realistic though. We have so many incompetent politicians and business executives who keep failing upward in the real world.

[@chumorgan443]

And he's not even trying.

[@Nicholas_Chen_]

@@nont18411 So true so many incompetent leaders and you wonder 'how do you get to have your job'

[@gamedude412]

Cole is just talking fast and Eat the queen ass.

[@JaredClark-g7p]

Yeah he slept with the King’s daughter and wife/widow and ended up getting a promotion.

[@hiddentiger73]

"You can tell Aegon isn't really a bad person" Aegon loved his son but he SA'd his children's nanny last season, and it's very heavily implied that he's SA'd multiple women, having illegitimate children left to rot in those horrid child fighting pits from s1e9. We can sympathize with his pain, but we shouldn't forget Aegon is just as bad or even worse than Criston Cole in some ways.

[@RichielaurensIII]

I really needed to be reminded of this

[@ScreamChats]

Heard the same line and came to comment this too 😂

[@JohnnyRico118]

I think Aegon genuinely wanted to be a good king and a father to his child, because he didn't really have love from his own father.

[@hiddentiger73]

@@JohnnyRico118 he didn't pay any attention to his son until after he ascended the throne and had a taste of the public's adoration, and left his bastard children in child fighting pits. Now, after Jahaerys' death, he continues to completely ignore the existence of his daughter. Personally I think it's a bit late to attempt to be a father.

[@JohnnyRico118]

@@hiddentiger73 Oh yeah I totally forgot about all those bastards he has lol.

[@tinmandlyte]

Criston so upset that Rhaenyra just wanted him as a side piece ran off to Alicent and banged her while her grandson got killed. Then he doubles down and sends an assassin out for Rhaenyra to cover up his mistake. Just the worst...then he's made the hand?!? Infuriating!

[@christophergirardi8145]

Aegon doesn't know any of that (mainly if he did, Cole would be dead, plain and simple)

[@nicbrone1846]

Rhaenyra played with his honor and livelihood and drove him to the brink of self deletion. Why is everyone so dismissive of how detrimental her actions were to Cole just cause she wanted to get off that night? She deserves everything that’s happened to her.

[@nicbrone1846]

@Orcaluv26 it wasn’t just a simple rejection. She was the princess and knew full well that all Cole had was his title which she put in danger for her own selfish reason. It’s like the equivalent of a woman in power going after a priest or a monk and then casually walking way and not caring one bit what happened to their lives. All is fair in love and war after that.

[@АлександрМорозов-й3й]

@@nicbrone1846 She didn’t force him with authority (at least not in serial- correct me if in the book) - that was their decision and protecting one’s principles is every person’s duty - so yeah- spoiled brat without braincell in the head…

[@mordecaiissad8529]

@@nicbrone1846 she didn't plan on walking away firstly. He wanted her to stop being a princess and queen and leave her family and friends behind and run away with him to the other side of the world. He was fine with giving up his title. When she refused that ridiculous "offer" he had a meltdown and broke off with her. At this point they've been banging for a while. He just wanted a way to redeem his conscience. Tho I guess now that he's banging alicent he decided it's not that hard to not care.

[@Tallacus]

Man... I was worried the murdered prince's head would roll off when his wagon got stuck in the mud. Then we got Ser Arryk vs. Ser Erryk,I thought the intruder twin won but it was Rhaenyra's Ser Erryk that won and decided to end his life at having to kill his brother. That was better then the Clegane bowl. RIP to the twins they did their duty regardless of family.

[@therestisg]

Same!! I had an "EEeeEeEEK!!" at the ready i was so scared lol RIP the twins man i'll miss them 😭

[@Tallacus]

​@@therestisgThankfully the Silent Sister's work held true, they were setting that up

[@tgiacin435]

It actually felt natural to see them fight over the Clegane bowl. That was literally just for the fans that wanted to see that fight

[@lelouche25]

Bronn would disagree lol.

[@BrandonScott-mi5pz]

EXCELLENT WORK. AITEORI

[@baldbeardedbassist]

That shot of Aemond holding the coin, I think, was him realizing that he was marked for death. Coins over the eyes was a not-uncommon burial ritual, so that the dead can pay their fare into the afterlife

[@BHuang92]

It also foreshadowing his death.

[@jonathansnow8222]

Yup. That's exactly what it was about. The coins are to pay for their passing over the river to the underworld. And the symbolism was that they were there to kill him. He realized it when he saw the open secret door that he did not know existed. That's why that shot happens after he looks in that doorway.

[@Alteori]

Ah see I would have never known that

[@FF-tp7qs]

It was a thing in ancient Greece

[@omer7895]

Woah, you just explained this one scene in puss in boots where the wolf points at puss with coins covering his eyes

[@Blackferret66]

Criston Cole. He's almost like the Forrest Gump of Westeros. He seems too clueless and impulsive to become such an involved and influential sleezebag in house politics, and yet, he is succeeding at it almost flawlessly.

[@hectoraccented5312]

"Failing Up" should be in his coat of arms

[@beneficent2557]

@@Blackferret66 he is perfection

[@marywinchester1322]

Lol!

[@beneficent2557]

@@Blackferret66 he is succeeding at muffin gobbling

[@justinhammer3196]

He's very good at tongue pong.

[@Natsymir]

I think Alicent's Cole addiction is more horniness than love. Remember that she was in a basically orgasm-less, loveless marriage to a decaying old dude for years, Cole was most likely the first good sex she ever had, and also the first time she broke the norms of her society, being a devoted conformist at heart. Throughout her youth, she, being a conformist, expected Rhaneyra to get some kind of punishment for being such a rebel, but when Rhaenyra basically got away unscathed due to her privileged position, this made Alicent jealous of Rhaneyra, who got to love on her own terms. The Cole relationship is Alicent's first ever attempt at not being a conformist, and she finds it addictive because throughout her life, being the good girl and obedient daughter never ever really gave her any of the rewards she expected it to.

[@Alteori]

That's true. I didn't think about that. Kinda feel bad for her. She also is winging it with affection not having had a mother figure

[@Natsymir]

@@Alteori yeah, I think the contrast between Rhaenyra and Alicent is absolutely excellent when it comes to depictions of female characters seeking agency in a patriarchal society. Though I do find it a bit strange and narratively unfair that Alicent's children are such trainwrecks, whereas Daemon's and Rhaenyra's are all saints (despite how messed up Daemon is). That feels very unearned to me, and makes it a bit too obvious that team black are the good guys. It's the main flaw in HotD, to my mind.

[@Pandemia616]

There's always the foot guy 💀

[@beneficent2557]

@@Pandemia616 he is...undefeeted

[@beneficent2557]

@@Pandemia616 Dan Schneider?

[@Shamrock797]

In the last episode, Aemond was using coins on the map to plan with Ser Criston, and one of the assassins took them as free money. Aemond found one that had fallen under the table, and that is how he deduced the assassins were definitely in his room.

[@ReganSkye2010]

@@Shamrock797 thank you for clarifying! When he picked up that coin I was like “what does this mean?!” 😂

[@Bendylife]

I think it also represented how he had slipped through their grasps as they were using those coins to represent them in battle plans.

[@RolandoRatas]

When the stud is a dud and his reputation is mud.

[@beneficent2557]

@@RolandoRatas he seems good at...um servicing the queenly quim?

[@Bdog40]

Who are you so wise in the art of poetry.

[@joshuahenderson3444]

THAT RHYMES 😂😂😂

[@BILLYRAYBOB9789]

Stud of mud who be a dud gunna land with a thud

[@jugo1944]

Stop hating on the playa for getting pussy

[@Eyoballin]

Aegon is an interesting character cause hes obviously a POS and has many parallels to Joffrey but unlike Joffrey you get the sense that he could have been a good person if he had been raised without neglect so you have more sympathy for him.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

Well, and plus, Aegon never wanted to be king. He KNEW he wasn't cut out for it

[@jinmali]

Everyone in this show coulda been helped if people stopped fucking up and then making kids pay for there fuck ups

[@ThePhallusAnnihilators]

Everyone wouldve been fine if their parents weren't using them as political chess pieces

[@AIartificalIntellige]

​@@jinmalithat part

[@Nicholas_Chen_]

When he gaslights one of the twins that is the point of no return. The hypocrisy and the projection is disgustingly real. You actually see senior managers gaslight younger employees like this in real life 😂

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

Especially since said twin knew that he wasn't getting out of that situation alive

[@beckidenn]

I felt like he did this deliberately to get him out of the picture as well - kind of a 2 birds one stone thing. It felt like a direct response to Alicent accusing him of having a guilty conscience and like he decided to prove he didn't by getting rid of a person who could have fingered him for not being stationed at Heleana's room. Like it was a full commitment to cover up his bad acts and once it was done with he felt clear enough to go bang alicent again.

[@gasmonkey1000]

In the books Blood was tortured to death over the course of days. Im genuinely surprised the series didnt keep it, just occasionally jump back over to the dungeon and show Blood even more tortured until ya cant even see his body and just the silhouette because the producers cant show what has been done to him

[@Kceam]

What would it have added to the show tho? Except for torture p*rn?

[@protea38]

I think they say that after 13 days, Blood was "allowed to die".

[@Bendylife]

I'd assume it was a budget thing since they would have needed to use a lot of makeup and effects. That, or cut for time.

[@winniesims9706]

Let’s not forget whilst Aegon is loosing his mind over the murder of his son, that he would watch his own illegitimate children be abused for entertainment. And he couldn’t tell his own legitimate children apart

[@SEDRICKHENDRIXTHEGAMER]

I don’t understand u

[@BluegatorProductions]

@@SEDRICKHENDRIXTHEGAMER Aegon had illegitimate children that he would watch fight in the pits.

[@angevin6679]

Aegon isn't a good dad. He's got tons of bastards which he let fight to death in the underground fighting pits for kids. Didn't care about them or that in general: those were kids! Could have been any kids. He loved watching them

[@Morgothslackey]

He's a much better parent than Alicent. I'm really starting to resent her after this episode and I'm team Green. And she wonders why Aegon and Aemond don't listen to her anymore.

[@ashwee280]

How is having ur kids battle to the death for your enjoyment being a better parent … girl.. be fucking for real

[@chidiogoikeh4550]

@@Morgothslackey a rapist is better than Alicent?? 💀

[@justinamerican8200]

Criston Cole is the manifestation of the lack of personal responsibility.

[@beneficent2557]

@@justinamerican8200 he is my personal hero

[@aguspuig6615]

keep in mind he was about to kill himself out of guilt at one point. Every time he has tried to take accountability for his actions someone has stopped him. And every time he has done a bad thing someone has rewarded him, yet he still clearly feels guilt trough all of it.

[@justinamerican8200]

@@beneficent2557 What do you like about him?

[@beneficent2557]

@@justinamerican8200 his superior reasoning skills 😂

[@kingkiller5325]

​@@aguspuig6615I don't think he was going to kill himself out of personal responsibility or accountability. He had just killed gaurd(I'm assuming person of nobility) of the House Velaryon and personal friend to the Lord of House Velaryon at a Royal Wedding no less. The guy was just fucked and looking for a way out. Looking for a way to not have accountability. It's just that The Queen herself gave him a better way out instead of death

[@ygr6484]

>be some lowborn nobody >rise through the ranks purely due to being a badass >best Daemon, the best warrior in the realm >hook up with the King's daughter >casually beat some guy to death and get away with it >get promoted to head of Kingsguard just because >casually kill some dude in the council chambers and get away with it just because >get to smash the queen on a regular basis >send some guy to his death on a whim >King makes you the hand just because >get to sleep with the queen some more more like Ser Chad, remind me why people hate this guy so much? It's a hilarious contrast with Otto because he's not even planning to improve his position, but it keeps happening anyway.

[@Alteori]

OMG RIGHT!!!!! LMAAAAOOOOOOOO

[@DavidMyrmidon]

Because he IS a whore.. and a Hypocrite. Just like Alicent.. and it's Queen Region btw. Not Queen.

[@sproet5070]

-Not lowborn, part of House Cole -The guy he beat to death admitted his intentions to cuckold the heir to the throne, Criston was defending the princess’s honor -No evidence that anyone else on the kingsguard was better suited to be Lord Commander than Criston -Killing Lord Beesbury secured Aegon’s ascent and proved he was a committed to the conspiracy. He is the Kingmaker -The Rhaenyra assassination mission could have worked he wasn’t just sending him to his death -Otto was a bad hand that was publicly contradicting the king, Criston Cole has proven his loyalty and deference to the monarch -Rhaenyra already stained his cloak anyway, it can’t get more stained by servicing Alicent In conclusion Criston Cole is the perfect knight.

[@The-Doctor6969]

@@sproet5070 -hypocrite, bro didn't wanna be a side piece until it was alicent

[@Δ-Δ-Δ-Δ]

​@@sproet5070At this point, I'm wondering wether this comment was written as a joke or if it expresses the view of the commenter. Both could be true, but only the matter option is horrifying.

[@whitefang737]

Remember ser Crispin is a character don't attack the actor he's just acting and he's doing a damn good job at it

[@adaptivegamer9905]

She says that in the video

[@travaughnanderson3958]

I know right, but ima have to try not to up it when i see him irl

[@jayz4dayz763]

For real, wild that people are actually attacking him on social media. People are insane.

[@ChanChan-jk8pc]

Shutup

[@whitefang737]

@@ChanChan-jk8pc cry harder

[@avengercannon]

"Aegon isn't a bad person" Other than his bastard children kept as put fighting orphans and the rapes he's committed and mercilessly bullying everyone younger than him...

[@EndThusIAm]

I absolutely died at Otto during his firing scene. He was so done and baffled by his king since he walked in the door.

[@sirwhodison]

Did y’all forget how much worse Joffrey was or something cuz this dude ain’t even close to as bad as joffrey

[@ajordan1976]

@@sirwhodison that's exactly what I was thinking 🤔

[@sybilelt]

She sounds like a kid ranting and hating on a character this much

[@JalimRabeikkkkk]

@@sirwhodison exactly what i was thinking, the Criston Cole hate is extremely overblown, he's nowhere near Joffrey.

[@jaythrowemall8443]

@@JalimRabeikkkkk i thought i was the only one

[@Otsutsuki_King0]

It’s a women thing. Women be getting triggered over men for every and anything to the point they will deem you the worst human being. Most likely projection these women love projecting

[@PolBlanesCebrian]

Aegon "loves" his child but he's a completely absent father. I think his anger comes from narcissism and from considering it a humiliation and a personal attack rather than fatherly love. That's why they point out he says "There's been an attack on the king" with a stupid remark when he enters the room; he is right on that but why would he say that... POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW Also, regarding Daemon's claim of it being an accident: - The rat catcher directly asks him "But what if we can't find him" and Daemon's answer is cut out, we can assume he did give an answer offscreen. - In the books, Daemon actually answers "A son for a son" and Jahaerys ends up murdered. This can mean 2 things: Daemon was alright with someone other than Aemond getting offed, and the wildest theory that it was the plan all along and Daemon knows something more. There's speculation that Aegon's children might actually be Aemond's. So in the end, Aemond killed Rhaenyra's son and they would have killed Aemond's son in return.

[@chumorgan443]

Before you simp to hard for Aegon don't forget he was happy to watch his own "illegitimate" children fight to death in the child fight pits

[@Dropletsojoy]

Omg what!! I didn't watch the 1st season .. isn't he like only 20ish? How old were the kids?

[@chumorgan443]

@@Dropletsojoy about 6

[@Dropletsojoy]

@@chumorgan443 😦😬😬

[@Janellabelle]

Yea, well, Daemon stressed his brother to death, murdered his wife, had a toddler decapitated in its bed, and choked Rhaenyra out when she had something to say about it. No one on this show is innocent...except Helaena. All of them. Luke cuts his uncles eye out because he insulted him, then when the adults find out no one cares about his eye Viserys just defends Rhaenyra's illegitimate children, AGAIN. Viserys doesn't give a damn about his kids and yet had 4 more with Alicent...imagine to be the first first born son in 300 years to be skipped over for your sister. Every other father picked their first born son except Viserys who admits in one episode that he made Rhaenyra heir thinking he'd never marry again. Rhaenyra blames her 15 year old friend for being forced to marry an old skeleton of a man. The scene watching poor alicent just laying there dissociating when he's having sex with her. R blames A for her father SAing A! Rhaenys is good as well but everyone else is good AND bad.

[@chelseasherrell6277]

@@Janellabelle I know it's so crazy how different each characters personalities are on the show from in the books, but still very similar at the same time like the show has made it where we can actually see these family members going at each other and its writing is clever enough to show these different sides versus the other at crucial plot points. one thing I do wish they hadn't changed for the show though was Daemon's wife, yes she fell from her horse hunting and cracked her noggin then died 9 days later, but he was - with witnesses - on Bloodstone at the time occupied with the Stepstones war. kinda feels like they're trying to lay on the villainy there.

[@rafaelsantos-nl9jd]

So the scene with Aemond holding the coin, is basically a momment of "insight". last episode Aemmond was using coins like tokens to mark the map, the coins are supposed to mark the position of allies and enemies, he was drinking and planing the war with Cole until his grandfather arrive and summon him to have a private chat. after returning to his room Aemond noticed the coins are missing and find one in the floor, it hit him that the assassins are there in his room looking for him, they took the coins and drope one on the floor, if was not for his grandfather taking him out of the room for that chat, the assassin would have find him drunk and sleeping and he would be dead now, they killed the boy because they fail to find him, he understand that he has a target on his head now.

[@justineharper3346]

I was so mad when Alicent didn’t hug Aegon. That’s why he has all the issues he does. She was straight up cruel to him in the first season. Always smacking him and calling him stupid. I don’t think she’s a very good mom lol

[@lindenshepherd6085]

It seems like by the time she recovered somewhat from the trauma of being forced to birth heirs for a rotting man, Aegon was already sinning and committing heinous acts. She was tuned out for so long as a coping mechanism of her situation that she allowed her son to develop into the kind of person who would take his 13 y/o brother to a brother and father bastards for the child fighting pits. Aegon raping Diana was just the last straw for her. I think she resents Aegon for the abuser he became, not realizing that her neglect (understandable though it was) led to the person before her. When he asks if she loves him, she tells him “don’t be stupid”. It’s an answer with multiple interpretations, but even in the best one it’s her telling him that of course she loves him and she shouldn’t need to verbalize it. Even the slightest bit of her approval comes with derision. I think Aemond bonding to Sylvi (the older woman who took his virginity) is a reflection of Alicent’s absence in his life as well. Overall, Alicent seemed to tune out of her children’s young lives except when it came to her conflict with Rhaenyra, and once she finally worked through the trauma of her marriage and births, she was too scared to engage.

[@MylesKillis]

She called him stupid cause he was assaulting women

[@christophergirardi8145]

"Were you also threatened your grace?" God, I felt bad for Tyland last episode, and I know I'll feel bad for what happens to him later, but this...this was not one of those times.

[@Δ-Δ-Δ-Δ]

When I read of his fate... I felt nauseated. He is a Green, but I don't think he deserves what happened to him. That made me kind of hate Rhaenyra. That was the moment I thought "So both of these arseholes are bs and the realm is being torn apart over nothing". Truly sad. The Sack of Tumbleton also made me feel 💀🤢.

[@Hussh-and-Shussh]

I don't know how much negative intelligence you have to have to look at an actively raving Targaryen and think "Oh yeah this is a totally fine thing to say to his face in this very moment." No. No sir it was not. You are very lucky you weren't dangled out a window right then and there like a doggy bone for a dragon

[@BHuang92]

"Krispe Kreme" Cole. Keeper of booties. Lord Commander of the "Queefguard"

[@bgill6623]

Hand of the king and cock of the queen

[@Stacy-yz1eu]

@@BHuang92 lmfao 😂😂😂

[@Riyan-wo4bf]

not the queefguard 😭😭

[@champblaze]

When alicent was slapping and pushing. I can imagine her thinking I Hate you, I Love you, I Hate you, I Love you.

[@courtneycherry5582]

You got my dad fired But you're hot You should have protected my grandson But your hair looks nice 😂 That was my thought for her.

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

@@courtneycherry5582 I feel like that should be in a CRACK-clip for this season!

[@ataluscas]

😂😂🤣🤣 they're both so pathetic

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

@@courtneycherry5582 Reminds me of "Get Him Back!" by Olivia Rodrigo, lol.

[@Morgothslackey]

I dont think Alicent actually loves Cole. Their relationship is weird.

[@J_R0981]

Criston killed Joffrey Lonmouth because he knew Criston was sleeping with Rhaenyra not because hes gay

[@collincaperton6718]

He killed Joffrey because he was saying they were both dirty little secrets and man whores and criston did not like that thought one bit. Had joffrey kept his mouth shut or been more sympathetic about their situation criston wouldn't have been so infuriated

[@collincaperton6718]

(Honestly it was a bit of both but I'm more inclined to believe my theory)

[@TheSaladKing]

The fight between the brothers genuinely got me emotional, and I had to call my brother immediately after the episode just to make sure we were cool and let him know I love him. The idea of having to fight a sibling to the death over political ideals is so horrific, and feels so topical today. HOTD is phenomenal at subtly criticizing today's political climate, and reminding us all that our relationships with others is the most important thing in life, unlike other certain shows...

[@Alteori]

Awwww

[@bigpauliep6992]

GAAAYYYY!!!

[@bigpauliep6992]

Not everything relates to "current day things!" Brother has fought brother in civil war since sides were ever a thing to be chosen.

[@TheSaladKing]

@@bigpauliep6992 my guy, have a seat and take a deep breath. Yes, not everything relates to “current day”. That’s where subtlety and quality writing come into play, in not being explicitly rooted in current day politics (ie, the acolyte) yet still thematically resonating with current events, as well as reminding us of historical ones. P.S. If brother is fighting brother in civil war, there are sides. There cannot possibly be “civil war before sides were a thing to be chosen”. Sides being formed and chosen is a pretty fuckin important prerequisite to a civil war occurring in the first place my dude. Try not to seethe so much online, it’s kinda cringe.

[@TheSaladKing]

@@Alteori love the HOTD content, please keep it coming! ❤️

[@gryphonnystrom2973]

not defending Cole but he killed Joffrey (the guy gay) because he didn't want more people to know he broke his vows

[@MARKCRASTO]

Yep, he's tactically very sound. He knows how to close loose ends.

[@Noredlac_]

Yet everyone kinda knows lol

[@notsae66]

Pretty sure he just killed the guy out of projected self loathing; he hated being the princess' "unwed" lover and was infuriated by finding a man in essentially the same situation that was happy and proud of it. It's like when a closeted guy utterly loaths open gays, because he envisions allowing himself to be happy in his situation like they are and his ingrained morals make him revolted. It makes him a disgusting hypocrite, especially considering he went on to take exactly the same role for the queen instead.

[@sylvielaufeydottir2812]

I think I instinctively wrinkle my nose every time Criston Cole is on screen

[@GeoffInfield]

I hear rage and think "THIS is how you write characters". Looking at you Disney and Amazon.

[@polarfroge]

Agree about Criston Cole. Serious POS character. Good actor, though.

[@jamesverner9132]

Being a good actor didn't stop all of the crazies from harassing the actor to the point of hiding his social media. y'all just do not know how to separate the performance from the performer trying to make LIVING.

[@Alteori]

@@jamesverner9132 Yeah that is totally unhinged!!! People that cannot separate the character from a real person need to get professional help.

[@beneficent2557]

@@polarfroge in the books he is more sympathetic...slightly.

[@ggh6572]

Very talented actor. It's not often a character gets to infuriate me as much as the number one incel of Westeros.

[@beneficent2557]

@@ggh6572 he is clapping cheeks though

[@ashwee280]

8:09 “you can tell Aegon’s not really a bad guy’ girl… bffr how is graping women that your kids fight to the death in pits not bad already. The only reason he liked the head that lost his head was because his a true born Targaryen and his daddy and mommy didn’t like him for being a creep.

[@Shyhalu]

Same question to all the Gynas gushing over Daemon, the dude who ordered a son for a son. Evil people just picking on easy targets, those trying to be good, while putting the "bad boys" on pedestals.

[@severineadamsappleslices6117]

Please don’t forget that Aegon is a rapist, murderer savage, terrible king and the thrown is not rightfully his. He is not a good character, he is not likeable

[@dramionebabe]

👏🏽

[@yvonnetaylor5834]

Don't forget, if I understood it right, he has a load of illegitimate children and has them fight in the pit 😬

[@Janellabelle]

I like him. He's funny, and he didn't even wanna be king. His family pressured him to, and his mom is telling him he IS the rightful heir. And by all previous rules of primogeniture, he IS the rightful heir, as well. Rhaenyra is just as spoiled, if not more so.

[@dramionebabe]

@@Janellabelle Interesting considering his actions....If you agree with Aegon being crowned heir only because he is the first male born child then okay sure I understand your position. If we go with Viserys's wishes and what it truly means to be a Targaryen on the throne then it's team black all the way. It benefits the realm more to have Rhaenyra on the throne; Aegon knows nothing of the Song of Ice and Fire and does not desire protecting the realm but rather harnessing the power that comes with it. Yes, Rhaenyra is entitled. That's what makes this so tragic. You either go with tradition and culture for the sake of "keeping the peace" or Westeros changes the status quo. Either way, blood would be spilt.

[@severineadamsappleslices6117]

@@Janellabelle he bullies his brother, rapes women, and remember last season when he made his bastard kids fight and laugh about it?! Yep, he’s definitely hilarious

[@ahealthkit2745]

Criston Cole or however his name is spelt wasn't even "just a general" when he was plunging his rod into Allicent. He was a member of the white cloaks, an order that is essentially a bunch of paladins who swore an oath of chastity. So for her daughter to walk in and see her getting her cheeks clapped by THE GUY THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE GUARDING HER AND HER CHILDREN, AND SWORE AN OATH OF CHASTITY TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS... It's a huge OH FUCK moment.

[@Lizzie_04]

What I found tragic about Aegon waiting for Alicent in her room is that it shows her and Otto's LACK of support, not them coddling him. These two, along with Viserys, are supposed to be the adults he can confide in-but all we've seen from seasons 1-2 is how negligent/harsh they are towards Aegon (constant yelling, belittling, hitting, no expressed affection). They criticize him for turning out so badly when he's just the result of their failures. Alicent evidently feels for her children, but she never expresses that towards them since Otto treated her pretty much the same way; she was a political tool he was emotionally negligent towards. So, while I was yelling at Alicent when she just left Aegon crying without uttering a word to him, I think it tracks with the terrible support system the Greens have with one another. It's all about how they are NOT breaking the toxic family cycles.

[@dnaseb9214]

Cristian isnt religious, its the rule for the kings guard to abstain from sexual activities. Its not a belief system, its a requirment for his position.

[@fernandocorona5411]

Fun fact Criston Cole actually broke Harwin Strong’s (father of bastards) collar bone in a tournament.

[@Asia82116]

Funny I forgot about this because isn’t Strong’s nickname like Bonebreaker or something? And he gets his bones broken 😂

[@fernandocorona5411]

@@Asia82116 hes called breakbones but after the tournament Mushroom (court fool) called him ser brokenbones lol

[@rafaelsantos-nl9jd]

Daemon is married to Rhaenyra, but that dont make his the "boss" of the relationship, Daemon's title is "King Consort" that basically translate to "first husband" Rhaenyra is the rulers, Daemon is just married to her. Take Alicent for example, during the time she was married to the king (Viserys) she was Queen, but the real title was "Queen Consort" that translate to "First Lady", now she is "Queen Mother" it means she is a Queen but her power come from her son or daughter. The fact Daemon is married to the Queen and is male dont put he in charge, he still just the guy married tot he Queen, just like Alicent was not really in charge of the kingdom she was just married to the King.

[@MrSqurk]

I think Poland that had female kings to avoid this confusion

[@missAlice1990]

@@MrSqurk True but not exactly. The first female ruler of Poland was crowned the King of Poland but her official title (in Latin) was "regina" - "queen". In official documents she was called the Queen of Poland and she called herself that, too. Same was probably true for the only other female ruler of Poland - Anna Jagiellonka - but I'm not 100% sure.

[@missAlice1990]

I don't know about Westeros but in Europe the queen's husband doesn't automatically become a king, just like a king's wife doesn't become a queen just by the act of marriage. They have to be crowned first. In many cases female rulers didn't want their husbands to be crowned as kings to avoid being viewed as "just the wife". That's why Queen Elizabeth II's husband was just a prince, not a king, and I think Victoria's husband, too.

[@migzydrift]

I love it when Alteori, actually enjoys a show. 🥰. Thanks HOT-D 😝

[@Maj_Kasul]

Yes. It has been a while. 😂❤

[@Tallacus]

Also technically Daemond is Rhaenyra's Consort as his official title

[@nordette]

If he killed rhaenyra after she won the throne back would he become king or would it go to her eldest son?

[@Cyrax219]

@@nordette Eldest son not daemon. Since Jace has Rhaenyras blood. Daemon would have to kill all her kids with harwin and will be king until his kids with rhaenyra are of age. I play alot of CK3 and it made me realize succession rights are a real shitshow

[@nordette]

@Cyrax219 damn that's crazy. When he kept trying to seduce her, I was worried he planned to eventually kill her so he could rule alone. Especially after what he did to his first wife. If I were rhaenyra, I don't think I'd risk it. Thanks so much for the reply

[@Rak1966]

Daemond is her groomer. He groomed his own niece since she was a child like R kelly. He gave her jewelry and took her to brothels at night behind his brother’s back. He is disgusting. T

[@willtallis5275]

@@nordettehe didn’t do anything to his wife it’s just the tv show lying an ruining things yet again deamon is nothing like this in the books

[@MajorCoolD]

@Alteori 24:00 and a bit further. So the main reason why none seems to be quite sure of Damon's 'TRUE' alleigance is due to the fact that he is an ambitious, proud (to some extent even arrogant) man, who is not only capable in personal combat, warfare and seems to posess at least a passing knowledge of statecraft, administration and also dabbles in intrigue, but also the fact that he is of the right heritage/noble blood. His older brother, the late King, while peacefull and reasonably beloved by the people (guess what, being neither greedy, warmongering, utterly corrupt or bloody insane can do wonders for a government), was also considered a relatively timid and almost 'weak' person who was easily swayed by his advisors. Unlike Damon who can be rather headstrong, intense, charismatic and has proven his mettle and bravery (bordering on the line of being foolishly reckless) on more than one occasion. However the late King never had a son who lived of 'true' heritage. (as in by the Valyrian custom of them having offspring with other people of Valyrian blood [more often than not, their own family]). While he later had Aegon and Aemond, both were from his second marriage and at a time when his daughter Rheanyra already had (bastard) sons of her own. Normally/usually as we have got to know both in GoT, the books and by George R.R. Martin himself, Westeros usually operates under the inheritance custom of 'cognatic-agnatic primogeniture', meaning that the first Born Son stands to inherit the Kingdom and basicly follows the male line. Only in lack of a male heir, female heirs are considered and then the one with a male heir is usually given preference (basicly the closest line to a male heir following 'Option A' which was the original first born son). Usually that is only interrupted by specific exemptions, by the previous King disinheriting his child in question or by appointing a successor of his own chosing and making sure somebody who he can trust is safeguarding it. Now here's the dilemma: Rhenyra at the time showed little interest of apptitude for statecraft, had some resenment for her father and was... moody at the best of times (then again what teen isnt?) and once she was forced to marry to rein her in, she was pursuing her own little affairs and got her bastards who were QUITE visibly most likely not the sons of her lawfully wedded husband (the rumours circulating his perferences didnt help either with that.) Damon meanwhile had shown his loyalty time and time again and was HOPING his older brother would see reason and appoint him as his successor as he was still more than young enough to lead a long and successfull reign, had proven his loyalty, ability, character and drive AND had some actual experience with the job as he was a member of the small council and had therefore partook in government (though he was considered heavy-handed, if efficient). Still it didnt change the fact that Rhenyra was the previous King's child and that by appointing Damon as his successor he'd bereft her of her birthright. However THEN came Alicent and her little sons who were without doubt of apparent Valyrian descent. One could argue that the Hightowers were already influential enough as it was and that this was a blatant powergrab by Otto Hightower, however it was the King who ultimately married her and who sired several healthy children with her. This SHOULD have been the 'out' for Rhenyra, as Aegon is the most direct male heir/successor to the late King. However the King HAS publically appointed Rhenyra as his successor and we as the audience are QUITE certain that he reaffirmed that briefly before his death, which was why Otto and Alicent made their power-grab. The former due to not wishing to relinquish power and control over the realm (thinking perhaps that he was the right person for the Job as he had done a good job so far for the most part) while Alcient was probably worried about her children as her sons could/would ALWAYS pose a potential threat to Rhenyra's reign and that of her (bastard) sons. Now enter the stage Damon, who then married his own Niece, the 'rightfull' Queen, which made him KING-Consort (meaning that while he can be called King, the actual burden and power of rulership lies with Queen Rhenyra), he basicly became what a Queen would be to a 'regular' King. An influential and prestigious position with the Ruler's partner being as (un)involved in the actual Governance as they want and/or the ruler allows them to be. Which usually means an advisory role, presence at the small Council etc. But unlike the actual ruler their word is not 'law' as such. So while that brought Damon QUITE close to where he wanted to be... he wasnt quite there. However by Rhenyra engaging in the ancient Valyrian practice she solidified her claim and her children (including sons) with Damon, further added to her legitimacy. The question that presents itself now with Damon's loyalty is: Is he loyal to Rhenyra herself, as he believes (for some reason) that she will make a good, just and capable Queen? Is he loyal to her because he likes her or even ACTUALLY loves her? Is he loyal to her (and content with the status quo) as he is as close to power as he can be without Rhenyra dying and him having to potentially resort to Kinslaying? Or is he merely trying to bide his time, establish a stronger/more legitimate line for his sons and therefore him, while secretly plotting for Rhenyra and her bastards to meet their demise? Or is he firmly in her camp, simply opposing the Greenfires/Hightowers, eventhough Aegon and Aemond are just as much his Nephews as Rhenyra is his niece (and potentially willing to 'accept' if something SHOULD happen to Rhenyra and/or her bastards... - afterall civil wars over questions of succession are notoriously deadly to crowned heads and those who can expect to become one)? Afterall part of Rhenyra's strategy was to marry Damon (not only because she had the hots for him), but because he solidified her claim and that even if some people (wheter they be common born or the high and mighty) might not like/support her, they might like/support Damon. So the Question is indeed wheter there is genuine affection/love on either or even both parties or are both just using each other for their own ends and ambitions of power? So the Question is not wheter he is opposing the Hightowers/Greenfires, but wheter he is FULLY supporting Rhenyra or wheter he has his own plans in the making. Afterall the assasination made a 'proper' outbreak of war MOST likely. A field which holds considerable danger (where either Aegon, Aemond or Rhenyra could find their brutal end without Damon having to sully his own hands) and where Damon has MORE experience then most of the other people close to either potential rulers and where he outclasses Otto (who probably would have more sway on the field of Diplomacy and Peacetime). So one could argue wheter his assassination attempt came from an emotional angle, or a cold calculating one to make sure that war would be inevitable and which would change the game towards something where he thinks/knows he has the edge?

[@hellboundchaoscommand7567]

Not even Joffrey can compete with the price of shit called Eleanor Guthrie from Black Sails

[@MrVictor1227]

Who?

[@effyontheedge5133]

FINALLY SOMEONE THAT KNOWS!

[@LukeJohnson-tw5bo]

Not even close. Joffrey was still a kid and he did what he did. Imagine him in his 30s. Monster.

[@effyontheedge5133]

@@LukeJohnson-tw5bo maybe, but I like him more than Eleanor 😂

[@Pandemia616]

Then your insane 😂 ​@@effyontheedge5133

[@tgiacin435]

I like Cole as a rabid beast, but as a character, I hate him. I mean rewatching the first episode, he was willing to kill Dæmon because Dæmon beat him and he couldn’t handle losing. And let’s not forget him killing the other Joffrey, or the lord that stood in defense of the rightful queen

[@jidiaz96]

When did Daemon beat Cole?

[@tgiacin435]

@@jidiaz96 the tourney. Dæmon moved it to a melee. Then after Dæmon beat Cole, Cole came up behind him

[@tagop2]

​@tgiacin435 Daemon didn't win the fight he lost cause cole didn't yeild. He started bragging before sealing the deal. So he lost twice. Once on the horse and second on the ground. He even joked about it when they met after stealing the egg.

[@tgiacin435]

@@tagop2 so it’s ok to attack someone with their back turned?

[@tagop2]

@@tgiacin435 after throwing a hissy fit cause you lost the actual horse competition. Yes especially if it's a duel you started.

[@aguspuig6615]

2:54 i mean to be fair, the kids didnt have guards because the king decided to stay up with his friends and had most of the kingsguard to himself, so no, Aegon couldnt have been threatened he was protected

[@L.2.L]

30:25 Arryk killed Erryk Cargyll. We know it’s Erryk that died first because of the fact that he didn’t go for the kill on Rhaenyra after picking up his sword. Instead, he focused back on his brother and died. I think Arryk ultimately kills himsself because he realizes that he not only chose the wrong side and pairs for it, but because he couldn’t deal with the dishonor and heartache of killing his own twin

[@annbowen9656]

@@L.2.L Erryk killed Arryk. Watch and listen closely. Plus Erryk had the round beard. Arryk's beard was sparser and more pointed.

[@JG-xb2fl]

The show runners confirmed that Erryk, The 'good‘ twin, survived and then killer himself. Furthermore, arryk would have never called Rhaenyra 'your Grace' as he had sworn fealty to Aegon

[@TheAnanaki]

Larys didn't want Blood to identify the ratcatcher Cheese as that would lead to questions about why there was absolutely no one in that area of the Red Keep the night of the murder. Larys didn't question Blood knowing Aegon would straight up murder him, then be forced to kill all the ratcathers in an attempt to kill Cheese. For whatever reason Larys allowed the assassination to take place and made sure his involvement would be suspected by playing Aegon. Ask yourself what happened to the maid that saw Blood and ran off and disappeared? A maid we know for sure was hand selcetd by Larys just like Cheese was. Remember he told Alicent all the staff was now hand selected by him. Larys was 100 in on the assassination of the prince. His motivations may yet be unknown but he's the only person who could have cleared the path for Blood and Cheese. This is why he did a "half ass job" of interrogating Blood.

[@KyrianZenith]

To be fair to Cristen Cole, even though he's a complete douchebag; his relationship with Rhaenyra probably wasn't completely consensual. Everything he had, he owed to Rhaenyra, she made him a Kingsguard after all and their was a vast power dynamic between the two. He was a Cole, and she was a Targaryen Princess and she could've easily had him killed or tortured If he made her angry or disatisfied. She obviously wouldn't have, but that thought was obviously in his head.

[@jakeyagami4286]

Worse than joffery ... joffery in the books saw the people cry out for hunger ..his solution was to take a cross bow kill a random person in the crowd ... pointed at the dead person implying the people should eat him 😂😂😂 he was pure evil incarnate

[@TheLitehero]

Some cues for the episode showed that Aegon had not been as involved with his family and this showed him making an honest effort and then his son gets killed

[@ToeKnife166]

Ser Criston being worst than Joffrey is a strange take, Joffrey had the kings illegitimate children killed including a baby, he also personally killed a sex worker. Also Princess Rhaenys killed a lot of people in the dragon pit, yet she isn’t in your radar.

[@blackbird45]

For real, they're all trippin like Joffrey was a perverted sadist and a psychopath.

[@Alteori]

I forgot about Rhaenys tbh. I mean Daemon and ALL of them have done fucked up shit. My reasoning is bc Joffrey was a KNOWN monster. He was open about that. He's a thing. I think Aba from Aba and Preach said it best. For example, he said he would rather deal with people who are openly racist because at least he KNOWS what they are. They don't hide that. However, the ones that pretend to be friends or allies while they are secretly racist and have the nerve to accuse others of being racist are worse. I think Malcolm X said something similar. I didn't say what Joffrey did was NOT worse. I said I hate Cole more than Joffrey. You know the saying women have about preferring to encounter a bear in the forest alone rather than a man? It's a stupid saying, but I think their point is, the bear is a known monster. They know what to expect, but with some random man in the forest with them alone, they don't know. Or some shit like that. That's what I mean.

[@darrenfields7361]

BUT JOFFERY WAS TRUE TO WHO HE WAS CRISTON THINKS HES GODS GIFT TO EARTH

[@blackbird45]

@@darrenfields7361 and so ? that doesn't make him any worse.

[@nesir8]

​@@blackbird45 it's not about who is worst objectively but who the poster hates more. This is subjective, man. I also hate Cristin Cole more than King Joffrey, in the same way that I hate Cersei more than her son, but Joffrey is definitely the most horrible person among the three I mentioned.

[@josephkush1032]

I was suprised how much I respected sir otto Hightower when he scolded Aegon

[@LalaDepala_00]

The actor has now left social media. He is being flooded with hatred.

[@cnmcnm5853]

:( Yes and now Fabien turns off the comments. I hope the sane fans show him some love he deserves. He makes so an Amazing job. And he used to be very active and happy on Insta, now is close to nothing.

[@jessyflower420]

Really weird how people can't separate fictional characters to the actors ... Must be very .. not smart individuals cuz WTF smh

[@MrDaddymeez1]

The only issue I have with house of Dragons is that the showrunner refuse to get the leads hands dirty. In the books she ordered the death of the son but I guess they need fans to root for one side.

[@weplaydk2343]

From what I heard via a interview is the books had unreliable narrators, so something's weren't necessarily true. and this is more of a first person points of what really happened.. Not to say your critique isn't valid, id imagine that later in the season there will be plenty of time for the ladies to get wicked with it. I could be wrong but we'll see.

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

Fabian is just so good as Ser Criston Pole, I have not hated a character so much in a long time.

[@VoFALT]

Your husband is wrong. She's neglected Aegon for his entire life and he's had to navigate growing up and finding himself without any real love or affection or moral guidance from his mom or dad. If there was a time for motherly love, that was it in his hour of grief. Your instinct to go give him a hug was good and right.

[@Alteori]

Especially after having lost his son. Even so, he looked like he really needed someone. People are saying Alicent was never taught or show how to deal with affection. We've seen that she has the capability for it. I think it's more so guilt on her part, but it's still her son.

[@VoFALT]

@@Alteori I have yet to see any instance where Alicent shows true motherly affection that wasn't cold or distant with Aegon. He questioned if she loved him in episode 9 of season 1 for a reason. Sure, she's capable of it, but the show I think also makes it clear she isn't a good mom and doesn't know when to show affection. That makes sense considering her dad showed her little true affection and used her as a political tool with no consideration to her feelings, her kids were from a man she was basically forced to marry, and she was so preoccupied with spiting Rhaenyra and using her kids as a tool in much the same manner as she was. The fact that Aemond sought some motherly dynamic from a prostitute is pretty telling that Alicent didn't exactly have the warmest relationship with her sons.

[@Morgothslackey]

​@@VoFALT Yeah, and Aemond is the only one we saw Alicent actually show physical affection for, so for him to feel his mother is cold is bad.

[@missAlice1990]

@@Alteori Women wanting to give a rapist a hug because his mommy didn't love him are... weird. Really weird people. But I guess there is a reason why garbage like After or 365 days has audience so maybe it's me who's weird.

[@Alteori]

@@missAlice1990 I mean, for this universe people are also ok with incest sooooooo.... if you're for any of those things... you're weird too. Also, I was speaking from a mother's pov. Aegon was high and drunk af when he did those things. And I'm saying this as a victim of rape myself. It does NOT make it right, but from what it seems, when he got clean he stopped. I may be wrong though. That still doesn't change the fact that his own mother loves him and he's crying bc his fuckin baby got decapitated in his crib.

[@dtownblastinsalvi62]

Like y’all not getting Criston and daemon are the same daemon had the same conversation with erryk and Criston with arryk. Also Daemon has shown he is willing to kill his spouse

[@publishedsorrow3066]

Daemon defenders are wild as hell

[@highlyopinionated5611]

So are Aegon defenders. While he has every reason to be upset and angry here and you can feel sympathy for him, his defenders are forgetting that Aegon is also a r*pist and regularly watches children, including his own illegitimate children, fight to the death for his amusement. ASoIaF characters just don't work on our regular morality expectations for protagonists. They would all be considered to be on the evil end of the spectrum, or at least be neutral. A morally good character in this universe is about as common as a gemstone in a cole mine. And if the blacks aren't allowed to still sympathize with and defeated Daemon, or Rhaenyra, then the greens shouldn't be allowed to defend or sympathize with Aegon, or Aemond, or Otto. Those characters are all morally bankrupt, just doing what they feel they need to do to achieve their goals. (Doesn't matter how much this show is trying to whitewash Rhaenyra, she is ultimately the one who feels she's the legitimate queen.)

[@atlanta2076]

It speaks in favor of this show how much of a POS this character is. I'm all in now.

[@JuliaCarrion-i4r]

Daemon is considered king consort so instead of a king and queen ruling equally Rheanyra would have power over Daemon just as Aegon has power over Helaena

[@tynrova9639]

Rhaenyra seduced the man, she was the princess, he was a knight, seems like what we would call a power imbalance.

[@Alteori]

If it was such a power imbalance, why would he want her to run away with him and be his wife and then get mad at her when she can't? He could have still chosen to uphold his honor in spite of this or maintain loyalty and duty. The twins did. They did everything to prove they were loyal to the crown above even their love for each other. Cole jumped ship bc of his feelings. He is preachin to his subs that honor above everything. He's not willing to die for his creed or uphold his honor in spite of that, then why have it?

[@dhanu_4539]

​@@Alteorihe's from a relatively poor family, and he was their pride and joy. Saying look our son is in the king's guard. After what happened he can't really face his parents and all his hard work and dedication turned into a joke. The princes was born into it it was just a game for her. The good Cole died that night he tried to commit suicide, now we just have this monster.

[@cl5470]

She was a child, he was an adult. JS.

[@dhanu_4539]

@@cl5470 she's always been a child even as an adult. Fooled around fully knowing she was going to be the queen, was a pain to her father till his very end. At the very least if she had been nice to the other houses she'd have more of them supporting her cause. On the other hand we have Aemond, he wasn't even in line to be king but was doing everything for his family and his house from the very start.

[@weplaydk2343]

​@@cl5470they don't want to acknowledge that, unless the situations was reversed 😂. To act like the power imbalance is actually the child being the one in control is crazy to me.

[@jordancurry4514]

It was at that moment otto knew...he f..cked up

[@Geekzilla84]

Hate Joffery all you want, the fact remains, the kid that played him was a DAMN GOOD ACTOR!!!! Everyone hated him, and he was ACTING😂😂😂😂

[@weplaydk2343]

The curse of superb acting

[@dtownblastinsalvi62]

My question is why everyone is only going after Criston and not daemon? He literally glad he killed a kid. Not only that he ain’t going for a drive tf? He literally said he going to harenhal. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@valscottage]

daemon is simply more fun to watch. also he has a cool dragon

[@XxXSilasXxX]

Personally i find Deamon to be the most annoying character in the series 🙋

[@dtownblastinsalvi62]

@@valscottage a dragon that never shows up I seen more of vhagar than his so called dragon. He literally says what’s he gonna do how is that fun? He literally has no character development unlike Criston who thought he was above all this but look how much he has fallen now that’s a character. Daemon is just an annoying prince. Change my mind.

[@The-Doctor6969]

​@@dtownblastinsalvi62I don't think anyone's gonna change ur mind, but... I personally believe that a person who is loyal, ruthless, yet doesn't know how to communicate is compelling. I like how he is relentlessly misunderstood by the people closest to him, who believe he may be unloyal rather than hyperfocused on swift ends with *his* means. I appreciate that his nature confuses us and the people closest to him, and once again, he is repeating a cycle that he could pull himself out of if either he communicates or rhaenyra understands how he communicates at present. I do not, however, find it compelling to see someone fuck a minor who is heir to the iron throne, get rejected, then proceed to be bitter for the next twenty years with her other, less annoying ex. euphoria in westeros, basically. Once criston does some actual kingmaking I'll probably like him more

[@darrenfields7361]

Daemon owns up to who he is and knows who he is. He’s doesn’t pretend like he’s a good person. It’s the way Criston Cole acts that differs his likability from Daemon. He doesn’t blame people for things he’s done or act like those things don’t matter in relativity to everybody else. Hypocrisy is infuriating and Criston is riddled with it. Daemons still a ruthless bastard though

[@melenatorr]

A little nerding out for you: if HOTD follows general medieval/early Renaissance rules, and if we use Spain as the best example then: Isabel I was queen of the kingdom of Castile. She was the power in that kingdom. Her husband, Fernando, was king in his own right of the kingdom of Aragon. She was his consort in Aragon, and had no power there. And similarly, he was only her consort in Castile, and had no power there. Now, they were both intelligent, and worked it so that there was a viable partnership for both kingdoms, but when Isabel died, Fernando lost all rights in Castile. Now, of course, he was Fernando, and he managed to work his way back, but he did it this way: The couple had only one son. He was their heir. When he died young, the inheritance went to their eldest daughter. She died in childbirth and so her little boy became heir. But he died in near infancy. And so, the inheritance went to Juana, their third child. They had married her to Philip of Burgundy, and at first he was excited about this. But then, you see, when the couple traveled to Spain for recognition by the Cortes (Parliament) Philip understood that he was only the consort, and had no power. The power belonged to Juana. And then came a long tapestry of claims of Juana's instability began, so that Philip could claim power. When Isabel died, and Fernando lost Castile to his daughter, he began to capitalize on what Philip had begun, playing these rumors against both Philip and his own daughter, who, in the meantime, had been carefully isolated and not able to break out and defend herself. This can now start spinning out into a very long digression, so I'll stop now. But the point is that no: Daemon is only the consort. He has as much power as Rhaenyra (sp) grants him, and no more.

[@Joniron7]

All Im saying is... I see why a Cole was only kept in the kennels.

[@beneficent2557]

Criston Cole is my favorite character....Perfection.

[@HKLesterol]

@beneficent2557 me too I like Cristina Cole . Alot of people don't see he's just a massive victim of circumstance because of our modern living and not understanding the strict protocol and etiquette of westeros when it comes to how they treat and view their betters/higher houses. Cole is the embodiment of the saying "don't meet your heroes "

[@dakotajohnson4229]

Caraxes is a dragon in universe. Wyverns and wyrms also exist as there own creatures. Firewyrms still reside in the destroyed Valyrian Peninsula, and Wyverns terrorize Sothoros. Wyverns are noted in canon as being smaller than dragons and they don't breathe fire.

[@CookieMonster0w0]

So they found the body in the cradle headless but when they found the big gold cloak guy he was carrying the head which they put back on

[@radioslave5307]

Cole didn't kill that guy at the wedding for being gay. a random guy walks up to Cole at a the wedding, introduces himself as the groom's "roommate", tells Cole he knows that Cole had sex with the bride knowing full well that this is a secret that could get Cole tortured and killed, makes an oblique threat to reveal this secret if Cold doesn't play along with his secret. everything about this interactions reads, from Cole's perspective, as petty and vindictive retaliation from Rhaenyra.

[@arunsingla3452]

4:45 in the books it was rhenyera who proposed to criston cole and he refused(this is from someone who supported her in the war mind you) but as Ryan condel whenever they receive negativity for butchering something from the books (cough blood and cheese cough aegon’s coronation)books are written by unreliable sources in attempts to paint team black as bad as they could (which is kinda true) but in response to it they are doing uno reverse and painting team green as they could while trying to say they are neutral

[@blinkusfishus2052]

The books are actually very specific about what moments are up for contention (Mushroom says this, Eustance says that etc), the rest is supposed to be the generally accepted story. Would be better if they just said the show and books are separate canons based on the same world instead of Condol pulling the 'unreliable sources' excuse every time they want to change something.

[@mattoni553]

The reason why Daemons wish for the throne is bad, unlogical... and he gets rightly called out on this is because he gave up his claim the moment he swore his loyalty to the Queen and her claim to the Seven Kingdoms. As for calling the son for a son situation a making the score even, its higly unmoral in my mind.

[@DaenerysGOT18]

Same!!! He is a despicable person!!😡

[@philhelm1318]

There's still no excuse for Aegon destroying his father's awesome Warhammer table.

[@ambience273]

The writers just like to make the Greens look worse and Blacks look better. In the book Daemon wanted the son dead, it was no accident. Alicent was in the room because she was being a rather good grandmother. And Cole is much more competent and a cool character even. Jaime decades later would say he was the better and worst of the Kings guard.

[@weplaydk2343]

Well as someone who didn't read the books, I'm Team black all day 🖤. Also heard in a interview that in the books there were unreliable narrators and thies hand accounts that was filled with unsubstantiated rumors mixed with truth , where as the show is showing a first person account of what went on.

[@JaliyahLatrell]

I just found you and you have a new subscriber because we lived the same experience with our parents.(mom) and it resonated soooo much with me. Also love your humor and commentary. lol

[@Alteori]

We got our survivor group over here 😂😂

[@zironthegamer]

its pretty funny when the audio and footage sped up xD

[@SirBrasstion]

Rhaenyra forced herself on Criston, unless we're going to pretend you can deny the whims of royalty without false accusations to silence you and retribution upon your whole family. She made him break his vows. Then he fell in love with her against better judgement. Then her refusal to elope reminded him that he's only entertainment. Then his cocky counterpart made it seem like extortion, calling out his affair in the worst time and place. He is a man-child with lofty values and a fragile heart.

[@Tericho]

I think the reason why Cole killed the dude last season was because he felt threatened by him when he admitted he knew his secret. Cole felt ashamed at breaking his vows and was scared that the other guy was going to spill his secret. Still a terrible reason, but I don't think it was because he was gay. Just how I interpreted it!

[@ozyrysozi6186]

Indeed, ser Criston Cole seemed pretty annoyed and I bet that he had a lot of emotions going around. And unforutnately Joffrey decided to go to him and pretty much threaten him that if he gets Laenor in trouble then Cole will get in way worse trouble. And I think everyone saw how important duty and that vows been to Cole as he nearly unalived himself after that.

[@jamaljohnson1789]

I don’t think Kristen Cole is right and at this point he is a huge hypocrite, but I also can’t see why people don’t understand that from the start it was a leader in subordinate situation with the princess in her guard people forget the time they’re living. He could’ve been castrated if he just told the princess no because of the station he grew up in he took the position he knows is extremely sacred so when he broke those vowels on the wheel of his princess and the only thing he can think of was to go away with her, and she said knowing his face that completely broke him after that, I can’t agree what he’s been doing like I said he is a hypocrite, but we can’t act like we’re the one who put him in this position in the first place. It was his princess at the end of the day he could’ve done his sword, and he tried to

[@milesmartens9635]

ok then answer me why he wasn't castrate when he refuse to become her "whore", sorry had he refuse the first time nothing would have happenned to him, criston cole was always a little bitch.

[@brucenatelee]

That's what I thought. The princess was a princess, afterall. I assume false accusations against a knight could have him worse than hung/burned/decapitated.

[@The-Doctor6969]

But this is not the case for any other knight, no? Because most people, even if they're a sworn protector, don't break the boundaries that he and rhaenyra did. and if criston assumed she would do that, he was a fool, and he should have never asked her to be his wife, because if he loved her or knew her, she definitely wouldn't have done that. The theory that rhaenyra coerced him or he felt that he was coerced relies on him having absolutely no agency which just isn't true. I don't know if it's pretty privilege or what but I don't think people would act the same if he was a fugly old dude ​@@brucenatelee

[@dr5750]

In the books Blood is tortured for 13 days before being allowed to die

[@mayettaxtriger436]

Aegon: where were you!? Criston: inside your mom, your grace Aegon: I- what? Criston: at a brothel. Aegon: Criston:

[@Bendylife]

I think the implication was that Damon said "A son for a son." when asked what if they couldnt find their target. There was a reason they thought they could take the babys head. Damon definitely didnt say only one head would do.

[@CSPaffy]

What Rhaenyra did to cole was definitely rape. I dont blame him for hating her.

[@weplaydk2343]

A kid did that? Oh damn 😂

[@DEADCALMCOMIX]

You do such a good job. I'm living this show can't wait to watch the rest with you!

[@TheCrimsonRevenger]

I don't know about the show but Cole's situation is waaaaaay more sympathetic in the books. If Rhaenyra had just left him the hell alone like he REPEATEDLY asked her to, none of it would have happened. In the books it even escalated so far as her threatening to falsely accuse him of grape if he didn't let her have her way with him. And when she finally Stockholm syndromed him into falling in love with her, SHE was the one who put it in his head for them to run away together and when he finally agreed to do it, she changed her mind and broke up with him. So naturally I assume they took all her coercion and abuse of him out of the show, because muh feminism.

[@edwardirwin3478]

Would have made for much more engaging television, but the writers just couldn't bring themselves to do it eh? They could've shown Rhaenyra regretting her actions with Cole as she got older and blame her young rebellious nature to keep audiences sympathetic to her, but obviously the damage had already been done as far as Cole would be concerned.

[@TheCrimsonRevenger]

@@edwardirwin3478 Cole is supposed to be one of the most controversial and compelling characters in Westeros history for a reason. He dreamed his whole life of being a Knight. He came from nothing. Technically House Cole was a noble House but it was in name only. They had no real power or wealth or status, so becoming a Knight of the Kingsguard was Criston's greatest dream come true. He fought and clawed and scraped his way to the one thing he wanted most, and he was happy to be celibate and devoted to his faith and duty for the rest of his life. He would have been up there with Barristan Selmy, if not greater if Rhaenyra would have just taken 'No' for an answer. But just when everything he ever wanted was finally earned, Rhaenyra locked him in her sights and refused to let him live his best life in peace. She wore him down, seduced, intimidated, threatened, and cajoled until bit by bit he sacrificed his identity, his honor and his dreams just to be with her....just for her to have an 11th hour change of heart and decide she wants to be Queen more than she wants him. Again, SHE was the one who pumped his head up with the idea of them running away together. He refused at first, trying to hold onto the last shreds of his duty and honor until he finally was willing to give it all up forever to be with her. At which point she decided, "Nah, nevermind". And suggested he should just learn be happy living the rest of his life as her sidepiece, while her new incest-husband fills her up with inbred babies. That makes his actions and motives make alot more sense, doesn't it? That's a compelling and sympathetic character. But why would you want compelling character motives when you can have another girlboss slayqueen sticking it to the manbaby?

[@edwardirwin3478]

@@TheCrimsonRevenger Yep, the show has been decent as well but then you find out stuff like this that would make the show great and of course the writers just can't help themselves with their agenda.

[@Seraphina.Is.]

Girl no, Daemon told them to kill the boy. That’s why he didn’t want to answer the question

[@DamnTheBeavers]

hating a fratboy more than the guy who tortured and killed innocent women.. yeah..the showrunners ruined his character and made him lame and a prick..but come on

[@bigpauliep6992]

Agreed on all points. Her takes are so bad, to the point of purile immaturity, that I honestly think she's like 15. Honestly, I'm out before she replies to something I've written and I get Dr Disrespected from the internet and put on a register.

[@Alteori]

Joffrey was a monster and the difference is EVERYONE knew it. EVERYONE. Cole tries to pretend he's not a monster I despise someone who pretends to be a good person and shames others for not being good while hiding their monstrous nature more than someone who is openly a monster.

[@clairvoyant1624]

While I enjoy listening to your views and dissection of stories, I think it's your laugh that keeps me coming back to your videos. It is one of those contagious laughs that makes me laugh as well. I love it.

[@othertalk3313]

11:16 - "My kingdom for a small turtleneck sweater..." Too soon? 😏

[@NocturnalMelody]

Good insight about Otto Hightower. I don’t always agree with his actions. I don’t see him as evil, though, I do think he loved Viserys too, as much as he was willing to manipulate him for his House’s gain. I dunno, he’s just complicated.

[@missAlice1990]

He pimped his daughter to the king to gain more power. Maybe you didn't understand but that's what he meant by saying "go to the king, he needs company and comfort" or something like that. If that's not evil enough for you... well...

[@thejuggl3r442]

Idk man, Rhaenyra kinda did my man dirty. Dude is just stuck in his emo phase now 😆

[@chuckberry1240]

Bro that shit was years ago folks ass a simp period

[@Alteori]

She didn't force him to fuck her LOL

[@jidiaz96]

@@AlteoriShe kinda did, albeit unintentionally. There’s a huge power imbalance between the two, and Cole might’ve feared that Rhaenyra would run off to her Papa claiming rape or something had he flat-out refused to sleep with her, and Viserys would’ve 100% believed her. Again, I’m not saying that’s what Rhaenyra would’ve done, but it IS a reasonable fear to have, and with so little time to think, Cole probably thought he had no choice but to go along with it.

[@Alteori]

@@jidiaz96 Bro was ready to run away to Essos with her so he could not feel guilt over what he did. He coulda still done that without her. He was ready to kill himself soooo

[@dhanu_4539]

​@@Alteorihe wasn't trying to run away. He was trying to find a way to marry her since they did it out of wedlock. I think you know what the ultra religious are like.

[@Crimson_Tango]

Just a heads up, the guy that killed the prince specifically asked Damon what they should do if they couldn't find their target and the show dramatically didn't let us hear what he told them. It was a fair question from the queen. The assassins clearly didn't find their target and instead did what they did so the queen wants to know if that order came from Damon or if the assassins made that decision themselves.

[@illmilfinestke]

Daemon’s oopsie face has a slight idgaf😂

[@EddieWoodsRemnantOutreach]

In the books I think they tortured blood for like 3 weeks after that. And I was scared that baby’s head was going to roll off

[@tengr0057]

I'm beginning to like that Otto dude! He's going to die. Everyone I like in Song of Ice and Fire dies. So better be apathetic. This shit does not write off everything we know what will happen. We know that the endgame sucks in tv-series.

[@tengr0057]

Voices of reasons will die, otherwise we wouldn't have this soap opera with dragons and shit!

[@charlesedwards2348]

Daemon is what's known as a King Consort. His full title would be Prince Daemon Targaryen, King Consort to the Queen.