HOUSE OF THE DRAGON 1x4 "King of The Narrow Sea" Reaction & Spoiler Discussion!

[@shivasrinivasan80]

The kid said he could protect and he damn well showed he is willing to fight.

[@prathapkutty7407]

It was very satisfying to see him kill that guy.

[@hoon_sol]

he protec he attac but most importantly... he ride dragonbacc

[@highelf6086]

@@hoon_sol lol..

[@dlilwon]

@@hoon_sol awww i have missed this meme.

[@vibechecker3168]

House Blackwood: chat shit get hit

[@KaranRandhawa_YYC]

In the first episode she was 14 Then 6 months passed so she was 15ish and then 3 years passed (while battle of stepstones was happening and second name day of Aegon happened and Alicent was pregnant with 2nd child the one we see in this episode). So Rhaenyra is about 18 in this episode.

[@roy6516]

Next episode would be last we see alicent and rhaneyra actor..now a older version of them would come .there is a big time jump

[@solenyadnapa8191]

The actress is 22 .....

[@justfriend4064]

yes... but she looks 14...

[@youdontknow7853]

Its canon she was 15 in episode 2! Its 4 years since! She is 18-19!

[@prathapkutty7407]

@@justfriend4064 so?

[@hedinsee6830]

That's precisely why Daemon is such an exceptional character. You can discuss his actions and motivations endlessly and *all* explanations apply.

[@thiagocalheiro5824]

Something introduced as a really nice nod to books readers was the conflict between the Blackwoods and the Brackens (the guy with yeallow jacket who mocked the Blackwood boy), two powerfull Houses from the Riverlands, both vassals to the Tullys. They have a feud that lasts centuries, always going at eatchothers throats. Those two families hate eatchother so much, that their liege Lord must always shut down conflicts and fights between their domains.

[@lgt_jne]

Trueeee

[@manavkhandurie]

Dont forget the rivilary between Bloodraven and Bittersteel , probably the best thing in westeros history

[@SayanSpirit]

People when Targaryen do Targaryen things: 👁👄👁

[@larochejaquelein3680]

Just wait till they see Bloodraven in House of the Dragon Season 5

[@neomoscoso10]

Milly Alcock will surely be missed when the significant time jump takes place. She was on fire (pun intended) this episode.

[@kartikeyamalik5488]

at first i didn't like her that much but she grew on me real quick

[@thatswhatithought6519]

Milly Alltypesofcocks

[@kartikeyamalik5488]

@@thatswhatithought6519 haha lol

[@prathapkutty7407]

@@thatswhatithought6519 lmao wtf

[@ader701220]

She is the real shining star among so many talented and more experienced actors

[@zaqarya]

Achara: “getting up to mischief together, it’s kind of cute”. Give it a few minutes love 😂

[@isaacboura6082]

It makes me laugh to see that everyone sees Daemon as the bad guy, whereas since episode 1 he's the only character who is honest with everyone.

[@0912sooli]

Doesnt change the fact that he is a sadistic, selfish prick

[@ladyhotep5189]

Hey I fucking love Daemon 😁🤷‍♀️

[@sculptureofsound2]

I love daemon

[@amirhoseinizadi925]

Honesty doesn't wash away the pile of atrocities that he has done

[@isaacboura6082]

@@amirhoseinizadi925 no one said he's an angel. I'm just saying he's the most honest and true character on the show. Daemon is a cruel man, ruthless against enemies, and that's what you need when you live in Westeros. In this world, good guys never end well.

[@biribiri9934]

Daemon didn´t only do that for manipulation. It was explained in the behind the scenes where the directors talked about how while his initial plan was to seduce her and put her in a spot so he could get back at Viserys, Daemon always did have an attraction as well as affections for Rhaenyra since episode 1. He thought that Rhaenyra would actually reject him when he made his move but as it turns out, Rhaenyra shared those same attractions and affections and thats what surprised him and made him feel guilty because now he does know that theyre on the same page BUT he started all of it to just to get back at Viserys. Thats why he left. When he said he wants to marry Rhaenyra at the end, I´m pretty sure he was actually sincere about it, not because its a ticket to the throne only. Also Rhaenyra sleeping with Criston wasn´t actually because she had feelings for him or anything, sure they might have been a crush at some point but the directors pretty much made it clear that he was the one available for her at that moment after Daemon left her, clearing wanting for more. Regardless the scene was pretty cute lol but I wish Rhaenyra´s first time was with Daemon haha. Also Rhaenyra is 18 in this episode as its set roughly a year after the last where she was 17.

[@cameronnking]

Yeah those behind the scenes following every episode, are incredibly informative of some of the more subtle and nuanced direction of the episode. 100% recommend always sticking around after the credits to watch that.

[@biribiri9934]

A bit more to add that I forgot, the directors also mentioned that when Rhaenyra reciprocated, she also showed that she had more control over him than he did at that moment, adding more to his guilt and internal conflicts because he's not somebody who's controlled by others but here he was, even tho he started the whole thing between them and yet Rhaenyra was the one in control. Makes their chemistry even more better imo

[@richsalazme]

I totally agree with that part with Ser Criston. Rhaenyra got a taste of the forbidden fruit but was denied of it. So she got it from a different person.

[@biribiri9934]

@@richsalazme yup exactly. It's been made pretty clear already and especially even more this episode when she was holding onto the necklace that daemon gave her while she was meeting with the suitors that she does want daemon. And also maybe I might be overreaching slightly but the convo they had at the party in front of the tree alone, Daemon was a bit distant and Rhae commented on that and went onto talking about her marriage proposals and Daemon said sth about getting used to the attention. Maybe I'm overreaching but it felt like Rhaenyra wanted Daemon's attention the way he used to give her a lot before but all of a sudden he's a bit withdrawn and that frustrates her, especially since she does like him, and complaining about the suitors and all, idk feels like she was trying to see what his reaction to the whole thing might be, that she'll be married soon. Also seems like Daemon did understand her need for attention from him since he took her out lol

[@AllTheArtsy]

Do people just not know how to engage with media without being told "what it means" now? And are we seriously still indebted to uthorial intent in 2022, really???

[@user_outtacomission]

Daemon is sooo clever and diabolical and this was a masterplan. As much as he likes rhaenyra and his intentions were true with her, he made it look like it happened with rhaenyra and knew that the rumor would start( he takes her cap away letting to reveal her true self, thousands could have seen/known her). Eventually when she walked out the kid sees her (kinda loved the callback to varys lil birds) and goes to Otto. In my opinion it feels like Damon knew getting this rumor to Otto would set things in motion. His plan worked when the king ends up questioning why Otto was spying on her in the first place. Beyond that scene, rhaenyra projects the same thoughts and it solidifies the opinion about Otto for Viscerys. The way rhaenyra challenges Viscerys is similar to how daemon pushes his buttons so when she gives in to wed laenor valareyon and asks him to "DO HIS DUTY" as a king, Ottogotogo. In my mind this was allll daemons plan. I could be 💯 wrong but I also felt he was feeling the guilt of using rhaenyra for this and thats why he walked out.

[@Pillowlips77]

Nailed it. Also the ending was interesting. It showed Rhaenyra that her father doesn't trust her. He took Daemon's word over hers.

[@Agnyc198]

I think you are right, also i might be mistaken but in the scene when Daemon wakes up in Mysaria's place i think its the same kid that talks to Otto. He is dropping off money to her (probably the money Otto paid him). I think the kid was a spy for Otto but in reality he was a spy for Mysaria and Daemon without Otto knowing.

[@ideozublake8036]

@@Agnyc198 wow that would be crazy

[@DonHbankz]

@@Agnyc198 I would agree with you but it seem Daemon and Myseria have been estranged from each other since the dragonstone days I feel she still cares about him but I don’t think she cares enough to not secure herself and her future as this pseudo master of whisper for Otto wink wink

[@Pillowlips77]

@@Agnyc198 Yes! I thought I was seeing things or mistaken bc no one was mentioning that in the reviews but it also looked like the same kid to me ! It's either that he was working for Daemon or maybe Mysaria is Otto's plant.

[@ader701220]

He left her because he noticed that he's got some real feeling to his niece.

[@temptationofmemories]

And also that she wanted him too.

[@ader701220]

@@temptationofmemories yeah, even Darmon got coldfeeted when things gets too real xD

[@Laaadaa]

In the post credit episode recap, they also mentioned his impotence (he had a problem in episode 1 as well).

[@LebbMangenaShow]

It's still weird

[@AL-fl4jk]

The ending with the tea is significant because it means her father doesn’t believe her

[@Laaadaa]

And it puts her in a pickle because she slept with Ser Criston - if she drinks it, then it looks to the King like she did indeed sleep with Daemon. But, she might be with child after the night with Ser Criston.

[@TusharSharma-gc4vs]

Well she can drink it, fill it with something else and then throw it while showing it to someone 🤔

[@AL-fl4jk]

@@Laaadaa that’s the interesting part - the maester left. Nobody will see if she drank it or not. Either way Viserys doesn’t care

[@Sired2Klaus]

The point is he doesn’t care, he said it’s all about “perception” and he doesn’t want her to get pregnant and ruin it

[@targaryen7029]

It's not that he doesn't belive in Rhaenyra, he's not taking any risks and he cares enough for her reputation not be destroyed, as he said to her "truth doesn't matter, only perception". He's right to send the Moon Tea to her to make sure.

[@KaranRandhawa_YYC]

Well you see this episode is not about what actually happened but what people saw or what they wanted to see and tell and how Otto wanted to potray it. The whole thing is so vague. Especially how Rhaenyra tells Alicent that she did not even touch Daemon. I like it this way.

[@docsuperg3560]

@@TheDream6842 thats the point whether or not they actually had sex he 100% touched her, she lied on he mother's grave the writers did this intentionally

[@KaranRandhawa_YYC]

@@TheDream6842 Was it though? Just watch extended episode interviews of show runners and actors after this episode. She was not telling the truth or lying.

[@shubhamgoswami8699]

And that's what I love about this show. This episode captured the essence of the book. It is told in a couple different perspectives, and are unreliable narrators. Hence it's about the perception and not the truth.

[@violamerjo8800]

Wrong that was the book

[@rezashamsi2844]

This book (blood and fire) is not a novel it's written by a historian in got world. He wrote it by using 2 peoples writings.the royal crown who was a fan of rhaenyra and a sept who was against her. We don't know what is true and what is not. That's our call we get to judge that. U can either believe rhaenyra or otto Because one of them is lying. In ep 1 also we saw that there were 2 claims about rhaenyras Desire to have a sibling. Her mom said she wanted a sister but she told daemon that she wants a brother.

[@DonHbankz]

I rewatched the ep and I think Daemon genuinely cares for Rhaenyra and one of the reason he doesn’t go through with it (plus the lack of control he felt stated in the inside the episode) is because he felt guilty. Take out that brothel scene and his fight with Viserys and he genuinely looks like he is homesick and missed his family. The convo with Rhaenyra in the godswood showed he genuinely cared for her well-being and was looking out for her and her happiness it felt so genuinely and real I don’t think it was a ploy. Also during the adventure in kings landing it genuinely felt like he was preparing her for rule making her aware of the people thoughts and the threat Aegon naturally has to her. Even tho there is definitely a plot for power and to marry her thinking about it more Rhaenyra wins the most by marrying Daemon. Not only is her succession further secured by marrying a male potential heir she also get the added boost of Daemons increased popularity after the stepstones and his prestige as a warrior something Aegon doesn’t have. Yes Daemon went about it a slimy way but thinking about it, it was the only way to potentially force Viserys into agreeing. Plus I think it’s very telling that after he stopped we see him shitfaced drunk like he drown himself in alcohol due to guilt. It also further goes with that Characterisation that Daemon puts his family Viserys and Rhaenyra above all else.

[@shannyd1]

Guys you've gotten a bit confused about how much time has passed. Allicent has only had 2 kids this episode and looks like Viserys is working on having his 3rd child with her. Rhaenyra was 18 last episode and it hasn't been more than a year since then, for example Rhaenyra mentions this episode that it's been 4 years since she last saw her uncle. Daemon and Rhaenyra's attraction and special bond they have with one another is genuine. Daemon did feel guilty yes, hence why he didn't have sex with her, this was fun and lessons for Rhaenyra while also being Daemon's plan to get back at his brother. Rhaenyra & Daemon are very similar & both push Viserys buttons. They have also both opened the kings eye's to Otto being the problem & threat to them. You would be surprised how many viewers actually ship Daemon & Rhaenyra.

[@hoon_sol]

Rhaenyra was explicitly stated to have been 17 in the last episode.

[@shannyd1]

@@hoon_sol i thought it was 18 as i heard she was 15 in s1 then we had 3 year time jump.

[@hoon_sol]

@@shannyd1: She is 14 in the first episode, has just turned 15 in the second, and is 17 in the third, soon to be 18. The reason this is coherent is because there's not a full 3 years between episodes 2 and 3; Viserys presumably gets to work and impregnates Alicent quickly after marrying her, probably within a single ovulation cycle, so the time between episodes 2 and 3 is most likely 2 years and somewhere between 9 and 10 months. In other words, if Rhaenyra had just turned 15 in episode 2, then she's 17 years and 9 to 10 months old in episode 3.

[@krayzy932]

@@shannyd1 In the last episode it was said that she was the age 10 and 7. That's how they said 17.

[@kevincarvalho5054]

I actually believe Dameon loves his family, he has a thing for his niece, that was clear since ep1. I don't think he planned this ahead.

[@d3l3tes00n]

I think he somewhat planned it once he was there, but I don't think he planned feeling more for her.

[@八筒先森]

Can uncles and nieces marry in House Targaryen?

[@xINkx613]

@@八筒先森 duh, they're targaryen

[@kevincarvalho5054]

@@八筒先森 I think they can do whatever they want, brothers and sisters can marry in House Targaryen, like Aegon for example, he married both his sisters, which.... gross.

[@goodboygaming1473]

@@kevincarvalho5054 it is inspired from Egyptian kings.... who married their daughters and sons.... much of this story is inspired from true events.... like valariya's doom which is from the destruction of Pompeii....

[@mattdavid716]

The Blackwood kid killing the older, bigger douche bag = unexpected, poetic justice maybe, but not irony Otto getting shit on for telling the truth = irony ✅

[@lilypond5158]

He was lying though, the boy never saw what Rheanyra and Daemon did in the pleasure house, he just made that part up

[@awesimo4684]

@@lilypond5158 But Mysaria does know, and you see the boy giving her some money.

[@vei80s53]

@@lilypond5158 he was spying on them

[@raphaelostrowski6336]

The blackwoods will be so important in the dance. They will fight in every battle of the war

[@TyrannosavageRekt]

@@lilypond5158 Though the boy may have exaggerated what he saw, under Mysaria’s instruction. We can’t be sure Otto lied (in this instance), though it’s certainly possible.

[@KaranRandhawa_YYC]

This was not what audience wants Jaby( Cristen cole and Rhaenyra hookup). This is what is hinted in the books.

[@TessaxMusic95]

Well the Audience wanted it too 😂

[@KaranRandhawa_YYC]

@@TessaxMusic95 Yeah I meant they showed it not only because audience wants it but because there is story around it and to follow.

[@ezraking4176]

@@KaranRandhawa_YYC such a bummer Milly has to go… her and Fabien have amazing chemistry. I wonder how it’ll be with him and Emma 🤔

[@priyengovender7835]

You guys are soo cute and naive to what is to come regarding Alicent and Sir Criston. This just shows us how well the series is written and performed! Hats off HBO, you win.

[@iconoclast6555]

23:20 The scene where Viserys isn't noticing that Alicent was just lying there like a corpse while he's having sex with her could be seen as he wasn't really focusing on her because he really never recovered with what happened to his first wife. He truly loved his first wife, so it's easy to imagine that Viserys was actually closing his eyes during that scene and imagining his first wife instead.

[@skullknight4579]

"i will show your death" instantly shows dragons fire anyone noticed that?

[@firstofall21]

That is why the change of actors needed, because milly look waaay too young for someone with teen kids but her stans already judging emma before she even appeared, and whom actually why milly being picked as young rhaenyra. Bout viserys, well he did say he only loved his wife, guess he just didnt feel that kind of "connection" with alicent.

[@ladyhotep5189]

There are people judging the "older rynera" already? People can be such weirdos

[@mdnblues]

@@ladyhotep5189 Yeah, apparently Emma isn't "pretty" enough to play Rhaenyra (even though in the books adult Rhaenyra is described as not as pretty after having like 5 kids).

[@firstofall21]

@@ladyhotep5189 yep they hated emma already when emma actually casted first and milly got casted coz she resemblance emma, haters said they can make milly look older, but make up wont helped when she still look fully like teenager, her voice, her face, it just wont helped, her kids will look older than her or the same 😅

[@firstofall21]

@@mdnblues exactly

[@itsbreezy2521]

"She rides dragons so.. you know.." NA I'M 💀

[@HorusHeresist]

"She tore it riding a dragon or a horse..." HAhahaha 🤣

[@Epicsandmore24]

When jaby was like "it's weird he has his eye on her" - you're not ready for the next 30 minutes pal !

[@mrindependentvariable]

Things went from 0 to Sweet home Alabama , real quick 🤣

[@nonechuks6683]

Viserys and Alicent understood what the marriage was. It's just for duty and heirs. Their sex is loveless, and Alicent is accepting her role despite the clear depression she feels over it.

[@neonseas]

I really don't think Daemon is manipulating his way onto the throne. At most I think he has opinions of how the ruler should be, and that perhaps Rhaenyra could be that, or he wouldn't have gone through the trouble of the lessons earlier in the episode. I sort of feel like people don't really consider that Rhaenyra is literally the only person that doesn't treat Daemon like a ticking time bomb. And Daemon is the only person who treats Rhaenyra like a person and not "just" a woman. Even other women in the show just reinforce that she has a place she needs to be. Even as Queen, just a vehicle to procure more heirs. Even setting any attraction aside, they are clearly special to each other. These lessons from Daemon spiraled out of control. It's true. But the things he taught her are important. That the citizenry are not on her side, giveing her a more true view of what she's up against, and that she can take what she wants, not strictly adhering to the rules of the roles set out for her. I actually think Daemon is the only one giving her things that could actually be useful in being Queen, knowlege and insight rather than her father's prophesy and platitudes.

[@gamechaser782]

bro this episode made his way into the throne easier, Rhaenyra's image is ruind and The hand is not the hand now. Just Aemon stays in his way now.

[@neonseas]

@@gamechaser782 We have no way to know how hushed up the thing with Rhaenyra is... for all we know it never leaves the circle of Viserys, Otto, and Alicent. We didn't actually see any reprocussions of that other than Rhaenyra having to marry Laenor. Plus The 7 kingdoms are a Feudal state. even if it had been made known that Rhaenyra had slept with every man in the capital, that doesn't change that the lords of the kingdom have sworn fealty to her. Technically any of the lords of the 7 kingdoms who rose against her claim could be executed for High Treason. and at this point, I'm sure it'll happen sometime in the series. PLUS because it is a feudal state the Ruler is the person sworn allegance to. So even if Daemon and Rhaenyra married he would not be King he would only be his Queen's King Consort. With no real power on it's own. Otto not being the hand benefits everyone involved except Otto himself. Of course a new one will be named so that is no hurdle at all. Nothing of this actually benefits Daemon. Other than Otto getting the boot of course, but only because he's vindictive that way.

[@agresticumbra]

@@neonseas the maester, and the spies who saw her, know as well.

[@thefatman2780]

I KNEW THE 69 SHADES OF GREY EPISODE WAS COMING.

[@saikiranpanigrahy4510]

Daemon is just like a child, he wants the throne, but not at the cost of his brother and his niece. And he really thrives for attention from his brother.

[@AllTheArtsy]

The audience to Sir Cristin: WE WERE ROOTING FOR YOU! WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU!!!

[@CommonDaeze]

Okay but the HighTowers are very close with the Maesters and right after Otto got fired the Maester brought her a “tea” that if brewed incorrectly can kill her. So there’s a chance she doesn’t take it because they wouldn’t kill Her off.

[@Vipre-]

She didn't lie to Alicent, she just didn't volunteer unasked information. Alicent only asked her if she slept with Daemon, it's on her if she took that "no" to mean anything else.

[@leveltwotrading9657]

Achara " why is he taking her here" oh my poor innocent child"🤣😵🥴😵‍💫🤤

[@el-chupanibre]

"For someone very inexperienced" I mean, she did just come directly from a brothel.. kinda the most in depth "lessons" she could get. Hahah

[@timothypolanco8622]

Love how Daemon beat Otto in his own game by helping expose it to the King, they are blood of the dragons an yet so much power was given to a Hightower 💯😆

[@breebree9319]

I think Damon definitely calculated what happenned to Rhaenyra but was not able to perform out of guilt or other reasons in the moment. But he for sure has had his sights on the throne and getting back at his brother. Rhaenyra is the best way for him to do that

[@connermarchetti7522]

I wonder if the Blackwood boy will make an appearance in later years? Seems like Rhaenyra took an interest in him and he seems capable of defending himself even at such a young age. Would be cool to see him in the time jump older and more grown up into the Soldier he’s clearly capable of being.

[@blessanabey8386]

17:42 Oh She defenitely Tore it by Riding the Dragon alright lol.

[@ideozublake8036]

🤣🤣🤣🤣💀

[@fyzgamingmuigoku3669]

The fact that King Viserys actor Paddy Considine laughs or smiles he looks exactly like Akshay Kumar makes me laugh my ass off whenever I see him...just Bollywood things.

[@mirrojas]

Oh..shes into it. Achara 😂 Yes, rather spicy episode. Things are brewing!!

[@Mike90317]

Love that zoom in, lol.

[@joelhenry5489]

Matt Smith is a really remarkable actor. He makes choices sometimes that seem like the opposite of what the scene requires but makes it work.

[@prettynerd4779]

The issue is Viserys doesnt consider his kids with Alicent his own blood.. he considers them Ottos blood.. he has never called Aegon my child.. he only calls Rhaneyra my child.. I think he considers Rhanerya a true targaryon.... Daemon didnt trick them.. he really wants Rhaneyra.. and with her he can have the Crown and Rhanerya both..

[@bluephoenix6322]

The horror on Achara's face 😂 " Oh! She's into it ..."

[@Martinbumms]

Achara is thinking way too much about Daemon's moves, I guess. Daemon is one of the great Knights of Westeros, everyone knows he's trouble and yet everyone loves him in some way, we love a badass. What Daemon seems to be annoyed by is his brother not giving him the appreciation that Daemon think he deserves. Daemon and Rhaenyra are very similar in that, both want to choose who they marry, both want to decide about their own future and both want the respect they deserve. Daemon being older knows a little bit better how to play that game, yet he's way to arrogant and proud of his family name to play that game perfectly. I think Daemon wanted to prove his worth to the king by fighting the Crabfeeder, so the king must give him the respect he deserves and maybe some sort of seat at the small council, Daemon thinks he deserves that by them being brothers alone, so after winning I think Daemon believes there is no way around it. After seeing Rhaenyra again, who became a woman by now (last time they saw each other she was 14 and now she's 18) I think he actually feels something for her. He takes her out because he likes her, he wants her to have a good time and teach her that she can fuck whoever she want and have fun, as long as she fulfills her duties. He wants so have sex with her, but I think he actually realizes that this isn't the right way. He doesn't feel guilty because she is hies niece or something, he doesn't care about that, their Targaryen. He asks his brother to marry her because that's the right way. Sure Daemon isn't stupid, but he isn't as cunning or scheming as Otto Hightower, Littlefinger or Tyrion. At the end he's just an arrogant Targaryen prince who thinks he deserves more than he gets.

[@thedarkknight2221]

The director of the episode Clare Kilner said that she wanted sex scenes to be from the woman’s point of view where people were mutually enjoying themselves. It really shows in the scene with Rhaenyra and Criston. She isn’t pouncing on him like a lioness, she carefully literally and figuratively takes his armor off piece by piece. And when they have sex it’s passionate, beautiful and even loving. Also I was so happy this episode had some levity in the beginning with both Rhaenyra and Alicent becoming best friends again and Daemon and Viserys being brotherly again. But then Daemon had to give in to his inner douchebag and fuck everything up again. And while part of me feels Otto should be forgiven for having Rhaenyra be spied on at the same time he is doing it to force out Rhaenyra and have Aegon on the throne, so he had to go.

[@YeeterTheFirst]

You write it true. Even more, the scenes are telling of both Daemon and Cristons characters. Daemon had a ploy in mind, which would've worked all the better if he had had sex with her. Though his affection for her won out by inducing guilt, doubtless thoughts of the fallout running through his mind, particularly for her I imagine because we've seen dozens of times that he's willing to go through with a plan that could get him killed. And so this left him flaccid. Where as with Criston, his own affections for Rhaenyra won out. Despite being aware of the importance of her virtue, and the outcome of him breaking his vows, he was able to mentally dismiss it all. Daemons blends his love with politics, genuine as it might be. Criston can disparate his love from political consequence.

[@thedarkknight2221]

@@YeeterTheFirst 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@mattsanders2207]

Best episode of Hot D yet. Also the longer hair looks good Jaby. Also Achara, wow, the lie you made for Rhaenyra to tell the maesters when they “check her out” was “WOW!” Haha

[@dlilwon]

Whettt????…. Achara nooooooo “not she tore it while riding” i am 💀😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@_lime.]

Daemon tried to free her. He cares about Rhaenyra but he won't go so far as to bed her unless they're married. He wanted to purposefully ruin her presumed virtue to free her from having to be married off to some random lord. Kinda backfired though as she ended up truly losing her virtue and then being married off to Laenor.

[@JuicedCazyD]

It's wild to think Milly Alcock(Rhaenyra) is 22 years old, explains why they chose another actress for the aged up part since she'll be much older in the future

[@deadlyice2042]

I don't think daemon went all the way, so him stopping let's her keep her virtue but she had other plans later on. But also with the tea it's a trap if she drinks it she proves the rumors true

[@subhankitbasu620]

Trueee!! I just realised

[@Pillowlips77]

Yup Rhaenyra realising her father doesn't trust her. 😬 Brutal.

[@prathapkutty7407]

Yup they just made out intensely. There was no penetration involved.

[@richsalazme]

Yes but now she's conflicted because she did actually had s*x but with a different man and is probably got pregnant. Now she's deciding whether she to take it or not. If she doesn't drink , she would get both consequences of bearing the child of the knight and her father confirming that she lied.

[@TyrannosavageRekt]

I don’t think it’s intended as a trap. Just him saying that if she’s lying, he’s giving her the means to prevent any further political complications. It might show that he doesn’t fully trust her, but I don’t think his intention is malicious.

[@rajifusama]

Daemon tought her well she applied it immediately lol

[@parthhpanchal]

"The truth does not matter - only perception." This is the underlying theme for this entire episode. This episode was specifically made to create division, to cause two groups of people to see exactly the same series of events and yet interpret them completely differently. Was Daemon doing a kindness to Rhaenyra by showing her sex can be exciting, or was he manipulating and using her in a predatory way? Was Rhaenyra's sexual encounter with Ser Cole a playful, mutually reciprocated night of passion, or was it a Harvey Weinstein-esque abuse of power dynamics? Is Viserys graping Alicent against her will, or is she lying to him that she enjoys their sex because of a warped sense of duty? Did Rhaenyra lie about what happened with Daemon, or is her account at least technically truthful? Is Otto trying to look out for Viserys by informing him about Rhaenyra's transgression, or is he trying to look out for himself? NONE of the answers to these questions are actually in the episode. We don't really know the answers to any of them. Yet so many of us are absolutely determined that we saw either one explanation of events or the other. Why? BECAUSE OF OUR PRE-CONCIEVED NOTIONS ABOUT THE CHARACTERS. If you hate Daemon, you'll think this episode makes him a monster. If you're crushing on Rhaenyra, you will be less likely to see her tryst with Criston as an abuse of power. The inverse of these things is also true. And although Viserys's sex with Alicent raises more obvious problems of consent than the other two sex scenes in this episode do, most casual fans have been willing to let him off easier and not question his character, because the show has trained us to see him as a "good man". The truth does not matter - only perception. And the man who claims that his perception is the truth is a fool, even if he saw the events with his own eyes.

[@CuddleBuddee]

Well said, and a lot of viewers need to remember these points about perspective since so many want to state their views as fact.

[@targaryen7029]

"most casual fans have been willing to let him off easier and not question his character, because the show has trained us to see him as a "good man"." Heh, this is not what I'm seeing on the comments or general perception. Everyone hated him for what he did to Alicent. Also, if you have any problems with Viserys being portrained as a good man, take that to the writers themselfes. Ryan Condal, the showrunner, said the base of the character is "he's a good man but a bad king".

[@raseltatel6728]

It’s not spoiler but Criston cole? You will hate him more than Otto.

[@lukereyes9263]

Because her father had the maester provide that tea, the King figured Daemon did the deed, since he didn't deny it. Rhaneyra is now puzzled on why she was given this?!?!! Do they know about Cristan Cole?!?! If she drinks the tea, does she admit fault, since she states she didn't, what they call "couple" with Daemon... Huge kudos to the writers of this show, especially this episode --- This is what you call brilliant writing!!!"

[@viper56tl36]

“Is she going to go flying? Riding?” No and yes 😏😂😂😂

[@ZombehPanda]

I feel like the real reason Alicent was so angry is because she's always had a thing for Daemon so the idea of her being stuck with Viserys while Rhaenyra is with Daemon just broke her.

[@carolxs]

In the after show the directors say Daemon had the plan but did not go all the way because of impotence - he didn't feel in control and couldn't perform.

[@youdontknow7853]

They said he felt guilt!

[@Benzil_infinity]

Daemon always had feelings for Rhaneyra. He has many times mentioned that he was forced into his marriage and that he was unhappy. It was not a wife of his choice. The scene at the dragonstone where he steals the egg and shows off his new wife. Rhaneyra understood him. And at the brothel, I believe he stopped because he knew that this is not how he wanted to get her. Because if he went with it, both Rhaneyra and her father and the rest of the kingdom will think he is doing it for the position(even though he does desire for it). So far, Daemon has never tried to do anything cunning or nasty to get to the throne. He truly believes he deserves it and he wants it rightfully.

[@maxmayfield1637]

Am I the only one who saw Caraxes flying near the ship as a nod to Top Gun and Maverick buzzing the tower?! Lol

[@ro4eva]

Looking back now, this episode was much better than I initially thought. Seems Daemon low-key knew he had come to King's Landing to indirectly end Otto's position as Hand. Wow.

[@civivva4501]

I am surprised that after Princess and the Knight stayed in the woods overnight there wasn't gossip.

[@bumblebee2956]

Finally they are started to show what we want to see 😂

[@KaranRandhawa_YYC]

Jaby if you want to know why he did not go all the way just watch Into the Episode for Ep 4 where show runners explained this episode very well.

[@devynkumar1997]

The last scene is genius a classic move to catch the lie

[@Incogneto1981]

This show is SO GOOD! Love your reactions and look forward to them every week!

[@ChowMeinWarrior]

This episode was amazing! Thank you, Jaby and Achara!

[@samer.4660]

Daemon was on fire 🔥 this episode 😂❤️

[@debjitpaul8580]

How amazing have the set designing and cinematography been!!!

[@Tyrion2024]

Miguel Sapochnik states during the 'Inside the Episode' segment that Daemon experienced another moment of impotence. His doubt and guilt about going through with it with his niece led to him to be unable to perform. And you're absolutely correct, he was seeking a method to get back at Viserys from the moment he stepped off Caraxes in the dragonpit. Rhaenyra innocently walked right into it.

[@RobTheWatcher]

17:40 Yeah, Jaby. EXACTLY. Same here.

[@MANUnited-ie1pi]

Paddy Considine Was the greatest actor in the whole series

[@dorapalacios2821]

first time watching you guys and I definitely enjoyed you guys breaking it down and sharing your thoughts. Thumbs up!

[@steampunk_ray3921]

Cornelius omfg 😂😂😂

[@jmoney6782]

I like how the king didn't give in when he find out Daemon and Rhaenyra were just getting it on lol but that shit was so wrong 😬🤣

[@Elementroar]

“Listen to your lady” Woman, Alicent was completely wrong LOL.

[@iconoclast6555]

21:50 Believe me, they actually toned down the sexual scenes in the show compared to the source material. It was the same with Game of Thrones, lots of sex scenes but it was actually toned down compared to what was described in the books lol.

[@syedsaqlainali5125]

nice observation jaby

[@sorde21]

Jaby trying to mimic the flannel of his favorite brother Ryan George

[@Arvindkumar-zz1mc]

I love deamon's character.

[@pervysage4934]

8:25 If the king calls you have to respond, coming is optional.

[@BruceWayne-eh4im]

According to the after show HBO snippets, he did not do it with her because he could not get it up.

[@hareeshsankars2804]

This Gives me GOT Vibes 😁🔥

[@xerozeven]

I wonder if the "Morning After" tea was also a test. Did the King not believe her or is he not taking any chances? Her taking it would be proof of her lie no? Another great episode.

[@annabanana7659]

Most likely it showed that Viserys didn't believe her story.

[@xerozeven]

@@annabanana7659 Funny, she's already in panic mode...kind of want to know what she was thinking in that moment after she learned what the tea was for. We can guess...sure, but you never really know if it's not spoken aloud.

[@nontask78]

Guys, a little context. First episode, when Rhaenyra's mother dies, she is 15 years old. Start of episode 2 it is said her new brother is already 3 years old, so it is at least 4 years after episode one, so she is already 19. By this episode she is at least 20. Just for her tour to find a husband, she's been gone for 6 months.

[@marcelparris8266]

The look Jaby gave Achira made me laugh more than it should have 😂😂

[@souprio]

Daemon is made to look a certain way just to steer the focus away from the built up of dance of the dragons but he is actually always all hearts for his family & house also being reckless sometimes. He's a lil bit Cersei.

[@chandrixaranas3242]

I think Daemon’s intention is to really get suitors to quit on Rhaenyra, coz thats what her problem is. They want to wed her coz of the throne. If there has this perception that Rhaenyra is unsullied then they would quit pursuing her. I think Daemon has good intentions.

[@StobieWan22]

There’s actually only 6 years difference between the actor and actress that plays Christen & Rhaenyra. Fabien who plays Cole born in 94 and Milly who plays Rhaenyra born 2000.

[@DonHbankz]

Jaby point about him being hungover is what I was thinking he had always had a level of self control despite his wildness

[@DavidB-2268]

I think that, if nothing else, this episode shows that when the king calls, one must attend, but there's no guarantee that she "comes". Lol

[@IsiahBradley]

Achara: This show is sexually *conservative* compared to GoT. Don't watch the main show! LOL! By the way, in this episode's "behind the scenes" segment, the female director talked about how she strove not to repeat the "male" (exploitative to women) sex scenes of the parent show. The director said that Damon didn't have sex with Rhae-Rhae because he saw she was into it; that spoiled his revenge with his brother.

[@GVMakesMusic]

Sir Criston looks like Prince Caspian

[@Sourpatchkatie11]

I hope y’all do another Easter egg reaction video on this episode! So many theories and things play out in this one and it’s so interesting to see how people who haven’t read the story feel about it

[@stereoagnostic]

Daemon is such an agent of chaos.

[@poulomi__hari]

I agree with Jaby. Daemon is impulsive AF. He does whatever he feels at the moment, and deals with the consequences later. The quintessensial "bad boy".

[@effortmsimelelo5059]

It tore apart. I love Achara

[@PaperbackWizard]

The King "didn't notice" the Queen not enjoying it for the same reason most men don't notice: because they don't really care if she's enjoying it or not. When Daemon reminded him that they both spent a lot of time in brothels as young men, Viserys was like "but she's a girl". That wasn't just some overprotective daddy stuff; that was him revealing his worldview, one that too many men still share: men are "allowed" to enjoy sex, and women are not. He would consider the very idea of a woman enjoying sex to be obscene, even if he had no idea why. And by the way? Daemon kinda feels the same way. If you watched the "Inside the Episode" afterwards, they talk about why he was so uncomfortable having sex with her, even though he started it. It wasn't guilt so much as it was he was unprepared for her to actually *enjoy* it. For all his talk about how she was free to live and love her own way, Daemon was still thrown off by Rhaenyra *wanting* to have sex. He probably expected to just take what he wanted from her and leave her a confused, sobbing mess while he went to tell Viserys to let him have her. He was *not* ready for her to be ready for it.

[@jayz3272]

Should react to emergency awesome recap video like yall did last time. I really enjoyed it

[@CreganStark123]

"the son of lord corlys (laenor) seems pretty cool.." yeah but uh....

[@abcddef2112]

In the end i think this episode is really good, he probably did come with diabolical plan and calculating plan to sullied rhaenyra prob to get back at viserys and claim the throne, the hbo commentator said this is daemon making a political move especially with showing rhaenyra hair but he is also impulsive and chaotic as most tagaryen ( rhaenyra is too). But in the end he did not do it. He did not sleep with her when clearly rhaenyra is into it. This is of course in contrast with criston cole, he look like law abiding guy always obeying but in the end break his vow because of lust. When we know what will eventually happen. This episode is great at mirroring the characters. Rhaenyra vs Allicent about having agency, and Daemon vs Criston about honour.