HOUSE OF THE DRAGON 1x5 REACTION! Episode 5 Breakdown & Review | Daemon & Rhaenyra | Game Of Thrones

[@ReelRejects]

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[@jamesbuchananbarnesss]

Hello

[@ihateme2039]

Please for sake of god turn your mics up I could have a word Greg said when he spoke softly. Okay especially during the reaction.

[@jessicahamilton966]

I noticed Joffrey was wearing a green ring on his middle finger (at the feast) that looks pretty similar if not the same ring Otto Hightower wears on his middle finger???? (You can see it in episode 1 when Otto and the King are speaking to each other at the tournament)

[@dlweiss]

Incredible: Daemon crashes the wedding, antagonizes everyone, nearly makes out with his niece in public, and yet SOMEHOW ends up NOT being the Dramatic Bitch Who Ruins The Evening.

[@simonbrushes]

Skills

[@vanessalore9942]

Great, isn’t it?

[@alielynn]

and people say he's their problematic fav? Smdh he's an angel, really

[@rhaenyralikesyoutube6289]

Hey, at least he wasn't the one to screw up the whole event. All he did was snog his Niece in public.

[@Bjjbhcoa86]

I love these Daemon takes so much lmao

[@mydreaminorbit9297]

That wedding sequence was fantastic. So many players in one room all exchanging looks with double meanings. In typical GoT wedding traditions you expect something terrible to happen and Ser Criston Cole sure provided it.

[@khotunkhan3950]

Dude wtf happened With Criston lmao

[@khotunkhan3950]

Dude wtf happened With Criston lmao

[@americdej1367]

Dull by GOT standards

[@Mukatutu]

@Alex I watched it but might've missed something. I thought Criston was whooping daemon's ass because he saw daemon and rhaenyra together but it ended up being Laenor's BF. I know that the guy was talking to Criston in an earlier scene and made some implications but then he walked off. So either Criston took some time and THEN decided to attack him or something was done off screen to trigger Criston to go full rage mode on the guy.

[@Blinkptx]

@@americdej1367 Nah that was better than most of the GoT weddings by far.

[@neonoires]

I love the wedding celebration because so many major moments happened without things needing to be said. Like Alicent walking in with her Oldtown green dress to signify that she is loyal to House Hightower and her father. She didn't have to confront Rhaenyra or Viserys but her intent was clear to House Hightower and House Targaryen. I was worried about the non-battle intensity with this show but they've impressed me a lot.

[@DarkxSonxOfxDathomir]

The battles will come don’t you worry lol

[@AnxietyRat]

I don't think the dress was just to signify that she was loyal but also she was telling her uncle's family to prepare for war.

[@karencoyle3011]

That epic "grand entrance" music with the pounding drums added so much drama - excellent music choice!

[@jeffehren]

This episode had some of the best tension/anxiety building I've felt in quite a while. It's also great at creating empathy for each character.

[@xxraptorxx8180]

I’ve read the books so I thought Cristina was an asshole to kill Joffrey for no apparent reason. But don’t get me wrong he’s still a dick but you do feel a bit sorry for him.

[@believeume122]

Criston thinking she was going to leave behind being a Queen and run away with him is crazy. Sweet summer child lol

[@rahmatmanurung8133]

Daemon is chaotic, but intriguing and fascinating character, will be always one of topics to debate and discuss in every episodes 😂👏 well done Matt Smith.

[@chaost4544]

It's amazing how Daemon with a look says more than when he speaks.

[@tylerbhumphries]

Your silence after the episode ended was exactly how I was feeling. There was so much to unpack and yet i just felt shook. It was not as violent as the Red Wedding and yet the whole episode was just as shocking and bleak. Great episode. I can see why this was Fabian Frankel’s (Ser Criston Cole) favorite episode.

[@fpgmatthew]

You know that feeling when you’re nervous and the pit of your stomach hurts and you feel sick? That was me the entire wedding scene, my goodness

[@shockwave1126]

That's how I feel knowing the story. At first I felt I spoiled myself by reading the book but every episode I have that feeling you describe.

[@scotthewitt258]

When the commotion started, I seriously thought the Oldtowne Banners were early!

[@alyssaj6579]

The music alone was panic inducing

[@vordt4139]

Red Wedding PTSD kicked in hard

[@thealphatheomega2348]

@@alyssaj6579 I was waiting for Rains of Castamere to start playing, but then I remembered that it's before GOT. Still that Red Wedding PTSD was kicking in. 😖

[@manvirshergill1739]

Criston Cole going Crazy when beating Joffrey was really chilling. Great acting by Fabien. Alicent walking into hall was also 👌👌🔥🔥

[@mannylugz5872]

All Joffreys are mischievous fools.

[@yohanespaskal9352]

@@mannylugz5872 he's so cocky, deserved it

[@vijaykarthik2333]

@@mannylugz5872 you came here too with same comment from jaby koay channel

[@erickchristensen746]

@@vijaykarthik2333 You seem so upset over something so tiny

[@mannylugz5872]

@@vijaykarthik2333 I dunno who that dude is but my comment came from my thought.

[@livvyb3583]

Such a great episode. I don’t know who made the best entrance to the wedding, Daemon or Alicent dressed in green. Emily Carey did such a fantastic job in the scene where she realized she was lied to, the emotions that she conveyed on her face…just a great all around.

[@benji0099]

I mean, Rhaenyra didn't lie to her about Ser Criston and she never said she was a maiden. She only claimed it wasn't with Daemon. What is obvious is how jealous Alicent was that Rhaenyra had two men chasing her that night while she was stuck a husband who seems to be rotting away rather quickly now. And the nerve to be so upset that Rhaenyra didn't tell her about her sex life while she previously seduced and subtly convinced her bff's father to marry her and make her queen, like come on.

[@yohanespaskal9352]

@@benji0099 rhae made his dad got fired. Because she's lying, and his father know her lying but still fired her father.

[@janedoe5836]

@@yohanespaskal9352 But from Alicent's perspective she doesn't know that what her father said to the king was true still. Her father made claims about her "coupling" with Daemen. Alicent still does not have confirmation that her father was telling the truth and thus unworthy of being fired.

[@yohanespaskal9352]

@@janedoe5836 dude logic.... King knew that rhaenyra lied. He sent the tea, he knew that Otto said the truth yet he still got fired....

[@johnmorris1009]

I was surprised when Daemon walked in. I guess he was invited? What surprised me more was his flirtation with Rhaenyra. There's still something there that will boil over, and he knows it. I can see he has a grand plan of some sort. Maybe he'll marry alicent if he can't get Rhaenyra (assuming Viserys is on his way out) and they'll become a power couple.

[@MotherofImps]

As to what triggered Criston at the end....I kind of felt that he was already pissed off because Rhae told him he was only ever going to be her side piece, then he had Laenor's boyf threatening him...and to cap it all, he then sees Daemon getting all close and handsy with Rhae. He can't attack Daemon, so he went for the next best target and the other source of his ire that night...

[@carltontaylor6500]

I agree somewhat. I think after Joffrey confronts him he decides he literally can’t live with this and that he’s going to k!ll himself. On the way out…”if I can’t be happy then why should Laenor, I’ll k!ll his love, ruin their wedding, and go k!ll myself.” Joffrey was his suicide note.

[@gabrielordonez8011]

That’s not how I see it. What I saw was a man being very offended to this lover of Leanor was suggesting that he was going to take part of this open marriage thing.

[@ilhamadigunawan5264]

what i really think is Criston already in a fucked mindset by his confession to the queen, so he wrongly put 2 and 2 together as if the Laenor's boyfriend knew about his secret from some gossip or even from the queen. so Criston doesn't take his word as friendly advice, but as a threat to both his already free falling position in all this, but also to his and Rhae broken relationship. the only think he could think of in that kind of position is kill the guy so the "secret" won't go anywhere. it's just unfortunate timing for the Laenor's boyfie, while he seems slimy but i don't think his reasoning behind "threatening" Criston is anything bad.

[@chase5436]

@@gabrielordonez8011 Um no. He didn't ask to fuck them. He told him to keep Laenor's secret and he would keep Rhaenyra's. It was an alliance.

[@mannylugz5872]

Also Criston is drunk as fhuck.

[@11ibi]

That last 10 minutes is how you huild tension to an intense end scene loving this show so far

[@TheLethalGuy]

The wedding was insane. First it seems like Ser Gerald is gonna do something. Then we see Lord Jason drinking and looking angry and think hes gonna do something. Then Rhaenyra and Daemon disappear behind the crowd and thin Daemon is gonna do something. Just to find out the person that did something was the person that seemed the most composed of the bunch, Ser Criston

[@RaphaelWithAnF]

Ser Criston is like that guy who you meet at a party and he thinks it was the best night of his life lmao

[@jbr6371]

Rhaenyra is that college sl*t who fucks 500 men in a single night

[@bludreem121]

The Grand Maester has been killing Viserys! His assistant proposes a poultice to relieve the King's symptoms. The Grand Master dismisses it, rather aggressively, insisting that the leeching is fine. Because the assistant lacks the experience and confidence, he takes his word. But this situation to me heavily suggests that the assistant has a sense of moral duty to aid the sick, where the Grand Maester has more sinister motives. Maester Conspiracy confirmed? Did the Maesters orchestrate the Dance of Dragons and the fall of House Targaryen? Is Lady Dustin correct? "The grey rats read and write our letters, even for such lords as cannot read themselves, and who can say for a certainty that they are not twisting the words for their own ends? What good are they, I ask you?"

[@lumbeeman01]

Spot on

[@worldinperson]

it doesn't need to be intentional by the Grand Maester. Maybe he isn't well versed in medicine and only became Grand Maester because he is from a Great House or good in politics. Maybe leeching is what he learned back then is the best remedy and the he is very reluctant to try out "new stuff" or simply doesn't want to take council from a younger man with less experience.

[@a.a677]

@@worldinperson nah the Grand Maester Conspiracy is real

[@ideozublake8036]

EXACTLY. idk why people aren’t speaking about this

[@mannylugz5872]

Grand Maester is Team Green.

[@rockyseverino9230]

What I liked about this episode was that once it hit you that this was an episode of Game of Thrones with a wedding in it something bad had to happen. And they leaned into it. They kept ratcheting up the tension with the music, the shots, the side eyed glances etc And good lord, i've loved matt smith for over a decade, but jeez, has anyone ever commanded a camera like him? The second he appears on screen he commands the room It's like he's an actual wizard cause that's some serious magic from the good Doctor... chef's kiss

[@vanessalore9942]

Me too, since Fish Fingers and Custard. It’s his eyes. Wendy Padbury, who officially discover him, said when his eyes hit you, you feel like you’re the only person on the room. He’s a terrific actor, he recites poetry, he’s very grounded in family. I adore him. I’m so happy for him.

[@markusbisma5015]

The wedding scene is masterclass in visual storytelling.

[@jeremiahsmith7706]

This episode was absolutely amazing. The entire scene during marriage celebration feast was a masterpiece. So many vultures in the same room, each with their own agendas. The ending of the episode was so climatic. Might be my favorite episode thus far

[@thenerdywave2007]

This episode was so great, and that wedding scene was crazy

[@datsapaddlin]

That Royal WAP made Ser Criston snap. Changed his whole demeanor 😂

[@thatoneblackdude3333]

Targussy real does hits different

[@7oveOmerta]

@carbon really?

[@cosmo588]

@@7oveOmerta I think it was both

[@datsapaddlin]

@carbon it was all of the above

[@thealphatheomega2348]

So many things were basically said in this episode without dialogue. Daemon is acquiring power, Viserys is dying, Ser Criston went crazy after being dumped, Alicent's green dress means that war is coming and the biggest reality is that after this episode the older cast members will takeover meaning that the show is gonna get even darker. Up to now this show has been hanging around the 5ft area, now they're about to dive into the deeper end of the pool.

[@luminaratano3935]

Sir Harvin Strong is becoming my fav character lol I like how he doesn't give a f... I mean he's strong indeed yet always so chill 💪😎😂 gives me the Hound vibe a bit but not so gloomy lol love that guy!

[@ben17ism]

Absolutely spectacular episode. The seeds have been planted, and as they'll bloom, they'll cry blood. And the best thing is... the next episode will be even BETTER

[@Gnossiene369]

How do you know? People are so weird. Reviews, hype, speculation, theories and bias. It's destroying the industry. I have high hopes since I love this show so far but I won't torture myself with the delusion that I know anything. That way I can enjoy it without risk of outrage or disappointment.

[@ben17ism]

@@Gnossiene369 I am not torturing myself with a delusion of anything. I've read the book even before the show was announced. I know what is going to happen. I know who lives, who dies, how they die, when, where and by whose hand, teeth, fire, or claw. And so do a *lot of people* watching. The show is just finally showing it to us on the screen and is filling in some details we didn't have (the last two episodes especially), and occasionally changes a little thing to fit into the TV show format; but the events that are important stay the same. And that is the main advantage of this show. The story is already written and finished; the ink is dry

[@itss_nattyj]

@@ben17ism I think ClassicAdden’s point is that even mentioning the next episode is going to be “even better” than this episode is that it lends an unsolicited expectation that spoils the viewing experience. You go into the next episode expecting something major to happen or according to the book, and if it’s not that impactful (to the viewer), then disappointment follows.

[@leonrobinson2475]

@@ben17ism What happened in this episode didn't even happen in the book, so you have no idea what happens next episode

[@Lilah1848]

@@ben17ism "I know who lives, who dies, how they die, when, where and by whose hand, teeth, fire, or claw." Just straight up spoiling. Don't comment if you're going to do this.

[@RoneoP24]

Holy shit. The degree of tension in that one room was insane. Excellent episode.

[@wakaflockachewbacca6577]

We had the red wedding, we had the purple wedding, and ladies and gentlemen, we now present to you. The Green Wedding.

[@thealphatheomega2348]

Perfect title. But instead of Rains of Castamere, it was probably the Hightower theme.

[@toshtao1]

.

[@naughtmouth9781]

That wedding felt like pure chaos slowly building up to madness. Silent truths being whispered between ears and threats being made. Dancing going on while rumors spread, the festivities being the distraction to what's really building up. Beautifully shot and put together literally had my mouth wide open

[@becausemiro]

The tension in the wedding scene was so palpable, I was sweating just watching it. Phenomenal episode!

[@AllTheArtsy]

The whole episode was so tense especially ramping up the moment Alicent walked through the hall, with the Strong brothers talking about the light of the beacon when Hightower calls its banners to war. Daaaamn. I couldn't breathe for the whole last part of it. But what the hell how is Sir Criston not dismissed outright? He attacked the future King consort's close friend and killed and maimed him, despite his attempts to say there was provocation, he should at least be stripped of his White Cloak. That's some bs for him to continue at his post. All my sympathy for him just vanished. He murdered an innocent man for nothing, just because he feels guilty for an action that he chose to commit (he had plenty of time to not have sex with the Princess he was meant to be protecting.) For him to ask her to give up her crown, to expect her to run away with him, he was being so selfish! Ahhh I love the series so much!

[@1luvlywriter]

Daemon killed his wife when presented the opportunity to because he wanted Rhaenerya…Viserys mentioned him being already married when he asked, it’s also why he mentioned it on the dance floor too

[@mannylugz5872]

He didnt really killed him wife. She killed herself and Daemon just finished her off.

[@leonrussell9607]

@@mannylugz5872 he did throw a horse on her

[@mannylugz5872]

@@leonrussell9607 Even if that is true, she tried to kill him first. She nags and scorn him all the time. Any men would hate a wife like that.

[@leonrussell9607]

@@mannylugz5872 we only saw one interaction between them, maybe she tried to be nice at the start

[@aoife08619]

​@@leonrussell9607 yeah I would have liked a small scene of them talking in the first 3 episodes so we understand better

[@Tyrion2024]

Thank you dearly for your immediate quality HotD reaction every week. The only consistent element regarding the dozens of HotD reactions I watch every week is that I always know which one I'm starting with. Again, thank you for that. Here's my immediate lowly two-cents on a few things I really enjoyed from tonight's episode... - Alicent's incredibly significant and symbolic moment of the declaration of her loyalties with the unveiling of the green dress (one iconic dress down, one to go) was triggered by one-two punch of Larys informing her about the tea and then Cole's confession revealing to her that Rhaenyra had indeed lied to her about her virtue. Also Larys Strong's suggestion to her about the need for securing allies in the coming months has her possibly thinking about the newly acquired intel differently than she would have if she heard it become her conversation with Larys. She starts playing the long game, seeing the big picture. Thinking about shit on a strategic-level, not just tactical one. - I love the juxtaposition of Rhaenyra declining Cole's offer to run away and get married early in the episode with her calling Daemon's bluff later in the episode when she makes her own proposal to runaway and get married to him by breaking through her father's kingsguard and marrying on Dragonstone. But is proven correct when Daemon declines by disappearing in the melee. - When Laenor's Knight of Kisses makes the connection between Rhaenyra and Cole, book readers and non-book readers alike could have guessed his drunk-ass was going to approach Cole about it letting him know that he knows. proving himself a liability for Cole. Therefore assuring his end. Brevity is my bane.

[@cyvader101]

Matt Smith has no right to command such a presence in every single shot he’s in Daemon #1

[@Mcgerkusc]

That felt like the most Game of Thrones episode yet. Constant tension, great music, and people actually playing the game.

[@OrionInSpace]

Wow... now that was a masterpiece episode of television. I honestly think that might end up being one of the most rewatchable episodes of Game of Thrones ever and that's from an outside perspective looking in since I haven't seen any of GOT. I've heard about certain episodes but this one simply is incredible. From the tension, acting, directing, writing AND even the music at the end credits that sent shivers down my spine making me listen to it multiple times. I have never had a show grip me harder at the beginning of a Season 1 then this I think. At the same time I only hope it continues to do that as we say goodbye to the young actresses. They were amazing and I hope they go on to do bigger and better things.🙏

[@roni2971]

Oh sweetie…this doesn’t hold a candle to og game of thrones bad shit crazy episodes which this was trying to recreate.

[@FrshChees91]

@@roni2971 could you sound more condescending?

[@loverboy824]

if you havent seen the OG game of thrones, then dont say its gonna be the most rewatched. great show but does not come even close to GOT stakes and re watchability

[@aeternavictrix7861]

People already disrespecting og GOT, smh

[@roni2971]

@@FrshChees91 that was the point…

[@AyebaOwl]

I saw someone refer to this as the Green Wedding. Apt. On that note, such a great use of color and story telling. I can’t recall if Allicent wore much verdant colors up until this point. She wore a lot of blue and often red (which seems associated with the Targaryens). But this time she went full emerald, signifying that she is fully in the corner of the Hightowers, or at the very least, her own corner. Simple but impactful.

[@karencoyle3011]

I loved the look on King Viserys face as he watched her come in - he looked sincerely apprehensive.

[@neomoscoso10]

LMFAO at "Congratulations, stepdaughter"! I cannot believe she actually called her that. Creepy uncle killed his legal wife and still managed to influence the niece to ask him to take her with him. Princess' boy toy knight killed her husband's boyfriend after being blackmailed. This was an insane episode. And after it, we will have that major time jump.

[@keltavuokko]

This was a fantastic episode to be studied years on end! I think Cole did the attack because this whole episode was about the honour of a knight to him - and the other guy was like 'Hey we are in this together, both screwing happily our king and queen, but don't ya worry, we are in this together and keep our lips tight'. And I think Cole snapped because he doesn't want to be that guy, he would rather die than be a sullied knight to a queen who is happy to use him. Maybe seeing Daemon and Rhaenyra was the last straw - seeing that he wasn't even the only one Rhae would be happy to use. Terrific episode!

[@m.worthy]

*Rhaenyra:* _"I prefer "roast duck" to "goose"._ 😳🤯😵🤣😆😂 *Laenor:* _"It's not for a lack of trying._ _There are those who like "goose" very well."_ 🤣😆😋😁 *Rhaenyra:* _"I find it a bit greasy for my taste."_ 🤯😵😆🤣😁 _"...will not change your appetites, nor will it change mine...when it's done, each of us dines as we see fit."_ 🍽

[@andreaturner7207]

There is such an innocent "best of intentions" (I felt) in this episode for both Laenor's partner, and Rhaenyra. I theorize that if Rhaenyra had never been trusted with the prophecy, she would not have made the decisions she did to wed, aaaaaand, given her "restlessness" (which her Dad points about her and Daemon) she did not think her night with Criston would have consequences... mainly breaking his poor heart... she seemed to genuinely think it would work out for all of them while saving the future by performing her duties (I could be wrong of course). I am sure Laenor's lover had the best intentions as well, even if there was a "she knows our secret we knows hers" it no doubt would to be advantageous, given his and Laenor's situation; it would repel rumours for all parties... sadly, what he says to Criston seems to have been a mistake.... you both are right, the tension in this was amazing!

[@calebhall383]

Ser harwin is my new favorite character for some reason. Can’t wait to see more of him!

[@tempestbully_kennels6029]

Don’t get too attached

[@melsvts]

@@tempestbully_kennels6029 🤭

[@333Laura]

True

[@calebhall383]

@@tempestbully_kennels6029 I don’t wish to know any spoilers but thanks for the heads up 😂

[@CreganStark123]

I wish Rhaenyra's son will be as strong as him

[@haitiankid9456]

Man what an episode, the last 10-15 minutes literally had me on the edge of my seat and screaming at my screen like peak Game of Thrones used to. Ser Criston is my favorite character but he was willing to do way too much for love,I hope he doesn't end up like a mindless simp lile Jorah, Daemon continues to steal every scene he's in and dirty macking everyone's daughters, Alicent seems innocent but she has a dark side that I want to see explored more. Overall 10/10 episode, brought me back to game of thrones at it's best feelings.

[@itss_nattyj]

I love you guys. Thank you for pushing out your reactions to HOTD so quickly after the episode is released. Greg your face and John having his fists up throughout the wedding scenes was the perfect reaction. The writing and direction of these series is so well done. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I agree I would have liked to have gotten to know Daemon’s wife more. From what I’ve read she has an interesting story that I’ve would have liked to see play out on screen before being killed. Her bronze armor was pretty bad-ass.

[@Joellebee_]

Poor Laenor. 😢 Joffrey Lonmouth didn’t deserve to have his face bashed in.

[@scotthewitt258]

Jumping to the conclusion that the Moon Tea meant Rhanerys had done something just because the King sent it as a precaution is kind of a leap on Alicent's part. She's right. But, the King sent the Moon Tea IN CASE.

[@thatoneblackdude3333]

I don't think it was in case after his conversation with daemon I think visarys was confident she fucked daemon and just wanted to sweep it under the rug .

[@Ashbrash1998]

That's what makes it so frustrating but good with this show is that every misunderstanding or assumption becomes bigger later on.

[@lou372]

Which is why she asked sir Cole who confirmed it

[@marti9734]

Eh which is why she acted AFTER CRISTON CONFIRMED IT... guysssss stop with always giving the fault to Alicent for gods sake🙄🙄🙄

[@erickchristensen746]

@@marti9734 You don’t know if she would of acted differently had Cole not confessed to her. Her leap on logic was her own fault to make assumptions, weather or not she was correct.

[@TheWhiteWolf6911]

Seemed pretty obvious why Joffery Lonmouth was Criston's target, he basically went up to him and said "keep Laenor and Rhaenyra's secret or bad things happen for everyone", on top of having his vows broken, being declined by Rhaenyra, and now being BLACKMAILED for something he was reluctant to even start to begin with???? Dude I woulda probably punched the guy too, maybe not so much you leave a hole in his head but it entirely makes sense why he snapped and killed him then wanted to off himself afterwards, that is A LOT of psychological trauma in the span of only a few short days seemingly

[@AnxietyRat]

To be fair, Joffrey was attempting to broker an alliance....Criston just saw it as blackmail. 🤷‍♀️ But I don't think that was Joffrey's intention. It was a " we both have secrets. let's keep each other's." And Criston saw it as " I know your secret...you now know mine so let's keep our mouths shut or else we both will be dead." And so Criston permanently shut Joffreys mouth. So Joffrey couldn't let Cristons secret be told. The whole "two men can keep a secret if one of them is dead".

[@u64770]

I think I agree with John, but with some caveats, about Daemon. I think very often he goes into a situation, without a plan, headlong, and then waits to see a response. There after he has plans because he seems to have mastered counter punching. He tends not to be the best at first strikes or thinking moves ahead without his opponents striking first, but since he so readily and consistently instigates issues, everyone thinks he is up to something. I think Rhaerys either sees through this or isn't overwhelmed by this or both. She can plan ahead, strike first, seek a goal and achieve it. Daemon, on the other hand, is a prototypical opportunist who has convinenced most of the world that he is up to something. But it appears they are usually reacting to their perception of him, not who he really is. He sees this and takes advantage of it when people let themselves fall into playing his head games. He did this to his wife in this episode. He laid the groundwork for her suspicion of him just by living, and because she thought he was so craven and sinister, she thought he was going to attack her. She got surprised when his look fed into her fears, and then this very seasoned rider spooked her horse and fell to become paralysed. Daemon would have let her rot, either slowly if her family found her or quickly if the crows did, but his ego couldn't let her mouth promote the idea that he wasn't able to follow through with a plan or the parts of a plan requiring more resolve and dirtier hands.

[@justabott]

Ser Criston was a standout for me this episode you could feel his internal conflict in every one of his scenes. Favorite episode so far the characters & arcs are progressing nicely but I’m not ready to say goodbye to young rhaenyra :(

[@benji0099]

Ugh Ser Criston folded like a tent. Ratted out Rhaenyra as soon as he could like to sooth his pride. He really thought the princess would leave her position to live as a lowborn, after a one night fling?? How presumptuous lmao.

[@NoName-te2pj]

@@benji0099 Rather than ratting her out, I think he more so confessed to his 'Sin' and asked for a merciful death

[@benji0099]

@@NoName-te2pj But he didn't have to say anything, the queen didn't even suspect him. He is either very stupid to realize how this secret would be used against Rhaenyra or hates her enough for not running away with him (which lmao) that he doesn't care. It's like he couldn't handle his own bad decision/sin and decided to punish Rhaenyra, as well. Either way, he is a complete fool (and Harwin Strong would never betray her in such a way, and will prove to be the far superior man in the next episode.)

[@NoName-te2pj]

@@benji0099 Oh, I agree that he is a fool. Like every other honourable fool, he didn't think his actions through to the point that he might get killed for it (Enter Ned Stark). All of it was in the name of regaining whatever honour he has left and that is through a confession and request of execution. I also think that he thought Alicent already knew about him and Rhaenyra as she was vague with her questioning and, heartbroken he jumped at the opportunity to 'regain' his 'tainted' honour. If there is no future twist of how the fight broke out, I think him killing Joffrey is his way of punishing her by taking away her husband's 'lover' who actually tipped him over the edge by revealing that he knew his secret. Joffrey was also vague in the way he spoke and was viewed as if he was threatening Criston. Not being granted his death by Alicent, he wrote his suicide note by punishing Rhaenyra and Laenor by taking away their lovers (Him killing Joffrey and then attempting to commit suicide)... I love that people are simping and preaching for Harwin even if he barely had screentime and we don't actually know him as a character. All I will say is that don't get too attached to him guys...

[@vince7520]

@@benji0099 Cole is just too faithful. Something that a vast majority of modern man can’t understand. Cole is actually the most clever character in the show with Hightower.

[@lukasky03]

Can you name a show in recent memory that has been this good from the beginning? It keeps topping itself with each episode but in totally unexpected ways.

[@baokachi9767]

Other than stranger things, no.

[@jbr6371]

@@baokachi9767 😭😭 I hope you're joking

[@DeependraSingh11]

THE BOYS

[@jbr6371]

@@DeependraSingh11 good plot but their characters didn't have as much depth in only 5 episodes

[@ezraking4176]

@@baokachi9767 Stranger Things? Are you for real? LOL

[@shantallm.calderon2544]

I loved this episode, i was so confused when all that fight started, cause i really thought it was something else and I was trying to figure out where it has begun. Great episode, sad to see young Rhaenyra and Alicent go

[@juju-vl7oj]

If you love Game of Thrones , this episode had every element that you love about the show wrapped up into one masterpiece of an episode.

[@Chris-il5im]

That was pure GOT tier level sh*t. I really hope that normie audiences will get the same level of appreciation as we do.

[@RDQLUS]

Cole killed him to punish Rhaenera and himself. He punishes himself through knowing these actions will lead to his absolute death-a public murder of a noble by a self-made, lower class noble basically a servant of the Crown). He punishes her by taking away both of their playthings; by doing this, he forces them to actually be married to each other in deep grief. There’s no safe haven. That’s so damn deep, the cruelest get-back.

[@kirinpanda2868]

Honestly, i don't think that guy was a noble, just Laenor's personal guard or something. Being a Kingsguard is no small feat, just ser Criston is of a lower house, but others kingsguard are generally from well known houses and it's considered a great honor to serve in, it is most certainly a way more high stature post than of that guy he just killed. Also, admist all the confusion no one could know what really happened, that guy had a dagger in a wedding with the royal family present? idk, anyone could claim anything in that situation.

[@RDQLUS]

@@kirinpanda2868 I could be wrong about Laenor’s lover being nobility, but he walked in at the head of the family procession with the Valaryons, even ahead of Corlys’ brother and he was also a high ranking military member of court (suggesting knighthood) as he was seen at the Battle of the Stepstones very near the war table as they planned. But not discounting any of your points, and agreeing with most of what you’re saying, I still believe that Ser Cole was so raw and wounded, that no matter the premise used on the surface, he was out to hurt Rhae and these proceedings as definitively as possible and take his ultimate leave of it. He snapped, but it had been festering and brewing and the smug way he was approached about his secret was the final straw and galvanized his pain. It was a crime of passion and still calculated from the moment he was rejected on the ship. He was of no house, he admitted he was knighted as a squire for his deeds, his gold cloak made him noble by way of the princess granting it, and even that was stained by the very person who gave it to him. He unknowingly fell into the plot thinking Alicent was about to out him when she was only asking if he knew about Daemon. He got snared in the cogs of the machine and all he ever wanted was to live up to his oath and newly minted nobility. Even writing this, I can feel his panicked, wounded anger and grief. Wow.

[@ladyorapma]

​@@kirinpanda2868 Laenor's lover was a noble. Joffrey Lonmouth, House Lonmouth is a noble house sworn to House Baratheon (like House Mormont or House Karstark that are sworn to House Stark).

[@TyCChronicles]

Leanor lover just wanted to be close to him. While Rhaynera and Cristob can be together. He might want to watch his back because Leanor is a dragon rider.

[@JoyceReacts]

I love watching the episode and then getting to come straight to KZbin for your reaction

[@asdfasdf5695]

Daemon is killed in a dragon fight over Harrenhal with Aemond, Alicent's second son, who also dies. Rhaenyra is eaten by her half-brother Aegon's dragon on Dragonstone.

[@anthonyvelasquez92]

Cole murdered Leanor lover at least in my mind is because the guy reminded Cole that the fact that they can both be Rhaynera and Leanor side piece essentially and Cole doesn’t not want that with Rhaynera so probably he lost it at that moment

[@50ftFrankenstein]

I thought it was more because he knew that Ser Joffrey knew his secret, and that was an unacceptable loose end. Tbh though, I think we're both partially right.

[@VanArchon]

@@50ftFrankenstein I feel like Ser Joffrey broke one of the unspoken rules of royal politics: "don't start none, won't be none"

[@dannydark0117]

Rhaenyra didn't even want Cole as her bit on the side either. She kinda bedded him and then just wanted to forget about it and go back to him being her protector.

[@CreganStark123]

I think it is more towards when Joffrey told him that as a sworn protector we must keep secrets "no matter" what (the consequences). And from Criston POV Joffrey was right but he needs to kill Joffrey in order to keep the secret

[@jjstarrprod]

I feel like Daemon is the spiritual child of the Joker with Varys and Little Finger's mischievous intellect and with Jaime's swordsmanship. Kind of like the perfect god of chaos.

[@AudrenDev]

The Strongs are so fucking good. Lyonel is the one guy who just constantly deals out good advice, Harwin is a badass, and Larys is shrewd as hell.

[@shl4878]

Poor, poor Ser Criston. I wish he could sail away to Asshai and never look back :(

[@darkmagician7388]

That's good thinking but have you heard of toxic ex.

[@Lilah1848]

That would have been ideal but he chose violence and revenge instead.

[@dutchblack27]

"She had the high ground" 😆

[@kellifranklin9872]

Fantastic episode! I’m still a Daemon fan. Can’t help it!

[@gu1s4ntos58]

me 2, why am i like this?

[@iliboxic7586]

@@gu1s4ntos58 There's no shame in this. Daemon&Rhaenyra would destroy anything for love. Alicent&Criston destroy anything for what they believe is "honor".

[@Volkrad]

Then get a psychiatrist

[@iliboxic7586]

@@Volkrad Ser Cristoy needs a psychiatrist because he can't deal with being rejected.

[@rahmatmanurung8133]

He is chaotic but intriguing.

[@awhartig5847]

RE 33:01 I think Criston Cole beat Joffery Lonmouth to death partially bc he felt his secret had been threatened. I didn't really read that conversation as a threat, it seemed more like Joffery was telling Criston "look, we have an arrangement here everyone can work with and we all know what's going on." The choreography of the altercation looked like Criston threw Laneor out of the way, and Joffery stepped in to protect his boo. Then both of them escalated violence until 1 was dead.

[@Ashbrash1998]

I took it as Joffrey was poking the bear unintentionally and Criston just snapped from all the pressure

[@miguelalvarado1440]

It's so funny your faces at the end of the episode, I can't even imagine what your faces would be if you were at that wedding...which also lead me to this thought: "I think G.G. Martin doesn't like weddings" 🤣🤣Great reaction guys! Ready for the time jump?

[@jamaicanpianistcomposer]

What I thought about the Christen Cole situation seeing the many angles presented, is that the fact that Joffrey asked to keep their secrets quiet... but sad for Sir Cole, he done already confessed to the Queen which meant that keeping it a secret was out of his hands. That in turn would have dire consequences since he had no control over his part of the "bargain".

[@scatterbrainedreviews]

Tension in this episode particularly brought me to tears when it all snapped. Not even sadness just that release of the built tension in the room hit like a truck.

[@BomiYuuki]

This episode was just amazing! The whole wedding party had me on edge because I knew something was going to happen but didn't know what or when, why! And then the wedding scene, damn (as per GOT tradition nothing good happens in a wedding). And poor poor Ser Christon, my heart broke for him, poor man. After the episode ended I was just speachless, I sat down blankly staring at the wall for a long time, then thought "well shit that happened" Shit is about to get WILD!!!

[@MavvyMaloneTV]

Criston Cole wasn’t forced into doing anything. Rhaenyra threw herself at him, and he gave in to his carnal desires (reluctantly). In the book, he turns her away. If he’s a victim of anything here, it’s his lack of self control in that moment, and thereafter.

[@The_bougee_gremlin]

I love the wedding dance between Rhaenyra and Laenor because half the time It made me think of maybe Dragon dancing (maybe dragon mating ritual) they do a lot of wing movement

[@paupautube1]

Great observation 😉

[@sutairs]

Ser Criston is a fighter, a soldier. He’s not familiar with the way of politics, duties, secrets and lies. I can see why he can succumb to his emotions, everything he’s feeling and experiencing is new to him. Also we saw how easily he can get caught up with his feelings. Yes Rhaenyra pushed him, but he likes her too which made it easy for him to break his vows and catch actual love for the princess.

[@machinagirl]

The drums pounding and that whole wedding sequence was intense! That tension was just building and building. I was gripping my chair the whole time!

[@marennicholson5444]

The drums in the music built the tension so high I was wincing for like 10 minutes lol

[@maxchen9185]

Both Daemon and Alicent has started to play the Game of Throne, you wont remain the worry-free royal brat forever, Rhaenyra. Time to crank up your game.

[@SaiyanSerenityV]

It is so, so nice to see somebody emotional over Laenor wailing for his lover. I have seen dozens of reactions to this episode and nobody seems to feel for him at all. Like imagine dancing with the love of your life one minute, and the next he's on the floor and the face you loved so much is unrecognisable. That moment hit me like a ton of bricks.

[@stylezzir7761]

Daemon took divorce to a whole new level

[@marcosanchez4137]

Jajajajajaj

[@theawesomeman9821]

what he did sounds like something you'd hear from the local West Virginia news

[@vanessalore9942]

@@theawesomeman9821 I have family in West Va. I am so tired of cheap shots from smug People who occupy areas of the country with a lot more crime and depravity than the whole state of WV.

[@viktorstagnetti7491]

@@vanessalore9942 Sorry but as someone who lives within close proximity of WV and has been many times, the Appalachians are dotted with the twisted and the backwoods. It's quite literally "The Hills Have Eyes" in some parts.

[@theawesomeman9821]

@@vanessalore9942 sorry for the anology I'll use Florida next time

[@sirimity]

I hate that Otto said Rhaenyra would kill Alicent’s children so they can’t claim the throne. A) I doubt she would have done that if they stayed loyal and proclaimed her the true heir, and the bigger reason B) Alicent would have never been put into that situation if Otto hadn’t thrown her to the King to make her have said children in the first place.

[@christiecakes014]

Alicent's children would always be a threat to Rhaenyra even if they did swear fealty to her. It was the same way with Jon and Dany - Jon swore fealty to her but because Dany didn't have the support of the people of Westeros, they wanted Jon instead. The people don't need the other contender's backing to rise up against the current ruler in the other person's name.

[@sirimity]

@@christiecakes014 no one would have been able to force Jon to take the thrown, he would have given it up no matter what the ppl wanted and the only ppl that did know were Tyrion, Lord Varys and Jon’s family. Besides Sansa, his family wouldn’t have said anything and the only reason Varys turned on Dany was because she was going mad. If she hadn’t gone mad, Varys, Tyrion, hell maybe even Sansa at some point would have gladly made her and kept her Queen.

[@christiecakes014]

@@sirimity the Jon and Dany comparison is just an example of a similar situation. The point is, it doesn't matter what Alicent's children want - if enough people don't like Rhaenyra as queen, they will just use the name/idea of Alicent's children as a rallying point to overthrow Rhaenyra because that's the main goal.

[@Ashbrash1998]

One thing I consider is this: It was stupid for them to block Rhaenyra before she even took the throne. Because by doing so, they guaranteed she would have to remove all claimants to the throne by force and blood to defend her legal right as heir. Which they did so on a possibility, if they gave her no reason then she probably wouldn't have cause the trouble and backlash from the realm would jeopardize her. They should have just waited to see if she was a bad queen or sabotage her rule to gather the whole realm against her a.k.a mad king and maker easier to get rid of.

[@sirimity]

@@Ashbrash1998 exactly, Otto didn’t want her as Queen from the start. He’s from Oldtown, they want the Targeryans to fall, so they’ve been scheming from the beginning. Alicent wouldn’t be in this mess, if he hadn’t put her directly in the line of fire. Pretty sure him and the maesters (from Oldtown too, are in it together) I mean even in this episode with the Grand maester, he dismissed the other maester’s possible remedy without a single thought. It might not have worked, but what does it hurt trying at this point. If they were really looking to cure the King, you would be trying everything and anything.

[@hessu275]

I've been loving every episode but this was definitely my favorite so far. Really excited for next week and to see what the new actresses bring to the table

[@Arbiter567]

Best episode so far, loved it even more than the premiere. So well done and so tense! Loved it start to finish!

[@Kidapollo92]

The exchange of flares and looks damn it’s tense I can’t

[@deiseabu]

Thank you for getting this out so quick!!!

[@trevorb9281]

Really love the symbolism at the end with the rat scurrying up to drink the blood after Viserys dies. Great storytelling so far.

[@tomderuiter2254]

One of, if not the best, series of the year. The writing, acting and directing is just out of this world. The wedding sequence of one of my favorite things I've seen all year. Incredible!!!

[@vegpedro7632]

Another veryvery good series this year was severance, I super recommend it, very good tension building. Not comparable with house of the dragon because of the settings but up there quality-wise

[@Nishanth_mementomori]

Yup it's done..... The factions of blacks and greens have started to form, once viserys dies all hell's gonna break loose

[@99alskdjfhg]

I really thought “I knew you couldn’t finish” would’ve gotten a bigger reaction from you guys

[@victormannheim61]

sir criston is my favorite character and the last minute had me on edge

[@TyrannosavageRekt]

They aren't valid points, because they wouldn't have been Alicent's children in the first place if Otto hadn't positioned her next to the king to be his next consort. Never let him dupe you. He's damn good at his machinations and manipulations. Nor do I think that Rhaenyra is the type to have killed Alicent's children, but every other player in the game is trying to turn them against each other.

[@StaleBread]

My favourite thing about this show so far is how character driven over plot driven it is. Every character is so well fleshed out and shit has just been getting more complicated each episode. But even with Otto, in one singular scene they have even more weight and complications behind what happened last episode. Yes he was manipulating the king but it really seems like he’s doing it because he can see a war coming. Top notch stuff as always, blown away every week so far

[@not_ian5543]

My stomach was in my throat for the whole fucking wedding. I love it.

[@_Josh_98]

He held his dishonor over his head

[@vargasote147]

This episode was the best one so far!

[@GabrielaSilvagabylaboop]

The "STOP, YOU'RE IN PUBLIC" cracked me up for a good 10 minutes xD

[@kingjames846]

Crazy episode absoluty Crazy! Poor laenor 🥺!

[@datsapaddlin]

Daemons wife had the high ground and still ended up in the upper room 😂.

[@JonInCanada1]

Red Wedding, Purple Wedding and now The Green Wedding. Rule number 1 in the GOT universe, never go to a wedding 😂😂😂

[@mlolis6546]

Now that I think about it maybe Sir Criston saw the saw thing the king was seeing Daemond about to kiss Rhaneria and that made him snap as well as it cause da distraction so others wouldn't see them. He caused a distraction kinda protecting her as well.

[@ricardocastro6320]

Ser Criston is not so nice now. He’s a total rage monster.

[@Lilah1848]

He's gone full on Joker. Man lost his mind.

[@vanessalore9942]

She had the high ground 😂😂 This joke never gets old

[@ConstantineDTalos]

"don't talk to peter jackson like that" LMAOOO

[@LisaMarieD]

Wow, you guys are fast! What an amazing episode. Love the pacing. Had me at the edge of my seat the whole time!!! I think I yelled "GREG!!!" out loud when you said 'when are they going to play "You make me want to Shout". lol.

[@timothypolanco8622]

As a book reader I'm happy the show runner's actually showcase the strength of Sir Harwin Strong aka breakbones 💪💯

[@littlebooya4802]

Daemon enters a room his face is just everything for me it screams what fuckery can my presence cause today?

[@williamrichards8682]

Ain’t no wedding like a game of thrones wedding.