House of the Dragon 2x2 Reaction: Rhaenyra the Cruel | Game of Thrones

Both Alicent and Rhaenyra are facing the consequences of the murder of king Ageon's heir; while Otto schemes to turn the public against her, Rhaenyra questions Daemon´s loyalty.
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[@xenagoldspink6436]

The thing that sucks is Rhaenyra can’t really punish Daemon. Having Daemon on her side is such a valuable thing for her in the war as to show legitimacy to her claim having a true Targaryen prince, a dragon rider all the things that are symbol of a Targaryen on your side makes you stronger. She would lose so much more in the eyes of the people, and so even more doubt from her own council, by not having his presence.

[@2chilian25]

The cinematography this season has been extra insane

[@anmolsrivastava9289]

Some excellent foreshadowing and meaning this season, really nice

[@BravoDox]

They've had to up their game because so much of the story requires darkness, eg the thunderstorm when Lucerys died. And it's easy to forget that a world without electricity is gonna be dark AF. Even during the daytime, a castle needs a metric fuckton of candles because castles are designed for impregnability and so the windows are narrow arrow-slits. Solars were invented to be the one room in the castle that actually gets sunlight. So yeah, everything is dark and candles are gonna be everywhere, so the directors and cinematographers needed to be extra experienced with complex lighting. Because candles only throw light a small distance, and so that's why that kind of lighting makes everything look like a Caravaggio painting. For anyone interested, back in the 70s Stanley Kubrick made a period movie which was lit by natural light and candlelight. Many scenes have no modern lighting whatsoever; he wanted to capture what life had actually looked like. Google "Barry Lyndon" and look at some still images. That shit is breathtaking. But it was hard to do because without modern Hollywood lighting, it's easy for things to look awful if you don't know how to work with candlelight.

[@queenxx1690]

writing was shit tho

[@tech_tm]

Otto's reaction to this 2 fools actions is hilarious🤣what a good actor

[@queenxx1690]

i would not call them fools they almost got Rhaenyra she survived only because Mysaria was there it was good plan Rhaenyra plan to got to KL that was stupid and who think he knows everything the best was doing the same even worse in s1

[@gabriellehanson2423]

I think Hector started saying that the twins are played by the same person. I thought the same thing! But they're actually 2 different actors lol. Still twins, obviously. And one is actually quite a bit taller than the other.

[@leisastalnaker3790]

Otto like Daemon is a love -hate relationship. The acting is stellar by everyone.

[@KristenYolanda]

the sheer look on Otto's face of "what the fuck have i been dealing with???"

[@Denny_64]

As to why people hate Criston, it was all of the projection on Sir Arryk. He spoke of the significance of the white cloak and the purity it must maintain, while Criston betrayed his vows and sullied his own cloak, several times over. He blamed the death of Jaeharys on Arryk when it was actually Criston's fault. He was supposed to be standing guard but instead he was breaking his vows (doing the sex) with Alicent. And of course making the awful decision of sending Arryk to his death, along with Erryk.

[@hannahawesome85]

Criston is such a huge hypocrite and he projects and deflects all of his guilt on to Arryk which is super f**ked up. He should have had a guard around Helena and her children at all times but he was sloppy and selfish. If only Aegon knew that Criston and his mom were in bed together that night... Criston is a coward and a useless human. Now, the actor doesn't deserve any hate! When people (myself included) hate on Criston we should know that Fabien is a great actor because he makes us feel these intense hatred towards his *character*. Sending death threats to him when it's his character who suck and NOT him is just disgusting, horrible and wrong. I don't understand people who can't separate the actor from the character in their minds. 🥴

[@nickyutzy4788]

Just a reminder that Blood & Cheese asked Daemon what to do if they couldn't find Aemond. It cuts back to Daemon and he gives a look but then fully cuts away to another scene (I guess so they dont give it away early). When they are with the queen at knife point, the guy says "A son for a son" which is the assumption that what Daemon told them is that if they could not find Aemond they should take the life of another son in the royal family. They make it ambiguous but definitely all Daemon and not blood and cheese for ordering the killing of the kid

[@nickyutzy4788]

Still not great all around and very fucking dark but it is definitely Daemon's fault. Hope he gets his comeuppance (havent read the book so I can only hope!) Great reaction as always, guys! Keep it up!

[@Persephone_Personified]

You really didn’t pay attention. In Harrenhall he sees what haunts him. Young lonely Rhaenyra and the slain tiny prince. The show runner has out right stated that Daemon did not say to slay the child. He was telling the truth. The interview was posted in the last 2 weeks just google it. Daemon is many things, but he doesn’t intentionally cause death to innocents especially children. He feels responsible but it was never his instruction.

[@nickyutzy4788]

@@Persephone_Personified Very interesting. Thank you for the insight. I will check out the interview

[@nickyutzy4788]

Went back and looked at interviews and they purposefully left it for audience interpretation on what Daemon ordered if they could not find Aemond. Still gonna blame Daemon unless told otherwise. If you have the specific link, please send it. Everything I have read suggested it definitely could have been by his instruction....

[@Martinbumms]

this episode is so good! Helaena, Otto, Rhaenyra and Daemon all of them were amazing, the actors did such a great job. On the arguement between Rhaenyra and Daemon I agree with Hector, I think Daemon didn't want little Jaehaerys to be killed, he's geniuine when he says "it was a mistakr" but he's still a proud Targaryen, his ego is just too big. I actually think when Daemon said "a son for a son" (if he said it) he didn't meant Jaehaerys, he ment Aegon, the older one, because if we look at this situation with Rhaenyra and Alicent being the main protagonists on both side "son" referes to Aemond, Aegon and Daeron, not Jaehaerys, who would be a grandson.

[@icywinterof88]

I think the acting in this episode was top notch. And I think otto Hightower is one of those characters that you hate but also respect. Yes he is awful, but he is also right a lot of the times. He knows how to play the game.

[@brad5794]

Everything written for the Cargill twins is just great writing by George RR Martin. They represent (quite obviously) what this is all about… Family, that looks the same, diametrically opposed to one another. And being so steadfast in their belief and duty. Also another fun fact, in a previous episode, Haleana is quoted saying something about “a goose kills its reflection”. House Cargill’s sigil is of a Goose. Just great little details that the show runners/writers are giving us!

[@leisastalnaker3790]

It think all the dislike for Cole is him calling out AAryk and projecting his guilt for not doing his job in Aaryk. It cost two lives. That’s the tragedy of it. Also, Cole, except for a brief scene with Alicent shows no remorse in his decision. As you will see in episode 3.

[@hothotheat3000]

Poor Helaena.

[@dj12dj12a93]

I never felt like Daemon wanted the thrown. Just that he wanted the respect of his brother (to be his hand) and he continues to show why he never fully got it

[@Persephone_Personified]

He doesn’t want the throne. He loves Rhaenyra and wants HER to rule along side him. He knows his brother wanted her to rule. So that’s what he’s upholding. He loves his family, in the book he is the most loyal person in Rhaenyra’s life other than her father.

[@KristenYolanda]

That "trifling" rang so true in my spirit

[@brettbaumler754]

Glad y’all are enjoying the series more now And yeah we have not seen Daeron yet, as Alicents youngest son he was sent to be a ward in Oldtown, the Hightowers seat of power

[@josephgrigsby]

Do as I say and don't clap cheeks as I do. The path of purity. - Ser Criston Cole

[@Skye_Writer]

Rather than bring all the rat catchers before Blood and have him point out the man, Aegon did the stupid thing and killed Blood first, then hanged 10 people just to get one guilty one. Also, Cheese the rat catcher IS the one who kicked the dog. He was pissed off at Blood threatening his life and he knew he couldn't strike back at the bigger man, so he kicked his own dog in rage.

[@Drakoni23]

Or you know, ask his wife who was in the room when it happened.

[@ayezoop884]

At this point I can’t tell if they really think Christian Cole’s name is Christos or if they just keep calling him that on purpose 😂

[@tylerbrown5526]

Otto Hightower spittin' truths.

[@queenxx1690]

what truth ? he planned murder Rahenrya himself he hanged lords they he is angry at Aegon in friend that he killed 10 common people

[@AirDave15]

That scene between Otto and Aegon was amazing. I knew Rhys Ifans was phenomenal but hats off to Tom Glynn-Carney. I was not expecting Aegon to be this good

[@GamiCross]

"Ah, my Grandpawn-SON...Son!" 🤣

[@lovelyyecats]

Hector @ Daemon: He can’t keep getting away with it!!! Lol

[@risi712]

You just know Hector read all the hate comments and lets out all the hate towards him in almost every episode given chane or not.😂

[@hectorminator]

ALWAYS.

[@KristenYolanda]

Otto: let no one say i do not grieve Me: do you? Otto : Jahearys was my grandson. I loved him. Me : did you?

[@mcdudely]

The build up and prep for war in this episode is done so well and goddang is this show so entertaining!!

[@micomator]

"Damn girl, quit sinnin'" T Shirts when?

[@DecSteele]

Daemon has no interest in the throne. He legit could’ve seized the throne at any point, more so after he became commander of the gold clocks. That’s why he gets so angry especially when rhaenyra in her anger claims about his inheritance, people forget he was the first to kneel before rhaenyra when he placed the crown on her

[@ChrisHaar]

Hector: "I'm team don't kill babies". 😂😂 well played brother.

[@hectorminator]

THANK you!

[@ryanbanes6029]

I cannot tell y'all how much the "pork rind" reference meant to me...y'all are real ones! 🤣

[@hectorminator]

Kitchen? Kitchen.

[@xenagoldspink6436]

All the hate Cristins actor got was from the scene of him taking out all of his wrong doings on one of the twins and then sending him to his death. People are just mad that the character is doing horrible things and they can’t act like normal people about it.

[@jillg9108]

I watch a bunch of KZbin commentators like Heroes Reforged, and they all dislike Cole. It's his hate for Ranera for not committing to him. It's his false front of being this chaste guard while sleeping with Alicent. As the head of the guards he is responsible for assigning guards to protect the Royal Family which he did not do. He sent Eric/Aric to his death due to his own dereliction of duty. That being said, we can dislike and disagree without threatening others. If someone has to go there, thar person needs to ban themselves from social media and into anger management.

[@mglewis20]

Fr, they really should be praising these actors for their incredible portrayals

[@mchawk315]

Just one more and you're all caught up boys. 👍

[@hectorminator]

WE DID IT.

[@AirDave15]

You gotta watch the Dave Chappele SNL skit. “I’ve prepared this family tree so we know who the hell everyone is.. I’ve also created a tree of who’s having sex with who.. it’s also the same tree”

[@Juveenyle]

Love seeing you guys getting into the show even more each episode lol and more of Hectors British accents 😂

[@L.L.Cool.T]

Hectors accents and impersonations made me chuckle this round, enjoying your reactions to this one guys 👍

[@Darksista1]

U guys are awesome, especially the conversation at the end😊

[@mrhipshot]

I probably fall in the category of fans of yours who really enjoys your reactions but never comments. So here's a comment to say you all are doing a great job. Keep it up!

[@v0idr0ses]

We dislike Criston so much because he's an overall hypocrite. He never moved on from Rhaenyra rejecting his proposal to flee king's landing to sell oranges, wanting to keep her position. He continuously insults her a believes her inappropriate to be queen because she has "sullied" her honor by having bastard sons with Harwin Strong, knowing that Aegon commonly assaults women by his position of power and also has bastards sons (in the kids fighting pit). Criston also shifts his own blame onto Arryk this episode, Arryk is sworn to protect the king, while Criston protects the queen (Helaena) and should have been guarding the children's room, instead he was having sex with Alicent (another hypocrite) breaking his vows of chastity while Alicent breaks her beliefs on The Seven (the gods of GOT), and sends Arryk in a suicide and stupid mission to be "pardoned" for what he supposedly did, when it should have been criston himself if he wanted to get that done. Finally, over his dumb decision we had to see the twins fight to death for what they believed only because of his fault, those three deaths are on him, Arryk, Erryk and Jaehearys.

[@jeannewynneherring]

I’m W/Hector! I’m team none of them! 😂 I have seen a few rewatches of this episode and the actual episode and I still got weepy watching the twins’ scene again.😅 But I didn't know the actor of Criston was getting threats! Ridiculous! Poor guy. Anyway, gents! Thank you! Till next time!

[@Manx36]

Daemon told them to kill his son as a back up plan, the camera cut away when they asked him what to do if they couldn’t find the adult, Daemon told them something but the camera cut away. He had to have known those guys were lazy af and not wanting to risk their lives and that they would go for the easy kill, the kid. I have no doubt that if he got the chance, he would usurp the throne for himself, he’s killed one wife already. See you guys next week, I look forward to more of Hectors negative takes on the show (I’m kidding).

[@thelaughingstormbornagain1297]

KZbin- What this reaction if you dare. me - I dared and I found it stimulating.

[@DarthCrizzy]

Love you guys and love different perspectives on reactions but in my opinion being in blind rage over your son getting his head cut off doesn’t make me think of being a baby behavior lol that’s just me though, different folks different strokes I feel ya

[@gravejello2331]

Daeron probably won’t show up this season but he’s more important later

[@Omega-lu9nr]

Daeron was never important lel

[@anmolsrivastava9289]

As with Paddy / Viserys in the last season, lots of good acting by everyone but Aegon especially comes off the pages with a little bit extra

[@smurfswine7463]

I love you guys' reaction. You do a great job at pointing out the characters' motivations. Hector's take on the Daemond scene was really insightful. I love watching your reactions! ❤

[@joshuamorales7392]

Can you guys do a Hellboy The Crooked Man reaction and tell us what you guys think 🤙🏽❤️

[@hectorminator]

I've got a lot of conflicted feelings on that one! GREAT comic story, though!

[@jesuismila9673]

I love how people always blame Alicent for lying, but these same people defend Rhaenyra when she lied exactly the same way, but not about the throne, just to remain a living heir.) There are no good or bad people here, ALL the characters here act crap to one degree or another, that’s why it’s the Middle Ages............. but Aegon’s tears at the end helped me decide on my favorite character of the season - I love vague characters. ✊🏻

[@allanallan2171]

I like Aeagon.. I dunno why

[@gravejello2331]

Team smallfolk ftw

[@hectorminator]

YES. AGREED.

[@edlyngaus8733]

Hector, You're still cool no matter what your real Interests are!😁 So glad to see all of you are getting along with my favorite world! Also, Otto is not my fav BUT his scene with Aegon about the rat catchers was excellently done! Thanks for sharing!🙂

[@hectorminator]

Thank you!!! = ) And I'm happy watching this show with my friends.

[@knightmare187]

They should hope Rhaenyra stays alive because Daemon would take over and that would be horrible

[@IsiahBradley]

THANKS for this!!!!

[@moeshak9944]

its because he went from being a side peice from a little girl to now a side piece to a women.

[@CokeZeroHero]

Yoooo it’s the i didn’t watch Game of thrones gang !!!

[@leisastalnaker3790]

Well, a good secondary “watch” of GOT, is if they listen to the podcast Binge Mode. You get a lot of the history and lore with a lot of humor. A different spin.

[@hectorminator]

YEP! That's US! No one else who's ever watched an episode of HOT D hasn't seen the original show except for us three dudes. That's it.

[@anonymousgirl4605]

19:05 Cheese, the rat catcher, kicked his own dog. Not Blood.

[@sirdeonthegreat2168]

1ST

[@jamesward4561]

Off topic, but when will you be putting Superman and Lois season 3 on KZbin? I’m team Black, but none of the people are innocent. Except the children, but they do seem to be getting rid of them in quick style.

[@HeroesReforged]

We haven’t watched S&L S3 yet, but hopefully right before S4 drops.

[@amberplaatje8754]

Hector not picking a side is so valid lol both sides are shitty, I just happen to enjoy Team Black’s shitty more 😂

[@gchicago9]

im not on any team, i just want things to be messy and petty and entertaining. reject the need for sympathetic characters. embrace shithead chaos.