HOUSE OF THE DRAGON 2x3 "The Burning Mill" Reaction & Spoiler Discussion! | Game of Thrones

[@Moompl]

Harrenhal is supposed to be kind of mystical and a bit haunted, so that’s why all the scenes with Daemon seem so erie. It’s because the actual building itself is like a big bug trap of all the people who have died there.

[@crystall.411]

Yup it passes judgement on all who pass through it or something like that.

[@Persephone_Personified]

@@crystall.411it finds what weighs most on your heart. And to show Daemons humanity to the audience, he sees the slain prince being repaired by young Rhaenyra. . He feels guilty for the mistake that he caused however accidental he feels responsible and he feels his wife is always cleaning up his messes and he hates himself for causing her that pain and responsibility. Daemon doesn’t mean to cause the harm that comes from him. . . His destruction of innocent lives is NOT what he wants. . But it keeps happening all the same.

[@latishabuckner8231]

​@@Persephone_Personifiedyou sure about that? He told Rheneys had she set fire to the HighTowers when she had the chance she could have killed Aegon and his entire line. I think Daemon feels guilt but he's also very reactionary, low impulse control. He doesn't think far enough ahead of what his actions could cause.

[@SeymoreSparda]

Kinda like "The Spite House" in Ju-On/The Grudge, but less evil and more fair, in its judgement? Ya know... a side-project horror film/series about Harrenhall'd be apt, considering it's infamy, don't you think?

[@vivashvanbhushan3422]

Yes but the vision is done by the black haired lady Alysan

[@nont18411]

28:10 “Is Harrenhal full of ghosts?” Yes, it is. Game of Thrones just left out a lot of magical elements from the show. House of the Dragon brought it back, like in the books.

[@hokagedlo6133]

And witches too!

[@Koko-gp6vn]

I could be wrong but didn't aria go there when traveling at some point? I'm pretty sure they mention it's cursed and haunted

[@Wolfhunter5607]

i think they mention it at least once idk tho😂

[@scarletibis3158]

@@Koko-gp6vnher scenes with Tywin were in Harrenhall.

[@asadyousafzai937]

or maybe it's not and people think it is because "The maesters wrote it"

[@islasullivan3463]

Harrenhal is basically considered cursed because every house that has owned it has died out.

[@JaayCeez]

Sure, but not just because of that, there's a lot more to Harrenhal than just tragedy for those that reside in it.

[@qweasdzxc]

@@JaayCeez Thanks for elaborating, i really learned that there's a lot more to Harrenhal from this comment. Love all the details you provided.

[@Nikolas5842]

@@qweasdzxc lmao

[@JaayCeez]

@qweasdzxc I am not about to go into detail about deep ones, mermaids, and greyjoy lore on the comment section lol, especially on a video where it could possibly spoil other things. You can easily look it up and quickly find the iceberg that deals with Harren the black and the Greyjoys.

[@BabaBoee5198]

@@qweasdzxc that’s the best comment I’ve read in a while 😂

[@manvirshergill1739]

I absolutely loved the Harrenhal scenes with Daemon, his conversation with Simon Strong etc and also we finally got to see Alys Rivers.

[@stephenwalker972]

I like the nod to Battle Above the gods eye

[@marvinbolden6882]

Is that the Red Preistess that spoke to Varius in GOT?

[@stephenwalker972]

@@marvinbolden6882 no just some witch lol

[@KDA8919]

​@marvinbolden6882 it's a young Melisandre.

[@kurtrivero368]

@@marvinbolden6882When she showed her face I screamed, “Kinvara!!?”

[@AstroAvenger]

Harrenhal is indeed haunted as fuck, the most haunted place in Westeros.

[@geoffreyfyfe2248]

And it'll get worse as the years go by. The place has more ghosts than the containment container at Ghostbusters HQ.

[@AstroAvenger]

@@geoffreyfyfe2248 Yup, Harren the Black spent 40 years and worked thousands of slaves to death to build Harrenhal. The day it was done, Aegon Targaryen arrived in Westeros and eventually burned thousands of soldiers inside Harrenhal.

[@gaius5901]

​@@geoffreyfyfe2248it didn't seem that haunted 200 years later in GoT

[@kfiraltberger552]

That's a strong claim. Eventually Castermere will become even more haunted IMHO

[@kfiraltberger552]

​@@gaius5901The got showrunners tried to take out many of the more mystical aspects of the story (though obviously keeping some important ones). The main thing is they tried to make it seem that the whole haunted story is a prophecy that fulfils itself

[@garlantyrell6368]

That last scene with Rhaenyra and Alicent is kinda sad if you think about it. Even if Rhaenyra and Alicent had made peace right then and there, it wouldn’t matter because there’s no way anyone else will want peace. There is no way Aemond will lay down his dragon willingly and nether with Aegon since he’s now all for a war. Daemon most certainly won’t want to keep a single member of team green alive either. At this point, it’s the point of no return and Alicent knows that. She’s dug herself into a hole she can’t get out of now and she has made her peace with that.

[@arobin6695]

that whole scene was so pointless and dumb. what was rhaenyra expecting alicent to do? ask aegon to give rhaenyra the throne? right after rhaenrya's husband murdered his son? what a waste of time, it just ends up making rhaenyra look naive and weak.

[@garlantyrell6368]

@@arobin6695 I think she’ll regain her strength and be all for war now.

[@arobin6695]

@@garlantyrell6368 people have been saying that since her serious look at the end of season 1. rahenrya's never gonna do anything cause the writers think she's supposed to be some sort of saint.

[@ulovexy]

@@arobin6695she needed to know for sure… She did everything to prevent and once she realized that alicent had misinterpreted viserys wishes… she ready for war now

[@barb_17]

I think it makes the point not for them but for the viewers, they are two women that even in positions on power, are helpless and with not word in changing a war that the men around them want

[@danzmachinz2269]

That guy who has never shoveled before burying the twins..

[@fluffylittlebear]

And what's with that weird flat shovel?

[@ayezoop884]

I love how on guard Daemon is, he don’t trust no one, and I liked how Rhaenyra didn’t show haste, she was like “bro I gotta think about this shit, we rope walkin on a fishing line”

[@BractosCrash]

I love it when he never backed rhaenyra 😂 He knows his inheritance was stolen!

[@ayezoop884]

@@BractosCrash He salty af 😂 he’s like “i woulda been Deamon the conqueror if it weren’t for you meddling kids!😤”

[@xQnKx]

And though it wasn’t Rhaenys ‘war to begin’, he’s right that she coulda avoided it all had she dracarys’d them in the dragon pit

[@Chasingdreams25]

​@@BractosCrashHe never backed Rhaenyra ? He crowned her and was the first to bend the knee

[@rexibhazoboa7097]

@@xQnKx Halaena is an angel tho. Im so glad Rheanys stopped her massacre after the first 600 people.

[@datguy3581]

Last season when Rhaenyra went to Storm’s End, we saw a Blackwood and a Bracken duel after Rhaenyra had turned down their marriage proposals.

[@NeilsonBuntowa]

Rhaenyra never went to the Riverlands in the first season. that scene you are talking about is her at Stromsend entertaining possible suitors across the realm.

[@HumairaAfra-qx5tv]

Omg I just realized

[@TheMikeroy2000]

If Milly can come back for a cameo, then Paddy can too haha let’s hope Daemon continues tripping

[@ceciliacabrini]

And he did 😂

[@vlavelmoorehead]

I get their reaction to Alicent’s dismissal of the song of ice and fire, but (surprisingly because I’m not a big Alicent fan) Alicent is right. There’s nothing that she can do really to stop the war. The wheels are already spinning now and even if Alicent said everything was a mistake, Aegon isn’t stepping down. It is what it is now.

[@AstroRocket]

Their initial reaction to Alicent saying it's too late was hilarious. What, she's just gonna tell them that she misinterpreted Viserys' last words and Aegon is just gonna step down and everyone that's declared for them's gonna be cool with it? lol Fortunately they came around in the post-discussion

[@user-dx2dm8oq8g]

Yeah. Alicent had no pull from day one. Her dad and the council were already plotting to make Aegon king. Even if Rhaenyra was crowned officially, they would have plotted to assassinate her and her heirs.

[@Nukerunin]

Yep. They're locked in to the death now. Maybe they could've talked before Aegon's boy got killed, but no way in hell now. It's just funny to me that we as the audience know that the Prince That Was Promised was a reference to Jon Snow, but none of them are aware besides the former King. Targaryens would've had an easier time if they didn't name a million people Aegon. They just needed some naming originality.

[@binayshrestha7132]

​@@user-dx2dm8oq8gwhat ...stop saying she didn't had any pull.

[@TheSofkujepanen]

@@binayshrestha7132but it’s true. She really has no real power. All she can do is try to influence the men around him, that’s the extent of her power. That’s just the unfortunate and sick truth of this world, women have no power or rights and aren’t usually taken seriously.

[@Brendissimo1]

Alicent absolutely could have done that. The reactions would have varied. Much of the Green Council doesn't care, just want a male heir. As does her father. But if Alicent had gotten to Aegon and put it to him in just the right way, maybe there could have been peace. Maybe not. But it's far less certain than you're making it out to be.

[@ladyhotep5189]

The silver haired guy. Thats not the first time we saw him. He was in the last episode. He stole food from someone then proceeded to ask a woman who wrre the men hanging from the building.

[@MyUniqueVibe]

Even if Alicent didn't misinterpret Visreys, the Greens, aka, Otto and the smallcouncil, were already plotting to put Aegon on the throne. Plus, we saw how Alicent and Rhaenrya were on the road to mending back at the dinner in S1, but the children were already at each other's throats.

[@mekareactsandreviews3026]

Alicent herself said for yrs that Aegon was next in line and heir to the throne...She grabbed his face and screamed it in his face...She also Always wanted him to be king...but just like she has always done she found an excuse to hide behind.

[@Shiva-zj6od]

@@mekareactsandreviews3026 wellShe isCorrect, rehneyraClearly notWorthy.

[@ceciliacabrini]

@@Shiva-zj6odoh and aegon is?

[@Shiva-zj6od]

@@ceciliacabrini aegon isStillBetter, although,aworthy isJust daemon&Aemond.

[@ceciliacabrini]

How is he better then?

[@VVoude]

Actor of Aegon keeps KILLING ITTTTT

[@ladyhotep5189]

Great actor !

[@damaruslove8688]

Baby girl Milly came back granted it was disturbing but awesome all the same

[@jlp1013]

Also the maid Aegon SA's was the tavern wench that brought the ale!

[@chanahasnomana]

@@jlp1013 oh yeah. I thought I recognized her. So it was plan tea, not poison lol

[@rexibhazoboa7097]

@@chanahasnomana wild that people just thought it was poison. Giving out a bag of coin to a dead body for what?

[@SleepySloth2705]

​@@chanahasnomana Well, she wasn't given a deadly poison, but an her that terminates the pregnancy, like the day-after-pill

[@chanahasnomana]

@@rexibhazoboa7097 ever heard of taking things back? it's easier to take it off a corpse lmao

[@thedarkknight2221]

I’m so happy that the air was cleared between Alicent and Rheanyra about the Song Of Ice And Fire. But Alicent is right, even if they managed to convince everyone that Aegon’s Ascension was illegitimate, far too much blood has been spilled on both sides for there to be any kind of peace. Hell the men of this world (aside from the northerners) have been practically begging for war for decades. And let’s face it Rhaenys was right, most men would rather burn the world than have a woman sit on the Iron Throne.

[@TheLethalGuy]

It’s such an amazing scene. Like the resolution to the conflict was right there all this time within the misunderstanding. But now it is far too late and far too gone to turn back. When Rhaenyra returns to Dragonstone she will finally have to give the order she’s been trying so desperately to avoid for all this time

[@juliandorzon]

Ofc and the only ones that yet dont understand this at all are the blacks and continue to support a woman, a woman on the throne means war and death, period.

[@garlantyrell6368]

And most of it is her own fault the moment she put a crown on her son’s head.

[@ackerose]

@@garlantyrell6368 The council had plans to do it behind her back either way and even kill Rhaenyra as part of the plan. You think Alicent alone is responsible for the crowning of Aegon?

[@SE-gs6gd]

I think at least if Alicent had said in front of the council she heard wrong and Aegon was never meant to be Viserys heir she would have blood off her hands at that point. Even if Aegon said F you mom and chopped her head off minimum she would have done her part to set the truth. Now Rhaenyra can only defend herself. Honestly I feel like she almost believes Alicent for a second and I feel if the roles were reversed she would bend the knee rather than see her kin killed. I really believe that.

[@Redwood_Elder]

That whole sequence of Daemon casually flying up to Harrenhal was so cool.

[@JezzaBondiBeach]

This show is exactly what quality HBO content is 🔥 from the character development, cinematography and superb writing. Easily the best show on tv atm 🐉

[@masterace1071]

i don't know about ''superb writing'' .. it is pretty bad writing to have rhaenyra go in kings landing alone to deal with alicent like that and then alicent not turning her in which would be ending the war right away, that was pretty dumb. And before you tell me that she had a knife on her, she literally just stand up and walk away in the end, she could have alarmed anyone at that point before rhaenyra could get out.

[@Flexorcist3030]

@@masterace1071 its an even worse writing if you expect anyone to make logical moves all the time. It is not realistic, like how two Union officers found and lost battle plans by General Lee, or Lyndon Johnsons blunder that resulted to US loss in Vietnam. Or enemies being honorable in times of war like the Christmas truce. Make it make sense my dude

[@AnkitSingh-cd7tw]

Writing is average at the best

[@JezzaBondiBeach]

@@Flexorcist3030 exactly

[@dawnmaster]

@@masterace1071 you approach the show pragmatically. Rhaenera and Alicent have this strong bond since childhood and they have wounded each other by the deaths of the children. That is enough reason, outside of practicality, that they can talk. Alicent realizing that she was wrong about Aegon was enough reason to not end Rhaenera there. And sure how ending the war right away a good writing?? We have this story and we watch this show bcoz of the war!

[@adam-ll1yf]

The thing is though Alicent is right, it is too late. The men of the realm have already started their war and bloodshed is inevitable. There is nothing Alicent OR Rhaenyra can do about that anymore.

[@holysecret2]

Alicent might still have cleared up the misunderstanding and allowed for a majority of houses and armies to switch sides to Rhaenyra, potentially forcing a Green surrender, or at least a relatively clean and one-sided victory for Rhaenyra that would keep the realm intact.

[@adam-ll1yf]

@@holysecret2 She could’ve, but what would that mean for her and her family? At best they would be forced into exile and at worst they would all be executed. Even if Rhaenyra showed them mercy we’ve seen how her small council, most of all Daemon, are willing to go against her wishes. Alicent wants peace but she won’t sacrifice her children to get it.

[@warrenhillston5899]

@@holysecret2 Rhaenyra already had more houses than Aegon on her side, though? The show doesn't translate it properly, but Aegon really didn't have nearly as much support as Rhaenyra did. Out of all the Great Houses only the Lannisters and the Baratheons declared for Aegon, while the Starks, the Arryns, the Tullys and the Greyjoys declared for Rhaenyra. Dorne wasn't part of the realm and the Tyrells remained neutral. One of the main plotpoints that the series has ignored so far is that the greens were so starved for supporters that Otto had to promise the Triarchy control over the Stepstones and a bunch of trade privileges to get them on their side so they actually had a navy.

[@holysecret2]

@@adam-ll1yf No doubt, absolutely. But she 'could' have made a difference. It's untrue to claim that she could not.

[@deardeer5215]

It doesn't matter if Alicent knows that she misinterpreted what Visyrs said, the reason she is saying there was no mistake to Rhaenyra is there's no changing it now, she has no power to undo this, you can't undo pronouncing Aegon King in the Dragon Pit in front of thousands and then spreading the word for months across the realm, this is another situation of perception being more important than the truth.

[@OpeningsOpenings]

I loved this one!!! Very rich in character development. I am so happy they included the Harrenhall witchy stuff. So excited!!! Also the music in Daemoms arrival to the burned castle was 🔥 Now after that final convo it’s clear - they have to go all in! There is clearly no way to work it out between Alicent and Rhae Rhae Also yes it was great to see Milly even if only for a spell

[@Arberin]

Alicent's misunderstanding didn't matter at the end, the council was ready to Usurp the throne the moment Viserys died. This was more of an excuse for her personally to justify their actions.

[@KevDaly]

A thing to understand about war: in martial cultures it is often not perceived as an evil, at least by the military class. It is after all their reason for existence, so they see it as both a sport and a chance to prove themselves. In some languages historically the word for "peace" has really meant "a regrettable temporary absence of hostilities" Even in the last century people went off to World War I in 1914 enthusiastically before they realised what war in the age of machines and overwhelming artillery actually means.

[@Mrs.Garrison69]

The old gods look down upon all kinslayers, and the trees are their eyes😂 perfect, that was the coolest thing in any episode. The weirwoods are magic and connected to the old holds, in the books Jamie has dreams from them at harrenhall

[@hokagedlo6133]

S3 about to be epic

[@randallwilliamson3838]

It is not Alicent "going forward". She absolutely has no power at all. Do you really think Alicent going to Aegon and saying "oops your father did not want you to be king" would make anything better? If anything it would enflame him even more. It is too late and the truth isnt going to make anything better for anyone. Also the men see that war is inevitable, waiting around isnt helping any of them.

[@fairlycultured9329]

Yes. Because it's not all about the realm and for the better of the realm anymore. Let alone about the prophecy. It's now about revenge..

[@YK-rs8pm]

Literally when are ppl gonna realize

[@gailf1617]

All poor Simon Strong wants is to finish his dinner in peace and Daemon barges in claiming the castle and then rudely refusing to even eat the peas. I really like this version of Simon Strong. So I'm going to have to try not to get too attached to him.

[@aj897]

Massive respect for how fast you put up these reactions.

[@candac6251]

Right! I always watch them first the next day since Season 1 💙💙🥰😍😍

[@jakewheeler6014]

It was cool seeing Alys here and i love the foreshadowing of the God's eye battle.

[@CokeZeroHero]

Harrenhal is cursed and haunted ever since Aegon the conqueror the first burnt it down with his wives-sisters And that girl is Alys Rivers things are gonna get wicked up in here just saying

[@crystall.411]

Yea you can tell her crazy is gonna out match Daemon’s

[@Themandalorian935]

Aegon burnt it down on his own. Visenya and rhaenys weren't there. He took his dragon balerion and burnt the castle with harren the black and his family inside.

[@JaayCeez]

Also the castle didn't become haunted just because Aegon burnt everyone in it. Harren had been doing some crazy shit there, way before as well, not to mention the thousands of slaves he worked to death to complete its construction. Harrenhal was already ghost infected by the time Aegon arrived lol.

[@crystall.411]

One of Harrenhaals towers is called The Ghost Tower (so yea it is haunted and curses people). There is also one called the Dread Tower

[@TA3DArtist]

The thing is, even if Alicent pleaded for peace, her Sons don’t want peace. Especially after the beheading. They don’t even listen to Alicent anymore. There’s nothing for her to do and now Rhaenyra knows she has to take action. It’s like when the cops were chasing Batman in the Dark Knight Returns comic: it’s too big. The situation is out of control now.

[@hali_55]

Why do people always assume the worst of Alicent? Of course she grieves for her daughter and wants to check on her, anything to the contrary is a complete misunderstanding of her character. And again at the end, she understands she misunderstood viserys’s words but it doesn’t change anything at this point. She has no power to do anything, especially after the bloodshed on both sides.

[@Koko-gp6vn]

They assume the worst because she's a horrible person she ignored a grieving aegon to go get raw dogged

[@tendonimogoka6443]

There was no misunderstanding, she heard what she wanted to hear, the fact that she admitted that viserys was "weary" in he's final moments deep down she knows she took advantage of the situation, even when she says "He changed his mind" you can tell she's trying to convince herself. It's not that she cannot do anything about the "mistake" she just doesn't want to, she can easily use the same pace that got Aegon the throne to drive home the fact she made a mistake, for the sake of the realm. Aegon already knows too deep down that he's father didn't want him on that throne as Otto confirmed last week. In short this war is all her fault simple and plain and it stems from the fear she had in season 1 that Rhaenyra will be queen and her kids will be an afterthought. Let's not forget she didn't love Viserys, she screwed her way to royalty 🤷‍♂️ and her hard work wasn't about to be outdone by Rhaenyra. She's selfish but I do agree the war is unavoidable now a

[@anikethchakraborty3238]

not her fault ​@@Koko-gp6vn

[@hali_55]

@@Koko-gp6vn if you’re watching the show with your eyes and ears closed just say that

[@ladyhotep5189]

​@@Koko-gp6vn😂😂😂😂

[@kiyamaguilherme]

It doesn't matter if Alicent knows or not. It's not like she's going to say "I was wrong" and Aegon was going to answer "okay, I'm going to give up the crown then". The plot of her misunderstanding Viserys is to add an individual redemption to her character, the usurpation would happen anyway. She didn’t have any power over it. "It's too late" What is done is done.

[@joseeguren4645]

In alicent defense, she understood but what could she do thats what she said to rhaenyra, her hands were tied, everything was in motion there was no way to stop it

[@believeume122]

Well the council wants to fight because they don't want to end up dead because they are on the losing side. Nobody wants to sit around and wait to die. I wish Rhaenyra would do more. Tbh She is definitely her father's child.

[@Mcherri]

She will that conversation with Alicent proved it she wanted to make sure she tried everything before going to war that face at the end she makes is her coming to terms that she has to go to war and wait till daemon raises her armyz

[@Chasingdreams25]

Daemon is right, she is like Viserys. Instead of taking actions, leaving the greens gathering more power than they already have since they have plotting the usurpation for years. The greens are ready, it's Rhaenyra who didn't see it coming.

[@TheKeyser94]

I not understand why some people are disappointing with the firsts episodes of this season, they never hear of building tension, by the way, the battle of the burning mill surely would happen next episode, it would be the turning point of the season, no more peace talks, but outright war.

[@moondog3056]

Because it's all talk. Basically, nothing has happened. Just a little action would help pick up the pace.

[@gazlator]

Absolutely! Those who just want to see a "dragon war" are probably then going to feel more frustrated, when they snoozed over the significance of key earlier scenes, and then don't quite "get" why certain things are going to be said or done later.

[@queenb2450]

@@gazlator well we snoozed this episode so now what....like they could have shown us caring about both sides (they have families, hopes and dreams) and then just a bloodbath. That would be more eerie than the one second snapshot of two groups just fighting for...fighting sake

[@godsrunnerup]

jaby's not too far off. in a s1 script, daemon was described as 'would kill to be loved by viserys the way rhaenyra is loved by viserys'. so viserys' love has always been more important to him than anyone else's, and he perceives he's never gotten it

[@gretarstefan9409]

just like Viserys said truth doesn't matter only perception

[@juubicortex8178]

Alocent has no power anymore. What you expect her to say ? This war is happening no matter what

[@Poisonedwight]

She could at least try not just give up after she’s already fucked everyone over

[@iamai_iggs]

y'all, the green council already plotted to put aegon on the throne long before alicent told them viserys' misunderstood words. it changes nothing. alicent can change nothing. whether she accepts that she misunderstood viserys' words or not now changes nothing. she's not the instigator of this war AT ALL.

[@deonaustin9575]

Alicent is literally the youngest grandmother ever scene in this series. 30 years old.

[@daenerysstormborn]

30:30 even I was surprised with the fast-paced events, but I must admire director Geeta Patel and her execution! This IS a pivotal moment for the show and the director nailed it in the execution and I am so glad that we got this scene early because had it been in next episode then the gravity of this scene couldn't have been achieved. Geeta Patel is a master director indeed ❤ also, I love how she incorporates weather impact in the scenes ☁️ (she was the one who directed masterpiece S01E08)

[@jibangkurbaishya221]

Out Of All The Characters Daemon Targaryen Is Going To Have The Most Coolest, Stylish And Honorable Endings In All Of HOTD. When People Will Watch It On Screen Everyone Will Say Daemon Targaryen Was The Real Deal.

[@dcap1292]

I LOVE the relationship between, Rhaenys and Rhaenyra. What was a hateful and dysfunctional relationship turned into a mentor and student / motherly figure and daughter kind of relationship. Not ready for the next episode D:

[@kathiruiz5874]

I feel that their relationship is now more like a Queen and her Hand. I would love it if Rhaenyra actually gave her the title.

[@huntress647]

The dragon seed is strong!! More dragon riders!! They’ve been dropping them like crazy

[@saakshigupta7866]

So mad that you guys didn't notice the transition from the twins' grave to Cole's guilt - pure art

[@Noone-uo2cf]

Daemon’s sequence at Harenhall feels like it was into a scary Dark Souls scenario. At any moment he could find a fireplace or a secret boss with that photografy And yes, it is known that this castle it’s kinda cursed since Aegon destroyed it with Balerion

[@JaayCeez]

Harrenhal is one of the most mysterious and lore/myth filled place in Westeros, Harrenhal it's a dark place, rumored to have had their bricks built mixed with blood magic (The show itself mentioned it in season 1 when Lorys mentions this very thing). Even before Aegon The Conqueror burned it down, there are lots of rumors about Harren The Black and his connection with more supernatural or abnormal things of the Game of Thrones world. I love how HotD is embracing more of the magical side of George's story and world. Game of Thrones the show would have you believe that the extent of magic are dragons, white walkers, and children of the forest, and magic is almost non-existent, but it's quite the opposite.

[@CaptainLuckyLuke]

I believe with 100% of my being that Daemon never truly intended a child to be killed. The plan was to kill Aemond if possible, the scene where Aemond picks up a gold Dragon coin the assassins dropped in his bedchambers proves that, but move on to another of royal blood if that doesn’t work. However, Blood & Cheese were supposed to fail. Daemon had no way of knowing that Criston Cole would be fucking the dowager Queen instead of guarding the Royal wing. It was about sending a message. ‘You can get to us, we can get to you’. Daemon is genuinely haunted. Harrenhall is canonically haunted AF and people dream of truths they dare not speak aloud. I tell you, every moment of this show is like a gift to those of us that love the world of ‘A Song Of Fire & Ice’!!.

[@ro4eva]

I agree. And based on what I've seen in total, the notion that Daemon is some monster who is incapable of empathy is ridiculous.

[@Ehterlink]

Thanks, this will be my head canon now. His "It was a mistake" was sincere!

[@leonardoherrera9059]

No the hand doesnt need to stay even ned was gonna go get jaime if he wasnt injured. Aeryes sent his hand to capture Robert as well. While the hand does help the king he doesn't need to be a constant presence

[@SE-gs6gd]

Rhaenys is my spirit animal. She would’ve made a good queen

[@MideXIII]

The one true Queen

[@par1crO31]

she is too soft

[@jeffreym8503]

Her advice is exactly why rheanera's council are starting to undermine her!...the enemy is advancing (they already had a sizable head start) and rheanera is doing nothing if the greens win everyone on team black would be either killed or have to give up land and hostages

[@emil417]

Too weak and soft.

[@Mozers05]

Rhaenyra's not decisive. She has empathy. And empathy has its place in ruling. But rarely it has a part in the outbreak of war where a monarch should be decisive. Both sides already lost important members, and two houses in the riverlands are now actively fighting each other in the name of the black and greens.

[@dezaknar0]

Loved the cameo from Milly in the Deamon dream scene.

[@EleventhCubFan]

Loved that conversation between Rhaenyra and Alicent!

[@merykhan97]

Watching Crispy cream run for his life made my day.

[@Magnoliainmay]

Same here. 😂 I’d love it more to see him get actually crispy. 🔥 I wonder if Aegon ever finds out what (who) he was doing when his poor son was being slain.

[@Flexorcist3030]

Dyana lived! So Alicent did not killer her

[@sallycriss353]

Finally, someone else noticed Dyana working in the tavern.

[@Flexorcist3030]

@@sallycriss353 oh im always on the lookout for that. That separates GOT from all other shows are those easter eggs. And its not even the easter egg in that scene. If you notice, in a scene mentioning Targ bastards, they chose to bring back Dyana

[@ro4eva]

Daemon tearing up after seeing the decapitated child is yet more proof that he's not some monster devoid of empathy. If he considers you both ally + family, he is loyal. But he's gotta work on his hot temper.

[@Noone-uo2cf]

Even tough Alicent intended to accept that she misunderstood and buy it Raenyra offer, that wouldn’t make any difference. First because all the greens already engaged with this idea, Alicent didn’t have the power and voice at court to simply made Aegon back off, he and Aemond would never drop the crown. Also, everyone at both sides are agitated (even the dragons) waiting for blood. But, most importantly, there’s no turning point now - that’s the parallel with the Blackwood rivalry and with Raenys dialogue “when did it started, after all?” It doesn’t matter anymore. Now, no one will really win because both sides are about to lose a lot because of this war. This war didn’t erased the Targaryens, but it was the beginning of the end. Now it’s not about Raenyra vs Alicent’s narratives. It’s about Raenyra vs Aegon.

[@Redfield982]

If you’re only watching the show, I don’t blame you for not understanding the argument for the opposite side. They didn’t explain it well at all in episode 9 of season one: The Green Council. The fact is that whatever Alicent heard from Viserys is completely irrelevant. They made that part up for the show to give Alicent the motivation to crown Aegon. It’s not the Greens’ argument as to why Aegon should be king. There’s no questioning that Viserys wanted Rhaenyra on the throne. Basically, it comes down to the King’s wishes vs. Tradition and precedent. By all customs and expectations of Westeros (Dorne wasn’t yet a kingdom), Aegon is the presumed heir. He is the eldest son of Viserys, he has all the symbols of legitimacy, and he even has the precedent of his house backing him. Aegon the Conqueror reigned instead of his older sister, Visenya. Viserys was chosen to be the king over Rhaenys. So it’s only expected that Aegon would take the throne over Rhaenyra. Essentially, Viserys naming Rhaenyra is breaking with centuries of tradition. That in and of itself is not a bad thing because obviously we in the 21st century know that a woman can rule just as well as a man. But if we put our Westeros goggles on, we can see how this decision would cause conflict during the time period in question. What’s worse is that in the show we see that Rhaenyra’s succession is not iron clad; Viserys barely did anything to affirm Rhaenyra’s ascendancy to the Iron Throne, and she’s made some reckless decisions that cast a poor light on her claim (illegitimate children). On the contrary, Aegon had shored up his succession with a boy and a girl, he benefited from an experienced Hand and a fantastic council, and he has the backing of continuity and stability. Him being a man, as silly as it sounds, by nature will lead to a more stable realm. Also consider that Aegon, Aemond, and Daeron’s lives were in danger simply because their existence was a challenge to Rhaenyra’s reign. Say what you will about Otto, but he was right about that. And this was before Rhaenyra birthed three brunette boys - which only put Viserys’ Valyrian looking sons in more danger. I will always defend the Greens’ right to live. Even if Rhaenyra wouldn’t kill Viserys’ sons to cut off any challenge to her succession, Daemon sure as fuck would. Finally, on a personal level: I just find the greens to be deeper, richer characters. There’s a lot more complexity there for me. The dynamics, the generational trauma, even the dragons on Team Green simply appeal to me more (Caraxes notwithstanding). Makes it easy to root for them.

[@amirhossein8559]

i really feel sad when the writers try their best to write a character so complex and layered like Alicent and there is a lot of people who still don't get her character or ignore her because she is one of the greens and they think you supposed to hate all of them when the show tries so hard to tell you there is no good person in this show

[@mekareactsandreviews3026]

This is what ppl like you don't get..ur not special..Ur not the Only one that sees the nuance and the complex layers of Alicent..sry ur not that deep...We all see it ..Just because that exists doesn't mean we are going to like her or approve of her, or her choices ..We all it...U like Alicent...No one else has to..That doesn't mean we don't see the brilliant work that went into creating her character.

[@shovon9412]

The tree under which daemon was standing was of the same kind from GOT in winterfell

[@andrewward5891]

A weir wood tree.

[@Alcinaswifefrfr]

People underestimate how much Alicent loves Helaena. Her scene literally starts with her passing time with her granddaughter and then going to check on Helaena, she loves her girls

[@lgt.jne3]

I doubt that

[@Alcinaswifefrfr]

Keep doubting, it has been shown many times in the show and by the actresses own words that Alicent loves her daughter, doubt about her love for her sons, but for her daughter she cares very deeply, Helaena is her greatest love as she said before. I don't understand why is easy for people to belive Daemon "loves" his family when he never had a scene showing his affection to any of his kids, besides one with Baela (which he now won't even speak before leaving), if it's so easy for you people to say he loves them, why is SO hard to belive Alicent loves her daughter which she had multiple scenes showing such love towards.

[@user-dx2dm8oq8g]

@@Alcinaswifefrfr Alicent loves her kids, but doesn't get them. She doesn't know how to show it. I wonder how was her relationship with her mom and if she lost her really young. That might explain a lot of her behavior.

[@chuugummy975]

​@@user-dx2dm8oq8gAlicent lost her mom at around the same time Rhaenyra lost hers. In season 1 episode 1, Daemon tells Otto "You lost your own Lady wife recently, did you not?".

[@iamai_iggs]

@@Alcinaswifefrfr it's so freaking annoying that people are open to characters on the black being nuanced and morally grey but absolutely refuse to see characters on the green being also nuanced and morally grey =='

[@katlamb4606]

Alison may not be able to prevent the war or even change a thing but she still would have been a reasonably good person to have tried.

[@WalidsTube]

21:12 they didn't recognize the waitress, she was the maid that Aegon abused during season one and that Alicent paid off, made her drink the abortion tea, and "fired"...

[@everettclunie3525]

They gave us the Alicent and Rhaenyra scene because next episode is going to be the big battle, the actual start to the dance of the dragons. Now rhaenyra can go to war knowing she did everything in her power to stop it.

[@stillinlove3719]

hopefully one day you both and steph react to INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE ! it’s incredibly good !

[@dannyc.o6504]

Haelena forgives Alicent in part for what she saw, but remember that Haelena goes further and if we remember the last chapter Alicent felt like she was being punished for feeling pleasure.

[@OpulentGames-s3s]

Rhaenys conversation at the beginning with Rhaenyras explaining who started this fight and when it started is from a center point of view like this war started even as early as when your child cut your brothers eye out, and Rhaenyras responds is like “it’s there fault end of story” This issue with Rhaenyras counsel is she is acting like a child, she is unsure, not giving direction, hell her stepdaughters give her attitude or kind of loop her orders and we see Rhaenys who is wise and firm and when she speaks everyone listens. Alicent has no power with Otto gone and Aegon out for revenge and to prove he belongs, Alicent “there’s been no mistake” is because even if she wanted to stop this she can’t help

[@phines]

what exactly can alicent do, no one listens to her at this point and she says clearly that the truth won’t the rest of the greens

[@theawesomeman9821]

The beginning with the dead laying on the foggy marshland reminded me Lord of The Rings.

[@nastee10]

The only purpose of Alycent misunderstanding what Visarys was saying was to justify her conviction. The war was inevitable regardless. The small council was already planning to usurp the thrown. Alycent does not have the power to stop this war even if she wanted to.

[@randomviewer2370]

Harrenhal is basically the gates of underworld 😂😂😂

[@Karlswebb]

The point is about how these institutions shape people and cause these awful things.

[@carolinecarpenter7973]

Achara - that was such an interesting point about how Daemon sees Rhaenyra, that didn’t cross my mind at all but it makes a lot of sense!

[@lumarrandom8144]

Slow episode this week. But very powerful 💥

[@aegontargaryensixthofhisname]

next week is a big battle and will have a big shocker.

[@daurydavis3983]

Just because there was no fighting doesn't make it slow

[@shockmesane4158]

On a rewatch the guy who plays the Castellan of Harrenhall could totally play the actor who played Sam from the original GoT's father in any movie or show and have it be incredibly believable.

[@timothypolanco8622]

If that blackwood in the opening was who I think he was, then I can't wait to see his actor cook in this war. He's my favorite member in team black along with the lads !!!

[@fluffylittlebear]

9:33 Daemon would love a "surprise attack" because he would slaughter them all. I don't know if you guys read the book, but he's practically unstoppable. He's a better swordsman in his time than Jaime was in his (with both hands). Daemon is legendary.

[@andrewward5891]

Cole beat him in melee combat

[@fluffylittlebear]

@@andrewward5891 Only on paper. Daemon had won and was facing the crowd. Cole the coward hit him in the back. Daemon had easily bested Cole before that.

[@kylemma33]

You are out of your mind, Daemon is nowhere near Jamie in terms of swordsmanship. He wasnt even the best of his era, Daemon was a formidable swordsman, but not tier. Daemons reputation was largely built on his dragon.

[@fluffylittlebear]

@@kylemma33 You need to rewatch the crab feeder episode and read the book.

[@AnthonyNeloms-ry2dq]

the king has always has done that to his brother, even as a kid.

[@Drpavel564]

Or you know…. Alicent actually wants to connect with Helaena. But hey ulterior motives for her but benefit of the doubt for people like daemon.

[@gargie_m]

Love the post-reaction discussions. Spot on!

[@adamterefe8909]

Hi! This is like the underworld dragonstone when Damon enters the cave.

[@adelaidefeuseau7741]

Larys is possibly the most evil character ever. He cares for and serves no one

[@geoffreyfyfe2248]

"Best to make your way through life unencombered...if you ask me." Of course, it royally backfired this episode since his great uncle gladly handed Harrenhal over to Daemon just to go "fuck you" to him.

[@adelaidefeuseau7741]

​@@geoffreyfyfe2248 I agree. Where is any of this leading him? Misguiding the King on purpose? Killing his own family, doing the grubby work behind the scenes. What on earth does he seek to accomplish other than anarchy? Dude has a fetish and a grudge.

[@rexibhazoboa7097]

Lies. He cares for and serves himself.

[@S-JanhaviJadhav]

reminds me of little finger

[@shirishsharma3836]

🛡️Jaby, take this! To shield your mind from biased views of Achara. She keeps talking till others accept she is right. It ruins the experience when she judges Daemon every step of the way. Even showrunners regret staining Daemon’s character by making him his wife’s killer, unlike books. Coz he is a pretty badass character who isn’t afraid to die for his loyalty/loved ones.

[@LauraGS564]

Stfu. The showrunners have made him complex. Him killing Rhea doesn't change that, he wanted to be free to marry Rhaenyra. Achara is just a dumb bitch who has no clue about anyone that's not Rhaenyra.

[@ecm95]

“They’re not laughing” Because Aemond can and would kill everyone of them except aegon and think nothing of it.

[@kylemma33]

They definitely were terrified of Aemond, by this point everyone knows he's one of the best fighters in Westeros.

[@renanperin7049]

been waiting excitingly for your reaction! this episode was full of impactful moments

[@IsiahBradley]

THANKS for this, @CinePals!!!! Enjoying your commentary as the game grows deadlier! As @AcharaKirk says with great symbolic clarity, "You're too close..."

[@sirfetchd9829]

is it just me or is gabby becoming more and more cute and I am starting to like him more and more 😭😭😭

[@Lostmonster]

Ulf the White, the guy in the brothel, was also in episode 2. He's the one that asked about the hanging of the ratcatchers.

[@arobin6695]

i hate this narrative that the show invented, that men love war and women love peace, nothing like that was present in the book. rhaenrya wanted the throne for her own ambition, alicent wanted the throne for her son without the need for a misunderstanding with viserys and rhaenys was the one urging them to use their dragons in war

[@jeffreym8503]

While I still like the show I have to agree

[@Jamestopboy]

That expression at 35:38: Finally, Rhaenyra has her answer - to war it is. Her father *did* choose her and stuck to it right to his very end. Her throne has been stolen from her and, at last, she finally has that confirmation: she was *not* wrong to crown herself Queen - it was what he wanted and decreed. So, to war it is. To honour and uphold her father's wishes. As for Harrenhal, it's not just a haunted castle - it is *the* haunted castle. If anyone asks you where in Westeros they can find ghosts, send them to Harrenhal.

[@evie7040]

I think Alicent thinks she's in too deep to back out now. This episode did a great job at showing how every single thing leads back to Alicent and Rhaenyra, they're at the heart of this entire thing and it's tragic because they have no power in a man's world

[@nikdenver8512]

So this fool Achara actually thinks Rhaenyra can win this war without Daemon? And Rhaenyra has been inactive, thats not how you rule during war. Daemon has been campaigning in the Riverlands for her. Gosh, this idiocy is insane.

[@depressedphantom6992]

Last shot of Rhaenyra looking at the fire.... 🔥🤌🏼

[@chelscara]

42:05 it’s more about resources at that point but eventually it became more about the people in charge having nothing to do so they started war. When common people existed, they always had work to do. It was work just to have enough food to survive.

[@CW-rx2js]

In Valyrian, "Prince" is gender neutral. It could mean Rhaenyra as well - that's what she is realizing. And the prophecy is only passed on to the heir.

[@KaranRandhawa_YYC]

After the last scene, Rhaenyra has all the rights to burn them all.

[@paolavenuti6988]

I think Alicent is going to change her mind, it was clear that she realized the fuck up. Obviously admitting that she was wrong is the least thing on her mind because it means that most of her suffering was pointless... But its clear where this will go, Alicent is questioning everything since season 1 and like you said she has no "real" power. When she will start to oppose her family it'll be too late.

[@millerw2378]

Now that she knows without a doubt that the Throne is rightfully hers. That look in her eyes at the end she knows she has to take it back and that means war!