House of the Dragon Episode 10 BREAKDOWN! Spoilers! Easter Eggs, Ending Explained!

[@Thewilliamsrodriguez]

People saying this season finale was like Season 8 are ridiculous. This was a great episode!

[@crono_digger]

Wait. Why were people saying that?

[@charki40]

What...come on people this is fire.

[@movsss]

I think those were the book purists and some people who went in knowing that we're getting gray characters yet when characters do something that doesn't align with what they read they get mad. I read the book and I think the changes made had different reasons and theories as to why they happened (The choking of Rhaenyra, and the Dragon bonding/Aemond/Luke debacle)

[@ishanbajpai6940]

@@movsss the book itself says that it's not completely accurate. The show is giving the in moment account. The show will be more accurate always.

[@penegakkeadilanpembasmikej5022]

Find out who they are , are they really the HoD?

[@breebree9319]

I think as an action person myself its easy to be mad at Rayhnera for not jumping to try to go off with everyones head right from the start. But I think it makes total sense that she is being measured (as she learned from her father) instead of going on to direct war so quickly. She even explains why! That she has to think of the bigger picture! The threat from the North etc. She is making sure she knows who her allies are before proceeding blindly. She even says as much and is what brings Rheynis to her side because as she tells Corlys, she is the one holding things together by thinking things through while everyone else wants to move in haste. I loved this episode. It was intense and I understand everyones motivations clearly. Even Daemon and Aemond. Can't wait till next season.

[@gmltui]

Yes! Exactly and to further add to that her and I believe a maester pointed out that “when dragons go to war,everything burns”. Rhae Rhae wants to be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms not bones and ash

[@christopherlockwood1857]

Exactly. That is why she’s Queen not daemon

[@Azenithf]

Yep! Exactly this! Rhaenyra's level headedness and tactical mind seems to always get overlooked by everyone and it seems even by the viewers :(

[@The3gg]

I disagree grace I think rhaenyra being cautious entering into war is smart. They even said war with dragons is mutually assured destruction much like nuclear war. She made a point that she doesn't want to be queen of ashes and she knows war will mean a huge death toll. Viserys clearly did not want any drama to any end, whereas I think rhaenyra has made it clear she doesn't want to shed first blood, but she has no problem being bloody Also on a different note I liked the comparison to Franz Ferdinand's assassination kicking off WW1 and Luke's death kicking of this war

[@michellenbayot3395]

reminded me during the hunt she does not want to participate but when the boar attached her She fought back

[@ogt6782]

@@michellenbayot3395 wow, I totally forgot this point. Now I realize how great the writers to demonstrate " show don't tell". Also she didn't want to kill the white stag, which demonstrate her principle of ascending to the throne. She could have killed the stag to convince the lords (although I think that is bullshit, because lords support Aegon out of their own interest - to protect the patriarchal society. The stag was just a play from Hightowers to convince Viserys), but she chose not to do so, because she didn't want her road to the throne is forged with blood and bones.

[@ruleoftwo6174]

Just usual weak excuses. Viserys is weak and Rhaenyra without uncle is weak. War has started but you think war will not lead to deaths? GOT is life real world, either you win or die. All else is just fluff Also pretty funny all the same excuses said the averages Joes got stomped on by Rhaenys last episode is irrelevant. Now with Rhaenys on team Black, they suddenly care about casualties

[@daquaviousbingleton9763]

@@ruleoftwo6174 no rhaenys doesn’t care about casualties she wants to go to war so does everyone else it’s just rhaynera who doesn’t did you even watch the episode

[@ruleoftwo6174]

@@daquaviousbingleton9763 u didnt understand what i was saying I'm laughing at all the shills supporting bad writing who defended Rhaenys last wk arguing that peasants dont matter. But this week, Rhaenys is on team Black and now The Queen says the peasants matter. And no, Rhaenys and Rhaenyra same team now. They will be judged as the same political party

[@_A.A_]

I also liked that small change in the final battle. In the books, Aemond deliberately killed Luce and his dragon but here they showed that both dragons went out of control. This further solidifies that dragons are not completely controllable and Targaryens are literally playing with fire. They could do a lot with this idea in future.

[@Dustviii]

Exactly I loved this change

[@laoighseboyle1351]

Very cool indeed

[@ce1474]

I thought that was a nice touch too

[@RealCindyAparicio]

I think it was very important to establish that dragons are NOT battle planes working on control but true wild animals who can be rode but never tamed. This is an important foreshadowing for what will happen to house Targaryen in a distant future, why the dragons will eventually have to be restrained and how that will make house Targaryen to slowly lose their power and advantage that will lead to their downfall.

[@yehiaalshehri1006]

also the sources in the book were not in the sky witnessing what happened so their accounts are just speculation

[@luistoledo5324]

To me the Dragons not obeying their young riders makes a lot of sense, just as drogon disobeyed Dany several times & Vaghar being a war dragon who survived so long for a reason🤔

[@iamai_iggs]

the show's shown us bits and pieces of this idea that you cannot have complete control over a dragon. so Idk why everyone is upset. viserys said the control is an illusion and laena could not get vhagar to immediately burn her

[@1934jackson]

Honestly, I don’t even understand why people are getting upset. These are dragons. They’re not puppies. If you take them into a battle they’re gonna do with dragons do, breathes fire and kill.

[@tiegideon9816]

@@1934jackson Exactly. It was a game to Aemond, but as far as Vhagar was concerned, he was in actual battle and the goal is always to eliminate the threat.

[@phantomzxro1]

Also add that the storm had both dragons tension's high.

[@Sadzilla]

Grace, i'm disappointed you didn't praise the writing when it came to Rhaenyra's leadership. She showed restraint when daemon was being angry and emotional. Which is a flip on what people usually think about women in power, i.e "They're too emotional" which is a stupid argument people use against women running for things like presidency. I really enjoyed that flip

[@breebree9319]

Exactly 💯 She's like if we're going to do this, let's do it right. Now that she's lost Luce she'll probably get more bloodthirsty but I just don't see her moving on impulse alone.

[@wheelstoadventure]

Btw the reason people say that is because emotionally based decisions are always bad decisions. Male or female. Women just happen to be more emotionally based than men. But an emotional man is a weak man. The best leaders male or female lead with logic not emotions. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@ILoveGrilledCheese]

It’s a deviation from the book. She was nowhere near measured and restrained in the book.

[@Sadzilla]

@@ILoveGrilledCheese the book is also like a hundred pages or some shit

[@Maomcph]

Rhaenyra showing restraint instead of jumping into a war is what got her Corlys support and alliance. So I think it was good that she was not so in a hurry to go to war.

[@Azenithf]

Rhaenys was on the fence too until that moment. They finally saw Rhaenyra's potential to be the better leader.

[@Leo-Galaxy]

17:25 *Why would you expect Laenor to impregnate anyone when you know that he's gay?*

[@chase5436]

Sometimes I get whiplash by what Grace hears from her social media. Today though, I think I broke my neck. I don’t understand how anyone could compare this episode to season 8 of GoT.

[@dalnim4294]

The only people who said this were hardcore Daemon fans who are mad that he’s not the perfect Prince Charming they imagined.

[@KDA8919]

@@dalnim4294 Daemon was never a prince charming. He's one of the most vile, unforgiving, callous, conniving, powerful characters in that world.

[@oli.y]

My neck snapped too, but I feel like maybe what is being compared is the leaks rather than the plot?

[@Beatness121]

For real, after every episode I think the is one of the best shows to air on TV, only to hear a lot of really ridiculous complaints every week by people with bad media literacy.

[@ILoveGrilledCheese]

I think it had to do with how Rhaenyra was changed from the book. They made her out in the show to be level headed and measured which is not how she’s written

[@RainbowMarc]

I think this episode showed exactly why Daemon should not be king and why Rhaenyra would be a fantastic queen. She does not just want the throne for power, she sees herself as a true ruler, a servant to the people and the realm and teaches that to her sons, too. She knows about the potentially world ending prophecy and she is able to show restraint while she takes stock of their supporters and what they can do. She is smart and has never been as regal as now. That crown suits her so well. I'm glad Rhaenys sees that. I'm convinced that without her wise choices that showed how much better she would be as queen as Aegon could ever be as king, she would not have gotten the desperately needed support of House Valeryion and the fleet.

[@raf686]

Wow. Splendid

[@johnspart1177]

Disagree I think Damon would be a good King he is about action

[@raf686]

@@johnspart1177 I think the point is that this is and will be an unpredictable war. Rhaenyra I am sure was going back to what her father said about dragons basically being unpredictable. They don't really control them but them also having that power. There is a lot of conflict and I like how you can agree with their sides but also disagree. But things will come with risks either way.

[@williamerazo3921]

But the Greens messed up by killing Lucerys

[@williamerazo3921]

@@johnspart1177 no. He’s impulsive

[@PoppieLand]

Vhagar said "He can keep his eye"

[@bf5209]

😂😂😂😂 oh poor Luke

[@ce1474]

Arrax fucked around and found out lol

[@bf5209]

The relief I felt when I thought Lucerys was in the clear. But how unfortunate! Poor boy. 😭 and Aemond’s big whoopsie moment! The younger actor was so good. His fear was palpable especially when he musters up courage. He almost pulled through! Deyum! Wow wow wow. 👏 👏 👏

[@majorlazor5058]

When he was in open sky at the end I knew it was bad news for Luc.

[@Uouttooo]

The clear sky at the end was clearly to throw the audience off into thinking all would be fine! This is GoT, not My Little Pony. I did not buy it for a second.

[@quizzlybear]

I would also like to point out that since Vhagar is a battle-tested dragon. The concept of messing and toying around with an enemy might be foreign to her. Aemond was playing games that Vhagar probably didn't understand. From Vhagar's perspective, her rider was gearing for a fight and Arrax initiated an attack. So it was game on for her.

[@Azenithf]

Thats what I thought, I have never witnessed at least on these shows the dragons play fighting or sparing as battle ready dragons. So perhaps the dragons felt threatened and moved purely on instinct.

[@triscuitzreactz]

Vhagar is a battle tested senior citizen, plus Aemond put her in a battle simulation he has yet to train her for his battle style. Vhagar basically had a PTSD/ Dementia episode and did exactly what she was trained to do.

[@sarad2659]

Another great detail is that Rhaenyra was gifted a coronation by followers without asking for it. They bent they knee authentically. Aegons crowing had people forced be there and forced his family via staring to bow.

[@davidsabellano7977]

Rhaenyra holding back actually makes her an effective leader if you ask me. Aegon was crowned before the masses. He had the support he needed. Just like you said, the power these royals are limited to what people let them have. If the Blacks made the first actual shot, they will have an even harder time winning the people’s trust. And it wasn’t Rhaenys’ war to start. If she burned them, she will be remembered as an agent of destruction and a traitor. They actually made careful decisions.

[@breebree9319]

This 👆🏾👆🏾👆🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@kevinstfort]

Very true. But she would likely have still be alive and on the thrown.

[@DJ.Generation]

Well it got her son killed and she lost a dragon So............

[@keane2160]

@@DJ.Generation it was the dragon's fault, they're not controllable 100%

[@Azenithf]

Not to mention people were forced to kneel for aegon and herded like sheep, but Rhaenyra have poweful houses starting to pledge themselves to her willingly.

[@kaminoszero]

The crown comment seriously got me. Every monarchy in the world has multiple crowns new and old. Otto even said Aegon was wearing the Conqueror’s Crown and carried the Conqueror’s Sword just like Queen Elizabeth II had her crown that her father wore but also wore Queen Victoria’s crown at certain events.

[@jeremyfields9009]

The Crown Rhaenyra wears was created by King Jaehaerys to separate himself from the tyranny of Maegor the cruel reign who wore Aegon’s crown.

[@vincent2.032]

This was such an epic season finale. Had a great time watching along.

[@bbatista]

I support the decisions of making the mistakes and misunderstanding the center of the conflict cause neither side wants to start a war or become a king slayer and we see that with Aemond and Lucerys, so the only way that would happen is because of an accident. Also the book is written by unreliable sources that weren't even present during the dance or knew the characters involve. Finally my praise to Emma D'Arcy performance this episode, in my opinion the best actor on this series can't wait for Rhaenyra's anger to burn them all.

[@Truman5555]

Idk about burn. Maybe draw some Blood and eat some Cheese!

[@apratedr8290]

@@Truman5555 good reference

[@blainestiller4152]

It also plays off the misconceived notion by Alicent, and the Green's ill-judged foray into power.

[@baronroaster404]

I disagree that the characters lack agency. Aemond made a choice to chase Lucerys on dragonback. That it had unforseen consequences is just par for the course.

[@Grizmeyer]

Rhaenys is just so cool. Probably the most pragmatic person over on #TeamBlack. The Queen That Never Was indeed

[@GaboObando]

the face Eve made when Daemon countd Meleys on their side 😂

[@AzzurroProductions]

Did she even bow once? Or adressed her as the queen? Seemed a bit weird to me that she was allowed to do that... Then again, they need her Dragon, so I guess they just give her some extra time.

[@ICU1337]

@@AzzurroProductions they need her dragon, her grandchildren, her fleet, her knights. They need her more than she needs them.

[@safwatnuman4297]

@@AzzurroProductions She didn’t bow because her husband hadn’t bowed! I love them so much because they do not falter in public about what the other one said.

[@wheelstoadventure]

Yeah she will always go down in my book as weak for not pulling the trigger in episode nine. like she should have she’s smart enough to know what was going to happen she should’ve just did it

[@TheGreenie85]

I think it‘s very suspicious that Grace‘s analysis leaves out one very important factor: Rhaenys (and House Velaryon) only support Rhaenyra‘s claim BECAUSE of her restraint. They literally say so in the episode! It makes Grace‘s indictment of Rhaenyra‘s behavior less convincing, soooo…. she just doesn‘t mention it 😜 And while I agree that Daemon shows his wife a great deal of support, he does NOT rule in her place loyally as some kind of Hand of the king. He uses her absence to enforce HIS will and designs, knowing that he is directly acting against her wishes!

[@unicornevil6913]

Instead Grace says that it's because they're both women, when that's not true at all.

[@johnspart1177]

Yeah well it's because she is fickle leadership wise

[@chad6771]

I'm really struggling to understand how people are disappointed by this episode 😭😭it was amazing !!! And the changes that they made like with aemond and luke I think it is sm better than the source material because it adds sm to aemonds character. And the fact the dance was started with dragons is so cool !!!!! Like it was so goodddd

[@vokasimid5330]

It was 😘

[@Rawla2]

In the books and lore don’t they say that the dragons inherit their riders emotions and connections. So if that is the case it could be a interesting thought if vagar knew deep down that aemond wanted luke dead and arrax knew that Luke wanted to pick at aemond. Which could explain that’s the dragons just act as the subconscious of the riders

[@daquaviousbingleton9763]

Or the opposite and they aren’t as close as we thought vhager thought aemond fucking around with luce was actually a fight and downright just killed him I mean that’s how I took it I feel like that The only way you can take it that ain’t mental gymnastics

[@rigby_rich3650]

@@daquaviousbingleton9763 I take it as the dragons being more bloodthirsty than their riders. Vaghar got attacked and wanted to kill a rival

[@robertmartin995]

Dragons are sentient beings. The rider and dragon connection is a love connection. When you love someone; when you have been at their side for years; do you not know how they feel? Do you sometime act on their feelings even when they cannot do so themselves? Particularly in a heated moment, when the one you love is attacked. Why do the Dragons have to have a physic connection? It could just be an emotional one.

[@cruzefx3652]

They literally showed rhaenyra's dragon feeling her pain during the baby scene, they know their rider's feeling, aemond wanted to kill luke, but could not do it for n reasons, vhagar on the other hand doesn't know or care about politics and the iron throne

[@TheRubenMar]

I think dragons are like pitbulls, if they don't get train correctly or are in a bad mood, they could bite the neighbor or even a family member

[@Nick-zz6te]

The Storm's End scene until the ending was so damn tense.

[@ce1474]

It was a nice touch showing that Aemon and his dragon were there. I was thinking the whole time, "Is Aemon really going to let this go down without consequence?"

[@cosmothespacedogsdad]

I have no idea what happens in the books. I loved this! I hated season 8 finale because it made no sense. This makes sense to me though, it was an awesome watch.

[@GlitterGutter]

i liked the aspect that Aemond didn't really wanted to kill Luce... makes him more complex...

[@randompseudonym4519]

He wanted his eye as payback, but didn't want to kill him and kick start an entire war! Aemond is smarter than that!

[@daquaviousbingleton9763]

Yh vhager mistook Aemond doing a bit of trolling as a fight unfortunately and luce also realised he wasn’t gonna kill him that’s why he told arrax to stop when he breathed fire on vhager

[@stormdragon2529]

well yea, he only wanted to scare luke, make him fear Aemond while Luke just wanted to run as fast as possible but then Aarax's survival instincts came in and started attacking vhaegar

[@mysticmarble94]

Aemond lookin like this "" 👁👄💎 ""

[@chillen8413]

How is rhaenyra in effective when because of her way of responding to the situation the valerians joined her side. That seems pretty effective to me

[@Hobodeluxe960]

as for the dragons acting on their own it's a theme that runs through the stories that the beasts have much influence on the "history" of the world. From stags, boars, ravens,wolves and dragons the entire history hinged on events they interacted in.

[@damianbrand1090]

Good take away man

[@mrgermanvono35]

I'm glad the show is really starting to acknowledge and show that dragons are dangerous and wild cards even if you have tamed them. They are basically weapons of mutually assured destruction

[@benblack4778]

The Twitter Memes of Vhagar being senile is hilarious 😂

[@rinehardt6837]

Having read the books and all the material I love this episode. In the books it tells you this is three different accounts of what happened. The show's going for this is what actually happened. The things they've changed so far like Allison not being a one-dimensional villain and amen also not being a one-dimensional villain I feel like good decisions. It's okay to like Damon as a character people don't have to keep excusing the terrible things he does he ain't no hero and that's the whole point. I don't feel that the queen is being indecisive at all and she said she doesn't want to rule over a kingdom of Ash and Bone. So before you send thousands and thousands of people to war to die hey maybe think it through and weigh your options but don't wait too long. I feel it's a fine line. I'm very very happy with season 1

[@OziJo1]

Well said 👍

[@ThePalkiaxdialga]

the show is not the truth... grrm said it

[@ianvera4299]

HOTD is truly going to be the best fantasy tv show of this decade like GOT was the last. Can not wait until S2 in 2024:)

[@daquaviousbingleton9763]

Why put this on a video shitting on it

[@ianvera4299]

@@daquaviousbingleton9763 I wasn't? Are you ok lol

[@dingo7564]

Aemond departed tried to have confrontations with Luc THROUGHOUT the season, this was normal and within character. It was not rushed for those paying attention

[@SpartanBobo]

Read the book. Loved the "change" to Aemond (This could have happened in the book but no one really knows because no one was up in the sky other than Aemond and Luc and Aemond could have just said he killed Luc intentionally to not make himself look weak). Loved the season as a whole and thought it was nearly flawless.

[@julio1148]

Exactly, theres a lot of room to make "faithful" interpretations of the source material because of the way the book was written

[@Atlasss97]

Grace, Rhay did have informants and allies in the red keep, but you have to remember The green council happened in a day and the Greens were prepared. They kept the news to themselves until they could round everyone up, they closed the city gates (in the books) and ensured Aegon was crowned that day. And it take a few hours to sail to Dragonstone. The news got their as early as it possible could get in those circumstances

[@marwynthemasterful6369]

They let the King rot for a week in the books. They didn’t crown Aegon in a day

[@MaxIronsThird]

The foot guy even jailed the servants.

[@Atlasss97]

@@marwynthemasterful6369 you misinterpreted my comment. I was referring to the day stuff from the show.. which is what happened. The reference about closing city gates, I noted was from the books.. but I can imagine them doing that in the show until after the Corononation

[@marwynthemasterful6369]

@@Atlasss97 my mistake

[@ninjastorm540]

I think it's understandable that Rhaenyra would be a little indecisive and hesitant in this episode. It is her first time ruling and being in this edge of war situation all at once. We can't expect her to be great at it instantly. All she can go by is what her father taught her which she was trying to do. Plus it did feel like she was playing it smart and listening to all her advisers to help her decide without being impulsive.

[@Azenithf]

She also doesn't want to be a ruler of ashes, they are dealing with literal nuclear weapons. It was a good call on her part for sure

[@fletchersykes1660]

They didn't need to confirm Aemond didn't mean to kill Luke, we all saw what happened and his shock at Vagahr sky-biting Arrax and Luke. Aemond simply wanted to troll Luke but Vagahr and Arrax had their own ideas.

[@vokasimid5330]

Targaryens are only taught how to control dragon not how to understand/emphatize with them

[@fletchersykes1660]

@@vokasimid5330 to "control" a dragon also requires a degree of understanding them. In any case, your comment isn't relevant to my original post as the basis is Aemond's reaction to Luke's death.

[@TheDarksweeney]

The writing is on point, & in synch with the original books. It was not indecision on anyone's part. I'm not sure how that is missed.

[@fourleafproductions9788]

I understand why people might not like vhagar vs arrax plot wise, but I love the sequence, the tension and the moment when you feel like lucaerys escapes until the scene when he sees the bright sky and you realise he's met his fate

[@anps2611]

They make another crown because Jahaerys didn't want to wear a crown that was 'full of blood' (King Maegor brutal rule) so he made new crown and bam..60 years of peaceful ruling

[@FAITH_FACTOR_TV]

WHAT EXACTLY DID YA'LL WATCH?!? THIS EPISODE WAS GREAT!!!

[@dkcmusic]

Aemond got on his dragon to chase down Luke. Also Dragons are bonded to their riders emotions. Luke was scared and arrax attacked out of defense.

[@melvinjoseph952]

Somehow this channel gets more and more tonedeaf as I watch it. Daemon was attracted to a young Rhaenyra, because unlike his wife, this was a 14 year old who was completely smitten by him, and allowed him to have control. Daemon didn't snap out of frustration. This is what he has always been, he'll do things for his family, but only when it also serves his own self-interest. He didn't even attempt to consummate his first marriage, despite it being a part of his duty to his family (and then proceeded to kill his wife, and claim her inheritance). He cheered for the death of his nephew, and he attempted to manipulate and soil his neice. The dude was completely fine with being Rhaenyra's second in command, but the moment he realised his advice won't be heeded, he made a conscious decision to use violence to shut Rhaenyra up, and impose his "authority" over her.

[@Ryan_JD]

Lucerys' death was among the most tragic, including throughout GoT, in my opinion. I had even read about it ahead of time, but it was rough watching him trying to build confidence only for his mission to go so poorly. Watching him go through all that alone and then his escape attempt was heartbreaking. I do have mixed feelings about Aemond's motivation change though. Ultimately he chose to pursue Lucerys anyway, and surely he knew Vhagar's temperament enough to realize the risk. I mean I'm just a dog trainer and even I know training only goes so far, because they still have a mind of their own.

[@dwaynecuster]

Honestly, I feel that Rhaenyra is as cautious and calculating as Eddard Stark. Those are pragmatic skills in war. She wasn't indecisive at all. She was playing chess.

[@justinmingus191]

Ah yes, cold and calculating like Ned Stark, which is why he lasted until S8 and his family and House prospered. Oh wait...

[@RealCindyAparicio]

I really loved how the shadow of Viserys is over the entire episode and how his influence really made an impact in Rhaenyra. Remember she was the heir to the throne he always chose (even since Daemon was officially his heir). He taught Rhaenyra and prepared her to be peaceful Queen and put duty first that is the important difference between Rhaenyra and Daemon, a man who’s only thinking about war and a QUEEN who’s first thinking about the people she’s trying to govern. This is the same thinking that drives Rhaenys to not start a war when she had the chance. I think both have a better understanding of what ruling means and are truly the only two making decisions to try to prevent a war when all the men in their lives are obsessed with power. I don’t think there’s indecision in Rhaenyra, Rhaenys and even Alicent. They are three female leaders who are trying to find ways to settle things without bloodshed but who keep encountering men in their lives who make bad decisions based upon their own desires and not thinking about the consequences. But it’s made clear at the end that path is over and now we will see them going to war. I do believe Rhaenyra, Rhaenys and Alicent are true leaders (the true leaders) and it will be even more clear in season 2.

[@MaxIronsThird]

Imo Rhaenyra is the perfect blend of Viserys and Daemon.

[@RealCindyAparicio]

@@MaxIronsThird Yes! I think that as well and I’m excited to see that in future seasons.

[@johnspart1177]

I disagree with you

[@vokasimid5330]

Kind of resembles William L McKinley tried hard to not do American Expansion while that's the only thing that his senators obsessed about

[@denniskristos3800]

My take on "HOTD"'s dragons: Arrax was in fight or flight mode during the pursuit. At first it was flight, prompted by Lucerys' commands (and dragonriders, as part of the lore), seem to have a psychic bond with their riders, making the dragons of the Game Of Thrones universe, empathic, self aware creatures. You need further proof? Those blink and you'll miss them shots of Syrax shrieking while Rhaenyra was in the throes of her brutal stillbirth really drives home that idea. Their dragons are perceptive, intelligent and can sense what their riders are feeling both physically and emotionally. Arrax was apprehensive and tentative in responding to Luke's commands because he sensed Luke's caution, apprehension and.. fear. Vhagar sensed Aemond's anger, frustration and his sadistic urge to "toy" with Lucerys. But the riders of both dragons, are inexperienced and foolish enough to fall into the delusion that as Targaryens, they were in total control of their mounts and it showed in the final sequence of the chase. Primal survival instinct kicked into both dragon and rider and Arrax acted-out of fear because he sensed his master's fear, regardless of the fact he was outmatched at minimum, ten times in size, strength and battle experience by Vhagar. Had Arrax not switched into fight mode and unleashing his dragon breath at Vhagar, the outcome of that encounter, might have been totally different.

[@haunted_autumn]

I love the changes they made from the book. They humanized Aemond, and they payed off on the idea they have set up all season that no one really controls dragons. Personally, I think they need to make some MAJOR changes from the book going forward. Rhaenyra's ending in the books is... stupid.

[@Jay-om8gr]

😂😂😂

[@williamerazo3921]

That’s the ending. Sorry

[@Happyday-ps7wy]

Grace to me this was best show I’ve seen in years, amazing writing and outstanding visual effects and the acting god tear. Everyone got fear powerful roles

[@crono_digger]

The best thing about the show so far is that every character is complex. There are no good or bad (one dimensional) characters here like in Game of Thrones, and not having someone to truly root for makes it a lot more interesting and realistic in a way.

[@Peer165]

Larys Strong is pretty one dimensional.

[@majorlazor5058]

@@Peer165 Yeah Larys is pretty cartoonishly bad at this point. I hope they explain why he is so sadistic.

[@nguzoloveinlofi3832]

@@majorlazor5058 Uh- he's a cripple in a dog eat dog (dragon eat dragon) society that preys upon the weak and vulnerable.

[@crono_digger]

@@Peer165 i dunno bro having a feet fetish is pretty complex for a character lmao

[@ce1474]

@@Peer165 Tbh I didnt see Larys as evil up to Episode 10 where the show is really pushing me to take the Blacks side. Before that, I supported the Greens, and Larys was really coming thru and getting shit done, even though he was a little creepy.

[@AzzurroProductions]

To say Rhaenyra and Daemon killed Laena because of childbirth complications is a bit of a stretch...:D

[@octopi6462]

The more I think about this finale the more I love it. If everyone all went to war right away, it would be more like GoT season 8. Instead, they're taking it slow and developing the story in a beautiful way, not rushing it. The fact that Rhaenyra avoided war at first is actually really good. It makes her a much more likable character, but us fans will still get to see what we want, just not quite as soon as we hoped. This is probably the best scenario possible.

[@wyatt6403]

To me this is an example of really great writing. Its okay if characters make mistakes, so long as they aren’t being rewarded for those mistakes (cough cough Ned and Rob Stark). And I think everyone who has made a mistake thus far has only dug themselves into a deeper hole. Also, Rhaneyra is actually really smart and even though in some ways I think she should listen to Daemon a little bit more, she isn’t doing anything that doesn’t make sense, especially for her character. Fighting with dragons is very risky (especially since she believes that the Long Night could be just around the corner). We saw in this episode how not even Aemond was able to control Vhagar due to lack of experience riding a dragon in a fight with another dragon. I like the fact that the show is showing that dragons aren’t just armed vehicles, they’re intelligent animals with instincts and personalities that cannot be completely controlled. The one mistake I think Rhaneyra makes is not holding Otto captive as a bargaining chip.

[@lonewolfnh89]

The ending reminded me of play fighting with two pitbulls. Once the fight switch for dogs are turned on, there's nothing an owner can do to stop it. Aemond is too inexperience with dragon fighting to understand that.

[@LooksByNaheemah]

I think Rhahnera not jumping into war is incredibly strong of her. You must know what Allie’s you will have before starting a losing war. Admin didn’t even mean to kill Luce so this whole thing was just super unfortunate

[@louisberry4403]

The Finale Is Not Close To Season 8 and was great. This Season Is Awesome And Is On There With Prime Season Of GOT. Emma, Olivia, Peddy Deserve Emmy Nominations. Can't wait for Season 2 and i'm going to miss this show :(. Aleast we've Andor to look forward to.

[@Yeahsosoandyeahyeah]

I love that Aemond was shocked and that it seemed he didn't really want't to kill his cousin. Makes the war and al the dragons dying more pointless and more tragic.

[@que1626]

Regarding Rhaena and Seasmoke, you should be happy she didnt try to claim Seasmoke because Laenor is still alive and a dragon kills whoever tries to ride it without their master.

[@alvinpeterson1039]

him putting his hands on her is so Daemon tho. it's on character.

[@angelantayhua3096]

Fr, people acting like a brash passionate character who just found out his brother is dead (believing he was murdered) and hearing his medieval wife talking about a dream wouldn’t physically abuse her is beyond me.

[@FernandoAR760]

The book was written in the perspective of a measter so the show is supposed to be what really happened the idea is that Aemond didn't really mean to kill him but from the perspective of Storms end was that Aemond threatened him and chased after him so history will just assume that he killed him and will lose the nuance

[@breebree9319]

I think it makes ot so much more intereting.

[@erickramospineda5372]

The season made it clear that dragons can feel and interpret their riders’ feelings. I think that, even though Aemond did not intend to kill Lucerys, he has been feeling hate towards him all this time, and his dragon can feel that just as Arrax attacked based on Luke’s fear. Furthermore, Vhagar has been to war, the problem is that Aemond does not understand his dragon

[@SWACBUZZ]

Those people saying it was like season 8 were trolls. This episode was fantastic and can't wait for Season 2.

[@zenla1033]

And *she fell for it.* She read their trolling in advance and let it poison her review. Too bad. Expected more from Grace.

[@Tashley]

The thing about Aemond is you’re tryna say he’s not guilty of Luke’s death but he was very much so because he wanted Luke’s eye even that alone would be enough to start the war if he took it he antagonized Luke into that situation even if he didn’t wanted to kill Luke he definitely didn’t wanna hold his hand and the dragons at the end of the day are beasts it wasn’t wise of arrax to attack vhagar but back into a corner it felt the need to defend itself and vhagar got pissed and reacted to the attack

[@VictorDiGiovanni]

I feel the biggest complaint of episode 9, Rhaenys not charring everyone, was made moot by her very justifiable statement saying "This isn't my war to start."

[@DemetriusWren]

I actually liked that people are falling into war because of mistakes and misunderstandings. I find it to be the real reason why war happens amongst people/nations. And it also allows us to care deeply when folks die and to be on the side of characters when in season 2 they raise hell.

[@r.h.6249]

This was a fucking great episode...i think most were disappointed by the dragon battle but i think it was perfect, just a little tease for what's about to come..also it was so damn heartbreaking to see Lucerys gone in that way

[@ce1474]

Right I agree. Save the big dragon battles for Season 2.

[@Dric_MagiC]

What the heck they want😂😂 For me that was awesome for a tv show 🤷🏻‍♂️ people now are so greedy 😡

[@AMagixPixies]

omg i'm not the only one thinking about quidditch while watching that scene hahahaha! the vfx were on F- Point!!

[@GeekMyMind]

I think a lot of people put too much stock into their own interpretations rather than actually paying to what is happening. If you read the book you know the frame of reference is different from the show. The show is the objective truth with actual context.

[@nickmartinez1151]

i don’t understand why you’re saying rhaenyra is a bad queen because she doesn’t want to enact genocide. also remember that that “inaction” is the whole reason why she was about to secure rhaenys and corlys’s support. BECAUSE of her decision making, she now has the largest and most powerful fleet in Westeros, in addition to 12 dragons. You just want action.

[@ejbell]

I hope that they show that Seasmoke can't be claimed. Because dragons bond to to their rider for that rider's lifetime. And Laenor isn't dead! That would be a good call back and maybe Laenor could come back as a 'mystery knight' to 'claim' his dragon. 😉

[@CamiloAngelo]

Lately I’ve been disagreeing a lot with Grace. Whenever Grace vouches for a film/show, it bombs. Whenever she criticises something, it turns out it’s great. She misunderstands things quite a lot and regularly SPOILS things with her insider knowledge and thumbnails. Her intuition compass is missing it. Sad to say that I am finding it hard to enjoy the content now.

[@OziJo1]

Thanks for covering this show so wonderfully Grace :) I wasn’t spoiled and I’m not going to buy into the social media toxicity. This was a great episode and the comments here are all positive.

[@lucyvanlipton7433]

At first I was like “What’s the deal with Daemon choking Rhaenyra?” But Grace you, like always, make valid points. I understand Daemon’s frustration now. Still not cool to do though. Use your words Daemon, use your words.

[@Jay-om8gr]

You do know that he killed his first wife?

[@ce1474]

@@Jay-om8gr Ikr. I see a lot of sanitizing of Daemon online. He's no Ned Stark. Also, people forget how he was fucking up against the crabfeeder.

[@johnspart1177]

@@ce1474 Ned was a good guy and died Damon is cool and a kinda great character but he gets shit done

[@Tapionski]

Daemon doesn't have gray scale. Those are just scars of war.

[@naraku79]

I don’t think Grace got it. The Queen wasn’t indecisive, actually the contrary, she stood her ground and kept calm while everyone else was chanting war cries. “Queen that never was” got it right and that’s why her husband decided to support the Queen.

[@patricksoares3386]

I enjoyed it a lot! I'm glad i was able to avoid most of the spoilers... It's anoying when people don't respect those who decide to wait until the episode airs, spreading all kind of spoilers everywhere and with no warning...

[@baronroaster404]

Rhaenyra's crown is the one Viserys used. Aegon's crown belonged to Aegon the Conqueror

[@BobJTMarts]

Enjoyed the episode a lot, and the season as a whole has been impeccable and a highlight of Tv this year, excited for season 2 whenever that is

[@daquaviousbingleton9763]

Except episode 5 end and episode 9 but except that it’s been pretty good with some other floors definitely a solid 8.5

[@eddyawesomes]

This was a GREAT episode. Grace's taste is all over the place. LMAO

[@jnealone]

This was a great episode and definitely good writing adding more complexity to things than the book. Rhanera is definitely not ineffective but extremely shrewd waiting to see what actual support she has before attacking blindly.

[@vokasimid5330]

It was 🙌🤯😘

[@Animaxx010]

I think the changes are fine. The book itself was written more like a history book. And sometimes the real way things went down are lost in translation. So the show changing some things here and there are actually kind of their way of saying, “this is how it really went.” Didn’t George R.R. cowrote this ep?

[@tomderuiter2254]

I don't agree with the writing being indicisive about making choices. The 'misunderstandings' that are spoken of are very true to life (life is like that) and make sense (to me at least). Viserys spoke about that dragons are not controllable and this is the perfect way to show that. Neither the biggest nor the smallest dragon always listen to their riders. Dragons are animals and ultimately will do what they want, just like in real life. And I felt it was a small commentary on men controlling nature. Wonderful finale, amazing series!! Give me S2

[@yesinmymouth4741]

When it comes to pronouncing the dragon's names, Grace just does her own thing lol

[@oli.y]

😂

[@TheRumblewagon]

Grace, you did not question how Daemon found out that Lucerys was killed and the manner that he was killed. Was there a witness to the air battle? Did Aemond go back and blab immediately about what happened and blame his dragon? If Aemond was the only witness he could have just gone back and said nothing... and act as if he had no knowledge of anything...

[@brianc620]

Daemon already said it before. "We all grieve in our own way." I don't think anyone has focused on this but Daemon's assumption is that Viserys was murdered. I don't know why more people aren't mentioning this more. I don't think he's saying it to help their claim against the Greens. I think he genuinely believes that Viserys was killed by the Greens. It was a broken relationship but I think Daemon genuinely loved Viserys. So, yea, he's probably PISSED. Given his temperament, is it logical that he might grieve for his brother's murder in such a way?

[@juans8356]

"F-around and find out" has been the theme of many episodes. From Chad Blackwood to Vhagar getting sucker punched. A war time dragon isn't gonna accept anything less than death as a response.

[@Seabasstard22]

Was so good, knew all the death were coming and still had me so attached to the characters that it had me crying.

[@ninjastorm540]

The dragons disobeying their riders is an interesting call back to what Viserys pointed out earlier this season. He said Targaryens think they control dragons but they don't really. I think it's more they guide them but if the dragons feel some type of way they can disobey. Even Drogon has disobeyed Daenerys a few times and even abandoned her at one point. So this is something that can happen as a dragon rider.

[@rexsmith9074]

Jacerys pointing out he couldn't sail and got sea sick was much appreciated. One of the things that has driven me crazy is how little Rhaenyra prepared her sons. Glad to see the show finally call it out. Not saying she's only one, but it's one of the reasons I'm not Team Black.

[@JerseyBoy489]

What Aegon wasn't prepared either. It's about power everyone can't be prepared all the time

[@Desmuria]

It was definitely Lucerys that said that, not Jacaerys.

[@stephenscaglione9247]

“Daemon is an abuser but at least he supports her” is not the take you think it is

[@Yos_Silvertongue]

I think comparing this finale to season 8 is just trauma speaking. And I like the idea that the only thing that could tear down the house of the dragon was dragons. Oh, and shout out to Ramin Djawadi, he deserves some recognition for the score, such a delight

[@r.h.6249]

Also i am so so happy with all the castles and places were never saw on GOT which even now look so great...Storm's end looked fucking amazing and well Dragonstone already looked perfect with all the fog...i hope they make Winterfell even more grand next season

[@PandaG0419]

Grace, that is not grayscale. It's Damon's scar from his battle in episode 3.

[@ClockMonsterLA]

Um, as someone who has worked in vfx since 2004, I can tell you that rendering a scene with an environment full of fog and rain does not save on render time. It increases render time rather significantly since all the environmental fx are rendered separately and composited with the main beauty renders, adding that much more for compositors to "dial in" at the end (and nobody gets pixel f***ked like the compositors). But what I'd like to know is how news of that "dance" ever reached Dragonstone. I mean, there was nobody else to witness it, and Luke and Arrax's remains fell into the sea. It's not like they had a black box sending out a signal letting everyone at Dragonstone know what happened and where to find them.

[@EyeGlassTrainofMind]

Ravens most likely. It was known that the Princes were there and then people saw them fight. Most likely pieces of Arrax were found or of Lucerys could have been spotted and gossip travels faster than anything else.

[@masivepractice9800]

I think you're missing an important progression in Rhaenyra's character arch Grace. In episode 8 she experienced first hand how her father, King Viserys Targaryen brought the families together and helped to heal old rifts and wounds through diplomacy and heart felt words. If she seemed less forceful and erred on the side of caution in episode 10, I'd put it down to how she wanted to be more like her father and search for a less forceful solution to this new turbulence. It worked for him, she could make it work too. Her performance, especially with her back to the camera at the end of this episode, was phenomenal.

[@Keef613]

Hi Grace. When comparing the book to the show you have to keep in mind that the book is meant to read like a history book from "Questionable" sources (a jester and maester). George R. R. Martin has already said the events of the show are meant to be the true events of the time. Which is why he was closely involved with the show unlike Game of Thrones.

[@Penpaper]

Seasmoke should not be claimable as it’s human is still alive. And in the world of this show I think the dragon would know

[@RamienKirupa]

Bruh who actually said this season finale was bad. I've yet to meet a single human with a brain cell who did NOT love this finale. One of the best season finales I've ever seen

[@thelocaldiva]

Twitter

[@RamienKirupa]

@@thelocaldiva Twitter is not a real place

[@thelocaldiva]

@@RamienKirupa it has real people commenting their thoughts. It even has real consequences in many cases