House of the Dragon: Episode 6 - Review

Episode 6 gives us our biggest time jump yet (10 years), full of recastings, and altered character relationships. Here are my thoughts on Episode 6 of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON!
#houseofthedragon

[@j0hncarp]

Laenor and Rhaenyra don't hate each other. They're just kinda tired of their own situation, but they mostly support each other

[@skywatcheradept]

Laenor: I am a knight... and a warrior. And I have played my part here, faithfully... for 10 years. I am owed some... Rhaenyra: You are owed nothing!

[@darkscholar625]

@@skywatcheradept She’ll get what she’s owed for her arrogance.

[@Simbu.]

@@darkscholar625 it's not arrogance. he says he played his part. he hasn't. as long they are married, they are still PLAYING their part. He assumes his work is done. He should have had better plan though. Like made Rhaenyra vow she can sleep around but should mother only his sons.

[@darkscholar625]

@@Simbu. Exactly. And it’s her arrogance of believing she could do whatever she wanted with no consequences that eventually led to the downfall of her house. She’s immature. Unable to accept the fact that she lives in a day and age where certain things are expected of her. Is it fair, probably not. But that’s the reality she was born into. And one with much greater privilege than most others get.

[@yohanespaskal9352]

@@darkscholar625 100% the show, keep showing her immature, full of her self, she insult royal family left n right.

[@Narding5566]

I cant believe Jeremy did not mention Prince Aegon "Homelandering" on the window on top of King's Landing.

[@Danjoker.]

We don't talk about that

[@rahbeeuh]

Not Homelandering 😭🤣

[@johnnielurker]

saw this one comment on reddit, apparently his moniker is Aegon the Cumslinger🤣

[@thembanitheone]

Same energy

[@yaritzamiranda921]

I'd rather burn that from my memory

[@nupreview]

Daemon may be an egocentric and maniac in his days, but he'll never harm his own family, yet Larys did it without any remorse. Looks like Viserys's so-called plague isn't his brother, but his wife's Littlefinger

[@BigbearTKO]

The day he married her he set forth his houses downfall

[@rahbeeuh]

His wife's what? 🤣 I know what you meant but it sounds so funny to me

[@dantefromdevilmaycry9857]

@@rahbeeuh Shall we change in to dildo then?

[@yaritzamiranda921]

Viserys is spineless, if he is THE KING he is supposed to have more authority than Alicent, he should have accepted Rhaneyra's offer and told Alicent to bend the knee or gtfo. I guess the power of the p*ssy is stronger

[@petrojam-ltd7448]

His daughter has 3 bastards, how’s that not his plague

[@marcusmaksym7804]

Pinky finger killing his whole family was the shock of the episode for me

[@rahbeeuh]

Not Pinky finger 🤣 also Viserys being alive after a decade wasn't a bigger shock?

[@marcusmaksym7804]

Viserys not being able to die is the most Viserys thing ever hahaha. The guy can’t even make that decision

[@TripA8192]

Pinky finger lolllll that was good

[@Bannedconfidential]

Pinky Finger 😂😂😂

[@hellfish2309]

Big mafioso energy

[@traumer9622]

I would have wished for a few more minutes with Daemon, Laena and their kids. Just to flesh out the dynamic. Other than that I think the jump worked well.

[@samer.4660]

I mean what's the new daemon character rushed so fast from episode 1 they did daemon character so dirty I feel sorry for book fan's of daemon and laena story

[@alysia_nevermore5860]

I wish this episode 6 was 30mins longer to give more screen to daemon and his fan and Rhaeneyra and Harwin and their kids

[@surajitbera4627]

Felt like it was a bit rushed

[@tracie1892]

this ep felt rushed, I wanted more relationship building with Harwin too

[@subterraneanhomesickalien666]

I think 2 seasons could have been used to set up the dance. All the characters and relationships would be so much better fleshed out.

[@alpeshsrivastava]

The fact Bran probably saw Price Aegon playing with his little dragon probably from same window King Tommen decided to go kamikaze!!!

[@eugeneimbangyorteza]

JAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAH

[@Noone91875]

Wtf. I never think that way.

[@jitendrakulaste2365]

Aegon homelander targaryen

[@factor2634]

Oh internet you trully are the greatest invention ever 😂😂😂😂

[@MadristaSisam]

King's landing...either in the form of full grown man or jizz

[@prrrakshal]

Anybody else gonna miss Harwin? Dude was a badass.

[@daquaviousbingleton9763]

Thought it was really well done for how little screen time he got his kids only just found out he was there dad and they’ll never get to see him again

[@dumblydoor3741]

It felt like some version of romeo and Juliet... although we didn't get much of their scenes, it still worked how they care for each other and how Harvin looks at his sons ... Feeling sad for rhaenyra

[@supernatural5354]

Yes! I'm crushed. He was so hot 😭

[@Noone91875]

Yep. Dude is a beast.

[@BrayOfTheDonkey]

to bad he got fired!

[@paulbarrette4271]

My main question after that episode is why Viserys didn’t just force Alicent to accept Rhaenyra’s offer. She’s only the queen through marriage and shouldn’t have that much sway and power.

[@jeffnogo]

A determined mother always makes the final decision over the father when it comes to their children. Being King doesn't help that much, especially when he's a bit of a pushover.

[@justinnyugen7015]

He’s physically and mentally a weak king

[@mt6897]

I mean, we have been told repeatedly since the first episode that he is a very weak king and has never really been good at ruling.

[@princeowiredu2022]

Because Viserys is a weakling

[@WVelaryonFirstOfHisName]

At this point, V has checked the fuck out.

[@9124Nove]

The time jump didn't throw me off; but at the same time, I wish that we had had more time to flesh out some characters and storylines.

[@knocknockify]

Yeah. It felt kinda rushed.

[@sosolawson6587]

It kinda destroyed the whole pacing of the show, they really have to get it right or it would destroy the show

[@Real_MisterSir]

Only thing about the skip that threw me off was the recasting -partly Alicent's actor, but especially Rhaenyra. For a long time I was like "who is this person, have we met her before?", the difference in especially their facial structure is so different it was a bit tough to swallow - even considering the 10 year age gap. But at the same time I'm sure that in a month from now I won't be looking back on this and thinking much about it (at least if acting is on top, which it seems to be so far).

[@user-bh2fz5sf5e]

The books are no more fleshed out then the show has been tho. The book also jumps huge amounts of time. And there's no character development. So what the show is giving us is a wonderful blessing. People keep thinking this show has a 5 book story to go off of. Now dude it's like 20 chapters. 2 maybe 3 seasons at best

[@giltyakhtar]

@@user-bh2fz5sf5e If they had only a few chapters, honestly they could've made their own episodes which don't have the book material to flesh out the story more. They could've saved the time jumps for the next seasons

[@leemiller29]

I was prepared for the major time jump, but I was *not* prepared for how little time we got with Laena and Harwin. I really wanted a little more time with both of them, especially Laena, and see her interact more with Daemon.

[@moonman8450]

This episode for me had something the others lacked: Liveliness The servants, the court, all the people in the red keep, more natural dialogue This show gets better and better

[@bishbosh4815]

I feel the absolute opposite

[@rishabh3150]

this was politically the deepest episode... politics is what made GOT so amazing in the early seasons... Alicent is now on par with Rhenarya, she is pulling strings behind the scenes... which has added a lot to the conflict..

[@bishbosh4815]

@@rishabh3150 it's all politics little entertainment. Sure there were some emotional scenes but the drama was boring to me, and it's not a lack of action, it's just... it felt bland to me. Like literally just talking and nothing else, no big reveals, little plot advancement, no humour, nothing of any substance, just set up for the future

[@KillerTacos54]

Idk all the episodes have felt very lively to me. This one just focused on it a bit more because it was important to the episode

[@rishabh3150]

@@bishbosh4815 yeah maybe true.. but that's what made George RR Martin so unique.. contrary to lord of the rings with fantasy battles and happy endings, his stories are more inclined to the reality of today's world.. you have to look after your interests first before anyone else.. That's why people hated seasons 7-8 of GoT.. it inclined more towards the battles and fantasy endings instead of slow build up and political tension..

[@YourBlackLocal]

For some reason they cut Daemon hugging the kids after their mother’s death.

[@nathancardenas2719]

I think he's going to abandon them for rhaenyra at some point, so the director wanted that scene to feel cold and distant

[@YourBlackLocal]

@@nathancardenas2719 I’d rather show a connections so there’s more weight to him leaving them if that’s the case.

[@tj3603]

Maybe because they want to show he is a distant father? I believe one of his daughters complained he is ignoring her.

[@blurrylinesx8039]

@@tj3603 Which is bull imo because those parts of Daemon's character are exactly what make him "grey" and not just a sadistic bastard in the books. He's supposed to love his family (including all his kids and stepkids) and be a ride or die for them. That's perhaps his one redeeming quality and it's so strange to me they'd rather have him be an absent father on the show. Wasted potential

[@tj3603]

@@blurrylinesx8039 maybe we'll see more of family dynamic in next episode, this one is already fully packed with all kinds of things.

[@catmanduu66]

You kind of undersell the princess giving birth scene. The queen demands that she sees the baby, right now. So, instead of letting the baby just go she gets dressed, drops the after birth and makes way to the top of the tower. This really shows where the relationship between the queen and princess is. When she leaves and walks back you see the trail of blood she left. They did a great job of showing how strong the princess is and how much hated she and the queen now have.

[@prrrakshal]

Laena Valeryon shouting Dracaryas as a plead was so sad and powerful

[@Theauu]

@Everyday ... Did you not see her burned bones?

[@shamsham1229]

@Everyday Danaerys was kind of special in being fully fireproof. The rest of them have resistance but could still be burned to a crisp by a Dragon. Plus, Laena wasn’t a Targaryen.

[@deadingu]

@Everyday She's not a targaryen

[@roastedfroggy4262]

For some reason i expected her to ask the doc to cut open and save the baby and then make daemon to take her to the dragon to get her a dragon rider's death

[@joshsherrod2822]

@@shamsham1229 she’s half Targaryen but you’re correct I assume only some full blood Targaryen are “fireproof”

[@telltellyn]

100% agree that we moved through a few storylines too fast, I wish this had taken place over 2 episodes. I suspect the writers didn't want to slow down too much after the massive mid-season reset. Still loved the episode though!

[@MarkHogan994]

Ultimately they just don't have time to give these scenes more build-up or more time to breathe, which is unfortunate. But I understand why, there's a certain point they want to reach before the season ends, and honestly most of the first season is just a prologue to the "real" story. So they can't really afford to spend more time on these events, as they're just setup for later. But still, it is a bit of a shame how much stuff they have to speed through.

[@Chimera_166]

Only thing i didn't about this episode is Laena's death. She doesn't even die like that in the books. they did it for shock value.

[@telltellyn]

@@Chimera_166 I actually much prefer her suicide by dragon than birthing complications. It gave her more agency, showed more emotion in the dragons, and it was metal as fuck.

[@KillerTacos54]

@@telltellyn it also made it feel even more tragic considering Daemon refused the C Section hoping she’d survive (in stark contrast to what Viserys did all those years ago)

[@lordmelvin9310]

For people who haven't read Fire and Blood, Harwin Strong's whole character must feel so jarring.

[@joshsherrod2822]

The call back to her going to find vhagar the biggest dragon after having the talk with the king on the walk was really cool

[@oldcdog91]

10 years is a huge jump but it’s a testament to the writing that I felt caught up and invested in the characters and their stories so quickly. Such a great show!

[@brettgoodrich8613]

No lol

[@blackfish5139]

@Raymond Sims I love the show but wish more daemon and laena, harwin strong and rhaenyra before he died why does larys hates hes brother and dad. Cole hatred towards rhaenyra, I know why just wish they explored it more.

[@brettgoodrich8613]

No, I think it's been a mediocre show with lazy writing. I just don't think Theres a show to compare it to right now besides LOTR which is also bad writing. So I think HOTD is palatable by comparison. Go rewatch GOT first season and compare them. This is basically trash

[@blackfish5139]

@Raymond Sims I know the book is about the dance but they should've expanded more on it.

[@blackfish5139]

@@brettgoodrich8613it's not like GOT but it's good

[@TheRibottoStudios]

There's a saying in pitching a show that's something like "write the pilot, then write the second episode and make that the first episode." This episode felt like that. Like it was meant to be the first episode, and the previous episodes were a prologue to this. And the new actresses for Alicent and Rhaenyra did such a wonderful job I completely forgot about the time skip until I saw the kids. Also i LOVE the design for Vhagar. She's one of the last living dragons from Aegon's Conquest. They needed to make sure she looks aged. And they did.

[@thomasewart2887]

Yea the inside the episode they talked about how they essentially considered this episode another pilot because of the new actresses and actors and the time jump. I think they handled it extremely well.

[@davidmedina8136]

Indeed, it does feel this is the real start of the show. They probably started writing the episodes that are closer to the Dance and then worked on the first five. The actresses for Rhaenyra and Alicent were in fact first cast as adults and then they looked for the younger actresses.

[@Saadkhan-th4bz]

Yes, they fit the roles quite nicely. Didn't even notice it and I was wary that I might not like the new Rhaneyra but she kills it!

[@TheRibottoStudios]

@@Saadkhan-th4bz "I think I called the midwife a cnt." It was at that moment I knew she was gonna kill it and this was indeed the same Rhaenyra I knew as a teenager. Just. X10 😆

[@nickmilligan3662]

Totally agree, they rushed through so many major deaths and we have not been shown the relationships between the living and now dead characters.

[@KevinAccetta]

I just wanna know what Rhaenyra was thinking when she had 3 kids with that guy. Did she not think to at least try and have 1 or 2 with Laenor to hide suspicion? Or is it more of a "at this point, I don't care" mentality? Maybe Laenor just couldn't make himself do it with her? Most confusing part of the ep was the kids, at least until they made it clear "these kids are the queen's, and these are the princess'", though why did that one kid not get a dragon..? Daemon's little girl also didn't get a dragon cuz it didn't hatch, and apparently the mom got her's when she was 15. Did that Targaeryen kid's egg not hatch, or did he just not even get an egg? I was surprised too when Rhaenyra's kid asked if that guy was their dad, cuz I thought they knew, considering Laenor's barely ever there apparently, unlike that knight, and they don't really hide their affection towards one another either.

[@suicune2001]

Yeah, with how the knight was carrying on with them at the end made it look as if they knew. But if you want a secret kept secret, you don't tell little kids. lol. But I did think she would at least TRY to have the first kid with him to solidify an official heir. Maybe they had sex once thinking that was all they needed but she jumped REALLY quickly on to her new protector and had his kid instead. After that, I guess she got comfortable in the idea she can do whatever she wants.

[@Bannedconfidential]

Yeah I don’t quite get it either cause they vowed to do their duties but wouldn’t the top of the list include having a child together?!? So I’m guessing Laenor couldn’t bring himself to sleeping with her.

[@suicune2001]

@@Bannedconfidential Both of them seem like they want to shirk their responsibilities so that wouldn't be surprising if Laenor flaked out.

[@jeremyheartriter2.063]

That's what i thought too. They could've tried to at least have one legitimate kid of their own. It just seemed stupid on their part to not even try.

[@sebastianwittmeier1274]

The kids probably also hear it from their aunt and uncles (Rhaenyra's half brothers and sister) all the time, as their step-grandmother (Alicent) not really restrains herself, calling them bastards.

[@fairdose]

There was so much material to take in that this could have been a 2-part episode instead. Somehow I felt like I needed an extra episode before this one to outline Raenyra and Harwin's relationship, the process that led Criston Cole to the Dark Side, how Daemon and Laenna hooked up and their time in Essos and visiting old Valyria, Viserys' declining health condition, Alicent's evolution and brainwashing of her kids (who are in the books come across as complete brats while Raenyra's kids, while bastards, are actually nice people).

[@radmod6908]

I agree. Also it would have been nice to see Larrys interacting at least once with his father and to see the dynamic they had there before touching him.

[@EmileVinesh]

I had the (same) feeling; that this episode felt more like the old Game of Thrones than the first 5 epiosdes. The first 5 episodes felt like a long prologue to the story we're now getting. It might be the timeskipping that attributed to that fact. I wonder if the show will now stop with the time skips and slow down. Also Vhaegar looked amazing!

[@rockingbirdey]

There will be one more time Jump between episode 7 and 8. But that's it and it's relatively minor.

[@Teezy_Ty]

One more time skip and then that will be it, as the kids needs to get a bit older before the actual Civil War begins

[@elaineleonard9526]

I don’t know why people are saying it felt like old GOT. It’s nowhere near the quality of that. I didn’t like this episode at all. Felt like I was watching a completely different, inferior show.

[@thomasewart2887]

We have one more time jump lol. The kids will get older.

[@superstygian3751]

@@elaineleonard9526 I watched GoT for the first time just earlier this year, and I can honestly say that this show is on par with GoT S3 and 4, imo

[@timothypolanco8622]

RIP to laena & Harwin !! Two characters that probably needed more screen time, but also understandable for why the show is on a fast pace. Seeing how they're going through 30 years of build-up in just one season. And seeing non bookers react on social media to the deaths of these two barely fleshed out characters has me really excited for the dance 💯😈

[@supernatural5354]

I'm crushed by Harwins death 😭

[@bridgemedeiros4367]

so was harwin hahaha

[@cain7925]

he died GoT style lmao

[@Garoslol]

You made the mistake of liking a character in GoT too much

[@johnnielurker]

your mistake dont like anyone lol

[@poggerz6567]

@@Garoslol bruh i legit thought he would be the Jon snow of this series, so i was absolutely surprised that he's dead. I thought "nah, He's ser breakbones, no way a fire is going to kill him right? Right?"

[@dipankarjoshi3828]

The only thing I am hating is them cutting daemon targaryen's scenes. And then releasing the pics on social media wtf

[@TizzmantineUK]

I'm kind of surprised Ser Cole was still just chilling, I thought an unprovoked and brutal murder at the princesses wedding might have had some consequence but 🤷‍♂️

[@TrueBullsfan23]

The Queen saved him from any of those consequences lol

[@johnukoko3988]

Well you say that, but wouldn't that expose her true feelings.

[@johnukoko3988]

Ok my mistake your talking about queen alicent, well I put this to you didn't the queen rock up to the wedding late with a fuck you look on her face wearing green signalling war, so why would she help her enemy.

[@dabisbesh]

I found myself really missing the younger actors, but these new actors are really good and I'm sure I'll grow to love them. I love this show so much, man

[@TheShogunate]

I thought the episode was pretty good, but I totally get your thoughts about it feeling like starting over. Still eagerly awaiting your thoughts on Andor!

[@teddyjones3652]

@Auti O low iq

[@samfan77]

Saw it, loved it, agree with everything you’ve said so far. Enjoying it every week. It hurts to know that the king is trying to make peace across the lands but can’t keep the peace in his own house. Such trifling family

[@Gears-rb2ox]

At this rate, episode 10 will occur in the year 2853 AD and they will be riding dragons through space

[@Garoslol]

I would support that if we can skip season 8 of GoT that way

[@sentientmustache8360]

@@Garoslol after this they release the seventh episode of season 8, revealing seasons 5-8 were just an alcohol-induced nightmare of Bronn’s

[@mayankbisht7691]

I hope time jumps are just a thing of season one, if it happens throughout we are practically watching one hour movies.

[@Garoslol]

@@mayankbisht7691 I think only one time jump is needed to set up the civil war since all children fight in it. Alicent´s 3rd son isnt even born yet though.

[@hannahmerrill3079]

It did cut to Daemon with tears in his eyes when he sees Laena die so I think he was genuinely sad. I do think he loved her in his own way.

[@johnchima1398]

I think laena valeryon not being able to give birth and dying in the process together with the baby is a punishment for daemon mocking the death of his brothers first son.

[@hawkeyemihawkgettingmoneylord]

Its not a punishment it's irony.

[@melissaRodriguez-zd7ke]

I think she knew and accepted what the outcome would be and wanted hers and the baby's death to be together on HER terms

[@johnchima1398]

@@melissaRodriguez-zd7ke her motivation was kinda off for me... Why kill your baby. Most mothers would give their for their babies to live.

[@johnchima1398]

@@melissaRodriguez-zd7ke lol I forgot this is the GOT universe... Everyone's just weird

[@essjai5D]

@@johnchima1398 nah you were right 1st time. Made zero sense

[@LPhooligan]

Yeah was different trying to feel a connection with the new characters but love how you can still process the story and what's happening

[@HallyuHagdom]

There was a scene with Daemon hugging his girls after their mother's death but it was cut.

[@HallyuHagdom]

@@kmjkmjkmj weird that they did film it but then cut it. I don't know. I would have loved to see the scene.

[@danielgillrup9518]

To be fair, people don’t change even remotely as much aging from 30ish to 40ish as they do from 20 to 30.

[@LousySob]

Yeah, Larys being a greenseer definitely seems like a possibility.

[@SexySiren24]

Humor me, what is the Larys greenseer theory? I've been seeing it everywhere but no one elaborates. Is it that he can warg the rats/tree or there is more?

[@Saadkhan-th4bz]

@@SexySiren24 A Greenseer in the Game of Thrones universe is someone who is born with the ability to perceive future, past, or present events through prophetic dreams and can see things through the eyes of Weirwood trees. Like Bran Stark, the three eyed raven Edit: Also, they always have some type of disability.

[@SexySiren24]

@@Saadkhan-th4bz Thanks, for some reason I confused greenseer with warg for whatever reason. So, the Larys is Jojen theory basically lol. I'm not sure I've seen hints of that but we'll see.

[@qsqzqz]

Don’t think he is a greenseer makes no sense, Helaena on the other hand that girl knows things.

[@LousySob]

@@qsqzqz Because of the "closing one eye" remark?

[@PixelKatana]

Thanks for the weekly reviews. This is definitely the best show running right now. I like how no more Rings of Power reviews is kinda a review in itself.

[@mikek9297]

Rings are pretty good actually. They get a lot of hate because "black elves and dwarves bad", but otherwise it's an impressive show. Very deep with Tolkien lore.

[@imarock8763]

The issue I have with all these time jumps is the fact that we can't really grow to get to know these characters and so every time there's a death it doesn't really impact me like how I wish it did don't get me wrong I still got sad when Lena and the Harwin boys died but I felt like I would have been more upset if they were on screen for atleast 3 more ep.

[@estebanramirez9473]

Agreed. Theres not much individual screen time for us to anaylze the characters more and see their personality. Early GoT was so good at showing us what morals and type of mindset each character went by. But so far the dialogue is mediocre compared to Seasons 1-4 GoT.

[@beastreef2]

How tf is Viserys still alive

[@Bannedconfidential]

I will say I do love how HOTD answers everything for you after initial confusion even if you miss it the first time.

[@gmontezuma6770]

JJ my main man, another quality video. I’m glad that you’re really coming around to enjoy this series as much as I am. The time jump wasn’t as jarring for me because I was expecting it. It still takes a bit of getting used to, since the actors are so different, but still loving this series!

[@Scrowlock12]

It seemed rushed but was a bridge we all had to go over. Definitely a show I had to do a little researching and homework on. Also, would have been nice to see Rhaenyra and Harwins relationship or how they got to that point. Would have thought maybe her oldest son was Cristen Coles or something.

[@KillerTacos54]

This episode straight up felt like it had been taken from the golden era of GoT. Impeccable

[@roni2971]

That’s what I’ve been saying everywhere! They were channeling old thrones hard, I expected someone to kill a kid this episode.

[@shankleythebest]

"my boy Paddy over here, turning into Paddy melt" That had me in stitches 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jakebaker4066]

Love the scenes where you are a fly on the wall that shifts through the scene without cutting too much. Like you are in the room a part of the story. That intimacy makes everything so much more believable. When the kid stabs the other suitor for the princess, you are behind the crowd as if you were being ushered out of the room. When Ser creston beat the guys head in, you didn’t know what was happening until the crowd dispersed much like everyone else in the room trying to see through the crowd. And then in this episode, the baby delivery was extremely wild how intimate that felt. Real art.

[@matienazemy1382]

I love how Vhagar at first refused to burn Leana. Such a sad scene and I wish we got to see more of Leana and Daemon.

[@Nikzcyn]

Yea same here. I didn’t feel the love between the two of them. Daemon showed more care for the unborn baby(as he kissed Laene’s belly) than Laena.

[@seanpaulson9098]

It was a bit jolting but I fell back into it quickly. Thr hard part was figuring out who's son was whos.

[@lordmelvin9310]

I mean... If they have silver hair, they're Alicent's. If they have brown hair, they're Rhaenyra's.

[@seanpaulson9098]

@@lordmelvin9310 well yeah i got that... I guess I meant the names of the kids and just who they are as individual humans in the story.

[@lordmelvin9310]

@@seanpaulson9098 I... okay. That's not what your initial comment implied, since it explicitly said "figuring out who's son was whos", but okay.

[@jaceruiz2382]

Pinky Toe killing his dad & brother, then telling the Queen to her shock of "I didn't want this!", & him smiling saying, "You'll thank me someday," gave me Palpatine vibes of join me in the Dark Side of playing in the game of thrones.

[@JD_ULTRA_19]

I was really confused at the beginning with the time skip they did but then little by little like I was putting it together so I’m hoping your explanation really explain what happened because I’m still A little lost even though it the episode deserve a second watch I’m not doing that till season is over. Thank you for what you do you bro you’re awesome dude never change 🤜🏻🤛

[@sriver004]

I like the episode but I did feel that uphill battle. I do miss Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhae and Alicent. It's like you said they were the nucleus. I think my main major complaint is that characters are dying too quick, and were missing out on a lot of dynamics due to the time jumps. It's been 10 years for them but WE didn't get to know Ser Harwin much, and even the new Hand himself we didn't see do much....Hand-ing lol and now Otto will be back. It's be ten years for them but a blink of an eye for us. Same with Laena who was also a cool character. It's situations like this where you really start to feel the negative of adapting what is basically a history book. Like you can tell some of these characters were just a few lines in an accounting of events, their deaths mentioned in passing. Probably all it says in the book as that Laena passes away in child birth.

[@mcups1]

I can always appreciate a good "Highlander" reference. 😀

[@davidkymdell452]

Thank god someone else got it, was going through the comments and no mention of it

[@gazlator]

Another superb analysis, Jeremy. Nicely done!

[@WalterWorldGames]

Wow… "Inner light" and "Epoch traveling through time" references within a few seconds. You've got yourself a new subscriber, sir!

[@danz1182]

Show was stuck in that the source material covers the ten years between the wedding and fire at Harenhal in a bit more detail, but not a lot happens beyond children being born. I think they felt they needed to quickly get to Rhaynera's really bad decision to remove herself to Dragonstone and Otto Hightower's return to Kings Landing.

[@missc441]

Time jump didn't bother me, but I wish we could've gotten more time with Laena and Daemon as a couple. In the books he loved her and their kids. Plus Laena was a great character and bad ass dragon rider. She rode Vhagar the biggest baddest dragon alive. Just felt like a missed opportunity to see a cool character play out on screen.

[@Beemerbmr]

Her death made absolutely no sense. Why would she want to burn herself and her baby alive?

[@missc441]

@@Beemerbmr Did you even watch the episode? The baby was breach and couldn't be delivered. Women and the baby died from that before modern c sections. She wanted to die on her own terms.

[@bluejay8687]

I think knowing how the story goes assist me through what’s happening and where we’re at and certain relationships so as soon as the jump happened I was good to go

[@mikewilliams4623]

The time jump was incredible. Seemless and smooth. Casting is incredible.

[@rouibahratibaimene2732]

this episode to my opinion is the first episode of the series that actually reminds us of GOT. with all the plots , the killings and sudden deaths. it sure feels like a prequal now !

[@oscarmillar]

They definitely really leaned into the the time jump. Even the music felt different. Not sure if it is a good thing or a bad thing but gotta admire the strong choices of the showrunners.

[@sebastianwittmeier1274]

Other showrunners go the easy route and just compress thousands of years into a few days (?)

[@The-Star-Raven]

Dude! Your Highlander references were GOLD! Thanks for that! PS, there can be only one!

[@TonyTooTuff]

First time here to your channel. Lost soul looking for answers on the internet about wtf just happened. My time was not wasted and my itch was scratched. P.S. the Kung-fu kick at the end surprisingly was not corny at all. Hat tip

[@estivel15]

Even though the change of characters from one episode to the other came abruptly, it was well executed. This show is good.

[@dopus5873]

Huh. You know Jeremy can audition for Season 2 with his look these days

[@isimaiguisi1229]

Really good review! Your best one yet, keep it up 👍🏾 😊

[@antoniosanjurjo8442]

Dude!!! The intro with you doing the birthing thing was hilarious

[@Ava6581]

While I enjoyed the episode I still feel uneasy about such a massive time jump. This felt like the season 2 premiere episode.

[@nokturnallex2160]

Yea and while I could believe the other characters' actor change, I felt like the new Rhea actress didn't really fit the bill. Her accent even changed lol.

[@daquaviousbingleton9763]

@@nokturnallex2160 i think it was fine ngl this will be the cast for the rest of the season and every other season so soon you’ll be saying it’s weird to think about young Rhaynera

[@telltellyn]

The director actually referred to it as effectively a second pilot!

[@Noone91875]

Yep. But I'll allow it They pulled this

[@liynne]

@@nokturnallex2160 this actress was casted first. and in those 10 years nothing much happened besides rhae giving birth and alicent being pissy. the first 5 episodes are a mere chapter in the books.

[@Major98]

I'd been expecting a time jump for a few weeks now, I actually thought it would happen sooner so it wasn't as jarring for me. Especially since in a lot of the promotion Emma D'Arcy did interviews with Matt Smith

[@Alpha1200]

As a book reader (don't worry, not gonna spoil anything in this comment) I think I have a slightly different experience watching an episode like this because I already knew who those kids were instantly and didn't have any problem keeping track of anything and didn't feel overwhelmed by the information cuz I already knew most of it. However, I do agree overall with Jeremy's assessment. The pacing of the episode was a little bit too fast, imo. Some stuff like Harwin-Rhaenyra, Alicent-Rhaenyra and Laena-Daemon could've used some more time to breathe. As could the shift in the relationship between Aegon and Rhaenyra's children. I think that all would've done a LOT for the show. That being said, I understand why they did it this way. Without spoiling anything from the book, there's a reason why the season is paced the way it is right now. Primarily a question of structure. Where they had to fit everything into season 1 what they're trying to fit into the season for it to work properly on that structural level. That being the case, I actually think this season would've really benefitted from being maybe 12 or 13 episodes. Just a little bit more time to flesh some of these things out a little bit. Like an extra episode with Harwin-Rhaenyra and an extra episode with Daemon-Laena would've done a lot, imo.

[@aprilrichelle.18]

YES!! The best part of this breakdown was you throwing in, The Highlander Theme from Queen!!!!💚🖤

[@m0nk3ymadness]

Loved this episode, especially the children fight scene in the training yard. Like a proxy war.

[@madsgrams2069]

1. I REALLY liked Olivia Cooke's performance in this episode. Not only does she physically look a lot like Emily Carey (perfect double casting on that front), but her portrayal of the character is basically identical to her younger counterpart's. It's....goddamn amazing. I sadly can't say the same about Emma D'Arcy's Rhaenyra... I mean, nothing against the actor, they're actually very good, but this Rhaenyra looked and felt like a different character. 2. I also really like what they did with Criston Cole's character, making him a salty, bitter, envious, vengeful, but also highly hypocritical, @-hole. 3. I have some very mixed feelings regarding Laena's death scene. On the one hand, I feel it did a really good job of showing us that dragons aren't just brutish beasts of destruction, but actual intelligent beings, maybe even sentient (like the maesters always suspected they are) and that their bond with their Targaryen riders aren't just because of black magic in their blood or whatever, but actual feelings of friendship and companionship... It even had Vhagar have a mournful stare at Laena, before finally agreeing to her request. It was so sad, I actually uttered the words "Sorry, girl"...and I wasn't referring to Laena. This show made me care about a CGI image of something that looks more like a horrific monster than anything we've ever seen before in this world (here or on GoT) more than about the actual human dying on screen...pretty stellar stuff. However...my rational mind tells me that, as bad-ass as it may be cause it's with dragonfire, being burned alive is still an effin' terrible way to go. If you wanted to show her have agency over her death, it would have been a lot better for her to choose a less painful way to die. And yes, I realize it would have made very little practical sense for Daemon to allow her to take a lethal dose of "milk of the poppy" and..."that's not how it was in the book", but I think this would have also solved the problem of her being a prop for developing his character. Showing him actually care about her more than just a baby incubator would have given nuance to his character and shown him to not be the complete sociopathic monster we've seen him portrayed as in the previous episodes...just saying. By not making an actual decision, we've seen him more as an indecisive coward more than anything. As horrific as it was to sacrifice Aema, at least Viserys made that decision. 4. I also like how they portrayed Aegon II as, not a power-hungry spoiled brat (like Joffrey Baratheon was), but just a fairly typical teenager, that actually accepted that he won't be king and that it was indeed Alicent that is the instigator of these ideas. 5. I also love how Larys is portrayed as a scheming, conniving little weasel and how he pretends he did what Alicent really wanted, when in reality it's pretty obivous he did what he did because it suits him, with him now becoming the heir to Harenhall and whatnot...brilliant "Little Finger" type move.

[@Labyriiint]

Agree with Rhaenyra, maybe it’s because Rhaenyra is older now and is supposed to be like that? I don't know but they feel like completely different characters while Alicent feels the same.

[@toufuvang3179]

Love that Chrono Trigger sound effect. Chef's kiss.

[@knocknockify]

That Paddy and Paddy melt joke really got me 😂😂💀

[@frankmillerz4351]

You know Jeremy liked it when he post the same night it comes out

[@CharlesEdmond79]

Another great episode.

[@wiiplaya25]

Loved the directing and shot composition in the first five minutes

[@AlkinSlice]

great use of the chrono trigger time jump gif XD

[@TP_Gillz]

Overall it def worked for me but man its going so fast it feels like a ton of story is left on the table. An I happen to like little table story crumbs. Like for instance, we never once got to see any scenes with Larys (little toe) and his Father or Brother interacting so we have no idea what the dynamic was there. He just ups and has them killed, not a lot of weight behind it. There are a ton of little things like that I just wish they would slow down and give us more. But I get its a generational story and not an intimate linear one like GOT was. But I am still wondering, is that a good thing? Is this ultimately going to have the emotional payoff without the time and character building of a more focused story? Time will tell. But I'm still in.

[@sebastianwittmeier1274]

They will soon really slow down. I assume the kids must get a bit older and especially Viserys must die first.

[@believeume122]

Viserys will out live us all!

[@rahullulla352]

This episode was the 1st time in a long while I felt the need to take a notebook, pause and write down each characters name as the episode went on.

[@daijishinomori9161]

I salute you for the Highlander shout outs! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@OCP74]

Glad this show is so good, because I'm done with 'Rings of Power.'

[@TheMMObro]

I didn't think laenor and rhaenyra hated each other. They seemed more like friendly coworkers, you know?

[@Extremeredfox]

Real talk. A lot of people don't age that much within 10 years. Take Natalie Portman, Ewan Mcgregor, and Christian Hadenson, it's been 20 years since the Ep. 2 and 3, and they haven't aged that much. Also, there's Paul Rudd, Angela Bassett, Johnny Depp, Rob Lowe, John Stamos, and many others.

[@Lighthammer66]

Seen it. Loved it!! Time jump? I rolled with it!! Ready to press forward.😁😁

[@bgsam8109]

Hey man can you review Mr.Inbetween plz it's Australia tv show plz

[@Supadrumma441]

+1 for this, its a great fucking show

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Fun fact: Aegon Targaryen in this episode is played by Ty Tennant, David Tennant's adoptive son. So, it's an Easter Egg of Doctor Who crossover since Matt Smith played 11th Doctor before and David Tennant played 10th Doctor and they ever met at one episode of Doctor Who.

[@mijanhoque1740]

What no way. That’s awesome he took the acting gig like his dad, hopefully he’ll play a future Doctor

[@ChristmasLore]

Also, Aegon's 2 actors already shared a character 's life in the biopic of Tolkien 🌿

[@margarethmichelina5146]

@@ChristmasLore Who are they?

[@blaster915]

Damn. This show keeps consistently nailing it. Bravo 👏👏

[@florenceswegenyi3224]

Jeremy youare hilarious.....and yes I was like what is going on every scene( I had to scoop my brain off the floor after this episode). The time jump got me twisted.🤣🤣🤣

[@pakibukas]

I miss Milly. Vhagar is awesome. Viserys is missing an arm. And Aegon 2 is a dick...

[@TheRonaldNess]

Jeremy, I have never watched a single episode of GoT or anything related, but I always look forward to your reviews of each episode. Keep up the good work brother and hope all is well!

[@joab757]

I am loving this show and I know it’s gonna get absolutely insane. Love the intro they gave us as we needed the first 5 episodes to set up the dance. My only issues w this episode were time jump related. First, how is it no one uttered in the shadows about her children until now? The queen would have spread this rumor when Jace was born, as soon as he was ALL white without blonde hair. Second, how is it the King doesn’t see what is taking place? How is it he doesn’t realize the danger his daughter is in? Last, why would Rhenera leave to Dragonstone? Does she want Aegon 5 feet from the throne when her father dies? She will have to take the throne by force at this point, as opposed to just sitting on the throne.

[@Syisulis]

I'm still not sure about how I feel. Good review.

[@carsonc3314]

Some people may label this episode is a drop off from the level of last weeks episode, but the more I think about it, the more I realize it's a bad comparison. Last week was technically a mid-season finale with actors we were already attached to, so the drama from a betrayal of trust was felt from viewers. Which escalated to brutal violence in the end. This week is almost a sort of reset, not just with the casting, but with the conflict. There are more new characters that need to be involved on screen & these new characters have their own building conflicts. Only now it seems they have to deal with the hostility between the previous generation as well. I also believe much of the frustration of viewers comes from "missing out" on stuff that would have been interesting to see during the 10 year time-jump. Examples such as- -Young Laena bonding to Vhegar -Daemon courting Laena (killing her betrothed) -Ser Harwin Breakbones "courting" Rhaenyra -Laena & Rhaenyra having their first child. -Struggles/Survival of Viserys Would have been cool to see some of this stuff, but they're telling this story thier way. And I'm enjoying it.

[@azzyb6165]

I feel its not as good as the other previous episodes which I throughly enjoyed because there seems to be same massive plot holes for me. The biggest one being that for some reason Rhaenyra’s half Targaryen bastard children didn’t inherit their mothers platinum blonde hair but Alicents children who are also only half Targaryen received 100% of typical Targaryen features - this doesn’t make any sense to me and really took me out of the tension that surrounded this plot point this episode. I feel like some characters actions and motives didnt make a lot of sense this episode, most notably the guy who assassinated his own FATHER AND BROTHER - we havn't really got to know this character, his motives and his relationship with his family and Alicent well enough yet to justify such a heinous crime (in my opinion). other issues i found was is there gonna be an explanation for Daemon's Erectile Dysfunction or lack there of now 10 years in the future? WIll there be a payoff for his sexual problem in the future or was it just a random plot point to only cause tension in first 5 episodes? it was handled so well and subtly in the first 5 episodes if they just randomly drop this plot point with zero explanation or pay off i will be so disappointed in the writers. Also, aren't targaryens meant to be immune to Fire? Isn't that how Dany survived at the end of season 1 and in season 6 in the big fire hut!? I was kind of disappointed this episode, especially seeing that last episode was SO EXCELLENT, I’m hoping that my doubts will be proved wrong though in the next few episodes.

[@barbara832001]

@@azzyb6165 In the books the boys supposed paternal grandmother was a Baratheon with black hair instead of the silver hair, although her hair is silver in the show. Traits skip generations some times.

[@themindofceline]

laena made her own decision about how she was going to die. it was heartbreaking but I loved that, especially after seeing viserys' *first* wife having her choice taken from her

[@hellfun1337]

it was selfish of her to sacrifice her child for a (not so) glorious death. This actually makes her one of the worst mothers in the show, which is entirely not inline with the character that was portrayed as a loving and caring mother. I know the writers wanted to juxtapose the scene from episode 1 but this isn't the way to do it.

[@ThePanshow10]

My biggest issue with the episode was the changing of the actresses the knew ones felt like completely new characters

[@andrewh.8118]

I feel it’s one of those episodes with alot of dialogue that really sets things in motion,if it isn’t presently taken place. It’s what intrigues me the most about GOT

[@StanleyMabonga]

Rhaenrya Targaryen Supremacy🖤

[@princenwaehiri2043]

Your breakdown was spot on. The episode played on as if we had already been introduced to these new actors as their characters prior and the various storylines were lacking reason to care

[@yamagata008]

I want you to know that I love this channel and your reviews. That being said I did not see this episode and listening to you explain what happened, I LMAO!!! I am sorry but it was that funny and I am thinking, I am getting off this boat. It is just too jarring and confusing and just too hilarious. I still love your reviews. All the best to you! I still love PINE TAR!!!

[@dredgenfaith]

I think a lot of cool character relationships that the book spends more time on were cut out - Laena and Rhaenyra become best friends after Laena marries Daemon, you don't really get to see Rhaenyra build her relationship with Ser Harwin at all, Rhaenyra and Laenor are actually good friends even if they're not romantically involved - but they've said the time jumps are gonna be done after season 1, so I'm hoping once we get to the meat of the conflict characters are given more room to breathe and develop their dynamics