House Of The Dragon - It's Excellent

After the disastrous end to Game of Thrones, nobody expected much from HBO's House of the Dragon, least of all me, yet here we are, at the end of one of the best shows of the year. Let's take a look at why this one works so well, while Rings of Power failed miserably.
Link to the Rogue Elements Kickstarter page: www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

[@LucLB01]

It’s also impressive how this show looks about a hundred times better than Rings of Power and its 3D printed armours while having a much smaller budget.

[@WraithLK]

Nah bro, every dragon riding scene in this show looks goofy ahh

[@vincent207]

Just goes to show that it's not the size of the budget, but how you use it.

[@liamdamster]

@@WraithLK they tried to portray riding a dragon as real as possible imagine what they would've done with the money amazon gave for rings of power

[@CommentFrom]

@@NoElleNoParty how many accounts you got you're goofy ahh

[@Grayson030]

​@@NoElleNoParty There is a difference between CGI, practical and artistic vison, RoP may have more cash but it looks worse in every aspect except for some CGI scenes. That is probably what OP meant.

[@squidikka]

Paddy being Viserys made me laugh at first. He looked like a random uncle or dad, and not at all king material for a show like this, but as the season went on you understand that the likeness of a dad or uncle was on point for his role in the show, and made it extra powerful and emotional as you watch his decline at the end. It was a perfect casting.

[@johngeorge1880]

To me he looks like a loyal loveable dog (I don't mean that in a nasty way), so to me Paddy should have been a Stark or a Baratheon. Instead he knocked it out of the park. Probably the biggest complaint I had going in that got remedied.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Also, he mostly has a face of "I have seen so many shits in my entire life" most of the time whenever someone from his family makes a weird decision

[@frenchyoathbreaker4095]

I had the same feelings. I was like WTF. But he was a good fit. I'm still baffled that the guy from Hot Fuzz was the King of the Seven Kingdoms. lol

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

I don’t know why people didn’t appreciate Paddy in episode 1. He had me from “My wife and son are dead!”

[@byronius7012]

I think casting average-looking people as royals is a brilliant idea. It really emphasizes that old kings were idealized, made to look like models or gods in their portraits, when in reality they were just normal people who happened to be born into the right family.

[@mihaitha]

Matt Smith is playing the part of his life. The way his character develops from a rebellious second son prince, intent on doing all he can to piss his brother off, to an ally to Viserys, showing his support on multiple occasions without saying a single word, is masterfully written and portrayed.

[@justnoel4088]

For real, man needed a win after getting meme'd on to hell because of his role and scene in Morbius and I'm glad this was it.

[@andrewdavies5835]

You may have missed his little known appearance as the Doctor.

[@mihaitha]

@@andrewdavies5835 I haven't. It just happened over a decade ago.

[@samf.s.7731]

And he's definitely going to step to the forefront in season two as the male lead. Paddy Considine held that position for season one. I really hope they give him a beard, the grizzly bear Daemon look is my favorite from all the art I've seen.

[@adamkalb1]

Yeah. Matt Smith definitely needed this role in House of the Dragon after Terminator: Genisys and Morbius, and I could not be happier for him to get here. He definitely earned this for being the best part of Morbius the way JK Simmons was the best part of Terminator: Genisys. Both actors knew they were trapped in a bad film wasting their talents, so they might as well give us some amusing moments to make the bad film a little more bearable.

[@yellowfellow7246]

Vyserys' final walk to the throne as a broken old man trying to save his shattering family was about eight billion times more epic than the whole of the last three seasons of GoT combined.

[@undeadpriest]

When he realizes it's Damon come to help him 😭

[@TheExai]

literally the only good scene in a whole show

[@Henry-yf2np]

That’s not true. Game of Thrones will always be more epic, sorry.

[@vojtechralis6075]

@@Henry-yf2np we'll see what the second season has to say about this. Nevertheless, GoT did indeed set the bar really high with some characters and some battles.

[@gunkulator1]

You mean the last two seasons of GOT. The finale at the end of season 6 was one of the most riveting hours of television I've ever seen.

[@XeniaChow]

"The idea that we control the dragons is an illusion" -Viserys Targaryen. Great foreshadow.

[@SamirSiraj8542]

But bad writing here. The show was great. But vager thing was poor writing.

[@user-wl1uz5sb9f]

Nobody listened to the old man!

[@Rex73777]

@@SamirSiraj8542 explain why…

[@gorillacookies3171]

@@SamirSiraj8542 how so?

[@Leon1910s]

@@SamirSiraj8542 elaborate?

[@yurtthesilentgod1225]

Man that episode 8 scene where viserys walks into the throne room... Heart wrenching but insanely inpactful. He looks at his daughter and the music swells only for him to lay down the law like a true king. The dinner scene after where it shows him give a light smile broke my manly heart.

[@mox3909]

The music in that scene was key - and the composer nailed it. It turned what was essentially an old man walking across a room into a powerful and emotional setpiece. The writers, composer, and actors all really knocked it out of the park.

[@LaputanMachad]

That scene got me all misty eyed

[@BoardGameClub]

And when Daemon helps him to the throne and picks up the crown! *chef's kiss*

[@redt8311]

In GOT season 1-6 e9 is always the most emotional, and eventful of the season. But tbh imo this time I think it was E8.

[@stevewhite6241]

Amazing scene from an amazing show.

[@RustBrand777]

Don’t forget WOW the visuals. Simple but incredible. It feels like a medieval setting, all the lighting is from torches and candles and braziers. The sets are incredible.

[@wplains]

I wish they’d put in a bit more light though, many scenes are so dark you can’t see what’s happening. Seems to be a new trend in TV - let’s leave the audience in the dark so they can guess what’s happening!

[@tinytownsoftware3837]

I personally disliked the braziers from a realism perspective. Pretty sure in the real world that much oil/candle burning indoors would asphyxiate everyone. The scenes did look wonderful though.

[@tinytownsoftware3837]

@@wplains I think it's down to the TV/environment you're watching in. I have a Samsung QLED and I had absolutely no issues watching the darker scenes. Even during the day (anti-reflection tech).

[@wplains]

@@tinytownsoftware3837 I watch on an iPad and it’s so dark I can’t see anything. Oh and I don’t think oil existed in medieval Europe. I think they used tallow and only the very wealthy could afford beeswax candles.

[@tinytownsoftware3837]

@@wplains Yes. Ipads are not oled. They're classic backlit led. It may also have to do with streaming quality, depending on what HBO streaming plan you have.

[@rayjaymor8754]

Everyone: "Nobody will ever play The Doctor and then go on to play a terrifying villain the way David Tennant did with Killgrave!" Matt Smith: "Hold my beer."

[@adamkalb1]

House of the Dragon for sure is a terrific career resurgence for David Tennant, after many bad films like Terminator: Genisys and Morbius.

[@oracletv1557]

@@adamkalb1 you mean Matt Smith?

[@adamkalb1]

@@oracletv1557 Yes, I mean Matt Smith. House of the Dragon for sure is a terrific career resurgence for Matt Smith after many bad films like Terminator: Genisys and Morbius.

[@Mainlyeverything]

Daemon isn't even a villain The blacks are so far clearly the good guys for now

[@wplains]

@@Mainlyeverything Wokism strikes again. Why a black Lord where everyone else is white? It’s jarring and an obvious quota fill.

[@jonahrains7483]

You said three words that set you miles ahead of other critics out there: "I was wrong." God, I wish more critics had your integrity. On another note, the scene with Viserys and Daemon in the throne room had me crying like a five year old with a skinned knee.

[@AquaCoalaNest]

Tbf most critics don't judge trailers....

[@Don-ri5ve]

@@AquaCoalaNest trailers are made to attract people into seeing the movie/show, though.. so

[@klenner]

Bruh

[@renehahnlein1760]

„He was drunk.“

[@jacobd1984]

@@Don-ri5ve That’s true, but they still in many cases are not sufficient to draw accurate conclusions from, as a critic. It’s laudable to admit misjudging a show, but it might be simpler to just keep that in mind when watching a trailer.

[@XeniaChow]

Went into this season expecting the worst, and came out pumped as hell for the next season. Kudos to the entire team that created this show.

[@rayzorback88]

Don't worry folks, they'll fuck it up. Remember the first season of GOT?

[@drpeppaerdrpeppaer5434]

I really hope you're joking

[@ASJC27]

Same

[@rjofusetsudzin8011]

Well theya re doing only four seasons. Which means that it will be great three seasons of television like GoT 1-4

[@RockSmithStudio]

Same. I really had given up on the series but so many of my friends(the ones that I respect their taste in shows/movies) kept badgering me to watch it. Finally started watching it when Episode 3 came out and was blown away that the showrunners clearly listened to the complaints and responded correctly. Can't wait for Season 2!

[@aaronbertram2342]

It was great that this show and Andor showed we can still get outstanding shows in this day and age. Went into each with low expectations and was more than pleasantly surprised.

[@mrnickcyp123]

Problem with Andor is it plays too safe with the storytelling that it came...boring. I almost fell asleep at every episode. It's an ok show, just not great.

[@BBRocker75]

Andor was just a series bait, a swan song, nothing can save Disney, is doom.

[@wasumyon6147]

After the slow start I really liked Andor. Was very fresh with the characters and plot.

[@tomrieger7253]

Yeah, Stranger Things season 4 and Wednesday were two other great examples.

[@durttheelder4035]

@@tomrieger7253 wednesday didn't have the best of writing I'd say the writing was alright I think I liked the show because of the character and the actor's portryal but the show itself was eh to me

[@calixtobrilliantes4435]

I love how they really emphasize how important family is. Especially on daemon and Viserys' brotherly love. It's kinda similar to tyrion and jaime's very wholesome brotherly love for each other.

[@wilfredwayne7139]

Nothing like impregnating your neice several times to emphasize that love you have for your brother.

[@kennethcastelino3033]

Paddy Considine deserves an Emmy for his acting in Episode 8.That Throne scene, goosebumps.

[@robertjones8083]

That's one of the (many) problems the Rings of Shite suffers from, not enough high quality established actors. I paused an episode (I needed a piss) and as Amazon does it gives a brief bio of the actors in a particular scene - turns out one of the lead characters (the all action Elf) is an entrepreneur, activist and "actor" last. Enough said really.

[@SwiftNimblefoot]

I hope he gets an award for that. It was heartwrenching.

[@stipe3124]

Yes! Great performance

[@pesmerga182]

Watch his performance in Dead Mans Shoes

[@spencertherren6806]

Absofuckinlutely.

[@Phazon8058MS]

The fucking throne room scene is absolutely arresting. Viserys walking up and taking the throne for the last time, barely able to walk. He looks so weak and yet so strong at the same time. Daemon giving back the crown was such a beautiful, multi-layered little moment, saying "you are my king, and you are also my brother and I love you". I'm a sucker for brotherly love. I had absolutely zero hope that this show would be any good and I was blown away. Can't wait for season 2!

[@victorpradha9946]

It granted the evil bastard that he is have some smidgen of virtue left within him.

[@moomyung9231]

Bromance is one of my favorite things and that was pure and beautiful (and unexpected for me) bromance. And well-acted and no huge musical score telling you what to feel.

[@robertmickelberg3720]

That wasn't even scripted and turned out to be one of the best moments in season one. It spoke volumes about Daemon and Viserys's strained relationship and the unspoken respect between them.

[@dannygreen5477]

Can't wait for them to ruin it at the end! Tho the ending of the story is already ruined.

[@alexanderkubicki3777]

I just finished the first season and it was shocking how good it was. Solid writing, good character development and no stupid humor. WELL DONE HOTD!

[@StazKodama]

you're right i missed that one. No stupid humor, what a change for once

[@georgeleinberger8670]

No stupid humor? You mean NO humor. No charisma. No wit or charm. It’s just a collection of morose characters in a pedantic slog. Unless you consider a farting king good writing. I would trade half the cast for one Tyrion, Bronn, or Tormund.

[@yankoo_4282]

do i have to watch someting else before watching this or ?

[@sizznishi3197]

​@@yankoo_4282 well, Game of thrones was released before this but you can still watch it as a stand alone

[@perjulianlundbergtande8956]

Not really :), but if you do want to know more of the world and stuff + more about the other Houses = then Game of Thrones seasons 1-6 (I personally fully, and strongly recommend not watching season 7 and 8, it really sours the whole show and experience haha not even joking, goes unbelievebly downhill so please stop after s6, then boom House of the Dragon).@@yankoo_4282

[@ce6654]

When Paddy's character passed away, it honestly felt like a member of your own family was passing away. You felt like the one thing keeping everything from crashing down was taken away. It was like seeing Ned Stark getting beheaded in GoT season 1.

[@Aemond2024]

He is the reason everything went crashing down. Should have named Aegon heir

[@ce6654]

@@Aemond2024 you're projecting. You know you want to be king. Don't deny it!

[@Aemond2024]

@@ce6654 I don't want to cross my mother. I'd rather burn shit with my Dragon, thank you.

[@hypershadow6997]

@@Aemond2024 i mean quite frankly Aegon was an awful candidate for king

[@juana_marie]

@@Aemond2024 Yep, team Green all the way!

[@Camw1n]

That scene where Viserys struggles to sit the throne is one of the best scenes in all of GOT, and probably the best throne room scene in the entire saga.

[@dustytransitor866]

tyrion's speech is still the best imo but yeah it was really heartfelt.. especially for a character I detested at first

[@melof9992]

@Classic Tate Go away now.

[@JunkFoodBooboo]

That entire episode was so hard to watch because I knew we were gonna lose him 😢

[@grahamnelly3491]

agreed

[@zestseas2603]

Then what's the best scene in Rings of Power to you??

[@georgeorwell2703]

As good as the scene where he took the throne was, his appeal at the dinner for everyone to put aside their differences for the sake of him as a man, father, brother, husband and grandfather was far more touching to me. It showed that all he had done for them was not in vain, and that they all did indeed love him. And if he were in better health it would have been enough to restore order to the kingdom. It was not a crown which made him king.

[@hansbansor5170]

Yea, that were two great scenes! Loved the moment where everyone even otto enjoyed the dinner.

[@szepi79]

Also, this show has F***ING DRAGONS and everyone is talking about characters and acting choices. This show didn't simply steal the ring of powers's lunch money, HoD got RoP to get a loan for its future meals and stole that too.

[@emilegonzalez1]

Also, it really drives home the tragedy of his later days - that in his eyes he had succeeded in uniting his family together (and why he was called Viserys the Peaceful) as they were starting to creak. He could finally stop fighting and let go. Little would he know that his death initiated the end of the Targaryen's, starting from the morning after

[@quernesvoice7507]

And brutal murderer of his wife who preferred playing lego before ruling.

[@tiaaaron3278]

Not to mention that he succeeded, however briefly. Alicent and Rhaenyra made up, largely because of Viserys.

[@DonWan47]

Matt Smith was superb in this show but Paddy Considine owns every scene he’s in. Probably the best cast show I’ve seen.

[@lacountess]

Just watched the finale and I’m floored. That look Rayneara gave the camera at the end, when Deamon gave her the bad news, was stunning. Can’t wait for season 2. Ps. Did anyone notice how far back they set up the main event of the finale? Aemond’s abuse as a child, his stealing of someone else’s dragon he had little control over, and his grudge against his cousins for taking his eye, all culminating in a disaster even he didn’t see or want coming. Excellent writing.

[@bubblewrapstargirl]

Yes the build up was excellent 👌 However, no one can "steal" a dragon. They're not property that can be passed down to family. Dragons are independent creatures with a strong will of their own. They only have one rider at a time, and if they outlive their rider, new candidates can put themselves forward, but there is no guarantee they will be accepted. That's why no one cared when the girl was crying that Vhagar was her dragon to claim. Because she wasn't. The moment Laena died, Vhagar became fair game to anyone with Valyrian dragonriding blood, who dared approach her. Most wouldn't dare lol, cause she's the oldest living dragon alive at this point (she used to be Visenya Targaryen's dragon, and helped conquer Westeros with Balerion the Black Dread) Aemond is an absolute badass for being able to claim her (the second youngest ever rider to do so). Its fine that those kids were jealous of him, but they should never have attacked him over it. You snooze, you lose. Aemond was right - anyone was free of try and claim Vhagar, but he got there first, and Vhagar accepted him. End of.

[@lacountess]

@@bubblewrapstargirl That certainly was an interesting bit of information.😄 I'm not a book reader, only a fan of the shows. I thought dragons were part of one's inheritance, like horses were in feudal times. This definitely ads another interesting twist to Aemond's characterization and elevates the build up to new heights.

[@bubblewrapstargirl]

@@lacountess Dany does explain some things about dragons being free / choosing their own riders in GOT I believe, when she "sells" one in exchange for the Unsullied, and later when Jon meets them, but I don't think they gave a very detailed explanation? It's been a while since I rewatched it tbh - I lost all enthusiasm after S8. But I agree, it adds a lot of depth and pathos to Aemond's character!! He's bullied relentlessly by his nephews and brother as a child, because his dragon egg didn't hatch in the cradle... which makes him determined to be a fantastic warrior to make up for it/defend himself (since they will all be dragonriders and he's not sure he ever will be). Then Aemond claims Vhagar and gets attacked for it (and for speaking the truth about the Strong boys). The irony being of course, that if they hadn't bullied Aemond for not having a dragon, he wouldn't have pushed himself to claim the largest dragon at the very first opportunity. Aemond was punished for speaking the truth, and for pushing back against his bullies, and his father didn't even care that his half-sister wanted to torture him after his eye had just been destroyed by her bastard son. Aemond knows he will only ever be truly loved by his mother, and he will never be defended by anyone else, plus he has nothing to inherit from Viserys... So he has to make himself a fierce warrior that no one wants to f*ck with. The Black faction really played themselves with their treatment of Aemond 😂 And the parallels between Aemond and Daemon are fascinating. Both second sons, neither have their cradle dragon egg hatch - but gain legendary dragons anyway through sheer badassery, both of them fierce and vicious and their mother's favourite son, both of them loyal to their Kingly older brother who doesn't really deserve it (the crown or their loyalty)....

[@setdan]

​@bubblewrapstargirl Great post, but I do have to nitpick that technically the Cannibal is almost certainly older than Vhagar. But seeing as it never had and never will have a rider, Vhagar is the oldest dragon "in play" and your point stands.

[@bubblewrapstargirl]

@@setdan oh yes, you're right! I should have said "one of the oldest". But yeah, dragons are free beasts!! I hope the show will make that more explicit in the next season, but I doubt it.

[@eugenemonti5755]

It’s funny how paddy consatine walking to the throne has more impact than the entire season of Rings of power

[@GunWillTravel]

And of course, a better love story than Twilight

[@tomj8527]

This isn't hyperbole either, and not even including the following dialogue exchanges. Only the entrance, one sentence to otto, and the walk up.

[@alecpotato4124]

paddy considine put on a powerhouse of a performance throughout the season GIVE THAT MAN AN EMMY

[@clayongunzelle9555]

First couple of episodes I was thinking he was too indecisive then by the end i realize he was keeping the seven kingdoms together

[@wahn10]

Mesmerizing show, made with passion and love. Passion for the world and love of the craft. Also, Paddy Considine was the biggest gift of them all. May he win every acting award in the book for his astounding performance.

[@nightfallreviews1533]

If it was so loving then why were the valerions made black when they were obviously white in the source material?

[@5672step]

I dont think I've ever seen a show change a characters motivations so drastically from the beginning to the end by showing them grow up and become nearly totally different people.

[@TheSmithPlays]

It makes me happy to see this guy appreciate a great piece of work

[@Glitchedsquirtle]

I miss the Z House

[@rustyshackleford3160]

It's so hard to watch!! Where is THE MESSSSSSAAAAAGE!! Where are the misery induced liquor rants!! This is just a drinker loving a show now! But we can celebrate Game of Thrones again!

[@tyo9954]

I’m surprised he appreciates anything, especially since by his standards this is woke.

[@MaxMRasmussen]

@@tyo9954 i dont think you understand him. He is also an author, and he has absolutely no problem with strong women in his books. Women having strong roles is not woke.

[@bluesage4329]

@@MaxMRasmussen really?

[@forrestredd2706]

Combined with the music, the scene where Viserys is hobbling to the throne, hunched over, wearing a leprosy mask, and cloak, bent over a cane, made one of the most aesthetically pleasing scenes I have seen in a very long time. Everything about it was perfect.

[@DellSnooze]

And then they basically finish the scene with a solid amount of violence and drama 👌👌 brilliant scene

[@JusticeInGaming_JIG]

That idea for the scene R.R. Martin took from video game studio FROM SOFTWARE theyre project ELDEN RING. Where R. R. Martin collaborated with the studio.

[@Mophonic]

...havent seen in a very long time."...hmm where was that ? Which scene in what movie/series ?

[@JusticeInGaming_JIG]

@@Mophonic House Of The Dragons - episode 8 walk to the throne.

[@forrestredd2706]

@@JusticeInGaming_JIG I could tell from the start, it felt very much like the guy who's arm turns into a dragon. Can't remember his name.

[@kimonkarapetsis8195]

Honestly mistakes are the best teachers. Everything about this show was well thought out, they kept the good and changed the bad. Kudos for this massive comeback

[@Aemond2024]

Rhaenys grilboss scène too lol?

[@frankrockall]

Great to hear Paddy Considine is getting the praise he deserves. He showed how talented he was from his debut in Dead Man's Shoes... Ever seen that one Drinker?

[@MadGeorgeProductions]

Jesus Christ, that was NOT his debut. He'd been around years before that and was already massively respected in the UK.

[@frankrockall]

@@MadGeorgeProductions alright mate, chillout. Slight mistake. Bloody keyboard warrior

[@MadGeorgeProductions]

@@frankrockall I'm not a keyboard warrior for pointing out you're talking out of your ass.

[@frankrockall]

@@MadGeorgeProductions too easy to wind-up 😂 keep it coming mate 👍

[@MartinBgelund]

My deepest respect to you, Drinker sir! Admitting your wrong prediction of a failed show, and giving it an honest and unbiased review is exactly the honesty and passion for good storytelling and movie making that I hope will save the movies and movie critique of our time. I salute you sir, cheers!

[@Marcus_Halberstram]

lool

[@ranamores4919]

Ahh. Admitting mistakes. 30 years ago an expected quality of a man. Now, a rarity that was almost absurd, cant help but approach it with 50/50 admiration and caution.

[@bogdanieczezbyszka6538]

Anders Andersson What the hell are you talking about? Admitting mistakes was always seen as being weak by masses.

[@PatrioticSam]

He wasn't 'wrong'; he made an educated prediction based on the trailer, promotional material, and news. The fact that its actually good means the marketing people didn't do their job properly.

[@blindfold28]

@@PatrioticSam Or they did and they predicted they would get the woke viewing audience when trying to sell it off as woke, but then reel in people with actual good characters and storytelling.

[@acanadianknight7269]

You can always tell how he’s feeling about the material and the state of visual media by how excited or dejected the “go away now” is

[@returnedtomonkey8886]

I remember how sad his "go away now" was when he reviewed Star wars 9. I've never seen him that until then or since .

[@Xldldoom0]

Lmao, right? I was just thinking that

[@copiumkiller]

A critic, who admits being wrong about something? This is madness!

[@r0w5tortion84]

@@returnedtomonkey8886 the dr who and star trek ones are usually pretty dour as well

[@marcelofeijao8411]

I watched 2 episodes of this series I was like: Ok so far not bad but nothing special. But I kept pushing through and after episode 6 I was in awe with this show. Episodes couldn't get any sooner and I was really excited for what it would happen and damn that ending was reallyyyy good! Can't wait for season 2!

[@michelleanderson5244]

7:33 I'm a C Sec mom, and Aemma's death gave me chills. It just established right out the gate, you can be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms -- the highest station a woman could attain in this setting. But if it came down to you or the unborn prince you were carrying, you're immediately reduced to an Amazon Prime package to be ripped open and thrown away.

[@misanthropicservitorofmars2116]

Unborn prince, you’re acting as though its not a person. Why is the life of a baby more or less valuable than the life of a mother? How you decide that moral complication can get you to different perspectives.

[@misanthropicservitorofmars2116]

So is it okay to just scramble up a baby and toss it out like a used package? Which one is worse?

[@movoroch]

It's a horrible situation indeed, but I laughed out loud at the "reduced to an Amazon Prime package" comment. :D

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

😢😢❤

[@kingdancekiller]

Jesus. Reduced to an Amazon package. Hilarious but also chilling.

[@OctoStar20]

I know we all love when Drinker rips some bad movie/show apart, but damn, it's so refreshing to hear him praise something that deserves it

[@IBTU]

An uncreative, unimaginative story

[@EmperorTerran]

Its funny how polar opposite I am with him on recent takes. - prey is garbage filled with cliche where ultimately 60kg girl takes on the predator in melee - rings of power actually decently captures LOTR feeling or watching characters from legend in the tolkien world. The twist they did, while predictable had very well done execution - house of dragons is near garbage that is not fit to hold door for GoT. Insuficient happening for good plot, not enough interesting characters, you really dont care much about any of them. Dialogues leave lot to desire. The Boss Girl totally in control in the first half turns in to bending backwards doormat.. they did the transformation offscreen.. you could get a whiplash if you are not careful. Funny how most liked character is the guy who killed his wife for chance to have a son. They did decently by him.. but he is gem in rought only because theres lack of other gems.

[@mr.doctorcaptain1124]

@@EmperorTerran I mean, if you like rings of power I feel you and I would disagree on everything. Even just artistically RoP was trash with horrible cinematography and inadequate acting. But the story and execution of that story was even worse.

[@Ramsey276one]

I would call it... Unbridled Praise

[@glasletter3111]

My wife and I were glad to hear his review on Arcane. I'm actually pretty sure that was the first video of his I ever watched.

[@sanchorim8014]

It's always nice to see Drinker in a positive mood about something.

[@asraiSOA]

He actually does fairly often, or at least gives props when/where their deserved. The main issue is, there's SO much utter sh!t being spewed as 'entertainment' that the scales are largely tipped toward negative reviews.

[@RanMouri82]

Nice to see something that Drinker can be in a positive mood about!

[@yourmum69_420]

I think he’s too easily pleased tbh

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

@@yourmum69_420 Of course you'd say that.

[@asraiSOA]

@@yourmum69_420 Or most likely, you’re just too much of a simpleton to ‘get it.’

[@vatopunko]

paddy considine honestly brought me to tears with that last episode. one of the most powerful and affecting performances I've ever seen on screen. standing ovation all the way.

[@keetenwiggins7802]

This show is definitely the best show that 2022 produced. The cast was perfect and music was one of the best. Even the scene where daemon picks up visery’s crown was actually improvised. Plus they had one thing that game of thrones didn’t had: a finished series of books.

[@MirandaSinistra]

Something that both Daemon and Rhaenys realized in the throne scene is that neither of them had the strength to carry the burden Viserys had to. At his physically weakest he showed more mental strength than anyone in that room.

[@user-ux4gu2lh8c]

@Flash bang Scum, these youtube bots are getting more clever

[@valsptsd814]

@Flash bang ​ ​ you’re a f**k stick linking a recipe link to everyone’s comment.

[@dustydesertdisciple6290]

I think Aemond would be a good king, Aegon is a rotten fool who is the worst choice but he at least is surrounded by decent people. Alicent In my opinion is also a good queen. Rhaenyris is a incestual lier who not only lied about her children's origins but murdered her husband who albeit being drunk and running with the lads if you know what I mean still stood by her and loved kids who were not even his, but she had him murdered then burnt, it may all be a trick yet still she is at the wills of daemon and he's an all around douche nozzle.

[@lanniehough7349]

@@dustydesertdisciple6290 Did you even watch the show? She didn't murder him she just made it look like he was murdered. They did murder some random guy for the burned body which is pretty bad.

[@Ingcivilcarlos]

@@dustydesertdisciple6290 she didn't kill him, they staged his death so he could live out his days with his hunk in a tropical island. He had that good old PoC+LGBTQ force shield.

[@TheYellowBlueWhite]

That last Viserys throne room scene was so powerful, I was completely blown away by how it portrayed the sheer willpower of a dying king who came to defend his beloved daughter and set things right. Damn, its things like this one make me believe that there are still writers, directors, operators, actors (you name it) who can create such masterpieces! And yeah, Paddy Considine is an absolute legend!

[@np8252]

Him and Matt Smith make for such convincing brothers, its insane. The way you can tell their characters love each other despite all their history is too accurate.

[@ivanpetro8464]

And remember that this scene is not in the books. That powerful moment is just good TV writing.

[@drandersjiang]

Haven't seen someone as good as Matt Smith as Daemon on TV for a long time. Already surpassed Homelander imo.

[@dredwick]

lol okay.

[@piercedbylight]

@@ivanpetro8464 Totally improvised: it wasn't scripted for the crown to fall off, the actors just went with it. Worked so beautifully

[@Corusame]

I'm ashamed to say I've only just finished watching this series. With a heavy sigh I made the mistake of avoiding it after what happened to Game of Thrones. I'm so glad I gave it a chance as its easily one of the best shows I've seen and the perfect way to see out 2022. I will most definitely be watching the 2nd season.

[@justinczech1489]

They spent a whole season slow burning a tension that'll make 2-4 seasons so much more intense

[@elck3]

Paddy Constantine’s performance broke me. I honestly did not think I’d say this. It’s just majestically perfect.

[@haydenhoodless2055]

The scene of his meal with the entire family was a tear jerker for sure - he forgives all transgressions, small and big, not because he is weak but out of love for his family. Paddy somehow conveys a character with a big heart without needing to be overtly kind, gracious or generous.

[@robin-38-]

He was so fucking good

[@SeeYouRyu2032]

The turn around for Daemon was definitely a pleasant surprise. He went from wanting to be king, to seeing what its like in his small sense ultimately respecting his brother more without ever sacrificing his ruthlessness. A character growing without being completely neutered is always a win in my book.

[@Charmayne7]

I think he's still struggling with his desire to be king, though his love for Rhaenyra is helping to hold it in check. His self control almost cracked when he choked her, though. I think he's thinking he'll be able to rule through her, but at some point, that won't be enough.

[@publiusventidiusbassus1232]

I don't think he remotely cares about any of them. He still just sees Rhaenyra as a political tool. The gestures he does in public for his family, like giving away the Stepstone crown, helping Viserys walk to the throne and defending Rhaenyra completely contrast with his private outbursts like mocking Viserys' son death, scheming to strain Rhaenyra's relationship with his father for his own benefit and then strangling her when she won't follow his commands.

[@contecgames6225]

@@Charmayne7 But if Rhaenyra wins he would be prince consort and de facto King, I think that also made him a bit more content with his situation.

[@kas8009]

I dont think he wanted to be king that bad.ya he was hier for some time but wanted his brother to fix up more then anything. he didnt mind his brother ruiling for the next 100 years as long his blood was on the throne. he wanted to be the hand to protect his brother from leeches and wed rhaenera to keep the Targ blood pure. thats all daemon ever wanted was to keep the Pure targ family on the throne... if they listened to him i think targs woulda kept ruling for a long since his brother did not want to wed a velaryon. he saw the war from miles away...

[@auliaparsadaharahap664]

@@publiusventidiusbassus1232 IMO what daemon want is to be respected by her brother and rhaenyra. IMO daemon is kinda wannabe protector for his family (valyrian blood) and piss off when his family want to be away from him. We can see his expression in scene when viserys denied him as hand, denied him by marrying rhaenyra, viserys didn't tell him about prophecy, sending him away to Vale, laena failed birth scene and when viserys decide to help him against triarchy because he interpeted it's as a failure and incapable for his family.

[@kingnewcomer2029]

Well, how about that? A Game Of Thrones prequel series that surprisingly turned out awesome! And man, does this deliver LOADS better than Rings Of Power, and GOT's series finale! It doesn't shoehorn in any political agendas, or any of that bullshit, it's a faithful retelling of the source material with great characters, complex story, gorgeous visuals, beautiful music, breathtaking acting, etc.! I hope that Season 2 can pull off even stuff! Also, congrats on reaching closer to your short film, Rogue Elements, being ready, Drinker! :D

[@adamkalb1]

It was nice to hear updates about Rogue Elements from him at the end of both his reviews for The Rings of Power and House of the Dragon. I have not become a kickstarter for it myself because I have not yet learned how to donate money online, but I know he will be fine without me because he already passed 1M (one million) subscribers over the summer of 2022. I will be lucky if I can even pass 1K (one thousand) subscribers in 2022.

[@bex9257]

😂 "No political agendas"? Did you watch the show?

[@williamdritt281]

How does it not have any political agendas? It’s one of the r most political shows in hbo. The entire damn show could be scene as a treatise in government. The fact that it’s so potlucks separates it from other fantasy like lord of the rings.

[@user-mb4ux7xv4j]

No political agenda? Have you missed all the completely out of place black servants, maesters and members of the biggest family? At least in GoT the coloured and black people made sense because they were from very distant, tropical places.

[@lilben4184]

@@user-mb4ux7xv4j Black servants? Okay that part's based tbh. I'd still prefer chattel slaves tho

[@Hillman678]

This was one of the first recommendations that I took up and I find your views chime with mine. I have now watched more content and understand more about why I have been disliking so many films these last few years. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@CthulhuTheory]

I love the scene with Viserys walking into the throne room for the final time and how it highlights the same strength of character we saw an episode or two earlier when Rhaenyra walked herself to see Alicent with her child immediately after giving birth. It underscores just how much she's like her father in ways that I think we, as an audience, don't really appreciate the first time around, and also foreshadows her efforts to be a good ruler and stay her hand in the final episode. She clearly looked up to her dad, she loved him and he loved her, and the fact that you get to see their personalities reflect in each other in unexpected ways is just... my god the writing's so good.

[@zonefreakman]

I felt so much more intimate with these characters in House of the Dragon compared to Game of Thrones. The writing along with the acting is top notch.

[@jackmeeks2294]

Best comment

[@lilyvonshtuup]

I watched a few interviews with Paddy when his role concluded and I found it so refreshing to hear an actor talk about their character with such knowledge, care and complexities. Not once did he opine about his political persuasion or any “message” we needed to adhere to. Such a breath or fresh air. I’ve missed actors talk about acting.

[@Emy-fv5ny]

I don't watch actors doing interviews anymore, they are so annoying, so dislikable. I like HOD cast in the show but out of it I don't want to see them or hear them. However, I saw the interview of Paddy and Matt and Paddy was so funny, I like him a lot.

[@dragonchr15]

Paddy is a stand up dude

[@lilyvonshtuup]

@@dragonchr15 totally agree. first saw him in Dead man’s shoes waaay back. He is a national treasure who 💯 deserves this recognition

[@markh9755]

And then we got the cast of RoP talking about woke crap and first female dwarf ever xDDD

[@dragonchr15]

@@markh9755 to someone o. The receiving end of racism and discrimination, it certainly is not "crap." To a privileged white dude, I guess it would seem that way.

[@TheRealThomasPaine1776]

I thought when Viserys held that last meal, when his last, dying wish was that his family "would just put this nonsense behind you and get along like a family!!" That was stunning and just said it all. Very little dragons, hardly any dragon torching people, it was just watching a dysfunctional family grow apart and distant. Just like reality. Very believable (except for the snow white dreadlocks, clean as if they were just taken out of the package and put on for the first time)

[@techniqueswithtodd]

It really was a GREAT SHOW. Well said Drinker!!! You prodigious pedantic pugilistic purveyor of modern tv programming!!! Paddy was a very pleasant surprise indeed eh? My fave thing about it was the big banquet scene where he finally thinks the family is getting along, and takes off his mask to show his melting face, and then as soon as he leaves it's a bar fight. Best of luck on your short film! I see it's shot the moon on funding!!! Nice :)

[@dagdamor1]

You know an actor’s performance is powerful when it inspires the WRITER to do more work on the character. Job well done, Paddy.

[@sikkouvol.1996]

@@RepEvox its so bad that it just might do that :)

[@kaltaron1284]

That happens probably more often than we realize but it's always nice to hear about it.

[@rodrigobogado8756]

@@kaltaron1284 yeah, the actor of Amos Burton from the Expanse did such a good job that the writers claimed that it's better than the book version

[@SolidMikeP]

Paddy killed it, its been a long time since I have been blown away by a performance like this.

[@phoenixdzk]

Went from watching the Cornetto trilogy to this. Guy's got range

[@acidburns4046]

Dead Man's Shoes?

[@the_unrepentant_anarchist.]

@@phoenixdzk Watch him in a film called 'Dead Man's Shoes', you'll see how fucking brilliant he is.... 😉 🍄

[@nicolasdrake8179]

@@acidburns4046 one of the best films I have seen, the start bit where the dealers says what the duck you looking at and he snaps back you you ya cunt ….from then I know it was going to be awesome….channel 4 at about 1am in the morning 😂

[@harambeepstein8009]

@@acidburns4046 love that film probably his best performance before this

[@delsouls76]

I finally watched this and came here to see if you had reviewed it. Couldn’t agree more. It was waaaaaaay better than I expected. Less fantastical, more soap opera, incredible acting, and what a setup for season 2.

[@iwanttopotato8848]

Loved the actors from the show. They all worked hard on their roles and it showed. My favorite though was Ewan Mitchell. Every time he was on the screen with that smug smile of his I was completely stuck on him mentally.

[@koshea44]

Is that Larys Strong? Or someone else?

[@lacountess]

@@koshea44 Aemond, and I agree. He made me uncomfortable with just his presence and not saying anything, like every second he was scheming something.

[@wplains]

I’ve never heard of a single one of them, lol. Who the hell are they?

[@antonysimpson6288]

@@wplains Aemond is the one with one eye. Larys is the slimy one with a bad leg and a foot fetish.

[@wplains]

@@antonysimpson6288 oh I meant the actors. Never heard of any of them. At least GOT had Charles Dance and Sean Bean. These guys? Don’t know who they are. I also wish I hadn’t seen a video on them on KZbin as knowing the woman who plays the older Princess looks like a freak is a big turnoff. It was so much better when actors didn’t let the world know their sexual and political preferences…🙄

[@jameskilduff1622]

Emma, Paddy and Matt were just unreal. Pleasantly surprised by this show, loved it.

[@rinmartell2678]

Don’t forget Olivia

[@laythbarzangi8477]

I would also add Rhys Ifans to the list. His portrayal of the ruthlessly crafty and ambitious Otto Hightower was spot on.

[@pesmerga182]

Watch dead man’s shoes with paddy in it

[@majpeaches]

Can’t forget Rhys

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Praise to Milly Alcock and Emily Carey too. They potrayed younger version of Rhaenyra and Alicent exceptionally good. Also, this is Milly's acting debut in America since she's only famous in Australia previously.

[@voiceover2191]

What I admire in Paddy Considine playing Viserys is the fact that this is a character that pretty much, looking at the facts of his life, pretty much failed at everything and still became a character that as an audience you felt so connected to just on the power of his humanity that the actor brought out, which, I'm sure, would have been most likely not even remotely as strong if done by most other actors. Indeed that grueling final walk to the throne was so heart wrenching. But most tragic I found his final speech during the final dinner with his family where shows his true self, even literally, and talks so much about reconciliation and wishes for his family to bridge and unify and you just know like all else he tried, it's doomed to fail and you'd so much want his final wish to become true and all be well, but you know it is an illusion. That's a Shakespearian tragedy and Paddy Considine pulled it off totally believable, so tragic that in the end even his final words on his death bed fail to reach the target they were intended for and even worse, will be the trigger that will announce the eventual doom on his house. George R. Martin, sometimes I hate you!

[@alesksander]

I hate when characters are in.. Well in character. By modern "standards" lost art. Togeher with casting, its simple and purest form of cinema and totally believable lad.

[@wvin1450]

Viserys was a weak king. He was a peacetime king with no great conquest. He rode the biggest dragon in the world The Black Dread ... for maybe 5 years before the dragon died. His grandfather Jaehaerys the conciliator (who passed the crown to him) was arguably the greatest king in GoT history even passing Aegon. Viserys grandmother abolished laws such as "the First Night" (a lords rights to rape a bride on her wedding night) and pushed laws strengthening the rights of widows. Viserys had big shoes to fill, and was found wanting. His biggest fault was letting his daughter give birth to bastards ... yea, he knew, its a King's job to know. His second biggest fault was threatening to maim nobility that spoke the truth. In the book the Iron Throne started cutting Viserys when he made those threats ... they passed this over in the HBO series.

[@eris9659]

@@wvin1450 There is a sequence where the Iron throne cuts him and it is implied this is where he got his disease.

[@roon23]

I disagree that Viserys was a failure at being king. Afterall, his 30+(?) year reign was one of relatively prosperity and peace. This is certainly no easy accomplishment, and certainly something of an anomaly in the GoT world.

[@lcgiv4u]

@@eris9659 Tetanus??

[@rodiape]

I love your videos Drinker but this time i have to disagree, Its average at best. I think the justified hatred for the failure of the Rings of Power makes this show look better than it is in the eyes of many. Its soapy, characters are not that interesting, pacing is not that good. Characters are mere shadows of the nuanced and unique characters of the original series. Female characters are all the same, strong breeders hoping to put his son in a Throne , all weak compared to the complex and diverse motivations of the characters in GOT. I'm struggling hard to continue watching after 6 episodes. Just my opinion. Big fan of the channel.

[@williamhartman1790]

Drinker, I just finished watching Barbarian and I am shook to my core. I would love to see your take on this movie. Keep up the good work!

[@strawbarry7834]

It took me 4-5 episodes before I could (grudgingly and finally) wash the stink of season 8 out of my brain, but damn I'm glad I stuck with it. This show is the classic "slow burn", and so worth it. And Considine set the bar so high, it's gonna be interesting to see who can fill those shoes in season 2. I can't believe the guy is only 49, and managed to act so convincingly old and frail, yet with such gravitas and strength.

[@TheLuketh1990]

Agreed, when they foreshadowed the song of ice and fire in ep1 I had ptsd

[@sreevatsannathan434]

He did well in his short role as Father Hughes in Peaky Blinders as well. Really good actor...

[@obijuanquenobi1911]

I don’t remember if it’s confirmed in the show but Viserys was only 52 when he died so he wasn’t that old.

[@MentalParadox]

He character wasn't old when he died, he was a kind of leper (Considine's words).

[@lemonacidrounds7293]

Its not just season 8, its 6 and 7 as well

[@Drarjunmenon]

Viserys on his death bed finally whispers "My love" as he takes his final breath. Paddy revealed in an interview that it wasn't part of the script and it was an improv he did as he felt that during his final moments Viserys was reunited with his first wife, his true love. Whenever someone does something with great love, magic happens.

[@mallowmallow2070]

I loved that, he never ever got over Aemma. Paddy did a phenomenal job

[@fcukgogle9213]

George RR Martin wants to rewrite his book for the shows Viserys, he said Paddy's version was much better then his own, amazing what excellent writers/actors can do when they're not constricted by modern politics, other writers with the mind for "modern audiences" would have turned Viserys into an irrelevant character just to make way for the strong independent woman...

[@greypilgrim228]

@@fcukgogle9213 Exactly, when even the author of the series realises that you're on to something and changes his characters to reflect your work, you know you've struck gold. It reminds me of the Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwall, he was so impressed with Sean Bean's portrayal that he wrote the rest of the series with him in mind. Granted he couldn't change some of the characteristics of Richard Sharpe like his black hair, but everything else was fleshed out more or changed in later books to reflect the tv portrayal. (Edit) It also reflects well on all the writers and actors of HOTD having done such a great job pouring their heart and souls into these portrayals, and people at home can obviously see genuine talent, which is refreshing for once and in stark contrast to the utterly crap ROP.

[@fcukgogle9213]

@@greypilgrim228 I liked the portrayal of King Viserys, so many kings in movies and TV series are usually seen as corrupt, incompetent or outright insane, it's nice to see one that's caring although incompetent...

[@Amantducafe]

Also his portrayal of being senile, weak and dying was based on his experience with his father. He confesses that after watching himself on the TV he burst to tears since he was reflecting his father.

[@kmoustakas]

It had very slow pace and it was a drama rather than an action series but the end was great! A good end fixes so many things

[@TheRogueJedii]

I was wrong about this show, too. Liked it.

[@perjulianlundbergtande8956]

why the comma lmao

[@trevorhecht1478]

The first 15 minutes of Episode 7: Driftmark, where all the characters come together for the funeral, left me in awe. Hardly anything was said throughout the entire scene but every glare and superficial interaction perfectly communicated the tense undertone as well as the characters thoughts. That scene really highlights how well the show is written because it only works when the context built up around it is properly conveyed to the audience.

[@Mike-rg2dg]

Lol you for real? That’s was the laziest writing and acting of the series

[@trevorhecht1478]

@@Mike-rg2dg I don't agree at all, communicating without words, particularly this scene with the number of subjects it touched on, is way more difficult than you're giving it credit for.

[@angelor9211]

@@trevorhecht1478 very true, a majority of a time a simple look or gesture can really set the tone more than actually speaking what characters think

[@matthewcarroll2533]

For me it was the same episode I believe; the part where they have their last family dinner as one big "unified" family, which is what I think you're talking about and what killed it for me was Viserys' passionate, desperate and ultimately loving speech he gave. It hit home so hard for me, especially now that I'm a father of my own and will have to do that balancing act as well. (obviously much lower stakes, but yeah just what he said about coming together and just forgiving each other for one night - so powerful)

[@Mike-rg2dg]

@@trevorhecht1478 standing silently is not difficult. It’s lazy, amateur writing and acting.. which is all this show was

[@hamzamahmood9565]

It's good to see HBO learning from its mistakes and this time actually putting effort into the writing team. Disney should take notes

[@user-uq9se1nx9q]

Just report them

[@Resonosity]

It's 100% the writing team that sold this one, and the actors that took their characters to the next level. Matt and Paddy had a lot of input in these regards

[@Wartensteiin]

@Classic Tate it’s a bot

[@justinstoll4955]

Amazon needs to be taking the hardest notes.

[@afruizco]

Why take criticism and improve when you can simply blame everyone but you and call everyone sexist?

[@anearthian894]

Everyone wanted so bad to not like and dump the anger of got last seasons on this one... After watching few episodes, everyone was like....

[@rjkbytes1]

House of the Dragon: The anti-Disney, in every good way.

[@irarelyupload6930]

@Nogent "I don't like to see black characters" Just say that, you damn closet racist.

[@amatthew1231]

@Nogent Unlike all the other attempts at race casting the Velaryons can make more sense. They were a house of old Valyria, but a poor one that depended on sea commerce and trade to gain power. Geographically Valyria sits in the east near Sothoryos(ASoIaF's africa) and in proximity to the Summer Islands were the people are described as black. Valyria was an empire that conquered and Valyrianized other cultures with the power of their dragons, traded with other peoples something like a fantastical Rome. You can make the case for the Velaryons. And it was a black family not one weirdly placed black actor And unlike Rings of Power, the Witcher, ect. The Velaryon actors killed it, if the actors are good and its not blatantly unbelievable it works imo. Most importantly I feel like you can swap the skin color of the Velaryons and it wouldn't change the story. They have the same motivations, same levels of power they are seafarers and dragon riders, the writers didn't make their skin color really apart of the plot except for Rhaenyra's children who _are not what they should be..._ And that ironically It added intrigue. The Velaryons are like the writers saying "we can play your stupid game, we're better at it than the rest of you ever will be" **mic drop**

[@sjonnieplayfull5859]

@@amatthew1231 and they did noy make it into the prime selling point of the show. No interviews with "Liik at how many black actors we got". They are good actors and that got them their roles

[@k9m42]

Except the black Targarion..

[@MadMaxRoadFury]

"Daemon starts a war that he can't win" - then technically he wins it single-handedly, what a legend

[@TheGreySage0]

He lost the war,won the battle as seeds of douubt were sown leading to later conflict

[@qqq386]

He kind of didnt. He killed the Crabdfeeder and won that battle, but the Triarchy was still alive and kept fighting with admiral Sharako Lohar

[@bertramstier2540]

Jeah. Such shit writing.

[@flyingrancidm00nfish7]

Nah, he was about to be killed before the Velarions came to the rescue

[@tiffaleah6690]

@@flyingrancidm00nfish7 If you remember a bit earlier before Daemon showed up to the strategy planning, Laenor was laying out a plan in which one of them would have to 'sacrifice' themselves. After Daemon received the letter from Viserys, I'm pretty sure he volunteered himself as tribute but not as a sacrifice, but with full intentions of making sure he was victorious. The whole thing was planned out, but originally it was thought the sacrifice wouldn't make it.

[@scitizen284]

A fantastic show. Matt Smith and Paddy Considine were the standout performers, but also shoutout to Milly Alcock, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke and Emily Carey for developing both Rhaenyra and Alicent respectively. Fantastic performances all around. Can’t wait for Season 2!

[@ejayman]

I can't believe my boy Rhys isn't getting any love! He looks and sounds born for the GoT/HotD world

[@xxstellastarlightxx9284]

fr I'm glad matt smith is getting more recognition he's such a great actor

[@rbu2136]

Problem is a lot of the show is House of Estrogen. Whining about being a woman.

[@myprotosskickass]

@@rbu2136 whining? We must have watched 2 different shows.

[@josephreuben3643]

Matt Smith's performance is overhyped, mostly bcos of his popularity (Doctor Who). Looks weird in the wig and his high pitch whinny voice doesn't match at all with what Daemon comes across as in the books.

[@alwill755]

That "God damn" 6:23 sync doh LOL😆

[@FreakyBarberStuff]

I don't know if we watched the same show, but House of the Dragon commited the greatest entertainment sin of being fucking boring. I get what they're going for, I understand the plot and the characters, motivations, all that jazz, I'm not stupid. It's just very soap-opera-esque, extremely sluggish and so fucking boring. The plot moves at a snail's pace and there is just not enough content to justify the sluggishness. I like slow movies. But slow burners need to be gripping, not boring.

[@chubbywithaguitar]

I also love the show's relationship with the book. Considering the book is written as a history, with multiple sources sometimes conflicting on the details of an event, the show is able to set the record straight. That's sweet and not something I've seen before. The show can actually add more to the story rather than suck the life out of it.

[@valsptsd814]

@Secret ​ you’re a fuck stick linking a recipe link to everyone’s comment.

[@lowbird7947]

I wouldn't say "set the record straight" because some things are changed just to make for a better TV show. Some examples: Rhaenys busting through the floor, Sir Criston killing Joffrey at the wedding, and the Aemon scene demanding the eyeball.

[@inr9751]

It's not like the show isn't inventing new bullshit along the way. And the show continuity isn't canon anyway.

[@TrashPanda90914]

@@lowbird7947 I kind of agree but with Aemond I think it was meant to set up the next scene with Luc and Arrax more than anything. In the books I understand that it's implied that Aemonds actions were intentional but in the show show you can see things just got out of hand and he lost control of Vhagar. That look of horror as he realised what he's done was beautiful. Aemonds actor did incredibly here actually.

[@chubbywithaguitar]

@@lowbird7947 ya you are probably right there... There are a few examples where the show takes liberties, but even more where it has to include plot points the sources simply couldn't have known about (song of ice and fire prophecy is the first to come to mind). That's why I think it's cool.

[@MrBaronCabron]

HotD is up there with the first 3 seasons of GoT. I had massive doubts about it but it really was absolutely fantastic. It got me back to re watching GoT also and considering stopping at season 4 but probably won't.

[@theprovocateur9877]

Just donated to the short film. Love the drake books and dark harvest was awesome! Can’t wait to see what you can do with film!

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

Hearing Paddy’s process of how he developed Viserys as he walked to the Iron Throne for the last time is absolutely devastating.

[@stevewhite6241]

Moving scene.

[@rajyavardhansingh4491]

Explain

[@firstlast9846]

He’s effectively gonna be the Sean Bean / Ned Stark of the series : Died in Season 1 but his death sends ripples across the rest of the show for many years and when you think back you’ll be like “Oh shit” I forgot he was on the show

[@paulalwright629]

He looked like an Elden Ring boss in that one scene

[@hoaaaaaaaaable]

@@firstlast9846 good comparison, but I'll disagree with the last part. How could you forget ned stark

[@chrisfraser5088]

Paddy Considine was absolutely…unequivocally…FUCKING AMAZING in this show. Man had better win awards for his performance! I genuinely shed a tear when he finally dies. Pretty sure I haven’t cried since I was a young teenager…30 years ago. Well done, Paddy 👏👏👏 This show completely surprised me. Never thought I’d be this enthralled by something called “Game of Thrones” again. Can’t wait for season 2.

[@pitchforker3304]

Ouch... spoiler alert pls

[@Alan_Edwards]

Call me cynical, but when it comes to award time I suspect that other show will get the rewards it does NOT deserve and HOTD will get just a nod.

[@Crybaby-Media]

@@pitchforker3304 you probably shouldn’t be watching a review of the first season if youre concerned about spoilers.. not the OPs fault

[@SImonDeLikaeble]

@@Crybaby-Media Exactly what I was thinking! Comments will be about the whole first series , which is not a surprise

[@mrsanity]

Both he and Matt Smith have upped their value when it comes to roles requiring true acting ability. I know Matt Smith was pretty good as Dr Who despite some trash writing, but he's REALLY shone in this almost as brightly as Paddy!

[@913egok]

It was obvious that Matt Smith as Daemon would be the most popular character. But I'm glad to see that the reviewer spotted how well Paddy Considine played Viserys. I also really like Emily Carey as young Alicent Hightower. Honestly the show has many good characters.

[@aszechy]

This is certainly not a bad series, particularly in terms of characters (and the actors portraying them), but honestly I feel that it's a bit overrated given that everyone seems to have decided to cast this as "the good show" to contrast with the failure of the rings of power. There were quite a lot of elements in the plot that seemed dumb to me, most importantly how team Rhaneyra seemed completely surprised and unprepared for Viserys' death which is ridiculous given that they spent the past 15 years anticipating the king's demise and the inevitable struggle for power afterwards (you mentioned scheming and plotting, but they didn't really do any of that, did they?) Also, why did Rhaenys not blast Alicent & co to ash and end the war before it began if she was planning to fully support the other side? Why did Rhaenyra risk the life of her sons delivering messages? And how the f* did Criston Cole carry on as kingsguard instead of being executed after murdering a man in front of everybody? And the bonus question: just how many gruelling childbirth scenes can you fit into a single show?

[@anwynoakenshield]

It's a bit of a mess.

[@DitlevPedersen]

Well said 🤙

[@faustino909]

5 kids fighting and a dragon chase scene in house of the dragons had more emotion and action than the entirety of the rings of power.

[@Amantducafe]

Or the butterfly effect, the last episode we see why an Eye is worth losing to get the biggest dragon in the world.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Even an old man walking to Iron Throne for the last time has more impact and emotions than the entire Rings of Power

[@DragonsDream]

RIP young prince, Lucerys & his faithful dragon, Arrax.

[@HolyMith]

Funny I was thinking of the scene in GoT with Arya, Joffrey and the butcher's son. It's a bunch of kids arsing around, but you heart is racing the whole time, because even by this early point you have some understanding of the characters. You know Joffrey is arrogant, fragile and spiteful enough to have the boy killed. You know Arya is strong willed enough to take revenge. The encounter is potentially deadly regardless of the fact that they are children. I don't recall felling anything close to this level of tension whilst watching Guyladriel hew her way through orcs and trolls etc. Or at any other point during RoP.

[@breakingthewall2112]

@@DragonsDream Not so faithful in the end. Have no idea what the dragon was expecting to do there. Like pulling a lion's tail

[@WhitefoxSpace]

Went into HotD expecting the worst: Was surprised. Went into RoP expecting the worst: Was still surprised as it was worse than I could have ever imagined.

[@zanido9073]

Went into HotD expecting the best: Was surprised

[@shpoopyshpoop]

Paddy's performance deserved an Emmy. He will make you cry.

[@shujima4429]

Great review! I agree, great show. I am really hoping that they do SNOW. and retcon season 7 of GoT.

[@steffanyschwartz7801]

The throne room scene with Viserys is a top scene for this show and for GOT. These writers made a character better then GRRM did.

[@steffanyschwartz7801]

@hope. that’s an air fryer

[@pacifistmob3568]

He got you hook, line and sinker

[@stevewhite6241]

This show proves that fan blaming isn't necessary if a show is truly great.

[@Zanagash]

GRRM actually said that Paddy Considine’s Viserys was better than the one he wrote. Which is the best compliment ever !

[@sisyr5615]

@@Zanagash Yes, albeit not *that* surprising given that the book that HotD is based on is written as a fictional historical account and doesn't really flesh out the vast majority of the characters all that much (including Viserys).

[@nikolaresanovic8335]

Paddy Considine deserves every bit of praise he can get for his performance. Especially in episode 8. That was pure art what he managed to accomplish.

[@taylorwilson6655]

if you like him, please watch Dead Man Walking, one of the best british films ever made, low budget but powerful. He's also the ONLY famous person ever to come out of my hometown!

[@goji059]

brilliant work

[@phoenixdzk]

Saw him in Hot Fuzz & World's End just before this. He's got good range

[@richardmalcolm1457]

@@taylorwilson6655 You mean Dead Man's Shoes, right?

[@taylorwilson6655]

@@richardmalcolm1457 OOPS. yep i did

[@otchigal6527]

We probably watched different shows

[@santasuburbia]

Masterful performance. I can play this piece on the piano, and I can hardly notice anything that was left out of this adaptation. Amazing!

[@delzilla1261]

So good to hear that Paddy Considine is getting the plaudits his talent deserves. Brilliant actor

[@safi6749]

i love how drinker went from trying ignore hot d existence to loving it so much the writers actually knew what they were doing this time

[@jichaelmorgan3796]

Thankfully HBO still has a little more quality control and knows when to put down a bad show too

[@MsOkayAwesome]

Hot D 😆

[@bradcarver8127]

I love getting some Hot D while I’m watching HotD.

[@dmidkif]

It also helps when George is still involved with the show

[@noot6230]

I haven’t been able to catch up due to being deployed but what I’ve watched, I absolutely loved. It’s been so good and interesting to watch

[@bugvswindshield]

the first few were completely wiped out. it JUMPED 30 years. WTF? If we're going to do that, I expect not shock of turn of events , but when ever the writers get a block....they will just jump ahead to another group of sub characters. Thats shite!!!!!

[@msanjelica]

It's not because they got a block - it's because they started at a point in the books where little happened. It was all just set up to the civil war. Though I agree it wasn't great.

[@shieldwallofdragons]

When the doors to the throne room swung open and the words "All hail King Viserys Targaryen, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, and the Prince of Dragonstone." were uttered it was one of the best moments I have seen in a TV show in a very long time.

[@user-fo7mf9nd2h]

@Classic Tate That was fast. Thanks for the link!

[@exgrinder]

Still gives me chills

[@antoniopineda5780]

Me 1-6 episodes: Fck that wimp pseudo king Me on 7th episode: MY KING 😭🫡

[@justsomejerseydevilwithint4606]

I have an older brother, who I don't care too much about. We've always had a rocky relationship, and due to our ideological differences we can't live in the same house for more than 3 days, but damnit, He's my brother, and I do actually care a notable bit about him. So seeing Daemon help carry his dying, wounded, half-dead older brother up the stairs to perform his crushing duty one last time... it made me cry just thinking about having to do that for my brother. I can only omagine what emotions daemon is holding fown right then.

[@RLee-we1fc]

Your brothers a king?

[@justsomejerseydevilwithint4606]

@@RLee-we1fc No, but imagining him ill and decrepit being called to duty as I help him up the stairs like that puts tears to my eyes.

[@RLee-we1fc]

@@justsomejerseydevilwithint4606 Yeah I'm like that with my brother too.

[@Matt7895]

I waited until all were released before taking out a NowTV subscription to watch them all back to back with zero ads, and I'm glad I did. You're right, this is like GoT at its peak and it is because of the quality of the writing and the excellent actors, Paddy Considine giving such an understated performance which ends up setting the bar and making everyone else raise their game. Matt Smith is terrific and the best part of the show for me. I also loved the actress who played Young Rhaenyra, Milly Alcock - so much so that I couldn't adjust to Emma D'Arcy. The episode with the time shift was so jarring for me I just stayed angry throughout the whole episode. Thankfully the show picks up in following episodes, but I wish they had found a way to keep the same actors.

[@MrResisting]

It built up beautifully to an ending as good as anything ive seen in years

[@LydiaKrow]

One of the best things about this series is how much these actors put into their craft - SO much happened, but a lot of it was communicated with body language, expressions, and well-placed lines of dialogue. Everything came together so well. It got me into the world more than GoT did, honestly, and I found it was easy to follow everyone, even though it's a huge ensemble cast. I was so happy this went well. Paddy Considine played his role so well that I cried actual tears when he begged his family to come together for his sake. Awesome stuff.

[@killbotone6210]

Woke nonsense.

[@Borojin]

@@killbotone6210 I'm starting to realize as time goes by I'm starting to believe that people are using the word woke without using it right and is just using it against something or things they don't like....👀

[@jeffseehorsch6283]

@@killbotone6210 Is this what you paste everywhere to get likes? Read the comment before you make an ass out of yourself.

[@killbotone6210]

@@Borojin Thats so woke.

[@lazarusboi6289]

​@@killbotone6210 You're woke

[@laythbarzangi8477]

Credit must also be given to Ramin Djawadi for continuing his GoT work and composing an equally brilliant score for this season. The sparse music that accompanies the opening scene of episode 9 really brought home the weight of Viserys' death the night before. We see pre-dawn shots of different places around the Red Keep with less than a handful of people (mostly staff) scurrying around, as rumours of the King's death start to slowly filter out. It sounds like a distant cousin of the iconic Light of the Seven from GoT S6, and it captures the mood perfectly.

[@kimonkarapetsis8195]

100% spot on, the chord progressions are firstly mournful and sort of comforting but then turn very off and ominous, building up so much intensity of what’s about to come!

[@Dianimations_]

The sigh of relief I uttered when I saw the title, I was like good me and Drinker still on the same page

[@godzilla234ful]

This show really brings out what feminism driven shows should be. Like you said keep the woman a woman and show her struggles as a woman not her struggles trying to be a man.

[@Real_MisterSir]

The moment where the show you had little hope for, turns out so great that by the end you're literally at the edge of your seat craving for more seasons.. That is what House of the Dragon has done. What a time to be alive, cinematic production is not dead just yet.

[@clkgtr12]

i was eager to start the book right after ep 10 aired( leaked and watched it lol) but i dont wannq spoil it for me although i see how u can enjoy it even if u read the book because not everything in the book is right or the truth im conflicted someone encourage me to start reading it

[@btchiaintkidding7837]

@@clkgtr12 i heard it is not a really fun read. but if u havent read A song of ice and fire books(GoT's source material) i heavily encourage it. the books are godtier. but HoTD series is probably the better way to consume than its book counterpart. the HoTD feels like a prequel to the books, when the GoT adaptation itself never felt like a proper adaptation of the books and thats a huge feat for HoTD. the show earned my trust respect love so i'd suggest to wait it out till season2 and avoiding spoilers. good luck

[@clkgtr12]

@@btchiaintkidding7837 i appreciate ur input

[@daviscarl3766]

It started very shaky, you could see HBO's reluctance to splash money on this in the first few episodes, set pieces are objectively limited making the characters feel isolated. This was 'the height of targaryen power' yet I could count where their influences reach. But credit to them for the later parts where the conflicts opened the show up.

[@CaptainFracture]

This is what they said at the start of GOT, we pray that it doesn’t fall into the shitter after

[@serkg4672]

The best thing that I noticed about the show is that the characters actually have real motivations and personalities. You can actually tell why someone does something. One example I can give is Daemon, a rogue prince who is loyal to his brother, but also has a violent nature. His actions actually align with what he is. The characters in this show is something most shows/movies lack nowadays.

[@danielhicks4826]

I do like how he was legit loyal to his brother even if he personally didn't care for him tro much and was opposite of him moral/personality wise, and yet he didn't try to usurp his power or actually betray or poison him or try to stab him in his sleep, and that was far better than a cliche back stabbing subversive traitor type ya know, because a lot of historical kings ands there brothers really did have those types of relationships sometimes, so that was very well done for sure and they didn't push it, he always submitted to his brothers authority in the end because bottom line he was the king as well as his brother.

[@danielhicks4826]

Reminded me a lot of the last Russian tsar and his brother Prince Michael in fact, while Michael was an actual good moral man compared to Daemon, what was similar was in real life there were a couple of times where Michael didn't do what his brother wanted or what was generally "approved of/allowed" like for example he married a woman who was twice divorced, very rare back then, and that causes major issues even had Michael move out of Russia or to the outskirts for a few years, however despite that when his Brother the tsar needed him like when WW1 happened for example they put that aside he asked for his brothers help and Prince Michael came right back and led some troops and assisted his brother, it kinda reminded me of that which I thought was pretty cool. So even though daemon thought of his brother as justy kinda soft and a perhaps push over or weak at times, and had a total opposite moral compass/ personality of his brother the king, in the end he still loved his brother and never tried to take his crown through treason or deception or regicide ya know which was very cool for sure.

[@Sosozanyway]

Actually.

[@MS-dv7bd]

This show didn't try to make women like men and vice versa, but showed how strong each sex is in their respective ways

[@deliciousdallas8555]

Make women like men and vice versa how? If you mean by fighting with swords and being badass than no, it didn't. But I'm just going to point out that that's not really a bad thing.

[@Oscar-yx1xx]

Yep , i don't understand what you mean "like men " do you mean being strong fighter ?? If so there will be alot of them next season

[@infjelphabasupporter8416]

"in their respective ways" I hope you're only talking about a physical difference there

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

Exactly.

[@stavros9849]

I couldn't agree more with your viewpoint on how HOD handled female character development and strength

[@MrThunderwing]

Paddy Consindine has absolutely knocked it out of the park in this show! I really hope he gets some recognition of this when it comes to the TV awards time.

[@Emy-fv5ny]

He deserves to receive some award but you know how awards are 😒

[@aliensconfirmed3498]

He will definitely get one for best actor or supporting actor (whichever they nominate him for). His performance is comparable to all time greats so being this year's best should be trivial matter.

[@2CanSam1000]

Awards are bought and paid for by studios. The fans have acknowledged his great performance and that should really matter more. Not to mention most award shows are pretty much dead nobody watches or cares for them. Having said that I fully agree with you his performance was excellent