House of the Dragon S1E04 Explained

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This video has no spoilers for House of the Dragon beyond S1E04. It does have spoilers for the original Game of Thrones show.
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Images and video from Game of Thrones used under fair use.
Images from The World of Ice and Fire used with permission from Random House.
Storm’s End by Ted Nasmith: www.tednasmith.com/
Alysanne and Aegon I by Magali Villeneuve: www.magali-villeneuve.com
Blackwood weirwood by Elena María Vacas: www.artstation.com/ab3nd
Tytos Blackwood by VKCole: www.deviantart.com/vkcole/
Jenny of Oldstones by Dana Vitkovska: www.artstation.com/danavitkovska
Daemon by Chase Stone: www.chasestoneart.com/
Alyssa and Baelon portraits by riotarttherite: / riotarttherite
Alyssa and family on Meleys by chillyravenart: www.deviantart.com/chillyrave...
Daella by Sofia Golovanova: www.artstation.com/jdwis
Melisandre by Michael Komarck: / michaelkomarckillustra...
Graphic novel by Mel Rubi: / melrubi
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Mushroom by Rossy Does Drawings: / rossysculpts
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Saera by warp-speed: / warp-speed
Saera by @thewweskywalker: / wweskywalker
Baelon and Alyssa by Elena Stripe: / elena_stripe
Vhagar by John McCambridge.
0:00 Storm’s End
02:14 Blackwoods and Brackens
03:58 House Mudd
04:40 Daemon
11:10 Night out
14:58 Alicent
16:13 Afterparty
19:23 Mysaria
21:16 Otto
22:05 Lie
24:02 Exile again
25:13 Prophecy
28:49 Unhanded
30:07 Plan tea
30:51 Unwanted consequences
Special thanks to Patrons Cameron Weiss, Michael Appell, Ryan Steele, Harry, Shane Veglia, Jason Rattray, NotGac, Tim Cunniff, T. Ledoux, Tessa Campbell-Kelly, Ilhuilkamina Urdiana, Ord X, Doctor Folter.
#HotD

[@AltShiftX]

In fairness to the Brackens, they did originally support the Starks before submitting to Joffrey. They still suck though. Get a free audiobook with an Audible trial: www.audible.com/asx

[@stupidminotaur9735]

: There was a Frey and a Mudd in the line of suitors. 2. dragon fire might have affected deamon dick. in the books female targs coundn't have kids after their dragon used fire needed to wait awhile for kids. 3. yea the tea might be very affecting her health later in her life like lysa was a beauty in her childhood. 4. there was a asian guy with daemon men in ep3 that kept going back to his face 3-4 times so he'might still be mel relative but he could be also her spy too... very rare for us to see asians in got universe he'd the third we see

[@AltShiftX]

@@stupidminotaur9735 You reckon riding a dragon cooks mens' balls so they become infertile? Amazing theory, love it, confirmed.

[@Hazelcake]

@@AltShiftX this guy can find the true meaning in any text

[@lukaslambs5780]

Maybe Daemon wanted Rhaenyra spotted so Otto would confront Viserys knowing that he wouldn’t believe him and instead would see it as Otto being ambitious and finally realize what Otto is. Part of this is from love for his brother and part for his hatred for Otto.

[@thomasdaywalt7735]

Funny thing is there is a bastard of the bracken says legendary during the black fire rebellions Blood Raven

[@silentsnake-qd7xi]

Even when I fully understand what happened I still look forward to these videos. I can tell you put a lot of work into these!

[@AltShiftX]

Thanks mate!

[@-Scrapper-]

@@AltShiftX Do a video on wimpy kid

[@LarryCroft111]

They're like 2nd parts of the episodes to me.

[@cmarnold78]

@@AltShiftX Yep absolutely you are the best. The fact that you take nearly a week to do them, in comparison to some other channels shows how much time, effort and thought goes into them.

[@AwolJOKER]

Likewise I watch like 3 different breakdowns 😂😂

[@kauanfranca2922]

It's so nostalgic to see Alt shift X having good things to say about something Got related.

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

Well he's been loving the whole show from episode 1 as well as most other people so I'mg glad he's been saying good stuff about GoT related for while now. Which I'm very glad that he has because it's a fantastic show!

[@Skiivin]

@@Gadget-Walkmen I swear you wrote all these words and somehow didn’t say anything

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

@@Skiivin I swear I DID say something but you actually have to understanding what’s plainly said right there which your not doing. Just stop with your nonsense here.

[@bommy6307]

@@Gadget-Walkmen no you just said what the original comment said with more words and worse grammar lol, added nothing

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

@@bommy6307 LOL Not even close, there is no “nO” at all from you as you just don’t see what’s there. But great job at not being able to read what’s clearly there at all. Nice going slick as I’ve added by saying on WHY he’s been saying good things about GoT related stuff, which you clearly ignored here. This “aDdEd nOtHinG” nonsense is just a response from someone who can’t see what’s been said. But keep on believing your nonsensical notions, it’s not gonna get you anywhere but go on.

[@Dinx45]

I felt the disturbance in the force and found this 34 seconds after it went public searching for it. Thank you for your impeccable timing and hard work. 🙏

[@Howlsmelancholy9300]

Lol 😂

[@anndruh]

Saturday mornings are exciting again because of ASX.

[@Molscheira]

So... first?? 😄

[@Fnidner]

This brought balance to the force!

[@ThiccKimmyGibbler]

Weird how Daemon doesn't deny he slept with Rhaenyra when confronted by Viserys. Same with the heir for the day quote. I guess as long as he gets attention in any form, he's satisfied. Truly an agent of chaos

[@anggi8699]

I guess daemon knows that viserys has a very low opinion about him. So whatever he says, viserys will always doubt him. Might as well play along and be done with it.

[@nightingalecat]

He wants Viserys to think that he "ruined" Rhaenyra, so that would be reasonable to marry them in order to legitimise their affair.

[@AllTheArtsy]

It makes sense for him to want Viserys to think Rhaenyra has been "sullied" so he'd be more inclined to agree for Daemon to marry her

[@lockedin6699]

He doesn't wake up and choose chaos. He has it on default

[@ChelX]

@@lockedin6699 🤣 facts

[@madmonk3030]

I love the whole meta textual discussion they're adding with this show. The little bits to show the young men are ready for war, playing with the differences between the different accounts in the books, etc

[@poop696969poop]

" show the young men are ready for war" The random moments of violence are also set up in such a way as to showcase old rivalries - showing that the realm isn't actually at peace, the dragons are just a veneer

[@TheF5Fury]

"... or that Viserys has been eating cheese in his bed." This, my good sir, is the best line I've heard in a long while.

[@jmcartoons7281]

There were rats inside the skull of a dead dragon when Rhaenyra passes by at the secret passage. So the rat showing up on Viserys' bed would mean he'll die soon. ... or that the rat has sensed that Viserys has started to rot away so he already booked a reservation.

[@merrittanimation7721]

@@jmcartoons7281 “Why are you so concerned about my succession? My health is fine.” “Your grace, you’re so sick the castle rodent population has begun to gamble on who will get which bits they’ll get of your corpse.” “…Maybe we should hire more rat catchers. Can’t see the harm in that.”

[@bloodyiris3]

Made me properly guffaw

[@Wolfeson28]

22:06 An interesting point here: Rhaenyra doesn't *technically* lie to Alicent. As you said, Daemon doesn't actually sleep with Rhaenyra - he planned and intended to do it, but at the last moment he couldn't go through with it. One can quibble over the exact meaning of "touched" (obviously Daemon did touch her in both the most literal and a romantic sense), but it seems clear from context that when Rhaenyra says "he (Daemon) never touched me", she means it specifically in the sense of "we didn't have sex", which is true. That's also how Alicent interprets those words, though she mistakenly expands them to mean that Rhaenyra didn't have sex with *anyone* - this of course isn't true, but Rhaenrya never actually claimed that. Naturally, Rhaenyra isn't telling Alicent the whole truth, but nothing she said to Alicent during their conversation is an out-and-out lie. It's the best sort of deception: never technically saying anything untrue, but still deliberately deceiving through omission and allowing someone to draw false conclusions from those statements. Certainly Alicent will view Rhaenrya's words as a lie if/when she finds out everything that actually happened.

[@mr.clymate7489]

Either way I think because Alicent lied first she shouldn’t expect Rhaenyra to be truthful.

[@mohdshahariar5833]

@@mr.clymate7489 it's not about that here, who lied first doesn't matter, what matters is their dissolving trust, that was built throughout their childhood, crumbling like a sand castle.

[@theblaze5530]

Half-truths ...

[@absolutelyfailz4480]

Raineera lying is not a sin, because she is being cornered and sexually harassed and her only way to get out of this abuse is to lie. And it's none of anyone's business who she has sex with except maybe her dad, the King. Why is everyone in the show obsessed with her sex life. Bunch of predators and addicts. Who cares what those psychos think Raineera, You do you! I would just be like yo get a life addict nobody wants you

[@absolutelyfailz4480]

or better yet, don't. erase yo self addict

[@chrismurrayguitar]

interesting tie in that Rheanyra uses the phrase "of no consequence" and the final words of the episode are "unwanted consequences".

[@Wolfeson28]

That juxtaposition is clearly intended within this episode, but there's another interesting connection. Rhaenrya's line that the smallfolk's opinions are "of no consequence" also seems to evoke Dany's line in the final season that "they (the other people) don't get to chose". Considering how that worked out for Dany, that's not a good (reverse) precedent.

[@merrittanimation7721]

Especially given what happens as a result of not caring for the smallfolk's opinions later on.

[@rinray9685]

@@Wolfeson28 they deserve it they are so annoying idc

[@natepepin09]

There was a metaphor is the brother forgiveness scene where Viserys walked to Deamon by using the sword as a cane and dragging it too. I think it means he's weak and feeble, is dragged into being a king, and that he uses his power as King as a crutch.

[@AlexGordonMaoist]

Great insight!

[@FSousA7X]

Interesting

[@mejdlocraftci]

That makes sense but I still feel that people are weirdly harsh on Viserys. He is indecisive and makes mistakes, but at the same time he is the best king out all we've seen in GoT so far. His personal life is a turmoil but the kingdoms have been calm during his reign...

[@darknight991]

I’m really enjoying that two people watching the same show can come to two completely different opinions as to who is in the right, who is acting in their self interests etc. They’re doing brilliantly with setting up viewer camps of Greens Vs Blacks and it’s almost artful how they’re using the ‘unreliable narrators’ in Fire and Blood.

[@theophrastusbombastus1359]

Just like real life. Two people can be right without either one being wrong. The world is a grey place and truth often depends on perspective

[@zentai5076]

@@Yung_potentate joffrey has entered the chat

[@tommo9176]

team green for the win!

[@pulpficti]

It's good writing but fans don't care most of the time. If their theories are proven wrong they get toxic. Just look at Preston Jacobs

[@lorenzodocx4021]

@@Yung_potentate it is truly naive to think that, neither are ^protectors

[@chrisfromsouthaus2735]

I've got so much respect for you taking your time to put these videos out. The level of research, and attention to detail really shows. So many videos out there, that come out within hours of the episode airing, trying to hit peak relevancy, at the expense of quality. Your videos are the youtube equivalent of a fine aged wine, or cheese.

[@atem4652]

Like that fucking hack alt schwift x who has a livestream after each episode

[@good-questions]

@@atem4652 dude a little bit aggro, no?

[@MrBlk4]

Haha. Ruined the entire comment with the last word. Alt shift cheese.

[@SunnyCida]

Who would you support in a civil war between the blue faction Alt Shift X and the green faction Alt Scwift X

[@jimbobaggins27]

@@atem4652 fr, what a poser

[@soufian2733]

This show is truly amazing so far and we’ve really only scratched the surface of the story. I can’t wait for the big time jump

[@AltShiftX]

Yeah it's barely getting started and there's already so much to discuss

[@didinx8417]

@@AltShiftX That's my big concern now that the time jump will reduce the series, as the 2 young actresses playing these parts have got better and better as they have gone along.

[@mattm7798]

Yeah, the show is definitely moving at a faster pace than GoT did, which at times seemed to move at a snail's pace.

[@AVerySillySausage]

@@didinx8417 Have faith, every single one of the cast has nailed it so far and the older actresses were cast first. I'm sure they will be even better.

[@AVerySillySausage]

@@mattm7798 It will slow down once season 2 hits. It's just that the first act of the story takes place over such a longer period of time, the actual war is only 2 years, similar to the asoiaf timeline. This is kind of the equivalent of if GoT started right after Robert's Rebellion was done. With younger actors playing Ned, Robert, Cersei etc, and with the next generation the Stark children, Cersei's children having not been born yet. Then we get a time skip mid season to get to the point where the show actually started. That would seem fast faced too initially.

[@RockSmithStudio]

Storm’s End’s origin sounds a lot like a Monty Python skit “I built a second one. That one got destroyed by the gods. So I built a third one. That one burnt down fell over and then was destroyed by the gods, but the 4th one stayed up”

[@AlericClaria]

Exactly

[@cagdas135]

GRRM is a big fan of Monthy Python. He even has a reference to "I fart in your general direction" in ASOIAF.

[@madyjules06]

ha!! great comment

[@cherries4life387]

"one day lad, all this will be yours... what the curtains?"

[@merrittanimation7721]

"I'd rather just SING-" "Stop that, stop that! You're not going into a song while I'm here"

[@marx252]

Honestly, I just love how the official shorthand for this show is “Hot D”.

[@jackcade8790]

Made even funnier by the lack of hot D, Daemon has a floppy noodle and, given the state of the rest of him, Viserys' is probably necrotic. Sir Cripin is really holding down the fort for now.

[@shinsenshogun900]

Hot Dees Nuts Cuz the entire royal family is cooked of their ballsacks from having seats out of iron and dragonscales

[@merrittanimation7721]

@@jackcade8790 Well you know what they say about men with big trucks, probably applies to men with big dragons.

[@Jackerco]

i read it as Rhaenya saying she could learn to like the blackwood boy, not the bracken. You could see her smiling while the Blackwood was speaking and to me came off as her thinking he was cute and admired him for coming forward, after the Bracken comment she said 'I could learn to like that one' while speaking about the Blackwood who she was smiling at previously. She was also looking at the Blackwood the entire time while saying her line.

[@daniellatiger6220]

Yeah! I thought the exact same thing. And she checked to make sure he was the one that didn't die after she heard someone get stabbed. One glance confirmed that he was fine, then she continued leaving. I think if the Bracken guy killed the Blackwood, she would have gotten mad or had some other reaction.

[@pirualado47]

yeah me too

[@erickvieirasenson7862]

I got that impression as well, also, from the ice n fire wiki, that blackwood boy is Samwell blackwood, a supporter of the blacks during the dance :)

[@Sweeneh]

I couldn’t agree more. I read it the same way.

[@cloud2451]

Exactly what I thought

[@liv-bv3pl]

Something that is left out is that if R drinks the moon tea, she will basically be admitting to having lost her virginity when mellos finds the empty bottle. So even if she wants to end her hypothetical pregnancy in order to protect her reputation, she cant do it by drinking the moon tea.

[@daniellatiger6220]

Yeah, possibly neither Otto or Viserys sent the tea. It could have been a test by the Maesters to get that knowledge.

[@lachicadejengibre]

Exactly, in DoD they use this device to blame Margaery.

[@lou-e-303]

I suppose she could smash the bottle after drinking it and claim she did that without drinking

[@Sal3600]

She will keep the child by attributing the pregnancy to her new husband

[@timothyshoup5044]

I think everyone already believes the rumor. She should probably just drink it to be safe.

[@bram_412]

The rope effigy of a phallus during the play was foreshadowing how Daemon is pushing rope

[@rajyavardhansingh4491]

Didn't understand

[@AlexGordonMaoist]

Pushing rope? Wdym

[@MarauderM00gi]

@@AlexGordonMaoist Limp dick energy.

[@kristis]

@@AlexGordonMaoist ​ @Rajyavardhan Singh from simple googling: ​ If you're “pushing rope,” it means that you're completing an arduous task that has no purpose other than to cause frustration. Ropes are for pulling, not pushing, so pushing a rope is non-productive and serves no purpose

[@SuperRijul]

@@kristis Damn kids these days..

[@Magiya93]

I don’t think Viserys was accusing Otto of killing his father, just pointing out how one person’s tragedy is another’s opportunity, and how he feels that Otto has been corrupted by his rapid rise in station.

[@bncbcbbc31]

Daemon’s sexual failure is 100% related to his political prowess/power. each time we have seen dameon having sex he has been unable to continue, both times in the wake of being less powerful than viserys, or not being able to get what he wants. In episode 1, he can’t keep going because he is bothered by viserys choosing a new heir. In episode 4, it seems he can’t keep going because he wants rhanerya, but knows he can’t have her due to viserys. guarantee we will be seeing some climax to the daemon sex scenes if he wins this power struggle

[@ajae...]

There was no sexual failure. Daemon returned to King's Landing after being declared a king himself by earning the title. He was a war hero, the definition of masculinity in their world.. He voluntarily offered his crown and his enemy's weapon to Viserys and the throne. Fb He was in good standing, so if the operation of his dick was linked to his political power it should have been in full working order. He choose not to fuck. His plan was never to fuck but to make Rhaenyra want him more, for her to see him in a more sexually permissive context. It was classic seduction,. TRIGGER WARNING especially for grommers. Child sexual abusers often show them porn or have conversations about enjoying sex long before they ever touch their victims. They want them to connect the abuser with sex or sexual pleasure to ready them for the first experience. I believe that the showrunners wanted to avoid that conversation and went with the easy explanation to comfort the wider audience. Given the insane public discourse around LGBT grooming going on it's excusable to not want to be on record laying that out.. And they will be forever tarnished by "Dany Kind Of Forgot". Anyone who knows how CSA works would know exactly what was happening though. We saw that it worked because as soon as she saw another person she likely had been viewing sexually for a while (she asked about his sexual experience in the previous episode) she offered her herself to. By removing Daemon's necklace she was indicating that she believed she had bonded with Criston, as she would have done with Daemon if he had gone throughwith it. It was a matter of who got there first. Both were linked to sex and passion (C&R killed the boar together) in her mind. But given the dangers of being found out fucking either of them her pleasure could turn into resentment for the position it would put her in. Being able to safely say he did not fuck her Daemon could free himself of her possible resentment. It looks as if that's the direction of her relationship with Criston (and possibly Daemonfor setting her up). Daemon is impulsive but also calculating. He had a plan and followed it.

[@made-line7627]

Good points. It makes me feel a little bit odd, though, that we're going to eventually see a scene of him climaxing, and we're all just sitting here waiting for it haha. There's going to be semen all over the place.

[@willster2967]

@@made-line7627 That last sentence was a terribly off putting way to end that comment

[@boonsaplenty3924]

@@willster2967 Semen over here, semen over there, semen rocking everywhere

[@willster2967]

@@boonsaplenty3924 Alright I’ve changed my mind, I’m completely on board with a climactic semen explosion of a scene for daemons character growth. You truly have a way with words sir

[@balls2balls]

Thanks for all your hard work! I look forward to your videos more than the shows sometimes. Extra credit for being thorough while avoiding spoilers. Cheers!

[@AltShiftX]

Thanks so much!

[@jxchamb]

Same here.

[@MrLuis85698]

Excellent Channel , the reviews and analogies are PHD pure genius

[@cipherhex]

Oh, I was pretty sure Rhynera was talking about the Blackwood kid, when she said "I could learn to like that one"

[@AltShiftX]

Unfortunately I think it's pretty clear she's referring to the Bracken -- she laughs at the Bracken's joke as she says it

[@blessedbutterflytarot3060]

I thought she was talking about Blackwood too. She made a gesture towards him.

[@patrickstar3579]

Yeah I agree. I thought she liked that he was sticking up for himself

[@Jackerco]

@@AltShiftX I disagree, she was smiling while the Blackwood boy was speaking and it seemed to me like she thought he was cute and admired his courage in coming forward and speaking in front of all of the other lords despite the comments from the Bracken and everyone laughing at him. She also was looking at the Blackwood, not the Bracken, while saying 'I could learn to like that one'.

[@thetalesofelbek7042]

Yes she was talking about the blacwood boy while laughing at brakens joke.

[@TheLastEgg08]

What I love the most is the gray area that the show evolves in, every character is gray, no hero or villain anywhere.

[@Rose-rj3bo]

omg it's hu tao

[@aaronlinton-chambers]

I loved how the king fired his hand and told exposed his deceptive ways. Normally in these types of shows victims of deception are normally completely unaware of what’s happening to them. The acting in the show is top notch.

[@jodie3950]

Daemon's move is political but I do believe he is attracted to Rhaenyra on some level. They have always liked and understood each other like no one else. And it plays a part in him not being able to go through with his plan at the brothel.

[@selmahare]

Are we all just going to sit here and ignore that he's her uncle?! Are we normalizing that now?! It was gross enough to have those two siblings doing it and even procreating on the main show.

[@jodie3950]

@@selmahare damn another pearl clutcher that can't differentiate between fiction and real life

[@bellona6356]

@@selmahare you do realize you're watching a fantasy series about dragons? Incestuous relations are normal for that family line. People are shipping their chemistry. Grow up.

[@matariki9818]

The showrunners did state that what happens here is blatant abuse - the whole "he's trying to shock her". The fact that she looked very childish in the entire scene (the boy attire, her absence of make-up, versus Alicent who wears some and looks older), all of that is supposed to show us her youth and make us (and Daemon) very incomfortable with what's going on. She's only 18 and he basically groomed her to like him, years before that - the whole necklace thing, defying her in Dragonstone...He stops because he knows that what he is doing is wrong, he's the adult and should know better.

[@matariki9818]

@@bellona6356 also, incestuous relationships, though "normal" for this family line, are very wrong and shamed in Westeros. They are the reason every one in two Targaryens turns mad. In the end, incest and its consequences is what drives Westeros into chaos.

[@QuinnTheGM]

Definitely my favorite episode so far! Loved the themes throughout. It honestly really humanized Ser Criston Cole in a way the book really didn't, you can tell how much his honor and his vows mean to him. His hesitancy and relative quiet in his scene with Rhaenyra say a lot. Great video as always! :D

[@mattm7798]

Yeah, it was a scene most guys can relate to. He obviously had feelings for Rhanera, but also was honorable about his role(and being lifted above born station in life). Unfortunately, he is a likable character which probably means he'll die tragically as is the GoT way lol

[@rapstyle2006]

@@mattm7798 and how does that make it relatable to "most guys"?

[@MastaZasta]

@@rapstyle2006 you could go deep with that one. Banging bosses/coworkers maybe? Or more generally mixing business with pleasure, given how Princess gave Ser Cole the opportunity of a lifetime.

[@bluewizzard8843]

It was the worst one so far to be honest. The dialoges were rather boring and the the fairytale story with criston was so much less interesting than a potential sexual relationship.between daemon and Raeynera.

[@ahmadiskandarzulkarnain5833]

Same, the story in this episode is more complex, episode 4 and 1 are my favorite

[@SamLuczynski]

I think Alicent is also angry as she convinced Viserys to let Rhaenya choose any husband she wanted and Rhaenya has thrown that chance away. This is something Alicent and nealy every other girl in her position would have loved, but she doesn't seem to recognise it, and doesn't even know Alicent didi it for her

[@patraprateek]

Appreciate you taking the time and bringing out truly quality content all these years.

[@rolling.reggie]

Your content is unmatched on the platform. Thank you for putting these out every week. Your hard work is so appreciated by us all!

[@salifyanji2893]

I loved episode 4 ! The tension, the dramatic buildup to the sex scenes....and even Viserys' mockery of Alicent when she invited Daemon to come and see the tapestries 😂😂😂😂 Very well done. I will miss the younger actresses who play Rhaenerya and Alicent

[@christinearmington]

Agreed. I didn’t like the Rhaenyra actor at first, but now I think she’s splendid. Alicent is great, too.

[@bartimaeus44]

What do you mean miss? Are they not in it for the long haul?

[@salifyanji2893]

@@bartimaeus44 it seems like the rest of the season (s ) will focus on the present time and developing conflict of the Dance of The Dragons. No more time jumps. Therefore we aren't likely to see young Rhaenerya and young Alicent.

[@saldanamoreno]

Even though I have read Fire and Blood and The World of Ice and Fire I still love these videos to help me re-cap and put it all in perspective. It's a lot of information and it's hard to keep all of the Targs and other houses straight.

[@SamButler22]

Freys, Tullys, "Mudds" are a long way from home in Storms End. If it's a tour surely they would have expected (or hoped for) her to stop in the Riverlands

[@Hopeforstoicism]

@@oss8298 Probably the show runners wanted to use some house sigils that viewers of GoT would recognise.

[@GallowayJesse]

Driving 4 hours for work today and these videos are really hitting the spot 👌👌

[@tovbyte]

I felt bad for the Blackwood kid:/ his parents probably pushed him to court rhaenyra and told him what to say - and he gets roasted for it

[@alastorcorvus]

And I have the suspicion that the only reason they sent a tween boy to court Rhaenyra was because they heard that the Brackens were sending one of their own. I love the Blackwoods but I wouldn't discard the possibility that they even told this boy to don't take any shit from the Brackens and even trained him to kill them at the slightest provocation.

[@TheControlStick1]

Alt Shift X is killing it right now. These explained videos always great, and I’ve really enjoyed hopping on the Q&A livestreams right after the new episode ends

[@MegaKnight2012]

Rhaenyra has come across like the Westeros version of Merida from Pixar's Brave. Merida was a princess who wanted all the privileges of royalty without the responsibilities. Rhaenyra stated her intentions in the first episode, desiring to ride her dragon, spend time with Alicent, and eat cake. It's no wonder that people are scared of her becoming the ruler, especially if she got married to a volatile man like her uncle Daemon. Such a union would be seen as a threat to the realm they ruled over.

[@wurstgitarre]

Your episode explanations and analyses are always spot-on. Also love the dry humour. Keep up the good work! 👌

[@Lelekoz]

I cant describe the happiness I get from seeing these videos. Pure gems

[@rayans9348]

Just imagine the hours spent by this guy researching the books and referencing everything in the show, immaculate work! Your videos are part of the joy of watching GOT and HOD.

[@Nashleyism]

'Afterwards, she sees a mouse or a rat on the bed - which might represent corruption or sickness, or that Viserys has been eating cheese 🧀 in bed'. I laughed so much, thank you ❤️

[@jaredmcdaris7370]

I can’t believe Boremund just let those two young nobles commit such violence like that without trying to intervene. I sure hope he learns his lesson from this embarrassing kerfuffle and never repeats such a mistake.

[@marlinablack6132]

😅

[@logancarlile8895]

It’s his son Borros who does that future thing, but good joke

[@noneyaneedaknow]

@@logancarlile8895 it was sarcasm. he was making a joke

[@merrittanimation7721]

He better. Next time it might be much worse

[@olly123451]

It’s 12:20am here, but that’s fine I didn’t need to sleep anyway. On a different note, I appreciate the momentary second silent delay at the start of every episode, it’s not very significant, but it’s consistent and always hits me the same way every single time. Just a good example of the editing quality of these videos that even something that small is consistent.

[@a.d.e.l.s]

Thank you so much for doing these. It’s so hard to find someone talking about the show without spoiling things, you’re the only channel that I trust at the moment.

[@MindAndMyth]

While Daemon says almost the same thing as Barristan, the meaning is very different. Daemon is essentially showing off how awesome the Targeryen's are like "Just another victory for our house" Barristan is basically directly insulting Joffrey, in fact he even refers to him as "boy" rather than some royal title like he always has.

[@tvtndr]

Watching the episode on Monday and then impatiently waiting for X's explanation video is an absolute ritual and a huge delight for me even though I know most of the stuff. Sometimes details just slip and X does wonderful work to highlight all the cool minute details, thanks for your effort!

[@Ferreneh]

Rhaenyra saying "their wants are of no consequence" sounds a lot like Daenerys when she said that "they don't get to choose", when she claimed the Iron Throne. They both declared that common peoples desires do not matter, since they have no real power in politics

[@MarkyD1967]

How you’re able to fully articulate and clearly explain the dynamics of these episodes is a true gift. I could watch the episode 10-20 times and still not know what’s going on half the time, but then I watch your summary and it all makes sense. So thank you!

[@buahahaevillaugh1113]

The chaos. They don't say anything clearly. Everything has ten different interpretations and people have already started choosing sides and the arguments are EPIC. Some say the show's been too against Rhaenyra. Others adore her. And let's not even touch the opinions on Daemon. Things are already heating up and we're just at the build-up. Everyone bases arguments on the SAME scenes that they just process through a different lens. Even going through reaction and review videos, I see things explained in completely different ways, with different details being noticed by each person and I'm loving it.

[@robbieb2680]

You definitely missed one of the biggest clues/Easter eggs of the show so far…the rat in the king’s room is foreshadowing the prophecy of The Ser Pounce that was Promised

[@invincibleluis]

I hope we get to see more of Larys Strong in the future episodes. I am curious what he is up to.

[@joshcranston]

Yeah clubfoot has potential to be a useful information asset given that he can’t fight, also last episode showed him sitting with the highborn ladies listening in on their conversations

[@made-line7627]

We definitely will. He's an integral piece of the pie.

[@professorhazard]

"In different clothes and wearing a hat, Rhaenyra is able to pass as a young John Mulaney, allowing her access to Fleabottom's exclusive comedy clubs."

[@MyUniqueVibe]

Rhae is into Daemon because he represents what she never could have, a freedom not even the other male characters dare undertake. He takes what he wants, and she finds strength in that. And the reason she had sex with Ser Crispin was because she took what she want (the lesson Daemon taught her); it's also interesting to see how more people have little issue with the power dynamic in the sex scene between them than less, and how she used her position as princess (his boss) as a means to get what she wanted. I doubt she would have Cole killed had he spurned her, but she still had that power over him, and if it was the other way around, a man doing the same thing to his servant, we would be up in arms. Also, remember at the end of the scene, you can see a look on her face where she finally gets a taste of the freedom and power her uncle thrives on. Rhae may have a crush on Ser Crispin, but she does not love him, and it's still 50/50 whether what she feels for daemon is actually romantic, or hidden underneath what I mentioned before, his sense of freedom and roguishness that attracts her so much. She is clearly more attracted to Daemon (from the scenes we have seen so far) than she is to Ser Crispin (I will forever call him Crispin, as my lord and commander said in Ep.2). Still, it's interesting to see how their relationship will play out. On a re-watch, I noticed how uncomfortable Ser Crispin was when he informed her about the Queen wanting to see her regarding the whole Brothel adventure. Might he have overheard something, and knows there are rumours she slept with Daemon? And that he was potentially a rebound or someone she took, not because she cares about him, but because she could? This could be the moment we see him turn against her. The character studies are interesting, and what makes Asoiaf so awesome.

[@asura7915]

yep the actress herself said "she would never chose Cole over daemon" take that what you will

[@manuxx3543]

Yeah idk if the actor acted well so he showed he was coerced by power dynamics Or if he acted bad and it added that feel during the whole sexscene

[@TheaTheGenius]

Agree 100%. The writers have framed Daemon and Rhaenyra as parallels to each other. Viserys even points this out in ep 2. They're clearly meant for each other. Cole is just there as a fun distraction for Rhaenyra, as a way for her to explore her sexuality and power. And he is definitely not going to be happy to find out that what could potentially end his life was just a fun game for her. While Daemon has convinced her that, as a Targ, she can do whatever she wants with no consequences, I think Criston will prove to her this is far from the truth.

[@commandZee]

I can't say it enough, these explanation video essays are excellent! Thank You!

[@pastlife960]

Pretty symbolic that Aemond One-Eye is likely conceived on the same night as the beginning of Daemon and Rhaenyra’s sexual relationship, knowing where all these characters end up…

[@Roxas77]

Thanks for continuing the tradition of making these fun videos and making content justbas good as the show itself

[@iamssuman]

Finally, it's here! I was waiting for your fourth episode since Monday. Love it how you break down each frame of an episode with every detail.

[@annarogo8604]

i just wanna say that i very much appreciate you being a commentator that actually mentions grooming behaviors, ‘creepy uncle’, giving her wine, etc. been a long time fan of your channel - thanks for the feminist solidarity pov and thanks for such thorough yet mindful dialogues of the series!

[@annarogo8604]

AND you are super funny!

[@severinribic204]

These analyzing videos are soooo good! So many hidden metaphors that you discover is just amazing. I enjoy watching this more then the series itself. And you make watching the series so much interesting. Thanks for this and appreciate the hard work behind all of this!

[@rosestone5091]

You’re my favorite channel for recapping shows. Your explanations are in depth yet entertaining. Plus you don’t speak so fast that I have to rewind many times to catch what was said!

[@djoimaj]

I watch the whole stream after the episode, Im here for that sweet Alt Shift X motion graphics

[@UnimportantAcc]

"or that Viserys has been eating cheese in bed" ahahahaha little lines like these are what keep me watching

[@leandermol]

Quality content every week, amazing how you are able to catch all these details!

[@SalilRawatSaxena]

I just love the parallels you make of events between different characters

[@kylefontenot6861]

Name a better Saturday morning than Alt Shift X

[@omprakashbaruah9425]

I was eagerly waiting for this. Brilliant analysis.

[@virtuallw]

Thank you so much for these explanation episodes! I look forward to them all week, as much as I look forward to the actual show on Sundays! For me they are a necessary partner to the actual episodes because you give context, background from the books, and amazing insights, and you do it all so fantastically well! You make the experience literally twice as rich and meaningful and fun! (It doesn't hurt that you have a voice and an accent that I could listen for hours on end!) Thanks again!

[@glaciergang]

Exactly this!

[@lukebarroso449]

These videos are always so fun to watch. I really like the amount of detail you go into and a good sprinkling of the books you add into it. Great stuff!

[@magnus2292]

I’ve never watched game of thrones, only bits and pieces, so your videos have really helped me out understand more about this world

[@canoayg]

Astounding work ! I just love your videos. Especially love the Margaery shout out about politicians need to win over the common people. It reminds me of one of her lines, which is imo one of the best in the series : « If you give them your love, they will return it a thousandfold ».

[@annafirnen4815]

Didn't Rhaenys call the Baratheon Lord as "cousin" not "uncle? Maybe I'm wrong and I need to rewatch. Also in my impression Rhaenyra rather said "I could learn to like that one" about the Blackwood kid, because she found him endearing I suppose? She laughed at the Bracken's remarks but still, she saw a kid proclaiming he will protect her, which was kind of adorable. And later he actually proved he's not joking LOL.

[@7Nebulae7]

I thought Rhaenyra was speaking about the older one, the Bracken boy.

[@tondajenej3449]

@@7Nebulae7 It doesnt make much sense to me here. In this context her remark is more fitting to the Blackwood than to the Bracken (why would anybody like a Bracken..?)

[@Wolfeson28]

I forget what the exact line from the show was, but Rhaenys is Boremund Baratheon's niece through her mother, and also his (half?) great-niece through her father (Prince Aemon, first son of Jaehaerys I). I don't know, maybe for Targaryens it's just easier to stick with "cousin" as a catch-all for anyone outside of their immediate family considering how many cross-connections their family tree has. 🤷‍♂🤣

[@justin___]

@Anna Firmen And it follows how all the warriors have little battle-hardened, life-and-death experience. It's likely that folks with an inferiority complex could become much better warriors than the cocky ones merely because they trained a heck of a lot more.

[@7Nebulae7]

@@tondajenej3449 I don't have a clue about the book lore concerning those two houses. It was just the impression I got from the scene, nothing more.

[@animesempai0]

Really love your breakdowns every week Alt shift X You make looking forward to each episode easier

[@hephaestus98]

I love rewatching these videos just before the episode. It’s a good refresher for last week

[@mindblown42069]

I look forward to these so much. Thanks for the breakdown.

[@arachnidsLor]

your channel is just one of the best ive seen in many years of being someone who watches lots of youtube content. its amazing work, its obvious in every upload that you put so much effort and time into these. and honestly you and some other creators really got me into this series overall. i mean i watch your videos on other shows too, just because they are so well done and make me interested in those things too. also this episode was fantastic. i have to say, i love the drama of it all. it is kind of grounded and dark, but theres this level of drama and spice that makes this story really fun, and i already know whats going to happen overall. im very happy with how they are doing this story.

[@thomasdaywalt7735]

The thing about history is that even when we have all the facts and data we could collector it's still a mystery when we're trying to interpret it what happened next based on our understanding and different point of views who knows And that's why I love about Martin's work he treats the fantasy world as if it was a real world with real history he does such a good job of it that it's almost without equal I mean sure there's Tolkien but tolkienis a well he's a world builder but his high fantasy world is like a dark age a pre medieval world thing

[@EefkeL]

Found this channel when Hot D started and now whenever I catch something while I watch I go “bet that’ll be in the video”

[@debbielyon6518]

First, thank you for the hard work you put into doing these. It adds to the fun of watching the show. I would say that I disagree with one small thing; small but it does reflect on how her character is viewed. I don’t think Rhaenyra was stealing food from the street vendor. Instead, she was just absentmindedly reaching for food as she always had within the castle walls where the food was just there for her. The scene was revealing that she didn’t really belong there. It also highlighted her privilege as a Princess. It was Daemon who had to remind her that, in Kings Landing they pay for their pleasures.

[@mattm7798]

I love these videos! I completely missed the part where Rhaenera says she'll marry only if Otto is removed. I remember being surprised that Viserys fires Otto when in this case, Otto was telling the truth. Otto is a like a cool mix of little finger and a lord. We certainly haven't seen the last of him. Also, we do know that Rhanera doesn't die from the tea(or at the very least, doesn't stay dead) but who really gave her the tea? And what is it. I love how these videos go into the history and even the future yet somehow remain spoiler free from the books.

[@readingparty2199]

I’ve been waiting for this video and it did not disappoint! Honestly I look forward to your videos as much as I do the HOTD episodes! That’s how great your content is. Thanks for all the hard work!!

[@patreilly3184]

that subtitles line about storms end was funny. ive noticed these real funy bits you keep tossin in!

[@riiinarose]

I like how from the beginning they have Rhaenyra & Alicent in opposite colors… with Rhaenys and Corlys they often have matching or similar color schemes & patterns same with Alicent and Viserys … maybe once in the first episode they had them both in those pastel colors in front of the Weirwood tree … but it seems like they hint from the beginning the inevitable demise of their relationship

[@Vaoric]

Thanks for all the hard work Alt Shift! Always highly appreciated!!

[@paulapkarian6635]

I love your videos especially the live explained videos of hod very insightful. Thanks for your effort into making these videos.

[@denfarc]

I really like your recap and explanation. You always explained every details and the characters appeared in the episode. 👍👍

[@stephenmoney4722]

Its really sad that tomorrow will be the last we see of Milly Alcock and Emily Carey. They're amazing actors!

[@niraisatsana]

that kinda makes me upset ngl

[@freyasworn2600]

I thought all of season 1 would cast them. The older versions of there characters coming in next season? At least I think all the main characters we have seen have been contracted for X amount of episodes….

[@hawx00145]

I think we will see them again, but in flashbacks.

[@LessonsinHistory]

SO happy I found this channel. You made me buy the books. Thank you

[@Corlwow]

Probably worthwhile mentioning that Viserys said he swears on rhaenyra’s mother’s memory that she wont be supplanted. Another sworn statement on Aemma Arynn’s memory. Another that may turn out to be not true.

[@Siptom369]

These episode just keep getting better

[@miterca]

Such a great recap!! I haven’t read Fire & Blood so I love all the extra details

[@liliman-moli615]

Sometimes I feel all that conclusions of the profecy of "the Prince was promised" are so elaborated, many think is Jon other think is Daenarys. the truth is no one knows, not even Georgie, he doesn't make any decision if Jon would be alive or stay dead in the snow, he doesn't even know the final destiny of Daenarys if she would be mad or become the conqueror. If you ask me I believe this GOT is a circle, you know if it started with three Targaryens it must be end with three Targaryens too... 😬😬😬 that's what I Believe Back to HOTD, I'm loving the series how the relationship between Rhaenyra and Alicent were built then to be destroyed. All the characters are so complex that make us symphatized with them.

[@TwelveTeacups]

You make the best videos. I also love that you're Australian. So much easier to listen to than many other videos for me.

[@EJD339]

I’m watching this series for the first time right now and after each episode, I still go to your video recap. Genuinely makes this show even more enjoyable.

[@mraj8372]

Honestly thank you. You make great content.

[@Kingedwardiii2003]

“That’s like coming to your first date and saying you’re an Egyptian Pharos” I’d love to be a fly on the wall during that date.

[@TheManUtdGuy]

These are great to recap before the new episodes. It's such a good suppliment to understanding the series.

[@msyedx]

love the quality of your videos, theyre a delight to watch and i always get new insights to the overall story, love this channel ❤

[@matteoairaghi790]

This episode was definitely written by Mushroom

[@RickoH_NZ]

I sometimes wonder whether George RR Martin watches these…and whether he’s ever commented or contacted Alt Shift X directly. An eloquent and intricate analysis as always. Love your work.

[@About37Hobos]

Always look forward to these episodes, your voice is just so nice to listen to.

[@sashacoppess3548]

I am so glad you are in full swing with these videos, I absolutely love your knowledge of the show/books and how you tie things between GoT and HotD and their respective books. These videos are outstanding for us "common people" ;)