House of the Dragon | S2 Episode 5 Review & Breakdown

It was Episode 5 of House of the Dragon and it was another exhausting one where we see the fallout of Rhaenys and Meleys gone, Criston Cole parades dragons through King's Landing, the citizens of King's Landing get restless under their new King, Daemon fails to secure the Riverlands, Jacaerys makes moves, and Rhaenyra does nothing while she sits in her dragon castle.
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[@WeareCustomerService]

Solid Episode! Daemon loosing his effin mind off some Westerossy Lean. 😂 those scenes w/Mom were a bit creepy, honestly. Not sure if I am on board with Daemons character direction, but time will tell. I just love when his atrocities are a conscious choice ya know?. And not Alicent getting Rhaenyrafied and being overlooked. 😂😂😂oh how the tables have turned. Seeing Vermithor, wow what a bad ass!!! Can’t wait till the next Ep and the next Recap!!

[@TheBattProductions]

Bahaha. I mean those scenes with the mom were not great...you're right Christmas that this direction isn't good, IMO. I don't like where it's going with Daemon. Alicent being overlooked and realizing her powerlessness as a woman in that room was a great shot. Truly. Thank you, as always 🙂

[@JustaMomThatSims]

Lol at that Westerossy Lean. I was watching Allicent thinking, I know you're not asking for a position when you didn't even think a woman should rule 🤦🏽‍♀️🙄😆

[@WeareCustomerService]

@@JustaMomThatSims exactly what I was thinking. I just knew she wasn’t…… lol. You should have seen me talking to the Big Screen. “ Alicent!, I know you not!”

[@JustaMomThatSims]

@@WeareCustomerService I was too 😆

[@WeareCustomerService]

@@JustaMomThatSims 😂😂

[@lawrencereid2767]

.......mi lord....... that seen with baela and the seasnake 🏰🖤

[@TheBattProductions]

Wasn't it so good?!

[@lawrencereid2767]

@@TheBattProductions 100%

[@JayHaram]

Everytime a Daemon scene comes on I roll my eyes and I use it as a chance to check my phone… crazy how he went from a character I loved to see on screen to someone I can’t stand to see anymore. This whole haunted mansion arc needs to end

[@TheBattProductions]

Totally the same. I'm basically done with Daemon scenes right now. So so boring. They need to change fast. I just don't care. They've turned Daemon into Bran scenes and that is a CRIME

[@vanessaamesty6739]

I love how you organize your review. Plot by plot and not scene by scene.

[@rasmuseichler3849]

*SPOILER WARNING* Aegon uttering “mummy” when Alicent walked out hit right in the feels. My girlfriend also said “Jace will be such a good King one day. He’s probably my favorite character”, and I said “oh no” internally due to some “Book Knowledge”, which she doesn’t have hahah

[@TheBattProductions]

Bahahah...The Jace stuff makes me laugh. I dig it. And as far as the mummy thing...it really is a sad one. I really see it that way.

[@rasmuseichler3849]

@@TheBattProductions The worst part for me is that Aegon didn’t even want to be king, But was forved into it, and now look at what happend. I don’t know what’ll be worse in terms of Jace though. Either he dies at the end of this season, or he dies after we’ve waited 2 years for season 3 xD

[@TheBattProductions]

@@rasmuseichler3849 Exactly. Aegon definitely didn't want that, but ended up being thrust into it anyway! I don't want any death of Jace! DON'T REMIND ME OF THESE THINGS

[@michaellavigna1356]

I agree about the weird visions. It is all that’s holding the show back!

[@TheBattProductions]

It's killing me. They've turned Daemon into the BRAN STORYLINE of this show.

[@saptarshisengupta8235]

Mysaria was talking about PR campaigns when she said "There is more than one way to fight a war". She probably knows this girl was assaulted by Aegon and so will use her plight to paint Aegon as a drunk r*pist among the smallfolk.

[@TheBattProductions]

That's a great way to handle it...a PR campaign is a great way to tackle the issue ahead. Though I admit I don't know if people will care if Aegon is a sexual assailant in those days. Hmm.

[@saptarshisengupta8235]

@@TheBattProductions I agree with you the smallfolk may not sympathize with the victims of sexual assault, but It will definitely plant a seed of doubt among the people that Aegon is not the valiant and dutiful King the Green's are portraying him to be. He will be seen as even more weak, impulsive and irresponsible. Especially if the news of him fathering countless bastards leaks. (many of whom are fighting in the Gambling dens of Flea Bottom) It might fracture the Greens from within. Many might see the bastards as better "claimants" than Aemond in case of Aegon's demise. Otto, Larys or Tyland or any other power hungry Green lord might even see that as an opportunity. Although supplanting Aemond might be a challenge as long as Vhagar is alive, she is already an old dragon nearing the end of her life.

[@saptarshisengupta8235]

@@TheBattProductions I would rather say its a matter of how the PR campaign is handled. Otto did an excellent PR job of portraying Rhaenyra as evil for what happened to Jaehaerys (He planned to blame Rhaenyra anyway even if she or Daemon were not the ones to order the hit). If Aegon's escapades in Flea Bottom and his assaults on his household maids before becoming King become common knowledge, and people know that the Hightowers simply plucked a spoilt, drunk, inept and inefficient man who had no desire or talent to be king just to supplant Rhaenyra, then they will have doubts over his leadership. It might even cause some major Green lords to defect in the long run if they see Aegon as an incompetent King. People might start to think that they were robbed of their "true Queen" for a drunken and lustful fool just so that Hightower Egoes can be satisified.

[@saptarshisengupta8235]

@@TheBattProductions Additionally, knowledge of Aegon's many baseborn children in the Gambling Dens might also cause fractures in the Green camp if Aemond turns out (inevitably) to be a tyrant. In case of Aegon's demise, many ambitious Green lords like Otto or Larys might want one of those easily controllable kids on the throne instead of Aemond who is a hotheaded loose canon.

[@nyny.confidential74]

I give this episode a solid 7/10. My top moments were Alicent’s realization and karma that she's basically a tool of the small council and nobody necessarily values her bc she's a woman(in my opinion, she lost respect from the council members ever since Otto was fired 😅) and Baela’s conversation with Corlys. I guess my cons of this episode is that I wish we could've seen Corlys and Rhaenyra get the news of Rhaenys and Meleys’s deaths and I feel like Daemon’s visions at Harrenhal worked for a while but tbh its beginning to feel like the “filler” they didn't want. We could've spent time in the north or the eerie more or developed characters more.

[@aleksanderpopov5060]

We are more than half way through, another good episode. They are setting up “the shepherd”. Aemond and Healana seen was great, she knows exactly what happened.

[@TheBattProductions]

Absolutely. I'm thankful they are because we need to see some action moving, babay! Helaena knows it all and I don't know how much I like that since it borders on *too much* spooky inclusion in the show. I like GOT/HOTD best when it's just people discussing real life stuff

[@hannahchadwick4723]

I wad so glad to see Dyana pop up again in this episode. I’m so intrigued to see what her role is going to be in this latest Mysaria plot. She seems big on PR moves amongst the small folk, so I’m guessing it’s possibly to do with spreading the word about what Aegon did, but then surely the Greens would just punish/kill her for telling after Alicent paid her off. Also, I love the loyalty of the dog. Bless him! Loyal to the end 🐾

[@TheBattProductions]

Was very interesting to see Dyana back AGAIN! I would've guessed she was done for the season but here I am wrong! Looks like Mysaria is going to play some 3D chess with the people and I'm here for it. I wouldn't what they'll end up doing... That dog is incredible. Deserves better than stupid CHEESE as their owner

[@hannahchadwick4723]

@@TheBattProductions I read a theory that it might have something to do with The Shepherd storyline. I just hate having to wait a whole week to find out more. I’m impatient. I need the details now!

[@TheBattProductions]

I think that definitely is related. I mean they set it up well with Meleys' head and locking all of the citizens in the city. It's ripe for some plucking!

[@caprenticus]

I loved seeing Dyana again! Daemon's hands are the magnet and Rhaenyra's neck is the steel. The dog is toast.

[@TheBattProductions]

Totally agreed - Dyana coming back is interesting to me as well because it can go a bunch of different ways I think on what they want to do with her.

[@caprenticus]

@@TheBattProductions It gets me to read how the producers reacted to the actress.

[@TheBattProductions]

@@caprenticus I think so - definitely worthy of thinking about that since she has returned a few times.

[@jedimasters1462]

One interesting thing about Daemon and Aemond. Both believe that they deserve the throne because of their dragon, their ability as a warrior, and their knowledge, but both were denied. The difference is that Aemond was clearly willing to kill his brother, or at least severely injure him to where they needed to appoint a regent, however, Daemon is not. He never wanted to kill Viserys and even now he doesn't want to kill Rhaenyra. In fact, he wants them to rule together. Even after the vision of him killing the younger Rhaenyra, he doesn't want her dead. He wants her submission. Another thing they have in common is both men have mommy issues. Aemond's is that his mother didn't show him enough love while Daemon's is that he was really close to his mother, but she died when he was three. That's the biggest reason Daemon wanted to claim Meleys.

[@TheBattProductions]

I think Daemon thinks he should have the Throne because he was the heir at one point ya know - but overall I do agree with you in general.

[@jedimasters1462]

@@TheBattProductions Unfortunately for Daemon, even if Rhaenyra wasn't the heir, he wouldn't be after Viserys had three sons with Alicent.

[@TheBattProductions]

@@jedimasters1462 Agreed - I don't think he's next in line, but if people discount all of the Greens then yeah I guess Daemon would be.

[@jedimasters1462]

@@TheBattProductions Yeah.

[@CptnObvious]

Looks Daemons dream (mother effer) is another parallel to Aemond..but I dunno. All I know is, you know you can’t punish a man for his dreams while he’s asleep lol (but IS he asleep?!) 1. Daemon needs to rehab off that Jojen paste 2. Alicent needs to close the “fun shop” 👣🫦 3. Rhaenrya needs more dragon riders 4. Aemond and Kevin need to keep that long white hair and eye patch on 😍😂

[@WeareCustomerService]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheBattProductions]

I LITERALLY JUST PUT THIS TWEET OUT ABOUT DAEMON AND AEMOND. Woah. Great mind things alike, Cheryl 1) Big time. Dude needs to stop being a junkie off that good-wood. 2) YES. I'm all for Alicent getting HERS, but she needs to choose her bedmates better. 3) Big time. 4) I will *always* dress up if it's to entertain viewers (or a sexual partner - both are acceptable. Baha)

[@vanessalore9942]

*edited for terrible typing 😊 Hey, First I need to tell you that just because I’m late doesn’t really mean anything. You are one of my favourite KZbinrs. Okay, on to the episode. Overall I usually like these “talking” episodes even better than the action ones if they are done well. This one was a little slow but had some really good scenes. The positives first. I agree, the Baela and Jace scenes were great. Steve Toussant was just wonderful, as usual, even though his screen time was small. The scene where Alicent realises about her kids and that backing men isn’t always a good idea is fun. But I do have to say that I’m not sure I like this portrayal of Alicent. In the last episode, she had that small amount of agency when she was talking to Aegon and Larys. I just loved it and didn’t realise how much I missed it. I am glad they’re giving Cole some more depth. But the Daemon storyline is really bringing all these episodes down for me. I’m so beyond tired of it. The sex scene was just so unnecessary. Im a person who can totally immerse myself in a world, and this just took me out. Let’s follow some basic rules here. I don’t care if he didn’t know, Targaryens do not have sex with their mothers. Even with all the Targaryen shenanigans, this is a line that i feel has not and should not ever be crossed. I know other characters in the ASOIAF universe have done this but it’s within the rules of her character. For the first time in the run of this series, I did not rush to the TV on Sunday night. I hope they stick the landing on the resolution of it all. But I honestly do enjoy a lot of these characters, even the greens. I gotta say I really do miss Otto. I’m not sure how much time we have left with him. That’s not a spoiler, I have no idea. Have a great weekend!

[@TheBattProductions]

Vanessa, I'm sorry for being late to answer you! I never doubt that you enjoy watching the channel and saying nice things. I appreciate you *always* I miss Otto very much from the Greens. They're a good group, but he's a different caliber of character. I hope he returns. I know the Targaryen sex with family stuff is weird, but I think that it wasn't that serious of a dream ya know so I didn't worry about it too much. I just hope the Daemon stuff is over now. Season has been down, sort of, but I think it's a big transitional season for a bigger Season 3!

[@imagrillsubtome7747]

the moment i saw that non noble guy with his family i knew hes going to be part on rebellion os kings landing

[@WeareCustomerService]

Same…

[@TheBattProductions]

I think you MAY BE RIGHT...hmmm....

[@kenchin77777]

They are ruining daemon’s character. He has done nothing this season. He is nothing like his book counterparts. How did he not burn the brackens

[@TheBattProductions]

I'm starting to share that opinion. I didn't think so and I don't want that to be the case, but if they don't switch it up fast, I'm going to leave the season with a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to Daemon Targaryen.

[@nyawer92]

Great analysis as always. Can't wait to see dragon seed sowing. That Daemon scene was sick. Really tired of hbo pushing explicit scenes for the sake of fan service, at some point it becomes redundant. I know they were trying to keep it close to the og seasons but still it's time writers do better cuz that content gets annoying especially since it adds no value to the main storyline. Loved the scene with Jace. Also its quite nice for consistency reasons to keep the freys just as slimy as their descendants 😅 also poor aegon calling to Alicent. Personally I'd like to see more of Aemond as king. Kind of tired with the slow pace, also Alicent is so dumb for putting her name forward like its what got you all here in the first place. Also its interesting that the green succession is girls and blacks are all boys, bet grrm wanted that irony. The green council is a bit more seasoned tbh like they all look like they'd benefit from a good leader, but the black council is just dumb

[@TheBattProductions]

THANK YOU! I can't wait to see the result of the Dragonseeds either...lots of cool ahead, methinks. Some of the explicit scenes aren't my bag because they just don't give me what I need. Like I actually thought the Aegon II burned scenes were a little indulgent. Like a quick show of the armor peeling, but not 2, 3, 4, etc. Jace is killing it. Love Jace with the Freys (as you said) because it keeps that house slimy and consistent and shows fans a familiar place. Aemond as King...woofah It's going to be awful IMO. Alicent botched it miserably.

[@alexanderwright2493]

Was pretty crazy I was thinking the same thing about the whole Daemon plotline.. not necessarily annoyed but I feel like there are better stories to be told with the limited amount of time we have other than these same visions over and over. Also seeing the dog was a little emotional because you're not only thinking that the dog is still so loyal but he's gotta be starving along with the rest of the city.

[@TheBattProductions]

Exactly. I love Daemon so much but this indulgent set of scenes with him at Harrenhal is starting to drive me nuts...I want more than this. The hallucinations...I get it. I want to see some action now. They're doing a lot with him when I just need it to be more focused. The poor dog...the city is eating rotten fruit, so you know he's scavenging like crazy.

[@shantanusengupta1749]

First.. brilliant contrast with GOT.. during war of the 5 kings people were swarming to get into the capital where they would feel the safest, however with presence of dragons that's the most unsafe of all, so they are fighting to get outside

[@TheBattProductions]

Absolutely...I mean what a difference, right?

[@hannahchadwick4723]

I was so confused by the scene with Daemon and his mother 🫣🤢 🤮

[@shantanusengupta1749]

I initially thought that was Emma arryn which was kinda gross in itself...but it would have been better

[@hannahchadwick4723]

@@shantanusengupta1749 I thought the same thing at first. She kind of vaguely looked like a younger version of her initially.

[@WeareCustomerService]

@@shantanusengupta1749same….. if it was Aemma then cool. And I think this episode would have been just fine without the mother incest. Honestly, I don’t even get the symbolism there……

[@shantanusengupta1749]

@@WeareCustomerService no symbolism, weird just for the sake of being weird

[@TheBattProductions]

I think that's just him dealing with some mommy issues...he wants SO BADLY to be told he's a good boy.

[@Uhoh_itsAshley]

Hey I decided in this episode that Alys Rivers is not real. She is complete projection of Daemons mind. She’s some type of ghost or spirt. We’ve never seen anyone but Daemon speak to her and right after she bandages his hand Simon comes up to him and she just kind of disappears behind him and he even looks at where she stood like he’s thinking what is Daemon looking at? Simon has been looking at him like that for the last like 3 episodes because Daemon is trippin balls but I thought Alys was real til I saw this episode. Also one other thing when Daemon storms into the castle the very first episode and says he’s taking Herrenhall, Alys walks in but she stands while everyone else kneels to Daemon. I thought to myself why isn’t she bowing? Well, cuz she isn’t real and never was.

[@TheBattProductions]

I think you're probably onto something - though I wonder what is spiking these visions if not Alys? Is he just straight up losing his mind then? I have to review the tape to see if I missed an interaction, BUT I THINK YOU MAY BE ONTO IT! Way to go, Ashley :-)

[@Uhoh_itsAshley]

Heh thanks. They say the castle is cursed haunted metaphysical whatever you want to call it idk, and the Targaryen’s are known for having visions, being like low key psychic or whatever so maybe when he goes to this ancient cursed castle he is deeply affected by the place? That’s all I can think I actually really like Alys she’s a mystery, she is.

[@TheBattProductions]

@@Uhoh_itsAshley Absolutely - I mean that's certainly in the air lately. The Boys has a character seeing things as well, and HOTD/The Boys seem to be copying each other these days, so who knows. Hah.

[@Uhoh_itsAshley]

@@TheBattProductions I know and I LOVE the new season of The Boys it’s such a running theme lately with new releases I actually just finished FF7 Rebirth and a character is seeing a schizo ghost of someone as well. 😂 But I am HERE for it I love themes like this.

[@TheBattProductions]

@@Uhoh_itsAshley Absolutely! I'm glad you love the Boys as well (though that needs to stick the landing, too!)

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

It feels like a shark-jump moment - I was fine with the previous ones, because I was hoping for some self-reflection, introspection, & actualisation resulting from them -- they are getting beyond self-indulgent from this one- because there's been no character advancement for Daemon, nor any real development in the plot - it's narrative wheel-spinning. It seems quite pointless imo...

[@TheBattProductions]

Absolutely. Jump the shark moment is a great way to describe Daemon's storyline and the mother scene. It's getting so indulgent that (even though it IS in-line with his character's psyche), it's becoming too much. Just egregious and it's not really moving Daemon himself any closer to solving...whatever he's got going on.

[@jucereyes6289]

Dang aemond first mistake was not bringing ser Otto back to manage the city and could haelana prevented her son death?

[@TheBattProductions]

Great question. I don't think aegon is dead thankfully, so she's alright for now!

[@danielsilva-duarte571]

So, Daemon is as efficient as an ally as the queen's enemies. Or even more so.

[@TheBattProductions]

There is definitely an argument to be made here for that. I won't say yes, but I ain't saying NO

[@cureforintroversion1262]

So how much therapy are you going to need? Because I think I’m considering gouging my eyes out

[@TheBattProductions]

Oh I'm doing great - I'm he king of the Seven Kingdoms now with my one eye and I'm ready to start plowing the Targaryen Blacks! - Kevin the One-Eye

[@Tbag.Gaming]

What do you think about alys rivers?

[@TheBattProductions]

@@Tbag.Gaming what about her?

[@Chimii98]

This costume is KILLING ME

[@TheBattProductions]

I know you're quivering as you watch. Keep those knees steady

[@PlaymateTessiNumberOneFan]

Honestly, I kind of understand Daemon His mom was HOTTER than a dragon’s fire I totally WOULD also Edit: the actress I mean

[@TheBattProductions]

Bahaha...I completely understand that part, too. I mean his mom is a total Baberham Lincoln.

[@markjrbessett6429]

It was a good episode. I don't care what they're doing with Daemons character.

[@TheBattProductions]

I hate what they're doing with Daemon. They're making his story the Bran story of this series and I HATE THAT.

[@samanthagibbs7852]

@@TheBattProductions I totally agree. I’ll never give up on the show or the books but Darmon is too badass to get sidelined like this.

[@samanthagibbs7852]

*Daemon Stupid autocorrect 🤦‍♀️😂

[@TheBattProductions]

@@samanthagibbs7852 Absolutely. My favorite character in S1 and S2 he's getting d***ed around with

[@markjrbessett6429]

@TheBattProductions Also, am I the only one who thinks Simon Strong looks like an old Samwell Tarly?

[@gloriabrown6403]

Dragons are not gods. Sets up the people killing the dragons in the pit

[@TheBattProductions]

It certainly does set up something along those lines....lots of vulnerability methinks!

[@kimberlyweis9899]

Ugh so boring but your video was awesome as usual!!!

[@TheBattProductions]

THANK YOU KIMMY

[@Goldie_Roger]

lmfao why is the son named "dracarys" tho

[@TheBattProductions]

Hah - it's not! It's Jacaerys!

[@Goldie_Roger]

@@TheBattProductions Ahh I see now. You pronounce the "c" differently than the TV show, that's why I thought you said Dracarys like it was his nickname.

[@Kiwiskirt]

🔔★LIKE-SUBCRIBE-SHARE★🔔

[@TheBattProductions]

THANK YOU!!!

[@Kiwiskirt]

@@TheBattProductions 💟

[@TheBattProductions]

@@Kiwiskirt I appreciate you Kiwiskirt!

[@Kiwiskirt]

@@TheBattProductions Ditto

[@CakedUpGeekbar]

These reviews really enrich the whole HoD experience for me. I don’t have any real life friends to talk about this stuff with so these are great for me. Thank you mi lord 🧎

[@TheBattProductions]

Really?!?! I appreciate that. Seriously, that's how this channel began! I didn't have anyone to nerd out with just like how I like to nerd out, so HEARING THAT SOMEONE ELSE GETS THAT from it...so freaking cool. I appreciate you, CakedUpGeekBar (btw hilarious name)