House of the Dragon - Sapphic Longing and Fandom Critique | a video essay

[@obviouslyqueer]

In this video I accidentally misgender Emma D'arcy on two occasions. It also came to my attention after the publication of this video that Emily Carey uses they/them pronouns. I hope you can enjoy the rest of this video knowing I'm aware and I've learned from this moving forward! Thank you for all the lovely comments.

[@cheyturnervisuals]

Thank you! This is a lovely and respectful correction, also informative, didn’t know about Emily. :)

[@r.r7415]

Can you make a video about how everything queer is portrayed in The Boys? I specifically mention the scene where Maeve Queen comes out of the closet and is asked to be the dominant person in the media and her partner the submissive one and how the media and Volt uses this? and sells merchandise? New suscriber btw

[@vic3041]

isn't it beautiful to have the actor who played young Alicent be a gender non-conforming lesbian? and the actor who plays Rhaenyra be a gender non-conforming queer person? you have queer actors portraying these roles, adding hints to their characters on purpose, and annoying redditors will still come up to tell you "they never saw it coming."

[@chripaulzi]

I think it's very telling that Rhaenyra is seduced by her uncle in a brothel and that episode has a higher rating. But when it's two adult women whose chemistry has been built up everybody clutches their pearls. Are we sure that these ratings are not just from Alabama?

[@elsafowl]

So true!!! It baffles me how much people ship Daemon and Rhaenyra together when he's at least twice her age and HER FUCKING UNCLE (who knew her since she was a BABY). Seriously, this relationship is so fucked up, and I can understand the allure for Rhaenyra (Daemon = freedom, power, masculinity, so basically everything she wants to be or have), but still - it's a toxic bad relationship! And we see it explode at the beginning of season 2 because in the end, Rhaenyra is just as much the victim of grooming as Alicent is in her marriage with Viserys. And yet, because Daemon (and Viserys) is a fan favourite because... well, I don't know ("reasons"), this groomer side of him is completely put aside, and there is no compassion for his victim - Rhaenyra.

[@randomusername3873]

​@@elsafowlIs character characterizations a foreign concept to you people?

[@elsafowl]

@randomusername3873 is making a coherent argument a foreign concept to you? What is your point?

[@makestank4800]

Crazy right, and maybe all those ratings are from backward Alabama.

[@whywecnthvnicethings]

I actually heard that the episode was review bombed by Saudi Arabian audiences 💀

[@Hannah-mu1uj]

It’s funny how I never see people complain about “unnecessary” straight romantic scenes 🙃

[@TalairanPerigord]

PREACH!

[@lordmorklen5166]

I did, every straight romantic plotline in Wednesday was mad unnecessary.

[@TalairanPerigord]

@@lordmorklen5166 Oh, thank you for saying that! Where *were* all the queer romances? Burton not inclusive, or what?

[@lordmorklen5166]

@@TalairanPerigord Even Burton cannot stop Enid and Wednesday from happening. It’s undeniable at this point.

[@takke9830]

Well it‘s because straightness is seen as the „default“ by those people wich is just bigotry basically. They say this as an excuse so they don‘t have to say: „i don‘t wanna see gay people in my favorite media cause they don‘t pander to my personal preferences cause after all it‘s all about MEEEEEEEE“

[@Pandora_Msm]

*Two women staring at each other with enchanted eyes* Straight people: "is this... a beautiful friendship?"

[@cobra8888]

Based on life….it is. More so than just looking at each other. No reason for it to be love.

[@Hear.myvoice]

Not just straight people but anyone who watched the show with open eyes... Rhaenyra wasn't introduced as bisexual in the show and after 33 years she just randomly kisses a girl who just confessed about her abusive father 🤣 Horrible scene... Plus Rhaenyra in the first season was absolutely feminine. That was the first thing I noticed about the acting of Emma.

[@obviouslyqueer]

@@Hear.myvoice did you watch my video? I laughed about many things that straight people say that you just confirmed with your comment

[@Hear.myvoice]

@@obviouslyqueer "Straight people" Who said I'm straight? Are you living in a bubble? Not everyone is straight who dislikes this mess of a character "development". Mysaria literally stood up against the fighting pits of children and Rhaenyra just sent 4 riders to burn CITIES. As I said this "ship" is shallow... Why Mysaria is on her side kissing her if Rhaenyra is doing what she feared of?!

[@obviouslyqueer]

@@Hear.myvoice I'm sorry, straight people and pick me gays*

[@LadyAngharadLlewelyn-Giovinco]

I love how people got no problems with the incest or the flying mythical creatures that breath fire.

[@patchface_fool]

Incest is a problem, that is why there are so many insane Targaryens like Mad King or his daughter.

[@trashboi3381]

Literally what i was thinking. Like every other messed up stuff awh thats fine no problem... but women kissing OH HOW COULD THEY.

[@Arcadian-Nova]

i agree that media in overal portrays alot of sex nowadays, and that might be bc i am asexual, but to use it as an argument against a WLW KISS in A GAME OF THRONES SHOW? A FRANCHISE KNOW FOR HAVING A LOT OF SEX? wild..

[@unicorn1655]

"At it’s heart House of the Dragon is a lesbian divorce drama" truer words have never been spoken. if only the fandom understood this, they’d enjoy the show a lot more.

[@AshePBlack]

Nope not toxic relationships

[@Joyride37]

Rhaenyra and Alicent’s actresses and the subtext of the story all leaning into “Never married, but nevertheless messily divorced” makes the whole show so much more invigorating and entertaining. It’s the only thing that really logically explains the intense betrayal and anger that young Alicent had at the idea of Rhaenyra sleeping with Daemon, if you view it in the lens of a young extremely repressed queer woman who doesn’t realize she’s in love with her best friend, while also envious of her best friend’s perceived freedom and disregard of tradition that she is forced to follow under the thumb of her father, while also dealing with the trauma of being forced to seduce and marry said best friend’s own father. It’s incredibly sapphic coded , terms of the messiness that happens with teen sapphic women IRL who had falling outs with best friends they were basically dating but never realized it. Repression, unrealized longing and love, envy, possessiveness, and an overreaction of betrayal to something that wasn’t really a big deal. All come out in toxic ways under a society that historically doesn’t have an outlet or recognition of sapphic relationships and desire, or actively suppressed it

[@czar_duck]

the show should not have been about this. if only the fans understood this, they'd stop absorbing the shit scenario🥱

[@kbrennan3836]

It's wild to me that people claim not to pick up on Rhaenyra being queer. I say "claim to not pick up" because many of them absolutely saw the signs in S1. I engaged with this show mostly on Reddit, and for the first few episodes, everyone just accepted that this was obviously going to be a show about the epic lesbian break-up of Alicent and Rhaenyra. And then, when both of them started doing the deed with men as their culture expected of them, it suddenly went quiet and people went "I guess not" or "maybe it was just something the actors put into it." And, then those same people pretended to be shocked and appalled that Rhae was "suddenly" gay at the end of S2. It was crazy to watch in real time.

[@rhaenatargaryen8061]

Seems silly because in the part of the fandom i inhabit each episode of hotd after the first has made it more and more obvious that alicent is a lesbian and rhaenyra is bisexual like...

[@cobra8888]

People didn’t pick up on it for two reasons: 1) they are not sexualizing female characters (specially minors at the beginning of Season 1) and thinking every two women are just there to get jiggy with it. 2) most of them are book readers and know that Rhaenyra and Alicent have an age difference.

[@AshePBlack]

Honestly I thought rehneryah was bi but women leaning but rehneryah was Soo not in charge of any relationship. She got confident as queen great, nobody could control daemon and also never trust a hightower. Or some characters cared so little on certain stuff about sex that men or women was same diff. Dany was kinda like that

[@AshePBlack]

​@@cobra8888exactly. Although 10 plus years didn't seem to matter to them but if alicent was way older she could just manipulate rehneryah more

[@taylortimeless]

I’m saying! I clocked that in season 1 when everyone was drooling over Daemyra being a thing. I remember watching Rhaenyra and Alicent’s scenes going “They seem like they’re into each other. This feels sort of romantic.” I thought I was the only one that saw it because I had stopped using tumblr at the time and was on Twitter so all I saw was people talking about Rhaenyra and Daemon.

[@LameFox]

as a straight guy I thought Rhaenyra was at least bi from some of the earliest episodes. it surprised me when they seemed to very strongly hint at that so early and then just not do much with it for the rest of the first season.

[@HuntingViolets]

I only saw the first episode and I'm not a guy, but same.

[@elisasthirty]

"they are not looking" is such a direct and great way to explain to straight people this kiss, the same people who attack anyone who will even dare hint at a possible romantic undertone between young rhaenyra and young alicent!! the hints have been there from the start

[@evoregnar5354]

even my aunt who is str8 saw this coming from their 1st scene together

[@obviouslyqueer]

Love your aunt

[@status_quo_post]

Historians be like: "They became very fond of each other."

[@ranitaloca888]

The most of us historians are gays, didn't you know? You're actually talking about archeologists XD

[@softfirecrow]

It's always giving "I'm not hating the queers, just the normal amount, so lower your expectations please" Great video, thanks

[@dieorwrite9460]

People are biphobic, on top of hating sapphic women, on top of misogyny. Honestly all of that.

[@unicorn1655]

It’s wild how usually people ship queer relationships with barely any hint of anything meanwhile this show could not be less unsubtle about it’s "subtle" sapphic love story and the fandom closes their eyes and goes „lalalalal I can’t hear you over how heterosexual Alicent and Rhaenyra are“. It’s also one of the few times that a queer relationship adds a shit ton to both characters and the main conflict.

[@AshePBlack]

It would have been a toxic relationship. Got universe or whatever, gay straight bi I don't support toxicness. Sure maybe daemon and rehneryah deserve each other in a way but that one's toxic too. Or what of the sexual characters that don't care if partner is male or female.

[@HuntingViolets]

@@AshePBlack Most of the relationships on this show are toxic, so I'm not sure what you're saying about supporting toxicity.

[@KckJohanna]

"They are not looking, that does not mean it is not shown." Loved this!

[@lucidtofu]

You put it perfectly. The whole premise of Rhaenyra's character is that she isn't gender conforming, way way early in her youth. Why would it be a plot twist if she were queer????

[@Sorayaros]

This was brilliant! really insightful as always. Also laughed so hard in the "I dont mind the gays but..." part lol.

[@obviouslyqueer]

Hahah, thank you a lot!

[@pootdaboot]

random but as a lesbian who has been on the internet since i was less than a decade old, this level of lesbianism in one of the biggest current tv shows/franchises is so surreal

[@genmiller3598]

i've been making my best friend (we're both queer women) watch hotd with me and the first thing she said when she watched the first scene with rhaenicent -- literally the first time rhaenyra is onscreen -- was "girlfriends??" but yeah sure rhaenyra's queerness "came out of nowhere"...

[@AshePBlack]

I saw it, didn't like it cuz anybody could see life circumstances made them not good. I mean rhenyerah wanted them to run away together

[@jordanbrown3816]

What has been most frustrating to me is all the people saying that Alicent underwent a character assassination in season 2, when it has been interesting to see her come around to realizing she has been only doing what she thought she was expected to do. People are seeing her character growth and realization as a rewrite of her character!? This plus not seeing the queerness in Rhaenyra shows how people aren’t watching very closely they just here for the dragons smh

[@shortdrink873]

Yeah, it’s an artifact of HotD being the successor show to GoT and carrying over a large amount of its audience, even though the approach is so much more subtle it was never going to appeal to as wide a demographic. But they’re still watching and complaining anyway, whereas I don’t think they’d have gotten this far into the show to complain much if HotD came first.

[@randomusername3873]

Ah yeah, the growth of killing the children she screwed up, amazing

[@AshePBlack]

Toxicity from politics and family. Alicent and rehnyrah is bad and obviously daemon and rehnyrah is worse. Rehnyrah may seem in charge I'm convinced in relationships she can't. And it's not about sex roles and whatever it's the hightowers are manipulative, possibly descended from worst ppl they are in charge of maesters etc. anybody saying it's a good lesbian ship is nuts

[@WillyYalad-ep7gv]

Well, she can aware of that without being with the team who murder your grandson

[@angelyuqi6709]

Not even Olivia cooke agrees with u lol imagine thinking surrendering ur own son to his death to ur enemy is some "character growth" moment. Alicent can perfectly understand this fact & free herself without sacrificing her own son, the son sge was ready to die for just in the last season

[@arthooboo2]

The fact is: queer lens is something that nowadays still needs to be learned by the average audience. I can easily believe that a lot of viewers were not picking up the hints about Rhaenyra sexuality. That kiss served the purpose to clarify to everyone how she really is in a crystal clear way.

[@ylvavarynkottir2265]

I liked the kiss (fits well with future book-events), but I disliked that it was directly after Mysaria detailed her history of being assaulted. The ambiguity of whether Mysaria or Rhaenyra initiated the kiss added to the strange power dynamic. If Mysaria was more explicitly shown to initiate it, that would've made the scene much less uncomfortable. As a lesbian, the stereotype that women cant perpetrate abuse really rubs me wrong. Rhaenyra has no ill intent with the kiss, but as it stands, she does hold all the power in the relationship. Mysaria, as a commoner, pretty much has no way to defend herself against Rhaenyra. They really should have: A) Moved the kiss scene to a later part of the episode B) Had Rhaenyra pause and make eye contact with Mysaria before moving in to kiss her (implicitly asking for permission) C) Remove the ambiguity by having Mysaria explicitly initiate the kiss

[@momotozaki]

I feel the exact same way.

[@majorg1731]

Thank u so much for making this video. I completely agree with you. I do not understand why other people didn't like the last episode, for me, seeeing Rae and Alicent together again was amazing, their talking, the emotions they portrayed, even the way Alicent was dressed, and like you said the cheff kiss of cinematography. Amazing video and greetings from México❤❤

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you so much!

[@jofridmar2844]

I was extremely moved by the end scene in the final episode. It gave me closure. Great video, as always!

[@alexart_ilustra1977]

I think the way they present it is good. She clearly felt an affection that went beyond a friendship with Alicent, but she also had this great attraction to Daemon that she still maintains, but that doesn't take away, she can't be attracted to a woman. The relationship with Mysaria develops from understanding and admiration, what unites them, and also this posture of fighting for a place of respect. Honestly, I don't think they were aware of the attraction, which is good because of the context in the middle of a war, the other emotions are second to third. And the audience is shown with the same subtlety. And in the scene where she is with the son and Mysaria arrives is where the attraction is most obvious.

[@lorenacia7579]

no but I didn't see anyone complaining about the explicit sex between Daemon and Misarya in the FIRST episode of the FIRST season, where viewers barely knew the characters, but since it was a scene with a straight couple people simply don't even remember that this scene existed

[@albatrs]

i agree!! being called a slur is almost better than being infantilized like that

[@JulianaAguilar-nx6up]

I was so sad people saw the kiss as discounting mysarias trauma too especially considering this whole show revolves around women in an incredibly patriaarchial society and how they try to mediate it. To me it contrasted with both of their experiences with men being a power struggle, or for the men to only take what they wish and discard them. This moment though, felt like a very specific taking of control from both sides, based on a mutual genuine respect and admiration from both of them. I know they are acting choices but to have Mysaria initiate it and then both of them looking at eachother to confirm was so interesting idk! I know Im being kinda insane about it but I loved the kiss

[@JulianaAguilar-nx6up]

and also!!! it made perfect sense for them both, Nyra has no foothold in her role right now and here is another woman she admires and also shares her troubles with Deamon and his faults, who validates her feelings while reinforcing her belief in her. this was truly the natural progression of it

[@randomusername3873]

Except for the detail that the evil sexist on rhaenyra counsil (the same that went to war for her) didn't say a single wrong thing this season Rhaenyra has been an horrible leader and they have literally no reasons to trust her at that point

[@river6666.]

​@@randomusername3873think you're in the wrong comment section there, bud

[@jan_Masewin]

It reads to me like Mysaria taking sexual agency and _finally_ being able to seek happiness rather than pure survival

[@river6666.]

@@jan_Masewin AMEN YES

[@oberon9015]

What a well done analysis. So glad I found this.....the HOTD fandom has been so exhausting on this topic.

[@farnesetbh8487]

I wanna add that Frenchie being bi was kinda there since s1 when we learn his past with Mallory

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thanks for pointing it out! I haven't seen the Boys, I just was fascinated when the hate arrived together with his season 2 boyfriend. But not at all surprising it was canon from season 1 but fans choose to not see it hahah

[@asterismos5451]

@@obviouslyqueer The boyfriend is in season 4! I didn't remember about that in season 1 at all but it felt totally natural despite no indications earlier to my memory.

[@Lyendith]

@@asterismos5451 Honestly I was more annoyed that Colin was a mere plot device used to develop Frenchie, before being thrown out and never mentioned again. All so that Frenchie could work out his issues and get with Kimiko at the end…

[@asoiafan]

Many people if a TV ship/relationship is LGBT+: they rushed it, this is toxic inclussivity. The same people if the characters, with the same or similar dynamic, were hetero, on the first second they see them for the first time interacting: I ship them so hard!

[@thenecromanticbat]

This is just such a good and facinating analysis, at first I never minded the kiss because for me it just made sense for Nyra's character but after hearing you digging into the characters, podcasts, interviews, etc, I can say that sense went from a 100% to a 10000%

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you

[@rhaelicent]

For rhaenicent the difference is that I CANT be cannon because the essence of their story IS that they’re ‘doomed’ and it’s impossible for them to be together because of the literal war. They perhaps would’ve been together if the things in their youth never happened, but they did so this doomed narrative is inevitable. That is also what makes them so interesting to me and also a reason I don’t believe calling them “queerbait” is fair. I mean if a straight pair had an erotic friendships and then a fallout caused by the people around them and yet they still held love for each other and couldn’t be together because of a war, wouldn’t that be considered romantic?

[@obviouslyqueer]

Amen! It's a tragedy! Doomed from the start

[@skeletonflower_]

It's interesting (and funny) to see the reaction from the book fans to the Rhaenyra&Mysaria kiss when the book had left many clues that there might have been something going on between them. Do people truly think that Rhaenyra would put so much faith on her husband's mistress that she became her most trusted confidante? The book claimed that Daemon slept with Mysaria every night and Rhaenyra just accepted it. Really? I took it as a threesome relationship similar to Daemon/Laena/Rhaenyra or that Daemon was Rhaenyra and Mysaria's cover. Daemon was supposed to have another relationship budding at the same time as this was happening so having such a passionate relationship with Mysaria seemed very odd. I won't go deeper into this because of spoilers. However, Rhaenyra/Mysaria is 100% one of the possible interpretations of the source material.

[@eyesthere]

💯

[@jan_Masewin]

Sapphic love really feels so different away from the male gaze; cishet men enjoy seeing it only insofar as the fems/thems in question remain sexually available. It was beautiful seeing Mysaria take agency like that and Rhaenyra finally give way to a part of herself that had always been there

[@thestarlightforge6568]

The news ran away with this headline, that it was “unscripted” 🙄 meanwhile if you actually read what Emma and Sonoya said, they were describing what it’s like to *collaborate with an intimacy coordinator.* (Source: I am an intimacy coordinator.) 🙃😂 The script writer left the intimacy coordinator, actors, ep director and showrunner just enough room of ambiguity to clearly state the intention while allowing them freedom to do their creative work. NB: Love this video :)) thank you for making it!

[@obviouslyqueer]

This is such a valuable input! Thank you for this comment!!

[@mariaizabelmsilva]

OMG this was a video I needed to see, you analyzed rhaenicent perfectly! You are wonderful!

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you so much! :')

[@mriahrae37]

great video! i remember watching this season and waiting for that kiss, i honestly thought it was gonna happen sooner. and rhanerya and allicent's last scene was so beautifully heartbreaking and i loved it!

[@Wallpaper-inside-my-heart]

Wonderful video! You expressed everything about the interpretation & queer lense as well as intention so perfectly!!! 🙏💞 (also yesss, even with all its faults, tumblr is def the best place to go to see ppl genuinely celebrating queer moments/storylines in media!

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you!! 💕

[@Azuressunset]

Im still so mad the episode got spammed with bad reviews, it was one of my favorite episodes in season 2 and this scene is a good way to show where Rhaenyra is mentally even if they never bring up the kiss again.

[@obviouslyqueer]

Exactly! 💯

[@Stay_Zerose]

Sorry but most of the bad reviews are because the kiss comes after a confession of sexual assault. This poor woman confides in her Queen about dark and deep trauma she experienced as a child and the response is *checks notes* to kiss her? What? Sorry that's problematic and it would be even if it was straight.

[@Azuressunset]

@@Stay_Zerose We have seen much worse things on screen in this show, but if its Rhaenyra specifically that this group of people expected to be a moral compass I must urge them to reconsider.

[@Stay_Zerose]

@@Azuressunset the issue is when other characters in HotD do problematic things they are viewed negatively but when Rhaenerya does it, it is then perceived as a progressive moment of empowerment by both the production and casual audience. When we see that Aegon SA’d a girl we aren’t supposed view Alicent as morally right for covering it up even if she shows far more compassion for the victim that Rhaenrya does. But Alicent is then a rape apologist for her actions but somehow Rhaenrya doing something objectively far worse getting criticism it’s called homophobia. That’s the issue. The whitewashing of her character which doesn’t allow her to do anything bad even when she does bad things they are never perceived that way. This series has a long history of gay relationships which have never effected the ratings and honestly you have to a do a scene like this pretty poorly to not even have the het guys thirsting over the scene, in game of thrones…

[@lgt.jne3]

Most reviews are from homophobic countries so you can see why.

[@lkm2287]

People acted as if they had gotten married or had oral s*x or that we got some strap on- action in that scene, and that it was too sudden. This is the world of game of thrones, so these things could have happened between 2 hetero characters and no one would have batted an eye. But it was a KISS ffs. Welcome to the year 2024 where a kiss between two women has to be carefully prepared and soo justified and necessary, so people can tolerate it. Honestly, I don't even have the strength to argue with people on this. This is ridiculous.

[@randomusername3873]

A kiss that just damages rhaenyra by making her be even more irresponsible that she already was but ok lol

[@spirithawk6580]

​@@randomusername3873you do know she's not the hero right? This story is a tragedy about a family being torn apart by their belief that they are (individually and collectively) entitled to absolute power. They are all making irrational and self serving choices because they don't actually care about the people they want to rule and will pay any price to maintain their perceived superiority and because they are all experiencing loss after loss as a consequence of this mindset. An impulsive extramarital romance is really not that unexpected given the trajectory of Rhaenyra's story

[@violaivy]

Yes, I agree with with what you said soo much! Maybe for viewers with different expectations the finale was disappointing, but for me the Rhaenyra/Alicent scene was everything I wanted. I love how the show approaches their characters and relationship, it's just so good, fascinating and sad. And the queer reading has been there from the beginning, even before we ever saw the show, in the writer's room.

[@FromNaboo]

Thank you! I was looking for something like this since that final episode. Alicent and Rhaenyra are the heart and soul of HOTD. I choose to see it, and it made me so happy. The writing and the performances are beautiful. Thank God. I hope they are together at some point or at last to be free to love.

[@cobra8888]

Have you read the book?

[@FromNaboo]

@@cobra8888 Of course! GG Martin rules.

[@monimelie]

Really interesting video! I'm not surprised that some people did not see the kiss with Mysaria coming (I didn't) because there id alot of thkngs going on in the show at that point but I can't understand they thought it came out of nowhere. I mean, I was surprised for about 5 seconds? But the part that baffled me is... some people did not see the sexual tentions with Alicent?!? It's so clear since the beginning and so central to the story!

[@commentsforthealgorithm]

Omg not to mention that Cole and Alicent are obsessed with Rhaenyra in the same way! What, you think she is just jealous like an ex-lover and obsessed with who Rhaenyra is sleeping with (and joins up with Rhae’s literal ex-lover) because religion?😂 because “duty to make heirs”?😂 Do they REALLY think Alicent actively wants Rhaenyra to have a true born heir (that would solidify Rhae’s claim) and put her kids in danger, that is what her problem was?

[@cc2345]

As a sword lesbian i have never felt more seen than a wlw kiss in a game of thrones ip

[@AnnaAG-yk7mr]

I just stumbled across your channel, your analysys is so interesting! I wanted to watch the show (mainly because of Emily Carey) but I didn't know that there was a saphic storyline, it makes it even more appealing !!! Thank you for posting this video ❤ Anna

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you! I'm glad you found your way here!

[@renan_niehaus]

ooooooohhhhhh i was waiting for this one 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️

[@restingsadface]

rhaenyra & mysaria’s relationship didn’t come out of nowhere in fact i literally guessed it the second mysaria decided to stay on dragonstone…i mean rhaenyra daemon & laena were all stated bisexuals in the book…so it’s not like this came out of nowhere y’all…

[@glorylapayne5619]

i felt so relieved to see someone talking about this that i only got 1 minute in before i got inspired to actually write out how i felt about it and now i'm a little exhausted honestly but it felt good. i apologize for the wall of text but i gotta get it out there for my own sanity thank you. *inhaaale* Rhaenyra is in a position fraught with self doubt. She knows she cannot do it alone. She is both frustrated at feeling overwhelmed and resentful of accepting support from others. Her council berates her and questions her every move, her kids do the same putting into question her competence as a political leader. Any acceptance from them she has to fight 5x harder for and even then still struggles without help from Daemon. She can't easily accept help from Daemon because of the frustration that brings of needing to be "saved" by a man putting into question her competence as a woman. You might think then that Rhaenys is a likely ally. And while Rhaenyra feels she can truly trust Rhaenys, there is always that underlying fear of dropping that "i told you so". If you remember in season one, it was Rhaenys that spoke to Rhaenyra, woman to girl, about how the council will NOT accept her no matter how hard she tried. Rhaenys tried to warn her of the dangers of her pursuit. Rhaenyra, being a young teenager, proudly proclaimed it would be different for HER. That SHE was gunna change it. "HMPH." Rhaenyra did not forget that. There is likely a little voice inside Rhaenyra always berating her for being naïve. That Rhaenys was right. That even Alicent was right. That she had everything handed to her and drowns under real pressure. (Alicent was also drowning under that pressure but boy is that a whole other interesting can of worms) She hates being seen as naïve or incompetent, worse actually acting naively or incompetently. She's terrified of making mistakes yet is hard pressed to believe in her ability. Which shouldn't be a problem for a young, inexperienced person under normal circumstances. But the fact that her gender is used against her and the stakes are so high and this was something she wants, even NEEDS to be able to do. Not just for herself but her father too. To assure he DIDN'T make a mistake. The self doubt and self judgement is real. At the same time, she likely feels great sadness and resentment still that her father never prepared her properly and likely conflicting resentment on top that her council make her resent her late father who she is trying to make proud. Shit's complicated, and she can't speak about any of it. God forbid that makes her look like an eMoTioNAl wOmAN. She is DESPERATE for a breath of clarity that doesn't have her head swimming with countless complex and contradicting thoughts and emotions at once all while trying to keep it hidden. She is DESPERATE for someone she can trust that won't make her hate herself. (there's a lot of self hate in this show i find it fascinating how they go about that) Mysaria, to me, represents the first person she may have ever encountered she truly felt she could accept support from. Free from previous judgements. Someone who hasn't seen her every fault and quietly, or loudly, judged her for it. Someone she doesn't resent. On top of that, it feels like proof that she is capable of making a good fuckin decision. She likely questioned her release of Mysaria but she trusted herself and did it anyway, and it fuckin paid off. A much needed ally that she earned herself who understands the harsh reality of trying to take control of your life as a woman (royal or not) and respects her without judgement (Mysaria was even able to laugh at a suggestion Rhaenyra made and Rhaenyra didn't get defensive or upset. That speaks volumes about how much more comfortable she feels with Mysaria). Yes, Mysaria being a woman is a big part of this. The sense of relief and assurance she must have felt during a time she was likely very lonely and starved for simple comforts. It makes so much sense to me. To top it off, proof of this surge in self assurance shows when she hears news of a new rider for Seasmoke and immediately jumps into action without consulting anyone which I'm sure is exactly what she imagined being ruler would feel like as a young girl. Politically, intellectually, emotionally, as a woman, Mysaria is in her fuckin corner and makes Rhaenyra feel like a bad ass, independent, competent fuckin ruler that people CHOOSE to follow. Mysaria chose her. Not because her daddy said so but based on her own independent actions. Mysaria is saying saying "they may not see you, but I do. I see you boo" steadfast af baby. That's not even mentioning that Mysaria saved her life. and maybe that's fuckin hawt ok! Mysaria deserves a little hug and smoochy for saving her life at the very least. Big deal. A lot of all these complex feelings are purposefully being kept hidden by Rhaenyra/Emma/writing for the purpose of the story and thus is not obvious to pick up on. That is not a bad thing. I took film appreciation classes and it is expected you watch multiple times. God forbid people try to think about "did I not understand something the story was telling me?" and immediately just blame bad writing and the "woke mob" for anything that confuses or upsets them. Albeit, very often it is bad writing, but people should really learn the difference. I do not often rewatch shows but i am rewatching this one (2 years will certainly make me forget) and wow there is a LOT i did not pick up on at first and am having fun picking out all the little easter eggs and foreshadowing and remembering where each characters started out and understanding better the journey's they've gone on. AND I still see things I missed on social media (god i nearly regret trying to enjoy the show with the fandom at large when this is how they be actin) I didn't even need a rewatch to not be completely blindsided by the kiss and some of these arguments would probably be even strong if I did finish a rewatch. There are legitimate complaints to make about this show as it is not perfect, but this aint it. NOW I can watch the video lmao after video watch: beautiful. amazing. no notes. actually, taking notes. you read my mind so many times but used words better. learned a lot about the behind the scenes stuff. thank you for your work.

[@millicentgraf]

Love this video so much!! I haven’t watched the second season yet, but I’m really excited to do so. Your analysis is always really helpful and informative and extremely funny with the ending, so thank you! Your channel has become one of my favorites here on KZbin

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you :')

[@livingliminally]

This was incredible. No notes. The end of s2 e8 was some of the best television I've seen. It was heartbreaking and I'm STILL obsessed with it. THAT is great storytelling (and acting)

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you a lot

[@Hear.myvoice]

How is it great storytelling? 🤣 The whole season is full of plotholes... Even George RR Martin admitted that in many of his posts.

[@incantrix1337]

They were roommates!

[@azuli5520]

oh my god. first off, i just want to say: congrats on making such a great quality analysis, super spot-on and very complete. i swear, after i watched this video i thought it had at least a million views. then i was surprised, because you honestly deserve much more recognition. thank you for arguing intelligently with dumb, homophobic comments. much love from brazil🇧🇷💗💗

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you :') and thank you for being here on my little channel!

[@willowtree_28]

This is one of the smartest videos I have ever seen! Thank you for making this - it's very informative and I had a few moments where I was nodding in agreement while you were speaking.

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you!

[@nelguinevere4036]

It is very much the audiences these days. Aemond's frontal nudity was absolutely despised as well by many, as was Daemon's sex dream with his mum. Not to the point of review bombing (and yes, it's very telling), but a lot. Same arguments applied, "why do I need to see it?" (You don't...), "this adds nothing to the story" (yes, it does), "this ruins their character" (no, quite the opposite), etc. Funny thing is, I don't remember any discourse around, for example, Eliria's and Yara's kiss in, I believe, season 7 of GoT, which did, in fact, come out of nowhere and didn't progress the story or the characters in any way - the characters were immediately torn apart by Euron and never saw each other again. In fact, GoT had a multitude of sex scenes which were, strictly speaking, narratively empty. And yet no one complained (the only thing people did complain about was sexual objectification of and cruelty towards women). Now we have a series where every single instance of sex or nudity, or intimacy on screen actually has narrative meaning and impact, yet suddenly the Internet is going nuts. This tells me more about the audiences than it does about the series. The kiss itself was foreshadowed, narrarively justified and offers a lot of potential for future drama. If people don't see it, it's because they really don't want to.

[@cobra8888]

The kiss was foreshadowed and yet “unscripted”? Wow amazing you guys shoot your own logic in the foot and accuse everyone else of “not seeing it because they don’t want to”. Not that the writing is sub par. Oh and Ellaria and Yara’s kiss was criticized as well…but you choose not to see it.

[@nelguinevere4036]

​@@cobra8888 the video tells how "unscripted" it was, it's a whole chapter here. Before you comment, you might want to watch the videos you comment on. Their relationship was planned all the way back when Mysaria's actress was hired, and they all led towards it the whole season. The only part which was "unscripted" was the kiss itself, and that is a typical level of improv on any production. Matt Smith picking up Viserys' crown in S1E8 was unscripted but I don't hear you complain.

[@cobra8888]

@@nelguinevere4036 The video then its full of projection. And, did you really just compare a falling object with a kiss? No wonder you guys think this unscripted scene was "build up". Was Season 2 cutting its episodes to 8 due to the writer's strike also build up since the casting? You see how your argument falls faster than Viserys' crown?

[@nelguinevere4036]

@@cobra8888 so you haven't watched the video. Not surprising for "you people".

[@cobra8888]

@@nelguinevere4036 Aww you think watching a video with cliche repeated arguments is the issue here? Not you guys projecting or massively missing the point of fans and source materials? Again, comparing a kiss to a falling object. Sure, the show was "building up to it".

[@mrscarstairs]

The hate/blame Sara Hess has gotten from “fans” truly makes me so angry; it has to be a combination of racism, misogyny, and homophobia

[@farnesetbh8487]

I'm sorry but that woman justified rape and even said that "it makes Aegon more sympathetic" then proceeded to compare it with real life abusers w that same sympathetic approach

[@mrscarstairs]

@@farnesetbh8487 I never said "that woman" made a perfect show with 100% morally correct characters/politics. I said the amount of blame and hate she gets is rather absurd. There is a group of writers that work on the show. I have often seen people blame Hess for everything they see wrong on the shows. I have seen people suggest she has a lesbian agenda. I think that's absurd. Anyone who knows anything about screenwriting knows it's a group effort. She may be a head writer, but she's not writing the scripts by herself, cackling maniacally at changes made specifically to piss off people. Sorry, but this is Game of Thrones. There are characters that do heinous things. The fact of the matter is, in real life, when people do heinous things, they tend not to think of themselves as heinous people. Men like Aegon do see themselves as sympathetic/forgivable. The writers have to put themselves in the mind of people like Aegon to effectively write his character. Now, I don't know exactly what quote or whatever you're referring too. I won't be out here defending Hess' moral character because I do not know her. Perhaps she said something I don't agree with. Okay. That doesn't mean I need to blame everything wrong with the show on her or take personal offense to her. She could say something I don't agree with and I can still recognize that the volume of hate she gets is disproportionate.

[@thedragondemands5186]

They automatically manically blame her for things we know she didn’t even write

[@isadorademarsillac6892]

​@@farnesetbh8487weeeell and how many people rhaneryra killed with the search for the dragonseeds? If you just accept that both sides have their flaws its gonna be better...

[@isadorademarsillac6892]

​@@farnesetbh8487​​@farnesetbh8487 weeeell and how many people rhaneryra killed with the search for the dragonseeds? If you just accept that both sides have their flaws its gonna be better...

[@ladyannabolina]

I'm part of a discord server focused around Martin's written work specifically but we do have channels for show discussion and as a queer woman the night this episode aired, I and several others found ourselves having to defend the choice for this kiss to happen directly after a moment of emotional intimacy and explain that, yes, there had been quite a lot of build up to this relationship. The difference between a heterosexual romance and sapphic romance is so vast and people are so accustomed to viewing romance through a heterosexual lens that in many ways they are unable to conceptualize that a romance between two women might play out differently.

[@luizag123]

I really like the season (though I do agree with criticism for the finale) and I was feeling like I was missing something seeing everyone dislike it so much. Your video basically sums it up ❤

[@magemdl]

lol and me in my bubble not having any idea of the type of discourse the kiss generated. I just watched that for the first time and my heart was racing just as it was I in the situation. Also, Sonoya has such amazing eyes… the scene was perfection. Emma looking down when they got interrupted. So true! Honestly, yes, I’m choosing to still ignore all the crybaby discourse. For me, it was a success. Also, your videos are funny as hell. Love for Peru!

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you!

[@denisemetcalf772]

This is so well put and backed up. Thank you for such a level headed view!!

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you ❤️

[@corzo0]

The moment is, in my opinion, well built up, creating a moment of intimacy where two people feel bonded after showing their vulnerabilities to one another in a moment of high stress and vulnerability. However, the way this relationship is treated afterwards, makes the scene completely removable: on the one hand their interactions after the kiss are exactly the same than before, I don't feel like these 2 characters have shared a moment of so intense emotion and intimacy. On the other, this moment may have been a turning point in Raenyra's character, having an influence in her taking bolder strategic or political decisions, as she would have a closer behaviour to that of her younger version, the proncess who did as she wanted in the past. That's why I feel like this scene is unnecesary, and honestly I don't care about the gender of the 2 characters because it changes nothing. I blame the script writers not for the scene itself (it is more than convincing, in my opinion), but for the character interaction afterwards.

[@GAlaxY5978]

I personally do not think so. You can see in episode 7, their dynamic had changed a lot. 1. Rhaenyra went straight to talk to Mysaria without attending the Council meeting, and Mysaria was walking very close to the table trying to read what Rhaenyra was thinking about her suggestion. 2. And if you pay close attention, you can see Mysaria was following behind ser Loren the whole time when he was protecting Rhaenyra doing the red sowing speech. 3. And not to mention when Rhaenyra walked away from Vermithor and summoned Mysaria to follow her to safety by the eye contact. And although there was only one scene of them in episode 8 at the balcony, you can see there was no guard behind them this time. These are my observations after their kiss, so I think the writers will develop their relationship more in season 3.

[@ilovegluten1]

these are galaxy brain takes and i love you for this

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you :')

[@julietablanco5182]

Something that I find interesting about the debacle that scene arose, is that everyone is using the argument of “Emma D’Arcy coming up with the idea of Rhaenyra and Mysaria kissing” (which is evidently false, as you explained) to justify their dislike of their performance as Rhaenyra, which is funnily, just their dislike for them as a person. And I cannot explain how DONE I am with reading people saying that Milly’s version was better, simply because they don’t like the fact that Emma is a queer person, as if their performance has NO VALUE OR WHATSOEVER !!! Both Milly and Emma did an excellent job portraying Rhaenyra in different stages of her life, and therefore, reacting differently to certain situations. OF COURSE their acting is gonna be different, and that doesn’t mean is BAD !!!!

[@jessiicecii8218]

Honestly my only complaint is about the lack of follow up on that interaction (kiss scene) in the following episodes of season 2, they had many chances to implement a scene or two building on what implications or complications that type of relationship between them could bring but i still feel like it was a missed opportunity cause i didn’t really feel any acknowledgment from the plot or the actors in later scenes but thats just me😅🤷🏻‍♀️ Anddd also they still can build on it in season 3 which hopefully is the case because i personally would really enjoy seeing what would come from it🤭

[@mycattypedthis2827]

“Selfmade women” i’m sorry but this is one point I have to disagree on. Rhaenyra is born into 1% of the 1%. She’s literally a firstborn child of the monarch, striving to become a monarch herself. She’s not selfmade in any way. While Mysaria is foreign lowborn. The chasm between them couldn’t be wider. But yes, they both showcase that no matter how highborn you are in this society, if you are a woman, you’d still be a lesser class than a man. And that women in this society, even born in such different classes still can feel camaraderie when faced with patriarchal oppression.

[@obviouslyqueer]

Haha true tbh. Agreed, they're very different in terms of the things they have been getting for free. But like you say, I believe they despite that see another lonely woman who's worked against social expectations and prejudice

[@Thundergoddess]

I was also very confused to find out straight people don't kiss when they're sad. Got roasted in a few comment sections over my mistake😂 Thank you for your video!

[@justsomeoddball]

Beautiful analysis! Your video felt especially refreshing in the midst of all this negativity around the kiss. There was so much more to critique about this season (the pacing for example) and for people to get stuck on this "one kiss" makes me feel so mad and disappointed in people. Will seek solace in Tumblr

[@heathl111]

Great analysis, as always. Love from Argentina

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you 💕

[@Sofia-zc7gg]

I genuinely can not understand why people bother, why is sexuality a topic even. Just live your life and make your choices and let others do the same. If you're uncomfortable and annoyed by other's sexuality, and especially fictional characters, then maybe look in the mirror.. It's what I liked most from these shows is how sexuality is not a thing, they just are what they are. At least it felt that way

[@breadwillsaveyou]

Loved watching this video so much!!! Thank you for putting it out into the world!

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you

[@slappyburrito9481]

ahhh, finally logic on the internet thank you

[@spameranne]

loved the game show segment especially, great points all throughout!

[@takke9830]

I never seen this show but as a queer person, I have to say that the way queerness has to be picked apart mercilessly for any clues it might just be some kind of stunt the actors pulled or whatever just makes one thing very clear. They are too cowardly to say that it‘s really just them hating women that don‘t fall into the boxes they want them to be in. Like, especially with series that have a parial male audience you often see this. And It makes sense because a lot of them get mad when women they are into aren‘t avalable even in fiction. It‘s a very selfish view imo. Not to mention also the utter inability to know bisexuality is a thing. Cause somehow gender is not negotiable in the eyes of many in terms of dating people. But the fact that the straights didn‘t get the subtext is also kinda funny. Ofc you don‘t. That‘s why we have had representation way back in the day between the lines of all this famous media. Queer people perfected the art of being subtle. And so transitioning into blatant portrayal upsets em. Cause that‘s what is „other“ to them. And as we all know, „other“ needs to be explained away. It can‘t be normal. It can‘t happen just because romance is a part of most people‘s lives. No. It has to be interrogated cause unless it‘s perfect, it‘s not ok to exist in the heteronormative world portrayed there. The „other“ is not welcome. It is shameful and therefor shall only happen where the eyes of the straights cannot see it themselves. But what is the other then? Is it really unnessesairy? Or is it really just something they cannot handle looking at. A romance without a male present. The audacity of those FEMALE writers 😡. But no. It does make sense to be there. Because like the guy said in that talk, gay people are part of our species. As much as they wanna erase us they can‘t because we will keep existing. And they better get used to it. Used to the idea that this change in media they dispise so much for being „too progressive“ is a net positive for everyone but straight men. And they are just one part of us. It‘s time to show that we are not shy about our own people. Or will let anyone bully us into erasing them any longer. I mean the fact alone that one of the actors said they didn‘t want to queerbait is a huge win showing that they are listening to people that have been silenced, erased and dismissed for years. I‘m proud of all these show creators. It‘s time for us to make art that doesn‘t just please one overserved genre of human being. And if they can‘t handle not being in the spotlight for a moment, maybe they gotta try harder cause they wouldn‘t last a day in our skin with how sparse representation is for us. Maybe it‘s really better to just shut it and learn what other people experience for a while. Instead of this constant whining whenever any piece of media decides to not pander to the boring heteronormative shtick that has been tired and overdone for ages.

[@robertus1203]

I stopped watching the show because I thought it wasn’t what I had hoped in the beginning… guess I have to look into it again Immaculate Video Thank you I literally thought it was all in my head alone

[@elsafowl]

Salut ! Just wanted to thank you for this analysis, it is so well-done and complete! 🎉 I did defend the scene and the kiss to many other viewers (who weren't convinced by the necessity of the kiss to straight-up homophobes), from a character development point of view and a potential future narrative point of view, but I always found myself at a loss with the "it's gross to make them kiss right after Mysaria told her SA story" and "Emma improvised the kiss so it wasn't necessary or good at all" comments. I thought I was too biased because I was too happy to see wlw representation in such a big show, but no, my arguments actually make sense! And your video proves it in a more detailed way, so thank you! ❤

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank YOU!

[@roksi2210]

You've explained everything so well! One of the things that really bothers me it's when they use the excuse of "this isn't in the book". As you said, an easy excuse. But I genuinely think they didn't even read the book and they only relay on tiktok's rumours, or if they read it, they didn't understand the structure of the book and that it's divided in three external (and not very truthful) points of view. The book couldn't be more vague, specially when it comes to personality traits of the characters. The power of social media! They spread one rumour and the rest follows as sheeps. Rhaenyra's bisexuality is obvious since the first season, but of course not for everyone. Also, I'm sure Emma and Sonya started to build the tension between their characters to this moment from the beginning, you can see it on the show, Rhaenyra has a curiosity for her since their first encounter and there are many moments of looks and proximity that gets more and more obvious. It's sad that we're in 2024 and there is still so much homophobia out there...

[@Dorkasaurus_711]

Only 42 hours to go... I can do this... I can wait.

[@lilianferraz4681]

I got it since the Ep01S01, so many ppl are anger bc they were not capable to see. I really hope the showrunner don't change it bc of homophonia.

[@joycelemos1448]

Ok fine... I'll watch HOTD now

[@reachelglasser544]

Omg! thanks for this video because as a viewer I quickly understood the themes of this series, especially I started watching it in the second season because of the marketing that seemed very gay to me and it surprises me when (unfortunately) i interacts with the GoT fans that level the show as fanservice or fanfic because the kiss (that you could be seen coming because of how intense and even 🫦 the scenes between Rhenyra and Mysaria were) and because one of the main themes it has is the relationship between Alicent and Rhaenyra ( and highlight the misogyny they suffer even when playing by the patriarchal society rules) So thank you because I was clear that it was homophobic criticism but I didn't know how to explain this phenomenon as deeply as you have done it. It is a great analysis that can be extrapolated to so many works with similar "unnecessary gay" criticisms. Because I am a lesbian, I often forget that many people do not see things through our lenses and that the works in which we are the protagonists are categorized as specifically for us (like the other) and not for the general public.

[@cristinaramos9828]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS SO MUCH !! you have such good analyzations and explain everything so well and throughly that it’s easy to understand and grasp to a deeper level. alsoo love all the little comedy bread crumbs sprinkled out makes me chuckle 🪩. Can’t wait for your next video !! (whenever that may be 🙏)

[@obviouslyqueer]

thank you so much

[@albatross6093]

Absolutely amazing thank you so much for this, helps to feel validated ✨

[@Duclida]

This was SUCH an excellent breakdown of the hypocritical complaining and critiquing of both the Mysaria and Rhaenyra kiss and Rhaenicent! Ahhh you covered it all- highly enjoyed this!!

[@pendragonsxskywalkers9518]

There was very similar situation with Spartacus tv show in season 2 when former gladiator Agron kissed another man 👨‍❤‍💋‍👨. Actor knew he plays gay character since beggining, but there was no romance in season 1, so viewers assumed he was 'straight' and later commented 'kiss was out of nowhere' because Agron was not gay in their eyes, so all his flirting with Nasir was in their eyes simply affectionate friendship and looking for surrogate brother (Agron lost brother). When one user asked actor "why Agron suddenly became gay? semms bit fast, right? wow does he feels about Nasir?", Dan - the legend he is 💓 - answered shortly: "He always has been .. and he loves Nasir". Actor was always playing with knowledge he plays gay character - but because we live in society when most people are straight, most people - equally straight and gay - have sometimes issue with differentiate bromance (or it female equivalent like with Mysaria and Rhaenyra) and blooming gay romance. It is fully understable they might be surprised - but I will never understand they label something as 'forced' just because they didn't know character is gay/bi before. 🙄 They know NOW and they can interpret scenes that were before kiss with romantic interpretation in mind. (Also, even if character was not established as gay/bi, even if Dan learned Agron is gay only is season 2, some people do explore their attraction in later life and I think that was the case with Mysaria and Rhaenyra.)

[@plesiosaurmilk]

Another excellent video that I can send to every person I know.

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you! And please do!

[@atkcsc]

You know, after this video, I am growing to like S2 much more than I originally did. The fact that there is a thematic throughline of queerness with Rhaenera and Alicent that enriches the story beats I've been seeing makes story beats of R and A sneaking out of their respective castles to speak to each other when it looks obviously futile (R's son was eaten by a dragon and A's grandson was knifed in his bed, why would you talk about stopping the conflict between yourselves when it is so obviously out of hand) makes more sense. It was really bizarre to me how all season people around them, their own family, were dropping like flies, and they were BARELY mad at each other?? I also like that this gives more meaning to Alicent's jealousy of Rhaenera - comphet gives her character another layer of repression. With regards to the R + M kiss, I wish M's story wasn't about being r-ed. Following up a confession of S/A related trauma with a scene of immediate desire felt a bit awkward to me as a viewer. I had this ambivalent feeling about it where the chemistry was obvious, and I was glad R is getting some while her husband has practically ghosted her, but I had some reservations about how the themes in the scene came together. M did have to show some vulnerability to create a wish to comfort in R, but I wish it was about something else in this context. But I am so happy to learn Emma didn't improvise that scene. To be fair, with both characters only being with men before, even though I have not missed their care for each other growing, I did not think it was romantic originally. Somehow knowing it was planned all along reassures me and makes me feel more positive about the scene - perhaps it gives me hope this wasn't a random one-off.

[@kimstryitchannel3903]

This is a great video! Thank you! I appreciate so much more about this last season now.

[@saffymae4761]

perfect breakdown for this show, and your witty approach makes focusing my adhd attention span very easy. also delighted to find a queer, swedish youtuber! sending love from skåne

[@obviouslyqueer]

Men så kul! Tusen tack!

[@nualawillman8735]

This whole drama reminds me of Korrasami a lot

[@cheyturnervisuals]

George’s quote is amazing, yeah having gay characters is as simple as that, “There are gay people in the world”

[@jnelsonbrantley]

I think you f*caking BRILLIANT! I am a subscriber now! Where have you been all my life, brilliant analysis of text, subtext, content…all of it. WOW! Every bit of analysis explained the delicate way LGBTQIA must walk through the world when we address societal norms and how they, we, me wish to fit in this existence. WOW! Thank you, sincerely.

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you so much, really. It 's so rewarding getting comments like this. So thank YOU

[@giovanna4638]

Finally the KZbin algorithm recommended a good content creator. Absolutely amazing video. Subscribed!

[@obviouslyqueer]

Oh thank you! Happy you found your way here.

[@alicenalesso318]

we ALL saw that coming

[@hfortenberry]

Fantastic analysis! Subscribed!❤

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you

[@name0529]

thank you so much!!! this video was great love your channel

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you

[@koralina6318]

I haven't even watched house of the dragon nor the game of thrones but I loved this video!!! gal pals😭

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you! glad you enjoyed it even without seeing the show! Galpals!!!

[@sahinku-8885]

Tbh, i am not so much into reading comments and so i was oblivious to the bs critiques you quote here. I celebrate the show. Having read the books, i was really grateful the show builds on the love story (no matter how bodily it may have once been) and "the divorce" of Rhaenicent rather than on a blunt competition of houses for the throne, as it is written in the book - at first sight. I reread the book after watching season 2, and the interpretation the show presents, is not completely excluded in the book, but in a relieving and for me much more interesting way focussed on in the show. - Apart from every single wonderful argument you brought in here, I really have to wonder why anybody who read the source, or watched GOT, is cross with the presentation of lust in any imaginable way, when its all about the Targaryens, the most overtly libertine folk ever invented?

[@commentsforthealgorithm]

😂 Anyone getting pissy about Targs being sexually bold and free is wild to me. It’s like being shocked a Dornish man is in a brothel

[@Lowkooky]

Subscribed because of this video. You are very eloquent and purposeful in your speech. I love that you also dive into the toxic fandom and queerbaiting/queercoding in mainstream media. This is something that I hate about western fandoms as they focused way too much on how they feel watching the show, instead of understanding why it is shown like that in the screen. As a lesbian woman, I love watching queer people who "came out later" in the season as that's my personal experience with my own sexuality. Thank you for creating this amazing video

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you for subscribing and for this lovely comment! Absolutely agree that fandoms today often miss the "point" of the rep

[@Ir1a]

Can't believe I watched you talk (for the first time) for 50 mins! My attention span has never been this good. Thank you though, I loved hearing your view on it. Laughed out loud a lot.

[@obviouslyqueer]

Thank you a lot :')