‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2, Episode 3 Reactions | The Midnight Boys

The Midnight Boys are here to discuss another episode of 'HotD'! They start off with their first reaction to the episode (10:00). Then they get into the family dynamics of the show and the unsettling reality that there are no good leaders on either side (18:57). Finally, they touch on the consequential ending scene of the episode and what Charles would have done differently (43:13).
Hosts: Charles Holmes, Van Lathan, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman
Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Jonathan Kermah, and Steve Ahlman
Social: Jomi Adeniran
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal
Check out the Bill Simmons KZbin channel: / billsimmons
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[@loganmcleod141]

A lot of people don't remember that once Allicent was mistakenly sure that Aegon was Visery's choice, she went to her father and the council and it turned out that they had been planning to install him and usurp Rhynera for months already without her even knowing. This fix was already in regardless of whatever she thought or incorrectly learned. Now with war being unavoidable, she's supposed to go back and say turns out I don't think we should have already done what you guys were planning to do without me? Her only option was to Double Down.

[@janechoy2073]

i think there's a difference between keep insisting on a lie vs accepting that she was wrong and she literally was a usurper. Events that took place / that she contributed to while she was genuinely mistaken can be attributed as a genuine mistake - but not anything from here on out - now she is a wilful usurper and liar.

[@Random-Stranger]

Charles really out here just spewing the most contrarian takes, sense and rationality be damned. 🤣

[@photodude24]

Seriously kind of obvious he is doing it for the sake of doing it. He does it all the time.

[@sgrapness4678]

Yeah, he never addressed what someone said to him, he just moved the goalposts. He's the only reason why I constantly take breaks with this podcast. He's good as the moderator of a podcast because he comes up with good questions to lead the discussion, but if he's not doing that it gets old quickly.

[@LaCheeserie]

@@photodude24 yeah, even the Wire season two mention. It is in his blood

[@LifeOfBoogie803]

Embarrassed about how quick I clicked this video

[@aaronmorgan7525]

I’m not! :D

[@LaCheeserie]

Nah all good

[@dlugemwa]

Kept searching for it and got the other people 😂. We here now!

[@CULeeisMe]

Ain't no shame in my game. I hit that link quick! 😂💀

[@Flexorcist3030]

Couple of points. 1. Since s1 ep 1, it is established that nobody in this generation knows what war is. The previous kings are ruling in time of peace. Even Rhaenyra had issues finding a kings guard with experience. 2. Rhaenyra is very much like her father, she is a pacifist. Both she and Viserys had the prophecy on top of their minds. A fact that Daemon absolutely hate😅 3. Asking for the favor was a clever way to remind us that we have met Alicent’s brother. He was the one Daemon chose to joust against him

[@13theartist]

the idea that rhaenyra is disappointing because she's not who she was in the first half of the first season is odd because i wouldn't expect a 15 year old and a woman a decade older, with children, dealing with grief, to be the same person.... i do understand being frustrated with her indecisiveness but i still like her

[@greyworm76]

I’ve never had so much animosity towards anyone as much as I do for Charles

[@agentsculder2451]

Rhaenyra is trying to be a good leader by averting a war between dragons. She also clearly had some doubts as to whether Viserys actually changed his mind. Now she knows he didn't. Her face at the end shows she has the resolve to go to war to get her throne back.

[@donce415]

Jon Snows mom was a Stark and his dad was a Targaryen.

[@Rupixx]

Been waiting for this all day! Happy Early Birthday Jomi! #supportjomi

[@OilSandsMan2012]

This is my favorite HOTD podcast/recap. Intelligent content, crisp editing and I can get through it in a single workout. Keep it up Midnight Boys.

[@FdotStizzy]

In a weird way, by the writers wanting none of the fault to be Rhaenyra’s or Alicent they’ve made all the women seem weak. They’ve removed all agency from them.

[@LaCheeserie]

I get that, but not their fault the war started is one thing, how they lead from here is the true test. Even in the books, they are not the reasons it starts, and exactly what event starts it can be argued

[@lashebawinston4906]

The problem with Rhaenyra is that Viserys didn't teach Rhaenyra how to rule. Viserys' other children are duty children, he ignored them because they didn't come from Aemma, the love of his life which he murdered for sake of having a son!!!

[@LaCheeserie]

Did you pay attention to his rule?

[@prettycyber8332]

He didn’t know how to rule either. He was far down the line of succession. That’s problem that the Targaryen’s never learn. Teach all the kids. They lay up have all them kids and a 3/4 of them die 😂😂

[@nokomismitchell8850]

Charles they travel back and forth from Dragonstone to King’s Landing because they are very close to each other. Also dragon

[@msbrownsuga]

"Also dragon" prob wasn't meant to be funny, but it hits. 🤣🤣

[@Mic-Mak]

1:05:00 In the books, Rhaenys, who is a Targaryen, has black hair. I wished the show kept that, but apparently they thing audiences can't recognize Targaryens if they're not blonde. In the books, many Targaryens don't have black hair.

[@alanfrazier8033]

Always tapping in with the Midnight Boys!

[@colinmczeal9279]

Daemon is your Grace since he’s married to Rhaenyra who’s the rightful queen. Alicent was your Grace when Viserys was King and Helaena is your Grace since she’s married to Aegon

[@LaCheeserie]

Your grace is proper. That’s what they say to Alicent and Helaena as queens Wise up Chuck! Rhaenyra who just lost a son to a dragon and a daughter in child birth within days is responsible for trying to hold the realm together. And easy to forget the prophecy, she does not want to rule over ash.

[@gavinking1477]

41:23 one of my favourite parts about Charles is it’s never “yada yada” or “blah blah blah” but it’s always “duh-dadadada” like he’s in a rap beef

[@JDEdwards2331]

My new favorite way to experience this show. Keep the videos coming

[@DarkKing009]

Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and now there ain't no goin' back. I mean, shit, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight! Slim Charles

[@AndrewLaSane]

One of the best episodes of the series so far and Charles says they jumped the shark...

[@KofiOutlaw]

16:15 - Has Chuck been around for EVERY SINGLE TIME an American leader or other world leader makes a secret pop-up visit to an ally or goes into a hostile territory for a face-to-face meet? Because it tends to happen...

[@jmyers1573]

See, this is what I'm talking bout. The intro's back in full effect. Good shit fellas 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@HakFulton]

They have lived in these places since children, it shouldn't be that hard to sneak in. Still risky.

[@DevoExported]

1:00:31 SKRRRRTTT!!! Had me in stitches 😂

[@jaleelthompson927]

Charles was right John father was the Targaryen and his mom was the Stark. The logic of the hair doesn’t track at all and seems to be simply a convenient writers choice

[@lovettuduebor1902]

Charles hit the nail with the hammer. I’m 100% on his side with the meeting between Rhaynera and Allicent. I was also just taken out of it because there is no way I’d believe Allicent wouldn’t want to prevent anymore bloodshed from her family by letting Rhaynera leave. You don’t let her leave. If anyone finds out about this, Allicent could be charge with treason and imprison or executed.

[@LaCheeserie]

They kill Rhaenyra, the war does not end. Daemon, the one her dad was so shook of he pushed for Rhaenyra to be named heir, would go burn the city and anything in his way. Charles is wrong. Not that it wasn’t risky, but main characters put themselves in danger regularly in shows and movies

[@Random-Stranger]

@@lovettuduebor1902 And then what? As Alicent, how do you predict how Daemon and the rest of the Black's react? Y'all have to remember that although the Greens have Vhaegar, the Blacks have more dragons and could easily go around the realm and turn everything to ash. You kill Rhaynera then and there and you pretty much make Daemon next-in-line for the Blacks and the green signal to user their dragon nukes on everyone. Daemon has no qualms about ruling over a kingdom of Ash.

[@mbranche4234]

Huh??? She just lost a son and is about to go to war. She has entrusted her kids , their future, their history (Valaryian and Targariyan) and dragon legacy in Rhena's hands. That is not an insult...that is a grand show of respect, love and trust with great responsibility. Rhena would not hug Rhenyra cause she knows this duty will take her away from everything she knows and loves forever. All this from a 15 year old.

[@danteturnbull1475]

Said beautifully

[@primetech2659]

She showed her how much she cared when telling rhena she told how much she would miss her boy mind you that's her step daughter then keeps her sister which puts her in danger while keeping her oldest in the castle not doing nothing she showed her true colors with that move she just as selfish as anyone

[@fayhas5051]

Hard disagree. Rhaena did not see it as an honour. The writers said as much. Rhaenyra also didn’t comfort Rhaena who said she didn’t want to go to Pentos, the place where her mother died. Rhaenyra only cares about what she wants and the safety of her kids. Rhaena is an afterthought.

[@Sportsguy0258]

@@primetech2659lmao whaaat. Everyone has a Job she literally lost a child over this. Also Jacaerys literally delivered the vale and the north. She’s literally told Baela to stay out of Danger. Yall really need to have better perspective.

[@LaCheeserie]

@@fayhas5051 whether she sees it that way or not, it is a vital mission

[@cmiller1300]

Can’t wait for next week

[@IanTroj]

Love this pod, y’all too funny

[@themensquarters]

Van Lathan is one intelligent guy, I love the perspective he gives

[@OEx25]

#SupportJomi

[@mahgeetahh]

Charles gotta be the most media illiterate person at The Ringer

[@LaCheeserie]

Nope.

[@mahgeetahh]

@@LaCheeserie great response dude

[@mwk89]

Yep

[@theonceandfuture2610]

33:21 I went to hood stories KZbin page, and he wasn’t lying at all 😂 dude sounds just like that

[@JS121]

Can we get video of Van doing the spoiler warning please 😂

[@k.c.bausas1515]

This is your support Jomi button

[@glc0stanza]

I don't think Charles gets THE WHOLE point of Aegon's Dream of Ice nd Fire. And the fact that Viserys died trying to keep Rhaenyra his successor is the whole point of why she would be willing to sacrifice everything for peace.

[@CULeeisMe]

1:05:07 In Game of Thrones, dark hair usually (call it 9 tomes out of 10) results in dark haired children, where the Targaryens are concerned. Its a literal plot point with Ned and Cersi. Genetically, in world, dark hair is a symbol of less than pure Valerian blood. Watch out for the new brother Addam. Its funny how that dragon keeps circling him ...

[@SpideySensei72]

Charles opening up the episode with a lowkey attempt at a Midnight Boys brothel trip is move evidence of his weirdo behavior. And someone needs to clip these "Storytime with Van" segments, because that "Where there's a will there's an A" shit was hilarious.

[@brandondoxx5131]

Van is a FAN

[@ZenZooma]

Van is cooking with a Jedi Taraji.

[@flangeslammer]

"why are you (Rhynera) doing that?" - bro what the hell has you confused? she was making a last gasp attempt to avoid setting the realm on fire in a war between dragons by pleading with Alicent face to face in the only way it was possible. best episode of the series and y'all are talking crazy?! charles weird hot topic shirt giving off his worst vibes of the year on the midnight boys. im not mad im dissapointed.

[@TheSocialchange]

Ya'll should review some black shows. There's been some good ones out that are entertaining along the lines of HOTD. Not the same genre but still exciting. I recommend Supacell, Timewasters, Them, and In your dreams. Thanks for the review!

[@LaCheeserie]

Paris danaris, you want an adult to act like a child? Impetuous? Warmongering? That’s Aegon. If you think she is not assertive just watch the show. She was showing patience and desire to avoid bloodshed. Now it is inevitable

[@mbranche4234]

Seriously??? You would make Rhynera a kin slayer???? The other houses would never follow her as respect is non-existence. Rhaynera is not looking for Allicent's consent to be the rightful Queen. She received her absolution when Allicent told her exactly what her Dad said. He was reciting The Song of Ice and Fire...not naming Aegon as King. Now she can defend her rightful throne.

[@wook4054]

Love Andre the giant peeking over charles shoulder with an approving smile for all the hating

[@Dr.Deagle.]

Shout out video team

[@wesleyharris5507]

Wish I could have liked it twice, just for Van's Uncle story

[@vibhishraghuraman9593]

Steve I am begging you drop the link to that shirt

[@NeeksnFreaks]

Visery's wasn't a dreamer he wanted to be but wasn't, Deamon was under the influence of something, Helena is the only dreamer at the moment.

[@LaCheeserie]

Yes, Harrenhal is cursed

[@ryanroberts3270]

Has no one peeped halaena is “all seeing” like bran? All her drawings have come true. She says “they just want the boy” in ep one. Go back and watch her scenes

[@The_Wrath_of_Conn]

1:06:13 it’s because first men blood is stronger because of the old gods vs the valerian creation of the dragon bond. The seed is strong and the connection between the old gods and the practitioners of their religion is stronger than the valerian blood pact so the genetics push through. It’s the same thing with bobby b he had targ and first man blood in him and therefore his likeness and traits were implanted on his kin and first man blood won out. Tldr: First man blood is stronger than dragon blood and ergo the dominant traits prevail

[@prettycyber8332]

Y’all fools have to remember Rhaena took care of this chillrens in the book!! Well Joffrey

[@edwardgomez6950]

Count Coco, Mister Midnight, Chocolate Champion Banger names

[@MrKadirbey]

I agree with Charles almost completely. Rhaenyra is annoying me with her indecision

[@user-ui1so3mu7f]

1:11:18 I see u Van, a man of exquisite taste.

[@ncallstar21]

Why did Trey get kicked out of 3-4 barbershops

[@glc0stanza]

Charles has no preservation of life.

[@RobTheWatcher]

Midnight Boys > House of R. That‘s right. I said it. Pew Pew! 🔫

[@rjScubaSki]

Why does Charles laugh like a creepy AI generated video

[@mikebagshaw1827]

Too good.

[@purplecapricorn79]

Charles gets on my nerves in a funny way😅😂😅😂!!!!

[@timothylangston3560]

The BJ scene was CGI.

[@Kaemart611]

When has this world ever treated nicely people who wanted the honorable and peaceful route? From Ned to Robb to Dani, we’ve seen these characters are either murdered or corrupted before they can fulfill their hero quest. Even though it was amazing tv, chuck was absolutely right that that was a dumb thing for rhaenyra to do. I was half expecting Alicent to call the guards as soon as she had a chance and we’d be watching a queens beheading next week.

[@LaCheeserie]

What use would that be? Daemon would burn it all. Strategically speaking that would be a dumb idea

[@luismaradiaga7103]

Milk Edition 😂

[@AP20009]

Man, I bet watching HOTD with dude on the right of the screen (Charles?) is a huge buzzkill.

[@jasonbrewbaker3932]

He’s so loud and obnoxious - not sure if the insights he brings are worth it

[@FdotStizzy]

The mechanics are also starting to bother me. It’s getting real scooby-doo looney toons-ish

[@LaCheeserie]

When will the collective be on camera? No love for Kerm and nem?

[@toyaf73]

Ok so this show is not about war. It's about the story of the war. People wanting war right now are ridiculous. In addition they are showing you how two women see war and try to avoid it while the men run to it. Rhynera is not an ineffective leader she's handling this as a queen.

[@jasonbrewbaker3932]

That voice…..

[@mattdavid716]

I feel like these guys don't really understand the show

[@primetech2659]

I liked the conversation but at the same time i thought she was dumb for that like there are two dead kids and rat catchers and two houses gone and she stedy takinf advice from someone who never had the crown im starting to not like her because what demon said she to scared to kill for the throne

[@dwilliams380]

Charles really has zero chin under that beard 😂

[@sekharraja9679]

The endibg scene is great but how they go their is fvcking clown shit. This is the 3rd episode straight where one sode easily gets some one into the others stronghold. This is CW shit where they make up bullshit for the drama. The actors are great but how we got there is so stupid. What peacs does Rhaemyra want, like what is her peace. Will she be happy watching Aemond who killed her son walking around haply while she is queen.

[@mbranche4234]

Coryliss has two bastard sons...Adam and Allyn. The bros that work for him. He's never claimed them but keeps an eye on them and trains them thru his employment. They know what's up. Allyn keeps his head shaved to hide the white hair.

[@darrellhenry9152]

This is a spoiler you should delete. There’s lots of show only people who watch these videos.

[@LaCheeserie]

Not cute spoiling like that son

[@JP47471]

If anyone told me Olivia Cooke is a better actress than Sonoya Mizuno , they would have to be questioned Just my opinion.

[@terrycullen3302]

She is.

[@JP47471]

@@terrycullen3302 And she a better actor than Glynn-Carney too?? sheesh... yall dont know what ur watchin. Shes not believable to me. Like 2.5/10 level believable to me

[@doriang85]

What are you guys talking about with the show being anti black. Corlys runs the sea his granddaughter has a dragon and plays other kids/grandkids will play huge roles.