House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4 Breakdown | Recap & Review

House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4 breakdown. In-depth recap & review of Season 2 ep. 4 "The Red Dragon and the Gold" with the ending explained. Please subscribe! 👉 👉 kzbin.info...
HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel series is back for its second season and in the fourth episode, the dragons finally go to war. King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) attempts to prove himself on the battlefield with disastrous consequences. He wrecks Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) and Aemond's (Ewan Mitchell) plan to take Rook's Rest in an attempt to trap and kill one of Rhaenyra's dragons.
The Blacks' King Consort Daemon (Matt Smith) has more dreams and spends more time with the new character Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin). Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) has exhausted every possibility of a peaceful solution and knows war is her only choice. She's forced into a tough decision to send Rhaenys (Eve Best) on her dragon Meleys to meet Cole at Rook's Rest.
Alicent (Olivia Cooke) spends most of the episode trying to make peace with what she learned in her meeting with Rhaenyra. She takes moon tea and lays into Aegon when he complains that his council doesn't listen to him.
S2.E4 ∙ The Red Dragon and the Gold
As Rhaenyra makes sure there is no other way to end this conflict but war, dragons flew, and the dance begun.
Written by: Ryan Condal
Directed by: Alan Taylor
Aired Sun, July 7, 2024
This video doesn’t contain any book spoilers that will reveal future events that have happened on screen.
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[@mckashee]

Even though I knew it was coming, I was utterly shocked & horrified the moment when Vhagar grabbed Meleys. RIP Queens of the Westerosi sky

[@SANYATUBE7]

It’s ironic how Daemon’s plans always end up being the right one’s in hindsight. Rhaenys died in a 2vs1 which is what Daemon proposed that they did to Vhagar.

[@DarklotusDD2]

it was a 1v1 aegon did not even injure melys

[@dhruv9744]

@@DarklotusDD2I think Sunfyre bit of a couple of Meleys’s horns.

[@healer81]

I was so sad to see the dragons die.

[@PetePeppers1]

Yeah, people were in such a hurry to get into the war when it's really quite brutal

[@JS-wo6mb]

Same, and Cole's horse 😢

[@justink9331]

Don't worry, I was told no real dragons were hurt during the filming of this episode.

[@fugamantew]

Only one dragon died.

[@healer81]

@@fugamantew I was talking about in general. I felt sad when Daenerys dragons died too

[@banne8834]

"Working on a potion late at night....like you do" 😂

[@worldadventuretravel]

It's weirwood paste, clearly... I think this is all being orchestrated by Larys Strong via greenseer magic.

[@DearLove92]

The anxiety I got this episode!!

[@amandajones7939]

This episode made me so happy. The other episodes so far had me worried that there wouldn't be anything captivating enough for this season. As much as I love the SOIAF world and how happy I am to be back in Westeros for more storytelling, I was getting worried that I wouldn't enjoy the rest of the season. And then this episode happened! It was amazing!

[@JuliaHernandezRuza]

Alicent's contempt for Aegon is even sharper now that she realized Visery's never changed his mind. She's always known deep down he wasn't worthy, but she justified herself in the belief that the King had chosen him at the very end. But now that she knows what's up, instead of holding herself accountable, she unloads her own self loathing onto her son, because she knows Rhaenyra would have been, actually, a fine queen.

[@yogadork_namaste]

Good comment! I noticed the change in how she talked to him too. Interesting character. Very bad mother.

[@tylerskiss]

She heard what she wanted to hear. Plans were being made long before she had that discussion.

[@six-six3617]

She's actually not responsible for much of anything, since Viserys diesd she's been completely void of the already limited power she had through him. And her unofficial influence continues to fade as more and more plotters get more involved in the side of team green. The only things that he really has done that wouldn't have happened regardless of her involvmentn are Cole being Lord Commander and Dragonstone recieving peace terms as opposed to asssassins, and even the peace terms were tampered with by her father. I think whatever self loathing she has is more personal than the politics, like her relationship with Cole and the death of Jaherys, because she knows she holds little to no power on the unfloding of events.

[@uuhhhhhhhh189]

One of the best episodes by far, I shed a tear when Rhaenys saw Meleys dying, knowing that she will die too. A powerful scene by a powerful character. Also the line "attack, Meleys" was so sweet and with just those words you can tell the connection to Meleys was a direction connection between the two.

[@cgrullon1]

You should never drink and fly your dragon.

[@fanofcanes44]

great share🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@crazyhai8155]

Sage advice. And if you do indeed believe you even have a dragon to fly, it certainly sounds like you would be too tipsy to ride it. I had a Great-Grandfather, who fought in WW1; got PTSD, and developed a drink problem. He would reportedly talk about riding 'little bigheads', when drunk enough. And my Great-Grandmother (and my Grandfather), weren't always helpful, either. When my Great-Grandfather was half-passed out on the floor, they'd get pots/pans from the kitchen. And they'd hide whilst rattling them; giggling - and also sporadically make 'ghostly' cries. My Great-Grandfather would always scream and start trying to hide from 'ghosts'. They said it was a good way to get him to stumble to his bedroom, without having to carry him (and they had to preserve their own backs from injury, to be able to work for a living). And so my dear friends, such is how my forebears tried to put 'fun' into 'dys-fun-ctional' 🤦‍♀️

[@pyroslev]

I will say, Aegon's dragon nuzzling him was a gorgeous touch. A moment where Aegon's smile was as real as it could be. Aemond show's that he knows Aegon's arrival is another tool in the fight. A distraction. He knew Sunfire would shield him somewhat and used that in the fight. It's amazing, tactical. I'll give Cole and Aemond that they had an amazing plan. It was a good victory that I can respect.

[@Miskatonic1927]

Yeah, Aemond definitely made use of his brother in that fight! 😀 I do feel bad that poor Sunfyre had to get torched in the process. They had a good plan, and while the Green's lost a few hundred soldiers, a small dragon, the King, and Vhagar received, what I am assuming are, minor wounds, they came out of that on top. Aemond's aerial success is probably going to his head after that and likely does feel invincible. I am surprised that he did not immediately fly to Dragonstone and take out any dragon and rider that might be patrolling the skies, and then proceed to burn Dragonstone Castle. He could have done that and maybe even ended the war if he had a chance to torch enough of the castle. Rhaenys was really irresponsible for not turning back and warning Dragonstone that Aemond laid a trap with Vhagar. If she would have reported back and provided much needed intel she would have lived another day and all of the Black's dragon riders could have planned to lay a trap for Aemond and Vhagar. At this point if I were the Black's I would hire every possible assassin they can find, have them coordinate a plan, and send them all after Aemond when he is in Kings Landing and not on dragon back. And then follow to where Vhagar goes after Aemond's death and try to get a rider to bond with her.

[@crazyhai8155]

Well, I tend to think, Aemond lost his temper again (as with when he killed Luke). He might be a good fighter. However, he loses his judgement somewhat, when he's angry about being bullied (as Aegon did to him in the brothel, last episode). And so, he tried to assassinate Aegon, in front of the whole battlefield. He would have been better to let Rhaenerys (likely) kill Aegon, first. However, that would risk Aegon winning against Rhaenerys, when Aemond wanted that 'glory'. And Aemond also wanted the satisfaction of taking revenge on Aegon. But those things, meant everyone watched him trying to kin-slay AND king-slay. Neither of those are respected in Westeros. So even if Aemond succeeded, he would be hated by many Lords (who were sworn to Aegon now). Not to mention it tearing apart his relationship with his mother and remaining siblings. Even with Criston Cole. Aemond is normally a tactician enough, to be aware that a dragon alone cannot enforce order/rule. Especially since he'd likely risk also being assaulted en masse from the Black team's dragons, seeking their own revenge for Rhaenerys. But also problematic for Aemond, is he HASN'T killed Aegon. But Aegon surely knows, Aemond just tried to kill him. That puts Aemond in a very dangerous position- without many allies, as Cole, Alicent, other Lords, etc. will probably turn on him now.

[@brandib2821]

The king died. That isn’t a victory

[@Miskatonic1927]

@@brandib2821 Normally the King dying (or getting critically wounded) would be a major loss, but based on the previews for next episode Alicent and the others conspire to keep it secret that Aegon has been so critically wounded and her or Aemond or others will take over running the kingdom while Cole and Aemond prosecute the war effort. Wouldn't be surprised if the get Otto to come back.

[@MTJDisorder]

I love that Daemons issues are also not centred around a hamlet style lust for his brothers crown, even though he kinda wants people to think that. It’s purely because he wanted his brothers love and approval. Complex character.

[@mandolyn]

Bullying isn't a good enough excuse for Aemond being a psychopath

[@PetePeppers1]

I don't think anyone is saying that. It just makes him a more interesting character to contemplate.

[@mandolyn]

@PetePeppers1 I didn't mean you personally ,but yes, there are people that no matter what Aemond does, they say well he was bullied, and while it sucks its not an excuse for horrible behavior is whatbI was saying.

[@crazyhai8155]

No. But psychopaths cope badly with bullying. Anything that makes them feel 'powerless' in some way, can result in truly crazy attempts to regain power/dominance.

[@mandolyn]

@@crazyhai8155 absolutely agree

[@janechoy2073]

Vhagar - old age veteran who'd truly seen some real battle sh*t that kids these days haven't Sunfyre - huge labrador eager to please his hooman Meleys - super competent, middle management who's loyal to the tee Dreamfyre - the homebody; no news is good news Caraxes - the aging playboy Seasmoke - the restless boi

[@fugamantew]

Pete Peppers reviews are always the best

[@ChaoticBattleCamel]

It makes little sense to bring one dragon with a rider knowing the greens have Vhagar.

[@TheDigitalThreat]

Yup. No matter how its sliced its a strategical fail.

[@ambermcdonald1302]

They thought the greens wouldn't risk Vhagar leaving King's Landing, as that is their primary defense for the city. And figured even if they did send Vhagar, it would take her a while to get there and they were close enough to retreat back to Dragonstone. The blacks weren't expecting more dragons to show up to that fight for such a small inconsequential fort.

[@LizzAraes93]

​@@ambermcdonald1302Would've been a perfect time to send another dragon to king's landing

[@Hendricks45]

I don't think I could fly a dragon without a drink

[@yogadork_namaste]

One other thing that made meleys death tragic: baelor the brave (viserys" father) rode vhagar and his beloved wife, alyssa(who he loved very much), rode meleys. These dragons were once connected through those bonds.

[@user-ir2qn7du1p]

I like how you break down HOTD without giving in any spoilers from the books. Other youtubers already ruined this episode for me by hinting that Rhaenys the Queen who never was will be dead during the Dance of the Dragon

[@crazyhai8155]

Well, most videos come with spoiler alerts. And indeed, common sense would suggest there might be spoilers, in discussions about HoTD. Just sayin'.

[@lorealiiiii]

the dance is a civil war… it explains why there’s no dragons and targs in game of thrones…. of course she’d die

[@user-ir2qn7du1p]

@@lorealiiiii There were Dragons in Game of thrones and a Targ. Regardless, i dont need every needy-geedy details of what will exactly happen from the books and who will die this season. Great! you read the books and know what will happen in the dance of the dragons...u want a cookie?

[@lorealiiiii]

@@user-ir2qn7du1p there were no dragons until dany, thus being only three!! i did not read the books and i just kinda thought it was common sense that all these characters would pass if it is a civil war and the reason they had a downfall

[@MatthewStewart-1224]

Harrenhal continues to fascinate.

[@ayurvedicman]

Consdering Rhaenys wanted Corlys to proclaim an heir, then met Alyn, was at peace when decided to take Melys to war.

[@Trecester]

Great recap. You always do an amazing job in your recaps. I enjoy your recaps more than any other KZbinr. Thanks a lot

[@dhruv9744]

I think the Black’s frustrated passiveness if intentional is going then going to lead to a bigger plot point, and if not intentional, is a mistake because the Blacks are straight up just boring to watch when compared to the Greens. All the sauce is in one side of the war, and the blacks just have the same scene 7 times in 3 episodes of the advisors asking for action and the leadership being like how dare you propose war.

[@snowbird1485]

Melys 😢 the look she gave Rhaenys 😭

[@xmarik1987]

yeah, it was absolutely emotional. Great episode. Nonetheless, we lost one of the best actors in this show with Eve Best.

[@PetePeppers1]

It was a really well crafted scene

[@WrekCreationL]

I really disagree ​@@PetePeppers1they made rhaenys look really stupid with that futile second pass when she didn't even attack and the battle was over. it looked like she was so dumb to have immediately forgotten vhagar was back there and fly low right back where he fell

[@crazyhai8155]

For a while now, the show has been focusing on Rhaenerys' fatigue. She even argued with Daemon at one point, about needing rest. She's getting battle-weary, so bad decisions might be made. Doesn't make her 'stupid', just human. Indeed, she might have unwisely engaged Vhagar, in an all-nothing attempt to hasten the war's end. Since she doesn't actually like killing, and presumably wants to protect her grandchildren. Baela in particular, risks eventual death by fighting. She was hot-headed enought to try to kill Cole, after all - despite Rhaenerya's command to Baela, to keep her distance. Rhaenerys knows trying to kill Vhagar, would massively improve the Blacks' chances.

[@sinanprof7264]

@@WrekCreationL She was thinking Vagar is still on the ground and wants to finish it

[@kingdavid6535]

I don’t know about anyone else but I don’t really believe Larys Strong is really crippled as he lets on. He shows up everywhere in the most awkward moments. 😂

[@jonathancortes9005]

he was also the first one to stand when Aegon left the room! my boy quick!

[@D1rtytaco]

I don’t believe it either, but it does kinda remind me of bran being able to warg after losing his ability to walk 🚶

[@crazyhai8155]

There was actually a scene between Tywin and Maester Pycelle in Game of Thrones, which was cut from the final production. In it, Tywin confronts Pycelle about feigning disability and 'elderliness'. Pycelle pretty much admits it; stands up straight and walks confidently- and starts talking with the tone of a younger man (rather than making his voice shake). So maybe they've recycled that idea, for Larys.

[@Miskatonic1927]

@@crazyhai8155 I remember a scene in the show where Pycelle stood up and walked out without difficulty. Although Tywin was not there. Are you saying there was another scene in addition to that one - but it never made it to final edit?

[@RealmDesigner]

@@Miskatonic1927 Yeah, you can find it one youtube.

[@jarekaschannel4936]

If they had listened to Damen and 2v1 Vhagar they wouldn’t have this problem. He was also right about getting rid of Otto lol

[@lamo1724]

It would appear that there's nothing but a bunch of Muppets running House Tully at this time. Cat's brother Edmure clearly from the same line 😂 xxx

[@PhilosopherScholarPoet6272]

The battle scene is automatically better cause you can see what’s happening

[@Boggsy.]

Meleys looking at Rhaenys like “We’re not coming back from this one, huh?” before they turn back around to re-engage Vhagar killed me. Rhaenys was my show favorite, and I loved all the small changes they made for Rook’s Rest. Except for Vhagar (the largest dragon by a factor of 2-3) having the highest Stealth stat in the show. This is the second time she’s killed with Sneak Attack.

[@mr.duanesharpe]

I liked her also. I just couldn’t fathom why she had 2 chances to regroup. She’s a real one and for that, my hats off for her.

[@Skabanis]

This is the madness of George Martin has created. That’s why the books are so insanely good. The emotions that makes you run around. I poured one out for the queen and never was with tears in my eyes. What a death

[@Anthony_Gx]

Apparently Vhagar learned that sneaking up works best in taking others out quickly. So only logical she’ll try that strategy again. Rhenys did the same to Sunfyre

[@Boggsy.]

@@Anthony_Gx Her being smart enough to use the tactic is not really the funny part, it’s just how successful she is at it considering her size and how lumbering she seems otherwise. My suspension of disbelief can tolerate it- she saves her energy and is smart, she stayed on the ground and went for the cliff-line and castle under smoke cover, but I know others who’s first reaction was that it strains credulity a bit. Plus they showed Meleys use that same re-entrance into the battlefield to foreshadow it, which makes me sad she wasn’t more mindful of that blindspot… I’m really just sad Rhaenys and Meleys are gone, despite knowing it was coming.

[@lacym9278]

@@Skabanis I knew it was coming and the dread I felt coming was palpable, totally agree!!

[@avicente711]

…”That’s a great place to leave things”… Pete as always, you do an amazing job!

[@user-cx1ox1wc5l]

If you come across this, please send your prayers and positive energy. I’ve been battling health issues for years.

[@sarangbae3126]

all th best to you

[@tK10643]

Finally, an episode that had me wanting more.

[@sackbeatgaming7751]

SPOILERS FOR AEGON'S FATE ------------------------------------------------- I think you can name two reasons why Aegon survives his fall with like a million broken bones and his armour melted into his body, while Rhaenys died: 1. Rhaenys and Meleys fell from way higher up in the sky as they were not only flying pretty high but also dragged up even higher by Vhagar 2. Sunfyre was still alive when falling (and actually still is), while Meleys was dead on the spot when Vhagar almost bit through her neck, Sunfyre might have been able to soften the fall as much as possible with its wings before crashing down in the forest (which is also a slightly softer landing than a castle wall).

[@euricerrud6028]

I would say it’s also worth mentioning that the battle at Rooks rest was a very Pyrrhic victory for the Greens. Cole’s army got decimated by Meleys, and they lost Sunfyre and possibly their king (who is severely crippled if he ends up still being alive). On top of that, Rook’s Rest castle was destroyed, it eliminates an enemy family, but it also destroyed a strategic hardened position. So yes, the Greens “took” Rook’s Rest, and eliminated the Blacks’ largest dragon as well as the most experienced dragon rider, but their Crownlands army is in shambles, morale probably took a nose dive after seeing their king fall, they lost a significant weapon, a useful castle, and possibly their King.

[@jakeg7472]

Confused why team black was trying to discuss which dragon to send to rooks rest … why not send multiple??! Why is there only 1 option I don’t understand why u wouldn’t send 2 or more dragons

[@itowilltube]

They dont have Damon and Craxyas , Beala is great scout she but moondancer is baby. The queen dying is not option . Jace dragon I think is smaller then Baela.

[@jakeg7472]

@@itowilltube true I keep thinking they have more dragons but that’s a good point they really didn’t at that time.

[@minlingg91]

they still need some dragons to defend dragonstone as rhaenyra and her heir resides there, if they die the war is basically over.

[@jojoadeyemi8239]

If Daemon wasn't f-ing around tryna be king, they would of 2v1ed big boi and the war would of been over.

[@masibee]

Great breakdown. Saw epi later than usual. Avoided spoilers. Shame for Rhaenys. Cercie said or best." When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground."

[@PetePeppers1]

Yeah, it was sad to see the person who was trying to counsel against total war become the first casualty once it became inevitable.

[@RailroadTy]

Keep up the great work, Pete!

[@indiesongwriter5474]

The internal and external tensions are so complex and interesting. I realized that Aegon can only do so much to Aemond as Vagar is basically his personal walking, thinking, and loyal nuclear weapon. I enjoy this story as much as the best of the OG Game of Thrones

[@candicegraham1519]

Thank you for always being so thorough

[@Shooshawali]

My problem with Vhagar’s surprise attack on Meleys is two-fold: 1) Meleys is allegedly very fast, so gaining altitude should be top priority. 2) Vhagar is way too big to have been able to make such a quick leap up from that distance behind Rook’s Rest.

[@kreterakete]

And I thought he is stuck on the ground due to his injuries and age. Old bones.

[@worldadventuretravel]

There aren't any vulnerabilities on Vhagar's back side that a much smaller dragon should attack, she had to attack from beneath to get her belly. Not that this makes ANYTHING any better, I absolutely hated seeing these beautiful dragons being forced to turn on each other. 😭

[@EarJuice]

I liked it when the things did stuff and went whoooooooooooooooosh

[@justink9331]

yeah that part was crazy frfr

[@JoeNasr123]

Excellent analysis! One small detail that I liked but didn’t see in your recap - Aegon smashes his wine goblet on the ground, and it was a glass surrounded by a golden dragon. The dragon falls to pieces when it lands on the ground, a nod to what will happen to Sunfyre later in the episode.

[@justinejustice_league1857]

I couldn't take my eyes away. I've never read the books, so I went into this totally blind. I was not expecting Aeamond to go after his own brother, I knew he was upset about the brothel thing but I thought he still had love his him. And Harrenhaul is one creepy place, it forces you to see yourself.

[@PetePeppers1]

I don't think anyone was expecting that. I thought he more than got back at him with the High Valyrian.

[@nemomarc7841]

Finally the fire of DRAGONS in episode 4 "Dracarys" 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🐉

[@connormcmurphy4276]

The episode is called “The Red Dragon and the Golden”

[@ivanovalle9764]

Still is not as bone chilling as when Emilia Clarke used to say it . But loved hearing it again

[@vinaroro1724]

SPOILERS:!!!!! I was surprised that Aegon survived being burnt and falling from the sky, but I just realized he was completely drunk! During drunk driving accidents, the drunk driver often survives because their body is relaxed. It's the same here -- he was drunk riding his dragon and survived!

[@shannonphx407]

Great analysis.

[@Cacheola]

Great episode, great review!

[@FQ8]

Oscar, Grover and Kermit 😂

[@castlemappe22]

Don't forget Elmo

[@Chu9947]

Your hotd analysis is some of the best. Great work man.

[@OGseoulite]

Lmaoooo “on the black side of things” 😂😂

[@Megafreakx3]

One of the many many things I love about GRRM is how his "bad guy" characters usually fully believe they're the good guy, the "hero,"and the righteous one. That's how it is in real life usually. We all think of ourselves as the "hero" of our story. He also has them be legit courageous warriors for the most part. A lot of other writers make their bad guy a coward, incompetent, and they know they're wrong, but they don't care. They're after fortune and fame more so than being righteous.

[@KellysAdventures305]

Aemond looked GLORIOUS! A Targaryan God!

[@jenniferweinberg]

Thank you so much for your amazing insights into this show (and others)! I also want to thank you for acknowledging how one might feel more upset about the dragons than the people. I feel validated and less weird about it. I really appreciate what you do!

[@tsentenari4353]

Great episode - although it requires quite a bit dispense of disblief. The blacks not seeing this for the obvious trap it was meant to be, and reacting by making sure to bring more than more dragon - really? Ok let's say for some reason you fail to see that. As soon as the biggest dragon of them all appears - wouldn't this kind of make a really good moment to retreat, and come back with more Dragons? With dragons being the indispensible asset they are? What were you thinking, Rhaenys? The biggest dragon, and hardest to mannouever, making a sneaky ambush attack - really? As for Aemond: Is it really a good move to actively burn your brother, the king, rather than just sneakily having Rheanys kill him?

[@jojoadeyemi8239]

It looked like he going to finish the job when Cole stopped him but who is really gonna say anything or be believed?

[@tsentenari4353]

@@jojoadeyemi8239 you are right, failed to notice that, his action does make more sense this way...

[@deaddropsd1972]

“suspense” of belief

[@chantalj.5217]

This episode was well directed..probably the best one yet. All scenes looked believable. I was especially wowed when the dragons were fighting in mid air amidst a very realistic ball of fire. I didn’t want to see either of those actors die..I wouldn’t go to war with him and the dragon he rides..😳

[@ChrisBrengel]

great video

[@graysonbillings6400]

losing Rhaenyse (spelling?) was a HUGE blow. she was one of, if not the most, heroic, wise and brave characters in my opinion. Rhaenyra will miss her advise and council. Really loved seeing the riders prepare to ride off on their dragons, the interplay between the rider and dragon. made the dragons more human. watching the dragons fight is hard for me, they are like losing your favorite pet, but what great cinematography. forever remember the Queen That Never Was...

[@Harryjay6]

Lol Kermit

[@Sanne78]

Elmo 😂

[@donaldsmith8648]

Pete you most definitely have one of the best channels on KZbin 😊

[@xmarik1987]

This was the best episode in the entire Game of Thrones-Television-Era. I will heavily miss Rhaenys, she was - for me - by far the best character in the show.

[@AstroAvenger]

I wouldn't say it was the best, not even the best episode of HotD, season 1 episode 7 and 10 I thought were actually better. I think people are saying it's the best episode just because of the dragon fight, it was cool but it did not make it the best episode ever.

[@ajordan1976]

💯

[@funkyyukiedits]

Honestly she deserved to die because of all the small folk she killed. Made her very unlikable to me. But Meleys :( rip

[@Skabanis]

Episode 2 was the best The acting in that episode and just people just talking smokes dragons fighting and that’s what the Game of Thrones is these lines they get meme over and over again

[@Skabanis]

@2ndprize-g7t in the book she actually fights two verse one she’s the most veteran, and probably the best dragon rider on the planet. The other two guys have never fought on the dragon.

[@scotlandtheinsane3359]

'His brother kermit' 😂

[@diceflawless9115]

Vhagaer is so slow and would be a easy target for scorpion fire

[@robweissman5952]

It's funny they're all named after muppets, but it sort of takes me out of it a bit.. lol

[@Amoraszune]

Thanks Pete!

[@h-dawg969]

Did no one else notice that the line about "what you always wanted" in the headless Millie scene sounds like it comes from a different voice? It was a female voice, but didn't sound like a Scottish accent like Alys', but it deffo sounded like a different voice to the dialogue young Rhaenyra had just been saying. I don't know if it's just from the recording of the voice over in the booth being slightly different level, or if it is meant to be a different voice to portray the one feeding the messages to a subconscious Daemon. Was Melisandre's actress in the credits or anything as it sounds like her.

[@AgeOfRamp]

I know you meant Team Rhaenera When you said “on the black side of thing” but cutting to the Valerions was hilarious

[@beadragon1048]

Pretty sure that was weirwood paste, sans jojen 😢. I’m wondering if Alice is working with Larys, as he is the Lord at Harrenhaul officially and could be related to the Strongs.

[@gushterell7989]

Vhagar using radar tech again. Rhaenys kinda forgot not to stick her neck first, with all of her experience, and the fact that she used the cliff herself as cover a few minutes back.

[@lujain9019]

Princess Rhaenys is A GOAT 🔥

[@justsam7919]

Was

[@WillNelson73]

She fought off TWO dragons on her way out

[@mr.duanesharpe]

@@WillNelson73IMO she was the strongest character out of all of them. She’s a real one.

[@Guru-ue2yp]

Yeah a throat goat 🦍 lover

[@jeremyburris4890]

They should've sent every dragon they. Either that or Rhaenys should've ran like hell after Aegon fell. A dragon for a tiny castle seems like a good trade.

[@Ch69ad]

When we first see Alice Rivers, Lord Strong and his people are taking a knee to pledge fealty. However she strolls into the room and with a look of amusement, DOES NOT take a knee. I saw this as a strong clue. She would seem to be another figure of his mind.

[@Lhb428]

Can someone explain to me how Rhaenys and her dragon are battle tested after it was said that there was 80 years of peace

[@poneill65]

I think bringing YOUNG Raynera back in his dreams is natural. He's tormented because he's lost the power he craved to her. At that time he was the master (down whovians!) but now she is. The younger Raynera represents all of his lost opportunity

[@Nonameforyoudangit]

I don't love to hate Aemond; I hate that I love Aemond.

[@dhardy1750]

I had terrible anxiety as well during this episode. 😢

[@chenkanyarat878]

I have to stay a wake till 4 am UK time to watch and sleep 4 hours before going to work x_x

[@ZachAsaD]

Why not just download in the morning?

[@abelgonzalez158]

The ruler who should have been RIP 🙏💔😭

[@Chonsta]

man rhaenysnwas riding too low i saw it coming😢 and cole gonna kill gwen or whatever alicents brothers name is 😂

[@sk52778]

I find it a bit strange that Vhagar who previously belonged to Laena Velaryon, daughter of Rhaenys on the Black's side, would just go ahead and kill Rhaenys and her dragon without any hesitation. Surely Meleys and Vhagar were hanging out together on Driftmark for many years, like family. Do dragon's memories just get completely wiped out when they get a new rider or what?

[@LizzAraes93]

She might even be the mother 😮

[@sk52778]

@@LizzAraes93 Eeek. You might be right

[@Chu9947]

I see the video description says written by ti mikkel. It was written by ryan condal i think.

[@wolflarson71]

I hope the upcoming Amazon series, "The Fourth Wing", features dragon riding of this quality.

[@gmonorail]

do larys and alys know each other?

[@johncnorris]

I suspect, and hope for the best, that this series won't let all the "near misses" in plot slide in favor of shocking visuals. The great thing about GRRM's stories are when a character like John Snow avoids certain death by either skill or chance and then roars back in a later episode. That anticipation hammers home the failures like the Red Wedding when we get too confident they will survive. This show has done a good job setting up the characters so we get a nice ride to the end if they can stick the landing.

[@Miinxxxii]

Rhae’s muffled speech could signify Daemon’s feelings of fear regarding losing control over a situation or relationship. He might be anxious about not being able to influence events or decisions that affect him significantly.

[@Fauxrising2022]

I understand why Helena said “I forgive you” to her mother. If you can pin the dance of the dragons on one person you can pin it on Alicent. So far her meddling directly or in directly has resulted in furthering the war. It happened with the young princes behedding, and now her words prompting aegon to go directly to battle

[@constitutionalcarrot3720]

Daemon at first seemed remorseful for what he did to Luke - exacting revenge for taking of his eye - but it just seems to have emboldened him and now he’s going after all his childhood bullies first and foremost. I’m not saying I wouldn’t do the same, but do we think his mistress actually believed he was sorry? Or did she reply that the smallfolk are the ones who pay because she knew his true nature?

[@99rainingflame]

Aemond totally burned Aegon on purpose. I’ve rewatched that part a few times. Aegon saw it coming. I’m hoping trama from the fall makes it to where he can’t remember. I also noticed that out of all the green army that lived the battle the only ones that came to Aegon was Aemond and Cole. How they could just leave their king on the battlefield.

[@kreterakete]

Why shouldn’t he remember who tried to kill him ?

[@PetePeppers1]

Yeah, I saw the actor say there was a question if he was trying to kill him or Aegon was just collateral damage but they didn't shoot it that way. I guess to the world at large it might be a question but the two of them know what happened.

[@RoughPerspective]

Fellow subscribers, please provide a definitive definition of "second son energy". I got the idea from context, but I want to make sure I am on the same page. Thanks. Also by far my favourite breakdowns of the series! I so appreciate the debt and the thought provoking analysis.

[@PetePeppers1]

I think I laid it out at the beginning of the episode 3 video but _Second Son Energy_ comes from how inheritance works. The first son gets everything by birthright. In the case of royals, they become the next ruler, but even in normal noble families the first son gets the house, all of the family's holdings, and everything else that goes along with that. The second son gets nothing which causes a lot of them to have a chip on their shoulder. Their constant need to prove themselves in the shadow of their older brother or make something for themselves independent of their family often leads to problems.

[@chicotheworld9763]

cant wait to see cyclops pay

[@BillyJoeJimBob8]

At some time, yes, but it won't be this season I don't think...

[@alexrhughes]

@@BillyJoeJimBob8 Yeah, the more despicable they are, the longer they last, that way our contempt has time to ferment.

[@obryn]

so glad they finally showed a battle seen, I was beginning to think they were just gona keep dragging it on like DBZ! You're right about how they managed to make the audience feel when they get injured. I was like dang, can you guys send people to battle instead of the dragons lol

[@GuerraAnastasia]

Admin is Definitely a Green Lol.. Talking about feel for Criston Cole lol

[@nzreprezenta]

My best dragons 1. Drogon 2. Veserion 3. Ballerion the black dread 4. Vhagar 5. Carexes 6. Vermithor 7. Rhagar 8. Marexes 9. Cannible 10. Sheepsteeler 😎🔥💪

[@JoeNasr123]

To the Queens, Rhaenys and Meleys 🌹🌹🌹

[@briandjonesesq]

Queens of what? Queen who never was

[@ZxZ239]

I was pretty sure he burned Aegon on purpose, and was about finish him as Cole walked in.

[@candacedonald4087]

I hope Alicent says i told you so when Aegon returns all burnt up

[@robchuk4136]

I'm not one to like a video just because I agree with it, but I'm right there with you on the character motivations, this episode feeling like the show has elevated itself, and the overall sense that Season 2 is an improvement over Season 1. Really good review

[@PastaOfMyDomain]

Rhaenys got greedy at the end

[@RationalOrc]

To be fair, if my mom spoke to me like that, id probably do something reckless too.

[@bigralph1554]

One of the things I heard about season two was that showrunners heard the complaints from fans about wanting more "dragon on dragon" action (lol). Well, they delivered, and it was great.

[@jsan3743]

I wonder if you’re still going to live it by the end of

[@eja9539]

I love the detail where Rhaenys straps herself tighter into her saddle. It showed that her fate was literally tied to Melys. And it’s an important detail that will show up again in an extremely important dragon battle to come 😉

[@kreterakete]

Melys is a super fast dragon.. I can’t believe the way he got killed

[@dpat4413]

Makes me want to play Elden Ring

[@mr.duanesharpe]

I sure did right after the episode. Took my anger out in the DLC.

[@CLASSICS-yl5fv]

I'm not convinced that Aegon or Princess Rhaenys are dead!! It never showed the Princess nor a complete shot of a dead Aegon! Wasn't Aemon going to stab him? Why if he's dead?

[@Miskatonic1927]

I think Aemond was going to put Sunfyre out of her misery. Not sure if he was actually going to also finish off Aegon. And Aegon is not dead. They imply as much in the episode 5 preview. I am pretty sure Rhaenys is very dead. Melyes was dead in the sky and was falling with her back down. Rhaenys would have been crushed under her weight as soon as Meleys hit the castle wall.