House of the Dragon... Why It's Great!

House of the Dragon is the newest series set in the Game of Thrones Universe. After the ending of Game of Thrones, many were no longer excited to enter the world of Westeros. However, House of the Dragon Season 1 is fantastic. This prequel in almost every way deserves to be a part of the Game of Thrones universe. And today we review it. In this video essay, I discuss House of the Dragon Season 1 and Why It's Great!
_CHAPTERS___
0:00 - House of the Dragon... Why It's Great!
0:59 - What Makes The Game of Thrones Universe So Compelling?
8:16 - Rhaenyra Targaryen
17:23 - Alicent Hightower
23:46 - Viserys Targaryen
28:19 - Daemon Targaryen
30:43 - Otto Hightower
34:15 - Other Characters
37:31- The Immaculate Pacing
40:25 - Accidents Happen Not Everyday
42:35 - Redemption for Westeros?
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Music Used (All from Diego Mitre Music):
-Aegon's Coronation (from House of the Dragon )
-House of the Dragon OST - Rhaenyra Returns to Camp
-House of the Dragon OST - Aegon is Missing Fate of the Kingdoms [Alternate Version]
-House of the Dragon OST - Aemond Rides Vhagar
-House of the Dragon OST - King Viserys' Entrance Protector of the Realm
-House of the Dragon OST - Queen Alicent's Entrance The Green Dress
-House of the Dragon OST - The Black Council Dragon Riding
-House of the Dragon Soundtrack - Rhaenyra's Coronation
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#houseofthedragon #gameofthrones #videoessay
House of the Dragon Season 1 is borderline a masterpiece. Never in a million years did I think that the first season of house of the dragon could rival the first season of game of thrones? Regardless of whether or not you liked this first season or whether or not you think it’s as good as game of thrones, House of the Dragon put the game of thrones franchise back on the map. How did this happen? How did a franchise that seemed dead for 3 years make such an explosive return. How did House of the Dragon capture the magic of what made the early seasons of game of thrones so great? Hello everybody and welcome to another video, my name is the gold man and today we’re talking about House of the Dragon season 1 and why it’s great.
What makes the game of thrones universe work so well? Why did people fall in love with the early seasons of Game of Thrones and now the first season of Game of Thrones? Well there are two reasons, one is the way the world of westeros is designed, and the other is Martin’s rules of writing. What makes the world of Westeros so compelling from a narrative perspective? Well, Feudalism makes for fantastic storytelling. The core of any great drama is the relationships between the characters. It doesn’t matter how great the visuals look or how dense the battles are, if the characters aren’t three dimensional and if the character relationships aren’t well established, then your story has failed as a drama. In a feudalistic world such as westeros, the intimate relationships between a small group of people have immense consequences. In the modern western world, if I were to go to someone and murder them, then their family and close friends will be extremely pissed sure, but they don’t have the ability to draw an army to their side, and niether do I. In dramas that take place in modern earth the consequences of character relationships are usually smaller in scale. In a feudalistic world like Westeros, if someone from House A kills someone from House B, then depending on how important those houses are thousands of people can be drawn to war. In the original Game of Thrones, when Joffrey orders the execution of Ned Stark, the entire North marches to war. In the first episode of House of the Dragon, when we see Viserys’ heir and wife die, the consequences of said deaths can affect the stability of the entire realm. Viewers are often drawn to stakes.

[@infinityentity]

Pretty sure the reason Rhaenyra became so deeply resentful towards Alicent is not just the marriage itself but because she realized Alicent had been cozying up to Viserys for a long time entirely behind her back and felt deeply betrayed by it. Of course Alicent actually lacks agency over her situation and I think Rhaenyra does recognize that to an extent but Rhaenyra has never been afraid to stand up to her own father, unlike Alicent who is very obedient, so the fact that Alicent would "choose" Otto's scheme over her best friend cut deep.

[@sweeteuthiedoll]

I’m glad someone said it. If I was “hanging out” with my bestie’s dad and she found out because he proposed I HIGHLY DOUBT she’d still be my bestie. Sure she was ushered into it, but damn she didn’t even try to let a hint or two drop towards the end. Or hell, just tell her because that’s a blow.

[@chelscara]

Yeah, Alicent had been helping her through her grief, Rhaenyra was SO vulnerable with her…. Of course learning that the person youre leaning on is helping to fast track your dads grief of the SAME PERSON so he can be manipulated is gonna upset anyone

[@kattatatatat6361]

I thought the same thing, Allicent set the tone of Rhaenyra no longer being honest with her

[@Rhaenyra679]

Selfish queen rhanerya 🤮

[@kayprince8321]

I totally agree with you @adamwarlock

[@Me-fy8ue]

Paddy deserves an Award for his extraordinary and exceptional performance when he dragged himself to the throne while dying

[@blueblack3591]

Oooh yes!

[@user-vj6ws1op4u]

I think that Viserys is a big part of the reason why this family feud happened, he neglected Aegon, Aemond, and Heleana his whole life, if he had shown equal love to all his children, this wouldn't have happened

[@alexman378]

He didn’t neglect them, he just had them when his health started deteriorating.

[@Argos-xb8ek]

It happened because two women and the men of their lives couldn't outgrow their own issues and brought death and calamity to thousands

[@-Scrapper-]

it would've been worse then

[@thegoldman25]

agreed

[@mpalfadel2008]

Sure it would have as Otto was pushing the agenda way before Rhaenyra became heir

[@alexman378]

I actually liked the smaller scope far more. It was easier to realize who is who, and the dynamics. I was far more invested on whether Viserys and Rhaenyra would see eye to eye, whether Otto would be figured out or not, whether Alicent would become friends with Rhaenyra again or whether Viserys and Daemon would finally be there for each other once more, than anything in GoT. Those intimate relationships inform the grander political ones and make them more impactful. Example, Daemon storming the crab pirates alone, bad ass as that scene might be, it’s made even more awesome by the context that he’s once again about to be seen as lesser because his brother sent a huge force to help him win, and he would rather do something that insane and probably die, rather than letting that happen. That’s amazing.

[@thegoldman25]

i liked the smaller scope too

[@kdusel1991]

@@thegoldman25 I agree. It was less confusing than the original show, which I still feel was good up till season 5.

[@samf.s.7731]

It's smarter to start small and gradually go bigger. Makes it easier to follow. Also, sets up the main players REALLY WELL.

[@MyaMore-cb7zb]

I like the smaller scope just because it is comparable with s7 and down hill,i mean season8. Less characters, less ppl to remember. BUT, comparable as "omfg SEE HOW ITS NOT DIFFICULT" to the Dave and Dave over there. But i did enjoy not seeing a charcter for almost an entire season and be like "yo wtf happened to u little one" cuz they got in big trouble or something. + Helps killing ppl that dont count for us, but count to some character that would start scheming. Still felt like not enough. I wanted to stay with those characters more (pre war) and learn more about the world building at that time. They'll get money and i don't think they'll pull the "we kinda forgorrrrr" twice.. right?!

[@alexman378]

@@MyaMore-cb7zb Well, we definitely could’ve gotten a whole season of young Rhaenyra, but I think, since its basically a prologue to the war that’s supposed to happen, I get why it had to be a season.

[@TheKeyser94]

Viserys Targaryen is not the Ned Stark of this universe, one key difference is that Ned Stark never doubt to go war if he feels that the realm or his house feel threaten, Viserys always try to appease things, making the conflict under his nose worse, Ned in other hand, his only flaw was to think that everyone else had the same sense of honour that he have.

[@ousseynougueye5949]

Well said !

[@slayerr3086]

Also Ned loved his “bastard” more than Viserys loved his own children with Alicent 💀

[@TheKeyser94]

@@slayerr3086 I wouldn't put bastard in quotes, more when now at days, most of the Fandom not give a shit about the R+L=J Fan Theory, Jon Snow live and die like his father Ned Stark, thinking that everyone else have the same sense of honour than him.

[@MsDaydream3r]

Viserys wants to hold the realm together by pleasing everyone, but that's *exactly* what tears it apart. As king, he's father to the realm, but a father doesn't keep his children in line by giving them whatever they want, he needs to put his foot down. But Viserys spoils his family and Westeros until people like Otto get greedy and want more than they should.

[@slayerr3086]

@@MsDaydream3r he only spoiled one of his children while ignoring the others, helping the resentment grow between the two sides. The green kids didn’t like or respect him, ofc they won’t care about the blacks or his wishes regarding them.

[@GamiCross]

Daemon is just as unpredictable as a dragon... a wild beast that wants to be free but everyone thinks they understand and can control. Then act shocked when he's pushed into survival mode or defends his family.

[@scambammer6102]

he flat out murdered his wife and his rival. that doesn't make him a bad character, but it makes him a bad person.

[@waas_pm1914]

@@scambammer6102 yea daemond and aemond don't hide their intentions we all know both character are bad people. That's what I like about them two

[@Karasuno86]

@@scambammer6102 medival dudes killed their rivals all the time, that's the point lmao. And he didn't do anything to his first wife until she fell off the horse and started to run her mouth

[@greenforce68]

Spot on!

[@realhillkell]

Only good character analysis of Daemon

[@MrNasty20]

I feel like the part when Daemon laugh during his 2nd wife funeral is because Vaemond decided to take this time of mourning to keep throwing shades at Rhaenyra. Nothing to do if he's evil or not. That's how I interpreted.

[@BambiLena666]

If anything on topic of his character Ive seen this as him not minding to be viewed as "the bad guy" to divert attention off Rhaenyra and give a clear sign to how ridiculous Vaemond is being on the funeral of his wife taking this as the opportunity to shade Rhaenyra instead of respect for Leana. Even though I think Daemon is an ahole in general, he has his trully brilliant moments.

[@josephwantock1993]

After the last couple seasons of GOT left such a bad taste in my mouth, I seriously questioned whether or not I even wanted to return to the world of Westeros, which is surprising considering just how invested I was in the first 6 seasons. Thankfully the first season of HOD really reignited my faith in this franchise and what it can deliver.

[@thegoldman25]

you're not alone!

[@kdusel1991]

@@thegoldman25 totally agree!!

[@ro4eva]

You're most definitely not alone. I cannot stress how in-love I was with Game of Thrones. The first 6 seasons were, to me, phenomenal television. Season 7 had some moments that I loved, and some moments that I didn't love, but didn't hate. But that changed with Season 8. The last 3 episodes of the final season, I hated. And I was left with a hole in my heart. I was bitter and wanted to forget about Westeros, Essos, and such. To this day, I haven't had the desire to watch GoT Season 8 a second time. Anyway, fast forward a couple of years, and I watched the HotD trailer, and although it looked potentially good to me, the memories of GoT S8 came rushing back, and it made me cringe, and I was left bitter once more. That being said, when HotD Episode 1 eventually was about to air for the first time, I decided that I was going to give it a chance. And, after I watched the first season in its entirety, I fully admit that I have fallen in love with a show that I honestly wanted to hate at first. "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." -- Michael Corleone (The Godfather Trilogy) Now, I find myself eagerly awaiting HotD Season 2, and I gladly pre-ordered HotD Season 1 on 4K UHD Blu-ray (available December 22, 2022, at least in North America -- not sure about elsewhere). I do feel the need to add this final thought: I seriously pray that HotD doesn't end up like GoT did. And I'm so worried about this that I am even researching who wrote Season 1 - Episodes 1 to 10. And there is one writer among them that concerns me: Sara Hess. She has publicly stated that she hates Daemon Targaryen, and has also made it known that she's a very passionate feminist who hates anything-Patriarchy. And I worry that, if her contributions are improperly overlooked, that she'll introduce significant changes that, worst case scenario, could ruin the show. And I know that none of us want another ruined ASOIAF-based tv show. Make of that what you will. Cheers =)

[@kdusel1991]

@@ro4eva I agree. I just hated the last episodes of GOT. They completely destroyed it.

[@MyaMore-cb7zb]

The first few scenes i was smiling my ass off like "omg they're back baby" x') I can't get enough of this world and its characters i don't think :D

[@jamesgarretson2922]

I disagree about Rhaenyra suffering more consequences over Laenor's death. By that point in time, all Corlys and Rhaenys have left are their grandchildren, three of which are Rhaenyra's sons (despite not actually being their grandchildren by blood, it is heavily hinted that they love them like grandchildren anyway,) the other two are Daemon's daughters, all of whom support Rhaenyra, if they wanted to help protect their grandchildren, they would've had no choice but to support Rhaenyra as well. It doesn't mean they and Nyra are all cool, just that they have similar goals in mind.

[@MissKashira]

Not to mention he was seen getting in a brawl with his lover when he died. Sure it's sus that Rhaenyra and Daemon got married right after, but that's all the evidence they have. Why would they wholeheartedly believe that Rhaenyra could get Laenor's lover to attack him? The more likely answer is Laenor and Qarl were having a spat that went too far than a planned assassination with the person's lover as the assassin.

[@realyopikechannel]

@@MissKashira corls even says that "she was complicit in the death of our son". not that she murdered him, just that was complicit in it.

[@iamai_iggs]

nah, corlys and rhaenys getting away with supporting rhaenyera is a little bs. you can't tell me the rest of their house and bannermen are all cool with rhaenyera having a hand in killing their future lord just because corlys and rhaenys are cool with rhaenyera. again, feudal society, the consequences are not limited to just one family. it's a whole region, a whole country.

[@mendiel8726]

Also, everything Corlys wanted was to put his blood/name on the Iron Throne, and Rhaenarya is his best chance to do so. And Rhaenis is the one person that would never be on the green side because she was the one woman that lost the Iron Throne because of the feudal system. And seeing Aegon crowned king against Rhaenarya, when everyone called her "the queen who never was" (or something like that), made her feel empathetic to Rhaenarya and take her side.

[@BambiLena666]

@@iamai_iggs Would they be more cool with someone that murdering their lords children or Corlys grandchildren? Cause thats whats supposed to happen, cause they will be challenges to the throne. Otto coming to Rhaenyra to offer the kids to be cup bearers etc. (while also meant to be offensive) is basically saying give me the boys as hostages and they will live out their lives. The only way house Velaryon lives on is via Daemons and Rhaernyras kids, in both blood and name. Their future lord is Rhaenyras son.

[@darthcarrots2581]

Rhea was FORCED to push for her second born son to be the heir of Driftmark because if she were to support Laena’s daughters she would be openly admitting that her sons are bastards, which would absolutely threaten both her place as Viserys’ heir and the lives of her children.

[@agarc931]

but she's a feminist, technically if Laena is the first born, her kids would be closer to the line of succession than Rhae's kids bastards or no so...

[@diansc7322]

wasn't Rhea the wife Daemon killed?

[@Lillystromhollow]

This is all correct, BUT this is Corlys' decision. NOT Rhanaeyra's. You get Rhaenys asking Corlys to name Leana's oldest daughter instead of Lucerys because they are trueborn children. But grandpa loves Lucerys, and he delivers the epic line about how history remembers names, not blood. In the Game of thrones series also, it's the house leader that decides the heirs, like Tywin wanting to name Jaime heir instead of Tyrion, despite being in the KIngsgaurd. The Iron Islands elects their own and such.

[@someguyontheinternet2684]

Maybe she shouldn't have had bastard children in the first place?

[@Lillystromhollow]

@@someguyontheinternet2684 It was Corlys’s decision, bastard or not.

[@paigemuva9996]

I think that another reason Alicent may be jealous of Rhaenyra is because she has the unconditional love of her father, who puts up with all of her shenanigans. Alicent's relationship with her father is definitely not the same.

[@finikama]

Alicent isn't jealous of Rheanerya's relationship with her father. She is repulsed by the fact that Rhaenerya gets away with almost everything and doesn't seem to care about the hurt her actions leave behind on others. Rheanerya is a spoilt brat and Alicient is putting her in her place.

[@devorahacts]

The problem with Cersei's kids is they're not related to the sovereign, but in Rhaenyra's case they are and her consort is shooting blanks. It is indeed different.

[@slayerr3086]

Not really. Wether they are related or not, they were still born out of wedlock, therefore they are bastards. Their blood relation doesn’t matter to the lords of Westeros as long as the the word “bastard” is there and they have an excuse to reject them.

[@etiennemarquis28]

Absolutely! And Lanor loved and raised them as his own with the knowledge of who their birth father was. He was their dad by everything but genetics.

[@anais559]

@@etiennemarquis28 That's not how that works.

[@etiennemarquis28]

@@anais559 Ever heard of adoption

[@gig7932]

@@etiennemarquis28 you're judging based on today's standards.

[@browniebear]

13:20 It's implied that Laenor was sterile since Rhaenyra did say that they 'performed their duty' which would explain that no matter what, they could not have heirs

[@tobrinajolly3714]

Rhaenyra’s answer to Alicent in episode 4 was more rules lawyer than lying. When Alicent asked Rhaenyra if she had been with Daemon, The answer was no, because Daemon stopped things before they went that far. Alicent never asked just about sex. So I think Rhaenyra gave a politicians answer, and the exact answer to the worded question, not to the spirit of the conversation.

[@renzovasallo5778]

she told her she was still a virgin and that Daemon never touched her. Both lies

[@amberyoung6316]

@@renzovasallo5778 she actually never said she was a virgin, that was just how Alicent interpreted it. A lie by omission perhaps but not a straight lie

[@BambiLena666]

@@amberyoung6316 To be fair Alicent never even asked if she was still "a maiden", she only asks about Daemon. To which Rhaenyra doesnt lie. Daemon and her didnt have sex. Now, given their relationship and Alicent and Otto working behind Rhaenyras back, Rhaenyra has no reason to confine to Alicent about her other activities and life other than what is being asked. Why should she? Alicent interprets her words and then gets mad.

[@greenforce68]

Now let me tell you abt Daemon being a lawyer himself. When Viserys kicked him, he said "I need to understand the charge before I attempt to discredit it" and "if you're accusing me for some depravity, you need to be more specific" is definitely giving law student vibes. Also on EP5 he denied the accusations from Ser Royce by saying "are you admitting something?" is definitely giving politician vibes bcs dude twisted the facts. I assure you, the dude is a law school student. And then there's Criston.....

[@Captain_Insano_nomercy]

Team black apologists doing backflips as usual lol

[@bichiAllen]

Something I would like to point out, Alicent's kids were just a little troubled before Otto arrived back in court. After he did, their biggest flaws got super propelled into criminal degrees

[@miche6563]

I would also give some of the credit to cristin coles influence, and how his tutelage shaped the princes and the rift between them.

[@danika9411]

I think it was Aemond becoming disabled. He probably had a terrible time healing. They had to open everything up again to remove the rest of his eye which must have been very! painful. And there were no repercussions, no apology. They could have given him land or coin, anything. But nothing happened. Which showed them that they could be harmed and there would be no justice for them. And watching their brother recover from this probably changed them. In the book Aemond wears the eyepatch at court to not scare the ladies. Which indicates that he is still insecure about how he looks with one eye missing and the scar years later.

[@latishabuckner8231]

Much as I love Danaerys I'm glad HOTD shows the faults in Rhaenyra and doesn't display her as the realms delight, loved by all. It's easy to see her doing horrible things out of grief and anger vs Dany doing a 180.

[@psijicassassin7166]

After three seasons, you will see 180 begin showing up. Even brain-dead audiences lost their lunch when Jon Snow got resurrected. When the producers realized that fans gobbled this nonsense, they didn't hesitate to pull the trigger with Dany in the end.

[@katiePetsy]

So you overlooked season 1 Dany burning a slave rape victim because she wasn't "grateful" for being saved. How about when she crucified people without bothering to know if they were guilty. She also fed men to her dragons. She was always awful

[@latishabuckner8231]

@@katiePetsy that slave rape victim sacrificed Dany's son to save Drogo without really saving him. Yeah Dany asked the woman save her husband but she failed to disclose what method she would use. The people she crucified were either crucifying children or complacent in it happening. The people she fed to her dragons were supporting others to kill her soldiers. The horrible things Dany did was usually in retaliation. I dare you to name a leader in Game of Thrones who didn't harm or kill someone when they needed to.

[@angelic252]

@@latishabuckner8231 the woman didn't mean to sacrifice her child, that's what the horse was in the hut for. She instructed noone enter the hut. I agree about the rest.

[@animec-dramaskpop6362]

Take yo bitter @ss on somewhere. ​@@psijicassassin7166

[@saberserpent1134]

Alicent's comment during her rant about "your pretty little foot", is hilariously ironic, considering what she's getting up to with her own royal feet.

[@recoveringintrovert717]

I find it sad she's been sexually coerced into things so much to uphold the kingdom and gain power for men

[@marleymarsss]

@@recoveringintrovert717don’t feel too bad, she could’ve easily snitched on Larys the first time he killed for her, instead she continued working with him and actually tried to the Daemon’s ex killed.

[@The-Doctor6969]

​@@marleymarsssshe could have, then lost all the power she had in the process. she is not cersei. she does not trust that she can be protected by her powerful children nor is she blind to their faults.

[@marleymarsss]

@@The-Doctor6969 excuses lol

[@gray7433]

I think you make valid points, though, I think you might have missed some nuance in the scene between Laenor and Rhaenyra as just that they didn't try enough. I think Laenor may be sterile. My gripe with Rhaenyra is that she didn't find a Laenor look-alike. With regards to the relationship breakdown between Alicent and Rhaenyra, I imagine that Rhaenyra shut Alicent out and thought she must have wanted to marry Viserys. If we're going by how Rhaenyra acts, she might've thought that if Alicent wasn't glad to marry her dad, she would've done something about it. That's what Rhaenyra would've done. Flown off on Syrax and told the old man to get bent. Otto is manipulative, and he's thinking of himself, not Alicent. Hightower as a house, not people. He wanted to put the Hightowers on the throne. I didn't think of overcompensation being Aemond and Vhagar but now that you said it, Vhagar as a jacked up truck and Aemond in sleeveless plaid and a trucker's hat is what I see. Great video, even if I don't wholeheartedly agree with all your points.

[@MissKashira]

If Rhaenyra was politically savvy, she would have gotten close to one of Laenor's cousins and got it done that way. But Rhaenyra isn't politically savvy. So she procreated for love and put her entire house in danger. But he is thinking of his daughter. She has to marry, the king is a kind man and a king. And he needs a son. He secured for his daughter the best possible match in the entire realm and positioned her to be mother of the king which would be the most power a woman could hold in their society. There was absolutely nothing more he could do for his daughter than what he did. What? Marry her to a blacksmith out of love? You realize marriage is a woman's 401k plan in this universe, right?

[@gray7433]

Ah yes, retirement in Westeros. Aemma Arryn is sipping mai-tais in Dorne, living off the interest of mothering one princess. Marriage is a political pact in the Seven Kingdoms, and typically arranged by men, not the women involved. I would argue that since women don't have overt power in Westeros, even having an advantageous marriage such as Alicent's is just Otto's way of getting his hooks deeper into his position as the Hand. Aegon II was not Viserys' desired or declared heir, so Otto had to orchestrate a coup to crown him. Otto can rule through a puppet king. All of this is perception of motivation, but I will argue that Otto is a master manipulator with second-son syndrome who wants to see his family become most powerful and be remembered as the man who made it thusly. We're not going to agree, but that's what I think and what was supported in the show to my eyes.

[@MissKashira]

@@gray7433 If you use the fact that giving birth can kill you to argue that he wasn't looking out for her best interest, then sending her to be a Septa would be in her best interest. Um...okay. Though I think most women would rather be a queen than a nun. Everything you said about Otto could be read that way as long as you ignore the greater context of him being 100% right. Rhaenyra and Daemon would make terrible rulers and bring everything to ruin. They would also execute him and his family. So whether he wanted power or not, he'd be a moron to just stand there and let them take the throne. They however have no reason to want it. No interest in ruling, no talent for it, no great plans. They are willing to burn the kingdom to the ground for a nice-to-have which shows how dangerous and selfish they are. You're right. We won't agree on this.

[@BambiLena666]

@@MissKashira I mean, Rhaenyra explicitly says, multiple times, that she doesnt want to burn the kingdom, which is why shes measuring her steps carefully. We havent seen much of anything of adult Rhaenyra that would indicate she would be a bad ruler in anyway. Aegon however, we have. On top of that Aemond is the one that starts the war by murdering Jace, not Rhaenyra or Daemon. Which all started because Otto just couldnt help himself but stage a coup to get his grandson on the throne over Rhaenyra.

[@yusufraage8554]

Why would she find someone like ser Leanor she is a Targaryen and they are above the laws of the faith of the seven. The faith doesnt agree with anything that the Targaryens do but they dont have a say about the Targaryen because they have dragons and Meagor burned them to submission.

[@summarizerrain5028]

13:39 “I’m sure Rhaneyra could’ve had a kid if she really tried and not slept around” the show literally explains thru Lainor that they did try and he was infertile and also Rhaneyra only slept with him and Harwin and that time so its not like she was sleeping around with everyone, and at least none of them were her brother either lol

[@iliaponomarev1624]

> at least none of them were her brother either lol That's kinda a problem. She really, really should have had those kids with, like, Daemon. Or with someone who looks like Laenor.

[@theguy8763]

Laenor was not sterile. He was gey

[@HolybasilYT]

Not that he was infertile, but impotent. Important distinction to make.

[@agarc931]

im sure he could've jizzed in a cup and she could've done something with that. sleeping around wasn't the problem but claiming they were Laenor's blood and them having rights to Driftmark? nope sorry

[@TawanaEvangeline]

Yeah most of his problems he pointed out with Rhaenyra made him sound very “team green” and not objective at all when you think of the bigger picture of things lol

[@MrDragonRune]

I find your analysis of Otto and Alicent to be a bit off Otto isn't just doing things for the benefit of his house in a purely logical way. House Hightower is already one of the most influential houses. He's an ambitious man who is also a second son that feels he has something to prove. He isn't just complicit in usurping Rhaenyra's throne, he was one of the active conspirators. He wanted a grandson of his to be king, which would lift his station. I don't think any amount of perspective would make us see Otto as a Ned Stark figure. Ned hated the game, the politics and the conspiring. Otto plays the game and plays it rather well, though he may not necessarily enjoy it. The scene between Larys and Alicent isn't just Alicent deciding to get information. It exemplifies how women's bodies in the GOT universe are seen for what they can give to others and are used in said way. It exemplifies how not even the queen is above that treatment.

[@tisdickward]

yes. it was pretty weird how he could ever justify or make it understandable that Otta did what Ned also did. its literally quite opposite and I think if you can't make out the difference between Otto's motivation to do everything that he did and Ned's motivation, then you completely missed the point.

[@SweetSummerChild1967]

Or.. You're making content with a controversial slant specifically so people watch, get mad and comment. 😂

[@made-line7627]

It was so nuts to me that Viserys was so downtrodden at that point in time that he couldn't insist, upon his right of kingship, to marry his daughter to his grandson (eww, but it is what it is). It's not as though Rhaenyra and her immediate family hadn't been in KL for six years at that point, and he wasn't so incapacitated that he was indefinitely bedridden. He could have put his foot down but instead, he just ostensibly shook his head and went "Well, can't argue with that 🤷🏼".

[@thegoldman25]

I totally agree with this

[@made-line7627]

@@thegoldman25 It was one of the most frustrating parts of the season for me haha. Just made no sense

[@jamesgrieves2669]

@@made-line7627 It made sense from a character perspective, in that Viserys absolutely hates conflict and just wants to pretend the problems in his family don't exist.

[@made-line7627]

@@jamesgrieves2669 Mmm, I suppose. It was just bizarre because, non-confrontational or not, he is the king, and he were still ruling at that stage. Even though I want to say "he could have prevented a lot of violence by agreeing to the marriage", it would be redundant, as we could say that about most of his decisions haha. Fair point.

[@kattatatatat6361]

@Made-line 🎭 I think he underestimated his family and his counsel's ambitions which was foolish considering he never did so with Daemon

[@aramaijonassill7670]

36:21 I totally agree with you about Aemond killing Luceres. The only accident in killing him was that his dragon ate Luke. He was literally trying to knock him off his dragon and stab his eye out minutes before. He was fully aware how dangerous it was and didn’t care. If this happened IRL, he’d go to prison. It’s insane that people are playing down what he did as a little oopsie and excusing him. He was an adult bullying a child.

[@haych6335]

Yh he’s a demon who gives a fuk. You say a adult killing a child like that matters in this world

[@DM-it1qf]

Luke is close in age to him though?

[@aramaijonassill7670]

@@DM-it1qf Luke was like 13 and Aemond was around 20. He knew what he was doing. He wanted him dead and no one was around to stop him.

[@Raj-qh7ic]

​@@aramaijonassill7670no he actually didn't wasn't it that his dragon got angry and attacked and killed luke

[@danika9411]

​@@aramaijonassill7670 Luke was 14 and Aemond 17 in the show. In the books he was 19 and Aegon 22. But show Aegon is 20, which makes Aemond just 17. In the books it is said he looked much older than his older brother, so this is book accurate, but probably a bit confusing.

[@etiennemarquis28]

I woudnt say that Rhaenyra's marriage to Lanor was to 'sleep around' it was to pursue happiness whilst upholding thier duties. Its very different. And she was justified in her anger toward Alicent as from her perspective she was using her as a tool to get close to her father behind her back.

[@k.w.8332]

Are you saying that Rhaenyra thought that Alicent was friends with Rhae just to get close to Viserys? That's why she is mad at Alicent or part of the reason why?

[@danika9411]

​@@k.w.8332 Rhaenyra is shown to be highly disagreeable and also low in conscientiousness. Which in combination with high extraversion can be an indicator for having higher narcissistic traits in the big 5. Which she actually displays a lot in the way she acts all the time. They did an excellent job writing that in. She is still pissed 3 years later and refuses to talk, which shows she doeshold grudges for long times and doesn't let go. At the tournament for her brothers 2nd birthday/nameday she refused to participate properly even saying "No one is here for me." It's her brothers nameday not hers, but she needs that spotlight. I actually started to dislike her in that episode. I knew a family where one was the scapegoat and one the golden child. The golden child needed presents at his little brothers birthday or he would be p*ssed and ruin his brothers birthday. I know both of them and the older has NPD. The parents enabled him in his childhood. When I saw Rhaenyra acting like this, I was reminded of them and all my alarmbells rang. I don't like her.

[@youngveteran6368]

@@danika9411🎯

[@jaco3394]

I don't get why some people want to dumb down Martin's characters to fit a specific type like 'feminist icon' or 'the villain'. The whole point of Martin's characters is that they are complex and aren't cookie cutter good or evil people doing the right or wrong thing all the time. Putting them in a box like that sucks all the life out of them.

[@Guitaristmalakian]

2:15 Reminds me of Paul Valery quote : "War is a massacre where young people who don't know each other and don't hate each other kill each other, by the decision of old people who know each other and hate each other." Works well with noble families in a feudal world

[@webx135]

One thing to note is that in the fuedal world, being more critical of women sleeping around isn't just some arbitrary decision. It has to do with paternity certainty. Maternity is always certain, but paternity is not. The only say to ensure it is for the woman to only be with one man. The more important paternity is, the more the magnifying class is focused on the woman's sexuality. This was a MAJOR staple in gender relations for millennia after "modern" civilizations started springing up, and one of the foundational principles for a lot of the sexism that sticks around. That and women being baby-makers and men expected to die in combat.

[@thegoldman25]

great points!

[@dawert2667]

This is totally true, and one of history’s great ironies; the fact that women were for millennia subjugated as being nearly on the level of livestock and yet alone held the inscrutable role of dictating the true property of men, and in themselves were the only ones capable of passing down the all-important family name. Craaasazy

[@angelic252]

@@dawert2667Literally this. Noone could question the Targaryen blood in Rhaenyra's children, she birthed them and they all became dragon riders and yet their claim to the throne was questionable because of old traditions and rules meant to protect the FATHER's lineage from being sullied with others' bloodlines and genes. But the heir isn't a man, but a woman, who can absolutely guarantee her children carry her blood, even if they aren't from her legal marriage. But ofc the sticking to traditions and religion-mandated rules defies logic in moments they should bend to it. Honestly, had she married Harwin as a second husband maybe most of the issues could be circumvented, even if the Velaryons would be upset. The last bit could be fixed with a bethrothal between Luke and one of Daemon's girls, and left Jace to marry Helaena and calm the Hightowers' ambitions and fears a bit. But afaik the Faith of the Seven wouldn't allow that, so, again. Fuck religion's rule-sticklery lmao

[@vanessalore9942]

I know everyone is raving about Paddy and I agree he’s a great actor and Matt’s scene with him were my fav. But Matt Smith draws my eyes to him in every scene he’s in. He’s always going to be no 1 for me because I’ve been following him since Doctor Who. I just want him to get the respect he deserves. He is a phenomenal actor, and he embodies Daemon. As for the character I want him next season to make people afraid the min he walks in the room

[@rahmatmanurung8133]

Many gave good review about Matt's acting too.

[@priscillateo1691]

I am just watching this show for Matt Smith.

[@mrfrog5357]

Such an underrated KZbinr. Such great pacing script and how he delivers.

[@thegoldman25]

Wow, thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@tricjoseph9879]

All of this just proves how bad/toxic of a mindset a person can have when they're forced to grow up too soon, and when kids get too much power while stuck in their childish mindsets.

[@itaykliger5763]

ita crazy how underrated this channel is. every vid is so proffesionaly made and so good! keep up the good work

[@thegoldman25]

Thank you so much!

[@thatgirlamber14]

This was a really great breakdown, I liked the rubber band analogy of how the season really built tension. I've seen so many people say HOTD is too slow and they constantly compare it to GOT but Character building, setting up scenes and conflict is just as important as the big battles and shocking moments and to me this first season was meant to build the back story before leaning in to the drama that we like in GOT.

[@thegoldman25]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@raminybhatti5740]

I was going to give the show a miss, but it's awesome. The first episode drew me in. Paddy Considine is hypnotic. Milly Alcock is brilliant. I love how it's very character based and intimate.

[@sebadrum16]

Great video, and props for using each character’s theme when discussing them!

[@thegoldman25]

I'm so glad someone noticed that, thank you for making my effort feel warranted!

[@GenomeSoldierDK]

I think that Alicent does believe Viserys' "change of heart" to be true. Based on the scene in the episode where they go on the royal hunt in honor of Aegon's nameday, Viserys openly questions his choice to make Rhaenyra heir to the throne and talks about the Targaryan "Dreamers". Ironically, Alicent at the time reaffirms Viserys' choice and talks him out of his doubt. But then hearing Viserys mumble out something with a dream and hearing the name Aegon it is not that far of a leap that she would make the connection that she did and that she would believe it - after all Viserys had his doubts once - why not again? But it obviously doesn't help her case that she acts with jealosy and recentfullness most of the grown life after that.

[@k.w.8332]

Those two scenes happen about 20 years apart within the show. And we never see any dialog between Vis and Alicent of that nature, ever, within that time period. So there really isn't much of any supporting context that suggests to the viewer that Alicent ISN'T being (A.) bone-headed in not questioning anything he said in that sick, medicated rabble OR (B.) Thirst with ambition or jealousy to put her son on the throne. So that change of heart that she is supposed to believe has almost no true foundation.

[@GenomeSoldierDK]

​@@k.w.8332 They may have happened 20 years apart, but it is not like it is just some random forgetable subject to Alicent. The succession is something that is constantly on her mind, since her father constantly reminds her that her children will die if Rhaenera becomes Queen. I'm not saying that there is no willfull blindness here, but you can't really blame her for making the connection. She has no idea about Aegon's dream- even Daemon doesn't - so how could she possibly? And who is literally the only other Aegon that she knows? Her own kid. As for what is projected at the viever; I agree with you. I think it is intentional that we should question her true motivations. Especially after the knife scene. But I think it is not giving her the benefit of the doubt to just say that she must have known. The only other time she head about Targaryan dreams were those 20 years ago - so this is literally the only logical connection she could make with the information that the character has. It seems to me that most people are basing their judgement on their own knowledge about "The Song of Ice and Fire" and not what the character would actually know. It sounds ridiculous to us, because we know that the dream doesn't become relevant until the events of ASOIAF- and even then it is misinterpreted all the time by other characters. Is it that hard to believe that Alicent wouldn't do the same?

[@k.w.8332]

@@GenomeSoldierDK Otto only told Alicent one time that Alicent's children could die by Rhaenyra's hand. And that was in episode 5 when Otto had to leave the Red Keep. This is one episode after ep.4 where Rhaenyra and Alicent are back on neutral terms. So she really shouldn't just full- steam believe Otto. And Otto appears back onscreen in ep. 7(he's not present in ep.6) during Laena's funeral, and never tells Alicent her children's lives are in danger ever again, so he didn't constantly tell her that. The writers want to make it seem like Alicent actually believes that to be the case so that she is justified in disinheriting Rhaenyra, cause she"fears" for her children's life. But disinheriting the lawful only puts Alicent's children in more danger. So it's counterproductive and her belief stands on a weak foundation. The writer don't really give Alicent that much depth. Plus Rhaenyra's son with Daemon is named Aegon. So there's two Aegon currently. And again she should know how the King gets when he is medicated. He's saying things in that moment and having a convo that he has never had with Alicent. And she knows that. So in ep. 9 when she tells the small council that Viserys wanted Aegon on the throne I wouldn't have believed her either.

[@GenomeSoldierDK]

​@@k.w.8332 They were back on neutral terms yes- until she learns that Rhaenyra was lying to her in episode 5. So if Rhaenyra is willing to lie in order to get her father fired as hand - why wouldn't she suspect more malicious actions? That is the whole point of her wearing the green dress. And I didn't mean he constantly told her, I meant that this kind of information is something that sticks in your head. The succession is what comes up all the time - so of course it is also a subject that hangs over the entire show. Of course they want to make it seem like this. That doesn't mean that is her only motivation though as you say. The characters are grey. I'm only saying that I do believe that she would think so- given everything I have already said. Yes, Rhaenyras kid is also names Aegon, but he is not in the line of succession after Viserys' death. The dispute is between Viserys' kids- not Rhaenyra's. And because of Westerosi laws and customs Aegon is in fact the most "legitimate" heir in the eyes of the people as seen in the coronation scene. Alicent would most likely have interpreted the "last wish" as a way to make peace in the realm. It is not only about whether or not she believes Rhaenyra to "kill her children" it is whether or not the realm will support it or not. Clearly the big houses are divided on the matter. And clearly there is precedent and tradition for the male heir to be selected. And if Rhaenyra had accepted the terms she was send there would have been peace- so I don't see how it put Aegon in any more danger than if Rhaenyra would have inherited as planned. What if the other houses rose out to support Aegon none the less? We know that most of the people on the small council had plotted the coronation of Aegon anyway in fact.

[@k.w.8332]

@@GenomeSoldierDK The only thing I wish to highlight is that Alicent doesn't really have any real goals that are of here own make. Most of what she wants to do or is shown doing "onscreen" are things that other characters wish to achieve and use her as a means to achieve it. So it's not really deep and impactful character moments when she does things imo. Otto and Alicent have a scene in ep.9 where she supposed to be calling Otto out for manipulating her into doing things she doesn't want, so that the audience thinks she knows or starts to understand the game. Except, in ep.5, when Otto is about to leave she already told him that he's the one that wants Aegon on the throne and that he shouldn't have been too hasty when going about it. So she already knows that the succession is his idea. And it's something she really doesn't care about. She just has this radical flip after Larys tells her what he told her in ep.5 then starts plotting and scheming. That's when she puts her children's lives in danger. It's even makes her look worse when in ep.9 when Otto says that Rhae and her children need to be killed to ensure Aegon ascends, Alicent acts all surprised. Like this is the same woman whom your father said would kill your children. So now when you successfully disinherit her, your father wants to eliminate her, all of a sudden you grow a moral backbone. The writers don't know how they want Adult Alicent to appear. Because she's doing this eyes-wide-shut stuff all the time in the later half of the season.

[@sax5389]

I absolutely love how you used the characters themes in the background of each of the characters’s chapters. I love this detail

[@Kalinik.]

22:10 If Aemond consoles Lucerys then he admits that Harwin Strong is Luce's father and that Luce and his brothers are bastards. I think that's one of the reasons Aemond chose not to do that.

[@niightingale]

"Everyone is incredibly Flawed" you take that back!!! Lord Strong is Perfect in every way!!!

[@thegoldman25]

i miss him, screw Larys

[@BrokenXgirl12]

​@@thegoldman25 omg I miss my strong men so much

[@coreyloucks4865]

I totally agree with Aemond. I loved the idea that these powerful dragons aren't so easily controlled and have wills of their own and I also love the idea that there really isn't a good and evil. (Aside from the undead/Euron Greyjoy/And others), but I love the idea that you do have characters like Aemond and Daemon who are just people who do good things for wrong reasons and bad things for good reasons. Or let their emotions get the best of them. It's super human and easy to understand.

[@jvill4118]

What makes Otto the most Machiavellian is that he hides his ambition behind "justifications", all of which you listed. He may not be obviously/overtly evil, but for that you can't paint him as "a guy just doing his job." He used his position to advance his family, not for "the good of the realm". As a second son himself, he knows he has no claim to lordly titles, so he has to attach to power to get power of his own--becoming Hand of the King, so he knows he has to bolster the King and protect him to retain any semblance of power. He knows Viserys named Rhaenyra heir, and Viserys never once retracted or wavered on this, but spent years/decades planning to usurp her--"hiding" behind the whole "men first" line of inheritance, but really to bolster his own blood. His brilliance is that he built his vanity and ambition behind a facade of "duty", so everything that he does appears to be "justified". HE GOT YOU

[@heidiooohs276]

Exactly. And to add further, with the loose comparison of Otto and Ned Stark, Ned never wanted to be Hand of the King. He wanted to refuse but felt compelled by Robert’s insistence, even being denied to go home after Ned was injured in the leg by a spear. Whereas Otto quite clearly is seeking power and will use his daughter as a pawn in order to achieve it. His “duty” is a guise for his own pride and ambition.

[@FabalociousDee]

I loved this video essay, it's very even-handed and balanced. I have my biases, of course, but it's great hearing this story from all sides.

[@thegoldman25]

thanks for watching!!!

[@sydnitheromantictaylor112]

Love how you said, "A great man once said not making a decision is a big decision"-Negan from the walking dead season 7 episode 1

[@thegoldman25]

YES SOMEONE GOT THE REFERENCE, IM SO HAPPY

[@sydnitheromantictaylor112]

@@thegoldman25 you're welcome. I looked in the comments to see if anyone had caught that line but I didn't see any at that time

[@dalorasinum386]

The fact that I personally see Alicient as in the right instead of Rheyneara just shows how 3D all the characters are and how fleshed out the world is.

[@MissKashira]

The story is framed to make our sympathies lie with Rhaenyra, while the situation puts the greens in the right. So the split is based on those examining the situation emotionally verses logically. We are made to like Rhaenyra and care about her family, much like Viserys. But the blacks are a mess, the greens know what they are doing and would be much better rulers and are legally in the right.

[@jona.scholt4362]

@Kasandra Morgan I'm not "Team Black" or "Team Green"; honestly, both are awful in their own way. But I am curious why you think the Greens are legally on the right. (Also, I think it's important that I clearly state I'm not some Team Black fanatic who is angry at you for suggesting Team Green is justified in taking the throne; I just like chatting with others about the ambiguity of the show!) Viserys made it clear that Rhaenyra was his heir and confirmed it repeatedly. And this being Westeros, his word on the succession is law. If the Greens were legally in the right in crowning Aegon they wouldn't have needed to plan and execute their coup and wouldn't have been in such a hurry. Also, if it hinges on the bastardy of her son's, Viserys declared them true born. In this instance that is all that is needed since nobody has caught Rhaenyra in the act with Strong. But beyond that, does her having bastards necessarily exclude her from the succession? I don't think it does, but we really can't say one way or the other. Anyway, I'd be curious as to what your take is on what gives the Greens their legal right to succeed Viserys. Cheers!

[@MissKashira]

@@jona.scholt4362 Because they have rules of inheritance which are pretty strictly followed and need to be else everyone would be killing everyone else. Inheritance goes to the eldest trueborn son. Except in Dorne which has it's own laws and traditions where inheritance goes to the eldest child regardless of gender. When Jaehaerys lost his sons muddying the line of succession, he gathered all the lords together to choose for themselves who would be crowned. It wasn't between Rhaenys and Viserys, they changed that for the show, she was immediately ruled out for being female. It was between Laenor and Viserys. And Viserys won by a lot which means not only did these people not want a woman ruler, a claim that went THROUGH a woman was less valid in their eyes. When these people start getting hanged for treason, a lot of them go to their deaths stating the precedent set when Viserys was put on the throne. When people are going to their hangings like, "Well, actually..." you may have fucked up. And no, the king doesn't just say something and it becomes law. He made Rhaenyra heir BEFORE he had any trueborn sons. At that time her claim was on par with Daemon's and Daemon is crazy. He did not change the law of succession, he only made Rhaenyra the exception to the rule. And when Rhaenyra had to decide if older sisters should inherit or little brothers that were babies, SHE PASSED OVER THE GROWN SISTERS, therefore she doesn't even agree with the exception her father made for her when it comes to anyone except for her. These people don't just passively allow themselves to be ruled. They fight back when monarchs do things they don't like. What Viserys did sets a precedent that people didn't like because it muddies the water when it comes to inheritance law. But he didn't have the balls to make it the actual law of the land and kill anyone who had a problem with it. He left the law as is, and just left it a problem for his woefully ill-equipped daughter to deal with. Also, people swore to uphold Rhaenyra as heir 20 years before when she had no brothers. So not only are there people going "that was under different conditions" there are people going "I didn't swear shit, I was 4 at the time." Even if you're under the belief the king can do what he wants (which isn't true, even Viserys says there are rules he must follow) the moment he died Otto became the highest authority in the land and could crown Aegon because while Viserys stated he wanted Rhaenyra to rule HE NEVER CHANGED THE LAW THAT MAKES AEGON THE RIGHTFUL KING. So basically he was trusting his Hand to end his own life, cause the moment they gained power Daemon would have killed Otto. And do you understand how much these people hate bastards? They sound like Trumpers talking about Mexicans. It's that bad. And no, Viserys never legitimized his grandsons. In order to do that they'd have to admit they were bastards in the first place and that Rhaenyra committed treason by giving birth to bastards as heir to the Iron Throne. What he did was make everyone play Emperor's New Clothes upon penalty of death. As in people had to pretend they are both blind and dumb else be executed. That is not the same as legitimizing them.

[@jona.scholt4362]

@@MissKashira I think we have to split book from show here when it comes to a few things. While the show makes it very very clear Rhaenyra's children's are not Laenor's, the book is much murkier. Yes, they don't have the hair color of a Valyrian, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are not. For example, Rhaenys has dark hair. Now while it would seem very odd that the boys don't have Valyrian hair since Rhaenyra and Laenor clearly do, I think GRRM gives them just enough plausible deniability that people couldn't 100% say they we're not hers. Now, don't get me wrong; I think those are definitely Harwin's kids. But the fact that both in the book and the show that the "father" of the children, Laenor, and the "grandfather" of them, Viserys acknowledge and accept the children as Laenor's makes them true born. Also, when I used the word "legitimate" it wasn't trying to imply Viserys legitimized them like Aegon IV did for Bittersteel, Bloodraven, Daemon Blackfyre etc. I was implying that their were legitimate because in the eyes of the crown, Rhaenyra, and Laenor, they were legitimate. Also, yes, the king must following customs and is not an entirely autocratic. The problem for the Greens as I see it, is when it comes to his successor and he names Rhaenyra, the Greens have in public accepted it for 20 years. They may privately disagree and in private brought this up to Viserys, who in both the books and show is extremely conflict adverse. But in public all have recognized her as heir. If they wanted to seize power in a legitimate way for who they thought was the legitimate heir, then why not do so in public? Probably because they know that by law and by custom, their grievances would fail. There are a few other things I'd like to touch on in your response, but for the moment that is all I have time for.

[@lanasjoynt485]

Me too. We see Alicent as having the right of it because she DOES. Still don’t like her much though 🤭🤭🤣😂🤭🤣😂

[@BlazeNarutoShippuden]

I'm 22 mins into this and I know this will hit 10 million views in the next 3 years. Great video. Keep up the good work for the next seasons.

[@anonymousmessage6635]

Exactly, people sees Otto and Alicent as a Villains, while in fact they are doing what they are supposed to do. An outstanding video 🔥🔥

[@abraham2172]

Not true. Alicent and Otto are both usurping the throne for their own house against the explicit will of the King, who officially made Rhanyra his air.

[@anonymousmessage6635]

@@abraham2172 anyone would do anything to raise his house, Otto and Alicent didn’t Userp the throne since Rheanyra tried to put a bastard on the throne who wasn’t even a Targaryen bastards but a Strong

[@rosita3528]

​​@@anonymousmessage6635Jace wouldn't have been on the throne until Rhaeryra stopped being Queen. They usurped the throne from Rhaenrya because she was the heir. Oh and they were as much Targaryens as they were Strongs, but they wouldn't be Strongs they would be Waters. Jon was thought to be a bastard but his name was Snow not Stark

[@soundsqueerbutokay]

​@@anonymousmessage6635wrong. If Rhaenera, Laenor and Viserys decided or put a blind eye in Jace and Luke being true born son's, them being bastards doesn't matter at all if the king decides to legitimize them

[@bethose9484]

Excellent video - best I have seen outlining why the show a massive success.

[@thegoldman25]

Thank you for watching!

[@blackbeardtx371]

Great video, liked your takes on each character, and the editing was on point!

[@thegoldman25]

Thanks a ton!

[@sashabazine8364]

you put so much work in what you say with your mouth AND what you say silently with your clever editing and all this work went NOTICED. I'm just mad I gave lazy creators my views for so long before finding your channel. Very clever, very respectful of your audience, subscribed immediately.

[@gerardadri9389]

One thing I found very telling about Rhaenyra was very subtle: there's a small introductory shot of Rhaenyra picking the lemons of the lemoncakes at the gardenparty. Not just one, two or three, but a good 18 of them. More than half of what was on the table. She would let her own pleasure go above the pleasures of others, and has no regard for ethiquette. I haven't seen this too much from adult Rhaenyra, and would like to see her be more grey than she is now.

[@mathiaskolding3241]

Excellent video! Your takes are always so thorough and worth hearing!

[@thegoldman25]

Glad you think so!

[@perhendrikl.3609]

21:44 , I disagree. I always saw Alicent children to be not the ones that started the conflict during the last supper. I think Luc was, when a pig was brought to Aemond reminding him of the pink dread. Thoughts?

[@YumiSumire]

Aegon definitely started first, trying to shame Jace for being a virgin.

[@alexman378]

Aegon started. When someone makes it clear they have an opposing team in the room, your first instinct is to find your own team and start hitting back.

[@thegoldman25]

i definitely blame the kids, simply laughing isn't enough to warrant Aemonds reaction

[@IshtarNike]

It wasn't one sided but it seems like Aegon started things.

[@flameron1]

Him laughing at a pig doesn’t mean because of memories doesn’t start shit 😂. He didn’t attack aemon for it. It just hurt almond pride lol

[@dhdjdjdjfnx4354]

i literally usually skip through every video i see but your videos are the best and im a person with adhd and i never sit down for 43 whole mins and focus on one thing but this video did that and your channel is underrated

[@thegoldman25]

I really appreciate this, thanks for watching!!!!

[@NoName-ir1iz]

Mary and Elizabeth Tudor were close with their brother Edward, that didn’t stop him from naming their cousin as his heir.

[@kdusel1991]

I liked how it was more condensed storyline wise. And having already read the fire and blood book makes me even more excited for season 2! Paddy Considine as Viserys was so good! I also really liked the two young actresses that played young alicent and rhaenyra. Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith as Daemon and the actress who plays the older Rhaenyra is also fantastic.

[@wmd13194]

Brilliant analysis. Unbiased well balanced, well informed and objective. You got a new sub

[@thegoldman25]

Much appreciated!

[@wickdaline8668]

Rhaenyra and Alicent are now the most powerful women in Westeros.

[@jonathanzodhiates8840]

I’m absolutely love this channel! It’s awesome how he takes his time to put his research and thought into long videos.

[@jamesagradi6820]

This only reinforces my support of the Greens

[@ohhihoney7633]

the difference between ned and otto is that, while they both pushed for not bastards sons on the throne, is that cercei's kids have no baratheon blood and every who glances at him can tell he will not be a good king, because he is rash and quick to anger and essentially a sadist - in comparison, rhaenyra's kids do have targaryen blood and are jace has all the trait you could look for in a good king (or at least, he is better than joffrey and aegon himself)

[@feraparicio6185]

Props for this amazing vid man, cant wait for the upcoming seasons and your vids on them

[@vivekkrishnan351]

Incredibly well-crafted video! You have a real talent for making video essays, subbed

[@thegoldman25]

Thanks for the sub!

[@ViewTube_Emperor_of_Mankind]

All of the bad and evil Allison shows is caused by the poison her father brought to all of them. He traumatized her and made her fear... Fear is a great motivator and he put a lot of that into her.. even before the show started.. it even goes down into the body language of the actors portraying that so very well with the nails (biting nails is a sign of inner conflict and possible trauma. Yes it can also be just bad hygiene padagogy but in itself thats a trauma too..) Allison is as much a victim to the whole situation as her and Rhaenyras kids. Otto is the worst.. Rhaenyras unrestrained actions (justified or not) make her the second worst cause of suffering. If Rhaenyra had her s**** together and embraced Allie and helped her out of fear and faith they might've become the greatest friends who hold the Kingdrom together... but because of Ottos poison and Rhaenyras recklessness... the Kingdom will literally burn..

[@enzorocha2977]

It's conjecture to say that if Rhaenyra was a kinder sister to her half-brothers, they wouldn't be so intensely at odds with each other and have strained relationships with her sons. Remember the bullying that Aemond suffered for not having a dragon (the pig dragon prank in particular)? That led to him desirous of having one, if only to prove himself as deserving of his lineage. That, in turn, led to a chain of events ending with him losing one eye and cementing a long-standing hatred in his heart. Rhaenyra didn't have anything to do with that (well, arguably). In short, kind sister =/= better (half) brother relationships and so on down the line. But yes, they're all flawed top to bottom, and their flaws have dire consequences. In the real world, it would be highly improbable because of how modern society is set up, and that is what makes the show so compelling too, imho.

[@angelic252]

Kinder sister would mean more involvement in the kids' conflict, and could then lead to reprimanding her kids' chronically nasty behaviour towards him, which would then prevent the conflict altogether. Then he could've still bonded with the dragon but in a less insidious and secretive way. But kinder sister could also very well mean a less protective and biased father, which could very well lead to Vyseris being more involved with his sons and changing his designated heir. So who knows.

[@danika9411]

​@@angelic252 She never had any desire or love for her siblings. When Aegon was having his second nameday she made a whe spectacle of not participating, because they aren't there for her and running away ect. Not once is she shown to interact with her brother like kindly talking to him or holding him or anything like that. It wad from the beginning that she felt threatened and never liked them.

[@angelic252]

@@danika9411 yeah I know. I meant that she isn't kind because they're a threat, and thus her father instinctively tries to appease her, and the kids suffer for it. Had her father just changed heirs she would probably feel humiliated and be just as detached if not more, had he showed his kids more love while keeping her heir she'd just keep feeling threatened, it's a lose lose. Maybe if he gave her more power in court and more responsibilities in the realm, it would lead to less fear, or she'd keep feeling negative towards the kids due to Alicent's influence from her father. Who knows, I'd rather leave that to the fanfic writers. My point is, if she were more involved with the kids or at least not passively aggressively protesting their existence, so would probably be Vyseris, and that could well mean him getting attached to his sons and changing heir. Imo.

[@danika9411]

@@angelic252 I'm sorry English isn't my first language. I was agreeing with you and just wanted to say even when they were small she didn't feel any love. More like an addition. I didn't mean it in an opposing manner. I think Viserys raised her wrong. She never had any consequences and knew very little about life in general. When she was in flea bottom with Daemon she just stole food. In the red keep she doesn't pay, she just takes everything. She didn't know at 18! years old that that's not how the world works. Daemon said to her something like: " In kings landing we pay for our pleasures." And ran after her when she ran away. A "peasant" could have their hand chopped of for stealing. She was completly spoiled, had no consequences for her actions while at the same time she wasn't emotionally nurtured and knew nothing about how the world functions. It's catastrophic parenting. I think even if she had been kinder the dance would not have been avoided due to her overall character.

[@angelic252]

@@danika9411 I agree about the parenting, and her being spoiled, but she was what... 16? A spoiled little princess isn't that uncommon, just look at the Lannister kids, and I don't mean just Joffrey. She grew up (at least in the tv series) mature enough to consider peace before having the throne, and that's enough for me to think that if there wasn't Otto's incessant influence and manipulation through fear, the Dance wouldn't have happened. Vyseris should've started genuinely preparing her for the throne by giving her more stuff to do and more diplomacy to practice, that's also on him.

[@joelbrown3479]

BRILLIANT ANALYSIS... 8:00 in and I'm assured the pathway of a successful story has been planned for the viewed (I've watched hundreds of hours of KZbin synopses of these programs and yours is EXCEPTIONAL). Bronx Love brother 😎

[@stormstrider1990]

I just finished season 1, and I loved it! This video gave a lot of perspective. I can hardly wait for season 2.

[@thegoldman25]

Can't wait!

[@samyty1530]

Wow this is the first I’ve seen someone comparing Otto’s actions to Ned Stark’s and 100% agree. It really is all about perspective. My first impression of his character had more in common with Ned Stark than with Littlefinger or Tywin as well

[@Argos-xb8ek]

It was totally different thought. Cersei's children had no royal blood whatsoever they were complete Lannister Bastards fathered by a man of The Kingsguard no less the man that killed the last king with his own hands. Rhaemyras children come from her she birthed all three of her sons at worst they still have the Targaryen Blood in them also don't have any of her children harassing people and cutting open cats and whatnot. It's very telling in both the book and show that for all the Slander of Rhaenyra's children made nobody can say anything diminishing their moral character. And that's what makes their story so tragic Rhaenyra's children especially Jacerys take their royal standing and responsibility seriously and compared to their Uncles and Aunt show much more composure in their roles but because of their questionable look are somehow less legitimate than the sons and daughter of Alicent who seem to lack the capacity or temperament to rule.

[@heatheraldazabal358]

Everyone seems to forget that is was Otto who persuaded Viserys to name Rhaeryra his heir. That makes everything he does way worse. Some lords swore to Rhaenyra because he convinced Viserys to name her heir, and then he had them executed for keeping the oath that they made because of him.

[@heatheraldazabal358]

And i think it is obvious that Ned wouldnt do something remotely like that.

[@Argos-xb8ek]

@@heatheraldazabal358 I agree. You would never hear Ned planning to kill off Robert's children that's not the type of man Ned Stark is. And true Otto did push Alicent not only to endear herself to Viserys but also to build animosity between her and Rhaenyra telling her that violence was inevitable. Then even more so that her children will always be endangered and seen as a looming threat. My issue with Otto as conniving as he is was he and his faction never groomed Aegon to be a king just a faceless pawn they can use to push their own ambition which was foolish for people to have spent nearly twenty years for a coup to not have their main piece actively molded by them is a shame.

[@shadysorkin9214]

I have to disagree. Ned stark was far more warranted in his actions. Cersei's children were not in the line of succession to inherit the throne, being bastards by her brother who was a Lannister. Rhaenyra was the heir to the throne, and only after Otto himself pressured Viserys to name her because he wanted to eject Daemon. Rhaenyra has her father's blood, has male heirs in her children, and is beloved by the people. Otto's actions were entirely power driven, and it really is not as morally grey as people are pretending it is. Some point to male primogeniture, in a house that has dragons. The lords have no choice but agree to Rhaenyra's rule when there's dragons, so this argument is kind of dumb.

[@MissKashira]

Alicent misunderstanding Viserys didn't lead to the war. When she told the council, they didn't even seem to believe her and had been planning the coup for YEARS behind her back. The ONLY thing that scene changes is Alicent's feelings towards Viserys. She feels like in his last moments he did right by her children. Because don't mistake it, keeping Rhaenyra as heir was a betrayal. It was the theft of her son's birthright. So all it really changed was allowing her to mourn him, because if someone betrayed my sons the way Viserys did I'd spit on their corpse and leave them to rot. Alicent has gone above and beyond performing every wifely duty to the best of her ability with a smile on her face when inside she wanted to cry and there were certain things she was due for that service. People read Alicent going after Rhaenyra with a knife as proof she's crazy and bitter, but really it shows how unjust her situation is. An eye for an eye is their definition of justice. They cut off body parts left and right in their culture. From Alicent's perspective, four children accosted her child with weapons and cut out his eye and for that they SUFFERED NO CONSEQUENCES. And her children aren't just any children. THE KING'S SON was maimed!!! What's the point of marrying the king if it offers NO protection for your children? Viserys was more interested in who called Rhaenyra's bastard kids bastards than his son's missing eye. That tells those boys they don't matter at all. They are below even bastards, the lowest of the low in importance to their father. Compare what Viserys did (literally nothing) to a similar scene with Robert as king. When Joffrey says he's been attacked, Robert "makes it right" by ordering Lady killed, even though she had nothing to do with it. Basically the Lannisters suffered, so he makes the Starks suffer. He balances the scales. Everyone is miserable and justice is done. Viserys doesn't balance the scales, he takes nothing from the blacks to make them suffer as the greens suffer. That's why Alicent is demanding eyes and going after people with a knife. She wants justice but will get none because Rhaenyra may do as she pleases as may her bastards and will never suffer consequences for her actions. In other words, every bit of this is Viserys' fault.

[@johnlim1467]

Ofc Viserys would be more invested in Rhaenyra’s and her children’s well being. Heir >>>> spares

[@MissKashira]

@@johnlim1467 And since Aegon should be the heir, all the privileges that go with it should belong to him and his brother. Therefore being cut down by bastards and suffering no consequences should in all rights make her hate him. He basically robbed her. His sons should hate him. He robbed them too. That's why Aegon was insistent his father didn't love him. And he calls Rhaenyra "his only child." So yeah, that misunderstanding changes nothing except for Alicent's feelings towards the man that betrayed her and her children.

[@bettinanielsen6336]

@@MissKashira Aegon should be heir why, exactly?

[@MissKashira]

@@bettinanielsen6336 Cause them be the rules. They all agree with the rules even Rhaenyra (trying not to use book spoilers but Rhaenyra is faced with the same decision and rules opposite of what her father chose). And Viserys doesn't change the rules. He just makes an exception for only his daughter cause he liked her mom more which is a terrible reason to break the law and throw the kingdom into chaos after your death. Build her an altar or something if you're feeling guilty. Remember when Randyll made Sam go to the wall instead of just naming his younger son his heir? It's cause you can't do that. You can't just pick the kid you like most to inherit. It'd be like our supreme court swearing in the person who won the popular vote over who won the electoral vote as President. How do you think we'd react to that? Yeah, that's how Westeros reacts to their laws being ignored too.

[@bettinanielsen6336]

@@MissKashira The king named Rhaenera heir. It is not tradition, but not against the rules. She is still the eldest child. If there is to be a male heir it must be Rhaenera's child. Aegon is only second born. The fact that he is male is the reason for the conflict. But Visarys is king. His word is law. He named Rhaenera heir and continued time and time again to reiterate this. His motives notwithstanding, these are the rules. Is it a gamechanger? Yes. Thus the basis for the war. The Lords swore to uphold Visarys' decision. If they disagreed so much, they had an opportunity to do so then. But they didn't.

[@BNutsTV]

What a great video! You made me rethink about certain characters.

[@inickedurnan941]

“Reluctance to murder is not a weakness” Indirectly ordered the deaths of the Strongs and directly ordered the death of the white worm. Stole her sick and dying husband’s (The literal King) dagger and tried to take the direct heir’s son’s eye after he cut her son’s out after Aemond tried to murder them with a rock. Such high morals, I should feel soooo sorry for her.

[@k.w.8332]

The writers don't be giving her any justice. Adult Alicent is a walking contradiction most of the time.

[@natzbarney4504]

She never ordered the deaths of the Strongs, this is bullshit. And she defended herself against somebody who spied on her. And yes reluctance to murder is not a weakness!

[@natzbarney4504]

@@k.w.8332 She have a true character arc, she evolves from a pawn to a true queen through the season. First out of naivety, then out of Otto's manipulation. Sure, she's torn between conflicting motivations, but this is the human heart in conflict with itself, and it's great! She is an amazing character, the most fascinating and compelling of the show.

[@k.w.8332]

@@natzbarney4504 I respectfully disagree. Daemon is more interesting imo.

[@k.w.8332]

@@natzbarney4504 If she is such this pillar of righteousness why wasn't there any consequences for Larys offing his family, even when she didn't want that outcome? One of the big themes in GoT is the fact that if a character makes a huge and impactful decision, there will always be a consequence. But no precedence was set for Larys committing crimes. No true consequences for Criston Cole's insubordination. It's makes some character's actions none have any weight if they are free of punishment. And a lot of that stuff happens on Alicent's watch. Like the Queen is just letting all of this crazy shit happen but wants to stand on her high horse when the plot needs her to.

[@mattearl149]

Loved the Negan reference

[@TD0150]

I thought I was the only one who caught onto that

[@moondancer5548]

Thank you for Green's perspective! I like that you understand that story is not black and white. Many people don't understand that.

[@thegoldman25]

Thank you for watching! Also i noticed you have the same name as one of the dragons :)

[@PrincessVelaryon]

Really enjoyed your review 👍🏽 brilliant 👏

[@thegoldman25]

Thanks so much!

[@Ian18741]

Rhaenyra is a woman who is just trying to live her best life ... and when she realised at the wedding just how severe the consequences of her actions are. She did her best to do what was required of her. She had to bear chiuldren and her husband was infertile, what did you expect? In those days, it would have lost her throne completely. I believe that she stayed in King's Landing to bond with her siblings and her children bond with them also. But that weas impossible because the Greens and that jealous guard were all actively and grotesquely ensuring that they create a divide amongst them. Alicent was so obsessed with her that she doesn't even raise her children, which is why they turn out to being like that. Many children are raised by single parents but don't turn out like hers even in HoD and GoT. Stop excusing her blatant hatred, it's unwarranted, sure she lied when shge was a teenager, what teenager has never lied before? Do not. Yes her father could have intervened but it would never have helped long-term, it could have prevented what happened. It all boils down to the Hightowers and their decisions. Every bad thing hereon out is their faults and theirs alone.

[@TawanaEvangeline]

Exactly! Even him blaming Rhaenyra for not “bonding” with her half siblings as if we didn’t see where Aegon had no real interest in the throne til Alicent manipulated and forced him into hating his sister to claim it lol

[@Ian18741]

@@TawanaEvangeline exactly. It’s so funny how people always choose to have selective amnesia

[@EddieNgatia]

gotta say bro...aside from your AWESOME content ....your thumbnail game is too fuegooooooo

[@thegoldman25]

I can’t take the credit for that, look up Render Driver on Instagram, he makes them for me!

[@EddieNgatia]

@@thegoldman25 noted brother!! but for you bro...we as your fans gotta give you your flowers!! keep it pushin my gee

[@thegoldman25]

thank you for the support!

[@leaundrajones2392]

I literally could not have said it better myself. Well done.

[@jolinefields3460]

Enjoyed your very well spoken character briefs, understanding of the world , and pacing and tone of your delivery and agree with your appreciation of the miraculous accomplishments this show achieved in a post GOT universe! Allowing differing perspectives characters continue to develop and evolve as results of their circumstances keeps them from stagnating and the viewer immersed themselves as you say it shows both short and long term consequences of actions and motivations. Aemond is by far my favorite character (even tho I can admit to the excitement of the fatal attraction towards Daemon and young Rhaenyra😊) Aemond (season one at least, no didn’t read the books) is the epitome of loyalty intelligence perseverance desire discipline and fully embodies that power of drawing strength from within using his adversities as motivation to sharpen up not seek outside distractions.

[@tails5907]

one thing that makes GoT and HotD great too is the music. ramin djawadi is a master at what he does. he is equally as important to the writers, producers, directors and actors/actresses.

[@thegoldman25]

this is true!!!

[@Hellzangel115]

I honestly refuse to give otto so much credit as being a product of his world as he has gone out of his way to manipulate his own daughter, the king, and many others. Hes not innocent and he is in no way a good character. I can day the same for of course other characters but otto has most definitely been a main orchestrater in the game and its current status. While i think youre right on a lot I think your also giving face value opinions on some of the characters personalities. But it definitely opens the mind to new views on the story so thank you for sharing

[@loverofthearts222]

I absolutely love your picture of Martin and his characters!!! Subbed and Notifications On 🙏❤️

[@thegoldman25]

thank you!

[@muffin6369]

Just subscribed. Love your content and observations,

[@mpalfadel2008]

Does anyone know what the repercussions of Rhaenyras children being recognized as bastards? Why she fought so hard to make sure her son inherited Driftmark? The answer is pretty obvious…

[@made-line7627]

Treeeeeeasooooon

[@mpalfadel2008]

@@made-line7627 ☝️

[@Shishkebarbarian]

I was so happy that this show turned out great. GoT seasons 7 & 8 crushed me. The writers/showrunners of HotD should've made Seasons 7-10 of GoT. I'm new to your channel - this is my 2nd vid i watched after the GoT+3yrs one and your insight is fantastic. Sub'd.

[@terryholley7206]

bro u just made me rethink which side i take completely when u drew the otto ned parallel, no matter what my favorite character is bloodraven n if im not mistaken he ensures daemon aegon and aemond death and that comforts me.

[@impulsop1397]

Great video kinda wish you also talked about the dragons as well

[@sarcasmxkate]

There are many people to blame for what happens and I think that's what makes the show so interesting. Viserys for all the obvious reasons, Otto too, but one of the biggest misfires is that Lyonel Strong had the chance to suggest Harwin to wed Rhaenyra! That would have prevented everything that follows. What seemed like a lovely selfless idea he had at the time, was actually a massively terrible idea. I genuinely can't stop thinking about that and I think Viserys would have at least considered it and talked to Rhaenyra about it. Because at least Harwin was not a baby! Still one of my favorite scenes to this day. Paddy mostly gets praise for episode 8, but that man had some of the best comedic moments too. His facial expressions were on point.

[@tokidoki3405]

I like this video but some fundamental issues about some of the 'facts': first, rhaenyra and laenor *did* try to have children, they do say this in the show, but clearly it didn't work. Second, Lucerys is heir to Driftmark because his last name is Velaryon, and Corlys wants his legacy to pass to a Velaryon. Daemon's daughters are Targaryen, not Velaryon (despite having both bloodlines) and if they married they would take their husband's name. Corlys makes a whole speech about how a name is the most important thing to him in his legacy. So of course Driftmark passes through the Velaryon name, and not to his Targaryen granddaughters (which was part of the compromise for them to marry Rhaenyra's children, as then they would have both bloodlines and still be called Velaryon).

[@Mar-sm6hk]

love this video! u may be the only person i know who understood the characters the EXACT same way that i did, crazyyy.

[@thegoldman25]

Awesome!

[@jaco3394]

Something that I find interesting is that Cersei and Alicent are basically the complete opposites of each other in terms of parenting style. Cersei told Joeffrey how great he was constantly and encouraged all his worst behaviours because of her own ambitions. Alicent does the opposite, constantly putting down Aegon, making him feel useless and small, all because of her own paranoia. However, both produced horrible sons, with both turning out to be violent and cruel. It's an interesting look at how treating your child to either extreme will damage them in the long-term.

[@I_report_scammers_spammers]

Um. Rhaenyra told Daemon that she and Laenor had had sex several times (but that "there was no joy in it"), and later, when Rhaenyra is talking to Laenor, she talks about the times they had sex. It's quite possible Laenor was sterile. And Laenor was OBVIOUSLY *quite well aware* those children were not his and didn't seem to care at all...he loved the kids.

[@dharma1666]

House of the Dragon rose from the ashes of GoT like the Targaryens rose from the ashes of old valyria....

[@shine199723]

Put some respect on Helaena Targaryen’s name, girl is more knowledgeable than we give her credit for

[@mgr7086]

Great video totally agree with you

[@UTubeandChill]

It's so strange how more or less the entire fan base ignores that Viserys had his wife slaughtered like cattle to birth his son. Now, maybe I missed the telling episode of GoT or that chapter in the books, but Ned Stark is NOT slaughtering Cat to hopefully maybe get a son.

[@bettinanielsen6336]

She wasn't going to survive regardless. They would both have died. The question was - do they try to save the baby? The really messed up thing was that Aemma had no idea what was happening, had no agency at all. Hence the butchery becomes even more appalling.

[@Sgt.Dornan117]

Thats the thing tho. Viserys immediately regrets that decision because he considered Aemma is one true love. He carried that burden to his death so much so he believes his condition was a punishment for what he did

[@alexrosette596]

Yeah, the comparison between Ned and Viserys have always been really strange to me. Ned would’ve NEVER had Catelyn cut open against her will. Viserys didn’t even have the balls to tell Aemma about his decision. Ned was honorable and honest, Viserys was weak.

[@targaryen7029]

Ned Stark is an exception of the rule in Westeros, not the rule. He's too morally good. Most men in Westeros would do the same thing as Viserys, if not worse. We already have a case of Lord Rogar Baratheon doing the same thing in Fire & Blood. Obviously Ned is a better human being than Viserys, as he is a better human than most of ASOIAF characters.

[@targaryen7029]

@@alexrosette596 To be fair that shit doesn't exist in the book, it was a show invention just to problematize Viserys' character even more. There's nothing that suggests he killed Aemma in the book, they literally took Rogar Baratheon's plot of killing his wife for a son and put on Viserys. But well, obviously Ned Stark is a better person than Viserys, Ned is the most human and morally good character in all ASOIAF, and def a better man than 99% of men in Westeros.

[@EJD339]

So after house of dragon, I decided to rewatch GOT (something I've never thought I'd do) and I personally enjoyed season 1 of HotD more than GOT. I personally like the small scope and find the characters and dynamics more interesting so far.

[@carelesscupcake]

What a great video - I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE with everything you pointed out. This season was a masterpiece and I am so happy we get to watch this show :)

[@thegoldman25]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@existingthroughitall3749]

Helena "the weird bug girl". I have never related to a statement more than that in my life. I just relate to Helena because out of my 5 siblings I'm the outcast. And I'm a tarantula keeper with the occasional jumping spider. :>

[@marar8045]

I feel like I need to defend Rhaenyra a bit. Yes, she messed up by having bastard children, but she was placed in a bad position. Her husband didn’t do his duty, her father told her to multiply, and back in those times, a married woman who didn’t get pregnant was seen as defective. She had to fix it, and quick. Sure, she could’ve tried other methods with her husband, or tried to find someone less obvious. However, can’t say she was sleeping around, all 3 of her kids were from the same man. He was a lord too, so, if she hadn’t had to fix the problem her father created by marrying Alicent, she would’ve been free to marry him instead and nobody would’ve cared. Or she would’ve married Daemon from the beginning, either way, all she did was fix the problems that her dad left her along with the ones she created for herself.

[@El_.5794]

I also didn’t understand Visery’s denial of Daemon to marry Rhaenerya. He was banished twice and didn’t bless his marriage to Laena. Short after when Laena died, he still denied his marriage to Rhaenerya only to accept them after they had kids. All the scandals and events that led to the civil war could have been prevented. It’s all because of Visery’s mistakes from the beginning

[@gunkulator1]

You underestimate the massive power differential in the Criston Cole/Rhaenyra sex scene. She is a princess and he is her servant who is expected to give up his life for her if needed. That type of relationship can never be equitable. It is likely that Rhaenyra was so riled up from the night's activities that she wasn't thinking straight however from Ser Criston's pov, he is in grave danger if he refuses her. Who knows what she'll do if he was to reject her. One word from her and his life is forfeit. We know from the previous episode where the two of them had ample opportunity to get together, that he has every intention to stick to his place with complete honor. Rhaenyra flirts with him and he very politely does not reciprocate. Those scenes are meant to contrast with the sex scene, where her chaotic nature comes out and his resultant peril becomes clear. He did not and would not choose this.

[@zvons]

HotD Is an awesome show with much of the complexity we were missing in the later GoT seasons. I would still argue that maybe first half of GoT is maybe better than HotD because martin has written great drama in his books and really smart and complex characters. HotD still has some moments where audience feels like characters don't feel the consequences of their actions. If we had production like HotD but on GoT I feel like GoT would be even greater. HotD creators have shown the love for the GRRMs world that D&D never have. At least not all the time. Man if only they would remake GoT but with this team. Sadly it will never happen. But great videos man. I was suprised that you have so little subscribers when your videos are so high quality. It seems like these "x years later" and "why it's great" series are performing well so I hope that this means subscriber jump for you! At least you have a new subscriber in me.

[@shadysorkin9214]

They're very hard to compare because they're both very different. Game of thrones is a vast fantasy war epic. This first season was more like the crown, a family drama essentially. I will say I enjoyed both for what they were, but game of thrones' first season had the dialog from the books which I believe cannot be matched. Even saying so, the fact the show writers managed to create some pretty great and memorable dialog with nothing to go off of, and only short sentences and paragraphs of events to create the show on, I think they did pretty incredible. For me if I had to rate the first season of each show, GoT = 9.0 HOTD = 8.5

[@NoxDeadly]

Love it, we’re back to an actual game of thrones

[@jasperjon5931]

on the succession case about Luc on Driftmark, i think u missed some details or some of ur points are wrong, Rhaenys wants Baela to inherit the Driftmark yes, she is a true Valaryon, however Rhanyra does't have a say on this, if Corlys approved of it, then fine but he did not, he wants Luc, so Rhaenyra is involved. Here comes Vaemond who is competing with the succession, Vaemond would've had a point if the reasoning is only "I should be the one who take Driftmark because my brother is Corlys, i trained for this" something like that etc, but he did not, the reason he got is "Luc should not inherit Driftmark because Luc is bastard" and that reason raised an eyebrow for Rhaenyra, it's not just Luc claim in stake but also hers and all of his sons, if that argument of her was proven then she's fcked. so my point is, i think if Baela would be the one who inherit Driftmark, she will support it but the thing is that if Luc would not get it, the issue of legitimacy of her son will always get stronger. Also: you forgot to mention about how Alicent is shouting to the councel that no one will kill Rhaenyra because i think thats a wholesome moment for her and for their love to one another, and also where she keeps reminding Aegon to not to take a sword or a fight on Rhaenyra sides when he become and king, and not to listen to Otto her grandfather.