The Green Coup - House of the Dragon

[@cupcakeordeath]

The sexual tension between Daemon and Aemond was so thick you’d need Dark Sister to cut it.

[@DavidLightbringer]

🤣🤣🤣💀💀💀

[@jschoma11]

They either need to fight or just kiss already

[@rtstrong]

Daemon and Aemond see themselves in each other. It wasn’t an accident that Aemond’s actor look’s like Matt Smith right down to the jawline.

[@jschoma11]

@@rtstrong phrasing

[@vanessalore9942]

Oh for Petes sake 😅

[@markjohnson406]

Viserys pulling the knife when Vaemond calls the kids bastards is incredibly savage. The last of his strength went into that day, and it was awesome.

[@TealWolf26]

If Viserys had been healthy, Daemon may not have had to slay Vaemond on the king's behalf.

[@lewsTT1887]

@@TealWolf26 Didn't Viserys say Vaemond would only lose his tongue for calling them Bastards, not get killed?

[@jag9872]

@@lewsTT1887 calling her daughter a whore probably gave him special treatment

[@devoleno]

That's the blood of the dragon

[@jschoma11]

@@TealWolf26 I doubt the King would be allowed to risk his person under any circumstances

[@bonniebree187]

I didn't see Vaemond's beheading coming, but at the same time I was like "Dude, just be cool. You are totally not playing this game right" lol.

[@elisebrodeur-jacobs5215]

If they gave Norman Reedus a star for the Walking Dead, than I demand one for Paddy Considine as Viserys. I can't wait to meet Cregan Stark.

[@tonttu7979]

People were already saying it in the community post, but i think Helaena is set up to be on the spectrum, and is covering her ears because of sensory overload. She seems kind of awkward at the dinner table too (with Otto reassuring her after her toast). Also fits into that speculation that the Targaryens who dream of the future do so because their brains work differently from the rest. That dreamers dont just have some magical superpower but interract with the world slightly differently because of neurodivergency

[@captainziggy82]

would make sense given what we know so far about her daughter

[@jennbledsoe2683]

I took it to mean both that she is on the autism spectrum as well but also that because her power she doesn’t experience time the same way that we do. When she sees in the future she doesn’t realize that it’s not the future right now. What she says she doesn’t understand or doesn’t realize when she says it but what she sees is happening someday not now thus she sounds crazy. I don’t think she sees time in a linear way like everyone else. She slips between the present and the future. That could be the curse of Dragon dreamers and why they seem a little off. And since the Hightower’s don’t know a lot about dragon dreamers Aegon and the others assume that she is an idiot when she is just really a pre-cog

[@logancarlile8895]

Yeah I’m not sure why he is acting like it’s some crazy clue about something, it was literally on screen for one second and her previous behavior def seems on the spectrum

[@femalegays]

@@logancarlile8895 because most of the time, writers not on the spectrum will write characteristics of ppl on the spectrum as more plot devices than character that have autism.

[@AjayKumar-hh6hx]

I don't think it is that deep. People generally close their ears and eyes when they watch bloodshed in real life. Not everything needs to be about mental health.

[@nagamata]

The court room scene was an astounding example of the top notch writing in this show IMO. I felt both disdainful AND sympathetic for Vaemond, to where I wanted him to stfu, while also totally understanding, and almost agreeing with him, both on a rational and emotional level. Like damn bro, you might be right but this aint it, my man, this aint it.

[@TheDude1980]

Is Paddy Considine of pure genius, or what? I am going to miss his character, as much if not more then I missed Eddard Stark after Season 1 of GoT.

[@bibekkoirala352]

@@TheDude1980 BOTH ARE IDIOT. reason of madness using emotion to work rather than brain but it is HOTD and GOT. otherwise we would not had this great show.

[@GullibleTarget]

Veamond had me rolling my eyes the whole time. I totally understood where he came from but at the same time I was like: how dumb are you. Read the room. You said your piece and ended up beheaded. Could have lived another day to fight for Leana's and Beala. True born grandchildren of his brother. His death was totally avoidable and achieved exactly nothing.

[@nagamata]

@@TheDude1980 absolutely. Of all the characters, I didn’t expect to be most impressed by him. The other actors are also fantastic of course, but he really came in swingin, and to say that Paddy Consadine brought Viserys to life would be an understatement. It was an absolute joy to watch him perform.

[@ElissaStark514]

I just said the same! He's like the Ned of this show.

[@carter9449]

All Rhaenyra needed to do is when Viserys was on the throne, say "Your current Hand was willing to hear petitions on the legitimacy of my sons and thus my claim to the throne, if you wish that I succeed you name Daemon or I Hand now, otherwise name your Hand's grandson the heir and put and end to it.". There, war ended unless he really refuses to choose one or the other

[@aileenpi73]

Viserys made quite the many mistakes but bringing Otto back as Hand was the worse decision.

[@chrisrubin6445]

very good point Otto sitting there and politely hearing out Vaemond is high treason, and Viserys should be smart enough to know that, considering how the mere suggestion of Aegon as heir was enough for him to accuse Jason Lannister of plotting treason

[@nadjapavlovic5953]

Hand sitting on the Iron Throne is pretty usual when the king does not want to come. Which Viserys did not want to do until Rheanyra asked him. Ned Stark sat on the Iron Throne for Robert when he did not want to come, and that was perfectly legal.

[@carter9449]

@@nadjapavlovic5953 the issue isn't that Otto was on the chair, it's what he was doing on the chair. Viserys had said he'd have the tongue out of anyone bringing this up and Otto was intead hearing him out against the kings wishes

[@chrisrubin6445]

@@nadjapavlovic5953 hand sitting the iron throne in the kings absence, is fine. Hand conspiring against the kings wishes and rightful heirs, behind the kings back, to snatch power for himself and his family, definitely high treason.

[@MourningCoffeeMusic]

Viserys was serving Targaryen realness this episode. 11/10 👌🏼🐲

[@SciEntertainment]

Damn I miss Gay of Thrones

[@lolagranola77]

Paddy says that behind the scenes

[@SilverScale.]

"Wouldn't wanna sleep through your own coup?" LOL! Actual laugh out loud on that one! 🤣

[@shelleyj3704]

I was just remembering that Helaena was a fussy baby - nice touch that when we saw her as an infant, she was overstimulated and crying.

[@ryansheskey276]

Anyone even notice not only did Aemond take Jaces best shot and didn't get phased, but also easily pushed him to the ground with one arm and NEVER SPILLED A DROP OF HIS DRINK!!!??? That's pretty gangster.

[@DavidLightbringer]

I did notice that and yeah, he’s an OG

[@vanessalore9942]

Why isn’t someone training those boys?

[@yusufraage8554]

@@vanessalore9942 They are being trained as diplomats and as future rulers because Rheanyra thinks the succession is gonna go peacefully.

[@fleshbhones]

I believe Halaena is coded as being on the spectrum, covering the ears is a very common behavior when over stimulated. I don't think there's anything magical there, though she is a dreamer so you never know! Great video as always!

[@1ightcap]

yeah when it happens I thought I might have be prophetic up until the dinner, her movement seemed flappy and her jest against aegon made being in the spectrum click for me

[@nagamata]

I agree. The actress’s portrayal of the character is beautifully nuanced. There’s no reason she can’t be both a prophetic dreamer and also neurodivergent; one doesn’t have to mean the absolute affirmation or negation of the other in a causal sense.

[@dr0g_Oakblood]

Potential Spoiler if you haven't read F&B: Considering that her daughter is very much coded as being on the spectrum, I very much think that Helaena is being coded as such, as well as being a Dreamer on top of that.

[@AlexAustralis]

The thing that gets me with the Green's use of Rhaenyra having mothered bastards as a MASSIVE part of their claim, is that that's fallen apart now, too. Even if they were to disinherit her first 3 boys and name them as bastards, she and Daemon have had 2 kids, with a third on the way who are all perfectly legitimate and have full claims. So even if Rhaenyra herself was also punished for her kids' parentage, and was taken out of inheritance order, because she was still Viserys' named heir, then her sons would take up the claim before Viserys' children with Alicent did. So no matter which way you slice it, the Greens are just out to do a coup with only the fact that Rhaenyra does not have male genitalia - something which Viserys has made abundantly clear no longer matters when it comes to succession - as their only evidence.

[@AlexAustralis]

And just to add another quick comment: of course if this scenario happened, Driftmark's succession would once again be thrown into question, but as David said in the video, that really only ever mattered to the Greens insofar as they could use it to softly call Rhaenyra's kids bastards without having to say it directly themselves while Viserys was still alive.

[@PhilHug1]

This isn't me taking a side or anything but couldnt the Greens argue that Rhaenyra trying to pass bastards as legitimate heirs to the throne was a treasonous act that disqualified her from the throne long before she had legimate kids with Daemon thereby making Aegon the heir?

[@jeffrey6625]

Since Rhaenyra lied and commited treason by passing off bastards as heir, shouldn’t that immediately invalidate her claim + her blood line? Also if you want to get really technical: since Laenor is still alive in the show, Rhaenyra’s children with Daemon can also be considered bastards.

[@jollychiu1269]

@@jeffrey6625 By my own understanding, the succession of the iron throne does not state that a bastard (targaryen) can not inherit the throne. That's just the view of westeros or a faith septon towards bastards. But Targaryen definitely are not originally from westeros and not oblige to follow their rules

[@bonniebree187]

@@jeffrey6625 Yes! Precisely! Show Rhaenyra is also now guilty of bigamy presuming bigamy is illegal, which I gather it must be from the earlier exchange between Viserys and Daemon when Viserys was like, "Dude, you can't marry Rhaenyra, you're already married."

[@jamiemacdonald5203]

A lot of bs could've been avoided if Rhaenyra and Laenor found a valaryon guy for Rhaenyra to bone instead of Harwin. There's plenty of them on Driftmark, I'm pretty sure Lord Corlys himself would've found one and kept it quiet if it meant that someone from his house would one day sit the throne.

[@justinp1773]

That’s a funny premise to imagine but I like it. Probably could’ve gotten Vaemond to do the deed himself. Bet he wouldn’t be so quick to complain about her choice of partners then…

[@giverdend1416]

I think because Rhaenyra wasn't having children out of her own political gain. She loved Harwin and had fidelity towards him (hence having 3 children with him, and him alone, for over a decade) and it stands to reason to assume that she would have married him rather than Laenor if Viserys hadn't forced the issue, had that relationship and those children with the full acknowledgment and support of her legal husband, yet she gets branded a whore. In the meantime, Aegon is a sex menace, doesn't care at all about being disloyal towards his wife behind her back, and in the books he had many bastards of his own as well, yet nobody bats an eyelash or decides to dismiss his claim or calls him a whore. It's kinda funny that the solution to Rhaenyra's problem is apparently that she should have been a "whore".

[@judigemini178]

@@justinp1773 no way vaemond would agree to that, he makes an heir to the throne and just keeps quiet & lets people believe he’s laenor’s?Highly doubt that, he’s the prideful ambitious type. And rhaenyra made it clear she’s not gonna bed men old enough to be her father. Plus she kinda moves with a kind of invincibility, like someone who isn’t afraid of doing whatever she wants because she can & usually does get away with it, only recently has she started feeling threatened & doing sth about it.

[@Thewhitequeen0]

Some of it could've been avoided, but considering Rhaenyra and Daemon have now birthed legitimate heirs and the Hightowers/others still oppose them, it ultimately doesn't matter. The problem isn't with the boys, it's with her becoming Queen. They would come up with any reason to justify a coup

[@kennethmacalpin7655]

But that would require Rhaenyra to think about the consequences of her actions, which is not her strong point.

[@MaraJadeSkky]

The House of the Dragon told Hightowers "NOT TODAY!"

[@michaeldonahue1009]

Re: the courtroom scene - let us speak of colour symbolism. Notice the Hightower Hand in SERIOUS GREEN and the Hightower Queen in SERIOUS GREEN and the Hightower alt-Heir in SERIOUS GREEN and the Hightowers' own Mart-of-the-Wal version of Daemon in SERIOUS GREEN and right in the middle we see Luna Lovebugs in patterned gold like she totally hasn't noticed that there's been a dress code for 16 years now...

[@prestonknight2485]

Definitely adds to Helaena being a tragic character, an innocent bystander who is unaffiliated with the Greens

[@hardybryan]

You know, if Viserys really wanted to 'set things right' he probably should have fired Otto and made Daemon the Hand during his final day of lucidity.

[@AaronGuest]

Why? Otto was a good hand.

[@hardybryan]

@@AaronGuest because it would have avoided the civil war to come that your 'good hand' has been plotting for 20 years. Good Hands don't foment and commit treason.

[@MaraJadeSkky]

@@AaronGuest *a good hand with an agenda

[@AaronGuest]

@@MaraJadeSkky Soooo aka every single hand ever? Even Lyonel Strong had an agenda when he didn't admit Rhaenyra's kids were his son's bastards.

[@hardybryan]

@@AaronGuest Again, the good ones don't plot treason and civil war.

[@shreyakar9220]

I bow down to you for bringing us such quality content every week.🙌

[@user-uy1rg8td1v]

His eyeglasses and voice reminds me of The Corinthian from The Sandman.

[@DavidLightbringer]

oh no, the voice too?

[@alexelijah651]

Seeing Rhaenyra’s boys labeled with the last name “Waters” activated my fight or flight😤🔥

[@spaztron5000]

I now think that the phrase "the patience of Doran Martell" should be the Westeros verion of "the patience of Job".

[@cephasoj108]

Anyone else think it's kinda wierd how alicent wholeheartedly believes viserys wanted to name aegon as his heir considering viserys actions ever since he named rheanyra as his heir? Like even on the same day he apparently said that he defended her honor and her sons from being threatened by vaemond.

[@harsh_1910]

@@shippendales8543 tbf what else would she assume that that's fourth son should be king that would be a lot more of a stretch than what she believes she heard

[@papabungle]

Don't forget, while Viserys never told her about the Song of Ice and Fire, he DID tell her about his dream where he lifted his son up to the throne. When she heard "Aegon's prophecy" she's probably thinking about the dream Viserys told her about. And while the Hightowers are self serving, Alicent has seen Viserys express deep uncertainty about his decision to name Rhaenyra as heir as well as how he's had this sort of prophecy about putting his son on the throne. And while she is self serving, she's definitely thinking about that as one of her main moral justifications.

[@just42day]

Exactly! Alicent is not a freshman in the game, she’s no fool and she understood what happened. She knew Viserys isn’t at all well and interchanges names. It will be her guilt free excuse to further the coup.

[@oglocop4693]

"wholeheartedly" certainly isn't accurate. From her face, it seems likely that she is willfully deceiving herself and in the promo for the next episode she says to someone that Viserys told her he wanted Aegon to be king and it reads as if she was lying. I still think it's an unnecessary complication of her motivations and just confuses her character. But I appreciate that some people like it as well.

[@demirkazanasmaz6097]

Director said that she misunderstood

[@lucinda3964]

Maybe I didn't pay enough attention (too busy sobbing from all of the feels) but I did not notice any rats in this episode. I guess Larys is busy picking out the curtains for Harrenhal?

[@kelvinthan2127]

Wow, many thanks for this video. Prior to this, I have never realized the extend of Otto's planning. I think I finally understand why senior green members were in dismay when the event in episode 10 is supposed to happen. If that event have not had happened, Otto can have all the time to gather more support, especially from the High Septon in Old Town to formally question Jace's parentage and eventually disinherit him...ending the claim from the Black. Really makes me look at the event in a whole different light. A blessing in disguise.

[@MrLiljerk23]

Dope video! I love the part ab Helaena “hearing something we can’t” along with the fact that she’s a dreamer. It’s one of my favorite changes/additions from F&B!! 🔥🔥 I know we still got 2 episode left but maaaaannnn am I ready for season 2!!!! 😆

[@kingddg218]

Aegon the unsoberd is his new name we keeping that

[@Mallerky]

I already suspected Heleana to have ASD from her previous seemingly obsessive behaviour over her insects and just the general way she acted in those scenes, but her covering her ears kinda confirmed it to me as someone with it. Basically being sensually overstimulated so shutting off one avenue of sensing (hearing) as a coping mechanism, its common af

[@thalmoragent9344]

11:45 I wholeheartedly Disagree This Argument is still weak. The point is, they SHOULDN'T have the Velaryon name, and have no Velaryon blood. Even IF they married Laena's kids, there's little Velaryon blood there in a direct ratio. That's 50% Targaryen, 25% Strong and 25% Velaryon in the end.

[@SyS591]

Also another symbolism i found interesting is, haelena is the one starts dancing first denoting coming of dance of dragons

[@sAINTDeVille]

Seriously and FOREAL! Let me just say THIS about THAT......... I absolutely love your videos! The editing, the opening thematic music, yourself, it's just ughhhhhhhh!! All of it is a thousand pounds of glorious! I look forward to being your sub (not submissive, the other sub ;) FOR LIFE!!!

[@DavidLightbringer]

thank you! I'm mostly just being myself but I am also trying to do something a little different than what's on YT

[@Inevari]

For a lot of time it looked like Hightowers / Maesters tried to either kill or induce sickness in Viserys but after episode 8 it looked more like they tried to keep Vizzy T living as long as possible drugged up on Milk of the Poppy to have de facto rule over seven kingdoms. It's also interesting that just like you said - it took Hightowers a looooong time to set this coup ready. From when Hobert was fully on in the plan to when finally Alicent came to terms with what was bound to happen on that day. Would Rhaenyra & Daemon even be there if Baela wouldn't sent a message from Driftmark? It was a good plan & Hightowers were (luckily for us) unlucky to see it fail.

[@ToppaliniTube]

the Hightowers had a lot of power through Alicent before that and even before Otto came back. I think they took advantage of Viserys dying to take over the rule, but also, whoever was hand of the king would have done the same. From Otto and Alicent's point of view, they are in fact doing what is right for the realm and legally correct. And they're trying to fix Viserys' many failures in their eyes. If their coup had succeeded they may have avoided the coming war. Also were they really drugging him up to keep him out of the throne room? He was clearly in complete agony, he's missing half his face. Did they really give him the opium to drug him or because he's in incredible pain? The question is rather whether they put him in that invalid state in the first place.

[@jamninja9809]

Vizzy T 🤣

[@factbeaglesarebest]

Even though Fire and blood is biased, it has the portrayal of a Maester with his own biases… but I think it pretty much disproves that.

[@ryanjuguilon213]

@@ToppaliniTube Huh? How can they avoid the war when a lot of lords are willing to follow their formers king's command and acknowledged Rhaenyra's claim? Most of the Realm supported Rhaenyra. Had GRRM has been a bit better in military matters the Greens cause was hopeless. Instead he sends thw blacks's dragon roders one by one instead in mass. How can the greens deploy theor very few dragons to turn battles while thw blacks just stayed passively in dragonstone leqving their victorious armies to be beaten one by one.

[@lindagwatson3083]

Thanks!

[@bilosdiogee410]

Your analysis of this show and story, is the very best on youtube. I watch alot of channels about this show, good shows and good people. You are the best of them when it comes to simply explaining what is going on in this story, and I appreciate it. Or, that's what I appreciates about ya

[@DavidLightbringer]

thank you so much!

[@hinakhodiyara7883]

Brilliant breakdown of this episode. Thank you :)

[@fatthorstumtum6593]

Ser David of house Lightbringer lights the way!

[@zackfletcher2129]

Long may he reign!

[@cinnabartab1719]

Vaemond was completely wrong for bringing this to court. Driftmark should have passed to Rhaena first through Laena before going to any of the uncles or cousins. He was not only overstepping Lucerys, he was doing exactly what lord Karstark was doing to Alys Karstark in ASOIAF.

[@GreyWasteTim]

Baela is the older sister, but her and Rhaena have Targaryen as their last name. Corlys says history remembers names, not blood, and while Vaemond is arguing for Velaryon blood to sit the Driftwood Throne he also recognizes the Velaryon name is just as, if not more important. Luke has the name, not the blood. Baela and Rhaena have the blood, not the name.

[@ivanacvetanovic7611]

Is is weird indeed, since the usual Westerosi custom is daughters before uncles.

[@cinnabartab1719]

@@GreyWasteTim I did mean Baela first not Rhaena. Keep mixing up their names. But there is precedent in the main series about a lord taking his mothers name to claim, if I remember correctly, the Hornwood lands in the north. Baela could simply take her mothers name.

[@DavidLightbringer]

right and that's why marrying Rhaena to Luke should be an acceptable outcome

[@vanessalore9942]

Has anyone noticed how Daemon never stands up when Alicent enters the room?

[@BlackSteelKeyChain]

It makes no sense that someone whose every action shows that he wanted Rhaenyra to remain heir to the point of him painfully holding court on that day for her. She only heard wanted she wanted to here to justify what her family’s been planning for years

[@Aman-wg2wp]

My dad past away last monday and your videos are really good at distracting me from the chaos around this time, thanks 🖤

[@NaerysTargaryen26]

Im very sorry for your loss, I wish the best for you and your family.

[@Aman-wg2wp]

@@NaerysTargaryen26 thank you❤ wishing you well🖤

[@angelaaltman864]

Great video, as always, LML❤️ My favorite lines so far both come from Daemon: "Welcome to Dragonstone Ot-to" "Say it..." The way he pronounced Otto during the standoff scene made my skin crawl and excited me at the same time. 🏠 Of The 🐉

[@Matt-xc6sp]

Otto is like the big fish in a small pond that gets dumped into the ocean every time a Targaryen is in the room

[@aileenpi73]

I liked “no need” after beheading Vaemond lol

[@angelaaltman864]

@@aileenpi73 yeah, that was really good too

[@potocurry]

Wait when did Daemon say the first line? Can't seem to remember hearing it

[@angelaaltman864]

@@potocurry it was the second episode when the king wanted to confront Daemon about taking over Dragonstone but Otto insisted on going instead. They met on the bridge while Daemon played Hot Potato with the dragon egg he took.

[@bethmakesmagic]

1:04. I've been wanting to join the channel for awhile and that usage seals the deals. LOL

[@crossroaddragonfly]

So something about the last theory at 19:47 I want to also add something to it. I was re-watching the show and when Alicent went and accidentally cut Rhaenyra, that same sound could be heard. And Rhaenyra could be seen staring at that knife. Yes she is probably scared but also it is almost like she was hearing the song this prophecy was saying. Idk if it was spoken of and if so I do apologize 😅 I think Helena is coded to be ASD. But also I think she may have been hearing the actual sound the Dagger was making.

[@DavidLightbringer]

interesting! i think i remember someone suggesting something like this… it does seem like a good subtle story writing thing to do!

[@vanessalore9942]

I love Paddy and acknowledge his greatness, but no one ever comes before Daemon for me. Matt actually got some decent screen time and dialogue this episode. But yes, he conveys a lot with his eyes

[@nataliaromao163]

Amazing video and explanations as always! I get excited to watch the show then to watch the content here!!! I have just re-watched the ep3 bonfire scene where Viserys talked to Alicent about his dream. The bonfire scene + Alicent’s facial expressions while listening to Viserys’ last ramblings (they were alone and he was clearly delirious so there was no reason for her to “pretend” with fake facial expressions etc) gives me reason to think that MAYBE, just maybe, Alicent really lies to herself and (kind of) believes it (like Viserys never could bring himself in life to disinherited Rhaenyra and “betray” Aemma so he asks her in his final moments to “put things right” in line with his wondering years ago at the bonfire about his dream etc). It’s so convenient to her I think it was just too tempting for her not to buy it. She really lies to herself all the time to justify her own resentments (well if she didn’t she would be resenting her own father and not Rhaenyra after all), her actions and her hypocrisy. This was just credible enough to renew her righteousness after being a bit shaky and guilty after the family diner and the failed “coup” (also her son will obviously make for a horrible king so maybe she needed an extra reason to justify this to herself). Great writing and acting and mimics the premise of the book regarding “many possible truths”. Even as I write this I wonder “hmmm 20 years of actions of Visery’s makes her interpretation of this very unlikely”, but it would make sense for her character (even if deep inside in some hidden space she knows it BS). Within the series I don’t believe she feels her sons in danger if Rhaenyra becomes Queen, no matter what Otto says. She could have married Helaena and Jace and this issue would be over - she chose not to, so protecting her offspring is clearly not priority #1. She wants Rhaenyra to lose something as she feels she’s played by the rules and got nothing in return (“bad” marriage “bad” kids no enjoyment of life at all, also always chasing Otto’s approval), while Rhaenyra got to make her own rules and still get the “big” reward (not to mention love from her father). If Viserys could give Alicent 1% of words to enable her to justify usurping Rhaenyra, she’ll twist it and take it as gospel. But in the end the truth is, as David so clearly has explained, this coup has been in motion for many many years. She progressively assimilated it and is fully in, regardless of what she truly believes about Viserys’ dying wishes or any prophecy crap (she’s religious so she probably believes prophecies are not real or are like the devil’s work). Her possible misunderstanding changes NOTHING but her own “peace of mind”. She didn’t have ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL going against Viserys’ wishes for years (we’ll even earlier in the episode!!!) - she doesn’t care now of course, she just can’t admit to herself that she’s doing this in self interest and a sort of envy and vengeance for an imagined slight from Rhaenyra, so will grab any crumble of excuse she can. Also this keeps her from having to question Otto. She knows she’ll lose control when shit hits the fan and needs to hold on to some justification for all the horror about to come.

[@katiew.9973]

As someone somewhere on the spectrum, my guess is Halaena was just over stimulated in the moment. HOWEVER, I do love a more magical explanation. If I were to guess, I would say she might have been hearing the song of Valyrian steel when Daemon killed Vaemond with Dark Sister. From what I recall, there's multiple instances of Valyrian steel "singing" or "wailing" in the books, like during the first Blackfyre rebellion, when Lady Forlorn and Blackfyre struck each other, and it was said you could hear a "scream" for leagues around. Not to mention all of the weird blood magic related to forging Valyrian steel. Perhaps Halaena could hear Dark Sister relishing in her latest blood sacrifice. 😈

[@JEMurl]

*over stimulated

[@katiew.9973]

@@JEMurl Thank you for catching that! Got it edited!

[@MaraJadeSkky]

13:15 wow I remember seeing that video when I was a teen and died laughing at it like 17 or so years ago 🤣😱

[@DarkKing009]

“Treason…is only a word. When two princes fight for a chair where only one may sit, great lords and common men alike must choose. And when the battle’s done, the victors will be hailed as loyal men and true, whilst those who were defeated will be known forevermore as rebels and traitors. That was my fate.”

[@DavidLightbringer]

it's a great quote isn't it

[@DavidLightbringer]

did you watch me and Tim's reread of Sworn Sword? He killed the Eustace Osgrey lines, wow

[@CrashCanary]

I could totally burn down with the great Lightbringer while discussing ASOIAF! 🔥 💨 🐉

[@YourLastGreatkNight]

Another banger. I really glad that you have ramped up the output for HotD 😅. Keep hustling and growing, hopefully KZbin won’t dampen your growth with all the demonization going on with HotD videos.

[@LyndAnneCromar]

This is always my go to for an acurrate analysis of HOD thanks!

[@lucymorudu5860]

I believe King Viserys started the war the moment he decided to keep Rhaenyra as his heir because he felt guilty for killing her mother, The moment he had a son everyone assumed Aegon would be heir because he's the firstborn son. Even if he married Laena instead of Alicent their firstborn son was expected to be the heir and am pretty sure lord corlys would be the new otto because of his ambition he would also want his grandson to be king. He even reassured Rhaenyra that he will not remove her as heir to honor the memory of her mother he was a good father but a weak king. What makes me blame him more is the fact that he knew that for him to become king it was voted by the Great council to avoid the same thing that he just did by putting her daughter as heir. Rhaenyra was never gonna have a peaceful reign even if the greens were not against her, people and most lords would prefer Aegon and they were gonna fight her, for to continue sitting on the iron throne she would have to kill Aegon and the moment Aegon was dead the next in line would be Aemond after killing Aemond it would be Daerion. Alicent's sons will forever have a stronger claim, and if Rhaenyra wanted to put her son with Daemon as heir she would have to admit that her other children are bastards, therefore, putting them in danger and further weakening her claim. When she dies No lords would ever kneel to her bastards' children. If she decides not to kill Alicent's children then she would have to kill a lot of people and High lords who went against her then she would rule a kingdom where everyone hated her and wanted her to die. Never underestimate the power of small folks. If I'm getting this correctly most people would rather let Alicent support Rhaenyra and pray that Rhaenyra would show mercy to her sons and just kill everyone who opposes her. Everyone who believes Rhaenyra and Daemon are not capable of killing anyone to get what they want, then they must be blind. The guard Daemon killed did not have much in the story but it is to show that Rhaenyra and Daemon would do anything to get what they want, even if an innocent has to die. The big difference between Rhaenyra and Alicent is that Alicent got the "strongs" killed unknowingly without even planning it. All Alicent's sons have to die in order for Rhaenyra or her sons to rule peacefully without a fight and most people are saying she should gamble by supporting Rhaenyra and hope for the best why?

[@mapletree3434]

The other perspective: Jaeharys started the war by fighting for incest instead of general primogeniture. Incest was not a necessity for getting dragonriders. While, the gender of the chilld/ children can not be chosen. One simply can't decide to have sons so male primogeniture is a big gamble. He capitulated on that issue (a crucial one) which no king or queen can control, while fighting for incest marriage, which was not crucial. Finally, male primogeniture caused the war. Anyways, all rulers suck in their own way with the consequences of their actions ripple through centuries. Why am I team black, then, I can not fathom 😂, but I really am.

[@mcbeaty3971]

@@mapletree3434 No, he needed to fight for incest as otherwise the faith would simply brand them all „abominations of incest“ as they had before and cause the faithful to rise up against them. Why would he need to fight for Agnatic-Cognatic primogeniture? It’s what the lords of Westeros had already believed the iron throne to be operating under.

[@nonjabulomangoro1871]

Princess Rhaenys is proof that most of Kingdom wouldn't support a first born daughter over a son, which is funny cause it seems King Viserys forgot how he got his throne. Knowing this(his own path to being king), Viserys should have either named Aegon and not left things up in the air, or married Aegon and Rhaenyra to each other also not leaving things up in the air lol. Rhaenyra was just dumb with the Strong children, she should of at least visited her uncle every few years. That decision alone by Rhaenyra ensured a Targaryen civil war or multiple in the future no matter how peaceful Rhaenyra and Alicent can try to be now. I'm not sure if Alicent would have agreed to the proposal if the kids at least looked Valyrian, but they'd have more wiggle room. Viserys was complacent, he spoke a lot and did a lot of nothing, he wanted his family to be peaceful but made no decisions that would ensure that peace. He was just as willfully blind as Rhaenyra, that if he just says something is true EVERYONE will just believe it and move forward with it, that if he wants his daughter to be Queen the realm will rejoice in it.

[@juliemarie612]

I laughed so hard at daemons face at dinner lol

[@tiniestavenger6329]

Same lol when he looks at Aemond and sighs

[@lobomedina6312]

Excellent analysis per usual 👍 The Queen Who Should've Been is a woman of honor and integrity. When she told Rhaenyra she "stands for herself" that plays into the theme as a whole imo. Fun "Easter egg": King Viserys' mask replicates Dany's bro Viserys' "golden crown".

[@doctorajaguar]

I love Matt Smith! Great video 🖤

[@multimediafan6777]

Youre videos kept me sane for years mahnnnnnnnnnn. Ever since your appearance on in deep geek's channel!!! Keep it up man!

[@alyswesthill3562]

The sound accompanying the dagger reminds me of some of the soundscape used for magical/eerie moments north of the wall in GoT. It's that high-pitched, shimmery, icy sound...

[@Daniella040]

You’re my favorite!! Best house of the dragon content... I want you to release a book 🤩

[@tiffanysullivan5454]

That Vaemond/Hamster edit is pure gold!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tikko1023]

Damn we've come far that people don't know about Dramatic Look Gopher 💀

[@tiffanysullivan5454]

@@tikko1023 dude I'm 51, I was here before KZbin was, so yeah, I've seen it. Gopher/Hamster, who cares? It's still hilarious. Hope you had a great day😁

[@shreyakar9220]

the last scene with viserys and alicent, I think alicent is now finding ways to justify her actions against Rhaenyra cuz much like crispin, she cannot live with them, and alicent knows that viserys always wanted Rhaenyra to be queen, if he really wanted aegon to be king he would have declared in front of the court, which he didn't and over that alicent knew viserys always wanted to avoid war, so it doesn't really makes any sense why would he tell her that especially after he dragged his sick body to the throne room.

[@spicydaddy2526]

the meme editing in this one is so fresh, jeezus

[@Dylise]

Fucking great video dude. I really like when you break down the episode in that 20 minute format like this. I'ts just great. Keep them coming bro! Spiral out. Keep going.

[@Mkat6523]

I hope paddy considine gets an Emmy for this ep

[@pommedeterre3785]

Thank you David

[@atticus2274]

this show really made me come back to this damn series lol. good vid my dude

[@curtiswfranks]

I am onboard with your critique of Vaemond. I hesitate to say that I am unreservedly so, but I cannot think of any reservations at the moment - I just dislike foreclosing that possibility.

[@devoleno]

"Ser David Lightbringer, On behalf of House Targaryen we are going to ask that you stop accusing Rhaenyra of treason." -Daemon Targaryen

[@kyiwintun4253]

my favourite scene is where Daemond and Aemond had a minor stare down! and Aemond flinched!! Boy! what a scene!!!

[@jschoma11]

Monday Coupesday Wednesday ..just another week in house Hightower

[@dr0g_Oakblood]

1:32 - To be pedantic, it's much more a Baldwin IV mask than a Phantom Mask, but it's fine

[@jamarranthony]

Love these videos my man. The lives are pretty lame for me but I love you have different things for different people on the channel! May you reach 1 million subs and many more Sir Lightbringer

[@dreameroutthere]

Great vid, and I'm 100% onboard for the House of the Dragon stuff. 100,000% on point. Buuuuuut, there was one thing that is off topic. Studio Series 86 Hot Rod. His legs are transformed wrong, and being a TF fan too, the entire video, it was the only thing I could focus on. :P Love the setup btw. Ur' killing' it. Be well, my friend.

[@DavidLightbringer]

Hahahaha

[@CrimsonTemplar2]

Great episode & great analysis

[@handyshroom7786]

Great video. Keep going. How am i just now finding you? The algorithm is stupid. You earned a sub 👍🏻

[@theph0enix24]

"beware the beast below the floorboards." I think she's referring to Mysaria, She's called the white worm, that could be the beast, and under the floorboards could be referring to her spies acting the shadows.

[@tiniestavenger6329]

I like it!

[@samgrosky575]

I love this interpretation of that! It's very plausible

[@theph0enix24]

Thanks 😊

[@squisherking]

Aemond has waited a long time to get revenge for that eye.

[@NateJMusic]

I love this guy. Dave I don't comment all the time but over the past 3 weeks I've binged your videos while I'm at work and or working out. People like yourself make me humble myself in public when I profess my love for this franchise/story/fictional world. Many blessings to you and I'd love for your channel to turn into some sort of after discussion show on HBO or something man. Seven blessings to you my bro

[@postpunk69SexAndViolence]

Totally! I remember being socially ostracized when I was growing up. Being a nerd was the object of jokes and contempt at the time. Now times are changing, thanks to people like David!

[@NateJMusic]

@@postpunk69SexAndViolence do you know what's funny, I had the opposite experience growing up. I'm 25, Jamaican, 6'2, 230lbs with Locks. I've always been into sports and working out from a kid BUT in my head like you said I'm a "nerd" 😂 despite the sometimes 'bad' things I did, I was always the big guy in school that would sometimes leave my friendship circle to go debate with the nerds about Animé 😂🤣 People like Dave embody what I always thought was also cool which was to express your fandom over an IP, especially one with such a massive world with rich lore like GOT. Dave reminds me of that super cool history teacher that I could introduce my group to in order to show them that history is dope😅

[@bbsugarsmurf19]

I love how everyone is calling Aemond, "Great Value Daemon" and "Wal-Mart Daemon", I did like when he asked his nephews if they came to train, it was a ki!

[@jschoma11]

Vaemond = (Velaryon) Aemond.. who's name is an anagram of Daemon. They're all the rowdy second born sons and just like the Driftmark throne was a trial run for the actual succession of the iron throne..we got a trial run of some Aem on Aem action. In this case it was. dAemon on vAemond violence, with some dAem on Aem tension/foreshadowing sprinkled in.

[@ivanacvetanovic7611]

Aemond = Alicent's Daemon. They're both their sides Dragons - that guy that is a loose cannon but also a powerful warrior who will do crazy violent stuff for your cause that you secretly think has to be done but don't want to do yourself (especially because, as a woman and mother, you're not supposed to be like that). But Aemond is in other ways the complete opposite of Daemon. Daemon loves to have fun, he drinks, he used to go to brothels and have different lovers, he loves tournaments and to put on a show and get cheers. Aemond doesn't care about tournaments, and he really doesn't seem like a guy interested in drinking or sleeping around - he is completely focused on training and the upcoming war, and has been for years, having internalized his mother's teaching about his 'duty' more than any of the kids. He's like a mix of Daemon and Alicent in personality. At least in the show, I feel like he has most in common with her of all her children. They both have this long-time "Why should I care about their feelings when no one cares about mine?" simmering rage arising from trauma. The incident in the throne room in 1x07 was the one time when Alicent was the one who showed her rage openly, and violently, while little Aemond played it cool. But as a woman and queen, she is normally the one who represses it and channels it differently.

[@jschoma11]

@@ivanacvetanovic7611 I think they're basically the same guy but Daemon is a peace time version. He had to play fight in tournaments and drink and so on for his thrills. Aemond is less interested in those things because he's in the middle of a brewing conflict and wants to be ready.

[@OctopusWithNoFriends]

Thank you, David Lightbringer, SFM for adding in that beautifully edited DRAMATIC CHIPMUNK 🐿️ meemee... (yes I know it's a prairie dog, did you fkn know that? Yeah I fkn did.)

[@UZiBLASTER7]

I’ve been rereading the books and I noticed Allicent’s misunderstanding is exactly what happens when Jon Arryn died. Lysa tells Cat that his last words were “the seed is strong” and “Robert” and she took it as if he was referring to their son Robert Arryn.

[@DavidLightbringer]

you’re right, I think it was trying to echo that, but it just didn’t come off quite as well

[@joanlooper2007]

Loved the Monty Python intro music.

[@look4lec]

I *think* they were going for the autism route. Individuals often will resort to covering their ears or even their whole head when they are anxious, scared, or even angry. People on the spectrum have sound oversensitivity as well, so while they have normal hearing but their brain amplifies it to make it very uncomfortable. I think both for H.

[@DavidLightbringer]

Yeah it’s hard to say what’s what and very likely her neurodivergent behaviors are tied to her constant prophetic vision and hearing

[@Drew_Thompson]

Imho vaemond didn’t care about the marriage pact because it still meant bastards on the driftwood throne. People in Westeros don’t just have contempt for bastards but outright superstitions about their inherent evil.

[@ElissaStark514]

Yeah, I'm thinking of how bastardy is treated in Dunk and Egg, and there's an overwhelming distrust of them.

[@dannymcelroy7440]

Excellent review. Thank you my good Ser! You are a true Knight ⚔️

[@TheTruthIsGonnaHurt]

Thank you so much! I thought I was the only one that noticed Helaena covering her ears! (Also diverting her sight.) Without a doubt, she is hearing Vaemond's soul screaming out in strong protest, probably as it was being dragged away forcefully by the Lion of the Night, The Night King, or something else. In respect to diverting her sight, she is the only one of the three children to look away. Yes, it is ghastly sight, so looking away would be normal, but I would argue she could probably "see" Vaemond's soul unwillingly being taken away. That sight scared her enough to look away, and hints that losing his head was only the beginning of Vaemond's misfortunes in the afterlife.

[@samgrosky575]

I'm pretty sure she covered her ears cuz she's on the autism spectrum. Her past scenes and behaviors have pointed to that, and the covering of the ears is common for people on the spectrum that are over stimulated.

[@youngveteran6368]

David and his puns be cracking me up😂😂😂😂😂

[@eddyesdras]

You blew my mind... 😒 Again! Huahaha I didn't notice any of that while watching the episode 😵 that's why I thought It was a weak episode... But now, I'm seeing the brilliance in It, thanks to you as always haha 😌😌

[@TealWolf26]

Not only did Vaemond defy the king's authority, he also levied a grave and treasonous insult against the princess and heir's honor in open court. Can't be having that now.

[@SaintJust1214]

Vaemond never lied, he was a chad.

[@TealWolf26]

@@SaintJust1214 Optics are everything in Westeros as they are in our world. Truth is a luxury and has a fluid definition. Useful "truths" are the coin of the kingdom. But yes, you are quite correct.

[@DavidLightbringer]

well he did throw in the "whore" thing which was purely an insult, and no, you can't do that

[@Constantinople-uh9zg]

At least Master of Toasts Aemond got in some great lines at the traditional post-murder reconciliation dinner.

[@lucashunt4172]

One thing that I haven’t seen anyone mention about the speeches at the dinner scene is Dameons laugh while Helenea is talking about her marriage to Aegon. Thought it was brilliant.

[@Aioki.Germany]

Thx for the content .

[@jacksparrow9227]

I would have made it “you must be the one to do this, Rhaenerya.”

[@TheGunit272]

The covering of the ears looks like a "rainman-esque" type move he did when he was over-stressed. You have to be a little old school to know what I mean.

[@oglocop4693]

It seems to me like Daemon killing Vaemond somehow solidified the future in which the war happens and everyone dies. Like it just went from 90% to 100% probable and it caused huge ripples in time that were unbearably loud to Helaena.

[@AaronGuest]

Them getting away with taking Aemond's eye guranteed it.

[@ivanacvetanovic7611]

@@AaronGuest "Getting away with it" is not how I'd put it - what was supposed to happen? Should Viserys have killed or mutilated a child - his grandson -for something that was basically an accident in a fight between kids that escalated - but I agree that the way Viserys and Rhaenyra acted - as if Aemond losing an eye was not a big deal, as if he had scratched his knee or something, and as if "where did you hear the rumor about Rhaenyra's children?" was the bigger issue (with Viserys immediately turning to questioning him, and not even asking how he felt or trying to comfort him or show concern, and neither Rhaenyra nor her kids saying they are sorry for what happened)... That definitely cauised a lot of simmering rage on Aemond's and Alicent's part (well, rage that exploded on Alicent's part at the time; Aemond was better at playing it cool, but did anyone believe he was OK with it? Of course he wasn't. Who would be?)

[@AaronGuest]

@@ivanacvetanovic7611 It was getting away with. Viserys didn't even yell at the kid. In a feudal eye-for-eye world yes he should've taken Luke's eye, maybe that would've saved his life in the long run at Storm's End, and if you think that was too much, he could've disinherited Luke for doing it. The bigger issue was his son who got his eye out, he didn't care about it, he just said apologize to each other. Viserys was a fool as king, and a terrible father. It also wasn't an accident it was deliberate, after they threw dirt at him they could've ran away but they firstly started thefight, secondly pulled a knife out when they started losing, thirdly cut his eye out when he was blinded, thats not an accident. Viserys doing nothing here was the real start of the Dance of Dragons.

[@ivanacvetanovic7611]

@@AaronGuest Did you just seriously say that Viserys was a terrible king for not ordering a child to be mutilated and a terrible father for not ordering his grandson to be mutilated?! And no, they don't do that in Westeros. That's insane.

[@OldZoZo]

Helaena hears the ringing sound of Dark Sister after cutting of Vaemond's head off.

[@losttofollowup420]

Feels like those in charge slipped up with the casting here as the older version of Aegon looks by far "younger" in comparison to his little brother Aemond

[@gesucastello1986]

In Daemond defense I must say he only took half of vaemond head

[@ivanacvetanovic7611]

He didn't take any of it, he left it all to the morticians and Silent Sisters :)

[@0ceanque3n]

The scene where halaena covers her ears made my heart so happy because that’s what I do in real life when things happen. If I see a messed up video online or when my mom said my aunt and uncle died, whether it’s visual or sound I cover my ears. I thought it was actually such a human thing to do and had nothing to do with her hearing or seeing or dreaming from the spiritual realm

[@DavidLightbringer]

I get that it might be just a reaction to what’s going on, but since we know she is a dreamer who gets prophetic visions or whisperings during her waking life, it is very likely that she is hearing something from the psychic realm, and it’s wrong for you to dismiss it. She may or may not be being played as neurodivergent, but we know for a fact she does hear voices and see visions. You can’t prioritize your / our subjective interpretation of her behavior over what is stated to be fact: she hears things and sees things from the spirit world. It’s a fantasy show, she’s a magical character. That’s the story

[@0ceanque3n]

@@DavidLightbringer thank you so much, one of the many reasons i love your channel. i love your perspective on things and i love hearing different takes. also thank you so much for responding. LML 4 EVA

[@shdhfbf412]

cant wait to see the best green next season

[@raymondoutson4504]

King Vissy wanted to be tested and looked strong with the blade. He did rise to the fight, as he always wanted 🥺🥺

[@mr.simonphoenix7181]

Following what has been established in House of the Dragon, I really do not blame Rhaenyra for having bastards, she was forced into a marriage with a man who everyone knew was gay & tried to make the best of it. It was only a matter of time.

[@DavidLightbringer]

yes it's certainly understandable