Red & Gold 😭 | House Of The Dragon Ep 2x4 Full Reaction | HBO Max & Crave

[@govinddas7876]

It is so sad that Sunfyre is the only being that has shown any affection towards Aegon. His cries after getting wounded were horrifying :(

[@stitchedfreedom]

What got me was when it was flying away, essentially running, after being clawed. It looked like it was panicked and it was crying in pain, just before the bite at the wing. I was supporting Meleys in this fight, but seeing Sunfyre essentially being a loyal, compassionate animal being bullied and hurt and seemingly not understanding what was happening was so sad. Lots of conflicting feeligns

[@willparks3429]

He got fired as king

[@govinddas7876]

@@stitchedfreedom he's also a baby who has never seen any fighting. Wonder if he thought he's just going for a ride with Aegon and was suddenly put into a fight with two bigger meaner fighting dragons. Poor boy

[@awhartig5847]

The writers really said "you thought a kicked dog was bad? Time to adjust your expectations."

[@mischr13]

@@awhartig5847 😭

[@JoeKeller87]

I just realized that this episode, front to back, is just Aegon getting roasted.

[@willparks3429]

Sick burn

[@ouandello]

Figuratively at first, then literally at the end. "Karma, she is a bitch. She may be slow, but she never forgets".

[@Sinvare]

@@ouandello He had it coming. His bastards are fighting in the pits.

[@askyeyv7039]

@@Sinvare not all + it's not him who put them there. going to watch it doesnt mean he's at charge or anything

[@matheuskeunecke1335]

While people are fighting with Dragons my man Daemon is living Silent Hill

[@mamaseesa3122]

More like Luigi's Mansion

[@valerieledge]

Lol these two comments are soooooo unoriginal it’s painfully unfunny now

[@matheuskeunecke1335]

@@valerieledge You can just ignore it...

[@valerieledge]

@@matheuskeunecke1335 nope. it’s my account I can comment on what i please, hope this helps!

[@greendragon4870]

Sunfyre saved Aegon. He shielded him with his wing from fire and then while they were falling he turned over so that fall didn’t killed Aegon

[@DaleKelly1971]

That still should have killed Aegon.

[@SpiralSine6]

Everyone’s craving dragon on dragon violence until the moment Sunfyre gets clawed in his chest. Then you realize it’s a lot closer to dog fights than tank battles.

[@Skye_Writer]

Well said! Every reactor is hopping up and down shouting "Let's GO!" and soooo excited to see dragon battles...then you hear the dragons cry out in pain, and see them bleed, and you remember that 20 minutes ago they were nuzzling their riders and basically purring with happiness to see them. Just breaks the heart.

[@LunarHexagon]

I kept saying “no! Stop!” Out loud when it started getting really bad - it’s literally like watching a dog fight, especially a fight with at least one dog you love.

[@shanekeg]

I was here for it in the beginning and still am. Let them fight!!!!

[@pagm4n]

All too often people forget that dragons don't really get hurt by fire, maybe their wings, but it does no real damage to their bodies, so they only have claws and teeth, which does make things so much more.....intense. It is all too much like dog fights, cock fights, lions or other predators ripping into each other. It is a vicious scene and so while it sounds awesome in theory, it is a horror to see. And the show has done such a great job in making us understand that the dragons do, for the most part, care about and share a bond with their riders.

[@jag9872]

This isn’t Pokemon I don’t know what some watchers were expecting 😅

[@samanthaa.6055]

Aegon didnt have infinite possibilities. His father should have given him lands and a title somewhere far from the capital to give him a sense of purpose, but Otto and Alicent kept him close and useless in order to strike after Viserys died.

[@Skye_Writer]

Yep. They never did anything to prepare him to be the king, which is why he tried to run away, why he begged Aemond not to take him home. He didn't want it, he knew he wasn't ready for it, and he was scared to death of being a bad king. They want him to sit around and "learn from the wise counsel of the better minds" around him, but they didn't do that when he was young and impressionable. They waited until he was a 22-year-old who had been spoiled all his life and allowed to do whatever he wanted because he was the Spare instead of the Heir...and it's much too late.

[@MarkusR144]

@@Skye_Writer They did (or didn't) do all that because they didn't plan for Aegon to rule. Otto was going to rule and Alicent was going to pretend to rule until the men decided it enough time had passed to put her to pasture. Aegon was just supposed to sit there and "be king" by "living and breathing".

[@NeedsContent]

Rhenys is no coward. This was a rare chance to take Vhagar out and she took it. RIP, Queen.

[@matheuskeunecke1335]

Fr. She also not stupid leaving would damage Rhaenyra image in the realm.

[@neomohoto8861]

That’s what ppl don’t get. The opportunity was there

[@closjay8323]

She got shit on

[@mightypigeon836]

@@matheuskeunecke1335anyone would understand, you don’t face vaghar alone. Nothing dishonourable about using your brain

[@GreenNinjaCactus]

​@@closjay8323hardly, she got a bunch of good hits in. Just should have been more careful with the cliff, but other than that had a very good shot 1v1. If she got shat on, it would have been no contest whataoever.

[@theshadowling1]

The scene with Rhaenyra being challenged by her council was so essential for the end of last episode to work. There were consequences for Rhaenyra not naming a hand, not leaving any instruction before vanishing, and even Jace is questioning (rightly) the wisdom of what she did.

[@WarNeverChanges9191]

She should just make Corlys Velaryon her hand.

[@theshadowling1]

@@WarNeverChanges9191 She should have. Then Cole's army might have not been able to sack Duskendale, or at least some of the garrison could have been recovered.

[@govinddas7876]

Yeah she mentioned mistaking her caution for weakness but she was weak. Her council men's houses are being slaughtered while she waits. I think it was a good scene especially showing Jace getting annoyed as well. And following that with her revealing the prophecy *chefs kiss*

[@tanukinoyami]

Rhaenys had no choice but to be the sacrifice. Even tho Rhaenyra wanted to be on the battle lines, she can't because she was the claimant to the throne, they can't risk her dying. Daemon is too busy dreaming, and will never follow through a plan to the letter. So the next best dragonrider was Rhaenys, and she might have had a chance if it weren't for Aegon and Sunfyre.

[@Joshcoshbagosh]

Rhaenyra going to King's Landing was obviously a hail mary attempt at peace, but at least it was an attempt at peace. Exhausting "all" options before the inevitable could truly come to fruition. It was a respectable decision imo, and she even offered to go into battle herself first. I get why her council was frustrated, but I also get why she didn't tell anyone because obviously they would have been opposed. Too many one sided takes on Rhaenyra's decisions imo. There are consequences for everything that everyone in this show is doing

[@solesofwind9543]

I'm with you with the empathy thing. You can have empathy for only certain parts of a character while not excusing his wrong doings (and still not liking others parts of the character). It's because you relate to the emotions/experiences they feel/live. I think Aegon should be punished for the crimes he commited but I don't take pleasure seeing him being humiliated and rejected by his family. It makes me sad to see someone trying to please, being treated as shit constantly. They forced him to be king (he screamed he was not suited for it in s1 and begged to not be king) and now they mock him for being bad at it...

[@stew-03]

No sympathy for a r*pist.

[@vivien8417]

aegon to me is the best character in the show & one of the best portrayals of a tragic character/anti hero i’ve seen on screen. if they don’t ruin his character & keep this up, by the end of the show i think he’s gonna be up there with jamie lannister, walter white, paul atreides etc

[@minerva566]

​@@vivien8417 same, I believe he's the best written character in the show and Tom is doing a formidable job playing this role

[@askyeyv7039]

@@vivien8417 The only thing is writers are constantly trying to undermine his character that Im not sure he might be on jaime's level (also that bullshit rape scene aint helping cause for some people it's worse than murder). Tom literally said they wanted him to look like aegon doesnt know how to ride his dragon (who cares, they had the best bond in the books) and that they made him look ugly and drank while riding to once again undermine him. With all that I really wouldnt be so sure about his future. SPOILERS>>> I wouldnt be surprised if they completely cut sunfyre vs greyghost and then change so much in moondancer fight. Not to mention they need to write completely new story for him as he needs to do something after KL and before Dragonstone and there is no way they cut him for entire season

[@vivien8417]

@@askyeyv7039yea bro that’s why i said “if they don’t ruin his character”. 😂 i’ve also been wondering what they’ll do to his character within that period cause that’s like 2 seasons worth of original content they’re gonna have to come up with for him. me personally i think the perfect arc for him would be to have him contemplating on whether to abandon his family & the throne or to go back & protect them, i think they could make the death of helaena & maelor his breaking point, & ultimately the reason he decides to go to dragonstone

[@penguin50279]

poor sunfyre, he thought him and aegon were just going for a fly and ended up in a war he wasn’t at all prepared for. and the book actually says meleys had a chance against vhagar in a 1v1.

[@alexanderwiles2003]

yeah seeing how affectionate sunfyer was with aegon and his sweet laugh when they interacted before flying out really made it clear how innocent a bond they had and how unready both were for the conflict

[@mjbull5156]

Rhaenys may have been brave, but she also may not have had a choice. Melys might be able to outmanuever Vhagr, but might noot have been able to outrun over a long distance.

[@aquele4virou3]

⁠@@mjbull5156 she definitely could lmao vhagar is slow and heavy as fuck, any dragon could outrun her. Arrax doesn’t because of the rain only, and Meleys is actually the fastest of the dragons. She also could probably have won against Vhagar or at least taken her with to the abyss if not for Sunfyre. Vhagar is big, but she is old. If they had tag-teamed her with Meleys and Caraxes as Daemon suggested, it was a for sure win. Coming back and dying to protect Rook’s rest was Rhaenys’ choice. Vhagar wouldn’t follow her to Dragonstone and she would never catch up to her.

[@Rash23215]

​@@mjbull5156 she definitely did

[@SpiralSine6]

@@mjbull5156 “Princess Rhaenys made no attempt to flee. With a glad cry and a crack of her whip, she turned Meleys toward the foe. Against Vhagar alone she might have had some chance, but against Vhagar and Sunfyre together, doom was certain.” - excerpt from Fire and Blood

[@LS13.]

Aegon too lazy to learn Velaryon but is stubborn and legitimate enough to teach Sunfyre English. They have the best bond from all riders. Sunfyre is a good boy, chest torn still goes for the neck, still flies, than falls on that chest to try and save his rider

[@NickP666]

If Aegon is still alive, I'm guessing its because Sunfyre broke his fall, I believe that, and I would need to go back and check, but I think we see him turning at the very end to land on his belly to save Aegon, kinda like earlier when he's falling and manages to turn back up and avoid crashing (the moment when the blood is pouring out and on the soldiers)

[@100hellcaretaker]

Yeah, you can see Sunfyre manages to turn in the air just before falling into the trees (also tries waving his wings as much as possible while falling down to slow the fall).

[@stitchedfreedom]

@@100hellcaretaker I love these details. They are nailing the dragon 'body language', as such.

[@TheDigitalThreat]

people have survived jumping out of planes with failed parachutes before (from much higher drops) so technically its possible to survive such an impact. Super duper highly improbable especially if encased in a metal shell, but still more real/possible than dragons existing :)

[@lustrazor44]

He’s alive. If he was dead the show would have made it clear.

[@skyewatson]

Aemond was the real winner this episode. Both greens and blacks took big losses.

[@SlavYuriy]

Did they though? I am pretty sure Sunfyre stays alive though incapacitated and the show didn´t really confirm whether Aegon is dead or not. (Cole might be kneeling from pitty or fear of consequences, or perhaps from relief he is alive... or perhaps they just presume him dead) Vhagar and Aemond seem pretty much in perfect condition and their army probably took from what could be seen 50-70% losses and many of their men were expendable turncoats anyways. The Blacks on the other hand lost their biggest and most experienced dragon with their best and most importantly stable rider (unlike other),also lost all of the mainland Crownlands territory. Can´t wait for next week.

[@monlovchel]

@@SlavYuriy Caraxes is actually bigger, more experienced, and more vicious.

[@blockboi3816]

​@SlavYuriy Yes. The King is down for the count rn, that's an big L. They lost a dragon as well, Ntm the men they lost in taking a small Castle. Also, Vhaegar took damage.

[@minerva566]

This

[@valscottage]

@@SlavYuriy meleys is only slightly bigger than Caraxes and is NOT the most experienced dragon. Meleys's previous rider was not a warrior and neither was Rhaenys, and they had never actually been to battle before. Caraxes has seen war multiple times, so he's definitely more experienced. The Black also have wild dragons. So all is not yet lost.

[@cliveklg7739]

Meleys looking back at Rhaenys was heartbreaking. Rhaenys couldn't run and she knew it, not because she'd be caught, because it would have lost them the war if she was seen running away from her duty to protect their allies.

[@ihcatih10]

The moment I saw Aemond speaking in Valyrian to Aegon, I was like „dude, does he even understand it?” and then immediately, „oh, right, that’s the point” 😂 It’s such a nice touch that literally everyone talks to their dragons in Valyrian (with Luke being the youngest and arguably having the best pronunciation), but Aegon only knows dracarys and uses it so poorly. Also, I feel so bad for Sunfyre. That little nose boop he gave Aegon? Poor boy thought they’re going for a ride and ended up in a freaking war 😢

[@nikitasingh0412]

sunfyre is bilingual, he knows the common tongue

[@HaldorZX]

To be fair he might more or less understand Aemond, just not be able to reply. it's a lot easier to understand another language then speak it.

[@cheeseninja1115]

When dragons dance, the smallfolk suffer.

[@nickrubin7312]

16:29 Nah, she truly meant be a puppet, listen and do what other big-brains tell you to, that being said big-brains are me, your mother, and my father Otto Hightower. Basically, do nothing, let us rule. Which not a terrible plan, but kind of brutal to say to your son, who you put on the throne specifically to be manipulated by you. As you said, he says "I feel insignificant", and Alicent is like "yes, you're insignificant, what, you don't like it or something?"

[@thanaaabdullah3452]

Rhaenys is a Boss!!! Put respect on her name!!!! No retereat, no surrender!

[@slydakota8143]

I Totally agree in their decision not to show gruesome battle until now. It really does emphasize Rhaenyra’s caution. As y’all said the minute, she said yes it was a bloodbath. I think it gives her compassion so much more weight and meaning.

[@SSenaida]

You can have empathy for someone that has done awful things. They are a product of their environment. It's sad really! Thank you both for the reaction videos, I really enjoy them!

[@SciFiCatGuy]

The concoction that Alys gave Daemon was Weirwood sap, it's what Bran consumes to enhance his Greenseer powers. He drank it because he had just seen her eat some and then add hot water to it. In the books, it is said that she appears youngerthanshereallyis, but according to the showrunner, Ryan Condel, she is 400 years old.

[@aileenpi73]

Meleys could take on Vhagar but not after having fought off another dragon first, Rhaenys did get tired, but she knew she had to try and get to Vhagar, otherwise it will be her grandchildren dealing with Vhagar. Plus this is war, you don’t abandon post, her job was to safeguard the castle. She died a warrior. 😭

[@ludwigaccursed]

Meleys was being ragdolled all over the place. No real shot at Vhagar.

[@minerva566]

The Maesters in the book speculated that Meleys can take on Vhagar but it's not really a fact. I still believe Vhagar would win

[@shanekeg]

Why would Rhaenys be tired, she just held on, the dragon did all the work 🤨

[@bz6046]

Thanks for saying this I've seen so many reactors telling Rhaenys to leave. How do all these people not understand that if she leaves they look weak and abandoned their men to die. Like every reactor I've seen doesn't get it did any of them pay attention at all during the show? Also half of them thought Gwayne was dead and somehow didn't hear him tell the men to storm the castle. Some reactors even had CC on and didn't pay attention to things. People need to really pay attention to things said and done during the show. If Rhaenys leaves team black will have no one on their side.

[@Kalenderz35]

Vhagar is a dragon that has seen many battles. She is very experienced in fighting. Meleys had no chance against Vhagar.

[@bulletproof844]

Everybody is talking about how they could move undetected in Kings Landing. They didn't have the internet and they didn't have cameras. So if somone was to recognize them, it had to be a person they personally met face-to-face at some point. Since Kings Landing is a big city and no one gives an ish, when you are not dressed as if you are important. I believe that it was very simple and that the guards wouldn't necessarily indentify them.

[@vitaaeris]

What made it even sadder to me is knowing that Vaghar and Meleys were Baelon and Alyssa’s dragons, Viserys and Daemon’s parents, who loved each other so very much. Baelon’s dragon killed his wife’s dragon, and his beloved brother’s (Aemon) daughter (Rhaenys). They are all family 🥲

[@addickland5656]

Getting very strong "well you've all been complaining about there not being enough action, destruction and death yet, happy now? Because this is how it's gonna be from now on" vibes from the writers right now. Brilliantly done, pretty sure that by the time the dance is over we'll all have been oversaturated with action, destruction and death, both amongst the dragons in the air and the armies and navies on the ground.

[@BuckyBarnesNC]

I feel like they already watched the episode before this because they predicted most everything that was gonna happen 😑 And yeah they were complaining before, not the biggest fan of this channel. Reel Rejects is great though.

[@gazlator]

Absolutely! Be careful what you wish for - the audience who called for more "action" earlier might be left feeling pretty angry/depressed/bewildered in a few more episodes.

[@shortdrink873]

Looking forward to about mid way through season 3 and the comments switch to “Jesus, enough, I’ve had enough!”. Especially with the fear and tension of that part of the story.

[@retrograde9053]

The beheading intrigued me. From what I know, Cole carries a longsword, but he also uses a morning star, which is generally heavier. So maybe even without an executioner's sword, Cole might be able to behead someone with a longsword because he's used to the greater vertical slash force required to wield heavier weapons like a morning star.

[@greendragon4870]

Aegon is so gonna make you cry. He is not done

[@juno_lii]

no because he has a lot more in store in the upcoming seasons-

[@SightUnseen555]

You first.

[@minerva566]

Aegon did not have endless possibilities... He was forced to be King, they literally dragged him to his own coronation. Raised horribly, his father neglected him, his mother despised him, yes he was an a*shole he's no saint. And yes Clarous you don't need good parents to be good but these are exceptions, most people raised by neglective parents turn out bad. Aegon was craving for affection and approval from his parents that he behaved badly most of the time. He never wanted to be king and he tried, with the zero experience that he has, to be a decent king. But let's not forget that everyone was manipulating him including his own mother and grandfather, if they wasted a little time to train him on how to rule and invest in him properly throughout the years, he would've been a different person.He's not a good person but i see him as a tragic character

[@johnschmitt6271]

You joked about it early. But there was something very artistically appropriate about the shadows in the background shadows lengthening while the light faded in your room during the episode. Loved it.

[@TheDigitalThreat]

The way I took the Aemond/Aegon thing was he wasnt intentionally trying to kill Aegon, but just didnt really care and saw an opportunity to strike a blow to the opposing dragon while it was heavily occupied, and bonus that came with the possible side effect of payback and making him king! I also dont think he was planning on killing him when on the ground and Cole just stopped him as they made it look like he was mid sheathing his blade when Cole yelled his name (but could just be the way it was edited). He was fairly far from the body if he was intending to stab/execute. I just assume he had his blade out when he got off the dragon as he didnt know if enemys were around and was just being prepared, got close enough and didnt need to fight so put it away and Cole walked up.

[@olamideobatomi8006]

Aemond definitely meant to kill Aegon. When Cole gave the signal for Aemond to join with Vhaegar, Aemond looks up and sees Sunfyre approaching Melys and tells Vhaegar to wait! He wanted for Melys to finish them off and when it didnt happen immediately, he joined in to incinerate them both. He stands to be King if Aegon died and of course, there was the incident from the 'motel' and the one at the council. Aemond never respected or admired Aegon so this battle was the opportunity he required to 'straighten' things!

[@juno_lii]

he actually did mean to kill aegon..mfkr hates his brother to death man...

[@RullVox]

Aemonds dragon, Vhagar, looks like Godzilla compared to the other dragons

[@govinddas7876]

Funny that Alicent says "Do you think that simply wearing the crown imbues you with wisdom" Did she think it will imbue him with responsibility lmao. You put your unloved uncared for child on the throne and you still dont love or care about him nor teach him how to rule.

[@LuxLoser]

She thinks he'll react to her parenting the way she reacted to her father's, by becoming dutiful and striving for perfection in order to earn approval and love. Instead of being just like her, Aegon instead devolved into using vices to dull the pain of being a disappointment.

[@oxxce]

@@LuxLoserexactly!! and people deal with things in different ways everyone is a different human and complex in their own ways! i just wish alicent being the mother would realize this and nurture and tend to her kids in the right way! worst mother in westeros!! lol

[@LuxLoser]

@@oxxce Cersei has that competition stacked. She neglected and then babied Tommen, practically ignored Myrcella when not fawning over her resemblance to a younger Cersei, and coddled Joffrey into being a full blown psychopath

[@govinddas7876]

@@LuxLoser I think Cersei at least had love for her children based on her narcissitic tendencies of seeing herself in them but Alicent is mostly absent in her children's lives. i dont know whats worse

[@LuxLoser]

@@govinddas7876 Definitely Cersei. Alicent can be a decent mom, but she was burnt out and bitter from losing her youth. But a narcissist like Cersei would genuinely sacrifice their children for themselves.

[@LS13.]

Imagine a king actually fighting with you, Aegon has courage I’ll give him that. He also didn’t know about the other plan he thought it was just a take over. (Hence why they should have told him) he’s reckless still and not understanding that everyone is playing on his impulses

[@aileenpi73]

It is so sad to think about Vhagar having been Laenas’ dragon, but also both Vhagar and Meleys were once the dragons of Daemons parents, a couple and now they fought and one kills the other.

[@NerdyNightly]

Yeah this is HEARTBREAKING

[@juliegibson-2020]

Long live The Queen that Never was and her Red Queen... 😢 I was wrecked about Sunfyre already, and then those two beauties. 😢

[@douglas2938]

24:10 It's even sadder when we think that these dragons are all related, even if not as closely as Viserys' family. Not only that but Vhagar spent a lot of time with Meleys, before Sunfyre (and Dreamfyre) even came along.

[@nox2367]

Personal theory is Alys is warging into the goat in the opening Daemon scene and also into one of the dogs when Daemon leaves Oscar Tully to keep tabs on him. add to everything else within the episode and this has been the best yet or a close second

[@houseofsledge6891]

For me, any failings in Aegon that can be laid at the feet of Alicent as a parent can also be extended back to Otto. She was fully dehumanized by her father and made into an instrument of his politics in ways that violated her humanity on extremely foundational and intimate levels. I'm not at all looking to excuse Aegon's monstrosity or Alicent's inability to present her humanity... but I think its maybe noteworthy in any discussion of inherited trauma and inherited abusive and neglectful patterns in that family that Alicent has acquired that very intensely from her father. Also, y'all feeling for Sunfyre and the dragons for having to pay for this war with their own pain and loss of life I totally share. Every time I watch a reaction and Sunfyre screams, I just tear up. Sunfyre is an animal who has known a life of flying for joyrides and being pampered by the wealthiest scenario available in Westeeos, he doesn't have any idea what war is like and Aegon - in his infantile ego driven need for violence - absolutely just feeds Sunfyre to Maelys. I feel for Maelys as well (Rhaenys is my favorite character and therefore I am absolutely team Maelys) but Sunfyre is just totally unprepared for the horrors of battle and he is saddled with a stupid, petulant, short-sighted violent man-baby for a rider. I love your reactions, as always. I hope Clarus is feeling better ASAP. Thank you for what you do here. Liked and shared

[@Sold1er_Boy]

What are you talking about rhaenyra deciding the beginning of the battle. Criston cole and Aemond started the battle and rhaenyra just responded to it.

[@SightUnseen555]

Rhaenyra was the first one to intentionally deploy dragons into the conflict. She's the one that dropped the nuke and took what were a series of small skirmishes and turned it into an apocalyptic war that will destroy them both in the end.

[@Sold1er_Boy]

@@SightUnseen555 You are joking right, perhaps you didn't see that the greens deployed vhagar on the battle or that Aegon came with sunfyre. If rhaenys hadn't come Aegon would have burned everyone in the castle with sunfyre. So they both deployed dragons at the same time. Aegon is the king and he chose to deploy sunfyre as soon as rhaenyra chose to send rhaenys with her dragon.

[@SightUnseen555]

@@Sold1er_Boy Aegon wasn't supposed to be there and aemond only came out once another dragon was deployed. It was Rhaenyra who made the call to start burninating the peasants.

[@Sold1er_Boy]

@@SightUnseen555 It doesn't matter if he was supposed to be there or not what matters is that he made the choice to be there with his dragon which means that he brought a dragon to the field the same time as rhaenyra did. Aegon is the king so there is no "he wasn't supposed to be there" he can do whatever he wants and be wherever he wants.

[@datguy3581]

I liked the Rhaenyra/Alicent scene. Rhaenyra took a major risk for something she believed in. As far as how she got in, the King's Landing ports don't exactly have modern TSA style security checkpoints. It's easy for someone to slip through. It's not like they expect Rhaenyra to enter the city dressed as a nun.

[@gazlator]

Superb to see you guys pick up on the foreshadowing and subtleties in the episode; especially the idea of paranormal experiences/revelations (themselves full of symbolism and prophecy) in Harrenhal - a major feature of the best medieval Romances, like the Grail quest, Gawain & the Green Knight, etc, etc.

[@sosayweall2509]

Notice Cole sent former rajnera loyalists into the battle first

[@mhc121]

Not sure if Aegon is dead. Seemed like Aemond was going in for the kill before Cole stepped in. RIP Rhaenys & Meleys 🙏

[@Kaerion]

I'm just *so* disappointed that they cut Oscar Tully's father and brother from the show, I was really looking forward to seeing Nerdy's reaction when he found out their names are Elmo and Kermit! 😂😂

[@askyeyv7039]

the famous tully muppets? yeah haha

[@mamaseesa3122]

So Rhaenys was my favorite character, sad to see her go. Told my daughter that Baela is my new favorite, I like her personality being a good combination of her father Daemon and her grandmother Rhaenys. My daughter has a different approach. She named her favorite characters (I won't say who) and said she picked those to get attached to since they survive the story. 😂 She already survived tragic heartbreak when a certain character was lost in Walking Dead, I think she now takes steps to avoid the feeling!

[@DeversonBasilio]

Aegon's crown: +2 wisdon The ancient artefact makes you feel smarter just by using it, but won't allow it any clever thoughts.

[@ruinedx]

The Criston Cole hate never gets old 😂

[@eedve]

he is badass in the books, just in the show they made him some pussylicking weirdo...

[@waiken3727]

this shows the consequences of their earlier decisions if rhaenys had agreed to team up with daemon to fight vhagar they would be able to win because they're both experienced rider

[@197508300610]

If you want to avoid buffering, then you can do so by downloading your episodes.

[@baron7755]

I liked the light and shadows at the end, and her voice throughout

[@MarcusFrederiksen]

You can definitely have empathy for someone who has had bad things happen to them, the empathy stops when that person then decides to do harm to others.

[@bloodraven6581]

Aemond doesn't give a shit about Rhaenys dying lol. It's war. Would you say the same thing if rhaenys had killed aemond?

[@tadessemessey8098]

i think he is glad because he took out the blacks largest dragon after caraxes. Imagine if jace went omg it would have been a slaughter.

[@Rash23215]

​@@tadessemessey8098 meleys is larger than caraxes

[@vadrak6197]

@@Rash23215 Its difficult to compare Caraxes to Meleys because they have way different body types, Caraxes is longer but thinner than Meleys but Caraxes probably is stronger and definitely more vicious.

[@annbeths]

Rhaenys and Meleys went out with style

[@sbam4881]

It's interesting that Aegon II is always remembered as a rapist (as he should be) but most don't remember that Daemon is a wife murderer (Lady Royce) and he doesn't even have the excuse of having a bad mother. It's important to remain objective about crimes committed by both sides and not excuse/turn a blind eye to those that are perpetrated by members of a side that one may favor more.

[@minerva566]

Tbh many written characters by GRRM who are morally grey, like Stannis, Jaime, Daemon, Tywin, Tyrion ,the Hound, Drogo even Daenerys, who have also committed terrible acts but have huge fandoms. But when it comes to Aegon people quickly demolish his character by saying he's a rapist. Well sure but there's more to his character

[@jeringatai3156]

No woman in general should have sympathy for a rapist!!!! Victims have to live with that trauma for life especially if it conceived a child.

[@minerva566]

@@jeringatai3156 Murder victims don't even have a chance to live... Rape and murder are both terrible acts but I don't see anyone condoning murderous characters the way they condone Aegon for what he did

[@askyeyv7039]

@@jeringatai3156 sure but there is nothing worse than murder and I dont see people shitting on ALL of the GoT/HoTD characters? Why is only one crime bad, especially when it's by character people dont like but other, far worse is considered as something normal?

[@PoppieLand]

why is everyone calling Aegon dead?? the ending was not clear on that. i for one think he's alive but seriously injured which will be great for the story

[@vitaaeris]

I think the issue book readers have with the battle of the Burning Hill being cut is that the battle itself was supposed to introduce us to new characters that are present/relevant later on in the story, and it eventually lead to Daemon and Caraxes who were already fighting (in the book the guy doesn’t have this horroresque arc at Harrenhall).

[@hockeyfan131993]

Why did I tear up when you hugged her at 26:24 lmao

[@acrosstheboardcinema]

They really did a course correct on all the gripes re: cinematography from season one and some late GoT eps.

[@DarthKay093]

Aemond is now a Kinslayer x2 first he killed Lucerys his sisters son and now he killed Rhaenys his fathers cousin. He is cursed for all time now

[@Darklotsz]

he might kill jace too and then he would earn the tittle

[@penguin50279]

@@Darklotszhe won’t

[@Darklotsz]

@@penguin50279 oh yeah i know jayce dies to arrows lol

[@WarNeverChanges9191]

And he might have killed his brother as well so add kingslayer to that as well that is if he did kill his brother.

[@Darklotsz]

@@WarNeverChanges9191 im intrested to see what will happen to baela in the book it was aegon who got her in the show??

[@Triskaan]

Still misgendering Vhagar I see Nerdy. She's a grandma, not a "he". :)

[@immortal5626]

No one cares. Vhagar aint gonna be offended.

[@Rash23215]

​@@immortal5626 lol.... spoken like a true incel

[@immortal5626]

@@Rash23215 your the one getting offended over a fictional creature🤣💀 fucking weirdo

[@SpiralSine6]

Per book: “What fools we were, who thought ourselves so wise! The error crept in from the translation. Dragons are neither male nor female, Barth saw the truth of that, but now one and now the other, as changeable as flame.”

[@shortdrink873]

It really says something about the way gender stereotypes have been drilled into us from young that even those who know better, and try and do better, instinctively call the biggest dragon he not she.

[@alisonberrios2391]

It turns out I actually dont want to see dragons fight. 😢

[@gazlator]

I'm sure you're not alone feeling that. Always, always be very careful what you wish for....

[@mgatwood42]

Expectation: a might clash of the titans as god-like monsters battle in the sky for dominance! 8D Reality: a golden retriever good boi getting shredded while screaming in pain and terror D:

[@Zseventyone]

23:28 - Only thing I can think of is that even older dragon in the cave that Daemon was singing to (if he's older I think he's supposed to be bigger) or a handful of smaller dragons at once.

[@HyperSonicX]

That dragon Daemon was singing to was Vermithor, currently the second largest and second oldest of the Targaryen dragons, Old King Jahaerys's dragon.

[@agrimmeon9308]

Vermithor (nearly 100 years old) is the second oldest and largest dragon after Vhagar (181 years old). And there are other dragons on Dragonstone too. Silverwing is nearly 100, like Vermithor, and nearly as large. Helaena has Dreamfyre, who's in the Dragonpit, who's almost 100 years old too.

[@addickland5656]

Alright let's analyse this in detail. To all those who keep saying "why doesn't Rhaenys just fly away?", please think of her options considering the fact that Vhagar is completely unscathed and hasn't just flown from Dragonstone to Rook's rest and so is also completely fresh when she joins the fight: 1: fly to dragonstone. Congrats, now you're leading Aemond and Vhagar towards your queen, granddaughter, husband and Rhaenyra's heir, all nicely congregated inside the dragonstone keep. Aemond and Cole planned this ambush knowing the black's thinking would be "Aemond/Vhagar won't leave King's landing", which would lure out a dragon for them to kill. It's a one-shot opportunity that they're not about to waste, so Aemond 100% is following Meylys to take her out. If Rhaenys turns back, she forces the fight with Vhagar to happen over dragonstone, because if she doesn't hold there Aemond is just going to incinerate the castle and everyone in it as well as the presumably present and riderless Vermax, Syrax and Moondancer. And if she fights him there it'll almost certainly be the same outcome as at Rook's rest with the other three riders only having a few minutes warning. That's not enough time to reach their dragons and get them into the sky. Even if they do, unless the four of them can coordinate perfectly, one decently aimed dracarys from Vhagar and Jace/Vermax and Baela/Moondancer are literally toast. If the stars align perfectly Rhaenys would probaly be fighting alongside Rhaenyra and Syrax for their lives, which is still incredibly dangerous for both of them. More likely Rhaenyra would lift off just as Rhaenys is being killed, at which point a slightly wounded Vhagar probably kills her and Syrax too, ending the war right there. Now maaaaybe you can make the argument that since Meylys is being described as the fastest dragon in the book that she'd have a slight head start between reaching dragonstone and Aemond catching up, and so could raise the alarm in time. But with how short the flight is to dragonstone, and the speeds displayed here on screen I'm skeptical whether that's show cannon, and if it is, how much leadtime it would be. In any case, flying to dragonstone risks her granddaughter and her betrothed (we all know Baela would not have hesitated a moment to help her, and Jace is equally eager to prove himself) and I really don't blame Rhaenys for not willing to risk watching those two die in front of her. The only way this doesn't hold up is if you really believe that under no circumstances would Aemond pursue, and I just don't buy that. He's not afraid of anyone besides Daemon who he knows is at Harrenhal, is not afraid of kinslying, is supremely self-confident, and wants the glory of winning a major battle if not the war. I'm sorry, he isn't letting Rhaenys get away once she shows up. No way in hell. 2: fly west towards Harrenhal. Caraxes/Daemon and Meylys/Rhanys is probably the one combo that Aemond wouldn't be confident facing on his own, so he'd probaly not pursue. However you might as well put up a big sign with an arrow pointing east saying "go ahead, have fun", since that's just giving Aemond clearance to fly to dragonstone and kill everyone there at his leizure, probably piecemeal, before Daemon can even be reched to call upon for help. And if you think that Syrx, Vermax and Moondancer can take Vhagar on their own (take some bites/score some hits sure, but actually kill her? yeah no), then I have a bridge in brooklyn to sell you. That's no real option either. 3: do as she did. Stand and fight were you are to defend the castle you came to defend, and do at least enough damage to Vhagar so that Aemond won't risk flying across the bay afterwards, and maybe, if you get lucky, try and take the greens trump card out in one fell swoop. If Vhagar goes down, so do the greens, it's that simple. It doesn't quite work, but she does do sizeable damage and forces him to the ground, before Aemond makes use of the smoke and the castle to burst out from below (ironically, the same tactic Rhaenys used against Aegon earlier on), taking her out. Still, that earlier skydance and fall didn't look pleasant for Vhagar, and since I suspect Aemond will be needed in King's landing now that Aegon is, uh... let's be friendly and say "no longer in a fit state to rule" to take care of that political mess, Rhaenys was ultimately succesful, even if it did cost her her life.

[@Papzkxm]

Clarus your parents must be proud of what you do for living

[@Skye_Writer]

Otto and Alicent schemed for YEARS to get Aegon on the throne, and neither of them bothered to take that time to teach him HOW to be the king. She has no cause to degrade him and make him feel like a nothing and a failure, because that is what she raised him to be. When Viserys made Rhaenyra the heir, he involved her in his decisions, brought her in to serve as cupbearer in the council chamber, and later to have a seat at the table to let her voice be heard. Not ONCE did Alicent do that in all the years she and Otto ruled in Viserys's name while he was too ill to get out of bed (mostly because Otto kept him too drugged up to get out of bed). And they can't even claim that they kept him out of the chamber so they wouldn't tip their hand; Otto and the council had already been plotting to usurp the throne behind Alicent's back. He is the king they made him to be, and he realizes that when Alicent is honest enough to say they want him to sit there and shut up and do nothing. What else could he do but TRY to assert his independence (and prove to himself that he isn't worthless in order to try to squash his Imposter Syndrome) by jumping on a dragon and flying to battle? And omg, the pure joy on his face when Sunfyre nuzzles his chest...this is the ONE creature in all the world that has ever loved him. Alicent is a terrible mother who didn't even comfort her grieving son when he was sobbing over the death of his child. It's no wonder that both the boys hate her.

[@valscottage]

"what could take him (her actually) out?" well..... it's not easy, but a certain mad rider and his equally mad dragon can

[@byronabrahams871]

The one question every reactor asks.... "What can take out Vhaegar?" So, this is how book readers felt leading up to the Red Wedding.

[@garyprime6983]

I felt so bad for the dragons this episode and they’re CGI

[@maxlawton2680]

Meleys and Vhagar were bonded to Daemon and Visery's parents Baelon and Alyssa, just adds another tragic element to the story that they're fighting each other now

[@arunabhsrivastava7841]

27:10 when he said aemond should feel great he killed his aunt, yeah he should feel ecstatic, where was similar reaction when sunfyre was getting mauled and aegon might have died.

[@zaja2418]

There is also a mutant called Sunfire, tho.😄Also, dragons choose their riders, so Sunfyre likes Aegon for one reason or another, no need to feel bad for him. It's his choice.

[@Glo419]

I've read Fire & Blood & I feel so bad for Sunfyre, he really loved Aemon & he protected him on the way down in his wing. They're both still alive right now but Aemon is literally being baked inside his armour. Jesus, what an episode! Fire & Blood says, 'We shall not pretend to have any understanding of the bond between dragon and dragon rider; wiser heads have pondered that mystery for centuries.' And Rhaenys....my favorite character & favorite dragon 😢😭The last thing that Meleys does is look back at her rider. Omg the tears, this shows ability to make me sob over CGI dragon is amazing!

[@LuxLoser]

Claroos is kinda dismissing generational abuse and criminality a little due to her hate for Aegon. In many areas there are generations of gang violence, of thieves, abusers, rapists, killers, and almost all of it due to the chain of trauma and abuse and toxic social factors that inhibits and hinders the ability for people to develop into well-adjusted and moral people. It doesn't justify it, but it explains it.

[@lilalmonds4595]

I think Rhenys decided to stay because she preferred to take her chances in a dog fight where Vhagar’s clumsiness seemingly did allow for some success as opposed to flying away and being helpless to do anything to against Vhagar’s greater straight line speed and immense size

[@acephas3]

For some reason, ya’ll are my favorite reactors.

[@blackeyedlily]

I’m one of those annoying book readers, always spouting canon. But I loved the scene with Rhaenyra and Alicent in the last episode. And Moon Tea includes tansy, wormwood and pennyroyal in the book. All herbs known in real life to cause miscarriages. I also really liked the way they handled the Burning Mill last episode. I thought the cut right to all the death was a great way of showing how quickly these things can escalate out of hand from an argument among group of young men to a full scale slaughter between those two houses. I know there were people complaining about skipping the battle. But I think it was very effective and they reserve the real battle scenes for the most important moments. If we just watched battle after battle, I think the whole thing would become quite boring.

[@Tooba-K123]

Aa a book reader I agree

[@blackeyedlily]

@@Tooba-K123 Thank!

[@CoryGasaway]

"The hallucinations might be pneumonia. This place is so freaking wet!" You had me rolling. That's funny as shit 😂

[@qcosteur]

Rhaenys could litteraly end the war here. That's why she stayed. The 5 biggest threats of Team Green are here : Aemond/Vhagar, Criston Cole, and Aegon/Sunfyre. Aegon/Sunfyre were out, and she was doing well against Vhagar, putting her down against all odds. It was her duty to try. A success would have given the victory to Team Black. If Vhagar (or at least Aemond) and Sunfyre were both killed, the Greens would only have two dragons left : Tessarion and Dreamfyre. Dreamfyre is not a warrior/fighting type (like Syrax), and Tessarion is still young and too tiny to beat a dragon like Caraxes.

[@SightUnseen555]

Aegon is one of the few characters in this show that WASN'T a product of incest. At least, not directly. His father was an incest baby since his parents were brother and sister.

[@TriAliando]

I remain clueless about Rhaenys' decision, but she sealed her faith in a battle and i respect that.

[@Alejojojo6]

Actually, Aegon is less inbred than Rhaenyra

[@jjosifovic]

Arguably the greatest episode of the series so far because every scene mattered. Criston proved himself a great commander and Aemond showed how much better he was than aegon in every way. Aegon getting hurt is all his mistake all about his ego. Rhaenys plan was to win the battle she didnt expect both dragons to be there n the reason y Rhaenys didn’t retreat because the reward was well worth the risk. RIP my favorite live action female Targaryen.

[@brianspeaksnerd]

i'm here for this comfort reaction. buckle in.

[@willparks3429]

Was that heart tree sap she put in his drink?

[@artistpen5996]

Hi, I love your reaction! The way everything suddenly happens at the end really shocked me. Somehow, the pace of the episode lulled me into a sense of security, despite feeling on edge all the time. Also, "Interview with the Vampire" Season 2 is out now, just in case you still want to react to it.

[@Melodicroger]

Your attention to detail from previous episodes and your guesses (esp. Aegon not being fluent in High Valeryan) are great. Kudos on your reactions.

[@lustrazor44]

Uh. The translation made it obvious

[@Melodicroger]

@@lustrazor44 She mentioned before Aegon’s response in broken Valyrian 10:13. It could be an editing trick, I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt.

[@DeversonBasilio]

Vhagar & Meleys Funny how their former riders were married and used to travel all around. Also, the former rider of Vhagar and Rhenys daughter.

[@GamiCross]

Okay so it's a hotel room... did you bring the gigantic cotton candy picture thing with you to the hotel room? I'm so curious of this.

[@dreamshakejunya]

I’m sure all of Daemon’s hallucinations are caused by the Weirwoods lol

[@baron7755]

10:30 Look at the big brain on Clarus!

[@Wesley_Smothermon]

Your the first reaction to catch he is a bastard. I knew I loved it here. Scary we might be in same head space XD

[@DjVanillaGuerilla]

The climax to this story is one of the greatest things I've ever read. A Dance of Dragons is right. If it looks half as good as this does, it's going to be the greatest thing we ever get in TV history. I can't wait.

[@pajamaparty01]

Alicent's 'inability to show empathy to her kids at their darkest moments'. But it's only Aegon we've never seen her show affection towards. She comforts Helaena numerous times, she comforts Aemond when he loses an eye (and then turns around and slaps Aegon in the same scene). She's really got a problem with him. And I would too if that creep was my son...but she could still take a bit of responsibility for him turning out the way he did. And let's not place all the blame on the mother, Viserys appears to have been neglectful of his younger kids, and made it clear he cared more for Rhaenyra than them, even before he could barely get out of bed.

[@maxwiidanen7281]

its strange how the largest and oldest dragon out there has gotten both kills through stealth attack basically. maybe age and wisdom explains it but i feel like these battles arently being written in the right way

[@fortelewisandrew2426]

'Weirwood grape 🍇 juice is one hell of a drug.' Daemon Targaryan

[@pandorya1014]

Wild episode! So much sadness.

[@Zseventyone]

Excellent job at the end, Nerdy. I see you.

[@LS13.]

Allicent putting Aegon on the throne without his consent only to tell him to sit down and do nothing. UGH I’m starting to dislike her again

[@randallwilliamson3838]

It was so stupid. Rhaenyra is an idiot to only send 1 dragon. Rhaenys was stupid to keep turning around....people need to stop defending it, it was stupid from every aspect it is ok to say it was stupid. They wasted two great assets. Even Daemon told her that it would take both Caraxes and Meleys to take down Vhagar and if Daemon is saying he cannot do it alone, take it seriously. Daemon told them all their advantage was having more dragons... why would any idiot try to 1vs1 Vhagar when their advantage is having more dragons.... Just say they screwed up and did something really stupid and stop defending the stupidity. No one has an issue saying what Aegon did was stupid. It was stupid, trying to prove himself, fighting with honor and dignity and blah blah blah, it was still stupid to do.

[@lustrazor44]

No one knew vhagar was going to be there. Vhagar has been guarding kings landing. All episodes with Cole’s army pointed to no dragons being around. Plus, which other dragon are they going to send? They’re all small except maelys and caraxes and caraxes is at Harrenhall. She kept “turning around” for multiple reasons. 1 she’s more seasoned than Aemond. He’s never been in a dragon battle. An ACTUAL battle. Arrax wasn’t a fight. 2 - she’s not going to be able to get away. What’s she going to do? Lead them back to dragon stone? She has no choice but to keep fighting. 3 - she went there to defend the castle. To retreat would spread word throughout the kingdom that Rheanyra will not defend you. Pay attention.

[@mjbull5156]

""The Dance of the Dragons" is the fiery name bestowed upon the savage internecine struggle for the Iron Throne of Westeros fought between two rival branches of House Targaryen...To characterize the dark, turbulent bloody doings of this period as a "dance" strikes us as grotesquely inappropriate. No doubt, the phrase originated with some singer. The "Dying of the Dragons" would be altogether more fitting." Unlike most Targaryens, Aegon II and his full siblings are not products of incest themselves.