Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon Episode 10 'The Black Queen' Finale REACTION!!

[@NikkiStevenReact]

HotD episode 10 full, unedited watch-a-long REACTION: bit.ly/3gCQSm5 We will be deep diving into the finale on the podcast, THIS WEDNESDAY LIVE on the N&S Live Channel: kzbin.info We are 7 episodes into season 2 of The Last Kingdom and you can find all the full watch-a-long REACTIONS here: bit.ly/3RAYZg4 The Stikker Podcast is back: bit.ly/3BglpxY If you want to keep up with us, the community, the schedule and everything we have going on, join our discord. It's fun and free: discord.com/invite/stikkerfam

[@Jnm-eq6bv]

Vyseris said : THE IDEA THAT WE CONTROLE THE DRAGONS IS AN ILLUSION

[@dannyquirion124]

@steven Aemond is not the Next in line. Aegon and Healena have three children.

[@sydnitheromantictaylor112]

Lucerys and Aemond didn't want their dragons to do what they did but since they are bonded to their dragons the dragons read their emotions and acted accordingly, remember Viserys told Rhaeneyra believing that they control their dragons is an illusion.

[@Hobodeluxe960]

@@Jnm-eq6bv yeah they are much more intelligent than people give them credit. and one thing I've noticed is just how many key events in the history of the world hinged on the actions of a beast. Be it boar, wolf,stag, raven or dragon there are at least 20 or more key events that happened because of a random animal encounter. As if nature or "the green" had some intelligence behind the actions of said beasts. In an effort to stop the undead. things had to happen in a certain way to stop it and had been orchestrated by whatever unseen power gives us the "magic" in this story.

[@Asswife]

What to Know About Vermithor, The Dragon Daemon Sings to in House of the Dragon's Finale

[@agentsculder2451]

Rhaenyra has had the most emotional 48 hours ever. She found out her father died, Aegon and the Hightowers usurped her throne, had a miscarriage, attended a funeral that turned into a coronation, confronted Otto, confronted her husband, and lost another child. That look at the end tells you everything.

[@madelinegarber7860]

If anyone needs therapy she does.

[@AutumnExplorer]

@@madelinegarber7860 Right, she's lost so much.

[@cgxrabbit1033]

@@madelinegarber7860 But She has strong will.

[@martinpardede5748]

@@StopReadingMyNameOrElse say that again!

[@cgxrabbit1033]

@@StopReadingMyNameOrElse One is gone

[@simonepala7772]

“And with Lucerys death, the war of ravens and envoys came to an end, and the war of fire and blood began in earnest.”

[@cgxrabbit1033]

Yes,people like Otto and Corolys have no part now . It's time for Aemon and Daemond .

[@DecSteele]

🔥🩸 letssss fucking go

[@HookedTapater]

RIP Lucerys. Never gaf about this in the books but the kid playing him did an amazing job and it was heartbreaking to seeing him go. Also making aemond not mean to do it was a nice touch

[@98fr0stbyte8]

And thereafter followed blood and cheese.......and the hour of the wolf is soon upon us

[@lauxantilles]

@@HookedTapater Yeah I feel the actors are really giving me a lot to care about. I felt truly so soft for Luce from his moment with Corlys, rejecting Driftmark because his ascent meant everyone's demise. I feel bad for the children who have inherited the tensions, ambitions, and inevitably, this war from their parents and the adults around them.

[@-Default.]

I was impressed with the young fella who played Luke, especially during the Storm’s End sequence. His mingling fear and determination are palpable

[@Caedus696]

Such a Strong performance.

[@ANA-il6js85]

He was amazing the whole episode. From the opening scene i felt emotional for him knowing what the ending will be. This show has amazing casting 👍🏻

[@Mandzaliallae]

@@Caedus696 shut up aemond

[@joythornz]

@@Caedus696 Looool. Is that you Aemond? 🤣

[@noobmaster8911]

Yea literally all the child actor are amazing

[@tadcooper9733]

This is the first time we've seen Aemond actually shaken since he's become an adult. Him being so stunned by this really shows the gravity of what just happened.

[@matpaterson8830]

"No man is so accursed in the eyes of the gods as the kinslayer"

[@crisc1049]

yes, cause he knows that he just fucked up everything.

[@guilhermealmada1791]

I was confused, in the books aemond besides killing lucerys by purpose, he takes the eyes of the corpse and burns the rest. I don't know which version I like most

[@Rubiecat]

@@guilhermealmada1791 I much prefer the show version so far, a 100% bad guy who does evil things all the time without feeling any type of shock or remorse is boring as hell

[@kianabueno9549]

@@guilhermealmada1791 i mean, isn't the book unreliable as they were told in different povs?

[@dihboas]

I read somewhere that during Rhaenyra's miscarriage she kept calling Daemon and he didn't go to her because he was afraid of having to make the same decision that led to Laena's death, while Rhaenyra didn't want the help of anyone because she did remember her mother's final moments, she knew the baby wasn't ok so she made the decision to go through with the "birth", I think that's why she did the funeral preparations by herself and didn't let others do it for her, it felt like "let me do this one thing for my daughter"

[@mamakat114]

That makes sense. That is very traumatic. So let's pray that's why he wasn't there. When he fell to his knees my thought is it was grief for the baby and relief that she lived

[@shevek2954]

That makes a lot of sense. Man, childbirth is so dangerous without modern medicine.

[@mackenna28539]

Childbirth, even with modern medicine, can be dangerous. Maybe not as much as it was, but still dangerous.

[@DaemonTargaryen13]

No, in the book it clearly states he didn’t go to her because he didn’t care and he was more worried about war than his own wife and unborn child. What a monster

[@japhialynne]

The baby was also a dragon baby. Born with a tail and scales.

[@dumpsterdawg]

“The idea that we control the dragons is an illusion.” - King Viserys Targaryen

[@nickrubin7312]

indeed

[@huncho8565]

Wise Words from a wise man

[@GamiCross]

This quote has to be in every comment section

[@Dagestanwarrior900]

Viserys is honorable king

[@joythornz]

Also, the next line is important. “they're a power man should have never trifled with.” - Viserys I

[@technicoloredzebra]

Rhaenys was smiling bc she noticed that Rhaenyra was actually thinking things through instead of blindly going to war, and Corlys changed his mind because of what Rhaenys said

[@eyaya123]

yeah and she simply say that this is not just you now this is WE now. making her my MVP this episode.

[@schoolgirlmaro]

@@eyaya123 "WE Lord of Driftmark!" 😂

[@technicoloredzebra]

@@eyaya123 I feel like Rhaenys kinda sees herself in Rhaenyra, she would have been a great queen given the opportunity and throughout the whole episode it felt like she was observing Rhaenyra to see if she was up to the task

[@eyaya123]

also she was like eavesdropping, saw rhaenyra losing her daughter and still was like "This girl has the 7 kingdoms on her back she needs us!" made me cry like deymmm

[@SilverJackLeg]

Yeah, I think Rhaenys smiled because she welcomed the situation where excrement is hitting the fan. She was robbed of Iron Throne, her children died... She couldn't hate Viserys much, because he was basically a nice guy, trying for everyone to get along. But this time, there are some evil assholes on the other side, she's old and does not have much to lose - payback time, finally. Everything she managed to push down inside can come out now. We saw that in the E09, how she left King's Landing. And now she smiled seeing how Rhaenyra is still struggling to do everything "nice". But as long as you have two opposing fractions aiming for the throne, it's going to be a conflict, there's no dancing around it.

[@TZoomer]

I feel so bad for Jace cos it was his suggestion to send dragons, meaning he'll take fault for his brother's death

[@animeisthewayhaha]

Not only this but he has to find out about his brothers death ALONE. His family can morn together, he’s going to be alone grieving and blaming himself 😢

[@gabitormes8184]

I hope the Starks comfort him because he is gonna feel crushed and completely alone

[@animeisthewayhaha]

@@gabitormes8184 I mean if the show sticks to the book, Cregan Stark and Jace are pretty close and both lost their brothers. I’m assuming the show will play with that somehow

[@SasukeUchiha21072011]

he gonna bring to the table those who gonna win the war for his side.

[@TheNaughtyFrench]

@@animeisthewayhaha Ok but why his family would send a letter to inform him the death of his brother instead wait he comes back to announce him and support him?

[@calebsmommy812]

Corlys said "Let's not take sides. Let's retire with our grandchildren" And Rhaenys responded "Our grandchildren are Rhaenyra's heirs and they aren't safe" It makes complete sense when you look at it that way.

[@lockelamora8099]

God I LOVE how everyone wants peace but can't trust the other side not to murder their children. It's actually a really good illustration of the security dilemma. The one criticism I have is the show doesn't fully take into account how weak it looks for a sitting monarch not to respond quickly to rebellion, meaning if Rhaenyra actually successfully executed her restraint policy, anyone sitting on the fence would either stay there or defect to the Greens. I absolutely get why Rhaenyra made that decision, since her claiming the throne really does the opposite of what her father told her to do and Daemon's dragon math is real wonky, but still -- it's potentially political suicide to hold back the dragons.

[@janellejulianajoy]

Exaxtly. Rhaenyra's children are next to inherit and Daemon's twins are...well...Daemon's. He's public enemy number one for Otto and company.

[@jmhaces]

Yep. It was pretty straightforward. Corlys simply changed his mind after his wife pointed out that his initial idea was pretty much impossible and they had to choose a side and even if their original oath was ignored, they simply have more connections and loyalty to Rhaenyra's side, as well as more to gain from a purely pragmatic standpoint. In addition, betraying Rhaenyra after this would be completely against Rhaenys' character and make everything she's done so far pointless. I don't think Corlys would betray Rhaenyra but if he did I'm pretty sure Rhaenys herself would take his head for being and oathbreaker and making her look bad.

[@Camila-oi7do]

Also Daemon and Laena’s daughters are their grandchildren. In the book there was no hesitation which side to take bc they were their family.

[@ivanacvetanovic7611]

Their grandchildren are NOT Rhaenyra's heirs, but they are Daemon's daughter. That is how it makes sense.

[@mirandavega_]

Aemond took an ancient WAR DRAGON on an intimidation mission. It was set up for disaster the moment he chased after Luce.

[@dragonstouch1042]

It’s been a consistent that he escalates things to the point where he can’t take it back

[@mirandavega_]

@Bla Bla for real! He’s like “I lost and eye but gained a dragon” and he’s still pissy??? The math aint there!

[@kingironside2381]

Yea and arrax shot fire at a dragon he couldn’t possibly beat and his rider didn’t order him to. Who wouldn’t swat a mosquito that has the audacity to bite. Arrax is to blame here not vhagar not aemond.

[@mirandavega_]

@@kingironside2381 eh. I’ll disagree there. Dragons and their riders have a bond, Aemond’s chaos through Vhagar and Luce’s fear through Arrax. Controlling dragons is an illusion, as said before, therefore Aemond is to blame for not understanding his dragon’s fighting history. Arrax is a teen dragon at best, his reaction makes sense - as does Vhagar’s. Aemond f’d up bad.

[@Tashwampa]

@@kingironside2381 arrax is a much smaller younger dragon, being chased like prey on what's basically its first venture ever. Arrax was defending itself like a cornered rabbit. It was understandable. But bottom line, this is Aemmond's fault for instigating a chase

[@joshmartin4761]

I felt Rhyneas changed Corlys mind by telling him the grandchildren would be in danger. I think he was honest with his support

[@thokozanikubheka212]

Yeah I think the Seasnake is in it for his Grandchildren

[@musicdreamer97]

That was also my take on it

[@KCohere33]

Yeah, I agree but I assume he is going to have words with Daemon later.

[@adamsgrad93]

That's how I took it as well

[@thomasjuniardi3559]

Uh...no... Rhaenys just threaten the green King in his coronation along with his families, she doesn't start the war but her action decided which side her family in the war to come. 😁

[@miriam8376]

That little hitch in Rhaenyra’s stride as she turns away from Daemon at the end kills me-it’s such a subtle moment that makes it clear her knees almost buckled and she just caught herself. Such fantastic acting that tells us exactly what’s going on inside her and all while her back’s turned.

[@Cadinho93]

Aemond: "I'm just going to give him a good scare, maybe take an eye." Vhagar: "So I ate him." I enjoyed every single episode, great characters, acting, soundtrack and CGI, especially this episode. Another thing we ALL can't deny is that the cinematography went crazy this episode. That last one take at the end was the cherry on top. I can't believe we now have to wait until 2024, though for season 2.

[@SpiralSine6]

Alicent: “So, how did your job go at Storm’s End? Did you secure Borros’ support?” Aemond: “Funny story mom…”

[@simonepala7772]

Arrax spit fire on Vhagar Vhagar: and I took that personally

[@emikomina]

bad writing from the showrunners. instead of showing aemond as the ruthless killer that he was, he is now seen as the person who "accidentally" started a war who apparently can't even control vhagar even though he was viewed as the spitting image of aegon the conquerer. what was even the point of trying to build him up as this "badass" character from being the butt of jokes and bullied as a kid. instead of a beautiful intense fight above storm's end, we got a still beautiful but "uh oh" moment. i understand the writers' wanting to surprise book readers with a scene different from the books but this just falls flat. it would have been better for aemond just lusting for revenge and he had all purpose now to act on that revenge, instead he just had a "failed prank" scene. we've been robbed of "a stormy night glowing with dragonfire above the shipbreaker's bay". it just shifts the focus to this "it's aemond's fault vs it's not aemond's fault" when the entire focus of the ending scene should be that WAR has started. bad writing.

[@Northex23]

Maybe Vhagar aimed for his eye!

[@amandai.1334]

@@emikomina what's bad writing to you doesn't make it law. i and many other's appreciate the change. i like how their showing the grayness of so many characters, instead of painting them black and white

[@jas8815]

Rhaenyra's expression at the end had me wondering where I'd seen that look before.Then I remembered seeing the same look on Dany's face right after Cersei had Missandei killed. And just before Dany burned King's Landing to the ground.

[@JorioElla]

What show are u talking about please?

[@jas8815]

@@JorioElla Game of Thrones

[@TheSReaction]

Many parallels between Dany and her great grandmother six times over. They both lost a lot and were pushed to "madness". That look was perfect for showing that they were DONE with losing.

[@HK-gm8pe]

what show`That didnt happen....GoT had only 7 seasons....

[@HK-gm8pe]

@@TheSReaction have you read the book??? Rhaenyra NEVER went mad....read the book.... and I dont think they will go that route in the show either...it was Aemond in the books who went totally insane....sooo mad as possible :D get your facts straight :D and most of the cruel things Rhaenyra did was actually Daemon not Rhaenyra....so seriously

[@MasterOfTheElements]

Imagine losing your father, your baby your son and your inheritance all in the same week, Rhaenyra is a trooper. I would not have the strength to face my enemies or go on with my life if I had lost as much as she had.

[@MetalCharlo]

The story would be rather boring if she became depressed lmfao.

[@MasterOfTheElements]

@@MetalCharlo I agree, but it's just so hard to imagine.

[@marleymarsss]

@@MetalCharlo duh, that’s why this person said if it were them, not Rhaenrya. Have a little compassion man, it’s not hard.

[@janellejulianajoy]

@@MetalCharlo Well Rhaenyra does fall into a depressive state that slowly spirals into paranoia and later "madness".

[@jamie_d0g978]

She basically disappeared from the scene for a long time after this. Jake amd Corlys carry on with everything for her for a long time

[@XCVIII]

Both of Corlys' granddaughters are deeply involved in this conflict. There is no way he can convince them to stand aside and not pick a fight. You saw that as soon as they entered the room they left Corlys to stand with Jace and Luke

[@CraigKostelecky]

And even without the blood relationship, I feel Corlys loves his grandsons just as much.

[@drorydressage]

Yes ALL his grandkids (either by name or by blood) stand by Rhaenyra, and stand by each other. Seeing the two young cousin couples making a silent statement, i think solidified his decision for the Blacks, that he earlier made in private with his wife.

[@billcain7821]

Very good point and the fact that they went by their sides as Rhaenyra gave each of them a nod to join them at the table to be by their sides goes to show how deeply rooted, they are in this after all he'd been gone for what 7 yrs.? Corlys seeing this and along with what Rhaenyra told him he wasn't just going to let his granddaughters go without giving them his own protection and a better chance to possibly survive what is about to happen.

[@livelovelife32]

@@CraigKostelecky Yes when he said retired with their grandchildren I got the feeling he meant the boys as well.

[@Oakland510]

@@livelovelife32 the thing is, those girls are Daemons daughters. If Corlys wanted to take them, daemon is the one who has full authority.

[@Chen-xs9js]

Rhaenys saw herself in Rhaenyra the moment she confronted Daemon and decided not go to war. That was the reason she changed her mind about her and made Corlys support Rhaenyra

[@virgoqueen8950]

EXACTLY !!!!

[@kimbernardi3317]

Every mothers heart broke in that moment. You weren't the only one crying.

[@vanessarobertson9541]

Every mothers heart around the world broke twice in that episode...I cried soooooo much!

[@DaemonTargaryen13]

Hmm not me

[@shirindashti5158]

I’m not a mother but my heart broke for her none the less. I have nieces and nephews, godchildren so any loss of a child’s live is heartbreaking.

[@MonaLisa-we4kw]

I'm not even a mother, but at the time of birth I cried, and when his death happened, I was speechless, the feeling is so strong.

[@Vexclorion]

Just to comment on the dragons, the smaller dragon was scared when Luke came out, due to the storm, and seeing a dragon much larger go at it. The smaller dragon was frightened and clearly shot fire due to being a young frightened pup. The larger dragon, older, and a veteran of war, trained to retaliate, saw this as an attack, and instinctually set to kill the pup that bit at it, despite not being a threat. Knowing the story, and what is to come, this scene still hit me pretty hard. Thank you both for your reacts, and wishing you the best.

[@Stephaniekcelis]

I also think the connection between dragon and rider it came to play here. Arrax feeling scared, nervous and stressed as Luke, wanting to protect him. Vhagar feeling the hostility and hate that Aemond felt towards Luke. I think that's also why they show us Syrax suffering alongside Rhaenyra during the birth scene. To show the connection that dragons have with their riders. Of course, you put that, then add Aemond not helping the situation making Vhagar chase Luke and screaming at him etc, it was a recipe for disaster.

[@michaelhenry3234]

@@nuclearbuzz4707 Aemond has been Vhagar's rider for over a decade. She's well bonded with him by now. Dragons have a magical, telepathic connection with their riders.

[@pepadlf3534]

@@michaelhenry3234 Yes, but remember all the times we heard about dragons can not be trained. They share their lives with humans, but are free, Wild and Magical

[@michaelhenry3234]

@@pepadlf3534 There is a magical bond between a dragon and their rider that is very similar if not outright the same mechanism as skinchanging. The soul of the dragon and the human are melded together, influencing the personality of both. Many Targaryens gain newfound confidence, pride, strength, etc. after they bond with their dragon and dragons often take on the temperament of their riders. Emotions can cross over, both in the moment and long term. Silverwing and Vermithor's connection, for instance, or when they share each other's pain and distress. Thus, dragons are, for the purposes of the narrative, externalizations of their rider's emotions and ambition. Thematically, uncontrollable dragons is equal to uncontrollable ambition. Dragon dreams likewise represent the danger of seeking glory, power, fame, etc. It killed Aemon's brothers, every one. So in this episode, yes, on a literal level their dragons were out of control, but on a figurative level it is representative of their loss of control over their emotions, and on a deeper literal level it is exactly that via the telepathic dragon bond.

[@user-A488]

You can also see that different riders & dragons have a different level of connection... for example Caraxes, Syrax & Meleys do not need any words or many commands of their riders and are connected on an much deeper level than our younger riders...

[@XCVIII]

Sir Erryk going to Rhaenyras side is pretty important, since he was Aegons sworn protector. So him choosing to 'switch' sides is a big message

[@immortaljanus]

Yep, because he saw from up close what kinds of swine he is. Making kids in the fighting pits, then leaving them there.

[@jqnnyb2676]

Brother vs brother

[@wellknown1204]

@@jqnnyb2676 it also represents the civil war is literally family vs. family, sibling vs.sibling.

[@eyaya123]

Arryk on his Endgame Nebula in season 2 lets goooo

[@kylethompson3008]

@@immortaljanus Let's not forget he knows Aegon a serial rapist and probably a pedophile like in the books. That girl did look kinda young...

[@northwind2538]

It's implied that Rhaenyra went into early labor at the shock of hearing the news from Rhaenys. There's a line from Fire and Blood of her saying "She was my only daughter, and they killed her. They stole my crown and murdered my daughter, and they shall answer for it." She also named her daughter Visenya but this was left out of the show for some reason. I also enjoyed the subtlety of Rhaenyra realizing that, if Viserys never told Daemon of the Song of Ice and Fire, that means he never saw Daemon as his heir, even before Rhaenyra was born. He only shared it with her once she was named his heir.

[@Caedus696]

To be fair he was still young and driven to have a male heir that he was sure that he would one day have. It was only after Aemma’s death he gave up the hope and gave his heir serious thought.

[@northwind2538]

@@Caedus696 True but even before having children, his only known heir would've been Daemon, i.e. if Viserys were to die before having children, and even then he never told him the dream.

[@joythornz]

Viserys never consider Daemon as heir and even as Hand of the King because as we witness on this episode that Daemon's emotions are uncontrollable (to the point of choking Rhaenyra). He knows his brother too well. Both brothers are extremes, one too peaceful (that thrives on conflict-avoidance resulted in many poor decision like the war in the Stepstones) and the other, too violent that people feel he will be another Maegor, too rogue, hence Daemon is called the Rogue Prince.

[@Bitchslapper316]

Good pickup on that last part. We also know none of the greens know about the prophecy either.

[@aaronia8092]

@@northwind2538 - Rhaenyra had already been born before Viserys was chosen as his grandfather's heir to the crown, and in that moment before Jahaerys, we can see Aemma was pregnant; so from the moment Viserys knew he was going to be King, he was counting with having a son.

[@enjhoktong7868]

Every time I rewatched the scene where Luke is talking to his dragon before flying brings me to tears. Luke may or may not be afraid at that moment but I think in a way he was comforting his dragon to not be afraid..and as for his dragon, I was proud of him for standing up to that bully vaghar. Though he was so tiny he fricking stood up to a giant dragon..❤

[@cfinley81]

Arrax went out a fighter! 🖤🔥🖤🔥🖤🔥

[@thegreatsagesun]

This finale perfectly demonstrates how wild and instinctive dragons are. They are beings of their own who allow someone to ride their saddle. This war being started by the uncontrollable danger of dragons fits it perfectly. As Viserys said, any control over them is an illusion.

[@cooperhurst2639]

The dragon Daemon finds towards the end of the episode is Vermithor. He was ridden by King Jaehaerys (Viserys’s grandfather) and is the second biggest dragon alive

[@dullahan7677]

Aemond failed to realize that Vhagar is a hardened war beast that has personally killed thousands and burned entire kingdoms in the time of The Conquest and beyond. The WMD analogy is spot on, as Aemond on Vhagar is like giving a sentient hydrogen bomb to a teenager.

[@julesb1970]

Exactly, that's like putting a lion into a cage with a little puppy and thinking the lion is going to play nice! Nope it sees prey and the only thing it knows is blood and death.

[@tonyharrison2112]

Same goes for Arrax though. Though much smaller on account of age at least at the time. The Dragons aren't just some pet that will serve just because. Dragons and their riders create a pact with one another. Neither Luke nor Aemond had bonded enough with their dragons and once strong emotions came into play it was game over. Vhagar has a long history of war and battle and she wasn't about to let Arrax get away with the attack.

[@julesb1970]

@@tonyharrison2112 Honestly, Vhagar was in attack mode from the start, Aemond put her into attack mode, had her dive bomb Arrax, air chomp at him, chase him, Vhagar isn't a dragon that just plays nice, she a war battled dragon, she doesn't know anything else but to attack and destroy. She was the predator and Arrax was her prey, Arrax only defended himself from attack, he didn't initiate it. Aemond was naive and inexperienced to think he could command her in such a situation, her primal animal instinct took over and she wanted her prey.

[@tonyharrison2112]

@@julesb1970 Arrax should have been smart and just used he small size and nimbleness to get away rathr than take a pot shot at a dragon like 6x their size. Luke also didn't have control of Arrax. In a way Lukes death falls on his mothers shoulders because she sent a boy to do a job for an adult.

[@julesb1970]

@@tonyharrison2112 Arrax is known to be a very fast dragon and under normal circumstances he most likely could have easily outran Vhagar, but because of the storm, high winds and no visibility that took that strength away from him, where as Vhagar is so much bigger the high winds wouldn't have affected her as much. Luke did try to fly away but quickly they found themselves being chased by Vhagar so like any wild animal regardless of having a bond with a person that it's animal instinct will kick in and he will be defensive, the only reason he shot fire at Vhagar was because he was being chased and chomped at and dive bombed. Both riders lost control of their dragons and Aemond was naive to think he could easily command Vhagar in such a situation, a very old war battled dragon, a dragon that has seen tons of wars, burned whole cities, it's not a dragon that just plays, it's out for combat and it was going for its prey!

[@troylazarus4102]

It's important to remember that for a time Daemon was the heir. But Viserys didn't shared with him the Song of Ice and Fire. That is something that is supposed to be handed down to the heir. It shows that Viserys never intended Daemon to take over as King. And to Daemon, that is a serious betrayal.

[@autumnwolf9305]

I loved when she invited Beala and Rhana to have a place at the war table.

[@roguechevelle]

I think it very smart too. Baela is a dragon rider for one and in the books a bit of a fighter. She also being betrothed to Jace she is to become queen one day.

[@AD-tr7sx]

Loved this. She use to stand in the back during the meetings- she made sure they did not.

[@janellejulianajoy]

@@roguechevelle She has an awesome moment on Dragonstone a bit later on.

[@Bayard1503]

It makes so much sense, all dragon riders should be there.

[@jayson1geek479]

YES!!!

[@jeffandjoannbauer9567]

You guys are the best reactors: no melodramatic affectations or verbal diarrhea, drowning out dialogue. It’s why I watch these videos in the first place-to see if someone else was as engrossed and as affected by the story as I was. Thank you.

[@NikkiStevenReact]

Thank you for that Jeff and JoAnn. Makes us glad that we can be ourselves watching awesome shows with y’all

[@chrissy2356]

I agree they seem super authentic and you can tell they are good people too

[@mamakat114]

Agree. I love how Steven makes sure Nikki is ok

[@officialthomasjames]

Facts so many other channels feel the need to fill the air with words often times interrupting the show itself.

[@Emma22]

I agree

[@neonoires]

Corlys was prepared to not stand with anyone until Rhaenys advocated for Rhaenyra and saying that she is showing restraint. He also saw his granddaughters and "grandsoms" standing together seemingly in full support. Everything Corlys has done was for the future of his house, all he has left are Baela, Rhaena, Jace, and Luke who are the future of House Velaryon. So that's what changed his mind much like when Rhaenys was prepared to advocate for the girls to get Driftmark until she saw Viserys rise from bed to support his daughter. I felt so bad for Luke and Arrax but Viserys warned Rhaenyra at the beginning that they don't truly control the dragons.

[@christophermarin9474]

More that his granddaughters were in danger because they are betrothed to the young heirs.

[@roguechevelle]

@@christophermarin9474 this is true but also Jace and Luke carry the Velaryon name which is important for the name to pass on as names to their children to continue the line. Baela and Rhaena carry the name Targaryen through their father Daemon, tho they carry their blood they don't carry the Velaryon name so the House would die with Jace if he doesn't survive.

[@neonoires]

@@christophermarin9474 Rhaenys mentioned all three of Rhaenyra’s sons with “Laenor” because Corlys considers them family as well and at the moment they’re the future of the Velaryon house.

[@ettje]

I wouldn't be so convinced of their total advocate support towards Rhaenyra. I must remind you Rhaenys didn't bend the knee in any of the scenes shown when everyone else was doing so. She was just smirking rather than smiling of happiness. It must mean something for sure.

[@neonoires]

@@ettje she was waiting for Corlys before deciding.

[@gohjielun111]

Aemond was just trying to scare the poor boy 😔 but Arrax got scared and defensive and Vhagar is no stranger to battle so she wasn't about to let them get away alive after all that.That look on Aemond's face after was "oh shit I just started a war" 😬

[@octaviablackthorn9]

Dragons can also feel their riders emotions. Luke was terrified so Arrax was too. He didn’t know Aemond was only fucking with him. Vhagar is nearly 200 years old, too old to allow a 13 year old hatchling to get away with trying to burn her.

[@madelinegarber7860]

That’s what happens when you claim a dragon that flew with Aegon the conqueror.

[@darthken815]

And that was when Aemond knew . . . he had fucked up.

[@メイメイ-l1h]

@@octaviablackthorn9 So true. Poor Luke but the plot doesn’t allow him to live.

[@pashafarms]

@@darthken815 I didn't get that at all. I legit thought Aemond was making fun of Jace saying 'no Vhagar serve me' the way Jace was saying it to Arrax. He really didn't mean to kill Jace?

[@just42day]

The bond between the dragons and dragonriders are deeper than we could ever imagine, Vhagar was beyond chaotic just as her rider Aemond. He was toying the dragon pup and his nephew, while Luke was truly horrified and stressed mirroring how Arrax is behaving. Not to mention the weather that adds up as a stressor. At the end, Dragons are indeed not slaves, they are smart and may feel whatever they want. RIP to Luke and Arrax😢

[@EmpireOfLuciferSatanson666]

Did you saw Syrax’s cries when Rhaenyra went into labour?

[@Socialmediasucks963]

I feel like Aemond isn’t properly bonded with vhagar like for instance, Daemon is with Caraxes or even vermithor. I think he lost control of her

[@balerionzzz]

Adding onto that bond, maybe Arrox shot at Vhagar's eye because Luke was still thinking about Aemond's sapphire eye.

[@grayden4138]

They share a psychic link to some extent, and for that reason alone despite any protestations by Aemond just wanting an eye and toying with Luke, he did want to kill him. Vaghar wouldn't have been afraid of a young dragon like Arrax. It was more Aemond wanting Luke dead, probably since he took his eye, deep down in his heart translating to Vaghar. They kid has a lot of unresolved issues, a lack of focus, and it will fuck with his dragon and riding going into battle.

[@julesb1970]

@@grayden4138 Agreed but also regardless of their bond these are wild animals and their primal animal instincts take over, Arrax was being chased and attacked like prey so his animal instinct kicks in for survival regardless of commands and with Vhagar she is the biggest and baddest war battled dragon and her predatory instinct kicks in and it's for blood. By Aemond initiating the chase that was the catalyst that caused everything, putting his dragon into that situation she's in battle and blood mode, she does not play and Aemond naively thinking he could command such a huge, war battled dragon was idiotic, this dragon is a killer and regardless of Aemond thinking he just wanted to scare Luke he basically flipped a nuclear switch that he couldn't turn off!

[@keo1699]

When Nikki said “NOOOO I need more…!!!!” My exact words… 😂

[@leahdavis1641]

Something about Daemon's reaction leads me to believe that he sees the same weakness in Rhaenyra that he saw in Viserys , and the same weakness allowed the Hightowers to seize power. She wants to be "nice" about this, but that's how we got into this war.

[@janellejulianajoy]

Rhaenyra's biggest mistake was relocating to Dragonstone.

[@TS10852]

She literally could have stopped the war if Daemon just listened to her. Its daemons fault this all happened.

[@leahdavis1641]

@@TS10852 well, it was going to war regardless. The Hightower’s stole the throne so it was going to happen

[@darwinodriscoll7750]

@@leahdavis1641 thank u finally someone who noticed. Daemon literally states they started the war 1st by stealing her crown so wtf she tried a peace treaty is beyond me?

[@shaan4110]

In the inside show They mentioned this🙂

[@lanakane7325]

Regarding Daemon and the choking. What instigated it was her discussing the Song of Ice and Fire. He didn't know about it. He was enraged because he finally saw that Viserys NEVER had faith in him to be his heir. Viserys loved him very much but he knew Daemon's temperment and didn't think him a good fit for keeping peace in the kingdom. He also knew Rhaenyra, and in spite of what Alicent believed, was always clear eyed about her so-called flaws, but he also knew that when the rubber meets the road she would be the kind of monarch that he would want her to be.

[@Thomasaubry97]

The quote “Then the storm broke, and the dragons danced" make sense now.

[@bettinanielsen6336]

Daemon lost it because he realised that Visarys had shared a secret with Rhaenarys which he , as his heir, should have known. He understands that Visarys never really accepted him as heir. And that it was a dream? This makes Daemon's blood boil - they remind him of his brother's weakness. He also sees that Rhaenarys is more like her father than he realised. In his mind she is losing before she even begins. And so he did an unforgiveable thing.

[@Ashbrash1998]

I also think Daemon has put all his grief into rage and planning for a war because the hightowers are already starting it cause he sees Otto. And he' right about it, cause Otto already tried to send assassins to kill everyone on dragonstone.

[@mamaseesa3122]

I think he also regretted it. The look on his face was 'I went too far, shouldn't have done that, but can't take it back now'.

[@hex_1733]

@@mamaseesa3122 Lmao no, Daemon is Daemon. He won't be a stereotypical edgy but honourable protagonist. This isn't a story like that. Both sides suck ass and innocent people will suffer for it.

[@stephenjenkins7971]

Idk why people are surprised; he literally killed his last wife. It's almost like fangirls are imposing what they WANT to believe onto Daemon rather than the reality of his person.

[@mamaseesa3122]

@@hex_1733 no I know he's not a good person, he's very grey, I'm just saying that he wishes he hadn't done it, but will be thinking 'oh well too late now'. He does love his family, whatever his other faults.

[@kevinhansen8211]

That look on Aemond's face said it all. He said last episode that he considered himself a moral man. He clearly understands the moral code of Westeros. Kinslaying, right up with Kingslaying and violation of guest-right, are considered some of the most hell-worthy trespasses in this world. No one would believe it was an accident, and why would they. As they have said so many times this season, appearance is far more than the truth. People know how he felt about Rhaenyra's children. He damned himself, and he knows it, and probably his family too. Rhaenyra's look at the end; it said it all: There will be Fire and Blood!

[@dragonstouch1042]

Yeah, Aemond solidified this as a war of survival

[@chihuahuainacone]

I feel like Daemon is going into a blind rage and wants revenge, and that's why he's going so hard and heavy. He is fully convinced they murdered his brother and usurped the crown that was rightfully Rhaenyra's.

[@diamondrattler7453]

I didn't read Corlys and Rhaenys as plotting against Rhaenyra but finally siding with her. The only reason Rhaenys didn't bend the knee was because she was waiting for Corlys to see where they would stand. Corlys came in and made his oath to Rhaenyra. Plus, Daemon's daughters are connected to Corlys and Rhaenys, so I don't think they would ever betray them. Amazing episode and season, all in all. Now we wait.

[@CultAmigurumi]

I think when Lord Corlys saw his granddaughters and grandsons standing beside each other, like that's when it clicked for him. Those kids are the last kin of both of his 'deceased' children. So, whether he blamed Rhaenyra or not, his end goal, I think, was to preserve his children's bloodlines at the very least.

[@joshwoznicki2844]

I think Aemond was only trying to scare Luke but, once Arrax felt threatened, both the dragons instincts took over. Arrax defended itself from what it saw as a threat and Vhagar fiercely retaliated.

[@btstrasharmyexo-lbaekiesha2776]

It’s all Aemond’s fault, if he didn’t feel the need to torment and scare Luke with that uncontrollable beast, then this wouldn’t have happened

[@Kubulass]

In the book he want kill them.

[@srccde]

@@Kubulass The book is written from a Maester's perspective and is therefore highly subjective.

[@ciriladewilanch6335]

@@btstrasharmyexo-lbaekiesha2776 agreed , he still killed Luce

[@Kubulass]

@@srccde that makes sense:)

[@JeremyRuihley]

Helplessness that Nikki felt when Luke died is how I felt too... he was just a baby boy, along with his dragon. They did not deserve that... :(

[@stormy2184]

The choice to make it as if Aemon didn't mean to kill him adds so much depth to the characters AND the dragons. Really well done...Loved the episode and the reaction as always.

[@loubeloubelou]

Rhaenyra's face at the end says everything. She has been diplomatic and seeking peace up till that point. That was the face of a woman who wants blood and I fully support her. Luc was such a sweet young man, Aemond went way over the line and he/the greens are going to pay dearly for it down the line...

[@trivineshsubba7640]

luc was a sweet young man? was he not responsible for gifting the pig to aemond when he didnt have a dragon? wasnt he laughing when a pig roast was brought to the table at the last supper and he fucking took aemonds eye in a fight!!! that little brat got what he deserved.

[@amsd1231]

Rhaenyra's greed caused all this. They could have just been the Strong bastards, which they are, took on the name Waters instead of Targaryen and lived decent lives as bastards of two highborns like Edric Storm did. Instead they had to get dragged into the game of thrones(in which you win or you die) because of Rhaenyra's lies and had to play the part of Targaryen heirs to the throne, which they aren't.

[@nutterbotter8308]

@Ser Aeggo Butterworth he wanted to scare Luc and try to take his eye. He didn’t actually mean to kill him but the dragons do what they do. Still a dick move to do though

[@michaellaporte4951]

Aemond didn't go over any line, he's on the same line he's been on for the whole story. He likes intimidating people and flaunting his strength and that's what he was seeking to do. I really like how they made both children lose control of their dragons at that point, it echoes well Viserys' talk about how dragons are powers that men never should've meddled with, and puts into focus how much the princes really are still just children. Making Aemond shocked by what happened is far more interesting than if he actually meant to attack Lucerys.

[@JuanitoEsBonito]

@Ser Aeggo Butterworth if you pay attention to the dialogue he didn't actually want to kill Luke he just wanted to screw around with him but their dragons can pick up on hostility and detect emotions of their riders Luke's dragon felt threatened because of Aemonds behavior which is why he spat fire at Vhagar which then ticked Vhagar off and sent the dragons into a fight of their own both Luke and Aemond were trying to calm them down it seems like Luke managed to but Vhagar was going in for the kill

[@samyaaalc]

Daemon singing to Vermithor might be one of the most perfect scenes in whole Game of Thrones franchise

[@roni2971]

What’s up with that? I didn’t get it 🤷‍♂️

[@Caedus696]

That was pure fantasy porn right there.

[@Zephur0s]

😒

[@Caedus696]

@@roni2971 He was going to the unclaimed dragons, presumably seeing if they had the temperament to still be claimed

[@KidKingdomHearts]

@@roni2971 the last ride of Vermithor was the king in episode 1 we saw before Viserys was crowned-Jaherys. He’s Daemon’s grandfather, so likely heard the song from him when he (Daemon) was young. Vermithor is 2nd largest behind Veghar.

[@Daojyn]

I think Rhaenys expression, is more like approval and compassion rather plotting against Rhaenyra but she can't declare herself ally yet as it's not her decision to make. But she definitely made Corlys changed his mind about it.

[@Donkarnage2525]

This episode was great because the entire season all these kids have been talking about dragons like they were pets. The ones that don't have one, want one and the ones that do have one brag about having one. It's like the only people who know what the dragons are capable of were Daemon and Rhaenys because they're older and experienced. The first time Aemond actually experiences Vhagar in actual combat and he's suddenly realized what the dragons are capable of and how truly terrifying they can be.

[@cinefiend4059]

I heard from a podcast that brought up such an interesting point -- when Lord Corlys said that "hope is the fool's ally." The scene when Luke and Arrax have come out of the storm and suddenly it's clear and seemingly safe and hopeful, then without skipping a beat we see Vhagar and in one fell swoop they're chewed up. It was so masterfully shot and terrifying and heartbreaking.

[@EK-kd3qe]

I’m so sad Luke died. He had very much potential. Always great to see your reactions!

[@florenciahoracio8517]

Aemond was treating Vhagar like it was a mindless toy, chasing Luke and playing around, letting Vhagar bite the air around him and laughing about it, so when Luke's dragon got scared (which makes sense, because Luke was also scared) and threw fire on Vhagar's face she went on war mode. This is 100% on Aemond, even if he didn't order Luke's death, if he didn't chase him he would've return home safely

[@rw7567]

Agreed. Aemond was a bully - arrogant and childish in many ways. He has no real respect for the power he wields. I also blame Alicent. As nice as she thinks she is, she raised her children to think they deserved the throne but did not raise them the respect the seat or rule with honor. She created those little monsters.

[@johnjirehgarcia8382]

@@rw7567 a non-sociopathic version of Cersei then

[@anhkriva5274]

@@rw7567 I also blame Viserys, if he had punished Luke properly for Aemond eye there would be no grudge.

[@ciriladewilanch6335]

@@anhkriva5274 then dont stole someone dragon! is that hard?! they are userper!

[@florenciahoracio8517]

@@anhkriva5274 Aemond himself said it was fine because he lost an eye but gained a Dragon. Is Alicent fault, she raised them to usurp the crown, when the boys are talking Aemond says to Aegon to not talk badly about Helaena because she is "his future queen". I don't believe he planned to kill Luke, but at the end it is his fault

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

Targaryens are dragon riders but ultimately, dragons are not pets, if provoked they will not take anything lying down. The look on Aemond's face is telling, he knew he really screwed up this time.

[@LaCheeserie]

I think Rhaenys is actually proud of her in that moment clearing the room. Taking charge. She hadn’t bent the knee yet because she needed to discuss with the sea snake.

[@kristydaniels2662]

Finale rating: 10! Rhaenyra has got to be not only the strongest woman on the show, but the strongest person! All that she had to go through and she was still staying level headed and trying to be careful in her planning. But now, losing Luke, definitely her breaking point. They have woken the dragon in her! And I can't wait for it! Love her! Team Rhaenyra all the way!

[@tiadj6710]

Team Rhaenyra😭..

[@TK_1340]

I can't belive we have to wait for almost 2 years for Season 2.. 😭

[@Covers-and-Commentary]

@Brad1980 definitely not three, they are in pre-production right now.

[@dablackangel]

Well I'd prefer they take their time and get it right than to rush it and do a D n D

[@stwartic4296]

It was bad weather for flying, even for a dragon, and Arrax was struggling to stay aloft when Prince Aemond mounted Vhagar and went after him. Had the sky been calm, Prince Lucerys might have been able to outfly his pursuer, for Arrax was younger and swifter…but the day was “as black as Prince Aemond’s heart,” says Mushroom, and so it came to pass that the dragons met above Shipbreaker Bay. Watchers on the castle walls saw distant blasts of flame, and heard a shriek cut the thunder.

[@emikomina]

bad writing from the showrunners. instead of showing aemond as the ruthless killer that he was, he is now seen as the person who "accidentally" started a war who apparently can't even control vhagar even though he was viewed as the spitting image of aegon the conquerer. what was even the point of trying to build him up as this "badass" character from being the butt of jokes and bullied as a kid. instead of a beautiful intense fight above storm's end, we got a still beautiful but "uh oh" moment. i understand the writers' wanting to surprise book readers with a scene different from the books but this just falls flat. it would have been better for aemond just lusting for revenge and he had all purpose now to act on that revenge, instead he just had a "failed prank" scene. we've been robbed of "a stormy night glowing with dragonfire above the shipbreaker's bay". it just shifts the focus to this "it's aemond's fault vs it's not aemond's fault" when the entire focus of the ending scene should be that WAR has started. bad writing.

[@tuber7081]

@@emikomina much better scene than the book

[@JoseTorres-kl6fy]

@@emikomina The whole point is that the books are giving you sanitized or romanticized versions of history, told from the perspective of people who weren't there (especially when Aemond and Luke fought), and those people have completely bought into the illusion that Targaryens control their dragons. King Viserys' line in episode 1 is really the big thing tying the whole show together. The Dance of the Dragons happened because of the dragons, because they can't actually be controlled by anyone. Notice how Seasmoke is still available even though Laenor is still alive. Because Seasmoke doesnt know that Laenor isn't alive and their connection isn't actually magic. In the books, we're not told Laenor is alive but that could well only be because it's supposed to be a secret to the people that are the "sources" of the book.

[@CraigKostelecky]

I agree with Stwartic, Tuber, and José. I feel like these writers have given us extra depth to these characters and brought them to life. The book is a very rough blueprint for this story and anything in there is open to interpretation.

[@drjulietburke]

@@emikomina Just because you do not like something it does not make it bad writing. They improved it.

[@rudzanimunyai2090]

Corlys is one of the major player during the Dance and i cant wait to see more him next season. such a complex character!!

[@CardinalFanSince]

The dragon Daemon went to at 31:41 is Vermithor the Bronze Fury. He belonged to King Jaehaerys(The old King back in the beginning of episode 1). He’s the second largest dragon alive, the biggest being Vhagar.

[@luminaratano3935]

Yeah, I was so happy to see Vermithor! I like him even more than Vhagar tbh. I mean, Vhagar is a big deal no doubt, she's the og dragon from The Conquest, the biggest, etc. Vermithor is something else tho. I'm not sure why exactly but Vermithor was my favorite when I've read the book. I've kinda seen him like the embodiment of his rider- King Jaeherys (the absolute goat!) Maybe that's why...

[@Foretelling]

I love how they showed that the Dragons only allow their riders to direct them. When push comes to shove, they are indomitable.

[@niallnochill]

What a season, what a finale! The call back to Viserys in ep 1 saying that Dragons cannot be tamed and it's a myth to keep the Targ's in power went full throttle this episode with that dragon fight! Absolutely incredible season from start to finish!

[@craigcassidy6078]

we must be watching a different episode mate, because it was anticlimatic

[@niallnochill]

@@craigcassidy6078 that’s the great thing about life, we all have different opinions about similar things

[@amandai.1334]

@@craigcassidy6078 wow the first wrong opinion i've seen yet

[@AFR0MAMBA]

@@craigcassidy6078 how was it anticlimactic?

[@marinap2032]

That poor mother..She lost two of her babies in a blink of an eye.. And I also feel sorry for the twin brothers..Erryk and Arryk. Brother against brother..

[@rohanshende4338]

Luce got what he deserved

[@maplecloud9855]

@@rohanshende4338 nope he didn't, he didn't kill Aemond, he didn't deserve that

[@manvirshergill1739]

@@maplecloud9855 he deserved his eye taken as a debt but definitely not a death sentence 🤣🤣

[@dwnkaomwn3953]

@@manvirshergill1739 Last I checked, Aemond said that he was okay with the loss of his eye after getting Vhagar. He should've left it alone.

[@lovettdeleted]

@@rohanshende4338 bro was like 5 years old.. chlil

[@MinscS2]

Whatever warcrimes Rhaenyra commits in S2, she'll have my full support. And Erryk swearing allegiance to her while bringing her Viserys' crown almost made me lose it...

[@dragonstouch1042]

…about that

[@arturovaldemar]

Mine too. Unpopular opinion (I know), but after Rhaegar's death and Missandei's decapitation, I supported Dany burning them all.

[@janellejulianajoy]

@@arturovaldemar This was a mistake on so many levels. You'll soon see why the dragons were killed off... Dany reinforced something that in the past bit her family in the ass.

[@arturovaldemar]

@@janellejulianajoy I know. I just enjoyed watching her destroy everything, lol.

[@sasoriae5225]

Well …. You’re gonna regret those words the first or second episode of S2 😅😂

[@sydnitheromantictaylor112]

Lucerys and Aemond didn't want their dragons to fight but sense they are bonded to their dragons the dragons read their emotions and acted accordingly. Remember in episode 1 Viserys told Rhaeneyra that "believing they control the dragons is an illusion"

[@mzee5119]

When Daemon told Rhaenyra about Luke, she walked forwards, her knees buckled and she clutched her womb... That moment kills me

[@rafapolancoS]

Great reaction. I love how sensitive is Nikki. Guys, also is important to note the connection between riders and dragons. Basically Arrax felt Luke's fear amd Vaghar felt Aemond's angry. I think this is why they can't control their dragons. Also, they are only kids, with no experience at war. Simply they were overweight by the situation.

[@raseltatel6728]

The dragon name that daemon singing to is vermithor. He is an old dragon like 90 to 100 yrs. Second biggest dragon at that time. He was ridden by the old king jahaerys. This dragon is friendly like jahaerys but also into war when it necessary.

[@constantlycriminal8630]

Jahaerys was around that age in death...years have passed since, so Vermithor is much older than that....I think.

[@ems7448]

@@constantlycriminal8630 Vermithor was estimated to be between 95 to 100 years old at this point in the story, so you're right.

[@raventreeth3694]

the third, because the second one is Cannibal 👀

[@bakthihapuarachchi3447]

Yes several decades have passed since Jaeherys' death now, so Vermithor must be over a century old by now

[@FranciscoSilva-xk4hg]

@@raventreeth3694 and we’re probably going to see cannibal as well

[@dommy5356]

Corlys and Rhaenys still think of Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey as their grand kids, though they know they’re not their blood. Plus, they are to wed Baela and Rhaena. Since they’re not safe because of Aegon, they declared for Rhaenyra. Plus, Rhaenys is very high on love of family and Targaryen dynasty. So she was already team black.

[@winkblue6851]

I'm in tears man, just finished it. I knew it was coming but the fact lucerys was such a good boy and these dragons were turned on each other just-

[@LilybethII]

I cried like a baby during this episode. It got me really good. I can't believe we will have to wait 2 years for the next season.

[@hakon5473]

Daemon seems much more scary now. He is much more cold and calculated. Which makes him much more dangerous than his previous much more hot headed self.

[@miaborges3674]

Well now he has a wife and kids that he wants to protect, he can't be as hot headed as the past, inner conflicts that may come, he wants his family safe and you've gotta become cold and calculated for them 😬😂

[@janellejulianajoy]

Right. He straighg up killed Vaemond and that was when he was somewhat content. Now? I'd cross the street.

[@neonoires]

Because his brother was the main person keeping him anchored all those years and he thinks he was murdered.

[@Obosii]

“NOOOO! I NEED MOOOORE!” Took the words right out of my mouth.

[@DragonQueen78]

I always feel Nikki's raw emotions. You guys are my favorite reactors ever. And this was one intense episode. The cinematography was beautiful and the dragon scenes were incredible!

[@morginwest110]

Aemond had no intention of killing Luke but Vhagar is a trained war machine, she did what she has been trained to do, KILL. Arrax was a baby and very scared just like Luke so Arrax did the only thing he could do to protect Luke and himself.

[@HoopleHeadUSA]

This finale was a banger, soooo much packed into it. Bit of everything I wanted. NEED SEASON 2 NOW

[@angsk8688]

Yeah that choking scene caused a lot of controversy among the fans and it’s totally understandable. Daemon killing his first wife that he hated is not the same as choking his wife and his niece that he loves so I was confused and shocked initially. But on the rewatch even tho i still dislike that scene I think it kinda makes sense when you think about it. Daemon lost his brother who he loved a lot and his daughter in one day and without even having a time to grieve he started to prepare for a war to protect his family. It was literally one of the many reasons why Rhaenyra married him. So he can protect her against the greens. He hates seeing the weakness In Rhaenyra that he hated so much in Viserys. He also found out that Viserys never even took him seriously as his heir and never trusted him enough to tell him about the prophecy. So he let all of that fire that was building up in him this whole episode on Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra doesn’t look that she was mad at him tho she understands him, she knows who he is. So in the end they are on the same page again reunited by their grief and against their common enemy.

[@CoRLex-jh5vx]

Crazy idea but Daemon's grief isn't at all an excuse. Yes, it was his brother and his daughter, but it was Rhaenyra's father, and her daughter too, and she's the one who went through all that pain for nothing. Her birthright was taken and her ex best friend has potentially murdered her father in order to do that. Taking his rage out on anyone would be shitty, but on HER, of all people, after what she's been through?? He's just an insecure worm.

[@ventusbruma1039]

Exactly. Not that it's OK, or at all justified morally, but that moment was very much Daemon snapping under all the stress. He lashes out when that happens and we've seen that before, see the messenger in Ep3. It's actually very in character for him to have done something like that in that moment. He loves his family, but he's also been shown to have a fiery temper he's not in full control of.

[@angsk8688]

@@CoRLex-jh5vx Who said that’s an excuse? I literally said that I didn’t like that scene either what I’m saying is that I understand his mental state at that moment. I’m not saying I excuse his actions or he is a good guy that’s Daemon we are talking about. He is far from good and Rhaenyra knows that and always accepted him, they are also very similar. Even Viserys mentioned that “Rhaenyra and Daemon are the blood of the dragon, they are restless and chaotic”.

[@angsk8688]

@@ventusbruma1039 Yes agreed 100%

[@JOHNTIM212]

Daemon kills people with no mercy and he clearly manipulated teen Rhaenyra. People forgot he is a total asshole

[@toobusytocare7555]

The irony of Alicent telling her kids that Rhae will kill them but it was her kid who started the killing.

[@DavidCarradinesBelt]

It’s made the Greens look really bad especially for those of us who knew what was going to happen. Whether Aemond meant to is irrelevant he crossed a line and the price the Greens pay ultimately wasn’t worth Aemond getting pissy at Luke again for something that happened when they were kids

[@Zero_Fawkes]

And its Alicents son who has his dragon eat his own sister 😬🤷‍♀️

[@Firebird1968]

Daemonds actions are because he's the only soldier in the whole place speaking any sense and knowing the true urgency of the situation. She's grieving but there will be plenty of time for that later, the longer they wait the more casualties they will have. Daemond was proven right by the end of the episode when she lost her son because they waited until the Greens struck first. If they were swift they might of avoided it all together. Daemond is the only one with experience in war. Hes anxious because he's trying to protect his family.

[@CaptainLuckyLuke]

Exactly!! This guy gets it!!

[@jtFacts77]

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@lynjones2461]

My take is that Rhenys convinced Corlys when she told him how Rheanyra is holding the realm together whilst resisting the men's need to go to war and also when Rhenys smiles I think she's realising how strong Rheanyra is and that she is the rightful Queen she is her father's daughter and her not plunging the realm into war is his legacy xx love you guys so much xx

[@DanBrown96]

16:12 100% the diff between men and women around childbirth. Nikki showing empathy at Ryaenyra's pain and Steven in absolute horror. Lol

[@vinnyp1259]

One of the highlights of this final episode was Emma D’arcy increbile acting

[@winterfire89]

they did such an amazing job

[@vinnyp1259]

@@winterfire89 They sure did ❤️

[@blackeyedlily]

“The idea that we control the dragons is an illusion.” - King Viserys in the first episode. Some people are upset that they apparently cut a few of Daemon’s scenes that would have made his behavior make a bit more sense. Not that he wasn’t out of line. Way, way out of line with the choking bit. But apparently Viserys never told Daemon about the prophecy. And that was one of the bits that hit him really hard. His not wanting to go to her during the birth scene might have been in part due to the trauma he experienced when Laena last gave birth. So he dealt with it in a way he could handle, through expressing his aggression in the war planning and calling the King’s Guard present to reaffirm their oaths. I know that Rhaenys was very hard to read. But I think the most important part of her conversation with Corlys was telling him that she saw Rhaenyra as the only one showing any restraint about war. I think that she was impressed with her, and in the end swayed Corlys to support her cause. Especially with her including the fact that their grandchildren were also part of that cause. I think that her willingness to take her dragon, Maelys, and join in being part of the blockade of King’s Landing said a lot. It was her moment of declaring her support for Rhaenyra. Daemon wants to find a way to utilize all the riderless dragons they currently have possession of. The dragon he was confronting in the cave was Vermithor, the bronze dragon that was ridden by the old King Jaehaerys. He has not been ridden since Jaehaerys’ death. And he is the second largest dragon, just behind Vhagar. The final shot of Rhaenyra’s face upon getting the news about Luke was definitely Rhaenyra’s breaking point.

[@greywater3186]

Watched twice last night. Still got goosebumps watching this reaction. People forget that Daemon is all about his family - meaning the ultimate stab in the heart he received from Rhaenyra when she tells him of Ice & Fire is devastating. He’s crushed as he fully believed in his brother. He can’t believe his brother kept something from him.

[@mariarivadeneira3360]

So he takes it out on rhaenrya? This is the same guy who killed a man for calling her a whore and her children bastards. It’s giving “I will speak of my brother as I wish you will not” vibes

[@amandai.1334]

@@mariarivadeneira3360 His actions this episode are very fitting for his character. We often end up hurting the ones we love the most. And for someone with his temper it's fitting that he took it too far

[@greywater3186]

@@mariarivadeneira3360 He just lost his brother, a child, and learned that his wife’s crown has been stolen. The reason he was able to walk in and sing to the dragon (despite being the only one to think of it), was because the dragon can tell how much he wants the family to succeed. So while the episode focuses on Rhaenyra, it’s easy to forget what he’s going through. I think people who are calling him out are those who have not been married / are not the best at understanding human emotions.

[@awesomness36]

@@greywater3186 umm married people don’t usually choke one another. He could’ve yelled or argued but he jumped to a bs response because the show execs were afraid people couldn’t recognize him as a gray character who loves his family.

[@dominictoretto3592]

Stop the BS. He's not all about family, only cares for Rhaenyra and Visery. If he's all about family then why is he trying to mount his family's head on pikes. his nephew, neice and grandchildren. He doesn't even care about his own children Rhaena and Baela

[@ivyaralianizar]

one of the best finale in the GOT & HOD universe! Totally agree, this finale, got me seating on the edge of my seat!!! itching for season 2. *standing ovation

[@tommysoliz3064]

I hope you enjoyed Nikki and Steven!, thank you for the ride along for this season, it was greaaaat

[@Potatoinurass]

I love Nikki she's so pure.

[@ladygeekgirl]

What an episode! That whole scene going right into her coronation was so emotional and symbolic!

[@GamiCross]

I thought that Daemon (like Amond in GoT) saw Dragon Dreams and prophecies as something that ruined his family, and he lashed out when he heard his own wife talking about them... but like in the brothel, lost the upper hand when Rhaenyra took control again

[@aileenpi73]

Daemon has the experience and that is not just his Queen, that is his niece, his wife, mother of his kids

[@sarageller6887]

Rhaenyra’s expression at the very end reminded me of Dhany’s expression before she went “mad queen” 😱😱😱 hopefully her experience and the people around her will keep that from happening 🙏🏻🐉

[@jamie_d0g978]

Hehehehe

[@mufarovalerieellenmasumbu348]

Oh sweetie

[@dillonmartin5102]

I wouldn’t say she ends up mad but I would say she becomes very ruthless as the war goes on. As many parents would.

[@dragonstouch1042]

@@dillonmartin5102 I mean, in her eyes, the Greens are ready to break all the rules to whip them out. Aemond just made this a last man standing situation

[@markwoods8046]

i love it that you're the only reactors who actually cried at the death of the baby. love u guys!

[@outlaw3572]

Aemond: I'll take one of your eyes, boy Vhagar: he can keep his eye 😆😆

[@marshwalker8322]

My boy who yoinked the crown gave me chills, didn't expect that at all.

[@ykim0416]

Your honest reactions are what brings me back to this channel all the time, amazing episode!

[@janicesmith7464]

I still can't get over it. I miss Lucerys already! 😭

[@ro4eva]

He was just a pup. I say that lovingly, and not to poke fun. RIP Luke =(

[@_gr1nchh]

Corlys was always in support of those children, even though he knew they weren't Laenor's. His support is true, as is Rhaenys'. They are still THEIR family, even if just on Rhaenyra's side. This is going to piss off Rhaenys, her main driving point was that the children would not be safe and now Luke was killed by Vhagar. There is not even an inkling of gray area anymore, lines have fully been drawn. Crazy that the war is going to be fully fledged over an accident that Aemond didn't mean to happen.

[@uhneeuhnjee1031]

Yes and Daemon’s kids with Laena are still true Valerions

[@icekekiri]

Vhagar went rogue because she is battle-hardened. So her survival instinct mode were switched on when Aarax dracary-ied her.

[@tersus4967]

"Local bully ain't so tough after accidentally starting a civil war"

[@pattymmdelc]

He was 13 years old, he was a baby! 😭😭😭 this really broke my heart

[@SarahJanW]

Being pregnant, this show has been a real test with all the intense births and losses of them 😢 also makes me sooo glad for modern meds and the fact I’m delivering in a hospital

[@iDeathMaximuMII]

Hope your child is healthy ma’am