Alicent and Rhaenyra Final Confrontation in House of Dragon Season 2 Episode 8 Finale

[@harroldinab]

“To be honest I've never really cared much for my children. Innocent or otherwise”

[@garlantyrell6368]

This scene just makes me feel so sorry for Aegon. He’s a horrible person at the end of the day, but in the end, he got screwed over by his own mother from the start. He was forced to take a throne he didn’t want, received no training on how to be a good ruler growing up and just gets browbeaten by his mother and grandfather for things they should have done for him in advance, lost his son due to an accidental murder caused by his own brother, was almost killed by that same brother(sure he bullied Aemond, but that’s no reason to try and kill your own kin), and now his own mother(who he’s always wanted to earn her love and validation more than anyone)throws him under the bus all so she can gain her freedom from a war she helped start. He really deserved better parents.

[@Lilaraba]

I mean you could say the same about Alicent, even Rhaenyra. Everybody in this show is doomed, because of a single decision by Viserys.

[@Wolf-xy7xp]

@@LilarabaAnd Otto. Honestly, the parents in the show have a bad habit of screwing over their kids.

[@wickedwitchoftheeast88]

Rhaenyra is at least a decent mother all of her boys love and respect her even when they disagree amd her boys are all close to each other and there's no nastiness between them unlike Alicent's children where did they get their hate, snobbiness and entitlement from?

[@TheRealHerbaSchmurba]

@@Lilarabahow Alicent was raised doesnt excuse her behavior here

[@Nick-cy2tn]

Bro he's a rapist

[@luiscruz679]

“The city is yours, Princess. But you will not hold it long. The rats play when the cat is gone, but my son Aemond will return with fire and blood.”

[@sydney33thomas]

We'll never get that Alicent in the show... damn showrunners!

[@Truelife5354]

@@sydney33thomas What do you mean?

[@Jdjdjdujakzgsha]

Is this the same woman who faced down a dragon to try and protect her children?

[@BlaidWhiteYo]

No they murdered Alicent's character and I know exactly why. I'm 100% sure they had a contractual obligation to give Alicent a lot of screen time because it's Olivia Cooke and they had to jam scenes like this because in the books she had no use after Aegon had taken power, it makes no sense and they butchered any hope of making her close to Cersei who i think is a much stronger character. I also wish Rhaenyra was more like Daenyris, a kind ruler that can be merciful but be ruthless and use violence if necessary. Rhae is just too nice I wish she was more fierce.

[@BeatMedicare]

@@BlaidWhiteYoyeah same with Cole. She had nothing to do.

[@Sir_Gerald_Nosehairs.]

@@BlaidWhiteYo She's been given a pretty thorough whitewashing as is. In the books Rhaenyra was haughty, entitled, bitter that she got chubby, and vindictive, feeding Vaemond's corpse to her dragon.

[@rojayreid908]

Exactly didn't she try to stab Rhaenyra with a knife.

[@PlayfulFruitLPer]

Yes, because she knows she made a mistake and caused all of this. Her honor, her essential honor would have her do all she can to set things right. Aegon should have never sat the Iron Throne.

[@TheIlikepie911]

did she just fogert about her grandson who they killed in his bed?

[@brwncharlie8646]

she never cared for her incest grandkids. Notice how she calls them everything but their names

[@OmriHorvatt]

To be fair she didn't want to do it Damon did behind her back

[@Hear.myvoice]

​@@OmriHorvattIt doesn't matter... Alicent didn't even care about it

[@cristinademartini6653]

​@@OmriHorvatteven so, the "debt" was still paid, as the two claimers to the Iron throne had lost their children(Rhaenyra Lucerys; Aegon Jaehaerys, this one being Aegon's heir to the Iron Throne, while Luke would have been only in case of Jacaerys' death). Rhaenyra only wanted to get rid of a very powerful and menacing threat and contender to her throne, ie Aemond.

[@ausar3852]

@@cristinademartini6653 wtf are you talking about... blood debts never end. If someone killed your kid would you say oh well my dad killed their kid so my kid dying is okay ??? You are soo delusional

[@sydney33thomas]

"How lovely for you" 😅😅 Rhaenyra is so sassy here

[@ngin98]

well deserved but also when she starts to feel for alicent knowin what she is askin of her 🥺

[@1996jacksparrow]

Of course she says all this AFTER she loses her power

[@blueberrygod8275]

when she said history will paint you as a cold queen grasping for power only to be defeated, she unknowingly described her own fate.

[@MoAllMo]

How ! She is the true queen ! We all know that !

[@Beniamin.F]

​@@MoAllMoShe will lose the war , and her brother will be the one portrayed in line of succession, the only thing she will be member in time of GOT is as the sister who fought her brother and lost

[@rodriguezjavier6726]

​MoAllon lol, even her own sons will agree on condider her as an usurper and they are Aegon II heirs

[@facundogonza5740]

Both are fundamentally remembered as villains. History is NOT kind to Alicent either.

[@thegreatid3595]

She didn't really end up defeated though her line continued to sit on the Iron throne. The Blacks won the war just at a very steep price, Addam and Daemons sacrifices taking out Vhagar and Vermithor/Tessarion ensured the Blacks could move forces freely wherever they pleased.

[@gilbertnatal855]

“How lovely for you 🙄” lmao

[@Hear.myvoice]

Yeah before the "I would go with you but I can't" 💀

[@GiveonKing]

@@Hear.myvoiceridiculous line

[@Richvwolfie8]

They completely ruined everyone, I still can't believe it

[@AshFrey]

Alicent S1: "YOU ARE THE CHALLENGE AEGON BY SIMPLY LIVING AND BREATHING" Alicent s2: Rhaenyra... bestie guess what this is so funny turns out my sons r insane, yikes, lol, you still want to be queen? You can do whatever you want to my kids, mkay bestie ily

[@MsSourabh108]

That's a caricature so of course not true. She has not done a good job as a mother. But she is their mother nevertheless and it can't have been easy for her. But really Rhaenyra is right Alicent thinks she can have it all, without a high price, when everybody has to pay a price for their choices

[@a.r.h9919]

​@@MsSourabh108that is not a freaking excuse to literally sell all your children save Helaena, alicent literally stood face to face with meleys to try and protect Aegon, wanted to rip the eye of Lucerys for retribution as Aemond, were did that went

[@masterplokoon8803]

@@MsSourabh108 no, this scene is a caricature, what the op said was acurate. And Rhaenyra is the one who throughout the whole story thinks can have it all, whatever she wants with no consequences for her irresponsible actions. It seems pretty easy to Alicent considering how she went out of her way to sell out her kids, says nothing about her murdered grandson when Rhaenyra has the gal to say "a son for a son", and then asks the person who wants to kill all her male family members to run away with her.🤡

[@Sir_Gerald_Nosehairs.]

@@a.r.h9919 She was also blubbering a few episodes earlier about how nice Daeron apparently is, yet she's signed his death warrant too with this. He would inherit any claim of Aegon and Aemond's.

[@masterplokoon8803]

@@MsSourabh108 no the scene itself is a caricature and mockery of the characters and the story. Alicent might have well just well said "YASS QUEEN! SLAY MY SONS!" And it wouldn't have been less ridiculous. This is a character assassination.

[@Thane3999]

Maybe MAYBE if this scene was build up better, I buy it. Maybe if she tried to run away with Haelena and got caught doing son Maybe if she tried to make up with Aegon, tell him the truth and apologize, and offer to help him dissapear, but was rebuffed by Aegon who was sold big dreams by Larys (her own ally). Maybe if she overheard Helena talking to Aemond and telling him that he is going to 💀 I could buy such rash decision. But doesnt she still have Daeron? Wouldn't she unleast Daemon's head for what he did to Jaeherys? And why would Rhawnera ever agree to run awa with her? It's all all weird and shitty.

[@facundogonza5740]

It is SAD that the only person that cares for Aegon, on ANY level, is Larys. They are the worst. But it is sad.

[@BeggarsNight]

It’s built up the entire season, what are you talking about? She progressively loses her power and ability to influence events, sees how she feels she’s failed as a mother by how her sons act, and attempts to get Halaena out. If there’s anything this season does well it’s create motivation and character moments. That’s not one of its weaknesses. And Rhaenyra told her face to face that she didn’t order jaeharys’s death, so…..why even bring it up?

[@jahb7160]

It sucks to say but even if Alicent said all this at the beginning, Rhaenyra probably somehow would’ve still had to kill Aegon and or even Aemond to unsure no future challenge to the throne and that’s more so because of Otto and his clawing for power turning the boys against their sister.

[@christinestreeter8566]

I don’t think she would have, she did not want to be a kin slayer. I think if they had never usurped her throne and had just let the succession be what it is Rhanerya would have had no reason to kill them. It may have caused issues down the line after her son inherited, but I don’t think she would have.

[@MsSourabh108]

She definitely would not have killed them. But definitely made them bend the knee and swear fealty. In the books even after they usurp her throne she says, my brothers and sister are not to blame they are victims of evil counsel of others (otto-alicent). If they come to her and bend the knee she would welcome them back into their hearts for they are her own blood.

[@jahb7160]

@@MsSourabh108 the keyword is “if” lol. That’s probably what you or I would do, but does that match the characters we’ve seen so far? Imo I just don’t see Aegon and Aemond bending the knee, and even if they did once I can see them plotting behind her back later on or even going after Jace.

[@hafeezasif7932]

She would not have but Daemon would.

[@Misaamanenoir]

No. She grew up and saw brothers who actually wanted the crown still love and not kill each other. Kinslayer is very bad in this world especially since they like to marry their kin 😅. Just saying. Also aegon just wanted to enjoy rich privileged life not be king

[@alaykarajab9560]

Rhaenyra has to take Aegons head. she has to put down rebellion in order to show strength. Doing otherwise would show her weak to the lords and dismantles her rule....So even if she didnt want to kill him, she has no choice but to.

[@rodriguezjavier6726]

She can send him to the wall

[@adaroez]

She would be painted and ostracized as a kinslayer, whixh unfortunately is not mentioned in the show. But the books show how fearful she is to kill her own kin, despite them opposing her and killing her sons. That's the reasons he spared the lifes of Haleana and Alicent after the fall of Kingslanding. Also killing Aegon, would lead Aemond, Daeron and Jahaera (the daughter of Aegon) to mistrust Rhaenyta and oppose her whenever possible. Just think of that in a long term way, if Jahaera grows up, she could pose a major threat to Rhaenyras son. Or what about possible children from Daeron and Aemond, they could argue that their claim is better than that of Rhaenyras line and thus oppose them, that's similar to what happened with the Blackfyres. Regardless of what she does, she would have to either kill all of her half brothers and probably Jahaera or at least bind them to her side through marriage.

[@VisibleNoises]

I mean she has options besides killing Aegon (assuming he agrees to abdicate). Sending him to the wall, faking his death like Laenor or just keeping him at KL as a hostage would work since Aegon can't have any more heirs due to his injury. Then she could marry one of her kids from Daemon to Aegon's daughter to resolve the dispute.

[@lindsey7951]

That's why I'm team Green it can be avoided if Rhaenyra is not heir

[@romanoffsson]

​@@lindsey7951so you are s rapist supporter

[@mariavi33]

3:47 more like 3 sons, a grandson, a lover, a brother, and a father for a son. And Alicent, Helaena, and Jaehaera would have spent the rest of their lives as hostages, and Jaehaera (who has a better claim than Rhaenyra according to Andal law) would have been married off to one of Rhaenyra’s sons. I get that Rhaenyra would have had to kill them regardless, but this reasoning (and neither of them even bringing up Jaehaerys) was just ridiculous. Also, it would give Aegon and Helaena the right to kill one of Daemon and Rhaenyra’s sons.

[@carolina27198]

At this point, knowing Aegon, Aemond, Otto and Criston. Could you trust they would never rebelled against her? After Challenging her claim... there was no going back. Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves.

[@mvmed12]

Condal and Sara hess "brilliant" writing 😂😂😂 and wondering why George RR Martin slammed them in his blog

[@TheTruthIsGonnaHurt]

3:15 - "You defend him, without paying too high a price." Did Rhaenyra, literally just say this after, she been telling lies her whole life, and doing whatever she wanted without cost. Queen of Hypocrites

[@adelynguevara598]

Rheanyra is not the biggest hypocrite in this scene💀 did you even watch the show

[@TheTruthIsGonnaHurt]

@@adelynguevara598 Rhaynera threatened death to anyone who spoke the truth. She would gaslight situations similar to how you are doing now if it was suggested that she was being hypocritical. A man was killed for saying her children were bastards in front of everyone in court. Westeros may not be ready for a female ruler, but Rhaynera was the worst example of one, an entitled brat, and a liar, who never considered that her actions hurt other people.

[@keinyihernandez]

@@TheTruthIsGonnaHurt Never forgot when she gave the corpse of Vaemond Velaryon to her dragon to be fed

[@sydney33thomas]

3:25 "If I am to take the throne, I must put an end of the opposition. I must take Aegon's head." And what about Aemond & Daeron, hmmm Rhaenyra? Even if you take the throne, you'll have to kill them too, but they won't give up. Aemond can destroy Riverland whenever he wants, and Daeron has the support of the Hightower army. The fact that both of them continue to hope for peace is insane 😂

[@victordiaz1273]

Oh the writing.. just shocking.

[@jada9401]

As if episode 1 of season 2 wasn't enough of a character assassination for Alicent, this scene right here solidify the end of a great character from season 1. Wow

[@Ktakahashi18]

No wonder the Mad King went mad and didn't trust anyone. These people for a family I'd probably be paranoid and hate everyone too.

[@Shisui5752]

This is so dumb. Why would Alicent backdoor her own son, who she protected from Dragonfire, like three months ago? Maaan, I really don't like the direction of this series.

[@natopor]

not to mention he was forced in his position by her.

[@TemariNaraannaschatz]

She also didn't bother with Jaehaerys death or discussion Daeron who Rhaenyra would also at the very least be told to execute.

[@natopor]

@@TemariNaraannaschatz the issue is that the writers try to turn this into story in which Rhaenyra and Alicent make peace somehow for the sake of their old friendship. But that makes little sense. Even in s1 when Alicent tried to take Luke's eyes it was obvious the two were no longer friends. The deaths of Luke and Jaeherys should have been a point of no return (tho if you ask me even before that it was no return, or at least it should have been). Rhaenyra would have turned into a warrior queen trying to fight for her claim. And yet this is what we got.

[@TemariNaraannaschatz]

@@natopor Completly agree, not just from a adaptational perspective but from a character perspective they should hate each other after Jaehaerys and Luke. They could even have this weird convo after blood and cheese just with a different outcome of no return. But instead we get this.

[@Hear.myvoice]

​@@natoporThey turned this story into the "House of whoopsies" where everything that happens is just a mistake.

[@simonf9160]

Rhaenyra’s sassiness in this scene is unmatched

[@nehankhan1584]

In the books she bows in front of Rhaenyra in mockery and said you may sit on the throne my queen but my son Aemond will come. And we get this..

[@ridwanzakifaisal]

The whole point of the books is that they're unreliable narrators of the actual events. History is written by the victors after all and all three sources for the dance of the dragons are biased

[@queenxx1690]

@@ridwanzakifaisal you are unrealistic some events were written in detail because there were people who saw it and they were written in details for a reason

[@ratikantrout1865]

​@@ridwanzakifaisal make up your mind. Either rhaenyra won since her bloodline continued through her children in which case it is not unreliable or rhaenyra lost

[@piapress2959]

Two wrongs don't make them right! Amend shouldn't have never went after Rhenarya youngest son and Damon should have never killed Helan little boy! In my opinion Rhaenyra got what she wanted at the end of the day, A son for a Son!

[@lindsey7951]

And yet she wants more...

[@beckyweiss6072]

RIP Alicent Hightower

[@nagorepalaciosdelafuente]

Yeah this is a fan fiction at this point, even George is disappointed with the show

[@keinyihernandez]

A black fan fiction. They destroyed the greens far more than the blacks, though they made Rhaenyra such a weak pushover ruler.

[@TheAwesomeDarkNinja]

Alicent has always been like this. She gets in over her head and never learns from it.

[@queenxx1690]

fanfiction

[@TheRemover469]

This is maybe the dumbest scene in the whole series.

[@Bond2007100]

Yes, it is.

[@taylorfinleys]

It really is

[@EvilMockingJay]

Septa Rhaenyra disagree with you 😅

[@Bond2007100]

@@EvilMockingJayThat’s too bad.

[@EvilMockingJay]

@@Bond2007100 there is so much dumb scenes in that show... I miss Season 1/4 of GoT. Rhaenys on her dragon facing all the greens (when Aegon get his crown), Septa Rhaenyra, this one... It's really awful, that's near season 8 writing.

[@BMikaC01]

In this scene at the end, Alicent did ask Rhaenyra “Come with me”. I’m not too sure if she was implying to come with her to Essos or Kings Landing?

[@summergrace8782]

To Essos. The whole thing was a bit of a callback to a scene from S1 where Rhaenyra and Alicent were sitting by the weirwood tree and Rhaenyra talks about wanting to fly around the world on dragon back with Alicent and leave all the royalty/politics behind. Role reversal of sorts now.

[@nicksmithnutmilk]

Essos

[@АминаАрбаханова]

The whole series, all the characters want to escape to Essos. This series should have been called Dreams about Essos😅

[@Caramelpop86]

To Essos.

[@Avatar1881-u7z]

Alicent really loves Rhaenyra more than her own children.

[@anonymousnation5235]

Notice how they both are quarreling like little girls. Alicent biting her nail in tension and Rhaenyra throwing dramatic jabs. Both otherwise poised well mannered elegant queens fighting like teenagers when it comes to each other. It's kinda sweet ❤

[@anayadegani626]

Why did they ruin S1 Alicent. Alicent would never betray her children. ALICENT LOVES HER CHILDREN DEEPLY.She was like a lioness protecting her cubs when Aemond lost his eye, stood in front of a dragon for Aegon she cared for her children deeply. She didn't show her love as freely but doesn't mean she didn't love them. Alicent doesn't know how to express her love as Otto never shown her any love

[@Yennefer_Of_Vengerberg--1266]

Think about it , in the books Rhaenyra is captured and then killed i.e fed to Sunfyre . Trust me if anything , Alicent is trying to trap her and she has done a good job of convincing Rhaenyra that she meant what she said .

[@neuviotterss]

@@Yennefer_Of_Vengerberg--1266that isn’t matching to what we saw alicent do in s2… she rlly betrayed her sons just to get away w helaena but her plan’s going to backfire bc aegon scared the city, rhaenyra most likely will think she set her up and *i hope* this severs this stupid relationship bc atp in the story they should think highly of each other

[@carolina27198]

Love is not unconditional as books and movies paint, and it shouldn't be. Now, im strictly referring to the show. Alicent, still a child herself, is nothing but a baby making machine. The words the most come out of her mouth is duty, sacrifice, virtue, do what is expected. That's what motherhood means to her, and that's so weak. Is still love, but it can't overcome everything

[@carolina27198]

As a mother, she did what was expected of her, love her children, defend them when they are threatened... still she has no power to do so. She is queen in name alone, weak to the will of men around her and Rhaenyra (the heir). And then, after doing her duty, putting her oldest son on the throne... she has nothing left to do but watch them. Finally, seeing them from whom they are, angry, vengeful and petty, the monsters she allowed them to became.

[@carolina27198]

And then... there's Heleana. Her little girl, the one it was good, the one who reminded her of herself one day. Young, beautiful, innocent. The one she realized she could still save, the one who wasn't to far gone. Aemond is just as bad as the man around her. Aegon is broken. Both discarted her. She could not save all of them. In a way saving Heleana, she is trying to save herself, her younger self from them.

[@aleksandraolech1967]

Honestly show Alicent is a way bigger villain than book Alicent. History did her a kindness turning a loathsome cockroach that backstabs her sons after placing them in mortal danger into some fierce defender of her family. Show Alicent can compete with Stannis and Selyse Baratheon for parent of the year award. 💀

[@TemariNaraannaschatz]

Book Alicent is a sterotypical evil stepmother who married the king so her son would be king, usurpered the throne and wanted children slaughtered and maimed, I'd say she's a far bigger villain. Just because this one is accepting having her son executed when he turned out a monster (as stupid as I think this scene is) in contrast to book Aegon being a better person who she loved.

[@petrstanovsky7648]

@@TemariNaraannaschatz Aegon is no monster and she is blind to don't see this. He is tragic man ruin by his parents and deserve very much to be loved, he is trying to rule decently and do his duty, but constanly ends up backstabed and put down by everyone. Alicent is true monster. She ruined Aegon and then she blamed him for it so she could got away herself.

[@TemariNaraannaschatz]

@@petrstanovsky7648 They made show Aegon a r*pist. Otherwise he's a wonderfully written layered character, but they still made him a r*pist.

[@BriarPatchNyra]

Book fans did try to warn y'all...

[@neuviotterss]

“the arrogance of blaming me” wtf is this dialogue choice…

[@xmynationalanthemx]

I hope and pray Aegon never, never learns of this. His heart would be so completely shattered if he did. I hope he forces Alicent to watch as he kills Rhaenyra.

[@Al-ji4gd]

YESSS

[@DAFR2849]

I’ve never hated a character as much as Alicent, she said “the arrogance of blaming me” as if she’s innocent, she’s always been a self righteous hypocrite.

[@queenxx1690]

so was Rhaenyra this show is done

[@chadbarr5365]

She wants to talk about herself for awhile before getting to the solution of how to end a civil war she started involving thousands.

[@LukeKetchum7003]

This episode may not be well written. But the actors and actresses do what they can, to make it worth watching. These two are the best.

[@Bond2007100]

You’re never gonna be done with this no matter what.! This will haunt you for the rest of your days. But don’t worry, you won’t be alone there; it’ll haunt everyone else too.!

[@petrstanovsky7648]

Alicent will be alone in the end and she will absolutely deserve it.

[@pepeddrobarros2934]

For me makes no sense Rhaenyra is ALL about Aegon,and did not even mention Aemond, who in deed murdered her son and Rhaenys

[@leilanimartinez8903]

Rhaenyra needs to take Aegon’s head, not Aemond’s, because Aegon is the one who took her place as king. Even though Aemond is a big threat and causes her a lot of trouble, Aegon is her real rival for the throne. By defeating Aegon, Rhaenyra would get rid of the main obstacle to her claim, which would end the fight over who should rule.

[@Juligatito]

WANNNDER IN THE WILDERRRNESSS

[@LGranthamsHeir]

4:18 "A cold Queen grasping for power and then defeated" Parallels Cersei 180 years later.....

[@BeggarsNight]

“Still you think you can have all you want without paying too high a price, a price I have no choice but to pay.” Crazy how they’ve completely changed places from earlier events, when Alicent was driven by the exact same reason that now drives Rhaenyra.

[@cloudburstlia456]

I think the fact Alicent is no longer wearing Green is a symbol of the fact she no longer wants to be Rhaneyra’s enemy. She has returned to the lighter blue shades we see her wear at the beginning of the series and it’s also a color that is associated with peace and tranquillity.

[@lubipluas5184]

this scene is in the same level as season 5-8 got writing 💀 because what the hell are they doing here 💀💀💀

[@moo3814]

the writing this season is so bad omg 😭

[@kostyabenson4308]

Now if only Daemon saw how the story really ends 172 years later and that none of “Aegon’s prophecy” really matters, Rhaenyra could have taken Alicent up on her offer and ran away with her, it’s palpable that she really wants to. These two love each other more than anyone around them ever could, they always have. Let Daemon and Aemond duke it out over the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra and Alicent are happiest when they have each other.

[@icoleman150]

Too much happened even without this war. I’m not sure Rhaenyra would have run away with Alicent.

[@khfan4life365]

Rhaenyra doesn’t love Alicent. Alicent was a pet, not a friend or someone she loved.

[@johnnymontanez9847]

Alicent refused to try before why now when it looks like Rhaenrya is winning. 1:28

[@jazminmuro9692]

Although Alicent knew she was a pawn, she was just making herself a victim. Yes, women in the Game of Thrones were victims of men with power, but what is the point of Alicent trying to justify that she is innocent. Rheanyra despite the mistakes she had, was a survivor. Rheanyra tries hard to keep herself as her father's heir because she will bear her line as the Prince that is promised. Two women fought for the same thing. To survive and win the Game of thrones.

[@Avatar1881-u7z]

Say what you will about this scene and episode but the acting remains amazing.

[@LGranthamsHeir]

Did this scene exist anywhere in the book? I didn't recall ever reading Alicent surrendering King's Landing to Rhaenyra and giving up her son just like that

[@dilxc]

u kno whats sad? HOTD had solid actors, even the younger ones, side characters, characters with little to no screen time and even newer casted, the actors r top notched. But just GOT, the showrunners and producers r ruining the cannon. more GOT, HOTD had a very consistant plot, even some filler parts could actually work for the drama, bucuz unlike GOT, this whole pretty much involves an entire discombobulated family, if they 98% followed the book with a bit of personal touch, this show, especially season two would have 10/10. like, season 1 even could have had many fun and shock value, season two had many scenes from book, but showrunners completely ignored it, ruined or change it.

[@L.adislav]

3:20 JAEHAERYS???

[@romanoffsson]

He is a grandson, not alicent's son

[@masterplokoon8803]

​@@romanoffsson he is Aegon's son, he was just a young boy who died because he was the rightfull heir. Saying "whatever it's just a grandson" is nonsensical.

[@romanoffsson]

@@masterplokoon8803Except he wasn't the rightfull heir

[@masterplokoon8803]

@@romanoffsson except that by law he was the rightfull heir. And he was the heir of the green faction. And that is not even the important part. The poor boy was killed just because he was the Aegon's son and Rhaenyra and Alicent are here acting as if it never happened. "But he was grandson" is such bs heartless arguement but typical if Rhaenyra stans. Both claimants have lost a child so the whole "son for a son" crap already happened.

[@masterplokoon8803]

@@romanoffsson least bloodthirsty Rhaenyra stan be like.

[@teslajayde9641]

Such a powerful scene

[@gabri3l92]

Season 8 level scene

[@TheRealHerbaSchmurba]

No its not

[@gabri3l92]

@@TheRealHerbaSchmurba Maybe worse. At least D&D waited to destroy their show

[@TheRealHerbaSchmurba]

@@gabri3l92 no its not worse. Youre being ridiculous

[@gabri3l92]

@@TheRealHerbaSchmurba like I said, at lest they waited

[@TheRealHerbaSchmurba]

@@gabri3l92 like I said, youre being ridiculous. Its not season 8 level.

[@AhmetcanDemirci1]

Show was bleeding. Yet show died with this scene. Shame. Thats all there is to say.

[@Kyloprince2744]

Rhaenyra got her biscuits burned that time nice one Alicent 0:40

[@SlimKim3]

I know some people might not believe Alison here when she says she's accepting that raniera can kill Aegon but there's two reasons why I do. One and a few scenes before this she was already talking about how she's pretty much fed up with the life she has in most people's rules in it beside her daughters which is why she's planning on leaving. 2. at the end they showed that Aegon has left King's Landing.. when Rahenyra gets there she's going to assume Alicent told Aegon to purposely leave so that's why they're going to have it be that Alicent actually wanted her to follow through otherwise she's not going to feel any type of way about him leaving and her not being able to be there to claim the throne.

[@MattyCamachio]

Ryan Condal will pay for his crimes

[@berun9204]

I don't know about you but I have this crazy theory that im the books, since no one is confirmed as Aegon's murderer, I always thought that Alicent was the one who killed. Now I know that will be asking "what kind of mother will do that to her own son?". Well, without the evidence of this conversation with Rhaenyra, I sustain my theory on the fact that Aegon was poisoned. Yeah, it could have been the servants fearfull or hatefull of him. But then again, they were terrified of Aegon enough to not to turn against him. And since is poison and I imagine that even a fictional king has royal testers, it could only be someone that he trusted or at least be someone close to him. And now, we have this scene. But them again, a theory only based in my observations and mostly my speculations

[@TemariNaraannaschatz]

Book Corlys all but confesses to it. And book Alicent loved Aegon and would have done anything for him. But in the show I can see Alicent being the one to do it.

[@masterplokoon8803]

In the book it was pretty clear who did it. It was Corlys and Larys with the help of Orwyle trying to save their own skins.

[@Loki-g3k]

​@@TemariNaraannaschatzAlicent will try to poison him because Aegon burns her bestie alive.

[@Bond2007100]

To be free of endless striving?! Alicent Hightower: ALL of us in this world HAVE to Strive to be the BEST we can be.! Not because anything less is unacceptable, because anything less is Pure MISERY.!! I can see that you are Miserable, YES, you are.!!

[@wesper-stan]

the breakup, part 5000

[@AUTHORASEERAREVIEWS]

It's Rhaenyra trolling her for me. "Oh, how lovely for you.." "go then....wonder in the wilderness"....🤣

[@kiratics3710]

I just see two lesbians scissoring

[@VV-nz4dv]

this feels like fanfiction and ruined hotd

[@charonyoung2510]

It's a shame. Alicent is the reason for the Targaryen downfall.

[@davidmasters8601]

Nope, Otto is.

[@charonyoung2510]

@davidmasters8601 you're right but she did mistake what viserys was saying about the song of ice and fire. The biggest targaryen mistake was naming every son that was born aegon. Otto definitely set the stage for the war

[@TheRealHerbaSchmurba]

Otto

[@davidmasters8601]

@btw_i_use_arch what are you talking about? Alicent wasn't out to push for Aegon to be king, Otto was the one who orchestrated usurping the throne - if it wasn't for him Rhaenyra would've ascended uncontested

[@lindsey7951]

​@@davidmasters8601Alicent in the show did push for it with Otto your point is moot.

[@Luis-ou9fn]

Alicent is a mommy fr, 1000 knights couldn’t get me out of her

[@BlackDiamond2718]

Olivia is pretty. ❤

[@NatS3703]

I dont like this this scene at all. I don't like the implications, I love Emma but I don't like her acting here. I don't like rheanrya's character- she's spent all season saying she wants no bloodshed then says she wants aegons head

[@selenashaw9227]

Huh????? She would be seen as weak if she does not get rid of the opposition…

[@bozeboze6604]

you can argue the writing, pacing, heck even the lighting is bad but the actors here did a stellar job with displaying all the nuance of emotion here... also what? those are two very different bloodsheds, one as the face of the entire opposition, to innocent civilians. Im so down for criticisms for this season but this is not it

[@NatS3703]

@bozeboze6604 alright calm down, sorry if I touched a nerve

[@goodputin4324]

​@@NatS3703shut it

[@christinestreeter8566]

Yeah she didn’t want that until her hand was forced and she went to Alicent to find another way and was told too bad. Now she has committed to this and must do what she must. Rhanerya has committed to war now there is no going back for her.

[@RagnarKorg3141]

The best Alicent can do is take Haelena and leave her castle life behind

[@cristinademartini6653]

While her male sons are going either to be killed or to be sent to the wall or to cittadel, for something she made, as she was the one who made Aegon usurp Rhaenyra's throne. Mother of the year for real, isn't she?

[@RagnarKorg3141]

@@cristinademartini6653 We have tons of parents of the year, in any fiction. There's not one of them you wouldn't want to push off a cliff.

[@Little_Vampiregirl]

Let me guess, Sarah Hess wrote this stupid, illogical scene? 😂🙄 The next season I'll wait for the critics and what my friends will say about it when it's finished. I can't take another bad season playing in my beloved GoT-universe. If the next one will also disappoint so many fans again I'll quit Westeros for good (except GRRM releases the last 2 books, what will never happen anyway)

[@nicksmithnutmilk]

Sara Mess also wrote Rhaenys ruining Aegon's coronation

[@masterplokoon8803]

​@@nicksmithnutmilk she also wrote Aegon being a regular at child fighting pits.

[@orkhanbayramov553]

Watching Alicent's expression in that final scene with Rhaenyra was akin to witnessing a religious vision, the sort that descends upon one at the precise moment the last vestiges of power slip away. It's a poignant reminder of the cruel caprices of fate, leaving her standing there, grasping at the ethereal remnants of control that now evade her completely. This moment encapsulates the tragic irony of her character-a queen who, despite her machinations and fortitude, finds herself undone by the very forces she sought to master. Alicent’s demeanor throughout the series has been a masterclass in restrained authority, always balancing on the knife's edge of power and peril. Yet, in this pivotal scene, we see a dramatic unraveling, as though she has been struck by an epiphany of her own insignificance. This is not merely a loss of political influence, but a profound existential reckoning. One can almost hear the echo of centuries-old tragedies in her silent despair, a woman besieged by the realization that her destiny is no longer her own to dictate. In the grand tapestry of the series, this moment serves as a stark, almost Shakespearean reminder of the impermanence of power. Alicent's vision is less of the divine and more of a stark, sobering clarity-an acute awareness that all her efforts to control her fate have led her to this juncture of helplessness. It’s a scene that will undoubtedly resonate deeply with viewers, highlighting the relentless, often merciless nature of political life in Westeros.

[@brendenwright7957]

I honestly think this could have been avoided had Jacaerys married Helaena, I'm off the belief that those two could have been happy, and either way, Otto and Alicent would have technically got what they wanted with their blood on the throne through a child Jacaerys and Helaena could have had... and part of me is hoping this possibility is still open depending on how much the show may depart from the source material, it may not at all, but I can have hope for my favorite Targaryen of this show to have some semblance of a good ending, given how devastating Helaena's ending was in the Canon...

[@janellejulianajoy]

It can't. Helaena is still married to Aegon and unless acting King regent legalizes incestuous polygamy, it won't. Not to mention what Rhaenyra stands to lose. She can try it, but she should know removing Baela Targaryen as Jace's betrothed and future queen eliminates House Velaryon as an ally because it's clear that Corlys is only truly helping because Rhaenys and later Baela asked him to. Then you have to factor in Daemon. Married or not, would he be cool with his daughter being passed over for Alicent Hightower's daughter? Absolutely not as he'd kill Helaena before that happened. This would be the biggest slight known to man, especially when you realize that Jace, Luke, and Joffrey only had their support because Corlys allowed them to use his name. So, this is essentially allowing Corlys to throw up the deuces, remove his blockade and allow Rhaenyra to fend for herself. Baela's bloodline is infinitely more powerful than Helaena's, and it always has been. Why do you think the girls are betrothed to Rhaenyra's boys as toddlers? Rhaenyra knew who and what she needed to succeed. It's the same on the show. Baela, Rhaena, and House Velaryon as a whole are so overlooked that it's triggering.

[@queenxx1690]

So now what we gonna see Alicent work with Rhaenyra to lure her son home so Rhaenyra can cut off his head and his brothers ? without being called kinslayer

[@ph89787]

0:41 Rhaenyra: Hi pot. I’m kettle

[@masterplokoon8803]

@@ph89787 Rhaenyra:" I openly cheated on my husband and had 3 bastards that I pretended to be Velaryons and usurped Driftmark for them and Daemon killed the guy who spoke out against it. You were completely faithfull to your husband while he lived and only had a lover after he died and you were single again. That is the exactly same thing I did and you are a shameless hypocrite." I do no't understand why they are trying to make Alicent a hypocrite when she really isn't in this situation.😅

[@tinaplunkett8795]

That part at the end was a deleted scene

[@Orikon25]

I will never understand how dumb the general audience has to be for them not to understand this scene. Could Alicent's point have been clarified a bit more? Sure. But it's by no means bad writing.

[@in_vas_por8810]

This is when she really started to remind me of young Rhaenyra. There were a lot of things logic-wise that upset me here, but Emma was finally doing some real acting. Imo.

[@romanoffsson]

Emma always had good acting, even more than Milly

[@vishaljain56]

Wander in Wilderness 😅

[@cathleenwarner1778]

Is this the whole scene, it seems like there are cuts, I can't tell

[@Shannon-vv6rr]

The end bit was a deleted scene

[@xzyby26]

we all forgetting Alicent is desperate here. You alla sking why she came here is the same reason why Rhaenyra came to her at the Septum. They both has lost something and have sacrificed something on what they believe it's true. I think everything started to change for Alicent when Rhaebyra told her about the Prophecy and she started to realized that the war was gonna end everyone but she couldnt possibly say something to stop it cause she said herself. It is too late. One thing i love about this show is the parent relationship we saw in GOT how Cersei was this mad woman but she loved and pretected her children at all cost and here Alicent eventho she loves them she is willing to sacrifice her sons for her daugther who she sees as herself and doesnt want anyone to trat her ñike they did to her.

[@masterplokoon8803]

This scene terrible and the whole prophecy bs is dumb. Alicent spent decades raising her sons that Rhaenyra would kill them and that they must take the throne only for all that motivation to disappear and her putting Aegon on the throne over a misunderstanding? And how did her sons treat her? Aegon loved her, kept her on the council and wanted to listen to her only for her to call him worthless. Aemond rightly removed her from the council because of how useless she has been all season actively undermining the greens and helping Rhaenyra. And Daeron is just a good boy playing his flute in Oldtown. Alicent is now an unredeemable monster who sold out her sons when they proved not to be good pawns to advance her power. And on top of that she wants to put Helaena and Jaehaera ( whom as Aegon's daughter is a threat to Rhaenyra's power since the king's daughter comes before his sister) in the hands of the people who already killed her grandson.

[@hansofaxalia]

Her whole character was being a mildly power hungry woman who wanted to keep her kids alive. Now she is going to let her bestie kill her sons because she wants to live the simple life? 180 in motivation

[@jchandlersabeast]

This was the lamest season finale I’ve seen in a while. This scene is supposed to be so dramatic. Felt like i was watching a soap opera

[@thealmightykaren5926]

whyd you keep cutting it? this ain’t tiktok

[@ninaedwards345]

Alicent is my least favorite character she started all of this for her desire for the throne for herself tbh

[@michaelyoon9355]

No that is not it. You still held the truth.

[@malclmhexed5978]

4:39 I wish they kissed bad 🥲😅

[@zlatni_orao]

Get help bro

[@malclmhexed5978]

@@zlatni_orao it was a joke. Get a clue

[@BlackDiamond2718]

@@zlatni_oraoagreed

[@milltig9676]

@@zlatni_oraowhy? Lesbians for the win

[@angelchavez4245]

@@milltig9676lesbians who turn their children against one another, scar each other with steel blades, and who’s husbands conspire to have their children killed. Sounds like a match made in Heaven.

[@BeautifulSenorita]

When you let a lesbian write a tv show 😬

[@drdrimes]

She's bullshitting Rhaenyra

[@queenxx1690]

House of Rhaenyra you mean

[@JR47846]

they turned this into a joke

[@infjelphabasupporter8416]

I don't care what anyone says. Yes, this is a very different Alicent from book Alicent. But book Alicent is a stereotypical "evil stepmother though I love my children" character. Her character is so much more complex and interesting in the series. She's both a victim and a villain, passing on to her own children the harm that she also received.

[@cristinademartini6653]

The harm she received from others doesn't allow her to hurt and ruin her own children. They aren't guilty of her sufferings.

[@infjelphabasupporter8416]

@@cristinademartini6653 obviously. Hence she's a villain, because she was a victim. It's not an excuse, but it is a psychological explanation.

[@cristinademartini6653]

@@infjelphabasupporter8416psychological or not, you don't go and offer your children to the enemy on a silver plate.

[@infjelphabasupporter8416]

@@cristinademartini6653 agreed. But... I don't recall when all ASOIAF universe characters were meant to be good people haha.

[@cristinademartini6653]

@@infjelphabasupporter8416 neither i do, but I don't recall any character selling off their offsprings,but perhaps I lack memory🤣

[@Janaparnikova]

I hate everyone. Mostly showrunner. Who knew that everything would lead to most of the people to root for Aegon.

[@TheRealHerbaSchmurba]

Maybe thats what they want though

[@masterplokoon8803]

It was completely acidental, the writers are not that smart.They have been relentlessly demonizing the greens constantly and pushing Rhaenyra as the hero down our throats while demonizing Aegon since season 1. But since they don't want a female character with actual ambition, agency or being somewhat vilainous( since to them women= good and men= bad) they whitewashed Rhaenyra and Alicent and they think Alicent selling her sons is a beautifull inspirational redemption scene( showing a complete lack of awareness). And that makes a perfect irony since the guy they went out of their way to demonize is now the most popular character while the person that they went out of their way to whitewash and make more likable (Alicent) is now universally despised.😂 While reading the books I was very neutral but in their atempts to whitewash team black and Alicent they have actually made part of me want Aegon to get his revenge on Alicent, Rhaenyra and Daemon.😅

[@Hear.myvoice]

​@@TheRealHerbaSchmurbaMaybe they shouldn't have introduced him as a psycho r4pist 💀

[@janellejulianajoy]

Because they don't think anyone truly likes him. They did the same with Daemon. They gave Aegon every negative trait you can think of, and for what reason? I am TB, 100 %, but they did him dirty.

[@Loki-g3k]

​@@masterplokoon8803His journey in this season definitely will turn the tides. Alicent ignored him and left Aegon in misery while he had lost her son but I was like maybe she doesn't know how to comfort him and this scene happened.😂😂😂😂

[@taylorfinleys]

Am i the only one who found this scene made the one at the sept feel something...less? It was a huge deal getting Rhaenyra into kings landing, but the other queen can just waltz right in? BS

[@BlackDiamond2718]

“How’d you get past the kingsguard?” “Kingsguard?” 😂😂

[@petrstanovsky7648]

This scenes made me vommit almost. Alicent is such a horrible person and Rhanenyra finally shows her true colors, wanting to kill crippled abandonded brother who never wanted to be king.

[@xPooogle515]

Let’s not forget Aegon is a rapist. Thanks

[@xPooogle515]

Let’s not forget Aegon is a grapist. Thanks

[@emoneestep]

@xPooogle515 So was Viserys, grooming and bedding a 14-year-old the same age as his daughter, who had no option to refuse since Viserys was King. Yet the show and Rhaenyra keep talking about him like he was a good man. 🤷‍♀️

[@xPooogle515]

@@emoneestep what an amazing take. Aegon literally runs around graping actually unwilling women and kids because of his prince status that’s a little different from a time-period-specific statutory marriage, it just is. Sorry.

[@petrstanovsky7648]

@@xPooogle515 You just made it out. There is never mentioned, show or book he did grape some kids. He is like 19 in the story, so he shouldn't act unproperly, but being interested in girls around your agenis hardly grape. And again, him being rapist is bad show direction. He isn't really evil or most vicious character on show, but I guess team black have pass. And Alicent was martially rape and suffered in her young years, fact that it was common doesn't make it right.

[@itsanditimevarietyshow]

You cut out the best parts. Downvote.

[@robe13aguilas]

Those eyes! My Queen

[@CoelhoFutebolista2]

Alicent,love but if she does someting unforgivable like Daenerys i will not root for her life

[@KevinMcLaughlin-r6o]

This was just lazy and poor writing. That being said, anyone think that Alicent is setting Rhaenyra up?

[@marandajohnson7588]

I damn sure hope so because that would mean they didn’t completely destroy her character.

[@mrjuanwtc]

I don’t think she’s originally setting her up in the script, but I guess it could be one way to save her character after the stupid writing this season

[@falcon-moon]

Sara Hess, let everyone know her name. The one who actively destroys the characters and the show.

[@ausar3852]

Na bro see her eyes ? she got sidelined and dismissed by council... than she goes and betrays everyone and everything she stood for.... and why ? beacuse PLOT

[@gentlebabarian]

This scene was so cringe.

[@Madnessa121]

Bebim canim imkansiz shipim ya 😢