House of the Dragon Episode 2 is Pretty Great

[@syedraihaan]

"I will speak of my brother as I wish, You will not" was one of the great line from this episode. I loved that

[@samuelcontreras9248]

shits hard

[@youngmyth]

Reeks of an unserious hack. There’s nothing hard about that character. Weakness everywhere propped up by privilege. I should read the books. Was he really written that way? I guess it’s good writing as it captures a not so uncommon type

[@dingdongs5208]

@@youngmyth there is no characterization in the book, it is merely a retelling of a events from two unreliable sources: a jester and a septon

[@kimbrown797]

@@youngmyth No Inread the books..Damian is much softer in this version of house of dragons

[@HolyknightVader999]

It showed that while Daemon has his issues with his brother, he still loved the guy.

[@fayetopias]

The chemistry between young Rhaenyra and Daemon is unsettling. Great acting overall

[@Sulla-ps3jv]

Who’s going to tell him that Daemon is going to marry someone younger first.

[@VisibletoanyoneonYoutube97]

@@Sulla-ps3jv spoilers

[@fayetopias]

@@Sulla-ps3jv I’ve already read the books. Nice try but you haven’t spoiled anything for me

[@VisibletoanyoneonYoutube97]

@@fayetopias Good for you bud, but not everyone have read the books

[@user-rc2rf3un6d]

@@VisibletoanyoneonKZbin97 Why are you acting like faith is the one spoiling it for others 💀

[@HavanaSyndrome69]

I love how no matter how often dragons are seen flying around and roaring around Kings Landing and everywhere people are still in total AWE of them. They're so huge and scary and majestic that they inspire terror and it's impossible to grow accustomed to that.

[@Chadius_Thundercock]

They’re essentially nuclear bombs. You’re gonna shit your pants everytime if you’re directly threatened with being nuked if you don’t give something

[@darklight08709]

One cannot get accustomed to a superior being. It's a defense mechanism

[@tvTwo1]

Hot D timeline was when those dragons still a normalcy in King's Landing

[@TChalla616]

I live in a town where fighter jets frequently fly by, and no matter how many times, you're still in awe. They're so loud, fast, and aggressive, you can't help it, no matter how many times you see them.

[@HavanaSyndrome69]

@@TChalla616 Every time a plane flies over the house, my entire family runs outside onto the deck to identify it. Does any other family do that? lol They're usually C-130's, Blackhawks, Chinooks (my favorite), coastguard helos/C-130's, if we're lucky a C-5 Galaxy, and if we're WICKED gods' damned lucky a couple of B-2 Spirit bombers that look like specters gracefully, however spookily, traversing the heavens high above. The only time we see jet fighters is during an annual airshow at the nearby State Air National Guard base.

[@G_Kchrst]

Also props to the Rhaenys scene. The actress is amazing and the dialogue was on point.

[@neonneophyte3280]

cant wait until she dies in like 4 episodes

[@tsaageotrimm]

Milly Alcock's acting is SUPERB

[@TheFlowerofSpades]

She is sooooo good

[@MayhapsYes]

I agree. Original GOT brought stardom to many of the young actors and I'm sure she's headed there too.

[@tsaageotrimm]

@@MayhapsYes i wish to see more of her too!

[@Rockindaxmike]

I love her but don't get too attached, she's gonna be replaced after the time jump

[@IsabelS_Fuyu]

Star and standout of this episode for me for sure!

[@GabesEdtiz]

The Crabfeeder conflict has me intrigued. He seems like a very terrifying antagonistic force, and it’s not due to his numbers, but rather it’s the way he goes about torturing his victims.

[@Barryschitpeas42069]

Welp, hate to ruin it for you but he'll be a very terrifying piece of charcoal by the end of ep3 😂

[@lobal2]

@@Barryschitpeas42069 Funny as hell. But damn man did you have to spoil it?

[@BiblicalllyAccurateAngel]

@@Barryschitpeas42069 why do you have to give spoilers when it was clearly dude was excited for it. some people really just love to be annoying it seems

[@TheDallymally]

@@Barryschitpeas42069 cmon bro. “I know you just had a good take about one of the antagonists introduced in this new show everyone is watching, but I’ve read the books and hate to ruin it but I’m just going to spoil it for you because I have to ruin it for you (and I don’t actually hate to ruin it for you” be better bro

[@Bayard1503]

He's probably done next episode.

[@hijonathan]

One thing I haven't seen brought up is the fact that Caraxes only signals reacting its presence when Daemon's gets upset. That little detail ties nicely with the theory that there's a psychic connection between a dragon and its rider.

[@thomasalvarez6456]

Definitely, it’s the blood of the dragon. Maybe it’s because of ancient blood magic, being descended from dragons (somehow) or it’s because of their at birth connection, like being a twin in a way. I think it’s a combo of blood magic and that twin connection at birth.

[@magister343]

@@thomasalvarez6456 What "at birth, twin connection?" Caraxes is older than Daemon. Rhaenyra's dragon Syrax hatched from an egg placed in her crib, but Prince Aemon (the eldest son of Jaehaerys, and father to Rhaenys "the Queen Who Never Was') claimed and flew on Caraxes 9 years before Daemon was born.

[@TheSLashera]

Well, Dragons are often depicted as very intelligent beings often tied to magic in some way. So, knowing how subtle magic seems to be in GoT I'd say its a sound theory.

[@thomasalvarez6456]

@@magister343 Just for Targs in general, I do believe it’s a combo of their normal hearing, smell and hearing but they also have a magical psychic connection with each other.

[@dillon9016]

Milly, Paddy and Matt are killllling it. I’m gonna miss Milly Allock when older Rhaenyra is brought on.

[@georginalean3715]

I thought this too I’m going to miss her!!

[@neonneophyte3280]

cant wait until she dies in like 4 episodes

[@dillon9016]

@@georginalean3715 I mean I’m excited for Emma as an older Rhaenyra but I’m gonna miss Milly

[@DR.DisInfect]

Yes she's so sexy

[@iloveass8851]

Rhys too

[@joni1405]

8:33: The character they had this kid play is pretty much the perfect child actor role. Normally the problem with child actors is that they underperform and make it seem obvious that they're acting, but in that role, the character *herself* is acting and playing a part, so any wooden acting on the part of the child actress just seems like it's the nervousness of the character, rather than a flaw in the acting.

[@ojehgram]

Exactly!

[@kyngtruccie8817]

Exactly! She could've been a complete amateur and we wouldn't notice. We don't know whether she is an AMAZING child actor or an amateur and that's amazing writing showing right there

[@justinpaquette4970]

I thought the actress who played laena did a great job relaying that she was being coached by her father by the way the words didn’t just come out naturally that she was trying to remember exactly what to say that was great

[@atrajitroy1]

Yeah I noticed that too, and was highly impressed

[@user-tn1oh3he8c]

She’s like in her 20s

[@ihuh1000]

@@user-tn1oh3he8c the fuck? whats her name

[@atrajitroy1]

@@user-tn1oh3he8c did you even watch the episode?

[@marionarda2790]

@@user-tn1oh3he8c the actress is not 13 yet and was probably just 11 when filming . She looked like the tween she is

[@Dr.SyedSaifAbbasNaqvi]

I love that we all GOT stans get collectively excited about how good the episode was. The feeling we last felt probably watching Winds of Winter 6 years ago. Wonderful episode.

[@thomasjames24306]

As someone who came to GoT late and only watched Season 8 live, it’s so awesome being a part of this and the new excitement for the GoT universe again.

[@marinamuller2208]

I felt this the last time for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. People tend to forget that episode in their blind hatred against season 8, but at the time people were pretty excited about the episode, it had some wonderful character moments, reunions, farewells in the general fearful anticipation of the long night battle. I‘ve heard it being called „the last good episode of GoT“ lol

[@dineshramchand8397]

@@marinamuller2208 Even with season 8 being the dumpster fire that it was, I still hold that episode to be the best we'd had in two full seasons tbh

[@sgshumblecrumb6046]

@@marinamuller2208 Arya killing the Night King in the fashion she did was when the show lost most of its many detractors. Episode 2 had great moments such as Brienne getting knighted by Jaime and Podrick singing Jenny of Oldstones. The hype was very much still alive going into the White Walker battle.

[@diegobromfield]

@@marinamuller2208 Even my closest friend and I agreed from way back when S8 ended that the only good episode was episode 2 of that season. And the Jenny of Oldstones song is a forever classic.

[@jonny-b4954]

Alicent and Rheanyra are freaking fantastic. Their little quirks and fascial expressions totally sold me. Rheanyra is my favorite. Btu heck, even that little 12 year old Valaryia girl did great. You could totally see the... rehearsal of what her father told her to say and her hesitation behind it. Totally natural. Loving the writing, pacing, cinematography, the dialogue, the locations... I mean every shot looks incredible.

[@marinamuller2208]

Acting and writing aside (which were great), the CINEMATOGRAPHY!! Wow!! This show is just soo beautiful to look at! Even when it’s just two characters talking, the way they look for beauty in every single shot, not even just wide-angle shots but also regular closeup character shots, every single one stands out, every one could be framed. I remember being awed by GoT cinematography as well, but this tops that show effortlessly!

[@CAPS_AMERICA]

HOTD is pretty great because there's no sign of Dumb and Dumber! Those 2 should keep as far away as possible and HBO should be wise enough to understand when these 2 morons did ruin a great series!

[@yddraiggoch_48]

@@CAPS_AMERICA ultimately the ending is already established so there will be no making it up as you go along.

[@RR_theproahole]

@@CAPS_AMERICA I've heard that HOTD will be completely based on books so I am expecting a better ending.

[@sarahconnor13]

i really liked the scene where rhaenyra tells daemon to kill her, because she's the only thing standing between him and the iron throne, and then he throws her the dragon egg. their relationship is going to be really badass.

[@Sophia.Stark17]

I end up so relieved after finishing each ep that airs, this show really seems to be heading to the right direction Got-wise in all its aspects (story, acting, dialogues, cinematography)

[@CAPS_AMERICA]

Yes, because there's no sign of Weiss and Beniof!

[@jhinabloomingflower807]

Ελληνίδα φαν του κόσμου του a song of ice and fire?

[@shreyanshsharma2722]

After seeing Glidus's blisstake about e1 and now seeing this, I'm so genuinely happy and you guys are loving HOTD as much as myself.

[@leemiller29]

Apparently, Daemon is George RR Martin's favorite character, and since he's extremely involved in this show, it makes sense why he's quickly becoming the audience's favorite, too.

[@tiaaaron3278]

And yet his most humanising scenes were removed. That's sad.

[@williamreely3455]

I love Rhaenyra and Daemon's dynamic. I think they understand each other more than any other person outside their relationship. Rhaenyra understands and validates Daemon's desire for a high position despite being denied one repeatedly, which is why she doesn't insult him personally during the bridge scene. Daemon understands Rhaenyra's desire for a life not bound to the expectations of royalty and he doesn't seem to begrudge her place ahead of him in the line of succession because she has no power over it. Neither of them like the system as it is and they recognize that in one another. Most importantly, neither of them are idiots, which is such a refreshing change of pace after S5-8 of GoT.

[@timocruz510]

Them speaking High Valyrian is baller. Never thought about it when reading FnB, but totally makes sense

[@thelogician3845]

The last line was so on point🤣

[@domskillet5744]

My favorite scene of the episode is actually the scene with Viserys nursing his hand in maggots with Hightower and Mellos attempting to sway him away from Laena. The subtlety of Hightower and Mellos' performance was incredible. They state the obvious facts to Viserys about the benefits of marrying Laena but present it in a way that makes the prospect seem negative. It's like they're doing a good cop, bad cop routine. Mellos is "arguing" for Laena while Hightower against. Hightower begins by trying to paint the marriage as an overreach by Corlys and stating the obvious that Laena is young, but Mellos quickly cuts him off as if to say, "that's not the right argument, Otto," and lists a bunch of political positives to keep Visery's attention and give Otto time to think of a new talking-point. This time, Hightower inserts the idea that remarrying for duty's sake is an unenviable position, implanting in Viserys' mind that he should remarry for love rather than purely for duty (which Otto has made sure Alicent has been hard at work on that front). This is masterful manipulation and they are able to do it without arising the slightest suspicion from Viserys. This one scene had more complexity and subtext than any scene in GOT S5-8, and easily matches the quality of S1-4. GOT is officially back

[@Ashbrash1998]

That's why I found Otto so interesting. He wields his power in such an unassuming way that makes you think he's a decent person that makes great points. But in actuality he's just as slimy as the rest of them. Look like the flower but actual be the serpent under it

[@angiemono8539]

The criticism of the 1st episode was so undeserved; they did a great job but it can't be compared to 4 seasons of character development and world building

[@chichiro8625]

This! The first episodes of got werent that great for me either. Yes it was good and interesting but i didnt knew any of the characters or places. It needs time

[@jackgould5332]

@@chichiro8625 well it was different for me because I have read the books and it's awesome seeing these characters in live action, no spoilers but my favourite is deamon and he plays a really important role at the end of the dance

[@timocruz510]

My only real criticism of episode 1 was the tourney scene. Seeing 5+ Knights basically blatantly murdered wasn't fitting for the World of Ice and Fire. Sure, you can claim it's a change, I just don't think it's a very good one. It makes me wonder how they may handle a later scene, but don't want to spoil. Deaths at tourney's are almost always accidental, or at least seem that way. Never heard of multiple knights murdering others in the lists. Not very realistic to the source material imo. But that's it. I thought the first two episodes were great -- 8.5 and 9.5 respectively.

[@thelogician3845]

@@timocruz510 and what's up with the small council being all mad at Daemon for his brutal justice and then allowing such violence amongst the so called 'civilized' houses?

[@michaelahurt]

Fair point because part of what makes episode and even season one of GoT so good is what happened after, HOWEVER I think the criticism is fair. Episode one felt like it was made by executives, not creatives. You could practically see the seams where they stitched it together. It was packed with fan service and completely engineered "shocking" moments. I was constantly rolling my eyes. I felt like it was a combination of overly straightforward and direct but also confusing because I don't think the character introductions were particularly good; they felt clunky. To me it was very reminiscent of season 6. Spectacle, shock, and subverting expectations before storytelling and character development. Although I thought the joust scene, and particularly Daemon, was outstanding. The subtext and character development in that scene was so so good. But it was one scene.

[@starrynights1067]

I love this series so far. HotD doesn't think its audience is dumb and I respect it massively

[@apriliahussna4561]

@@asimhussain8716 I agree, it's a little repetitive

[@kylemaclellan7959]

@@asimhussain8716 think the only heavy handed expository dialogue this episode was corlys talking to daemon about his house. Which I’ll say was needed for viewers who haven’t read the books and have no clue who house Valeryon is.

[@emilybarclay8831]

@@asimhussain8716 I mean they do need to include a bit of exposition for those who haven’t read FaB otherwise you would 100% get lost. But it’s not focused on exposition which is a good sign

[@jobo8868]

These two episodes have been great in every way The actors have been doing a phenomenal job (Milly don't go! 😭) The cinematography, set and costume design is beautiful The dialogue is reminiscent of early Game of Throne's, and the plot and characters are nuanced, interesting and logical The pacing is excellent because they're adding great character moments like the ones between Rhaenyra and Alicent and setting up multiple plot points, without lingering on any one scene

[@HK-gm8pe]

as someone who has read Fire and Blood some of his reviews are a little cringe to me :D cause I know that Rhaenyra is nothing like Daenerys and this soundtrack wasnt Daenerys soundtrack... it was Targaryen theme :D and song of ice and fire secret really is something that George told them , I dont understand how people can compare Rhaenyra with Daeners...only because she is blonde and a dragonrider...soo stupid :D I dont think that we should compare people based on hair color :D and in House of the dragon there are going to be a lot of blonde women who are dragonriders also the fact that he was worried that Daemon and Rhaenyra are going to hate eachother when in the trailer they literally get married :D:D:D haha

[@LegendInThaMakin]

Viserys randomly choosing to marry alicent in the small council was weird and random. The pacing was totally off there and it came out of no where. I’ve read fire and blood so I knew it would happen but the delivery of it was totally random.

[@michaelahurt]

@@LegendInThaMakin I kinda thought the same but my wife has no idea about anyone of the books and she knew he was gonna say Alicent. For whatever that's worth

[@michaelahurt]

I wasn't that into episode 1. A little too on the nose, straightforward, and way too much fan service. I think I rolled my eyes half a dozen times. But episode 2 was *significantly* better and I do really like where it's going now. Episode one felt like season 5/6 to me and episode two like 1-4.

[@LegendInThaMakin]

@@michaelahurt oh that’s good to hear then. The only reason I could have known it was alicent was because I had prior book knowledge but to hear that someone who doesn’t know anyone saw it coming is good. Maybe I’m wrong then.

[@hannah.e.young.]

I actually liked that they kept the original theme. It really is a sign that we’re back into the GoT world and I got kinda emotional hearing it again. I can see how some people were looking for something completely new though

[@tomperry5947]

This is the best Westeros has been in quite some time. The time jumps are working thus far and I like how Daemon still has respect for his brother

[@apollotheegawd5872]

Top tier character building and set up for things to come. Great episode

[@Matt_10203]

Funny that when it follows the source material and GRRs guidance that the plot actually makes sense.

[@firstlast-oo1he]

What's funnier is that the source material is PRETTY bare bones compared to the ASOIAF books (literally just a history book with an unreliable narrator, no dialogue, probably not much actual plot beyond "this happened and this happened", I'm guessing). Maybe the showrunners are just MUCH better (somewhat) original writers than D&D lmao. There's so much they had to fill in. It's not like they had thousands of pages of plot and dialogue and character development to work with. Plus the fact that Ryan Condal was a huge ASOIAF fan before GRRM even hired him really shows. D&D only "read" the books when one of their agents sent it to them. They were not long-time fans like Ryan. They came at this whole thing with, more or less, big dollar signs in their eyes. Ryan genuinely loves the source materials, hence why George HIMSELF hired him! Oh, and apparently, he and GRRM became friends a good while before this show (so it wasn't just "hey your books will make us a lot of money"). (I think Sapochnik was brought on after because of his technical expertise (plus he's a great director, so there's that))

[@atrajitroy1]

@@firstlast-oo1he you think Ryan may be the guy who carries on GRRM's legacy after he's gone?

[@АртемийАндриевский]

@@firstlast-oo1he actually it helps a lot book being a historical chronicles. They don't need to fill multiple dialoges, scenes, characters etc in 1 hour long episodes, like D&D in GoT

[@sweetsserenei]

I hope Milly gets so much work after this, loved her acting. I also agree the show is the best case scenario of how this could have turned out. I love it and I had many doubts before it aired.

[@neonneophyte3280]

cant wait until she dies in like 4 episodes

[@olebramserud59]

Both Milly & Emily (Alicent) are showing great acting. Their chemistry so far has been amazing

[@adamlibre2908]

She will definitely have great opportunities afterwards, phenomenal talent 👏

[@jfandersson3223]

@@BolinFoto She’s 22, not 30.

[@BolinFoto]

@@jfandersson3223 Sorry wrong actress I thought of the other one Emma she's born 1992 And what is this the 80s again when we have middle aged actors playing high school kids again :P

[@ronniewhitedx]

I think the time jumps really help with the problem of teleportation in the later seasons of game of thrones too, because they can kind of just explain away characters being somewhere right away because of the nature of the show compared to game of thrones

[@farxx5628]

so much happened in this episode you'd think it's near the end of the season! i'm excited for what's coming

[@regularm3924]

Nothing happened compared to the first episode

[@josephschepella5358]

@@regularm3924 Viserys got married, Corlys joined Daemon, and Rhaenyra confronted her uncle on his plot to take the throne. Quite a bit happened for but one episode.

[@Darkstar_Dayne]

​@@regularm3924 Character development happened

[@TheDallymally]

@@regularm3924 idk how about an antagonist really being introduced and not just mentioned, or Viserys choosing where to extend his Targaryen bloodline, creating massive divides within important houses, or that choice leading to the master of sea going behind the kings back to work with his brother, who seeks the throne himself, or that brother overtaking dragonstone with his army of Goldcloaks, threatening to extend his own bloodline with a commoner as a wife, setting up talks of Vhagar, the second biggest dragon who ever lived, or creating a rift between the current heir and the queen who never was with the threat of her father having a son who shall overtake her as heir, making daughter resent father…if that is “nothing” compared to episode one, we clearly didn’t watch the same episode one lmao

[@regularm3924]

@@josephschepella5358 yeah ur right

[@oakenheart]

Yes. I must admit that I loved it more than the first episode. I dearly hope they will continue that way.

[@patrikneperfekta7575]

same

[@silveratlas2706]

I heard they had to change director last minute with this episode. How can it be this good tho? It isn't obvious at all! I'm so impressed with the production of this show. And I also heard that the show runners think this is their worst episode. How?! If it is like they say, what can possibly happen in the next episodes?! 😳 I'm so exited for the rest of this series, it's so great to see Martin's works at their peak again😍

[@hames100]

relax guy

[@The-Doctor6969]

They said it was the worst? Wow.

[@silveratlas2706]

@@The-Doctor6969 either they exaggerated or the next episodes are masterpieces lol🤣

[@mithex8414]

showrunners are under the impression that action=good so i can understand why they said that. they’re not the brightest of the bunch

[@TheMrMagnus]

@@silveratlas2706 where did they say it was one of the worst episodes?

[@AlexAppleby]

Episode one impressed me, but I thought to myself, perhaps it's wishful thinking, or unconscious bias to GOT. Episode 2 has made me sure. I have fallen in love with House of the Dragon.

[@sanjaykarthicks1226]

Rhaenyra's reaction after hearing that her father decided to marry her best friend speaks a lot I loved Millie's acting 💖

[@SirDenzington89]

I’m surprised that people don’t like the title music being back. I love it. It’s the westeros music.

[@kiara20238]

Dialogues are so strong

[@gfilmer7150]

Perfectly moving things forward

[@_jaded]

yep. so far so good 🔥

[@REV4NTH]

Matt Smith screen presence as Daemon is pure lit 🔥♥️

[@blackmanwithcomputer]

I think people need to stop comparing this show to the first 4 seasons of GoT. Not only is this show only two episodes in vs 4 seasons, it's also got a different perspective, different endgame (it's got more in common with Succession, than GoT imo) and isn't based off already written dialogue. This is original dialogue, that has been approved by GRRM. We need to view this as just a new HBO show, and judge by those standards which are already fucking high.

[@rafachrzaszcz6997]

Comparing it to the first 4 seasons is a great honor for the show. Finally I feel I'm watching the fantasy drama, not stupid action movie.

[@joneri85]

I liked the sound that Daemon's dragon made before he showed himself

[@FilmStudent07]

Love your honest reviews 🙂 One of the few folks left on KZbin who know what they're talking about and not pandering to the industry.

[@MathiasSteenJensen]

Yes, or the opposite, hating on it instantly

[@FilmStudent07]

@@MathiasSteenJensen I didn't find episode 1 great either tbh, and I think both episodes have a pacing issue. But pilot's generally aren't easy at this scale and I agree with him on episode 2. Blew me away, the way they play the silence and stillness is great! What was missing in the first episode, wouldn't blame them though given how much they have to set up. It's not hating instantly, it's called constructive critique, which is necessary in all forms of art.

[@MathiasSteenJensen]

@@FilmStudent07 Oh I'm not talking about fair criticism. . I'm talking about the people who hate the show instantly due to it being "woke" and "a copy of GoT"

[@FilmStudent07]

@@MathiasSteenJensen ahh I hear what you're saying. Agree with you those folks are just dumb. This is it's own story nothing but the opening theme copied from GOT.

[@MathiasSteenJensen]

@@FilmStudent07 Yeaup

[@YounglingSlayer9000]

After watching just 2 episodes of House of the Dragon, it depresses me that D&D/HBO didn’t make Ryan Condel a replacement showrunner for GOT after Dan and Dave said they didn’t want to do it anymore when season 6 ended. This guy would’ve wrapped it up well imo, if his HOTD work is anything to go by

[@АртемийАндриевский]

Agreed, but butterfly effect from missing plotlines in S5-S6, cut characters, personality changes will still have its consequences

[@YounglingSlayer9000]

@@АртемийАндриевский Yeah, Dan and Dave should’ve just dropped out in season 6 and replaced them with people who wanted to see George’s story made properly. Though I am glad they cut the whole Jon Connington plot from the books imo because it would’ve been too similar to Daenerys’s story imo. But cutting the Dorne plotline is a crime against humanity

[@АртемийАндриевский]

@@YounglingSlayer9000 tbh, I doubt it would be simular. Young Griff will more likely be Dany's opponent

[@rafachrzaszcz6997]

@@АртемийАндриевский Yes, they got rid the characters they didn't know what to do with them (Barristan Selmy, Brynden Tully, they omitted Victarion Greyjoy, Young Griff, and they ruined Dorne plot. Also the explosion of The Baelor Sept was a trap they didn't how what to do next. It should be a mass riot or something. No proper ending of ASOIAF books showed us how bad scriptwriters D&D are.

[@Ashbrash1998]

@@rafachrzaszcz6997 That's the main problem with D&D since they started the show. They cut out main characters and tried to keep their plotlines or abandoned them without seeing how it would affect the overall story.

[@slinkbradshaw8674]

These first 2 episodes have been an absolute treat

[@taranbaze1448]

Spoiler: Even though I knew King Viserys would choose Alicent, that scene drew elation from me. It was so well done and the way Corllys reacts is beautiful.

[@iwontgiveyoumyinformation8895]

i agree, second episode was also the one that won me over and made me excited for the rest of the show

[@realadex9655]

Thanks for featuring the Volume tech in your video. Honestly I'm just learning of it existence

[@sammcoin8430]

i like how the 2nd episode showed how the smaller, less powerful houses all start pouncing on the small power vacuum left in the queen’s death it really gave off season 1-4 GoT vibes

[@robertross8091]

There was very much a fast travel still for Otto to go 500 miles to dragonstone in one day

[@closeriusfildius9634]

Happy to see that you transcribed Jawadi's piece for piano! sounds great indeed

[@darth_revan1955]

I actually loved that it was the same music for the opening

[@ousmanjallow7866]

That confrontation on Dragonstone with the fog was so great and intense🤧👍!!!

[@georginalean3715]

The use of those moments with no dialogue and just reacting wow really remind me of season 1&2 got where they just let the great lines sit and sink in

[@JoVicttor49]

You said it all. The second episode made me incredibly more confident about the series going forward.

[@madyjules06]

this is a great review of a show that’s really turning out to be awesome 🥳!!

[@jackhamm1745]

The show is really great and so is your review. My only complaint is the dark washed out cinemaphotography: I hate the dull, heavy filtered Netflix look they've given it. Game of Thrones had beautiful cinemaphotography which was brilliant, clear and vibrant.

[@robertocontreras9143]

Yes great description of this episode l can't wait as the story develops for the main events, the dance of the dragons.

[@JimJamJ4]

What you say at 4:36 is SO true, such a fantastic observation I was blissfully ignorant too. I never even considered the travel time gap because they made it seamless and natural. Frigging brilliant

[@mranderson9813]

Wow can't believe I don't agree for once , I was incredibly bored and I'm no big spectacle guy

[@EraseMemoriesHD]

Oh, I'm not sad or disappointed that they used the same intro theme, there's no beating it.

[@adamlibre2908]

Truly à masterpiece of télévision making, House of the dragon is the next big thing 👌.

[@kofiopoku8847]

caraxes !! what a freak of a dragon with the twisted neck of his producing that terrifying squeak. I love it.

[@shivangsingh5956]

It's so amazing to watch a show which is engaging, beautiful ,full of fantastic creatures,great dialouges and amazing acting from the same universe which gave us s7 and s8

[@joshua89898989]

I love the emotion from the actors and sense of dread that’s coming becasue of dameon and his niece knowing the only that can tear down the house of dragon is from within

[@batgurrl]

Excellent analysis and breakdown. This has the definitive potential to be a truly great show. Production values are impressive as well.

[@naonitroax1384]

My favorite scene in this episode is Rhaenys and Rhaenyra. Rhaenys was amazing. Like Rhaenyra tries to defend herself during this scene, but gets obliterated by Rhaenys during this dialoge. (Though Caraxes showing up was EPIC)

[@jcurses]

Going to the bridge scene I remember thinking “Otto, this man has no respect for you. He has the gold cloaks and a dragon. He’s also a skilled fighter. Volunteering for this is a suicide mission.” Then I got so enamored and immersed with the dialogue exchange that, when Caraxes announced his presence I was like “Oh yeah, he has a fooking dragon.” The scenes intensity and dialogue tenseness was enough to make me forget about that for a moment. I think when art can do something like that it’s an amazing feat. Especially knowing that these characters are protected by plot armor there was still doubt. Kudos.

[@kai-xi2zh]

i liked the banter between the queen that never was and the future queen...from different perspectives, i have been where you are and know how this ends from the older queen and dannys optimism from the princess of bringing a new world order...really cul

[@kiara20238]

Reminds me of Cersei and Lady Olena kind of scenes tbh

[@neonneophyte3280]

cant wait until she dies in like 4 episodes

[@MourningCoffeeMusic]

This is easily the best Dragonstone has ever looked 🐉

[@punchgod1017]

The different types of dragons is what I’m most stoked about that red mfr looks so crazy

[@babayega1717]

Honestly Matt Smith fucking kills it. I really love him from Doctor Who, but damn *this* ..I was not sure he will fit the role, but he just comes out on top of every scene he has been in so far.

[@airwaters]

Same! I am just so excited every time he's on screen, cuz I know he's just gonna do something unexpected and unpredictable. The character is already interesting, but the topnotch acting is elevating it more. He talks with eyes and body language. He delivers lines with a commanding voice.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

I'm glad I finally taking him seriously again after that famous Morbius dance

[@henrihai1940]

I‘m soooo glad that show is so great so far. Can‘t wait for the next episode!

[@TheLethalGuy]

Oh god this show is already doing it. The first ep made me like Daemon and now this one made me like Rhaenyra and the next one is probably gonna make me like Corlys. God damn this show is so good

[@Divine_Chareka]

This series is already a masterpiece, this will be a great tv show I'm calling it

[@RsChrisG]

best part of episode 2 was hearing the OG game of thrones intro music. fucking chills.

[@Sam-ci2if]

You thought it was sad and disappointing they didn't come up with a new intro theme!? Trippen. The second that theme started I was overly hype. So glad they kept the original, it worked so well.

[@KabbalahSherry]

For real, I hope ALL of the spin offs use it going forward! To me, it should be the theme for this particular "world". Like how Star Wars uses the same theme for all of its movies. 😏 Ramin created an instant classic w/that song. Why try to "fix" what was never broken??

[@kuwanger12]

Pathetic

[@Sam-ci2if]

@@KabbalahSherry Exactly! The theme was perfect all along

[@FineCinema8]

Your video makes me like it even more.Indeed the episode is not dumb.

[@Bodharas]

I actually liked that they used the original score. Brings me back to when I would hear it and get that flutter of excitement. Well, at least before it went bad. Still always watched the opening sequence though.

[@Anneofalltrades369]

U remind of a friend who is intricately describing a scene of a little plot in the show just to get me excited to watch it without spoiling it. Love his attentiveness and geekness taste just like urs!

[@rafachrzaszcz6997]

I couldn't even imagine it would be a day we all are back in Westeros, having fun with each episode... Just like the beginning of GoT series, when we loved the dialogues, the plot twists. And we didn't know how badly it would end...

[@crazychips123]

So many beautiful shots acting and scenes. But the line I will speak of my brother as I wish, you will not Is hands down best line

[@storm-from-2020]

I want the opening theme to be just like GOT where important locations for each episode are shown.

[@nicklpantis]

I don't think we'll be exploring westeros as much as got. in got it would obv get confusing with all these different characters and storylines at once, in this show the only locations they really explore is kings landing, dragonstone and driftmark from what I've heard and anticipate so a whole map showing all the locations wouldn't make sense. instead, showing the confusing targaryen bloodline and family tree coheres more to the particular show

[@Fitchy-ke3wz]

Viserys is a good man. With a good heart. And it's hard for a good man to be a king. ~T'Chakka, father of T'Challa~

[@richtea615]

The Hightowers are like this century's Lannisters; grasping and power-hungry.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Allicent is gonna be Cersei of the show, obviously.

[@willsideris5678]

dude seriously this is an awesome breakdown

[@adrian29811]

we back man, feels good

[@AW-xc1xc]

I'll admit, I was pretty on the fence about episode 1 as well. The quality of production was great, the dialogue a thousand times better than the later seasons of GoT, it had compelling characters, and yet it felt off. However, I'm happy to say episode 2 has rekindled the love I had for GoT and Westeros. Everything made sense. It was back to the political intrigues and well-written characters. I have the highest hopes for this show now.

[@jeremybowers5301]

I was definitely happy with episode 2. The one area I'm not sure about yet is the narrowing of the age gap between Rehnera and Allicent from the book. So far I think it makes things much more interesting but I wonder if they will be able to stick the landing so to speak as the story goes on because I think it will necessitate some reworking of characters and potential motivations down the line.

[@SeeFair23]

It’s … Rhaenyra.

[@jeremybowers5301]

@@SeeFair23 I'm sorry I didn't spell a made up name correctly on the fly bud. I apologize if that hurt you in any way.

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

Take note of *Laena* *Velaryon.* She's talking about *Vhagar.* Laena will be an important ally to two of the main characters for the future wars to come. She's only 12 but she'll grow up and marry... 🤐 Three different actresses will portray her in this series. The oldest one, Nanna Blondell, appeared in Black Widow (2021). I became Team Daemon/Black the moment Matt Smith uttered the words "pack of hounds" and "squalor". But I do enjoy the sleaziness coming from Otto "Middlefinger" Hightower. I believe I'll remain on Team Rhaenyra/Daemon even after Blood and Cheese happens because I think the Hightowers screwed this all up by not honoring Viserys' will that Rhaenyra should be Queen. It doesn't make sense to be pressured to marry someone else after 6 months so the king can produce male heirs when Viserys just named Rhaenyra as his heir in Ep 1! 🤣 Hello? Then what the hell was all that talk about you messing up by always ignoring your daughter for succession? Viserys chose "friend" over family. He chose poorly. All Daemon is trying to tell Viserys is he needs protection. He needs a REAL MAN by his side. Daemon can wipe out leeches and infiltrators like the Hightowers. But Viserys is too weak to be a king. A grown-up Tommen. He's easily influenced by outside his bloodline. He didn't listen. By listening to Otto, this will be House Targaryen's downfall. Otto is a parasite. He's already entered Viserys' bloodstream by having her daughter be Viserys' next Queen. Marrying Alicent means a civil war between Targaryens. 🤦🏻‍♂️ Viserys should've chose Laena. She's a sound pick. It doesn't look right at that moment because she's just a child, but Laena will grow up to be a bad*ss character. VHAGAR, baby. VHAGAR. And Laena happens to be Viserys' favorite cousin's daughter. Or Viserys should've just listened to Daemon and let Daemon cut Otto's throat. Laena is only 12 but Daenerys was 13 in the books when she marries Khal Drogo. The writers aged her up to 17 in the show. If you close your eyes, Daemon does sound like Ramsay Bolton when he's speaking. Find a Ramsay scene on KZbin where he's talking. They do sound alike. So Daemon is a mixture of a lot of characters: Tyrion's intelligence, wit, and whore-mongering. Jaime's nobility, brotherly love, swordmanship, and physical attractiveness. Oberyn's wild temperament. Hints of Bronn and Euron in there. And Ramsay's voice and touch of sadism. Complex indeed. It's all Viserys' fault. Or maybe Jaehaerys' for passing on Rhaenys because she wasn't born with a penis. 🤦🏻‍♂️ At least Rhaenys even as a salty, bitter old woman she became is still a dragonrider. I'd be bitter too if my title is "The Queen Who Never Was". That sounds way more insulting than Kingslayer. Viserys lost his dragon before his ascension to the throne.

[@dragonstouch1042]

Yeah, Otto doesn’t care about Daemon’s sadistic tendencies. He hates Daemon because Daemon knows exactly who and what he is and won’t be manipulated like Viserys. Viserys is a fool. Outside of the Dance of Dragons, which to be fair he had no way of predicting, he just slighted his most power and rich ally along with the backbone of navy and two dragon riders. At the very least, he should’ve known how badly this was going to screw up his relationship with his daughter.

[@terminatorw1222]

“Time travel” lmao dragonstone is so close to kings landing

[@the_hecaton]

I want to put the spotlight on the direction of this two episodes with one example that i saw on a Spanish Channel (jordi maquiavelo, if you know the language and want to see a lot of technical details) after the king and queen were talking on a bathtub scene about their child, the next transition went to daemon's guards using their chests as percussion, sounding like a baby's heartbeat. Showing subtle confrontation between the unborn character and the prince

[@viniciusab86]

Gold GOT was all about character development. Not only the writers but the actors of HOTD understood that and are willing to take it on another level. This show have a LOT of potential.

[@sup3rAVATARtlafAN]

We're only two episodes in an it's painful waiting for more episodes. Can't remember the last time I felt like that for a show

[@6ixintheStix]

Awesome video. The Lionel scene I completely agree; I only wish they fleshed him out prior because that was the ONLY scene in episode 2 that felt weak. Everything else was an absolute master class in cinematography, acting and story telling. Can't wait for ep 3 this show has been nothing sort of spectacular! GEORGE IS BACK BABY!!!!!!

[@Weeby_historian]

With Lyonel he is exactly what you get. He’s really just foil for his two sons who are far more interesting and have a lot more plot significance.

[@Darkstar_Dayne]

Lionel was supposed to be a boring and introvert kinda guy to the point that people thought he was dim witted

[@17thshard62]

Going to be super stoked to see Bloodraven in his prime for sure.

[@JingleJangle256]

The scene between Daemon and Otto was pretty dumb. Why would Otto Hightower be the one to go to a Dragonstone? Daemon has 2000+ thugs under his command, whatever local garrison was there, and at least one dragon. Daemon hates Otto, if there’s anyone in King’s Landing Daemon would want dead most, it’s him. Otto knows this, so he comes alone with maybe 40 dudes on a single ship. WHY?!? I thought Otto was a smart guy, so why is he doing something so obviously stupid? He should be the last person you to Dragonstone. I’m reminded of a scene from GoT Season 7, when Jon, Dany, and Tyrion are privately discussing who should visit with Cersei and get her to commit to their joint war with the Night King. Jon suggests that he go speak with her and Tyrion retorts, “She’ll definitely wan to kill you.” It just makes Otto look like a moron.

[@garbagedisposal5130]

i think it’s Otto’s pride, yeah he’s definitely a smart man, but i feel he definitely wants to get back at Daemon and be the one who gets the glory against Daemon. Causing him to do something kinda stupid, but it kinda fits him. idk just my opinion 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Granolax]

Otto also wanted to taunt Daemon I think. He needs the king to distance himself from his family (his brother and daughter), so that Allicent and her future children can become heirs.

[@garbagedisposal5130]

@@Granolax agreed

[@JingleJangle256]

@@garbagedisposal5130 but why would he care about “getting back at Daemon”? Daemon’s already been forced out of the line of succession and is politically neutralized. He’s got an island in the middle of the sea and no friends to speak of. Why open himself up and risk Daemon becoming more powerful by killing him? And besides, that isn’t a reason given by the show. Otto says that Daemon is dangerous and if Viserys goes, he’ll kill him. But the same logic applies to Otto, if not more so. There is no reason any of them should’ve gone. This should’ve been a mission for one of the King’s Guard, you know, someone more expendable than the Hand of the King.

[@mariebourgot4949]

@@JingleJangle256 Yep, didn't understood either.

[@_weyhxx]

This series is so promising.

[@CAPS_AMERICA]

Soooo promising, true! Because there's no sign of the 2 moron executives who ruined GoT! Weiss and Beniof should not be allowed by HBO to get near HOTD!!!!

[@starmorpheus]

@@CAPS_AMERICA Keep in mind that they directed ALL of Game of Thrones. Hate them for what they did in the last 2-3 seasons, but they adapted Martin's work beautifully in the first 4 seasons.

[@CAPS_AMERICA]

@@starmorpheus Yes, you said the magic word "ADAPTED", but when the source material ran out and they were already complaining about being tired, they REFUSED to hand it over to writers with fresh ideas that will be guided by GRRM because they didn't want ANY writer to share the glory of being the showrunners of GoT.

[@jesuschrist9513]

I have no idea if it was intentional but in every scene this episode Daemon looked like he was nearing 60

[@DeuceTresFour]

Can't wait for next episode!

[@TheBarber5550]

I cannot wait until the setting of this show expands into the rest of the 7 Kingdoms. Right now, both Kings Landing and the few scenes of Dragonstone have been wonderful to witness. I'm almost getting LotR vibes in terms of the setting and how it's introduced to the viewers. In FotR, the setting of Middle Earth felt so detailed and compact in a good way much like these first 2 episodes of HotD. But then TTT and RotK expanded that compact setting into something beautiful on a much larger scale. I hope that as this show goes on, it expands on the beauty we've seen so far but also shows us the realistic and dark parts of Westeros that make it feel like it could be a real medieval setting.

[@ngking3796]

It’s good to be back!

[@theladyprincess]

for some reason, i always knew matt smith was going to be a star. i became a fan of his during the eleventh doctor’s era in doctor who and seeing how his career seems to be going is pretty great. he was wonderful as prince philip in the crown too!

[@tersus4967]

I was similarly worried that this will be another "good guys vs bad guys" story, and I'm happy to see Daemon developing as a more of a grey character

[@Jonasty00]

I think that is the very reason it got me hooked daemon brings such an blurred prediction of the show, because you don’t know what he’ll do and I love that blurred prediction. When a show blocks me from automatically figuring out what’s going to happen it keeps me on my toes

[@airwaters]

Daemon is GRRM's favorite Targaryen. He was supposed to be a really gray character and very unpredictable. So book readers already expected the eventual nuance. People were supposed to hate him at a time, then like him the next, then hate him again, admire him the next. The character was supposed to be REALLY unpredictable. So if you think he was gonna go good-good-good or bad-bad-bad, note that you're always gonna be wrong. It's Daemon. One of the most unique characters GRRM had ever written.