the structural issues with House of the Dragon EP 3

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House of the Dragon season 2 episode 3. Is a mostly great episode but there are some structural concerns. This analysis videoessay attempts to break down the problems and the positives with episode 3.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
05:06 World Anvil
06:59 Momentum
11:26 Repetition
13:53 Extra Thoughts
MUSIC
Chill Astronaut - Game of Thrones but its lofi hiphop
Merlyn - Jenny of Oldstone
Merlyn - The Last of the Starks
Chill Astronaut - Goodbye Brother
Alan Ellis - Sea Terms
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#houseofthedragon #review #analysis

[@mylittlethoughttree]

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[@bennygerow]

Wooooooorrld anvilllllll

[@Ravuun]

I loved the Harrenhal sequence with Daemon and the Strongs. As soon as he walked into the hall where they were eating, the whole thing went from creepy to hilarious. Daemon sitting at that table, obviously just itching to fight with somebody, but there's no reason to...absolutely made me giggle.

[@alexmartin3143]

Strongs are gonna wish they did fight…

[@laurelsilberman5705]

“I wanted to TAKE the spooky castle, not have it HANDED to me! I just got in a big fight with my wife, I really want to spill some blood here!”

[@haamulubechooka6908]

The Strongs are not so strong after all 😊

[@athenacheeks6937]

The ending was ridiculous but I'm glad that Alicent realize Visersy wasn't talking about her son but the Conqueror 😅

[@sabgogo7393]

is still stupid writing , she could save millions for death by arresting Rheaneyra . but she didnt .

[@user-jr9bu7em8s]

​@sabgogo7393 Rhaenyra was holding a knife and was about to kill her if she said something. Spilling blood in the citadel!!! No wonder she married daemon 😂😂😂😂

[@sabgogo7393]

@@user-jr9bu7em8s i highly doubt she was gonna kill herself

[@Timquan.]

Still makes no sense. Aegon the Conqueror was never a prince. The prince who was promised refers to a Targaryen Royal who will be the linchpin that helps the realm survive the long night(Jon). Aegon and the Targaryen's were not the royal Valarion house, they were just one of the many Dragon owning houses of Valyria. So by this logic Rheanyra shouldn't have even had that "gotcha" moment with Alicent. That entire scene was only meant to to give Rheanyra the moral highground. The bias is is beginning to really hurt the show at this point. This entire episode was comprised of Rheanyra/Team black equals good, and Alicent/Team green equals bad. It's so biased that it people have called me crazy for calling the scene out in defense of how the Greens have been portrayed up til this point.

[@HK-gm8pe]

@@sabgogo7393 she could save millions if she just killed Aegon...Rhaenyra is soo much better choice for a monarch than pathetic rapist Aegon

[@rinmathews9337]

The episode was ok except for the last scene which was so so dumb. The writers keep feeling the need to invent big things to end episodes with, even though they make no sense and never have any consequences. Cole murdering someone at a wedding, Rhaenys killing hundreds of civilians instead of taking a different exit…

[@sabgogo7393]

Cole was going to kill himself regardless but the queen spared him , but the idea siding with the blacks while you said rheaneys killing hundreds of civilians in the dragon pit of Daemon the wife killer . i just cant side with anyone

[@user-jr9bu7em8s]

You think Rhaenyra would use Mysaria's knowledge for better purposes.

[@mosesdavid5536]

Let Martin cook

[@Freya1412]

I mean Cole does kill Joffery just not at the wedding, it was in a tourney. For the sake of time they just compressed the series of events into one big dramatic event. I think Rhaenyra meeting with Alicent is important within the context of them having been best friends since childhood and Rhaenyra taking a desperate risk to go behind enemy lines for a chance at war being prevented. In her state, losing so much so quickly, she is doubted by her council, her small kids have to be sent away, her husband is creating problems, she was almost killed, she clearly isn't in a good mind space. She doesn't want more of this so she made a desperate move to see if there was a chance to stop all this. Plus she knows for sure now that her father never changed his mind about her being heir and Alicent truly doesn't want peace as much as she wants power and position. She doesn't have to feel bad about engaging in war. As for Rhaenys killing all those people it shows how little the highborn care about the lives of the common folk. Their lives are cheap. It will make sense at the end when the common people reach their breaking point and you see what they do.

[@Captain_Insano_nomercy]

​@@user-jr9bu7em8slol nope because this is Saint Rhaenyra

[@johansmallberries9874]

I think the last scene was added purely as fan service due to the actors having had good interview chemistry last season.

[@____666___]

:cccccccccccccccccccccccc

[@asimhussain8716]

It's shallow writing. Same reason why Rhaenys popped out the dragon pit last season. 'WoULDnT It Be COoL IF...." is basically the extent of the writers' thought process.

[@Captain_Insano_nomercy]

​@@asimhussain8716bingo, yet there are many defending this obvious wish fulfillment

[@manofsteelix]

Wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Sara Hess she’s been fucking things up where she can since last season.

[@Captain_Insano_nomercy]

@@manofsteelix likely

[@caseyw.6550]

Criston Cole got him a Caesar haircut.

[@RussellB]

As bad of an idea Rhaenyra visiting Alicent in-world and outside is, it did give us and the characters a very important moment - which is that Alicent now knows her cause for starting this war was based on a miscommunication. We saw the realization wash across her face, and then she quickly gets defensive and storms away. Each person who started this divide now knows in their heart who is objectively "right." How does this affect their future decisions, how does this affect them psychologically? Rhaenyra no longer has this perceived rejection by her father, she knows he did indeed choose her and loved her. This must be a massive weight lifted off her conscience. With Rhaenyra's cause on shaky ground, the writers clearly wanted this realization between them to happen, and this is seems like the best way they could fit it in. Would sending letters back and forth via raven have the same impact? I don't think so. This could be a singularly perfect moment for you to dissect.

[@sabgogo7393]

i just hate the prince who was promised plotline . it soo stupid

[@user-jr9bu7em8s]

​@sabgogo7393, when you see the family tree of Targaryens, there wasn't always son after his father that would inherent the Iron throne. So how this prophecy came to viserys by Aegon the Conquer??

[@gargamelman]

​@@user-jr9bu7em8s Because its been passed down from king to heir since Aegon the Conquerer, thats how I understood it anyway.

[@TK-ll7su]

@@gargamelmanso did aenys pass it on to jahareys before he died

[@mosthatedty9585]

@@TK-ll7suthat’s what they’re saying I guess I know jae was young when aenys died but he was known to be bold and clever so there’s a chance he told him

[@floraposteschild4184]

If the opening was good enough for Romeo & Juliet, it's good enough for HotD. The church encounter is a little silly, though. The story shouldn't be based on the Greens having NO security.

[@musiclover9518]

Excuse me??? Remember Daemon leaving his family on their own in anger?? Remember not even a single person on Rhaenyra's Council(except Rhaenys) on her page and always pushing to rush/risk things??? How is Team Black any secure than the Greens?? They ALL are falling apart piece by piece.

[@davidm2031]

​@@musiclover9518nothing you listed has anything to do with security

[@vuyilemdladla4576]

@@musiclover9518 He meant actual security

[@musiclover9518]

@@davidm2031 AH SHEET. And here I thought you are talking about the opposite of INSECURITY. Never thought the bias discussion would ever be based on Physical Security. Like seriously?? Was Rhaenyra's security any better tho??? Her's was even terrible. Pre-Cautions should have been taken as soon as only one of the TWINS(possibly a Imposter) came to her. Assassination attempts exploiting that opportunity should have been assumed a definitive move and Erryk should have been given a Unique Distinguishable Trait/Sign immediately after the Crowning moment. She was a hair thickness away from dying. So come up with a better argument next time.

[@GeeNoniGee]

Seriously! ANYONE could've been dressed as a Septa and just killed Allicent right there!

[@sarahchicago]

I really feel like having a theme for every episode is dragging the shows quality a little bit. Imo, themes should be overarching things, best viewed from a distance. Characters aren’t making decisions when it feels most natural, but when it fits the theming, and so the world doesn’t feel quite as real to me.

[@Levacque]

I both agree and wish to argue 😅 the only thing I'd want to add is that themes in each episode aren't a bad thing in and of themselves, but the way they're doing it isn't subtle enough. Grand season-spanning themes should be very obvious, but episodic themes should be almost imperceptible. And yeah, you're right, the important lesson GRRM's writing should reach to others is that characters should drive the plot, not the other way round. Ignoring that was the downfall of the GoT series.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I would agree they lack subtlety in places but I don't feel the characters are pushed too hard in certain directions. Maybe we could argue that with Rhaenyra's arc this episode but, apart from that, I'd say it's been fine and I really appreciate the theme. The writers are trying to explore something in ways game of thrones very, very rarely did. It's not always subtle enough but it's an extra layer and it tightens the structure of each episode

[@shawnnbits]

Finally a good analysis of HoTDs sort of overly symbolic story telling. GoT was like this sometimes, but i agree HoTD tends to bang their themes over the audiences head

[@jdsthird]

How exactly could Alicent stop the war after meeting with Rhaenyra? Are we watching the same show? Otto had every intention of crowning Aegon with or without Alicent’s revelation about Vicerys naming him heir. His plan had been in the works for years. Also Rhaenys told Rhaenyra men would rather tear the realm apart rather than see a woman ascend the Iron Throne. This was BEFOEE Vicerys married Alicenr in season 1. She also told Corlys that Rhaenyra’s claim would be challenged when they talked about Laenor marrying Rhaenyra. There was always going to be challenges. Rhaenyra should have known this just as she should have known Alicenr is powerless to stop the war.

[@irena4545]

Alicent's genuine conviction and support seemed quite crucial for Otto's plans. Aegon wasn't exactly eager to become the king at first, so keeping him hidden and secretly notifying Rhaenyra might have done the trick. In this situation, I don't think Aegon would have had it in him to become a figurehead for the opposition, I'd be more worried about Aemond stirring the pot. Rhaenyra's succession certainly wouldn't have gone without a hitch but her marriage to Daemon strengthened her position in a way that Laenor (or Corlys) couldn't have. As for the hope of Alicent stopping the war... first, Rhaenyra didn't have all the information that we do. Second, a person caring for the good of the realm would definitely see it as their moral obligation to at least try and hope against all hope.

[@jdsthird]

@@irena4545 I agree Alicent was helpful in the crowning of Aegon however Otto had been planning it since Aegon was born. It would have happened a different way. Rhaenyra was told by Rhaenys her claim would be challenged immediately after she became the heir. If it wasn’t Otto/Alicent it would have been others. They may not have been as successful but her reign would not be all roses. Vicerys really did the realm a disservice by not addressing his family issues head on. He left quite the mess unlike his predecessor who allowed the Great Council to make the choice. The conciliator was said to be a great ruler with decades of peace and abundance. Vicerys should have learned from him and understand why he didn’t just name the Queen who never was his heir. Needless to say there are many reasons for the war starting. Like Rhaenys said in the episode the true reason will be lost to history and no one will remember. I don’t think Rhaenyra is concerned about the realm. She wants that throne which is her right because it means the admiration and love of her father can be validated. If she cared about the realm she would sue for peace. But we wouldn’t have this marvelous story from GRRM. Many viewers want black and white characters. One side is good and just while the other is the enemy. There’s more nuance to this with complex characters and storytelling. This is what makes it so great. It’s a Shakespearean tragedy.

[@irena4545]

@@jdsthird She is certainly not concerned to the point of putting the good of the realm above her ambition but I wouldn't say she isn't concerned at all - just enough to worry about fully committing to bloodshed. And her restraint is both a virtue and a weakness, had she committed fully and acted swiftly and decisively, she might have secured herself a victory, and perhaps with actually less bloodshed... or perhaps not. As you have said yourself, the nuance and complexity is what makes the story so intriguing.

[@jdsthird]

@@irena4545 Agreed.

[@mjinba07]

One of the problems I sometimes see with analyses / critiques of HotD is that it's not a f-ing video game. Characters with depth do exhibit ambivalence, contradictions, moods, mistakes... behavior that seems inconsistent on the face of it. Because they're well written and based on actual human behavior. And, hopefully, they develop and change over the course of the story. Unlike Jamie in GoT who apparently fell under the spell of gamers who can't write a decent character arc.

[@Savage-nv6wr]

All that yapping and you said nothing 🤡 You clearly think you are smarter than you actually are !

[@mattmiller7700]

All of this hand-wringing over preventing mass bloodshed makes no sense where the characters are now. If Rhaenyra were truly interested in avoiding bloodshed at all costs she would have accepted the terms the Greens offered her by renouncing her claim. Also, I still think it was a massive mistake to tie HotD to GoT with the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy.

[@hansgunsche3207]

Rhaeynera sneaking into the Sept of Baelor after the assassination was a stretch. Especially for a scene that didn't really do anything.

[@sabgogo7393]

and alicent could have ended the war and save millions right , yet she chooses not to LOL

[@hansgunsche3207]

@sabgogo7393 Alicent no longer has the power to do much of anything she has become irrelevant after Viserys' death. Her sons don't listen to her, let alone trust her.

[@ayoa1173]

It isn't the Sept of Baelor as Baelor isnt king until two generations after the Dance.

[@musiclover9518]

just wait and watch until Alicent gets affected by the truth that how wrong she was. She will definitely be trying to persuade her sons into peace.

[@youngveteran6368]

@@hansgunsche3207you just admitted that alicent is no longer a player in the game. SO WHY TF WOULD RHAENYRA RISK LIFE AND LIMB TO GO TALK TO SOMEONE THAT CANT DO JACK SHIT FOR HER??????????????? By your own admittance alicent is as useful to the greens as vyserys is NOW to rhaenyra 😐 so why tf would you risk EVERYTHING to talk to someone that can’t change the coming war????? “Oh but it was a great scene just look at the actor’s faces 🤪” Where was this leniency from the ASOIAF fandom when D&D started fucking GOT into the ground????

[@ShadowDogProduction]

I also love that the actress who plays the madam was the real life acting teacher to the actor who plays Aemond. That must be so fun to act with your teacher years after class is over.

[@hmm_1228]

I thought she was the teacher for Fabien Frankel (Criston Cole)?

[@ShadowDogProduction]

@@hmm_1228 crap, maybe you're right. It was the other actor in that scene last season. My bad.

[@tasha5605]

​@ShadowDogProduction honestly it's probably better that she was Criston's teacher, I'm sure being cuddled up naked with a former student would be terribly awkward for her! 😅

[@asimhussain8716]

This is why we get poor writing, cause fans are easily distracted by "fun facts" like this as opposed to actually worrying about the STORY itself.

[@ShadowDogProduction]

@@asimhussain8716 be as condescending as you want, it's actually possible to do both. There's 24 hours in a day, plenty of time for everything.

[@Connor-fj5rc]

Emma is one of the best actors I’ve seen, ever. Everyone in the show is fantastic but for some reason Emma’s performance seems like it is a notch higher. Even with great actors, like Olivia Cooke, you can tell that their performance is ever so slightly inauthentic and some moments can feel a little contrived. Like they had planned out all of the beats ahead of time and are going through the motions rather than being guided by their impulses. That’s not the case with Emma. I believed every single second of Emma’s performance.

[@sarahchicago]

I agree that this world feels less authentic this season. It’s not quite that the characters don’t feel like themselves, but something about when and why they do things feels, yeah, inauthentic

[@griffiththechad9483]

I gotta agree. This is my first time ever seeing her in a show but her acting skills so far have blown me away.

[@user-op6kt8pg9y]

Finally someone who doesnt just blindly praise everything this show does even if it had mistakes, a oot of the discourse around HotD has been that because the show as whole has been good so far that if you point out anything that doesnt make sense or is bad you instantly get hate for it and get told "it doesnt matter" or people will try to find conveluted reason to try and explain bad descions made by the writing and directing staff

[@selfexplanatory6459]

I felt the Bracken and Blackwood scene could have been executed a bit better. I feel the show will sometimes linger on scenes or concepts longer than they should and rush through more important ones.

[@danielbadillo8334]

I think they needed to show some of the bloodshed so the war can feel real. We had blood and cheese trigger the war but then...nothing. Didn't need a long battle sequence but definitely a short scene of the real violence that is triggered

[@Problematicphilosophie]

I am operating off of the extremely firm belief that the writers of this series decided to make this show clearly lacking the boldness and bravery it takes to actually write out the character and scenes in depth analysis required to properly convey such graphic and morbid material and also seem to be banking on the fandoms love for GOT and projection of said love to carry this series through.

[@youngveteran6368]

That’s it, I came to this realization in season 1. They DONT gaf about telling both sides of this story, Ryan Condal has said himself that the books are green propaganda (which is a fine belief FOR A FAN) but if your making a show depicting both side in equal parts of dark/light then believing your source material is neutered to favor one side over another is a bad way to start

[@Problematicphilosophie]

@@youngveteran6368 yes! Exactly! Literally every episode feels so lack luster in every approach. It’s annoying that the script writing is showing such laziness because there are seriously interesting and compelling character dynamics that they’re not even trying to explore. Like Aegon marrying his sister/ having kids with her they never even approach what that was like, what their character dynamic is like ever. They just show him complaining about it with his brother when he’s a kid and then they skip to they’re already married and have kids but still hardly interact with each other. Then expect us to care about their son being killed??? In comparison Jaime and cersei Lannister established both their toxic incestual (sp) lust that they have for each other and also their love that holds them together in the first two episodes of GOT. That’s why when joffery dies and Jaime fucks/rapes her in front of his corpse it felt like a lot. So in comparison: it’s taken HOD a full season and a half to barely scratch at the surface level of a similar relationship. Plus the further this new season progresses the more it seems as though the writers thought that what made GOT so successful were the battle scenes because they keep wasting literally an hour each week staging another interlude to the “main battle event.” When in reality those scenes had very little of anything to do with building such a strong fan following.

[@baron6588]

@@youngveteran6368 Except GRRM said the book is biased towards the Greens, your views are misconstrued.

[@MG-js8bn]

@@Problematicphilosophie I'm thinking you haven't read much of SOI&F material. Targaryens have been marrying incestuously for hundreds if not thousands of years, it's simply not a big deal to them, it's what you do. TOTALLY unlike Cersei and Jaime's relationship which occurred against the backdrop of the faith of the Seven, which has a hefty incest taboo attached. A Targaryen royal marriage and a Westerosi incestuous relationship have absolutely nothing in common. That Aegon and Helaena don't have much of a close relationship is immaterial, their marriage is an arranged marriage. They are expected to make do and make babies.

[@ngin98]

that reunion just felt so out of place & rushed, just for the sale of having rhaenyra letting the dragon loose when the death of luke could’ve easily set that up. I feel they are humanizing rhaenyra a bit too much. I can’t see my rewatching this episode like the first 2 just because of that final scene

[@user-jr9bu7em8s]

It's not humanizing Rhaenyra but just make her a little stupid.

[@skelaiton]

Rhaenyra didn’t want to start a war, she was trying her absolute best to avoid it, even after her son died, she doesn’t let it get in the way of her decision making. This scene was important because it confirms that war is inevitable at this point, and Rhaenyra can now put her foot down. Rhaenyra will develop differently throughout the war.

[@alexiavya722]

The Marketing is perfect. It highlights that the type of conflict in the show is REAL. We are living in a social hierarchy that demands you pick sides but picking either side will inevitably bring you to the same result. It's also election season so they gotta appeal to that cultural umbrella that's covering a wide range of their target audience. It's just genius to highlight the whole theme of the show by convincing the audience to be the exact participants that would incite this exact conflict in real life.

[@henryhumes4399]

Yes that way we as the audience picks a side but how ever which ever side we choose the 3rd side - the SMALL FOLK - will be the poorer for it - it makes the audience nether good or evil - because in a sense we still are doing the worst for the realm !

[@MegaBond101]

And as expected like 90% voted for blacks because they do not support rapists

[@creatrixZBD]

Maybe that’s why I can’t get into the show, even though I like the aesthetic and love the dragons. My days of picking the best of a bad bunch are well over, and I seem unable to buy any side’s propaganda.

[@YumiSumire]

the first 2 episodes show that sneaking into your opponent's castle is a dumb idea and will be punished (with death). But then Rhaenyra just magically did it successfully.

[@debater452]

She didn't break into a castle she just sneaked into a church

[@YumiSumire]

@@debater452 a church where the queen is

[@youngnat]

She grew up there, she was also seen doing this same thing when she lost her innocence in S1. The first 2 episodes had at least one person who was fish out of water in their opponents home where as Rhaenyra is at home with deception. “For the rats” They didn’t know it was strange for them to be there, Rhaenyra wore the right thing and knew what to do to keep hidden, far from magic.

[@debater452]

@@YumiSumire Former queen who likes to pray alone

[@timy9197]

You could make a point that the only reason the second guy got caught was because his brother that he was impersonating caught him

[@originaozz]

The picked a side marketing which seem to be popularized from Twilight and MCU Civil War, but it does feel mismatched for HoTD. This show basically said everyone have justification, but no one came out of this clean. Bloods are on both Team Black and Team Green hands, but it is also out of their grasped how the war had spread. I felt Rhaenyra decision to talk it out is good for her internally, but it sure felt stupid. There's nothing she could offer the Black team. Why would they agreed to a bad deal offered by someone who killed their baby?

[@sabgogo7393]

if she was truly good , she would have surrounded . but she wants the power and the throne . both sides are awful noble cunts

[@dragonfan8647]

It was also mismatched for MCU. I don't see why marketing keeps wanting to instigate fandom fights.

[@AliRKCS]

@@dragonfan8647 lol why u acting like its a world war it not that serious. it simply causes discussion between fans which increases the popularity of the tv show

[@dragonfan8647]

@@AliRKCS I see you don't interact with fandoms much. These kind of discussion get pretty heated, and completely unnecessarily so.

[@baron6588]

@@dragonfan8647 Then that’s a problem with fandoms who can’t afford to be mature even a little bit.

[@BillyBasd]

Aegon's heir in the book is 2yo baby not appearing in the show Maelor. Not sure why this kid was cut was supposed to have been the one chosen by Helena to die in the blood and cheese incident. Cheese said 'here that boy? Your mama wants you DEAD.' then cheese killed his brother Jaeheris. This ruins Helenas relationship with Maelor. Baby Maelor has an important scene later. Again, not sure why Maelor is not in the show.

[@joywagner979]

Apparently the show runner says he isn't in the show *yet.* So that means Aegon and Helaena have yet to create him, and given something rather unsettling is about to happen to Aegon ... it could be a rather traumatic event that sends her further the edge. Or the writers decide to give a nod to the "Aemond's kids" theory and have Maegor be Aemond's, which also creates room for trauma in various ways.

[@cait6811]

Insightful points! Great analysis as always. I was so riveted by this episode I didn’t realize people had issues with it. I tend to be so much more invested in the emotional connection/conversation between characters that I don’t care quite as much about the sept plan or that there’s no big battles yet. I’m here to see how this massive conflict affects those involved - basically I don’t mind good talking scene if I can connect with what they’re feeling and how it relates to what’s going on as long as it’s not totally out of nowhere (I.e season 8 GOT, made no sense). I also know all the history of the dance of the dragons, so I benefit from knowing what’s coming too - might be why a slower pace doesn’t bother me. But hey, I’m not here to yuck anyone’s yum. I liked it - doesn’t mean everyone has to!

[@huberticusrex]

I was thoroughly enjoying the episode until the Rhaenyra goes to Kings landing debacle. I was sitting there going "come oooon" for five minutes. It was very silly

[@devinwalker7740]

It was ridiculous.

[@danielbadillo8334]

I think it only felt ridiculous because of the two previous infiltrations that literally just happened. At that point you have to assume security is super tight and going there is probably a death sentence. If this was the first instance of infiltration then it wouldve felt a lot more believable IMO

[@GeeNoniGee]

I can't believe that they haven't even *cast* Daeron T, yet! If they hadn't mentioned him, I wouldn't believe he even existed. The pacing is DUMB.

[@MG-js8bn]

Daeron becomes important much later in the story; and even then he's basically a glorified scout for the Hightower army. I don't get why he's so important to some people...except maybe he's the only one of Alicent's kids with a normal personality 🤔🤔

[@GeeNoniGee]

@@MG-js8bn We just want to see his BLUE DRAGON!!! 🩵

[@emanuel81111]

Rhaenyra´s meeting with Alicent: How is it ridiculous? 1. the security in the lower city of kings landing is poor because of the amount of ships that go in and out every single day, too many boats from too many places of the world , they cant check every single one without blocking the traffic of food and raw material which is very needed because of the amount of commonfolk starving right now. 2. Aegon II is a terrible king, and doesnt care to make any rational decision about security and safety of the red keep,he literally signed some drunk friends from the nearby Inn to join the white cloak, he only cares to drink and f*** because he never wanted the crown. 3. In the lower city , a blonde girl is not uncommon, Aegon II had dozens of targaryen bastards scatter in all kings landing because of the thousand of times he went to brothel. So its not uncommon to see a targaryen walking outside the red keep. 4. its not like everyone is expecting for Rhaenyra of all people to walk into King´s landing alone, its madness , but for Rhaenyra might be the only way to look for peace and avoid killing his own family and friends.

[@SoloArdo]

youtuber not making sense

[@lawdogattorneyatlaw4886]

Except theres a blockade going on. Not many ships are going through at all. And Aegon doesn’t directly oversee the security of kings landing, the gold cloaks do. And the Sept of Baelor isn’t flea bottom. Especially when the queen is having a private prayer session with a security detail outside. It’s stupid and a pointless risk.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I'm arguing it's not so ridiculous as people say. It does make sense but I still don't buy the scene, and I think that's down to how quickly and easily it happens, without seeing enough sense of danger and tension to convey that this is a mad thing to be doing. Generally, my criticisms are about the structure of the episode

[@emanuel81111]

@@lawdogattorneyatlaw4886 they arent blocking every single naval route, they are blocking the parts of the naval routes that Rhaenyra does have control over.

[@lawdogattorneyatlaw4886]

@@emanuel81111 there is only one way to kings landing by sea

[@Lesartsenciel]

First of all, this video is perfect you said my thoughts better than I could ever have 😂. This episode feels kinda good for all the deeper aspects we see of the characters (like Alicent reminiscing of Viscerys holding the small dragon she gave him once, or like Haelena thinking about the commonfolk, even Aemond’s fake posturing like he doesn’t care for his Silvie moment of the week 😂😂). The scene at the chapel… necessary and great in the long run (it was fun telling Alicent she was wrong) but I wish it happened last episode somehow, like you said, feels like a circle, not in a good way. Excellent video.

[@notribadsvault]

I would have liked the ending if it was a deleted scene. GOT had a couple that I really liked that I ultimately thought were cut for good reason, but it was still cool to see them.

[@Connor-fj5rc]

I know that ending scene is over the top and it didn’t really make logistical sense, but I still really liked it. Not only are the actors both wonderful, the relationship between these two is at the core of the show. They needed to have another scene together before the fighting began, even if the circumstances don’t quite make sense.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Yeah, that's a pretty fair assessment. It is a bit silly and I don't quite buy it, but I can absolutely appreciate the idea behind it

[@griffiththechad9483]

That’s how I feel. I understand all of the criticisms for it but I thought the actresses did a very good job with what they had.

[@vernontk]

Alicent's reaction was spot on

[@irena4545]

Exactly! How they got to the scene stretches credibility, but once they did, it was pure gold. It shows that no matter all the bad blood between them, the bond that they used to have, or at least the memory of it, is not entirely dead yet. It also opens a lot of possibilities for Alicent's future actions and motivation, as well as Rhaenyra's. I don't know if you watched the new Shogun but when they created a similar childhood bond between Mariko and Ochiba, I expected them to make use of it for similar great dialogues, but unfortunately, that went nowhere.

[@ancatdal]

I largely agree with you here, but would like to add that I think it's a shame that the writers, having decided to put Rhaenyra and Alicent together in a scene like this, did not include Rhaenyra swearing that she did not order the death of Jaehaerys - and Alicent, looking into her eyes, having to tell her that she wished she could trust her word. I thought it was fantastic last season how Rhaenyra's very understandable secrecy when they were young led to the unwanted consequence of breaking Alicent's trust in Rhaenyra, having learned that her best friend can look her in the eyes and deceive her. I think that tragedy deserved some space here, and I thought it strange how distantly it seemed that Lucerys and Jaehaerys were in their conversation. Their grief seem very pushed back, and I really don't like it.

[@archiebuchan2563]

First video of yours I’ve seen and I genuinely loved it. I think too often fantasy reviewers get really hyperbolic with their reviews so I enjoyed how you can aptly explain the issues with the episode whilst not having it distract from what the episode does well. Also, your the first reviewer that’s seriously taken the thematic significance of the show into discussing the plot and characters which I rarely see done but is a fascinating way to look at it. You’ve honestly changed my mind in parts.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Ahh thanks! That's really nice to hear

[@lhay__]

They snuck into each others castles so much I was thinking why don’t they just keep trying until they find aegon or rhaenyra

[@youngveteran6368]

ATP bro they can just pop in on each other for a sleepover and leave before anyone realizes😂 that’s how lax security is when the plot needs to happen

[@motulifelikefigures1987]

i have the feeling they leave us waiting for another two years till we get to the actual dance of dragons- it goes too slow. its not game of thrones that can profit from different character story arcs.

[@JaMeshuggah]

Comparing her sneaking mission to Arryck's or Daemon's is a bit misguided to me considering that: Daemon wasn't expecting to sneak in or use stealth. He expected some resistance to quash with his sword and/or dragon. This was not truly a sneaking mission. And Arryck's mission included getting caught (+ possibly tortured and executed) should he have successfully assassinated the Queen. Arryck isn't suited to stealth and it was a doomed mission from concept. Rhaenyra has put on disguises and snuck through King's Landing as a child.

[@orcocan]

Being able to sneak into KL might be believable, being able to speak to Alicent and leave as if it's nothing is utterly ridiculous

[@Sinewmire]

I like how Harrenhal has tree roots all through it, just as the Red Keep had rats.

[@cybele_mullejz]

Appreciate your discussion of this show that addresses both its strengths as well as its weaknessess. Regarding that final scene, it would've made more sense to have Rhaenyra use Mysaria's knowledge of the Red Keep to get a secret message to Allicent requesting that they meet in private at some more neutral location. Rather than Rhaenyra ambushing Allicent and immediately putting her on the defensive, a mutually agreed upon meeting would've given Allicent more agency in terms of her own desire to prevent more bloodshed. It would be even more tragic if both characters were shown to be equally invested in one final attempt at diplomacy, yet they still can't come to any resolution. Having said that, I still really liked their conversation. Up until now, I kind of hated the premise that the events leading to war were partially driven by nothing more than a misunderstanding that a simple conversation could've easily cleared up. It felt too much like Three's Company, in which every episode was about characters jumping to wrong conclusions due to miscommunication. Now, not only has Rhaenyra received validation as her father's chosen heir, which will probably make her less cautious and hesitant going forward, Allicent also realizes her mistake, if only for a moment before she goes into denial. Allicent will either try to rein in Aegon and team green as a result of what she now knows to be true, or she'll double down on her denial and will continue to find unhealthy ways to bury all her guilt and remorse. Credit to Darcy and Cooke for pulling off a scene that might've come across as more silly with less capable actresses.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I think this a great comment! I might've pinned it, were the pinned comment not for world anvil

[@cybele_mullejz]

@@mylittlethoughttreeThank you 🙂

[@zach5194]

In my opinion I don't believe it puts a strain on the show. I think the other scenes where people sneak in showcase how bad that idea is. She is told not to do it as it's a bad Idea but it is so important to her to go face to face in order to justify going to war if that is truly the last option. She is willing to risk everything to get the clarity before she most likely goes dragon crazy the next few episodes

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I don't think it's technically silly or anything, because it does make some sense. I think the problem is the way the sneaking was executed. Had the sequence been a little longer, a little more tense with the point pressed harder that it is a super risky, mad thing to be doing, then it would've worked better. Misaria puts up a slight resistance but not much, then 30 seconds later Rhaenyra is in the sept. If they framed it as a bit madder, it would've been a lot easier to buy, but hey! It's one slight off moment in an otherwise great show, and the acting between Emma and Olivia was as great as ever

[@skelaiton]

@@mylittlethoughttreeVery true, it should’ve been longer and more suspenseful.

[@zach5194]

@mylittlethoughttree I agree with your point. They definately couldnhave added more to the scene. Regardless, excited for what's to come

[@Levacque]

Yes, I loved how the first conversation of this episode was the pettiest of politics - moving the border stones - and letting that escalate into a frankly sobering crane shot of death.

[@miss3cris]

Regarding the disconnect between marketing and the deeper meaning of a film/season, have you ever heard of a little film called Jennifer's Body? I like the scene between Rhaenyra and Alicent because they're essentially the ones who started and continued this conflict. My husband calls HOTD House of Bad Decision-Making because there are multiple "what if" points in the story (and not a few involve either of these women - the others mainly involve their fathers, fyi) when the war of succession could have been averted but they were each more committed to their perspectives of each than seeking resolution until now its all out of their hands. Moreover, "being right" has been Rhaenyra's problem the entire time. She's "right" that if she were a man she could have royal bastards, "right" that she deserves to be happy and fall in love, "right" that Alicent's problem is resentment but her decision to so obviously flaunt the moral expectations placed on women in Westeros and not expect consequences was delusional.

[@Hero_Of_Old]

The funny thing is, the Arryk plan wasn't actually a bad plan because it was so close to working! Only stopped by pure luck.

[@harsh_1910]

It also only worked because of pure luck that je didn't run into his brother or someone who just saw his brother, or his brother hadn't had a haircut or a had shaved his beard

[@baron6588]

It only almost worked cause of pure luck, other than that, sending one guy to kill a Queen in a castle? That’s a stupid plan.

[@trapdontaris]

i really appreciate what you said at the end there, abt how it’s ok to critical of a show and still think the writing is good. definitely an important part of discussion, especially online

[@gracehaven5459]

Also on the last video a commentor said there should be a fanfiction about Cheese's dog and Sir Pounce saving westeros with time travel, so I co-authored a mini one with AI and wanted to share for others bemusement. Enjoy. In the shadows of the Red Keep, Sir Pounce, the clever and agile feline companion of young Tommen Baratheon, basked in a rare moment of peace. The world around him was in turmoil, but Sir Pounce had a secret. With a flick of his tail and a soft purr, he activated a hidden portal, an ancient relic concealed within the heart of the keep itself-a gateway to traverse through time. As the world blurred around him, Sir Pounce found himself in a different era, one fraught with its own perils and intrigues-the time of the Dance of the Dragons. His mission was clear: prevent the tragedies that would scar Westeros for generations. He needed an ally, and he knew exactly where to find one. In the shadowy alleyways of King's Landing, amidst the clamor of merchants and the whispers of treachery, Sir Pounce followed the scent of sorrow and loss. It led him to a grim scene-a man named Cheese, infamous for his role in the brutal murder of a prince, had met his end. His lifeless body hung from the gallows, swaying gently in the breeze. Below him, a small, forlorn dog lay curled up, whimpering softly. This was Lord Tailywags, Cheese's loyal companion. Sir Pounce approached cautiously. "Lord Tailywags," he meowed softly, "I am Sir Pounce from the future. We have much to discuss." Lord Tailywags lifted his head, his eyes red from mourning. "Future? What nonsense is this?" he growled weakly. Sir Pounce stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Westeros is on the brink of disaster. The Dance of the Dragons will lead to untold tragedies, not just for the realm but for the noble families and small folk alike who inhabit it. We must prevent these events from unfolding." Lord Tailywags, sensing the truth in the cat's words despite his grief, slowly rose to his feet. "Alright, Sir Pounce. What do we need to do?" Their first task was to journey north to Winterfell, where the Stark family faced their own grim fate. The ghosts of the future haunted Sir Pounce, and he was determined to change their destiny. In the stark halls of Winterfell, Sir Pounce and Lord Tailywags befriended the Stark children. With gentle nudges and playful antics, they guided the young Starks toward choices that would strengthen their family bonds and prepare them for the trials ahead. They ensured Robb never broke his marriage oath, that Bran stayed clear of the fateful tower, and that Arya learned the art of survival without losing her humanity. Their next mission took them beyond the Wall, where the true enemy lurked. Sir Pounce and Lord Tailywags braved the cold and the darkness, guiding Jon Snow to the discovery that would unite all of Westeros against the coming storm. They whispered secrets of the past and visions of the future, helping Jon forge alliances that would save the realm from the Night King's icy grasp. As the years passed, Westeros transformed. The Game of Thrones never erupted into full-scale war, the Stark family remained united and strong, and the realm stood ready to face the terrors beyond the Wall. Sir Pounce and Lord Tailywags, their mission nearly complete, knew there was one last thing to do. Activating the portal once more, they traveled back even further-to the time when Viserys I Targaryen faced a harrowing decision during the birth of his last child. They arrived in the birthing chamber where Queen Aemma was struggling through a difficult labor. The Maesters were preparing to cut her open, a procedure that would surely end her life. Sir Pounce leapt onto the table, knocking over instruments and startling the Maesters. "Viserys!" he meowed with urgency. "You must trust in Aemma's strength. Do not let them take her life!" Viserys, shocked by the sudden appearance of a talking cat, hesitated. "What is this madness?" Lord Tailywags barked, drawing attention to himself. "Listen to him! Aemma and the child can survive if you give them a chance!" Caught between disbelief and hope, Viserys ordered the Maesters to stop. They watched in awe as Aemma, with renewed determination and careful assistance, gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Baelon. Both mother and child survived the ordeal. Prince Baelon grew up wise and just, becoming the natural heir to Viserys. With Rhaenyra's support and her powerful marriage alliance, Baelon ascended to the throne without dispute. His reign brought a time of great peace and prosperity to Westeros, and the Dance of the Dragons never occurred. With their final mission complete, Sir Pounce and Lord Tailywags returned to their own times, leaving behind a legacy of hope and unity. In the quiet of the Red Keep, Sir Pounce curled up in Tommen's lap, a contented purr resonating from deep within. Westeros was safe, and for once, the future looked bright. And somewhere in a small village in a distant past, a man named Cheese worked at a potter's wheel, fulfilling his dreams of pursuing creative passion instead of a life of crime, shaping clay into vessels of beauty, his loyal dog happily by his side. Together, they had rewritten history, proving that even the smallest of creatures and the most unlikely of heroes could make the greatest of differences.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Here is the art I've been craving!

[@chriswier]

They've been dulling the teeth of the Dance of dragons by adding more uncertainty to various actions and therefore making the conflict less interesting. First Aemond unintentionally killing his cousin, then making it vague what blood & cheese's actual orders were. Now Rhaenera and Alicent have this line of communication but are almost purposefully misunderstanding each other so that the dance can continue. It's frustrating to say the least. I think they're doing this to keep most of the audience ambivalent about who they root for, despite the marketing (which is a wholly separate camp from the writers). Maybe it's to keep us invested, maybe it's to increase pathos for art's sake, but it's actually becoming counterproductive and makes for poor drama. Also GOT distinguished morally grey characters from clear antagonists much better.

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

Agreed - though, to be fair- the thing with Aemond & Luke is something that lent itself to what Viserys had said earlier, & that wasn't something I was as bothered by (if the accidental nature of the event, & his subsequent regret over it stayed private- as I believe it has) -- I'm more annoyed with the fact that Rhaenyra, & in particular Alicent are largely just made into semi-passive victims of circumstance/ the men in their lives; I was looking forward to seeing more of the strong-willed manipulative figure from the books - I think the biggest problem came in making them the same age- it seems like they wanted the two women to be mirrors; I would have been happier if she'd just been like two- three years older, say 17 to Rhaenyra's 14 - & had gone from being a mentor-like friend, sharing a similarly high spot at Court- the daughter of the King, & the daughter of the Hand - to cracks within that friendship, driven by Alicent & her family's ambition- Alicent could still be torn over it, initially - but grow more ruthless to secure her son's place, up to & including hearing what she wanted to hear at Viserys' death-bed. And the 'reunion' could/ should occur when (SPOILER) Rhaenyra takes the capital- *that* would create a greater dramatic effect - what Alicent's schemed for, for years- & what she believed was meant to be her husband 'making right' his mistake of not declaring Aegon heir, sooner -- the realisation through Rhaenyra's correction of her father's last words- that not only did she, Alicent make the mistake, but that Viserys remained loyal to his *true* heir. With so much loss behind them by that point (dead children for Rhaenyra- lest anyone forget- the shock of the Greens usurping her pushed her into a premature birth & the loss of the first of her children in Baby Visenya, & obviously a dead grandchild for Alicent - to say nothing of the state of the realm)- the seeming pointlessness of the truth - this is also where Alicent's comments about Viserys' disregarded 'wishes' could be recalled, in irony... Edit: word

[@rasslinreads5666]

This felt like filler,which isn't a bad thing inherently but the way they did it here didn't feel necessary

[@MomoAfterDark]

Filler in an 8 episode season is a bad thing.

[@baron6588]

@@MomoAfterDark Better that then rush it like S8 of GOT.

[@lukeluke333lukeluke]

I enjoyed the episode other then the end. That whole scene felt rushed and lazy. The conversation didn't feel natural. Almost nothing happen other then Alicent knows who Visersy was talking about. Which is nice but it didn't feel organic. It was a bit comical. Like a light bulb was above Alicent.

[@gracehaven5459]

Aegon sure made a comeback from his son's murder this episode. I know we all grief different ways, but he sure switched up pretty fast. Like "right, that was sad, I guess! Time to go out and party with the bros! Drinking beer and banging hookers! Right on!" It kinda felt like less narrative driven and more to have us the viewers dislike him more. But perhaps I'm not thinking critically enough. That scene where he came across Aemond and Sylvi and was mocking him so maliciously felt like a set up for a future betrayal on Aemonds part where he is just done with Ae's shit. Do I think he will go full black? No. But I think they are leading up to some type of heal turn.

[@MG-js8bn]

He didn't "come upon them". He was looking for them. That was the whole reason for the trip to the brothel, to find and humiliate his brother. Oh, that Clubfoot, he's a caution!

[@lokiplays6868]

Let's all bitch about Daemon sending an assassin after the wrong person and how risky and stupid it was, but sending Raenyra IN PERSON to King's Landing TO SPEAK TO HER ENEMY THEN JUST WALK OUT was a good stategy?? I'm convinced the new gen of show writers have never read a book or watch a good episode of tv in their lives.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Well as I say, I don't like the scene either but I think arguing the writers have never read a book is incredibly extreme. This is still a very good show and there still pretty good reasons for having Rhaenyra make that decision. A decision I think we were supposed to see as rash and risky, and reflecting some of her more childish side for how she and Alicent used to be...not that they executed that particularly well. Eitherway, I think if we judge a writer's quality just based on how realistic or not we find the plot decisions, that's a very bad way to judge art

[@Nemenon]

Something I'd like to mention about the Blackwoods vs Brackets. When I was a little kid I had a neighbor who I conflicted with often despite being "friends", and we had the exact same time of territorial disputes and even found the actual line that separates our lands from each other lol. It even resulted to blows once (I lost), though it was all very minor and nobody got hurt. Our conflicts didn't result in a blood feud, but young and stupid people will find the dumbest things to fight about, and I relate to these two houses on such a deep level because I understand to a degree about petty conflicts. Also to touch upon all the "sneaking" done in the season so far, that seems par for the course for the actual source material. Before the war broke out in earnest there was a lot of subterfuge and ravens going about trying to end things before they could truly begin. You have to remember that this a medieval setting without cameras and proper security so it honestly isn't that difficult to sneak into a city, especially one as big as King's Landing which has upwards of like a million people going about their day to day life. People also forget just how close Dragonstone and King's Landing are to each other, it's literally a few hour ride by boat, so them going back and forth makes sense. Now I won't say Rhaenyra visiting Alicent is peak writing or anything and is quite silly, but I can see it just as a desperate attempt by Rhaenyra to end things peacefully because she fully sees the writing on the walls and that war is coming, and it's coming soon. She is never portrayed as an intelligent or wise person, she always makes stupid choices and puts herself in harms way because she is in fact an idiot, just like most of the people in this story. Everyone in this story is so beautifully flawed and I feel like this is one of the best episodes of the series so far, and watching everything boil to a breaking point while so few are actually trying to deescalate the situation is really compelling. We start to see people's true nature and how tempered minds are getting thrown to the wayside (Rhaenyra, Otto, Alicent, etc) and how it's all falling to shit.

[@DarkKing009]

"Don't matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war and now there ain't no goin' back. I mean, shit, it's what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it's a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight." Lord Slim Charles

[@HistoryandHeadlines]

What has been the episode so far?

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

It's interesting that focus has been put on the Blackwood-Bracken aspect of the conflict - it works in respect of the whole 'no one remembers what began it'-bit, & "historically" (a la _'Fire & Blood'_ )- it's a battle that begins the war in earnest -- but this period had two more striking instances of audiences seeing the coming war in microcosm, & the show put *no* focus on either of them: Cregan against his uncle, in the North - & Jeyne Arryn in the Vale- the latter being even more persistent than the Dance, as the fight for Lady Jeyne to rule, & then have her chosen heir succeed her (though eventually successful) naturally outlasted the 2-3 year timescale of the war...

[@DD-zh4by]

Harrenhall reminded me of Dark Souls too.

[@spork3858]

I actually like the pink background with the clouds, it makes your video even more relaxing ☺️

[@ladywolf5192]

Finally, some reactors are talking about this.

[@txbiaz]

recently its been harder to enjoy hotd content on youtube because everyones takes are so radicalized or just misinformed/lacking context, but YOU never fail to impress with your thoughts and reasoning!! great video as always king

[@bellefleursauvage]

Rhaenyra sneaking into the sept was as stupid as Jon Snow and company going beyond the wall to capture a wight.

[@holysecret2]

Far from it. It's closer to "could have been done better", perhaps a bit less or more than that. The entire capture plan was ridiculous from the beginning and threw off the entire future of the series due to the death of the dragon

[@Winter-Alpha-Omega]

💯 agree. This episode was disappointing. I will continue to tune in to HOT D, but I hope Claire Kilner directs more episodes, because hers are the most visually interesting ones. This scene was stupid without repair. Inside the universe, I guess it makes sense. But what does that say about the way the story is being handled?

[@griffiththechad9483]

No shot🤣🤣 that’s just insulting to HOTD

[@bellefleursauvage]

In what world would public enemy #1 to Aegon and his court be able to survive this? Absolute butchery and an insult to our intelligence as viewers. It’s laughably impractical, just as the wight storyline was.

[@youngveteran6368]

@@bellefleursauvage the shippers probably orgasmed themselves into a coma after seeing that scene ( which was the point because this was FANFIC LEVEL WRITING!!!!!! )

[@Ragdollcatlover]

Aegon was told not to risk himself because nobody believed him to be a good enough soldier though?

[@recoveringintrovert717]

Anyone saying this writing is as equally bad as Rings of Power is insane. Rings of Power was far more shallow and cheesy.

[@WatashiMachineFullCycle]

It's crazy to me because last episode had some of the best writing in all of HotD and GoT combined, but with the Harrenhal scenes aside (I LOVED everything about Harrenhal and FINALLY getting a weirwood dream! The nods to the lore and speculation about blood literally being in the mortar of Harrenhal via human sacrifice to the old gods and how haunted and cursed it is as a result... BRILLIANT) the rest of this episode felt very strange and stilted in comparison. I'm starting to get nervous about the show actually whitewashing Rhaenyra the way they did Tyrion. I've been holding out to see how it plays out because her descent SHOULD feel natural and gradual, and she has enough tragedy to understandably break her, but I'm worried they are nervous about letting Rhaenyra do anything "bad" simply because she's the underdog up until now and people like her. :/

[@iSnipeJoe]

Meleys popping out of the floor in 1x9 was really really bad… especially if you read the book and you know what happens in the dragon pit at the end, it just doesn’t make sense at all. I wish that she just took meleys out of the pit and maybe came by the door if they really wanted that rhaenys vs the greens gaze battle. But that’s it.

[@nefarioushan2394]

i think it was a terrible idea to make a scene where alicent realizes she was wrong. i loved the concept of the whole war happening because of a misunderstanding, it made it all so much more impactful and tragic. now they're just gonna go along with the war? because it's too late to say there's been an error? how will alicent continue on counceling aegon now, knowing he was never meant to be a king? it's messy. i liked the ongoing theme that 'soon everyone will forget what even started the war', but this was just straight up bad.

[@sabgogo7393]

the whole Prince who was promised shtick is baffling to me . did Aegon conquered Westaros for a heroic cause, or because he got basically living breathing nukes . just follow the damn book . we can watch two sides kill each other without rooting for one .

[@RobinElop]

i mean game of thrones/a song of ice & fire books are all about the prince who was promised lmao

[@sabgogo7393]

@@RobinElop the og books did not mention that Aegon conquered westaros cuz he dreamed of that shit .

[@baron6588]

@@sabgogo7393 It was actually always a theory that Aegon conquered the Seven Kingdoms because he dreamt of the Long Night, even before Fire and Blood released. The show was just GRRM’s way of confirming the theory.

[@devinwalker7740]

This season is jumping the shark, big time. Hopefully the next episode will save it.

[@ejoviu4911]

Its more fun to pick sides if there are no obvious good or bad side. But love your analysis- concise and insightful.

[@youngveteran6368]

Too bad hotd isn’t that 😅 I had hopes tho 😢

[@jasmynjohnson4346]

I can excuse all of the other shortcomings of this episode for every second Harrenhal was on screen. It was deliciously amazing. I also am not too mad at the way Rae and Alicent’s scene went. It made me feel like they were little girls again.

[@connorhighland6783]

Rhaenyra sneaking into the Sept is stupid

[@Poloassassin828]

Thank you, I genuinely thought that there was something wrong with me for not really liking this episode.

[@lumskull1084]

I didn’t outright hate this episode, it just left me confused, I thought that it was lucky af that deamon was able to get into kings landing without being captured by a regular city watch guy and lucky he finds cheese the guy who he personally trained, wouldn’t he be in the red keep patrolling there instead of in the middle of the city, well Reinera did basically the same thing but it makes even less sense this time around, why put yourself in grate danger like that going into enemy territory, it just made no sense, I did like the actress’s in that seine though

[@electron_shell]

First time viewer. Nice video that. To answer your question: yes that's the sort of vibe you'll get in Dark Souls. Elden Ring is like Dark Souls with a world built by GRRM, it's amazing, have a look. I really disliked the "prince that was promised" misunderstanding as a plot device; the scene this episode felt like the writers fixing a mistake that shouldn't have been made. That kind of misunderstanding is a well-worn trope and it diminishes Allicent for no real gain. Bringing in the Others prophecy puts the Blacks on the right side of history for anyone who watched GoT, which the writers should assume we have. So the marketing angle of "pick your side" makes no sense if you saw GoT. If they have to use the Others prophecy then the marketing and story angle should present the series as "the time the Blacks were almost wiped out by the vicious Greens and how they miraculously survived through great sacrifice and dragon battle." You can absolutely sell stories where the viewer knows the protagonists will win; there are many examples of beloved films where the interesting question is How Did They Survive not Did They Survive. The way it's written so far it almost seems like they're catering to viewers who haven't seen GoT and therefore won't automatically associate "prince that was promised" with "right side of history." I don't know what's written in the book, perhaps the whole thing is a subversion of expectations and I'm falling into the trap they laid. But I'm not seeing indications of such cleverness afoot in the writing. We'll see.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I don't know what's coming next either so it is hard to judge but I will.say, despite watching GoT and reading asoiaf, I am probably team green. Really I'm neither but if I had to pick one, it's them. I just find them all so fascinating!

[@electron_shell]

@@mylittlethoughttree I’d probably agree the personalities are more interesting on the Green side. Really enjoying Matt Smith though; wish the show had a few more like him.

[@fudbot]

Reminds me of GOT season 8 script writing

[@devinwalker7740]

Yes no regard for logistics or strategy.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

HotD is nooooowhere near that level. Even when I'm criticising, it's still a very good show

[@idawg7332]

I don't think it's season 8 level bad but i'm definitely starting to feel season 7 vibes

[@goldenstateofmind7385]

Silly that Rhaenyra needed to talk face 2 face with Alicent before they both dragon nuke themselves into extinction?

[@brianmutua13]

the switch to the world anvil ad 😂

[@kristinahusinec4265]

While the plot points with all the characters baldly going to dangerous places is stupid and repetitive I also think it can be interpreted as an insight into their world which is what they've been saying since season 1. This is a violence based culture but they haven't seen any real war for a long time. Greens should have more security, Rheynera should be smarter about going to the lions den in Kings landing but they are all still used to living in comfort, peace and security mode which is slipping away even tho young ones are eagar to show themselves. Like they are all "summer children" and they don't even know what "winter" looks like let alone what it brings. I think that highlighting the fact that people even "smart" ones are not so easily switched from peace to fight mode is an interesting insight...

[@Factboy12]

14:28 It absoF*CKINGlutely is. It feels like a PlayStation 6 remake by BluePoint of Dark Souls 1 or Demon's Souls (Daemon's Souls).

[@jarrellanthony596]

Great analysis and explanation of the episode - you acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses in a balanced way, I agreed with so much of it.

[@antonioarroyas7662]

You could just try using a bunch of still images to deal with copyright?

[@mylittlethoughttree]

That would've been the next move, if the cloud tactic hadn't worked

[@MG-js8bn]

This is quite incidental, but as part of that whole Harrenhal scene (perfectly depicted, as you say) I loved it when it turned out Larys's retainers and staff were apparently the only people in the Seven Kingdoms who totally have his number...they know exactly what he did, and who and what he is. Not that that will do them any good in the end...but we shall see...

[@LilithDaHobbit]

My biggest issue is this idea that "men are eager and like war, women are gentle and hate war". Like...for a show partially about sexism it just seems like thinly veiled sexism. Let women be evil! Let women be eager to fight!our only main character examples to the contrary is Otto wanting to avoid war and Baela chasing Cole.

[@mylittlethoughttree]

It's worth keeping in mind a lot of these men are ones who were trained for war and taught to partly define their value based on combat prowess and military success. Coming out of a long era of peace, I don't think the often rash, naive desire for war is a reflection of men but of their situation. As for women, I imagine there's more than enough time for some "evil" to rear its head

[@baron6588]

Yeah but people will call the show woke if they do that.

[@miamivicemami]

Completely agree. We don’t need 3 episodes about women trying to prevent war. As if they are haphazard or misinformed, or mistakenly declared war. The ship to reconcile and make amends literally sailed last season. Comparing Ali and R to Cersei, they are incredibly weak.

[@baron6588]

@@miamivicemami That isn’t a fair comparison, Cersei was just a narcissist, I think a better comparison would be to Olenna, a decent women who wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty unlike Ali and Rhae. Also I think the show is making both Ali and Rhae weak on purpose, it’s their character flaw, Ali keeps gaslighting herself about her selfish motivations of the war and her involvement in starting it, making her wanting no part of it now, and Rhaenyra wants to helplessly cling to Viserys’ image as someone who always avoided war, but doesn’t realize that was what made Viserys a bad king. Daemon was right about one thing, Rhaenyra will have suffer the same fate Viserys did if she keeps trying to be like him, and the director of the episode even admitted that their intention of Rhaenyra sneaking up on Alicent was not supposed to be a heroic thing but that her intentions for doing were kind of selfish and delusional, as well as deep inside, she actually does want to fight this war, she wants to let out her anger for the death of her son, and this meeting is one way to make her feel absolved of the guilt fighting this war by proving she had no other option. It makes Rhaenyra quite pathetic in her mindset, and I love that. She is a good person, but she has the same pathetic flaws her father had, and those flaws are the reason this war began in the first place, it’s so ironic, and it seems to be what the writers wanted to go for before she becomes full on Quasi-Maegor.

[@chazwick29]

I, for one, loved the annoying pink box with clouds

[@musiclover9518]

Maybe just nothing interesting (according to the trolls) happens this time around after The Assassin Attempt and the Battle of Rook's Rest🤷‍♂ Regardless of what others say, it was still at par with one of those episodes of GOT when nothing MAJOR happens. It was definitely very enjoyable to watch than any other shows we have been getting out there lately.

[@omarbey3868]

I love your videos. Here is a better, more believable way to have Rhaenyra meet Alicent. I think a scene of them talking needed to happen. That scene was good. It's the way they did it that made the whole thing look stupid. - Rhaenyra tears the page from the book and gives it to Alicent in season 1 - Alicent gives it back to Rhaenyra on Dragon Stone to show she still cares for Rhaenyra Here is how we use this personal connection to make the Alicent meets Rhaenyra scene better - Rhaenyra would still tell the White Worm that Alicent would think a letter is a trick - Rhaenyra then remembers the connection the torn page represents between them - She tells the White Worm to send a letter requesting a meeting with the torn page included We then have a more clandestine meeting between them, perhaps in a brothel as a joke. If the meeting is in a brothel, it will be a call back to when Little Finger made Ned meet Cat in a brothel in season one of GOT. As Aegon would say "Brilliant!"

[@irena4545]

I like the idea with the torn page but I'm afraid that Alicent might still consider it a trick, from Rhaenyra herself. But I do agree that the scene was good and that it needed to happen.

[@ViperFox_]

Wait I don't remember this happening in the book? Did it?

[@monicad99]

as regards to the marketing, that’s why it would make sense: pick a side, precisely as it should be very hard to find one side more righteous than the other. that would make the show riveting. the problem is, i don’t know how would the greens be seen as righteous, when almost everything, presentation wise, is against them, and for the blacks. and frankly, it’s pretty clear what started the war. rhaenys lives in the wisdom delusions of the writers. rhaenyra’s prudence is just character pr at this point.

[@sabgogo7393]

naah im sure the show is presenting the blacks as the good guys of the story but they face the events of the books

[@knowur10sand18s]

As times goes Rhaenyra's turn to the camera implying internal rage and vengeance really makes no sense. Going 3 episodes into season 2 she's trying to prevent open war, even from the openings scene of the season 2 primer

[@Coffeebean1985]

Well, this episode made one thing clear, Rhaenyra tried, Allison said fxxx it.😂

[@Mai2708]

05:06 clever segue there lol

[@ayanna6327]

I think the marketing being "pick a side" was kind of a bait-and-switch for the themes in the show. During S1 there was so much back and forth about the different sides when the Dance is obviously more nuanced than right vs wrong. So maybe they played into that to engage the audience and then pulled the rug out.

[@PistachioDean]

I kinda like the pink clouds though? 😂

[@Nemo-vq6bk]

Am I the only one who sees signs of a good king in Aegon II? He is rush and he is cruel, but then he remembers that oath of celibacy that his guardsman gave and it gives him pause. They actually cannot just laugh it off at first... He does go to the brothel then with them, yes. This guy needs a sharper tutor, I suppose, but he can now dismiss all who is sharp around him, like Otto... Maybe I am wrong, maybe I am imagining things. But I do see some though under all the crap he usually shows.

[@naruske97]

I also see potential in him. Exactly as you say, he ask his guardsman to do their job properly, as they should, especially after losing a son. He treats the common folk with respect and is genuinely kind. Maybe he is misguided, but he was being pretty nice with them He wanted to educate Jaehaerys in politics because he was the heir. He has great qualities of a King, he just needs help and some tutoring

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I think with real strong support, both education and emotional support, he could be an ok King. I don't think he's likely to get that, though. It's kind of sad, watching Aegon. I mean it's funny, it's meant to be funny, but I do also feel for him somewhat

[@musiclover9518]

NOPE. A Drunken rapist who is easily influenced by people can NEVER be a good king??

[@irena4545]

@@naruske97 Eh... genuinely kind people don't force themselves on their children's nurse, don't watch kids fighting for fun and don't hang dozens of suspects for the one guilty among them. And don't even get me started on the treatment of his wife and brother. Aegon is seriously disturbed. As for kingly qualities, there might be some potential, but too many of his actions seem to be driven by his desire to be seen as strong, and perhaps also being popular.

[@haamulubechooka6908]

E3 was a low for me

[@laurelsilberman5705]

“But either way…yes.”😂

[@Winter-Alpha-Omega]

I didn't overall like this episode. It was boring, nothing important happened. People complained of Alicent's and Otto's scenes in episode 1. I thought they were great. Rhaenyra's scene with Mysaria or Rhaenys' scene with Corlys are boring as hell itself, because nothing new happens. They simply re-tread old water. I had to stop 3 times when watching this episode because of how lackluster it was. Episode 2 was sooo good that I watched it for 3 hours straight, 2 hours simply repeating and re-winding scenes over and over again. Episode 2 was peak television. Episode 3 was meh. The only thing I liked was Daemon in Harrenhal. Rhaenyra and Alicent have apparently no power. It's the men who want murder and war, women apparently are higher beings that are above it all, even though Rhae lost her child and Ali her grandbaby. It's crazy. It's nonsensical. And then I saw people saying this was the best episode and it frustrated me. It seems women can't be ambitious on this show.

[@sabgogo7393]

it was fine

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I think there's a difference between ambition and reckless, brutal desire for war. Both have been ambitious but both are also struggling with aspects of the society they're in. Alicent is no longer the queen consort and her closest ally in Otto is gone, and Rhaenyra is queen but has to struggle with an uncle who also wants to be king and is difficult to trust

[@hitskwaad]

Not wanting a continent-wide pseudo-nuclear civil war is not a weakness

[@Winter-Alpha-Omega]

@@hitskwaad Never said it was a weakness.

[@baron6588]

@@Winter-Alpha-Omega Yet you call it ambitious

[@SayMy_User_Name]

The show has kinda been running in circles since late in the first season.. like I’m still enjoying it but they really need to start making some progress here, it feels like something triggers a bomb but then the bomb somehow gets immediately defused and reset again

[@kalafinwe5498]

Your voice makes me sleepy. Nice videos, but a bit of vocal strength would help keep the attention xD

[@Meep413]

Id like to just say the pink clouds is cute and ironic at the same time given how dark HOTD is lol

[@orcocan]

i hated that final scene so much, it makes zero sense rhanera is not that stupid that she'd put herself at risk to have a chat with alicent when she knows very well alicent has no power to stop anything anyway and alicent has not reason not to take rhanera hostage to force the blacks into surrendering the moment she turns up in KL its just so dumb, it reminds me of got S7-8, the first really bad moment of this season for me, the first two episodes were flawless

[@mylittlethoughttree]

It does make some sense, but I don't particularly like the scene either

[@maryarmstrong2231]

I liked the ending. I have listened to all my favorite commentators poop on it. The whole episode felt very different from the last one. It makes sense to me as the book is an amalgamation of different maesters accounts as well as mushroom. Where is MUSHROOM?😂

[@d3adpegasus]

this is exactly how i felt about it tbh

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Then I guess this makes it the first week we've agreed so far! Genuinely though, it's quite nice you've stuck around despite our previous disagreement. I think too many people just switch off from stuff that goes against their opinion. I was kinda looking forward to seeing what you'd think

[@d3adpegasus]

@@mylittlethoughttree Lol I know right. & I still enjoy hearing your takes, even though I might disagree sometimes. I was really glad to see that you’re talking about some of the show’s problems, while still giving credit where it’s due. I feel like a lot of people before this episode were outright denying & attacking people for pointing out that the show has any flaws, which is why I was a bit frustrated in some of my other comments.

[@chazwick29]

Thanks

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Oh thank you! That's really kind!!

[@chazwick29]

I didn't realise it sent a message with the tip, I would have written more than thanks 😂 You're welcome though, I always come here for your debrief after I've watched the ep. Great commentary and insights!