House of the Dragon - 1x2 The Rogue Prince - Group Reaction

[@BiasFree]

Speaking of Otto Hightower, "How does he push this (getting the king to consider marrying his daughter) without being obvious?" He just did it. His comment about missing his own wife, the king having to marry for duty, and not envying the king having to choose to possibly marry a 12 year old girl to ensure an alliance, it's all subtle manipulation to get what Otto wants in the end, he's an amazing political player, Daemon is 100% right about him.

[@jusosa]

to add to this, Otto knows the king likes tenderness and kindness which is what Alicent has, she definitely possesses the same qualities as his late wife.

[@michaelhenry3234]

Also that Grand Maester is kinda sus. He might be genuinely arguing against Otto, but the looks he was giving Otto make me think he was essentially playing strawman to make Otto's manipulation stronger.

[@bakthihapuarachchi3447]

@@michaelhenry3234 all maesters are sus

[@ssaha7947]

Exactly

[@StaticTripMusic]

@@bakthihapuarachchi3447 guess where the maesters citadel is located? Oldtown. Guess who’s ancestral home oldtown is? The Hightower’s. All maesters in Westeros get trained in their city

[@ElvishShellfish]

I can criticize him all I want, but Viserys is basically how I'd be as king: indecisive, always asking my councillors for advice, wanting to keep everyone happy, nice, into history and playing with miniatures.

[@abadyr_]

Well, the way to keep everyone happy would have been marrying the Velaryon girl...

[@Gnossiene369]

@@abadyr_ Makes you think how many kings in real history was unhappy about marrying little girls. It's always seen as terrible but kings have duties too that can break them. I hope it helps people get perspective. Some systems is disgusting in itself. Even to many of those part of it. Viserys is absolutely disgusted, rightfully so.

[@takanara7]

@@abadyr_ "keeping everyone happy, without being a pedo,"

[@takanara7]

It's interesting because it's like, "what if you just made a regular, decent guy king?" and the problems it would cause.

[@abadyr_]

@@takanara7 Marrying her and having sex with her are two different things. Just don't have sex with her until she is 16/18/21. It's not that hard, really. Of course I'm not condoning marrying a child. But in this situation, in this context, it was the right move.

[@Ultraelectromagnetic]

Otto going to Dragonstone was calculated. They had less than two days to confront Daemon before the supposed wedding so there's no way they can assemble a force strong enough to take Dragonstone by force (it probably takes at least a day to sail there on a fast ship). By going himself, Otto made sure to prevent King Viserys from de-escalating the situation and bringing Daemon back into the fold, while ensuring Daemon would make the rash political decision - further dividing the brothers and setting the stage for a civil war that would annihilate Daemon, weaken the Targaryens, and further elevate House Hightower's standing. Notice how after the brief shock of Caraxes appearing, Otto calmly orders his men to "sheathe the fucking steel." He's achieved his goal. He was gonna peace out and tell Viserys his brother refused and threatened him as a way to justify stronger action against Daemon. And like you said, volunteering to face Daemon and risk being burned by Caraxes looks like a show of courage and loyalty to Viserys - when in reality Otto is undermining House Targaryen.

[@mannylugz5872]

I agree. Otto will make Littlefinger proud of his schemings in order to climb the throne.

[@naderelsayed9288]

good analysis, I agree with you

[@nezfromhki]

Hm, when you put it like that, Otto's side of the scene makes more sense to me. However, I still feel like someone from the council should have argued that sending Otto to negotiate with an unstable man that basically has a WMD with him is stupid.

[@Ultraelectromagnetic]

@@nezfromhki That's true, but Daemon is a prince so perhaps in the Small Council's minds if the King did not go only the Hand could have the authority and gravitas to possibly confront Daemon (except Rhaenyra, but she's the heir and losing her would be worse than losing the Hand).

[@trini_staple]

Otto wanted to provoke Daemon to violence so that Viserys would have no choice but to censure him seriously.

[@rx7dude2006]

Everyone is missing that for some reason.

[@Turin_the_Accursed]

👍

[@johnjungkook2721]

I disagree. Like Daemon said in the last episode, Otto never leaves the Red Keep. He doesn't know who the real world is like without political protection and red tape. He didn't realize that Daemon is actually more dangerous now that he's no longer tied down to the court.

[@Turin_the_Accursed]

@@johnjungkook2721 Daemon might be a arrogant a-hole but he isn't stupid. Daemon knows that if he were to harm the hand it would be over for him.

[@suddenimpulse030]

@@johnjungkook2721 why would he not realize that. He stopped Viserys from going because he didn't want them to amend. Otto and Daemon hate each other. Otto is one of the worst people that could go handle this problem. Keeping them apart leaves Viserys focusing on Daemon and Coryls and helps his power play.

[@golden_eye2156]

This episode had no deaths and no real fighting, but was still an amazing episode. Great character building and awesome setups needed for good storytelling. Rhaenyra is such boss

[@Crispifordthe3rd515]

I might be the only one who thinks this but... she's kinda boring to me. I still like her character alot, but that's more for what she represents and her actions later in the story.

[@iris-xo]

@@Crispifordthe3rd515 it’s literally been 2 episodes lol

[@Crispifordthe3rd515]

@@iris-xo 2, HOUR long episodes. Plus I've read the book it's based off of and think the same thing. Also In just one episode Daemon and Viserys and even Otto instantly became interesting. Not sure why they can't do that for their main character.

[@ryanbvisuals]

Rhaenys is also a boss. She tells Rhaenyra how it is but all Rhaenyra can think of is her insulting her (which she lowkey is but with great points).

[@suddenimpulse030]

I think the people that think any of this if boring must need mindless action schlock to keep entertained.

[@UuzerName]

For those confused, Dragonstone is like 5 hours away or less from King's Landing by ship. It's very close to the Capital.

[@LMarti13]

I love how no one, including on the show, reacts to the "I cannot allow it" line from Hightower. He's SO stealthily insidious. Dude just gave his king a command and no one reacts.

[@shihoblade]

To be fair every single hand of the king depicted has done that at least once. Alot of their work is being the guy who tells the king, "no, thats stupid" wheb everyone else has to find a softer way to say it.

[@shaneoshea6216]

Hand of the King. Nothing wrong with it especially when you join it with a sentence that makes it look like you're looking for the best interests of your King.

[@Vendrix86]

what do you think the first officer of any military leader does IRL, just blindly follow orders? They say they can't allow things to happen if it endangers the leader directly or makes things worse. They take it upon themselves to do the task.

[@ManSeekingMeaning]

Say what you want, but Daemon is easily the most dynamic character in the show so far. Loving all of his scenes with Rhaenyra and Corvis.

[@ND-yr8bg]

The "any man who must say he is king, is no true king" line isnt meant to be taken literally to every ruler who mentions that they are king.

[@slayerr3086]

It’s right in this case though

[@Polo-wk7zl]

@@slayerr3086I mean, nah? The whole point of that was pointing out how Joffrey was a bastard and had no claim the the throne. Vizzy is a legit ruler

[@thatkidwiththehoodie]

@@Polo-wk7zlI always thought the point was (also), like, “a true king shouldn’t have to remind people that he’s the king”. Show, don’t tell, in a way.

[@johnjoseph6874]

That’s funny since the quote literally begins with “ANY man” for a reason. And Tywin definitely meant that for anybody who sits the throne. Anybody should never have to mention that they are the king. They’re presence and commanding nature should make anyone take their orders without challenge. And should never have to justify themselves

[@nostalgicbliss5547]

Otto went there to antagonize Daemon. Attacking the kings hand is basically committing treason and would start a war. Daemon is not unhinged like Ramsay or Joffrey.

[@derfritz4550]

Daemon is a ruler...i would follow him...

[@guillermocardoza4990]

Otto is a great character, he went to talk to Daemon cause he knew they don like each other, he wants war between Daemon and the King to make sure Daemon has no rights to be king. He wants his daughter to provide the king a heir. Great episodes so far.

[@neonoires]

I love the build up in this episode and the quiet but intense moments. The scenes with Rhaenyra and Rhaenys, Daemon/Otto/Rhaenyra, and Daemon and Corlys were really interesting. I kind of wish people's reactions included the preview for the week ahead because we are getting baby Aegon apparently. But still, this episode was so fun.

[@foxyazure4272]

Loved Criston clapping back at Daemon and, I think, Daemon respected it.

[@LilSpookyyy]

Daemon wanted to intimidate him but was impressed to see him bite back

[@Danielle-gl4jz]

Daemon is resentful for not having his brother's attention, and Otto does everything to keep things that way, daemon was the only one who could spoil Otto's plans because he understands things better+

[@Danielle-gl4jz]

otto wanted rhaenyra because he thought she would be as manipulable as her father, but she is also smart and he will definitely try to get her out of the picture. Otto's only mistake in this whole game

[@Danielle-gl4jz]

It's pushing the greatest allies to the daemon side, as he did with corlys and rhaenys and as he will do with rhaenyra at some point, I feel

[@buddystewart2020]

I think Hightower told the king it would be too dangerous because he didn't want the king and the prince to smooth things over. He knew if he goes, that won't happen. He doesn't want them to get on the same page.

[@frnknstndrgqn]

"It was never my brother's strong suit. Being king" LOL I mean he aint wrong. Also lets all appreciate the sheer chaotic energy daemon has to have in order to fake a engagement/marriage and a pregnancy all in one just to get his brother to come see him. 😂😂

[@datuangela]

Tantrum 😅

[@fabian5813]

21:14 “And Like, Where Did It Come From?” What? The King And Alicent Have Had More Scenes Together In The 1st 2 Episodes Than Anyone Else

[@the_crypter]

No, they mean the moronic king went around asking opinions of his council one by one and they all said wed Corly's daughter, so where did this fool get the sudden idea of Marrying to Alicent will be a good choice.

[@alifmahmud1778]

Because these guys are stupid af... It's been hinted so heavily...How can someone miss this lol... It's like literally the plot that he's gonna marry Allison 😂...They just care about how cool Daemon is and how cool dragons are

[@neomoscoso10]

That awkward moment when your bestie becomes your stepmom.

[@Weeby_historian]

I mean we’ve all been there right?

[@neomoscoso10]

@@Weeby_historian LMFAO!

[@Crispifordthe3rd515]

@@Weeby_historian obviously lmao

[@Czoslop]

Ser Otto Hightower wasn't overplaying his hand whatsoever, he damn-well knew what he was doing. Let me remind you guys that Otto knows Daemon pretty well. He went there in the name of the king knowing Daemon would fall into risking a war. The thing is Rhaenyra knows her uncle at least as well as Otto and what he was capable of doing. By going to Dragonstone as well, she basically outwitted Otto.

[@Cadinho93]

Honestly, really impressed with the show so far, this episode was amazing. Even without "real action" it was a great episode. A clear showcase of the writing talent they have now, only matched by the earlier seasons of Game of Thrones, with a limited budget, Game of Thrones had to stand out without flashy action so there was a real need write smart and engaging dialogue. House of the Dragon did not have that need, but takes after it's predecessor when it comes to it's writing. Pacing feels just right, not too fast, not too slow. Characters are built upon in a clever and meaningful way, even though the book lacked concrete details on this, the writers manage to add something that feels natural. This is why I feel confident this series will redeem the legacy of Game of Thrones left behind for the TV world inside Westeros. Looking forward to the rest of the season, along with your reactions and so far so good.

[@alysdaxei]

I agree.

[@AL-fl4jk]

@Rick King 22 well at least it’s not another “ranas hot” from you this time

[@philbobaggins9605]

Daemon is by far my favorite character in this show

[@Crispifordthe3rd515]

Fun little fact that I don't think anyone on the Normies realize is that Marketa's shirt is NOT a Targaryen shirt...but a Blackfyre shirt! It's a Targaryen branch family of bastards that ended causing over 5 different civil wars. The final of which was ended by Barristan the Bold/Barristan the Badass.

[@ManSeekingMeaning]

If this show IS to be an anthology every few seasons, I would love it if the next ‘show’ covered the Blackfyre rebellions.

[@lurgoyff]

@@ManSeekingMeaningIt would be great, but as far as I know the Fire and Blood book does not cover the Blackfyer Rebellion

[@hectormiranda1088]

@@lurgoyff We'll have to wait until GRRM releases the secon part of that book

[@icechoc]

@@ManSeekingMeaning - the Blackfyre Rebellions would be hard to do because they're far apart from one another. There would be loads of time jumps and different actors so I don't know how well that would be received.

[@ManSeekingMeaning]

@@icechoc I suppose I was mostly thinking of the time period with Daemon Blackfyre and Brynden Rivers. The former was the greatest of the Blackfyre foes, after all.

[@FStopMello]

fun fact, alicent is also 10 years older in the books, they aged her down for the show perpetuate the friendship with rhaenyra. they are close in the book, especially with rhaenyra not having a mother figure anymore, but there's a 10 year age gap between them so she is mid 20s - making the whole thing a bit less egregious from otto's and visery's pov

[@elisawilde8623]

They are completely missing the point of both Otto's plan in Dragonstone and Viserys choosing to marry Alicent. First, Otto knew perfectly well that Daemon would whip out Caraxes and try to incite a confrontation, that is why he tells his men to sheath the fucking steel. Otto fully intended to let Daemon think he'd won, and go back to King's Landing to report how Daemon had thretened to use a dragon on the Hand, and therefore the King, and convince Viserys to take harsher actions against Daemon, ideally taking him out completely and paving the way for Alicent to marry Viserys, give him a male heir and eventually put Otto's grandson on the Iron Throne. He was playing everyone, but Rhaenyra's unexpected intervention prevented his plan from coming into fruition like he had evisioned it. Secondly, Viserys chosing Alicent IS the inteligent decision from his perspective. Viserys is aflicted with a sickness that is slowly killing him, he only has one living child, which puts the royal line at risk of dying out should anything happen to Rhaenyra. Securing a strong royal line to avoid another dynastic conflict is paramaunt for the stability of the realm, he needs to produce other children that could take the crown if anything happened to him or Rhaenyra, and time is decidely not on his side. Laena is a child, she can't have children yet, and won't be able for several years, which makes Alicent, who is of breeding age, the logical option. Besides, Corlys thinks he's hot shit and that the Velaryons are "the strongest house of the realm", but he's just fronting. We saw what happens when a single dragon attacks a fleet, and Viserys has 10. Corlys knows that he can't opose Viserys directly, that is why he runs like a little bitch to Daemon. Besides, Viserys ends up doing soemthing much more inteligent: he marries Rhaenyra to Laenor, Corlys' son and heir, which bounds Corlys, house Velaryon and their fleet to Rhaenyra, reinforcing her claim to the throne even after Viserys' death.

[@harrymacdonald143]

I think the reason Viserys chose Alicent is because he wants a male heir as soon as possible because he doesn’t know how the rot on his finger is gonna get worse and could maybe kill him. Rhaenys said the men would rather burn the realm than see a woman on the iron throne and she said “And your father is no fool” so he knows that and so he went with Alicent because he could get an heir right after they marry but with Laena he would have to wait 2 years until she’s 14 and he may not live another 2 years cuz of the rot on his finger. Also he has developed a connection with Alicient because Otto kept making her see him.

[@JustWatching_]

Cannot wait for the rest of this season. It's gonna be insane! Viserys is far too nice and unfortunately too naïve to be King. In the books, if the throne pricks/cuts you it's a sign you are unworthy of Kingship and he's now been cut twice. So...

[@mizzy5193]

The predecessor of Ned Stark

[@gaiusx287]

@@mizzy5193 Ned had a back one though. He was foolhardy but he wasn’t weak. Viserys is weak

[@mizzy5193]

@@gaiusx287 Agreed he did have more to him especially in terms of being a man that had principles and could hold his own, I just meant they both have the same naivety and they are both too good for this world

[@hectormiranda1088]

Then that'll sure tell something about grown-up Rhaenyra

[@mannylugz5872]

@@mizzy5193 Ned is not weak. He just made a mistake of trusting Littlefinger.

[@PotterianaForever99]

42:05 yep, Mysaria is also known as Lady Misery and The White Worm

[@kjaime7030]

I think Otto honestly thought that the whole business with the egg and wedding was nothing but DRAMA from Daemon with the sole intention being to get some of his brother's attention, after taking Dragonstone and receiving zero response for six months, ignored just as he had been for ten years prior, and that if an official contingent of the King were sent then Daemon would be satisfied and might give the egg back but remain there, which at that point was enough for the King.

[@suddenimpulse030]

Daemon hates Otto. He knew if the king went he may be able to talk him down. Otto wants to drive a wedge between Daemon and Viserys, because it benefits his power play.

[@skullknight4579]

corlys "this is an absudity otto "it seems my level 15 high tower beats yours level 12 baby seahorse" lol

[@mannylugz5872]

Viserys' weakness is why the Targaryen house is about to fall.

[@roxnaz]

The conversation between Rhaenys and Rhaenyra is so well done, i loved it. And those two are so fascinating to watch.

[@noirnoir4276]

I honestly think Otto didn't go there wanting to calm things. He went himself because he knew Daemon wouldnt respond well to him specifically. And the reason I think he did this is because he knew that Viserys going there would have solved things after a chat, the brothers do care for each other in the end afterall. But Otto wants Daemon out of the picture, and if he goes and brings word back that Daemon is refusing to cooperate with Viserys's direct orders, then Vis might have to act strongly against Daemon and thats a big win for Otto. I think he was banking on Daemon not being dumb enough to roast them all since that would be the end of the road for him, Viserys would undoubtedly act then, and Daemon would be done for good. I see this as a calculated risk by Otto to get Daemon out of the picture for good, but Rhaenyra accidently saved her uncles skin by bringing resolution to the conflict credit to Cody mahan

[@ComicCrossing]

I think youre misunderstanding the Dragonstone scene in terms of Otto. He didnt want Viserys to go meet with Daemon and potentially smooth things over. So he HAD to go. But hes also not an idiot. He knows Daemon. He knows that Daemon wouldnt declare all out war on the Kingdom and his brother. He KNEW that it was just going to be a dick measuring contest. I think yall are thinking that Daemon is more of a monster than he is because he killed some murderers and rapers in the first episode. All he did was dispense the Kings Justice. He cleaned up Fleabottom in a way that no one else cared to. He made a big show of it not only because hes a showy guy, but to scare off other criminals. He was doing his job. Daemon was never going to kill Otto and all his men just the hell of it. Honestly I think things were going as well as Otto couldve hoped. He couldve gone back to Kings Landing telling tales of how unreasonable and violent Daemon seemed, threatening him with his Dragon looking to start a war, further dividing the Brothers. Rhaneyra actually sorta messed up his plans a bit by getting him to relent. All Daemon was really doing was trying to get his brother to visit and talk to him.

[@sancheezzzy2712]

Rhaenyra going to dragonstone after being told not to go gave me some Daenerys vibes. I really need Rhaenyra charge into battle with her dragon. I wanna see a female Targaryen in battle (just like ageon sisters)

[@Crispifordthe3rd515]

Oh... you'll get to see at least...3-4 I think? I don't remember but there are quite a lot of dragon fights in the portion of book that talks about the Dance lol.

[@mikered1974]

Just wait till 2nd season and you will get what you want i will not spoil you about this if you do not read the books & novelas .

[@hectormiranda1088]

Truth be told, Rhaenys (Corlys' wife) is much more of a warrior than Rhaenyra

[@hectormiranda1088]

@@Fordo007 Yeah, but I meant in comparison (between Rhaenys and Rhaenyra)

[@suddenimpulse030]

I like how people say they won't spoil yet their same comments are actually huge spoilers jesus fking christ.

[@Noct31]

The intro is meant to be the Targaryen family tree/bloodline leading to Viserys I and Rheanyra (the blood and sigils) flowing down the model of Old Valyria that the King has been building.

[@skyewatson]

I think Daemon does really care about his family but has anger and impulsive issues. He’s more complex than just the bad guy.

[@khotunkhan3950]

That is not complex A complex character is Eren Yeager

[@mannylugz5872]

He was angry because he knows Otto is playing Viserys. He was not power hungry. He just fear what Otto would do to undermine their family.

[@Canadish]

He's not complex, he is really simple and straightforward. He's just conflicted.

[@Axel-ye8tt]

@@khotunkhan3950 eren a bum

[@khotunkhan3950]

@@Axel-ye8tt far better than Daemon

[@AndyBestHP]

Such a complex and well-acted episode of drama ... and at the end all I am thinking is how hyped I am to see Daemon and Corlys rock up to the Stepstones and wreck shop.

[@richardbrown3055]

Daemon’s thought process for the last six months has basically been; my brothers mad at me, he kicked me out off his city and told me to go home to my wife, well I’m not going to, so I’ll go to our family home instead, that’ll piss him off….six months later…I miss my big brother, I’m not allowed to go see him cuz he kicked me out of his city, what can I do to piss him off enough to come see me.

[@watchdog8360]

10:33 imma have to agree with the Patster here everyone is two facing each other except for Daemon he's always upfront about who he is and what he wants to do

[@jackson857]

I would tend to agree but him lying to everybody about marrying Mysaria and her being pregnant is like the definition of being two-faced.

[@the_crypter]

Naah dude, wtf you talking about, he is playing two faced games. He stole the egg with ulterior motives, to bring the king to dragon stone. He made the whole shit up about wedding and having a child.

[@victorious8562]

He literally lied in this episode lol

[@Dennis_K09]

I swear Suraj will not stop talking, he's like it's been 2 mins., no one's talking, let me say something. lol

[@kjaime7030]

Allicent isn't the same age as Rhaenyra. She's 17. Or she was in the books. The showrunners moved the timeline forward 7 years but kept Laeyna's and Allicent's ages the same (everyone else is 7 years older than in the book). The showrunners did this I think to (a) make the choice for Allicent more understandable from Viserys' point of view and (b) to create more drama between Allicent and Rhaenyra after the former weds the latter's dad. In the book they were nine years apart but now only two so it made more sense that they would have had a close friendship. The actress who plays Allicent even said that when she read the pilot script before reading the book, she thought the relationship of the two girls was developing into a romantic one. Oops.

[@suddenimpulse030]

The showrunners said Alicent was 14 in episode 1. She is 15 now, after 6 months have passed to episode 2, like Rhaneyra. The showrunners said a big part of the age change was they wanted to make the two best friends, which wasn't the case in the book, to make the future events a bigger deal and show that transition.

[@JayC-xh5yv]

In the show Allicent and Rhaenyra are both 15

[@mtabby8791]

@@JayC-xh5yv no rhaenerya is 11

[@mrsdixon3524]

@@mtabby8791 Viserys literally says his daughter is 15

[@ssaha7947]

@@suddenimpulse030 exactly

[@RaraAviss]

Can we give „That’s Queen’s landing” joke the attention it deserves?

[@mrclean2751]

I feel like viserys picked Alicent because she is the only one that has spent time with him the past 6 months and because he trusts her family (Otto), and also the hightowers are a super ancient house (they supposedly arrived westeros before the first men or the andals) and they are probably the most powerful bannermen of the Tyrells, so i can see why Viserys made that choice

[@lindsaykelly5001]

The intro is old Valyria and the blood is representing a family tree. It takes a lot a freeze frames. But the story is there.

[@mdhasan-bt9mb]

Daemon Targaryen know the secret tunnels of Red keep Maegor the Cruel built... That's how he was able to sneak in the small council & steal the egg

[@gunghocg]

Daemon was right about Otto. It makes sense now why he tried to drive a wedge between the brothers and wanted Daemon away from court. He wanted Corlys weakened too which is why he was counseling against doing anything about the pirates (which would beggar Corlys). Otto was trying to get rid of his rivals in court. Otto is "a second son who stands to gain nothing he doesn't take for himself" and he's been manipulating the king. Now, Otto will surely try to get any son Alicent will have take the throne from Rhaenyra and the realm would more likely support him.

[@derikk3215]

They laugh at Otto when his plan doesn't work out. But give him no credit and just say they hate him when his plan works perfectly. And never give Daemon shit whenever he fails. At least be consistent.

[@nostalgicbliss5547]

Daemon is a bad boy, rogue prince. People fantasize about being that type of character or being with one. Otto is not cool or edgy enough.

[@jac_o7]

@@nostalgicbliss5547 yup, if Otto had silver hair as well it might’ve been a different matter

[@johnjungkook2721]

@@jac_o7 Otto is a bureaucrat. Nobody thinks bureaucrats are cool, they're just sniveling little rats looking for crumbs and preying on good people who owe them nothing.

[@johnjungkook2721]

Because Daemon was right about Otto, and Daemon would have been a better Hand. If Viserys actually trusted Daemon and worked with him, Viserys would not be so easily manipulated.

[@jac_o7]

@@johnjungkook2721 Daemon would’ve have been an awful hand I don’t understand where y’all are getting the idea of him being some great noble person, it’s almost like y’all haven’t been paying attention to the show

[@unc54]

I'm pretty sure Otto put himself in that situation precisely so that things would escalate. If Viserys goes then there is the chance that he and Daemon reconcile hence why Otto wanted to go instead. I mean he's not even being diplomatic when he goes

[@angelcarrillo71]

A book nerd here (no expert though), Targs speak High Valiryan. Other languages in Essosn speak a variant like Astapori and Meereenese. In GOT, we heard Dani speak to peoples of those cities. Valiryan was created for the show but I'm unsure if they developed a version for the other languages. It could've been the same language used throughout. IMO, it doesn't sound much different, but they might have improved upon it. If it's different, you could reason that's because she learned it from her brother and people of Essos like Marketa said. If they did improve on it to make it more like High Valiryan, it makes me happy.

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

Arthur Dayne is the GOAT swordsman and it won't matter against Daemon riding a f-ing DRAGON. And Daemon is not some weak swordsman when he isn't on his dragon.

[@FuLLL04]

And its not some Dragon, its Caraxes

[@bmaxime8771]

@@FuLLL04 yup, you don't mess with the blood wyrm haha

[@brivaelkl3736]

27:49 The Hightower are one the most ancient houses in Westeros, one of the wealthiest and most powerful, and definitely one of the most prestigious houses I think undermining them is pretty dumb

[@johnjungkook2721]

Ah yes, the wondrous Hoetowers

[@musicsoul4037]

right. and they are even more higher than house Tyrell in the reach its just that they been outplayed by the tyrells during the Aegons conquest.

[@a.a677]

Velaryon is still better at this time

[@blackeyedlily]

I would absolutely love to see you guys do a skit related to the show at least once during this season. Those skits from the GOT days were such a highlight for me!

[@thejmeister]

To clarify, they did not know Daemon had a dragon. That dragon was mentioned in conversation earlier, and nobody knew where it had gone.

[@turnip9367]

It's worth remembering that Viserys knows he's slowly dying from infections. So, by marrying Alicent, he can produce heirs quickly instead of waiting with Laena.

[@webx135]

Viserys is pretty much exactly what I imagine Tywin's dad was like, which is why Tywin ended up being how he was and obsessed with family legacy.

[@Canadish]

Visery's seems like a good hearted man, just unsuited to the hard realities of power.

[@goat1408]

that song is BEYOND ICONIC.

[@LanceJ.]

I like how the one who proclaims to all that he’s not emotionally attached yet is the one talking the most

[@hectormiranda1088]

6:27 Don't worry guys, thanks to Aegon IV, the Targaryen bloodline will never truly go extinct

[@Cokeastur]

It's actually AWESOME, having read all the books, to watch people who has not read them react to what happens. LOL. You're going to be AMAZED by this show more than GoT. I promise

[@VantolStark]

16:46 as a native valyrian speaker i can confirm their accents are on point

[@movsss]

What's worse for Rhaenyra, aside from the fact that Alicent's her bestfriend and she was blindsided by both her father and her best friend/friend with a little bit of feelings for, was that Viserys didn't marry Alicent because of purely political reasons, Laena's the better match for that (and Rhaenyra understood that); he marries her because he feels comfortable with her or at least has fond feelings for her.

[@mikelcatalan4421]

Give Otto's plan against Daemon more credit, he did go to Dragonstone wth 20 good men

[@ManSeekingMeaning]

Lmao

[@ousmanjallow7866]

🤣🤣💀

[@krzyszwojciech]

One reason the King may have chosen Alicent was to make heirs with the perception of having weaker claim to the throne than his daughter. If he had a child, especially a boy, of pure Valyrian descent, an infighting would be much more likely. And I think the king realizes how dangerous that would be - the house Targaryen is most likely to be destroyed from the inside.

[@usagiakileo]

I don't think Daemon is as bad as we're thinking, but Otto definitely gives me Littlefinger vibes

[@juanitajones6900]

["Altough people still thinking that we're seeing the same characters we have on Game of Thrones but with different names, and we're not."] Exactly. In fact, I think people should be warned that there are no clear cut heroes and villains in this story.

[@crev1018]

Love the old intro music

[@kudabeen]

Excellent point on the language details by Marketa...why I enjoy the larger group reactions...scale and perspective...

[@steve0500738]

Im guessing Otto was hoping for a confrontation. I think he believed that Daemon was just throwing a tantrum and wouldnt fully escalate into open rebellion against his brother, but in the off chance that it did happen, it would mean Daemon would be out of the kings ear for good - allowing him to fully manipulate the King as he wanted.

[@Phantom_Fireside]

... I didn't know about Otto's actor also played Dr. Conners, thanks for sharing that! Now that's been pointed out I don't think I'll ever be able to unsee it

[@primecoconut4204]

The opening is basically drawing the family tree of the Targaryens with blood bec "Fire and Blood". - The starting illustration shows The Doom of Valyria and Aegon I's crown, currently worn by Viserys I. - The blood flowing out of the sigils symbolizes the death/abdication of a Targaryen passing on the blood. - The ending sigil is seen Rhaenyra's necklace given to her by Daemon. The blood stopped flowing, for now as the focus of this season is Rhaenyra Honestly cant wait for Season 2, it is already confirmed, and the build up to Dance of Dragons

[@MARYWTHER]

Yes, thank you! We know how the storyline went, they put Laena here as a little girl to have us be "oh well Alicent isn't a bad choice after all". But coming from a King who says he wants to STRENGHTEN his rule, position and heir's position, choosing Alicent was the worst decision he could have made. All that because he keeps blindingly believing in Otto Hightower: over his own brother, over his blood - Corlys, who is his cousin by marriage - and now over his own daughter. That's why the throne keeps cutting him. It cut him when he sent Daemon away, and now the sickness is festering in his flesh just like it's festering in his own bloodline, how his poor decision making is dividing them. Also, Alicent is like 15 so it's kinda hypocritical how bedding a 14 yo Laena Velaryon was impossible to imagine, but 15 yo Alicent is fine, like ugh, just admit you were smitten by her, blinded by that kindness she showed you (forced by Otto to do so). Viserys is only following his heart and emotions here, and it's destroying his family all the way. I know he chose the realm last time and his wife died and he's traumatized by it, but the way he's doing thing is really not that smart.

[@suddenimpulse030]

Part of that equation is he knows he is in a vulnerable position, that there is a lot of pressure for an heir, and he sees his one heir being what he thinks is wreckless. Anything can happen in 2 years. So almost 3 years to have a possible, emphasis on possible, male heir. Alicent has potential to provide an heir in about a year. This is also why he said he planned to have the wedding in short order. He feels he is on the clock in multiple ways, and does not trust Velaryon won't use the marriage and child against him. That child would have a super strong claim, and he incorrectly trusts Hightower and views him as loyal.

[@razz2552]

I actually liked the dragon talk between Laena and Viserys. She asks him what it was like mounting Balerion the Dread before he died and Vhagar. The mighty Vhagar, one of the original 3 dragons from Aegons conquest that is still alive during this time.

[@Heather61776]

"Just because it happened back in the day, doesn't mean it's right" THANK YOU!!!

[@adoboflakes8473]

Otto didn't go to Dragonstone to get shit done. He went there to further enlarge the rift between the brothers. He looked displeased when Rhaenyra showed up not because she did a better job but because his plans were foiled.

[@SasukeUchiha21072011]

Corlys is loyal to Targaryen Family because they are his family, Otto is loyal to the Hightower and Old Town

[@gunghocg]

Alicent seems to really care for Rhaenyra but i bet that will change once she has a son. Alicent, i think, just as ambitious as her father. In the 1st episode, Alicent was bothered that Rhaenyra wasn't upset or worried about her "standing" with the impending birth of her brother.

[@zussy101]

I don’t understand why everyone assumes Otto is going there to fight Daemon. Obviously everyone is aware Caraxes exists. They didn’t go there to fight, they went to talk. End of story. Otto didn’t want Viserys to go because he didn’t want him to entertain Daemon’s childish antics. So infuriating how everyone just assumes people are doing the most illogical stuff.

[@Mattxvi]

The Queen's Landing joke and the elbowing after 😂

[@AllTheArtsy]

In monarchic history, highborn girls were almost always married off young anyway. Marie Antionette was 15 when she married the future Louis XVI. Catherine de' Medici married Henry II when she was 14. Gerberga of Saxony married the Duke of Lorraine at 16. Isabella de Valois was only 8 when she was married to Richard II. Fujiwara no Teishi was 12 or 13 when she married the future Emperor Ichijo. These people live to about 40 and die lol Viserys thinks he's making good decisions for the realm but he's not. And it's so hypocritical. He spurns Daemon for his personal decisions, and yet he also makes irrational emotional decisions that goes against good counsel.

[@Heather61776]

I appreciate the idea of the hand slowly killing you..... That duality is what this show is so good at

[@geoffreycaffyn6760]

Chris repping the O’s merch for all the baltimore fans is a highlight for me

[@shortstuff780]

my man Daemon just wanted his brothers respect.

[@mksongbird]

took me way too long to realize Mysaria is played by Sonoya Mizuno (Ex Machina, Devs, Maniac).

[@titealicia0108]

I think Otto knew Viserys is weak and simple. By sending his daughter to him regularly for 6 months, he knew the king was going to create an attachment towards her and would end up choosing her instead of an unknown. It is quickly seen Viserys is attracted to Alicent and has become dependent on their regular conversations. Everyone push him to get married and he makes the worst possible choice: he chooses his daughter's best friend without telling her about it, the daughter of his hand (which destroys all objectivity of the latter). He rejects Laena who could have given his reign strength (he could have waited until she was older to consume, since she is 3 years younger than Alicent) and offends Corlys by rejecting his request in public without sparing his feelings and treat him with respect. Viserys is a very bad king and he treats his relatives badly too.

[@swacfan100]

I agree with Mika. Otto Hightower absolutely knew Dameon would play the dragon card, he went anyway to stay on the King's good side, keep his trust. Its window dressing. He had his daughter influence the King on one end while this would be his way to influence the King's decision from another end. It's a well played move by the King's Hand.

[@tonydataiga]

I think Viserys is like this version's Ned Stark. Ned was honorable, but so naive. Suspected the Lannisters were bad, but still went down to King's Landing with them, had no contingency plan and even told Cersei what he knew!

[@JarinCOD]

Otto reminds me of Littlefinger, so I love him.

[@GurinderJohal]

George RR Martin was asked what his favorite Targeryon was and he said Daemon so ever since I saw that I’ve been so excited for this show and his character because I know they’ll do him Justice

[@paintalishazarkarod]

No one picked on the "second sons" reference in the last 15 seconds of the episode. Dario's hometeam .

[@MichaelTargaryen8809]

"treasons the reason" made me laugh out loud

[@steeverogers5274]

this show needs triple a hollywood actors

[@Version0111]

26:09 I mean that's literally what happened. Daemon was bluffing and they all knew it. He thought Daemon would back down if they bothered showing up for a war because he knew Daemon didn't really want one. The problem was that he was also buffing so instead of backing down he tried to make Hightower back down. Neither of them wanted a fight. They just both wanted to look like they were willing to. That's why when Rhaenyra told him he could kill her right then and there get what he wanted he backed down. Because she was the only one there who wasn't bluffing.

[@Cripplerzeist]

“You can’t clap with one hand!” Perfect

[@BradleyDS90]

My favorite line "Sheathe the fucking steel". hahaha

[@lgt_jne]

Otto wanted to provoke daemon, he wanted to go instead of Viserys because he doesn't want them to make up.. Otto knows that his dragon would be there and doesn't actually plan on fighting, but he did want to make daemon to declare war but Rhaenyra arrived and handled the situation so that's why he looked at Rhaenyra like that (in short be knows he can't control her like what he does to Viserys)

[@chrisnieen5575]

Tywin Lannister "Any man who must say, I am the king, is no true king."

[@Cdcd4393]

Otto planned it from day 1 when he had Alicent go into his chambers the night after the queens death. So for 6 months she was spending time with the king.

[@YourBlackLocal]

Otto did nudge him, you just didn’t notice. He spoke about the idea of solely re-marrying for duty.

[@semajbrown259]

It think it’s funny that in a lot of the reactions to this episode that I’ve seen. Everyone is disgusted by the possibility of him picking a 12 year old, but also gets upset at him for picking his daughter best friend because of the issues it will cause

[@alexgoya9245]

When you realize the actor for Otto Hightower is the same as the kicker from the Replacements 😂

[@Clessy8]

20:51 Marketa: "Middlefinger" 🤣🤣🤣🤣