THEY DID IT! House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 REVIEW

[@nuralibolataev4474]

Aegon was great in this episode. His rage, grief, and desire for vengeance.

[@atlaslegionnaire3711]

When Otto was berating the king, I think he was more berating his grandson, as I don't think Otto really respected Aegon's authority up until that exact scene where he realized that he could, and just had removed the position he felt so secure in.

[@Thiago_Alves_Souza]

I saw that in the same manner, at that point he wasn't addressing his king but his grandson

[@pyramidion5911]

I think Aegon did exactly what Otto wanted.

[@irena4545]

Exactly. And a grandson for whom he has zero respect on top of that.

[@Bigglesman96]

I actually really like aegon as a character, he's got quite a lot of depth. The actor is phenomenal

[@anorwegianguy3780]

A point concerning the Erryk vs Arryk fight, the guard that arrives clearly asks who Erryk is, but if one answers how would you know it was truly the twin on your side? The other can just say that they are a liar which makes it even more complicated to assist your own man. Regardless the Kingsguard duty is to defend Rhaenyra not to help with the fight. You can even see the guard still defend Rhaenyra at the end because he does not know who won

[@Wicked061]

My stomach was in a knot the entire scene. Its so nice feeling something other than contempt and apathy, house of the dragon has me completely on board and locked in now. Im really enjoying this.

[@justlivin2499]

It’s so tragic that the one who won was the one who was sent to kill her only to come to realization that it was not worth it

[@Demotruk]

@@justlivin2499 Erryk won, it was confirmed by Ryan Condall. Erryk is the twin sworn to Rhaenyra.

[@rafaelbalsan4512]

@@justlivin2499 Pretty sure it was Erryk who won, and fell on his own sword for grief of killing his own brother.

[@Soinetwa]

i mean... as soon as there was a guard for the queen present him shouting stop fighting back off and we talk it out.. would eventually solve it.. no? both step back.. wait more guards come.. but poth in shakles one steps back.. whats the other response?.. fleeing? end of fight.. going towards the queen.. 2v1... continue fighting only raises suspicion and we have the same situation...

[@TrainerCTZ]

House of the Dragon shows great respect for the audience. The Aemond scene, the lack of the "which twin is it really" trope. Refreshing.

[@supersolomob422]

I absolutely loved that silent scene with Aemond discovering someone was in his quarters. It tells the story of him making the connections that Jaehaerys was murdered for revenge, because Aemond killed Lucerys, the whole scene has an air of guilt. Not only was it an accident, he’s also realizing the true consequences as the chain of events begin to spiral out of his control to something inevitably larger.

[@logiconlifesupport1899]

Thanks for coming back to Nerdrotics after show discussion. For me it's just better to have several people all discuss a show in depth. It's easy to rip on bad shows all the time but it's much more enjoyable to hear people discuss a decent show intelligently. Gonna listen to this in full on my drive later

[@theglanconer6463]

A brilliantly written series made for adults for a change, so incredibly rare these days.

[@LalaDepala_00]

I know right? I hate how a lot of shows over-explain things. Love it that this show keeps things subtle and hidden, for the audience to figure out.

[@Wustenfuchs109]

Agreed. The problem I have with the show, and in general Martin's work, is the shock factor, perversions and gore. He writes in in a way where, to catch your attention, he must go over the top with brutality and outlandish behavior. I mean, is that what classifies as "adult content" today? It is not the show's fault, it is Martin's. He can't write a captivating story without those elements. We must have killing of pregnant women, decapitations of children, raping of sisters, graphic torture and any/all form of debauchery and decadence - otherwise, not adult enough? To the point where it became shock for shock's sake. And we must have one of those almost per episode, or we are getting bored. First episode, decapitation of a child. Second episode, brother killing a brother and then committing suicide. Third episode, if we don't get anything of similar weight, we're going to say that the episode was a filler, slow or some other euphemism for "boring". And that is what is increasingly annoying me with Martin's work on the world in general. He takes every taboo and dials it up to 11, and then we gather around to praise it as "adult series". Honestly, for me, it is more like edgy teen fantasy. Expertly put to screen, don't get me wrong, there is hardly anything out there that can compete (especially today), but is it adult? Not really. Just how The Boys need to go over the top to keep people interested. And remember the Herogasm episode and how the fans reacted? All involved talked how it was the most f-ed up thing the show did, that it is really something next level. Episode came and went, fans were like, "Huh?! I watch more HC porn on a daily basis!". What I am saying is, there is an overarching problem in modern adult media - it is not about adult topics, it is just pure shock factor, taboo and edgy teen fantasies, expressed in a very graphic way. And since we got desensitized a lot over the years, they need to bend over backwards with each new creation to make it even more wicked than before... or we consider it boring. I just want to point out, I don't have a problem seeing it - but it just seems it is there for pure shock factor and does not serve other purpose. Like jump-scares in horror films. It came to the point where it became obvious and stupid. At least for me. Compared to the Expanse series, which is also expertly done and tackles adult topics... but it never had the urge to go over the top with shock factor to convey all of that.

[@Hero_Of_Old]

​@@Wustenfuchs109 as much as I love ASOIAF, you are right. Which is why Tolkien will always be my favourite.

[@gazlator]

Absolutely!

[@theglanconer6463]

@user-iv6jc9vl5i 110% !!!!

[@greyworld6242]

The twins in the acolyte wish they are even half as good as the ones in this episode!

[@-Default.]

The Cargyll Twins duel itself was excellent. Swift, brutal and emotionally charged.

[@zenzoudn]

During Cole and Arryk's argument, Arryk brings up Cole denying Helaena a sworn protector.

[@Waerom1]

I think Alicents room is on the same level as Helena's. Cole might've arranged it so no 1 was guarding the Queen's door to make it easier for him to sneak into Alicent's room unnoticed.

[@rinmathews9337]

If that were true then why does it show helaena walk down a flight of stairs to reach Alicent and Cole last episode?

[@Ring3R]

It's in the same wing of the Keep, but one floor down. The path Helaena takes to get to Alicent's room is the exact same path that Rhaenyra walked with her newborn when Alicent asked to see the baby in season 1. Alicent's current room is the one Rhaenyra stayed in in season 1, and Helaena is in the Queen's room, where Alicent used to stay. You can actually track, shot for shot, that the path Helaena takes is the exact inverse of the one Rhaenyra took. This makes Cole's actions even more impactful....he's sleeping with Alicent in the same room that he slept with Rhaenyra. In the same bed, in fact.

[@vincentthendean7713]

46:32 This is in contrast to Rhaenyra who comforts Jacerys when he found out his brother died. Goes straight for the hug right when his voice cracks. This show is just great.

[@davidacfkerek8481]

I’ve seen so many poorly written and directed female characters of late, so I was pleasantly surprised by the scene between Rhaenyra and Daemon. Rhaenyra simultaneously showed her competency as a leader and her strength of character, while showing her conflict as a betrayed wife and her fear of Daemon’s physicality. Other female leads are written so that they cannot show any vulnerability. I kind of half expected her to round house kick Daemon in the face asserting her dominance 😂

[@frankvandorp2059]

She asserted her dominance in a very dark way the next scene, when she sends Baela on a mission to patrol the Gullet, which is the exact mission Jace requested during the council meeting and Rhaenyra forbade him to do. So her own children are too valuable for Rhaenyra to risk on that mission, but Daemon's children are more expendable to her. It's weird how little people are talking about that scene.

[@frankvandorp2059]

Alicent walking away from her crying son to go after Cole again really drove home what an awful mother she is. She could console Viserys when he grieved for his wife back when she did not even know him. But she refuses to do the same for her own son. Also notice the contrast with Rhaenyra consoling her son in episode 1.

[@farididdinrahimov1050]

Yeah, I really don't like what they are doing with her in this season. She was one of my favourite characters in the first season, and my read on her was that she really loved her children, but was too focused and paranoid on keeping them safe, and had to rule the kingdom, so could not raise her children properly. But, this makes it look like she just does not care. I thought that she actually valued chastity, but now she is wh*re herself, and her distaste for Rhaenyra's actions now make her look hypocritical.

[@OlPalJoe]

@@farididdinrahimov1050 She’s her Father’s daughter.

[@frankvandorp2059]

@@farididdinrahimov1050 Yeah, the whole affair with Cole thing does not make it better IMHO. Both would have been much more interesting antagonists if they actually had strong convictions and principles that drive them to do dark things. Turning them into unprincipled hypocrites is just a bit predictable and lazy. "They're the baddies, so they must be hypocrites, they can't have redeeming characteristics". It makes their characters feel more flat. Interestingly they did the opposite with Aegon and Otto and gave them a few positive attributes, and they became so much better characters because of it. So they know how to do this, they just chose not to with Alicent and Cole.

[@farididdinrahimov1050]

@@frankvandorp2059 Exactly! For me, they were not even antagonists. I felt like coup was more or less justified. Throughout the first season, I lent towards greens, but now they are portraying them as unlikable. So, now, I don't care much about either side, will grab a popcorn and watch them tear each other apart.

[@davidacfkerek8481]

@@OlPalJoe This! For me, that scene was reminiscent of when Otto a was leaving Kings Landing, and he was saying farewell to Alicent. Although he was giving her useful advice, he couldn’t just say that he loved her and that he’ll miss her.

[@irena4545]

re: the Aemond scene - he was the only one of the family whose reaction to the murder of Jahaerys we hadn't got so far, and he was wrecked with double guilt, for bringing it on his little nephew by killing Luke, and for not being there when the murderers came. And while his public persona is that of a badass, he comes off as a psycho (especially in the books), so showing that he is not like that on the inside was definitely a good thing to do. - Though the fact that the courtesan was much older and resembled Alicent added just another layer to his issues! Also, I think that showing he had a thing for older women is a setup for his relationship with Alys Rivers.

[@melenatorr]

I think the Aemond scene works: we have not, in fact, had a moment with him to express how he feels about Luke's death; we have not, in fact, seen him in this condition - since reaching young adulthood, he's only been willing to show us and the people around him a strong, scary, intimidating intelligence and impulse. I don't recall seeing him this way, and it's telling that he can't express this at home, to his bereft siblings or mother or grandfather, but to a surrogate. And it's important to hear how he constructs the circumstances back to his own self-image by suggesting that Daemon is afraid of him. I disagree with you, Shad: for me, this is an important and interesting scene.

[@irena4545]

I just wrote something similar. For me, it was a very powerful scene, the way he is curled in a fetal position, naked, with his head in the lap of a woman who looks similar to Alicent... And yeah, a good catch on the "Daemon is afraid of me" part, he really needed something to prop his ego with at his lowest moment.

[@Roland3ld]

Finally caught up on the show so here is the usual full support for channel growth.

[@reinsaxony4623]

Otto is the King's grandfather, was Hand for 3 Kings for decades and is the uncle to the Lord of Oldtown which is the strongest House supporting the Greens. The King is 20yo and just took the Throne a few days ago, so Otto does feel secure on his position and he feels like Aegon knows he needs Otto.

[@vanessalore9942]

Also, Otto has always been arrogant, which sometimes blinds him to consequences. Assuming Daemon would not use his dragon in Episode 2 of Season 1 for example

[@reinsaxony4623]

@@vanessalore9942 That on episode 2 went according to his plan, with the exception of Rhaenyra showing up, he wanted Daemon to attack, and provoked him to do it. If Daemon attacked, Viserys would be forced to send him to the Wall.

[@ile.spirkoski]

Strongest as in "loyal" or "powerful"? House Hightower is definitely the most loyal one, but most powerful (riches and army) are the Lannisters.

[@reinsaxony4623]

@@ile.spirkoski "Last to respond was Oldtown. The wealthiest of the great houses that had rallied to King Aegon II" Direct quote from Fire & Blood. By the time of AGOT the Lannisters are wealthier but not by the time of the Dance.

[@AstaraBrightwing]

@@ile.spirkoski It has been nine days since you were corrected and you have yet to apologize and acknowledge your mistake.

[@Talos_The_King]

29:52 When Otto tells the King he killed innocent people its not to make him feel guilty, its to explain to him that by doing this he undermined the funeral precession.

[@durrangodsgrief6503]

Have larys pull up some bs evidense sighting treachery among guild as a whole, spread rumours of corruption and cruelty in its members, sight them having been paid for another assassination attempt otto is pissing and bitching over nothing

[@samuelpatton5148]

The dialogue between Rhaenyra and Daemon early and between Otto and Aegon later in the episode was the best we’ve seen yet in house of the dragon. It was in par with some of the best GOT dialogue. And the acting from all of the main characters is superb. The visuals are the best we’ve seen.

[@kapilthevkanapathipillai6424]

I like the Rhaenyra's realisation that Bad boys are fun when you're young. You think you can change them but when you grow old you realise that was a naive choice.

[@Zoddlander]

I liked the fight between the twins! and almost lost track of what brother won! but I just looked for the leg wound! Daemon shows his true face to Rhaenyra even more than she suspected! IMO the episodes best scene was between Aegon and Otto!

[@roon-sy8fz]

Because of the order of events I saw Allicent leaving her son in his grief in a positive light. Her and Otto had just discussed how to bring him back under their control. By leaving him with his feelings instead of counseling and controlling him she left him with his autonomy out of a maternal instinct to care for her son instead of a queenly instinct to control a pawn prince.

[@melenatorr]

What is it about that scene between Cole and Alicent that gives any clue that she is "happy" about anything? She strikes out at Cole because of a chaos of reactions all that's happened, for which both he and she have had a share; because Cole has pulled Aegon that much further out of her control; because she is understanding what sort of man he is (and there is a parallel between him and Daemon). She finishes not because she's happy to but because this man; this man is the only one in her world who holds onto her, and whom she can hold. This is not "happiness": it's despair.

[@Thiago_Alves_Souza]

I think it was consistent with Otto actually not wanting the common folk not to be killed because he showed that same reticence against Daemon rounding up people in season 1. And specially due to the fact he will be positive towards his support base, which Rhaenyra's side of the family aren't.

[@philiphinton6259]

Great review. I agree it's so refreshing to have a show written for adults by adults, with no agenda pushing. I think the coincidences between Mysaria and the twin passing each other are fairly easy to explain. The Queen releases her with basically the instruction, "There's a boat leaving, be on it." She wouldn't what her running around Dragon Stone for any longer than absolutely necessary, being how she makes a living. So she's released when the boat is due to arrive.

[@Hero_Of_Old]

There is still an agenda bro, even if its subtle.

[@barstar888]

Otto chastising the King for killing innocents isn’t a contradiction in his character because he’s simply pointing out it’s not justified when the goal is to gain the confidence and support of the commoners. Otto would easily kill innocents if it made sense but as he pointed out with Aegon, it’s reckless and will backfire….side note, Ser Cole sending the twin to go murder Rhaenyra displays his irrational and narrow view because to think murdering the Queen would stop the war instead of charge those like Daemon and Jace with more conviction to fight in her name is misguided and just another reminder that his personal vendetta with Rhaenyra is guiding his motivations.

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

Cole said "I was abed, Your Grace, having ordered the Night's Watch." There was no flaw in the guard aside from the major security hole of having secret passages no one knew about. When Blood & Cheese discuss the royals living upstairs, it tells the audience that guard is set downstairs controlling access to the upper floors: Cheese then says "I know a way upstairs", implying "past the guard"). Once access to the ground floor is secured, there is no need to have the private apartments in the upper levels cluttered with guards.

[@AstaraBrightwing]

None of that is true. The royals are meant to be guarded personally 24x7. Generally, they will have knights or household guards follow them everywhere they go. The royal apartments still have servants who work upstairs, and royals would need personal guards to ensure those servants don't attack them, and to ensure any assassins who sneak in (like literally happened with Blood & Cheese) would be caught.

[@BlackQback]

Rhaenyra and Daemon... I have some words to say. Perhaps the writers, director... were a bit too subtle for people to notice several things in episode 1: 1) "I want Aemond!" scene. Rhaenyra says it in front of the whole council, but then looks straight at Daemon, standing at the opposite side of table. She's specifically tasking Daemon to kill Aemond. It's not a half-arsed line, thrown in anger. 2) Daemon wasn't at Luce's funeral. The funeral of the boy whose inheritance he was protecting last season. Wouldn't Rhaenyra get offended if she didn't know on what business she has sent him? Rhaenys didn't figure out anything Rhaenyra didn't already know. 3) Miseria, that conniving woman who contributed to drawing a wedge between Daemon and his brother and selling him out to Otto since day one, i.e. "heir for a day" thing (that we know of). While Daemon was brooding in the corner of the brothel, sad for his brother and nephew (though knowing he has to form a bond with Gold cloaks as their leader, so he lets them have fun, but doesn't participate) - she manipulated him into giving a speech to Gold cloaks. "My lord, your 'old cloks want you to make a toast". She ratted him out to Otto, plus added that "they were coupling". Again, she gives him bad advice, and Daemon - not knowing just to what extent she's been betraying him, and in his haste to do his queen's bidding AND take his well deserved revenge on Otto, makes a bargain to set her free and takes her advice. Mistake, for sure, but an understandable one. From his PoV, and generally, he never did anything to hurt Miseria, he would've even married her, and all we see is her rejecting him. 4) Episode 2: when things go south, it's all Daemon's, and Daemon's alone, fault and HE cannot be trusted! So unfair. What about Rhaenyra taking responsibility? She's thus far been as weak a queen as her father was a weak king.

[@agonsfitness7308]

Bravo, brilliant comment. Especially your insight regarding Mysaria. Wholeheartedly agree on Rhaenyra being as weak a ruler as her father.

[@OlPalJoe]

Otto missing the man he tried for decades to undermine lol

[@InkyMuste]

More like missing a king that he could easily control.

[@melenatorr]

@@InkyMuste That, definitely, but also possibly understanding, for the first time, that the patience and forbearance and kindness are things he took for granted, and when he says they are all the poorer for them no longer being there, he seems to mean it on a human level, not on the level of a political strategist.

[@OlPalJoe]

@@melenatorr Yeah it’s funny because Otto’s machinations got the Hightowers to the top but these plans have eroded the realm so much that he can’t steer the ship and can’t enjoy being on the top

[@river9548]

Still haven't watched any episode of this season yet~ Keeping them like a fresh reward for after the exams It's lovely to hear and see good comments on those episodes and to understand that the authors of this show actually want to give a good story

[@4thObserver]

I have to agree on Shad on this one, The amount of action dialogue in this episode really propelled it. Otto getting fired for speaking of Aegon's shortsightedness, The deterioration of Rhaenyra and daemon's relationship, Aegon's rage which leads to Cole's initiative to send the Cargyll twin. It was intriguing to watch it all play out.

[@vanessalore9942]

That was fast! Nice to see you on the Nerdrotic stream last night

[@Cyrus-137]

I believe you enjoyed the fight between Ser Erryk vs Arryk. Choreography was well planned out and trained. Also props on Aegon. Him raging was authentic

[@CharlesZane_]

Ser Lorent also wasn’t in his armor anymore which would surely make him hesitant to help, especially not knowing who was who.

[@Number1OKYouTubeChannel]

Great review. On the final scene - an alternative (& important?) interpretation: I'm not sure Aegon is crying over Jaehaerys. Rather, he's crying bc he just learned that neither his father nor his grandfather had any faith in his ability to be King. It's ego/pride, not grief. (Maybe even Alicent sensed this, explaining why she didn't offer any comfort.) There's a parallel narrative in how Daemon has been reacting when reminded that Viserys didn't trust him to be King either. Not necessarily that he would be cruel or untrustworthy, but probably because he's a bit hotheaded with a tendency for violent solutions, & violent mistakes. (I think Viserys considered Rhaenyra best suited to ensure, via peaceful means, that a Targaryen sits on the throne.) Both can be impulsive, just with different impulses. And neither have the temperance that Viserys thought the heir must have. (Even Otto sees this, now.) Being "passed over" is a sore spot for both, and it can lead one to do bad things. WANT A FUN, THOUGHT-PROVOKING, NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THIS SHOW??? Watch Season 1, EP 1 again, small council scene, with the assumption that someone is trying to POISON the King. (When you do, you'll see that there has to be only one explanation as to why it was edited the way it was. What a great show.) FYI, I didn't read the book and have no idea where any of this is going.

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

If someone was poisoning the king, how come they gave him the stuff that kept him alive long past his "best before" date?

[@Number1OKYouTubeChannel]

@@Leo_ofRedKeep I don’t know. Maybe they stopped. But IMO the possibility of Viserys’ being poisoned was raised in several episodes, & EP1 is masterfully edited to point the suspicion at 1 particular person.

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

@@Number1OKKZbinChannel Maybe the show laid a false trail for people to follow but the idea anyone was poisoning Viserys was contradicted in that he just kept on living.

[@Number1OKYouTubeChannel]

@@Leo_ofRedKeep I can think of several reasons why the king kept living. For one, circumstances could change such that killing him (if that was the intent) would no longer serve a beneficial purpose. The particular suspicious person is revealed early on in the Season, but by the 2nd half there’s enough to explain how & why that person would poison the king, why that person would stop, and how it’s consistent with that person’s characterization. However, I cannot say for sure why the writers would establish this allusion. I could just be imagining here because, admittedly, it’s hard to see at best. It’s a Sneaky bit of editing. Plus it only comes in at certain points. But if they’re good (and I think/ hope they are), they did it because they can now write this character’s arc in a surprising yet plausible way, especially on a re-watch. (Maybe they’re learning from how GoT tv writers went wrong.)

[@Bigglesman96]

I think the brother fight was intentionally chaotic so we also as the audience couldn't tell who was who.

[@ForgottenHonor0]

I swear, I didn't think Criston could become more cringe than last season, but this episode literally said, "Hold my beer!" 😂😂😂😂

[@dr.jekyll5234]

Relevant and Supportive Comment to feed the Algorangim

[@RobAryeeArc]

All hail the gloriius algorithm

[@haithemboubakri9987]

The problem otto had was not the death of innocents but how that ruins the image of aegon earlier in the episode otto wanted the funeral to be public in order to gain the support of the common people by showing them how monstrous rhaenera is and tarnishing her image but when aegon murdered innocents he ruined otto's work

[@simonmoody8400]

Otto saying they were innocent works once you see it as him saying. They were innocent from the view of the small folk, and 'we', the powerful, killed them. The additional guard that came in while the twins were fighting was totaly right in holding back. He doesn't know which is which, and he is just in his shirt. So is at a massive disadvantage. The last thing he wants to do is target the wrong twin, or distract the one on his side by chipping in. Far better to hold back until it's either totaly clear who is who, or he has no choice. He does not want to risk causing 'his' twin to be taken out, and be one on one against a fully armoured enemy.

[@frankvandorp2059]

Is it confirmed it was Erryk (the one loyal to Rhaenyra) who won the fight and then deleted himself? I assumed it was Arryk, but he knew he was mortally wounded and after slaying his own brother, he couldn't bring himself to also harm a member of the royal family he was sworn to protect. So he begged her forgiveness and ended himself.

[@chrisjaniec3540]

I believe he committed suicide for two reasons. He killed his brother whom he loved and he didn't want to force his queen to live with any doubt of ordering his execution because she wouldn't know if the 'good' one had won the battle...

[@alexanderwiles2003]

normally hate add placements but damn you pick some fitting ones that make me go "well now I need to check that out"

[@SuperGamesforplayers]

it is so refreshing to see some good written show that focuses on the story, were both sides aren't just black and white this comes from a gay guy who is tired of a agenda being pushed down his throat

[@lachieblack8605]

dont you mean black instead of white?

[@mikebalentine]

See I feel the same way but instead of creating something new and interesting they chose to do a prequel. Even if it’s well written and well acted I never find myself interested since it’s already “spoiled” from the get go.

[@sunspren]

I agree. Overall this episode was brilliant. The scene with Aegon and Otto was staggeringly good. And the one with Rhaenyra/Daemon was nuanced AF. I actually give this a higher rating than episode 1 because I feel like the nonsensical emergence of Blood and Cheese into an empty Red Keep shattered my suspension of disbelief and then immediately afterward, it was shattered again by the undercutting of that pivotal moment in the book: when Helaena chooses between her SONS. In my mind, it is critical that it be sons and it's also critical that she CHOOSE and potentially traumatize the other one. That's just a very large missed opportunity and it feels like the first deliberately "pulled punch". I did not appreciate it at all. But I digress. I agree that Rhaenyra releasing the White Worm was contrived. I think it was contrived for two reasons however. 1. It seems like the writers want to show that mercy actually does, sometimes, reap rewards. Rhaenyra maintains her honor by maintaining her family's oath. And occasionally, even in Westeros, that pays unexpected dividends. 2. This is supposed to be a woman-to-woman exchange, implying a "this is a tough world for women" sisterhood. I don't really necessarily buy it, but I can see the White Worm manipulating Rhaenyra with it, so it's...sort of...possible for her character to connect with her. I guess. I don't think it's well done, but it might be plausible. I am very interested to see why the writers have slanted in favor of Rhaenyra thus far, when they could've chosen to equalize Blacks and Greens in terms of redeemable qualities. We'll see!!! I think it's a fascinating choice, though.

[@omarmedina3893]

I loved this episode, everyone's acting was amazing

[@Ring3R]

The battle between the twins.....which one won? Whoever won said "Your Grace, forgive me." That could be either, after they set up the fact that both twins were still trying to serve the royal family in the last episode. I've watched it a couple times now to try and figure out who won....and I'm pretty sure Arryk (Greens) actually won, but couldn't follow through after being forced to kill his twin. It's really hard to tell because of the way they cut it, but it looked to me like Erryk's face got bloodied more during the fight, particularly after he took a mailed fist to the head. The twin who died had more damage to his face than the one who lived....

[@barstar888]

The acting is incredible. Every single one is on point with their performance….the writing is out of this world and is so reminiscent of those early GOT days. Well done HOTD

[@Jakegothicsnake]

Erryck Turin Turambars himself. Also, poor Helaena........

[@anthonyd.8067]

I love the contrast between how Rhaenyra comforted Jace in the first episode vs how Alicent fails to comfort Aegon, shows how cold Alicent is as a mother.

[@irena4545]

And it is in line with the first season showing Rhaenyra's children as well adjusted kids, whereas Alicent's had tons of issues.

[@hedinsee6830]

I don't believe there is a problem with Arryk's arrival to Dragonstone. He could have easily sailed and disembarked in disguise, changed into his armour at the port in a secluded spot and joined a group coming up to the castle. That actually makes more sense than him going all the way up to the gates in disguise. Erryk not calling for help during the fight is also perfectly logical. Why would anyone believe him? This could have just as easily been a ruse by Arryk.

[@nuralibolataev4474]

It was so satisfying seeing Aegon destroy that Valeria set.

[@violator7964]

Why? It’s a beautiful model. I was dreading this moment. Can’t understand why so many people wanted to see it destroyed.

[@nuralibolataev4474]

@@violator7964 because that walking corpse spent more time with that stupid miniature than with his kids who are not Rheaynera.

[@CarlWheatley-wi2cl]

Tight writing, good acting, characterisation and dynamics set up properly, scenes that can do multiple things at once. Coming from the Acolyte to this just makes a laughable comparison. OMG the gulf in quality is just enormous. Props to them for not just making Aegon another Joffrey as well. That actor has really stepped up this season.

[@Lacabradiscoteca]

If you haven’t read the book, Fire and Blood, I think you’d really like it. It’s presented as a historical telling by an in-world historian and he’s going based off of accounts from people at the time who sometimes have conflicting reports (like real history) so you have to kind of discern what you think really happened. Was much more of an entertaining read than I expected it to be

[@mansfieldtime]

. Having dynamic characters is what makes those characters GREAT, and the story Amazing.

[@robmartin525]

Daemon was totally doing the X-to-doubt face 😄

[@alexanderwiles2003]

I find it interesting there are a lot of parallels with Aegon and his father Viseries like how in the first episode of both seasons they are told their brothers shouldn't be at the council and both of them say how since that their closet family members should be should have a place their, or in this episode we see them both losing a son and grieving while everyone around them plots and no one seems to want to give them even a moment of emotional support, or even at near the end we see Aegon sending away Otto away and removing him as hand after called him weak which the same way Viseries sent Daemon away and remove him as heir after the same thing. Aegon is also called generous and pliable repeatedly and I wonder if these references to Viseries are supposed to imply they have the same natures but due to how he was raised he gained complex's. I wonder how his character will develop further

[@sillylittlesheepjax6009]

They are going for Aegon =viseris and Daemon=aemond. They even killed his son so aemond is now close to the throne

[@luisa.acevedo3326]

Aegon will try to make his daughter his heir.

[@markjrbessett6429]

They don't even need to change their armor. All they need to do is change the color gambison they wear underneath. Black or red gambsion for team Black and green gambison for team Green. However, seeing team Black's Kingsguard wearing the same armor as Daemon would be cool.

[@SimsRacingDesign]

Perhaps the brother just doesn't kill himself out of remorse for murdering his twin but he apologises to the Queen as well because he realises that he's no longer capable of being the head of the Queen's Guard as there will always be doubt about whether he's himself or actually his brother. If you can understand what I mean/follow my reasoning.

[@InkyMuste]

There would've been an easy way to figure out which brother he was, just ask him about the going ons at Dragonstone, stuff only the "good" brother would know.

[@SimsRacingDesign]

@@InkyMuste True but people that weren't present or have certain ulterior motives, could still possibly doubt him or spread doubt amongst others. It's fairly easy to implant a sliver of doubt in people's mind compared to convincing someone of the truth.

[@paulraines9635]

I felt like they fumbled the Blood and Cheese plot, like they picked the most middle of the road storyline that made plot holes developed. The way they resolved it was fine, in a perverted justice sense.

[@Tiamat951]

I would have thought that Alicent would be The Queen Mother as mother of the current king. A Dowager Queen is the widow of the old monarch but not the mother of the new monarch. For example: Queen Elizabeth II's mother was Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Where as Queen Cammilla will become (Should she out live King Charles III) Queen Cammilla, Dowager Queen as she is not Prince William's mother.

[@billypenfold]

Ottos actor is brilliant in this show.

[@commentsforthealgorithm]

Just gonna say behind the scenes they gave both twins the same scar so you couldn’t keep track. But yes, I am in the majority believing it was Eryk because he called her “your grace”. Which the opposition wouldn’t do.

[@FrosenHell]

we need a fight breakdown between the twin brothers

[@JoseJimenez-fc6pu]

I felt Ottos' absolute disgust when Aegon ordered him to go over and give the pin to Cole, thinking he was gonna hand it over. Nah, he just threw it at Coles' feet as if to say "screw you, he can pick it up." I didn't expect that reaction, but it was completely justified. The acting is just so good in this whole scene, I let out an audible gasp when he did that.

[@patrickneff7846]

Didn't the queen and some of her handmaidens see the rat catcher? Why didn't anyone ask them? Or did I miss something?

[@Wustenfuchs109]

Yes, but at that point the king just didn't care, he lashed out and just wanted to see the heads roll. If the Loris did not catch "Blood", king would have started chopping heads at random (as we see him not only rounding up the servants, but also accusing the Small Council members). Frankly, he didn't give a damn about who's really guilty, he just wanted to punish the whole world for it at that moment.

[@Bayard1503]

They didn't bother, they killed Blood before pointing the guilty one... why bother when it's so much easier to be incompetent and cruel. This is not GOT, all these things add up and the smallfolk will react in destructive ways all throughout the kingdom. Condal is much more careful to consequences than D&D.

[@samuraichicken2315]

RoP writer: 'This is a fantasy world so it doesn't have to make sense!"

[@jasonck9635]

A lot of non book readers were complaining that it was too slow and the show is getting to a slow start ! I don’t feel that way at all ! Because I knew these important moments that needed to be covered were addressed in the last 2 episodes ! I was happy with both !

[@eliavillhabrand]

I think this episode is my favorite of the show so far. The two s storyline just really captured me

[@anthonyd.8067]

I think the point of the Kings Guard not being there to protect the Queen is intentional, Cole just took over the Kingsguard and it is clear he was not fit for the job.

[@ammoiscurrency5706]

The end of the twins is a perfect example of this brother war...

[@SullyRose15]

Business is booming now boys!

[@rangerstedfast]

I admit HotD just seems to be improving. Apart from several instances of the common misuse of the term "pretender", I was never bored and was always engaged

[@Bayard1503]

But if it's a common mistake... then isn't it plausible that in universe people would make the same mistake?

[@rangerstedfast]

@@Bayard1503 It's a common mistake nowadays because we don't use this word like that very often. Here, in-world, it was a bit jarring. It's one of those "ignorance is bliss" things for me, because it didn't bug me before I learned about it.

[@jpteknoman]

The starting point of most stories is based on chance. To use a famous example, in star wars, the ship could have gone anywhere in the galaxy but it went to the planet where Luke was. The droids could have gone anywhere but ended up where the jawas scavenged. The jawas could have sold the droids to anyone but they sold them to Luke. It's a big contrivance to set the story in motion and it's the only acceptable kind.

[@Hero_Of_Old]

Fate

[@DeusEx1977]

There are definitely some well written and brilliantly acted scenes in there. I still think I like Season 2, Episode 1 a bit better, but so far, it's all quality stuff. If they continue in this vein, it could easily wind up surpassing the early seasons of GoT in my estimation. I mean it's already far better than anything seasons 6-8 of GoT had to offer.

[@paolocontest3610]

I think the guys in the red brigandines are now with Rhaenyra in Dragonstone

[@PickBit]

If they keep going like this House of the Dragon is going to go down as one of the greatest shows in history hands down. What a rollercoaster! I cannot, for the life of me, decide what the best part of this show is. Every character shines, every single one! They have moments in which you hate them, there are moments in which you love them, all of them display their terrible flaws and their virtues, every one of them shows beautiful moments of very relatable humanity. Even Aegon. You start despising him and then they show him weeping and mourning for his son (bastards let me hate him!); you think Otto is an absolute snake and yet you cannot deny his wisdom and love for his daughter though misguided and possessive; you keep loving Daemon despite the fact that he proves himself an absolute a** time and time again; Aemond the bastard showing regret and fragility with a prostitute who is obviously meant to be more of a mother to him than a lover and of course Rhaenira... how can one not appreciate the dramatic irony of her obviously being the solution to all of the problems of the Realm in contrast to everybody's unwillingness to admit it. I have spent the whole episode thinking to myself: "My god what a great queen; she is her father's daughter!". Oh and of course the writers could not refrain from punching us all in the gut again, this time pitching brother against brother. Maybe we should strap Leslie Headland to a chair and subject her to view all episodes of HOTD in a continuous loop, maybe that would teach her what good writing means

[@octav1600]

Regarding Alicent (the queen mother) not comforting the king, this might be because she doesn't like him very much. He's a ... less than savory person with women, and she might be disgusted with that and his general weakness. For all the king's bravado, he can't really rule himself. He is little better than Jeoffrey from the Original GOT series - and this only because he doesn't just kill people for fun, he at least has some reasoning behind his actions, poor though they may be.

[@protato911]

I might got mixed up a bit but I though the one that won the fight is the one that send to kill Rhaenyra since the one that died got stab in the thigh.

[@jimspetdragons3737]

Either brother could call for help and still be believable. How would help know which is which even then? Still having trouble determining why Aemon is "angry" w/ the Team black after Vhagar ate Luke from last season and into S2E1. I understand they are the enemy at this point, but further "anger" is not clear to me.

[@WillStopka]

The only thing the was odd to me was how many guards there were and people in the beginning of the episode... like where were any of them when the assassination happened?

[@maegnuz]

I loved the realism as the women stand NO chance against an armed and armored man. If this had been the Acolyte, a girl in a robe would have kicked and flung a man twice her size across the room...

[@mansfieldtime]

. 35:10 "I'm not able to predict what's going to happen. Because so many different things can happen." While you said this about House Of The Dragon and R.I.P. and Acolyte the difference is it make Scenes and is a viable outcome for House O.T. Dragon. But in R.I.P. the writing is so nonsensical that anything could happen simply because... story plot, not even, Message Narrative. And in Acolyte anything can happen simply because Message Narrative.

[@Rucker1980]

Otto is ok with killing innocent people if it advances his objectives. This messed up his plans

[@melenatorr]

But I don't think there's any reason for Aegon to choose Larys. Alicent certainly might, but there's no relationship of substance between Aegon and Larys, where we know that Aegon would definitely approve of what Cole just did/

[@bdavis7801]

Their voices are different. There are small differences between twins. I'm sure if you knew one well you'd be able to tell who was who with them both together.

[@daytrippera]

Again with the Kingsguard? Do you read the comments? They have only half of the Kingsguard, the other half left with Rhaenyra, one left his own way after Viserys died, two were with the King, Criston was with Alycent and Criston also didn't named any guard for Queen Helena and the king's children, as stated by Arryk. The events of this episode happened about 2 weeks after Aegon usurped the throne and, as it was shown in episode 2 of season 1, it's not that simple to add more men to the Kingsguard; as well as Cheese took Blood thru secret passages to get to the king's son.

[@fconstraints]

Almost every change from the book to the show has been an improvement. GRRM is a great writer despite his faults but having read some really compelling history books I feel like Fire & Blood is rather flat. I'm also with you in regards to the show being slightly toned down. I don't need to see a child beheaded or boobs in every other seen. The implication is enough in most cases.

[@Alex-bz8lj]

Daemon is just as evil as his Ancestor Maegor the cruel

[@vargr2089]

Maegor may have been cruel but he was crucial for the survival of House Targaryen. You can pull a lot of similarities with him and Daemon, both loved their brothers dearly.

[@Alex-bz8lj]

@@vargr2089they are both still evil

[@vargr2089]

@@Alex-bz8lj eh depends what you mean by evil.

[@pablosanz427]

daemon is not even close to maegor in terms of how evil they are. daemons vilest crimes are maegors daily routine, and no, he wasnt crucial for the survival of house targaryen, jahaerys was.

[@paulraines9635]

As best we can tell, Maegor's most evil acts may have come from brain damage. Daemon is probably manic, his evil being petty and pointless.

[@RobAryeeArc]

For the writing is good and full of intrigue.

[@xxxlonewolf49]

With how the first show ended...I'm stull waiting for enough to get me to watch this show. Plus, the fracking author can't be bothered to FINISH THE BOOK series.

[@totallynuts7595]

You referring to Game of Thrones? Honest, I hated seasons 5 through 8 of that, but House of the Dragon S1 is definitely worth watching. It's also nearly a complete story, by itself, if you consider King Viserys the protagonist, like how Ned Stark was the closest thing to a protagonist in GoT S1. I say "nearly" because the last episode, or the last two episodes, are the groundwork for this season. Take it as a recommendation from someone who hates pretty much every show he watches.

[@Bayard1503]

I hated the last seasons of GOT and the signs were there even earlier... So as a hater of GOT I can fully recommend HotD. It's a much more difficult adaptation, everything is subjective, multiple stories, very little dialogue in the book, they can't just take amazing lines from the book and put on screen. GRRM didn't really bother even thinking things through, I'm sure in many cases he put all ideas he had in the book as different options.... And still, I was so impressed of Season 1, of the writing choices, of the things they added and changed (all the time keeping the plausibility, making sure they don't contradict the book outright, because historians can miss stuff, right?)

[@razeyfingers]

lol Shad you should always do the side turn to open the show. Good stuff

[@clarencegutsy7309]

I agree with the Aemond scene. I get the point of it but the way it was presented was too odd and more fetishistic. It also does take away a ton of his bite as a dangerous character especially since he's supposed to be the sort of "rival" to Daemon.

[@anzerupnik1442]

Pretty sure the last scene with Cole and Aliscent was borderline rape from Cole's side.

[@spartanhawk7637]

God I missed this show

[@guardsman-against-the-chaos]

The only thing I have as a criticism for this second season of the show is it's clear that westors is now a lot more diverse than a medieval world would have but at least it seems they are trying to keep it a little bit of logical excuses rather than most media that don't even try but it dose keep taking me out the show where a 3rd of the minor cast is from all over the world. Like the blacksmith guys wife and the navy port area. I know some people won't care but when you know there not doing it for story but DEI reasons it takes me out of Westeros and back to the ever political world of Earth.

[@mcoop421]

Always look forward to your reviews 🎉

[@lordultus2233]

I feel people are overly harsh on Alicent. She lost her mother as a child, was forced to marry the king, breed his children in a marriage of convenience, and was left to raise kids as a mother when she wasn’t raised by her mother while dutifully attending to the needs of a dying man. And got no help doing it, just a “thanks.” She is neglectful, sure, but she doesn’t know how to comfort her son because her father doesn’t know how to comfort her, as he doesn’t discuss what’s bothering her (the whole part where she is grieving the loss of her grandchild and feels the gods are punishing her). So her only outlet is with the only guy who she wasn’t forced to be with and uses sex as a means to dull her pain, which because of her religious convictions, causes her more guilt.

[@justinw-s1694]

Has Shad played Manor Lords?