Vaemond's death - House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 8

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO HBO.

[@vymancross3551]

"Her children are bastards"- said Vaemond Velaryon calmly.

[@justaman9724]

I understood that reference.

[@Mbaku4469]

HARRY DDID IYOU PUT YOUR NAME IN THE GOBLET OF FIRE

[@nouriixo]

Dumbledore asked calmly

[@dannyx498]

As calmly as a tyrone can sound

[@gamebawesome]

“AND SHE IS A WHORE” - Yelled Vaemond angrily

[@Jay-qm8cx]

Despite being weak and frail, Viserys stood up knife in hand to defend his daughters honour. What a man

[@masterplokoon8803]

And did nothing when his son was mutilated and even defended the perpetrators. A man who failed as a king and father.

[@gerromecampbell9223]

What was he going to do Mutilate his Grandson’s and then what execute his nieces?. I guess you would have preferred for him to kill and intentionally maim his family. What happened was horrible but this was done by children who make mistakes, what occurred was done out of frustration not malice.

[@masterplokoon8803]

@@gerromecampbell9223 there are ways of punishing people that don't imvolve those things. And Viserys didn't care about Aemond being maimed, he just said "oh well tough luck about the eye, now apologize for telling the truth". He focused all his energy on threatening people for telling the truth and even tolerated Rhaenyra calling for Aemond's torture. Viserys chose to spoil his already adult daughter and clean after her poor decisions than to defend his young son who lost an eye. Instead of punishing the perpetrators who brought a knife to atack his son Viserys screamed at him for telling the truth, he is a terrible king and father who neglects his young children in favour of spoiling an adult. Viserys gets no simpathy from me. Aemond has good reason to hate the Strongs, Rhaenyra and Viserys. "Frustration not malice"- if someone brings a knife in advance to atack someome is malice and even out of frustration they should have been punished.

[@faaf4950]

What is honor? Not having bastards? Then she had done it and she sould be tried for that but if having bastard is not a problem then why they want to to kill everyone who says they are bastards? it's not changing rules for wemon it's just bending them for rhaenyra

[@eris9659]

To defend his daughter's honor that doesn't exist. To defend lies and perfidity.

[@JimmySteller]

2:58 I love that moment. Vaemond obviously realises that Daemon is goading him, just for the excuse to kill him. But he also realises that he's not going to win, no matter if he holds his tongue or not, and so if he's going to die, he'll die on his terms.

[@Lamporre]

Vaemond's actor really made that moment work. For a minor role, he really gave it his all and made it memorable.

[@thegreenreaper6660]

Matt Smith portrayed Daemon absolutely magnificent! In this éntire scene, he only speaks 11 words total, in 4 outings: "Go on", when he helps Viserys up to the Iron Throne, and places the Crown back on his head. "Say it", when he's guising Vaemond, sparking his outrage. "He can keep his tongue", mocking Vaemond's corpse, whilst enforcing the King: Vaemond would have been executed for this treason, but Daemon had no stomach for bureaucracy. "No need", after killing Vaemond, spectacularly, and Otto Hightower desperately tríes to salvagewhat was left of his failed plan and séize the moment in having him disarmed.

[@fabvz5436]

In the books he was eaten alive by Raenyra's dragon for trying to say her children were bastards, so maybe remain silent wasn't that bad

[@pomegranteappleson1628]

Exactly

[@MusMasi]

Should of held his tongue and used the considerable wealth of his house to hire a faceless man.

[@Gutssssss666]

“her children are BASTARDS!” This guys acting and the way he shouted that was gold lmao

[@bigdrew565]

Say what you want about the writing of both shows, but the acting was almost always top notch, top to bottom.

[@Infernal460]

@@bigdrew565 Roll to disagree, season 8 lack luster.

[@Hangman1]

No, this guy is black ( that's first big mistake ) and the second how horrible he act

[@ivandankob7112]

“And their mother is a whore” - added Vaemond calmly

[@angel91485]

and so was the cutting of his head 🤣

[@wolfgirl1378]

I love that after he insults Rhaenyra and her boys even Alicent and Otto are like oh he fucked up....

[@Ab-zz5iw]

Exactly 😂

[@godfather_Gb]

He fucked up big time !!!

[@ArmyWolves]

😂😂😂 i noticed that too.

[@jellyshark8639]

Not as much as rhaenyra queen of hoes and incest fucked her knights and family

[@adekunlejosiah2939]

🤣

[@spearshake4771]

The way Vaemond yelled out the word "Bastards" man that was some powerful shit

[@ju.depoire]

I keep replaying it

[@lisaellis2593]

Yasssss!

[@HawaiiBlueMermaid]

@@ju.depoire me too! I’ve replayed it 20 times! 😂😂😂

[@TheTrickster923]

Said it with his whole chest

[@thewitness7147]

It's cause you wouldn't expect a black man judging others for having bastards

[@VB-3]

Wil Johnson is the actor playing Vaemond Velaryon. He has Shakespeare experience on stage and it shows. Phenomenal portrayal of highborn aristocratic outrage, all while smug at the same time. I hope we see him again on screen in another show soon, because damn he's good.

[@jabthejedi]

He's great but I really do think Otto Hightower has been overlooked by people in this programme- -amazing scene on the bridge at Dragonstone (and I'm team Blacks all the way).

[@philly442]

oh please, he's a C class actor and this show is blackwashed, sub-Saharan "sea people" in a European setting? oh please. you people are already claiming Beethoven is black

[@VB-3]

@@philly442 there is no Europe in this show, you silly fool.

[@jabthejedi]

@@philly442 ahahah how edgy are you? such an edgy edgmonton. I hope one day I can hope to have as controversial comments as you. Westeros and surrounding is neither European nor Sub Saharan -its fictional, so they can do what they like. Perhaps work on brain cell growth.

[@philly442]

@@jabthejedi muh fantasy lmao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! even in the books they're not sub-Saharan, cope harder.

[@BjornCanute]

I like how Helaena covers her ears, almost as if she can hear his soul scream.

[@fazediamond5671]

Or she’s autistic

[@Thrawn23.]

Well there are a tone of rumors saying she can see the future

[@DaemonTargaryen13]

Autism

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

@@Thrawn23. How does it relate to this particular scene?

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

@@DaemonTargaryen13 Most people would be shocked at this, autism or not, so just this scene alone does not indicate anything.

[@majs1996]

I love the way you can almost pinpoint the moment Vaemond understood he had nothing more to lose so he just decided to say it out loud.

[@LivinhItUp]

That side eye at 3:02 was pretty much it. He was taking a whole lot of sh*t from Daemon for years and wanting him to hear it loud and clear before he was ready to meet his fate.

[@thalmoragent9344]

@@LivinhItUp Yeah, it's sad he died but glad he at least went out telling the truth

[@JimmySteller]

@@thalmoragent9344 Not quite the truth. We never see Rhaenyra take money for having sex with people.

[@thalmoragent9344]

@@JimmySteller It's not a matter of money. Women (in this case, Medieval times) can still be considered wh@res if they sleep around often, especially before and outside of their marriage. She's slept with multiple men at this point, gave birth to bastards, and married another man basically immediately after her husband "died" (everyone else assumes Laenor's dead, obviously). Very bad perception. Even Daemon, as a man, was viewed negatively for marrying so soon after Laena died

[@jah4708]

@@JimmySteller he called her a whore for having children out of wedlock, not selling her body, thats a prostitute

[@MadGodMaxwell]

Even if you don't like Vaemond you gotta respect the balls to yell it out in court. Incredibly well acted imo.

[@saintroddy]

Well, there's balls, and then there's being so dumb that you start insulting the king's daughter and heir inside the king's own throne room, surrounded by the king's bodyguards, after the king has publicly declared that he'd cut out the tongue of whoever dared insult her.

[@kingcobra2858]

Brave but foolish. This is Westeros, not Rohan.

[@Winskl9010]

I don’t respect weakness and stupidity, he would have made more impulsive and stupid decisions in the future that would threaten the hold of Driftmark

[@Salsero306r]

Thanks but that wasn't me. ;)

[@kingcobra2858]

@Silent Man yeah and dead, whats your point?

[@jabthejedi]

'Those children were bastards' - Vaemond's headstone

[@emeraldgreen777]

😂

[@bellatrixareforkids7406]

"Called the crowned princess a whore and kept my tongue!"

[@jmsg_PR]

OHHHH thats a good one!!!

[@subrahmanya9020]

'And she is a whore'

[@ServiceUnavailable]

And She WAS a HoArrrrrrrr

[@brettbrooks5511]

I absolutely love that Daemon egged him on in a way. Everyone knew the truth but no one dared say it so forwardly, especially not in front of the king. Daemon was looking for any excuse to kill him after he made a mockery of his previous wife's funeral. Vaemond stupidly gave him exactly that.

[@masterplokoon8803]

Daemon was the one who made a mockery of his wife's funeral, he laughed during the service in front of his daughters and in the same day his wife was buried he was already banging Rhaenyra.

[@brettbrooks5511]

@Master Plo Koon so you clearly didn't really watch that scene. Vaemond was talking mad shit about Rheanyra and her kids at the funeral. Everyone was starting to get uncomfortable. Daemon laughed because he saw exactly what Vaemond was doing and thought the audacity was funny. Daemon isn't the perfect husband but you don't insult his family without consequences

[@masterplokoon8803]

@@brettbrooks5511I saw the scene and "Thought the audacity was funny" is not a great excuse to laugh at a funeral, Rhaenyra and Daemon were the ones who dishonoured Laena, not Vaemond. Daemon's actions insulted her. Vaemond being mad at Rhaenyra because she wanted to hand Driftmark to a Strong is reasonable.

[@deannas2778]

Honestly in this scene I think Damon's laughing was a way that people grieve sometimes a lot of times when you lose someone you go through the stages it can be angry it can be you know depression blah blah there's a lot of ways people deal with grief and I feel like this was just like such a smug like Dame and laugh like haha I was talking about how you return to the Sea and stuff I think it was more that than just disdained for his wife. And sometimes when someone dies and at the funeral you're hearing them say oh they went to a better place and what not you get a little bit bitter about their statements and to me it sounded more like a bitter laugh like okay

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

I don't think Daemond was trying to "look for any excuse to kill him after he made a mockery of his precious wife's funeral" AT ALL, I'm more than certain that Daemon egged him on because he was looking for ANY excuse to cause violence and see violence because he LOVES see it so much so he wants any excuse to cause harm his enemies or go to war. He's bloodthirsty to the max and he just wants do violent things for the sake of it. Regardless of whose it aimed at.

[@Stellarionas]

Whatever you say about this scene, one fact remains; Daemon has a great knowledge of Anatomy.

[@Ab-zz5iw]

Indeed my friend, that was a precise surgical cut 😂

[@verben03]

😄

[@janmaglipon9954]

Idk I feel like his cuts are not clean and uneven lol.

[@ipsychosocial9850]

@@janmaglipon9954 yes I’m sure you’d lop someone’s head in half MUCH cleaner… lmao 🙄💀

[@Ab-zz5iw]

@@janmaglipon9954 it was diagonal

[@nategraham6946]

I do believe that Aemond had an envygasm watching Daemon do that. Acting so cool, cutting off half a mans head, and snarkilly telling off the Kingsguard and the Hand of the King.

[@janmaglipon9954]

@Killua Illumi no. The purpose of all the time jump and actor changes is to setup the actual “dance of the dragons” which only lasted 2 years from the current timeline. So them changing actors is unlikely

[@billoddy5637]

I am quite sure that all the actors we see here will last for the rest of the season, and all of Season 2. (as long as their characters survive, of course 😉)

[@Ziibbii]

Aemond hard a Targ-boner

[@jklau544]

Still waiting to se Mushroom 😢

[@trucbleu4421]

@@jklau544 and daeron

[@d.v.3314]

Rhaenyra’s little smirk and shrug as Luc looks over his shoulder at Rhaena and then back at his mother like “Yeah, that’s right, I did that” and Baela and Rhaena’s casual, confident, yet subtle grins. I didn’t notice that the first watch through and it’s adorable seeing these little nuances Also Olivia Cooke makes some of the _greatest_ faces of all time as Alicent. The little side-eye of “come on, here?” when Vaemond was calling Rhaenyra a whore was great

[@luke8801]

Baela and Rhaena are so into Jace and Luke

[@Gutssssss666]

I didn’t see no side eye

[@d.v.3314]

@@Gutssssss666 It's a blink and you'll miss it frame, but Alicent has this expression of "Listen, I agree with you but now is not the time or place"

[@agwarddd]

@@Gutssssss666 it’s because she’s also looking toward Viserys at the point. It’s a micro expression but it’s a distinct look of disappointment that it was said NOW, at really a rather terrible time to do it.

[@christinahutchinson2884]

I love how the twins & luke & Jace naturally got along & respected each other because it shows you that Rhaenyras sons are worthy of the girls love & respect because we all know if Rhaenyras sons was like Aegon then baela would not be smiling like that & daemon definitely wouldn’t allow them to betroth 💀💀

[@manuelvillarmay875]

Love how Aemond is just casually smiling in joy at the whole situation

[@hkazu63]

Honestly, someone give the casting director a huge raise. I’m yet to see a single actor not perfectly bring their character to life.

[@robertcross9047]

black valyrians? bruh get out of here lmao this is a joke

[@kendawyatt3219]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@hiibillymayshere4238]

​@@robertcross9047 LMAO! The valyrians are black and you can't do anything about it, but bark on KZbin like a good boy. Why? Because you are insignificant. You aren't a producer, you aren't a film maker, or the like. You lack any skills or qualities to be a prominent individual. That's why you're barking on youtube and the people who casted the "black valyrians" aren't Lmao, how will you cope, little guy?

[@morganitezzzpippapip2125]

@@robertcross9047 stfu. Go back to your hordes against rings of power or whatever. Race has no significance in this story and i don't hear people running their mouth except you

[@fayguled900]

@@robertcross9047 They are not from Westeros so it makes sense. Besides, get over it already the show more than delivered a good succession to GOT so far without the nonsense of the later seasons.

[@sangmarco8217]

Lmao the way daemon says “no need” after otto tells the kingsguard to disarm him 😂

[@saeedyaghoubi331]

Yea that was pretty funny

[@thegreenreaper6660]

Otto Hightower trying to jump on the opportunity to take Daemon into custody 'for opposing the King's Will': Weaken House Targaeryen's position at the gain of his own... Subtly, but in vain... As if Viserys would imprison his brother Daemon for that...

[@michaelkean5969]

@@thegreenreaper6660 especially after he had just helped him ascend the throne. not to mention that Viserys even while half dead was literally going to gut Vemond's stupid ass himself. or at that have his King's guard hack him to bits.

[@thegreenreaper6660]

@@michaelkean5969 Vaemond's fate was sealed after he insulted Rhaenyra, King Viserys' daughter, and Daemon's WIFE, in front of the entire court... Viserys was old, feeble and weak but was still infuriated enough to cut out Vaemond's tongue himself... What do you think would have happened áfter, had Daemon not 'interfered'? You think Vaemond would have been 'allowed to take the Black'? Ofcourse not! Vaemond would have been sent to the Dark Cells to rot there for a few weeks or months, and then to be paraded in front of a Tribunal for High Treason which would have sentenced him to death anyway? Daemon just 'jumped the queue', did what had to be done; ended Vaemond there and then, and spáring the Crown, House Targaeryen and House Velaryon a shameful ordeal, because regardless of Vaemond's fate being sealed; the spectacular Tribunal that would have sentenced Vaemond to death, would have only FED the rumors, and brought more shame and doubt to the Houses Targaeryen and Velaryon. Daemon nibbed all of that in the butt with a swift stroke of his Valeryan Steel sword? And on top of that: Daemon Targaeryen was known to be not only be a brutally reckless warrior, but also to wipe his arse with Court-Protocols. And Vaemond just openly INSULTED his wife, and his adopted children, in Court, in front of everyone! What did Vaemond expect? 'A bouquet of flowers'?

[@knowledgeseeker3068]

@@thegreenreaper6660 he said disarm him not seize him, he said disarm him because he knows full well he cannot say to the kings guard to seize daemon while the king is there. He said disarm because it's not fitting to draw arms in that setting and kill someone but that soemone insulted the king, the princess, the kings brother who is also the princess's husband and yea so he was going to die anyways.

[@sporeceress1465]

Viserys drawing his own dagger in respond to Vaemond's accusation is such a tremendously powerful moment. This nearly-dead man is still entirely prepared to step down from the throne and personally do the deed. Viserys was weak at times, and immensely powerful at others. Paddy Considine absolutely shone.

[@Nightmarigny]

The dude who played Vaemond should have won every acting award that exists. This scene is a masterclass.

[@endlessnoodle3056]

So 180-ish years later, when Tyrion did the "I did not kill Joffrey, but I wish that I had" speech on that exact spot, he definitely channeled some of that Vaemond spirit there

[@astraldirectrix]

Good point!

[@dylanlanzuela7305]

This is what Ned Stark should have done.

[@saeedvazirian]

It's a TV show dumbass, lmao

[@peolfpetler8500]

Not the same situation tho. What was done to Tyrion was far worse than Vaemonds claim for the Valerion and maintaining the "pure blood" of his own house. Tyrion would have been sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit and to be worse everyone important knew that he wasn't guilty except Cerseies blinded rage. This scene "bastards" from Vaemond and Tyrion "bastards" are entirely different feeling if you ask me. When Tyrion said it, it felt so deserving knowing how they treated him and what injustice they've displayed upon him, when Vaemond said it I felt like "Wow he really said it, Bravo you had balls now you die".

[@carastone3473]

That's TRUE!!

[@cbence96]

Paddy got praised for his portrayal of Viserys, and rightfully so. But the actor who played Vaemond was also phenomenal here.

[@Thorin632]

He sacrificed himself for that particular scene. Has to receive Oscar posthumously

[@johnjohnny8960]

They had to cut his head multiple times to get this right!

[@Usernumber777]

@@johnjohnny8960 brutal

[@niii5949]

I found him a bit over the top, but maybe the writers are to blame

[@BrotherVeli]

Brilliant stuff

[@chrislaverick6413]

Can you blame the guy? His entire lineage and name, which countless of his family fought and died to protect, in a time where this is arguably the most important thing you can do, being handed off to some little bastards that are CLEARLY not of the same bloodline, I would loose my shit too if I were him

[@Bella.216]

It wasn't her fault! If his nephew knew how to produce children then we wouldn't be questioning it

[@dariusgreysun]

Lose*

[@chrislaverick6413]

@@dariusgreysun loose

[@ashleyguerrero2752]

If he cared about the family he would have gone to support rhaena or baela’s claim but he didn’t. It was all just an excuse to secure his own position and reap the benefits that corlys secured on his own

[@masterplokoon8803]

@@ashleyguerrero2752 Baela and Rhaena have the name Targaryen, not Velaryon. The only way to keep Velaryon name and blood was for him to become Lord of Driftmark.

[@joelholtzman609]

This scene parallels Ned Stark in so many ways. Only now the perceived protagonists are different.

[@rjsmind]

The look on Aegon when Rhaenys reafirms Lucerys as Laenors heir is just like "thank fuck i dont have to be king"

[@shauna.a8701]

Then Otto and Alicent visibly panic😂 showing that they were the only ones on Team Green to want it

[@subratanandy2142]

Mf didn't want to be king , they forced him and he lost it . I shouldn't feel bad about that little psycho but I still kinda do lol .

[@mozzy1268]

@@subratanandy2142I felt bad until I remember he kept his bastard son as a slave to fight in gladiator type fights 🫠. Fuck him too

[@brandonwhitehead2856]

​@@subratanandy2142 He failed to do his duty because he was poorly raised by terrible role models. Thats why Alicents kids are so fucked.

[@Bapi633]

The man who doesn't talk much had only 3 sentences- "Say it" "He can keep his tongue" & "No need" Such a badass.

[@knowledgeseeker3068]

He is all action which can be bad at times but in this case just badass

[@christopherchuauhang4829]

Didn’t he also complain about the Targeryan symbols being removed?

[@hypothalapotamus5293]

I think Daemon was covering up for the fact that his cut was 2 inches higher than intended.

[@redsol3629]

Men of action speak in other ways.

[@masterplokoon8803]

It was kinda lame and cowardice to atack a man from behind though Daemon could still defeat him from the front. Still it wasn't that badass.

[@unstoppableExodia]

The acting in this scene is superb. Everyone plays their role so well in it. Even Rhaenyra’s Strong boys

[@richardbanks6637]

Unforgettable scene. Perfectly captures the massive tension built up over a season and how it has to remain under the surface just as long as the King lives.

[@esi3797]

A very subtle detail that people aren't talking about is how surprised, happy and SEEN Princess Rhaenys was when Viserys called for her insight. I don't think anyone other than Corlys ever wanted to hear her thoughts on such important matters and it meant a lot to her that her cousin turned to her first before anyone else. Her mind was valued and she appreciated that. I loved that small detail.

[@JamesTobiasStewart]

Especially coming from Viserys, the man the Council gave the Throne over her. That man, who sits in the Throne that could have been, perhaps should have been, hers. That man outright says no one else is more qualified to speak on the subject and asks her opinion. Plus she proved herself savvy enough to read the mood shift of the room and keep herself safe, where Vaemond let himself get angry and paid a heavy cost for it.

[@kevinbosco4918]

I was just looking if someone did post this comment, if not to post myself. I very much noticed it and appreciate that you did too.

[@korawitbuttramee618]

@@JamesTobiasStewart Vaemond knew he was done for when Rhaenys didn't back him up, but his pride and dignity wouldn't allow him to concede his petition, even if it means his death.

[@dakotaanderson7905]

I loved that too. She was there to petition Driftmark goes to Laena’s daughters, since they’re true born. But once Viserys I showed up and asked for her input, she took a second look at all three options. Option 1) She continues her initial plan, throwing Rhaenyra under the bus and pushing Vaemond out of the way. Option 2.) She sides with Vaemond (unlikely) Option 3.) She sides with Rhaenyra. Once he called her insight she made a choice. As she has to know what is coming. She isn’t dumb. If the Hightowers would’ve given Rhaenys her way, they could’ve had a powerful ally and a massive dragon on their side. But with the proposal to marry Laenor and Laena’s kids, it ended the dispute as despite Jace and Luke being bastards, their claim was combined with the true born daughters therefor eliminating any leverage Vaemond had

[@johnhegarty847]

Never even thought about great observation 👍🏻

[@codinginflow]

Damn whoever sharpened that sword deserves a raise

[@joseph-fernando-piano]

It's Valyrian steel which is extremely sharp and never loses its edge...

[@Michael-bn1oi]

That's kinda the point of the magic swords

[@TudonJaime]

"Nothing holds an edge like it. If you take a whetstone to a Valyrian blade you'll need another whetstone, and maybe another hand to hold it"

[@SuperPawney]

The name of the sword is dark sister

[@Rbamford131]

Valyrian fucking steel my guy

[@Andrew_BIake]

I’ve always loved the fact that, despite Viserys being literal hours from death, he still made so much effort to get to his throne and defend his daughter and her right as his heir. A good man until the end!

[@KL-us1ed]

Yet he didn’t give a shit about his other kids and had practically no relationship with them

[@hi-ls6lt]

@@KL-us1ed because he had them with a woman he didn’t love unfortunately

[@retronerds6884]

@@hi-ls6lt that's not an excuse he had 4 kids with her

[@TheStraightestWhitest]

​​​@@hi-ls6lt And yet that woman was the literal perfect wife to him. He was twice her age or more, didn't show her as much love as he should've, and yet she bore him as many children as he wanted, took care of them, and always remained faithful to him. The poor girl got woken up in the middle of the night to spread her legs and still never complained and stood by Viserys even when bro had holes in his skull 😭 Alicent is overhated. She's a dream wife. Viserys should've been better to her. Imagine not giving a fuck about your son getting his eye cut out after being ganged up on by your grandchildren just because you don't appreciate your literal perfect wife enough. I despised Viserys for how he was to Alicent.

[@Omega1867]

He certainly wasn’t a good man to his first wife at the end, which resulted in her death. Needlessly too.

[@aaronfire359]

I love how at 3:57 when Alicent tells Viserys that he needs Milk of the Poppy for the pain, he says, "I will not loose my mind...I must put things right." Even in ultimate agony he isn't thinking of himself, not throughout this whole scene. His own suffering takes a back seat so he can be there for his daughter and try to support her family and even attempt to bring all of the dynasty together.

[@reuben8140]

Cloud ☺️

[@Bahamut3525]

I hate how its basically inferred that Alicent and the entire court keeps the King on drugs to run the Kingdom in his place. What a bunch of scum.

[@shreksmeatballs9435]

I freaking love Viserys dude. Just a decent guy. This scene and the family dinner scene cemented that in my heart and also made this my favourite episode this season.

[@godemperorofmankind3.091]

@@Bahamut3525 viserys needs it or else hed be in blinding unending pain. he is the scum for being a weak pathetic king who essentially caused a civil war with his bad decisions and refusal to punish his family when they fuck up

[@Bahamut3525]

@@godemperorofmankind3.091 I haven't read the books, but lots of it strikes me as bad writing compared to the original GOT books tbh. Like, why would the King have children with Alicent Hightower, if his intention is to have Raenyra as Queen? It's obvious it would create a succession crisis. The explanation given is that the King was looking for companionship after the Queen died. I think that's a weak reason/scenario. Even if he had children with Alicent, he could have made very clear that they would not be allowed to be in line for the succession, by not marrying Alicent and making them bastards. I don't know, that entire decision strikes me as ridiculous.

[@louisefarrar6037]

Things I love about this scene: - Rhaenys standing up for Rhaenyra - Otto and Alicent’s faces when Rhaenys speaks - Aegon’s relieved smile - Viserys being prepared to battle Vaemibd to the death even though he is just bones - Daemon being like ‘oMG guys are so dramatic’ when they try to disarm him - Aemond being impressed thoroughly with Daemon - ‘where has this guy been? Life is so dull here’

[@malika5076]

What was aegon relieved about?

[@louisefarrar6037]

@@malika5076 if the boys legitimacy is called into question it undermines Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne and therefore increases his own chance of becoming King, which Aegon doesn’t want.

[@mirceadacialorantbrescia4340]

@@louisefarrar6037 and his wife's honour is subject here

[@DDDxxxDDDxxxDDD]

I praise Viserys as a good human being, but I highly doubt that he had any intention of battling him. He would've had his Kingsguard seize him and he would've simply taken his tongue. If Vaemond resisted in any way, Viserys' Kingsguard would've obliterated him anyway. He was marked for death the second he insulted Rhaenyra.

[@wayne47able]

Vaemond was in the right here. Rhanerya was a scheming little Thot who’s bastard sons would take a throne that does not belong to them. She’s the legal heir but everything after her Valeryon sons are just illegitimate

[@michaelt8680]

I feel bad for him. His whole family's property and fortune was being given to a stranger.

[@ariejohnson1944]

Same, everyone simps for Rhaenyra and the blacks because they hate Alicent but Rhaenyra and the blacks completely screwed over the Velaryons by giving it to her bastards.

[@jacobsaunders1092]

Oh there’s no doubt this man was completely wronged, but the blacks needed a win here

[@darthrevan5609]

​@ariejohnson1944 except they were marrying their cousins who are of actual Valaryon blood, so even though yes her kids were bastards they were getting wed back into the family anyways

[@itsbabz]

​@ariejohnson1944 The sons may not have been legitimate, but by marrying their DAUGHTERS who are true Velaryons, Driftmark stays in the family and the girls can remain in their ancestral home, instead of being pawned off to some other house. It really is the best alliance they could have asked for. The oldest daughter becomes queen, and the youngest daughter will be the Lady of Driftmark.

[@ariejohnson1944]

@@itsbabz well they still screwed over vaemond who was by the laws of the realm the true heir but they illegally took his right and gave it to the strong boy.

[@ffann100]

His acting is incredible. Wish we saw more of him

[@jackashmore]

Veamond went out speaking truth and he knows saying that loud meant his death but for him it was worth it. The acting was phenomenal after smiling at Deamon.

[@House2017]

Maybe, but it was still a dumb move. The acting was amazing though.

[@Falconforge89]

If you call the kings daughter a whore to his face, you’re gonna have a bad time.

[@Usernumber777]

@@House2017 I think everyone watching that scene him screaming bastards!! was like ok he dead

[@pedropierre9594]

It was an incredibly dumb move

[@Brandonhayhew]

That man was an idiot he shouldn’t have said that

[@j.vinton4039]

Just after he screams “BASTARDS” Visery’s has started to reach for his dagger; the very moment that Daemon’s blade cut his head in half. Good symbolism to say that Daemon was always the right hand to Visery’s.

[@DavidoMAMO]

attacking men from behind was a bitch move

[@TheLastPope]

Who is the cutted head?

[@tonyluong6732]

@@TheLastPope Lord of the tides Big Dick Corleys brother... tbh Rhaneys plan would made shit okay for valerian but he wanted shit for himself

[@TheLastPope]

@@tonyluong6732 you can just say Vaemond Velaryon right you type too much..

[@tonyluong6732]

@@TheLastPope the fact that there are 5 aegons, 2 visenyes in this story alone, A Daemond and then an Aemond means that my way of explaining things works better

[@ismaelismael8543]

I love Vaemond's self satisfied face just moments before Daemon kills him. Like "hehe i said the thing"

[@007dalal]

Vaemond: ultimate badass.

[@pUrpLEsnake325]

The way Viserys says "Allow it...?" in this scene is a highlight for me. Nearing his death bed and he still hide fire within him, he still knew he was THE KING, no matter how frail he was, you don't talk to the king like that. He was always too passive, but it made the moments where he wasn't so much more powerful.

[@samf.s.7731]

He is the dragon, his word is truth and law 😏👌

[@paratrooper508]

*tyrant trying to tell another man how to run his own house

[@mateom1691]

@@paratrooper508 he is the KING. And whether or not those children were Laenor’s, they were still absolutely Viserys’s blood because they are Rhaenyra’s children. Vaemond didn’t just disrespect the heirs to Driftmark. He disrespected the heirs to the Iron Throne. People have died in this world for far less and somehow he still let Daemon bait him into it.

[@siran424]

@@mateom1691 What does them having Viserys blood have to do with Driftmark or house Velaryon ?? Viserys shouldn't have insulted house Velaryon first by attempting to put his grandsons on the seat of Driftmark. Kings have been overthrown for less ...

[@firasmassadeh5131]

The blood of the dragon runs thick

[@adamgibson473]

He didn't just say it, he shout it out so the whole castle can hear .😂

[@calmandfree]

Isn't it an open secret at this point, like everyone who is anyone knows🤣🤣

[@miaveranika30]

Until winterfell hear it 🤣

[@DavidoMAMO]

no fear , thats balls

[@bibimbap5917]

Literally anyone with an eye knows they're bastards

[@Miuranger1]

Vaemond was a chad

[@benkirkman1866]

Amazing commitment from the actor having his head cut in half like that for this scene. Best actors are always the ones that go the extra mile in their acting.

[@georgeealien]

Everyone in the room apparently watched Daemon walking towards the guy, who just committed treason, with his sword out and thought "huh, I wonder what he's gonna do"

[@blueskunk9163]

The entire episode was a suspense-ridden masterpiece. Beautifully acted, shot, wardrobe, sets, lighting. It was superb TV. I nearly lost my head!

[@trebleseamen]

Agreed. From someone otherwise a way bigger fan of LOTR and the lore behind that, I must say that HOTD> Rings of Power. By a landslide.

[@thegreenreaper6660]

"nearly..." hahaha good pun!

[@thewitness7147]

@@trebleseamen rings of power cost 1 billion dollars to make , your statement is dumb

[@darthvadersmom3147]

I see what you did there 😆😆😂😂😂

[@sadas3190]

Paddy's face twitch at 3:16 as he leans forward is just physical acting at its peak. It's the little things that elevated his performance. Take a bow Paddy, take a bow.

[@analauramorelrocha2383]

Did he just called my daughter and grandsons...?

[@mdraj5655]

​@@analauramorelrocha2383 He wasn't lying tho

[@Valerio_the_wandering_sprite]

​​​​@@analauramorelrocha2383*BASTAAARDS!!!*

[@marvinloganjr]

"Say what my boy?!"

[@YeahForSure99]

He knew he would die. What a badass.

[@IceAlvaro13]

1:16 The moment when you realice that Aegon actually enjoy this moment, lmao.

[@TimberlakeTigerGirl]

He enjoys it because he knew that if Lucerys was disqualified from inheriting Driftmark, that would open the door to have Rhaenerya disqualified from inheriting the Iron Throne. Thus that would make him the heir as he's technically the firstborn son of Viserys still alive. But Aegon has made it clear he doesn't want to become king. So to have his sister and nephew's positions secured by Viserys means he's still not the heir.

[@phillipyao4260]

Vaemond got his wish, he didn’t see the Velarion name ended. Daemon’s final gift to him.

[@masterplokoon8803]

And Velaryon blood remained in charge of Driftmark thanks to Aemond.

[@retronerds6884]

exactly and guess what even better none of the strong boys get to sit on driftwood

[@datsapaddlin]

@@masterplokoon8803 not really if you know how it ends

[@jjh2456]

@@retronerds6884 nor the Iron Throne.

[@retronerds6884]

@@jjh2456 yep the world has a way of balancing itself out

[@NoahClevinger]

What an incredible scene. King Viserys will also be deeply missed. I absolutely loved him.

[@cathylanders2479]

me too

[@samf.s.7731]

It's like I knew him IRL and he passed away. 🥲

[@alejandroerazomoreno6751]

Ikk, he was such a great king, if only all rulers were like him.

[@anatoldenevers237]

@@alejandroerazomoreno6751 Viserys was a great character but he wasn't a great king, he kept trying to ignore issues and just wanting everyone to get along when that clearly wasn't going to happen.

[@alejandroerazomoreno6751]

@@anatoldenevers237 so you call a bad king someone who ignores external problems and focuses on his own and trying to get everyone to live in peace and get along with each other?

[@sandisrekis9878]

Love how Kingsguard and knights on both sides drew their swords against the other side without hesitation. A minor detail, but important to understand how divided the kingdom is at that point.

[@zhadowblade]

I love how he said, "THAT is no true Valerion!"

[@sankar4086]

RIP "Master of complaints" EVEN in his last minutes' s he still chooses to complaint

[@kendawyatt3219]

😂😂😂😂😂 lol

[@DavidoMAMO]

he died like a chad , spreading the Fact across the seven kingdoms

[@user-ff6dl9zr7u]

@@DavidoMAMO No, he died like a stupid piece of shit. His elder brother make decisions. Valerion house just got a new marriage with strongest house in the realm thanks to Lady wife. And he just shitted on his brother, his wife and whole house Valerion.

[@mariangeliemartinez322]

🤣🤣🤣

[@RonnieD1970]

Hahahahaha

[@sagnikchakraborty1365]

Aemond was practically fascinated by Daemon

[@blablablabla2447]

right ? right ? i saw that too and they look alike too !

[@fabibe6649]

No .. actually he enjoy watching people get murdered...the psycho 😭😭😭 that's why he admire Daemon and wants to imitate him🥲🥲🥲

[@blessedbytengri2182]

Too bad they killing each other 😐

[@iansupremo6762]

He practically jumped out of his shoes- Aegon otoh didn't even flinch. Beware that one.

[@BatmanHQYT]

2:08 The way he swivels around and points always cracks me up 😂

[@dillon9016]

That “Bastards!” Line by Vaemond’s actor still makes my neck stand up.

[@ScavverSamMae]

damn Vaemond really let it all out on that “BASTARDS” man was FED UP 🤣🤣

[@retronerds6884]

Can you blame him 🤣😭

[@jjh2456]

Let’s be real here. Rhaenyra has been gaslighting everybody for years at this point. You would get fed up too.

[@BroadwayRonMexico]

@@jjh2456 The single biggest reason why I utterly *despise* Rhaenyra, even with the show bending over backwards to try and whitewash her. I had a family member who was a gaslighter. Would act outraged and offended if anyone called out their bullshit, even though everyone knew it. Exploited guilt of another family member as a way to do it, too. Aegon is a nasty piece of work (the show *really* went out of its way to go with the worst F&B accounts of him and then some), but knowing that he eventually feeds Rhaenyra to Sunfyre makes me hate him considerably less.

[@kingjames846]

@@BroadwayRonMexico aegon want 2 thinks drink wine and whores! He don't want to be king !

[@alexavel4931]

@@BroadwayRonMexico you acting like Rhaenyra had a choice, when she literally said that she couldnt have kids with Laenor, and they tried, gaslighting who 💀 Aegon taking the L lol his entire family dissapears and the blacks win

[@Spida_Chapplliinn]

The actor for Vaemond was amazing im glad everyones already talking about it

[@MiguelBKNY]

One day I’m gonna scream at someone as succinctly and invigoratingly ANGRY as Vaemond did!!!

[@ssp1070]

I laughed my ass off when Vaemond started screaming about bastards. Lol. I laughed AND clapped. Because I was just like ‘Finally! Everyone else just tiptoes around it…”

[@tony4534]

You do see why everyone tip toed around it right?

[@PRubin-rh4sr]

​@@tony4534because the king willfully ignores her daughter's failings.

[@tony4534]

@@PRubin-rh4sr You’re smarter than that I’m sure.

[@ilovepeoplebro]

​@@PRubin-rh4sryou can also keep your tongue i suppose

[@whensomethingcriesagain]

​@@PRubin-rh4sr No, it's because publicly denying the legitimacy of a royal heir is treason, pretty straightforwardly so

[@magiv4205]

Honestly, Rhaenys is the MVP of this scene. As soon as Viserys walked in, and regardless of how she feels about Rhaenyra, she immediately did the smart thing and secured both Driftmark AND the Iron throne for her kin. If Vaemond wasn't so obsessed with personal power and glory, he'd have supported Baela and Luke.

[@retronerds6884]

Why we would support a targaryen and strongs marriage

[@kngoepe4200]

A bastard?

[@thehumanity0]

Yeah, that's exactly how I saw it as well. Lucerys marrying Baela means the name and bloodline is secure, yet Vaemond preaches about carrying on House Velaryon and then deliberately gets killed to prove a point (a point that only hurts that security), and also ensuring another branch of the family is ended with Vaemond. It's clear he only gave a shit about being Lord himself, otherwise he would've seen the marriage as solving the problem he brought up.

[@kngoepe4200]

@@thehumanity0 the boy's bastardy means nothing?

[@thehumanity0]

@@kngoepe4200 The point Vaemond brought forward was the security of carrying on the Velaryon bloodline. He flexed on that specific point so frequently that he even used it in Laena's funeral eulogy as some kind of political statement in front of the King. If that was actually really what he cared about then a child of Lucerys and Baela would ease that concern, since it would literally carry on the Velaryon line even in Corlys's main branch. The fact that he's still angry after this marriage announcement is proof that he cares more about being Lord of Driftmark himself (or is just spiteful that Lucerys is a bastard with his family name) and prioritizes these selfish and petty issues far above any reasonable argument about wanting to carry on the Velaryon line.

[@MikaNeow]

Damn Aemond actually looked impressed

[@ArmyWolves]

Lol... my attention was on Sir Otto, King's Hand who was wide eyed like trying to tell him, "Don't do it."

[@thomasbello6590]

He looked spooked to me. When the head was cut off he jumped the most. His brother Aegon almost didn’t flinch.

[@Warmaker01]

Aemond will eventually get a close up view with his remaining eye of Dark Sister.

[@acr7780]

@@Warmaker01 don't spoil that. Non-book readers don't know

[@renaissanceman5296]

@@Warmaker01 why would u spoil this?!? Do you think it’s cool that you know more than regular people who didn’t read the book? I swear man some of you game of thrones ppl are so annoying, just ruin everything. STOP SPOILING STUFF.

[@Lorenaxxoo]

Poor Vaemond. Not only was he not lying but he was the right man for the job.

[@tony4534]

Lord Corlys was still alive…

[@khfan4life365]

Vaemond did nothing but speak the truth. I respect a man who does that.

[@stannisbaratheontheonetrue6167]

Do you respect a man who gets fruit slashed?

[@kingjames846]

In GOT universe speak the Truth = 98 % you death

[@evannesbitt7852]

He's fundamentally wrong though. His house isn't dying out. In either name or blood, with Jace and Luke marrying Baela and Rhaena, the Velaryon line continues in both.

[@evannesbitt7852]

Vaemond is an essentially opportunistic character, that's all it is for him.

[@luke8801]

@@evannesbitt7852finally someone else who notices that

[@CwalkKh3m1sT]

One can say vaemond is right on technicality that they weren't of velaryen blood. However, sailing over to kings landing before seeing through the death of Corlys was legitimately foolish. Reacting on impulse to daemon goating him in public court was even more foolish & set him up for failure/death. If blood were his primary and strongest argument here, he completely forgot about it & didn't think it through that his death would weaken the house even further. He got greedy, just as most of the adults with any title in that court are.

[@GoliathWarfare]

He knew he was signing his death warrant after the king declared that Luke would inherit Driftmark. He was ready to fall on his sword

[@AF-hv4yy]

He was absolutely being greedy because even if Rhae's sons are bastards Baela and Rhaena are both next in line

[@CwalkKh3m1sT]

@@GoliathWarfare absolutely, but its quite hippocritical to go there with bloodline as your main concern and argument just to get slaughtered after. He's a part of his blood lines' survival too regardless of being a second valaryen son. It almost sounds like a fabricated lie to try and clench his hold to his brothers' throne and titles.. especially since corlys wasn't dead yet. He should've taken Rhaenys' warning seriously in the beginning of the episode and thought his claim and words alot more carefully.

[@CwalkKh3m1sT]

@@AF-hv4yy debatable because the successorship was always given to males up to the point viserys made rhaenera his heir. Vaemond would've had a smooth and legitimate claim had corlys not named one of rhaeneras' boys as a successor after the "death" of laenor velaryen. Simply for being the next "man" of velaryen bloodline in line.

[@abdumalikabdusalomov6629]

@@CwalkKh3m1sT but the sea snake already wished Luke to be his successor, so technically Luke has stronger claim than him (even though he is no Valeryon).Also, Vaemond only wanted the driftmark for himself out of greed, not out of his love for his family. He even dared trash talk Sea snake himself, whereas it is the Sea snake who made house Valeryon what it is today.

[@aurora_stream]

It’s incredible to see how Helaena Targaryen reacts. Readers suspect that she is Daenys the Dreamer incarnate. Daenys dreamt of the Doom and informed her family of the Shatter that would come upon Valyria. She convinced her Lord father to settle on what is now known as Dragonstone. And Helaena was the one to say that Aemond would need to lose an eye to be open

[@kevinescobar370]

She also predicted the greens and blacks division

[@analauramorelrocha2383]

Maybe she covered her ears because of that...?

[@whensomethingcriesagain]

​@@analauramorelrocha2383Glimbus made a good point in his takes on the series that she's heavily coded as autistic, and this moment in particular does fit very well with such an interpretation, as autistic people can very often suffer from sensory processing issues, and especially states of heightened stress can make them way worse, so things like eye-shutting and ear-covering are very common stress responses

[@juanig4198]

Is a nice detail that aegon is happy for this , because that means jacerys claim is still strong and so he doesn't have to take any other responsibilities

[@magiv4205]

Haha yes, that moment was great

[@iansupremo6762]

Even in the books, Aegon didn't want the crown. Fool boy just wanted to drink and whore his way through the kingdoms. Make no mistake though, he is his parents' son even more than Aemond. I'm Team Black to my dying day but I'd follow Aegon, man is a beast and so is his Sunfyre.

[@dylancoulson7300]

Yes his claim is very Strong ..

[@juanig4198]

@@dylancoulson7300 nice

[@eris9659]

@@dylancoulson7300 heh

[@Mooxieclang]

Vaemond wasnt wrong.

[@thehonestaspy102]

No, he was however a complete idiot to push the issue with Viserys.

[@aaroncohen2700]

@@thehonestaspy102to be fair no one expects a half-dead king to come marching in.

[@Parasmunt]

Well the land WILL go to a direct descendant of the dead lord either way. It was merely an argument about whether it should go through the patrilineal lineage or the matrilineal.

[@aaroncohen2700]

@@Parasmunt but their is no patrilineal lineage. It's been exhausted with Laenor.

[@krunchynoodles355]

The casting for HOTD and GOT have always been on point. I can't wait to see who brings Dunk and Egg to life

[@EP_mc]

*…turns on a swivel and points at his nephew* “THAT”😂😂😂😂

[@pretzels713]

"nephew"

[@SandeepKumar-fv3sb]

THAT is not his nephew btw

[@toya2044]

😂😂

[@mryamahapro12]

@@SandeepKumar-fv3sb by law that is his nephew lol

[@flyingthundergod9585]

Best part of the episode was the pivot turn 🤣🤣🤣

[@Stalfoes]

Even Aemond was like “damn”

[@katyaandnikkil]

This scene alone was intense! But vaemond KNEW he fucked up BIG time, but clearly he didn’t give a shit! Lol! Daemon basically even warned him before he helped his brother kill that velaryion asshole!

[@Ivbo]

I love how out of everyone, Aegon seemed the most unbothered by the sudden beheading lmao. He casually watched the body hit the ground with a look of *”emm, okay…anyways”* while you’ve got Aemond of all people in the back jumping. I genuinely think Aegon’s got that dawg in him buried beneath all the drinking, bro was even smiling at Rhaenyra during the entire presentation. If he didn’t drink all the time and actually cared about life, he’d be a bigger menace than Aemond.

[@melonmilklemon]

he smilin' because he doesn't want the throne at that time

[@j_delay4691]

Why does everyone like Viserys as king? He's such a timid fencesitter; if he'd grown a spine earlier in the season, nothing that happens later would've happened.

[@gooby214]

Viserys was a garbage king. In fact, Martin never meant to made him look "right". Not that he was evil, but he was a terrible ruler and an awful parent with favoritism.

[@cristinademartini1284]

because he's human: he had the burden of the kingdom which gave him terrible choice to make (see Aemma) on his shoulders, he did all what he believed was best for the reign's prosperity and yet he failed as a king and as a husband and a father. I know he's terrible, but it's the way he was written that made me like him nevertheless all.

[@TY-km8hj]

That's the point, he was never really meant to be or fit to he king. He was given the mantle because he was the "best case" male heir to the throne. On top of that, it brought a lot of stress to his family and fractured his relationship with Daemon so he didn't have the full support he would've needed either. Add power-hungry ppl to the mix and it was always going to go left

[@annie-sc]

Aemond's face at 3:49 lol admiring the badassery of Daemon 😂 he's learning 🤣🤣

[@manlvl0074]

I really thinks he admires him

[@nnekam6153]

Aemond is a psycho !

[@DavidoMAMO]

where is the badassery in killing a man from behind

[@jordanlouie9439]

@@DavidoMAMO It wasn't a fight, it was an execution. Normally beheadings are done with the accused facing away from the sword.

[@bibimbap5917]

But why is he the only one laughing at 3:25 ? Dude really is here for the drama

[@seanclothier495]

My dude, basically on deaths door, going off the morphine, after walking to the iron Throne, every moment full of pain, still managed to get up and pull his blade cause someone was talking ish about his daughter. Most underrated part of the scene.

[@LisaAnn777]

Actually it's "milk of the poppy" in this world lol so it's opium. Though morphine is the main drug in opium.

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

How on Earth it's ''underrated'' if every other comment is precisely about this?

[@nateborie6329]

The combination of the acting and the intensity in this moment is bar none, and will alway stay in my mind as the pinnacle of this season. But if anything surpasses it, it's seeing Daemon stand up and protect his step children, and the honor of his wife and niece. He will never let anyone, Valyrian kin or otherwise, dishonor his family in any way. And him decapitating Vaemond gives new meaning to the phrase "off with his head."

[@adrianneagoe3652]

Vaemond. Corlys is his brother

[@jennafox8556]

Technically, it's half a decapitation. Daemon is a sick bastard.

[@orunir]

I see that at 3:50, many here noticed Aemond's admiration of his uncle's work, but I point out 3:37. Aegon doesn't react, while Aemond recoils in surprise. Aegon has the same expression at 3:50. Aemond values violence and power, which his uncle has in spades, but Aemond is still sensitive to the gore. Aegon is either desensitized or amused at the beheading. Anyone familiar with the history of Aegon II can see here that he already has witnessed enough depravity in private he is not surprised by Daemon's act. Aemond is a tryhard edgelord, Aegon is the real monster.

[@yourboysgottem202]

Lets all be honest here, we would all be as mad as Vaemond was if we saw that our family name was going to be snuffed out.

[@CorBor69]

100% and if they were smarter they would’ve literally waited another day until viserys died then hold this meeting

[@ml-ws4ok]

I mean maybe but in Vaemonds case it’s a power grab. He didn’t even wait for corlys to be officially dead. He decided on a whim to announce it and take the seat for himself. And on top of that, he said screw corlys and his decision and tried to challenge it. And on top of THAT he decided to commit an act of Treason in front of the court. He should have been ok with baela marrying one of the strong boys but he got Greedy. He overestimated his influence and power in the court.

[@daisybelle1025]

Sure people will be so sad about ' boys gottem ' dying from the world 🤥

[@yourboysgottem202]

@@daisybelle1025 dont do me like that 😂

[@knowledgeseeker3068]

He is 100% right for doing what he did but being right doesn't always mean you get to win.

[@loushia16]

I love Aemond's look after this. They're enemies but he knows when to bow down and show respect. They're rivalry is gonna be the highlight of the Dance of the Dragons.

[@thalmoragent9344]

Bow to show respect, no, but he realizes his uncle is dangerous and will be a true Rival

[@yamahax3132]

Things I love about this scene 1) rhaneys coming forward for rhaneyra 2) The reaction of Otto and alicent when rhaneys comes for rhaneyra's aid 3)the reaction of Otto and alicent when vaemond tells the truth 4)Daemon's strike 5)reaction of every one before viserys said "i will have your tongue for this " 6)Daemon's words "he can keep his tongue " 7)after daemon cut vaemond everyone near alicent go back but Aegon stood there like he knew it was going to happen 8)the tongue ofcourse 9) the bastards shout by vaemond 10) the change in face of aemond as soon has he saw daemon cut vaemond

[@AssistInRiots]

I think aemond deeply respects daemon. They have so much in common.

[@nguyenxbj]

3:23 Otto: Welp, lost another ally.

[@diegoprodriguez]

I understand Allicent gained a lot of power once Viserys condition got worse, so she obviously benefited, but you also gotta give her mad respect, having wavered never from Viserys and being loyally wed to him, taking care of him, despite the fact he’s gotten only worse over the years

[@thalmoragent9344]

True, Alicent has been, for the most part, a great wife. Would've been nice if Viserys cared more about the kids they had together

[@posionapple4836]

Keeping him drugged up on the poppy's milk while simultaneously poisoning your husband just so that you could call the shots is such a good 'caring' wife.

[@diegoprodriguez]

@@posionapple4836 It’s not confirmed she poisoned him. And Allicent in the show has too much respect for life. “Reluctance to murder is not weakness”

[@urthboundmisfit]

@@posionapple4836 From what I understand, he kept cutting himself on the Throne and wound up with an infection he couldn't shake.

[@abdul7945]

@@austinthetruth2285 Incorrect she was a completely devoted and loyal wife to the King, actually crying when her husband passed away and she actively worked to protected Rhaenyra from being put to death and even wanted to negotiate with Rhaenys. She is hundred times better than her father who only cared about power regardless of who he had to kill to get it.

[@kendawyatt3219]

I was Crying when Visarys came in the throne room to be the strong father and king Rhaenyra needs. The Hitowers was definitely going to come for Rhaenyra and her family if he didn’t show up. The love of a father was powerfully displayed this episode and also brotherhood and forgiveness.

[@daddy_1453]

Wrong. If Viserys wanted to protect his daughter... he shouldn't have married another woman and had sons in the first place. He has created Rhaeneyras mortal enemies. Viserys did that. His own sons existence challenges Rhaeneyras position. Therby making conflict inevitable. Viserys was not a strong father. He was a weak father who raised a spoilt offspring who has affairs and births babies with other men besides her husband. Hence this current scene.

[@D-sQU1NTER]

@@daddy_1453 despite all her daughter's faults. No one can deny how much fatherly love was displayed in this scene. Man was literally on the verge of dying and crawled his way up back to the iron throne to defend her daughter. If that is not a powerful father idk what is. Humans are imperfect. I am not perfect, but my mom still loves me unconditionally. That is what is being shown here.

[@kennypow4017]

@@D-sQU1NTER And yet he gives 0 shits about the 3 other children that he had. Why have them in the first place if he wants to stick to Rhaenyra being his only child?

[@D-sQU1NTER]

@@kennypow4017 The answer is: Otto Hightower. He was manipulated by him.

[@dannyboy4140]

@@daddy_1453 Then you dont understand how monarcy works especially during that time period. Life expectancy is very short. If a lone heir unexpectedly dies, the kingdom will be vulnerable to possible war/power struggle. Hence, it is the duty of a King/Queen to produce as many "spare heirs" as possible.

[@everardogarcia8084]

You know one scene that I like that is shown after this, is that Rhaenys is overseeing Vaemond's body being prepared so that it can be buried. I feel like the scene implies that Rhaenys regrets that he had to die. Because the thing about Rhaenys is that she struggled to accept Laenor's "sons" since she knew they were bastards (but had nothing against them) but ultimately decided that her respect for Rhaenyra and ensuring that Laena's daughters marry Jace and Luke ensures that Corlys and Rhaenys' bloodline will continue in both the Iron Throne and Driftmark. She knows Vaemond wasn't wrong, and if he hadn't been out to do this purely for himself or suggested that Laena's daughters be the ones to inherit Driftmark, she likely would've agreed with him. At the same time, for all his faults, Vaemond was her brother-in-law, and she had lived with him and known him for years. So she regrets his death, but accepts that it was his own fault.

[@connormcleod9595]

Great actors acting. What a show❤❤❤

[@emberskelly4524]

I was not expecting that to happen in a public court. But I was glad that Daemon was standing up for Rhaenyra even if her sons aren't blood related to Vaemond, they're still Targaryens. I liked at the dinner when Aemond egged on Jace and stood up like he was going to do something, but when Daemon stepped forward he walked away.

[@gamernation1400]

Why? Daemon doesn’t give a fuck

[@malekiththeeternityking5433]

They aren't Targaryens they are 'Waters'

[@anirudhbharadwaj1342]

In a way Daemon is a better father to Jace and Luke than Laenor ever was

[@malekiththeeternityking5433]

@@anirudhbharadwaj1342 Imagine wanting to be a father to your wife's bastards. You man be a cu@k but most men don't like being humiliated.

[@ArmyWolves]

I loved that too... Daemon standing in front of Daemond without a word but his face and posture said, "f♡◇k around and see what happens." And earlier that day Daemon had cut off Vaemond's head. I loved so many details

[@maznakosatka4942]

3:49. The quiet admiration in Aemond's eyes is priceless.

[@exmeasententia6953]

Aemond's eye*

[@jaehaerys9194]

RIP, lucerys velaryon

[@MrChowbaby69]

Vaemond wanted the smoke and got the whole forest fire.....

[@spikespiegel1754]

Man fucked around, and found out.

[@moviegurl7420]

😂

[@osvaldoprado9906]

Damn, Vaemon actor really made an awesome scene, i don't think i will forget Vaemon speech and death anytime soon.

[@TymeTraveling777]

Viserys stood up for his daughter and vaemond stood up for his house . Respect

[@aasthabairagi3113]

Not gonna lie , Vaemond said the truth. You just can't give away you family's asset to a bastard and not even your family by blood. We can understand his anger for not wanting Rhenyra and Harwin's son to become the Lord of Driftmark.

[@heatherr4321]

Well no - had Rhaenyra and Rhaenys actually gone thru with the marriages for their children, Velaryon blood would have sat both as Lord/Lady of Driftmark, and on the Iron Throne itself. The girls are indisputably Velaryon, and Viserys has already stated that heirs will no longer be limited solely to the male lines. Vaemond didn’t give a shit about blood - all of that was a pretense to finally grab Driftmark for himself. If what he cared about was true blooded heirs, his grand nephews/nieces would be that thru Laena’s girls.

[@J10005]

​@@heatherr4321Don't all Targs (even Rhaenyras bastards) have Velayrion blood with all the intermarriage they've had going on for a couple centuries.

[@elseby]

None of that was Rhaenyra's fault. Laenor is the cause of this conflict, she tried to do her duty even though she didn't want to do it just as much as him. He was a shitty "father" altogether because he stayed out of the fray and left her to fend for herself with "their" children which too is his fault because she tried to have kids with him but he didn't. It was Rhaenyra that made the deal with Rhaenys to marry her son's to the Baela and Rhaena. Doing so would have rightfully put a true Velaryon on the throne to Driftmark just like how Viserys and Corlys agreed. His anger was not anger but greed. He wanted the throne and nothing more.

[@josynaemikohler6572]

They were legally not bastards. Both grandfathers, Viserys and Corlys, and the father Laenor, recognized them as trueborn children. And even if they were, then the line of succession would go through Laena to Baela and Rhaena first, before Vaemond is even considered.

[@CaptainPikeachu]

Vaemond was just being an opportunist. And nobody is giving away the family asset, Rhaenys already stated that Jace and Luke should wed Baela and Rhaena, that asset would still remain in Velaryon bloodline. Vaemond isn’t angry about the family wealth being given to a non Velaryon, he’s just mad it’s not being given to him. This man literally before his older brother and lord is even dead, is trying to overturn and challenge Corlys’ will. He doesn’t care about family, he just wants power.

[@Nicole-by3ng]

Oh Vaemond, I get you are pissed but what did you think would of happen. Also love the scenes where Otto becomes insignificant time and time again.

[@hammer3721]

He will become even more useless as time passes.

[@KurouHaptism]

Yeah it was like what was he even doing there?? Did he make a deal with otto when he knew otto would be replacing viserys in the iron throne for the day?? Did he really expected the king to name him Lord of the tides after claiming viserys's grandsons werent true velaryons??

[@GoliathWarfare]

@@KurouHaptism he knew he lost when Viserys walked in, so he decided if he was gonna go out, it would be telling the truth

[@KurouHaptism]

@@GoliathWarfare Yes, it's fact that the moment he smiled at daemon after hearing his "say it", he knew right there would be his end. He was brave, and a bad loser all in one.

[@Regenmacher175]

@@hammer3721 But that's only because the people who consider him useless don't know how to make long-term political allies.

[@sebadrum16]

God Rhaenys is such a cool character. She’s going to be a force to be reckoned with come Season 2

[@eris9659]

Bro, she's the villain.

[@099Nitro]

@@eris9659 Not according to Martin

[@anatoldenevers237]

@@099Nitro Regardless of what Martin said she did murder several hundred innocent people for no reason.

[@loneaquila]

Indeed. She is one of the best dragon riders during the Dance.

[@DanBrown96]

@@099Nitro We she is based on the things she does.

[@Mode-Selektor]

What I really like here is that we get to see the dual nature of the relationship between Viserys and Daemon. Daemon is ultimately loyal to Viserys but is defiant. Viserys wants to take Vaemond's tongue and Daemon takes the top of his head instead. A defiant act in defense of Viserys' beloved child.

[@luke8801]

1:08: Baela is so into Jace

[@Targussysussy]

But sadly Jace will cheat on her with Sara Snow.

[@ch3rl0b11n]

I think this is the first time we see why Valyrian Steel swords are so infamous. They never really showed this in main series. Maybe only one time when Joffrey cut a thick book in half with ease.

[@Brownie1904]

And when Ned, Robb and Jon beheaded someone.

[@ch3rl0b11n]

​@@Brownie1904 Robb's sword is not Valyrian steel. And others are just beheading that you can do with normal steel swords. It doesn't really show how sharp and strong they are.

[@Boxy005]

@@ch3rl0b11n this was basically a beheading, he just missed the neck so it is the same.

[@j.vinton4039]

@@ch3rl0b11n Longclaw “John’s sword” made a beautifully clean cut through Janos Slynt’s neck; but this scene truly shows the sharpness of Valyrian Steel.

[@hectorhernandezaleman3836]

​@@Boxy005 Except for the fact that this was a cut through the skull, something much thicker and thus more difficult to cut that the spine at the neck. And it still passed through like it was butter.

[@johnjohnny8960]

3:23 look at Aemond😂😂😂

[@syrus4808]

Well...he had that same face for the whole episode

[@ocky88]

It was funny… until it wasn’t.

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

@@syrus4808 Not entirely! He tends to smile when he sees something vicious and violent. He didn't exactly smile when vaemond got killed.

[@Gadget-Walkmen]

@@ocky88 And then it was inspiring again when he saw Daemond do whatever he wants.

[@clivepilusa7734]

The actor did a phenomenal job. You can tell the truth had been eating him up for years.

[@jazzycat8917]

Everyone horrified, and then there's Aemond like "oh hell yeah im into this shit"

[@Pellaeon4587]

3:50 gotta love the way Aemond is looking at Daemon here lmao. “This guy is my fucking role model”