Game of Thrones HATERS/LOVERS Watch House of The Dragon 1x8 | Reaction/Review 

It takes a great director, writer and group of actors to make a crippled old man walking across a room one of the most badass scenes in modern media

Other than the tension between the Greens and Blacks the reason Rhaenyra is on Dragonstone is because it's the historical seat of the heir.

Remember Rhaenyra offered to marry Jace to her daughter Helaena. Seeing them dancing together you have to imagine what could have been had Alicent accepted.

Alicent thinks Viserys is talking about the dream he had in Episode 3 where he said he saw his son with the Conqueror's crown on the Iron Throne.

Aemond really said "while you were all off being filthy bastards, I studied the blade"

please, don't ignore Heleana. On a previous episode, when Alicent was saying to Aemond that one day he will have a. dragon, she whispered "he will have to close an eye". And in this episode, she said "there's a beast beneath the boards".

Ewan Mitchell did a phenomenal job as Aemond with such limited screentime. I only know him from HOTD and Saltburn but thats enough to show that he is a very talented actor.

Names like Aegon are our equivilent of King Henry or Louie Or Phillip in europe .. theres a lot of them. Its quite accurate of how it would really be.

Fun fact: Daemon's sword 'Dark Sister' belonged to Oueen Visenia ( Aegon the Conquerer's older sister-wife) once, and she was, well... pretty dark indeed, lol. I mean, she was interested in dark magic, poisons, rode the scary dragon-Vhagar, and she was considered the most ruthless of the three siblings. She was badass, tho 😅🔥🖤 'Dark Sister' and 'Blackfyre' (vielded by Aegon the Conquerer back then, and now belongs to Viserys) are the two best Valyrian steel swords in the realm. Also, Aemonds reaction in the scene was more to the sword, not as much to Daemon, imo. He probably was in awe of how clean 'Dark Sister' cuts. I mean, it makes sense cause in the books Aemond always dreamed of wielding a 'Dark Sister' and was jealous that his uncle has her- not him. He believed that this special sword should belong to the King's son not to the brother.

Fun fact, Matt Smith actually improvised the scene where he helps Viserys to the throne after the crown accidentally fell.

In the books the Greens and Alicent actually got annoyed that Rhaenyra named her son Aegon too. Her son is known as Aegon the Elder and Rhaenyra's is Aegon the Younger.

It didn’t come up during the reaction but keep in mind Vaemond is also taking Driftmark from Lana’s kids. With most house seats (not the iron throne) a daughter comes before an uncle. Corlys’ daughter and her kids before his brother.

"say it" simple yet so powerful

There’s one scene in GOT where Stannis’ daughter is reading about Targaryen history and says the how this conflict ends.

Ah my sweet summer children, the 'nah that can't happen' mind set is still strong :P Yall need to start Game of Thrones TOMORROW!

This is one of my favourite episodes, "He can keep his tongue", Daemon defending Rhaenyra's name.

This is why you don’t air laundry in front of the kids. No matter what happens with the adults, the kids were raised to hate each other. In Bside audio when they all gather and are just talking before the food - Aemond says “the noose is tied and they want to break bread” he was the only one who didn’t eat a bite since you don’t break bread with the enemy and he honors customs 😅 he’s also the only one thinking ahead from all the kids

helaena has the targaryen dragon dreams viserys mentioned in episode three. That’s why she always seems to be elsewhere and often says random things out of the blue. She predicted aemond losing his eye in episode six and predicted another thing at the dinner. Y’all will see

Even tho Vaemond (Corlys's brother) was technically right that Rhaenyra's children are bastards, there's one problem: Laenor was adamant he considers those boys as his, so legally they are his heirs. Aditionally, it was Corlys's WILL that Lucerys becomes the next Lord of the Tides. So Vaemond was literally questioning matters he has NO say in, as a 2ND SON. You could say he just wanted his blood to rule Driftmark but that argument from him was BS because Luke got betrothed to Rhaena, ACTUAL Velaryon blood. Which means for years to come Velaryon blood would have been on the throne of Driftmark either way, through Luke & Rhaena's future children. All this means that Vaemond was only finding excuses to get the seat as Lord for himself.

If Aemond wasn't Otto's grandson he would probably be Daemon's favorite nephew LOL or maybe he would hate that they're so alike, one of the 2 😅 But both are obsessed with dragons and proud of their heritage as Targaryens, they both are fiercely loyal to the people they love and don't give a s*** about the rest Daemon's reactions to Aemond since last ep cracks me up so much 🤣🤣 The actors in this show, the cast is so good! Out of the main cast Jace and Luce, Rhaenys, Vaemond, Otto...really everyone fit so well their characters I love it ^^

Every episode Rhaenyra add 2 or 3 more new kids.

What most people miss about the scene, when Deamon encourages Viserys to get on the throne (he doesn't assist him physically) and finally puts the crown on his head, is that it shows what's Deamon's realitionship to Viserys is and was all about. Daemon always only wanted to hear four words from his brother: "Brother, I need you." That's it. If Viserys had ever said this to Daemon, Daemon would have had his back till judgment day. There are other clues to this throughout the season. In e2 Daemon tells Corlys: "I may speak about my brother however I want, you, may not." Or in e4 when he gives Viserys the crown of the Stepstones. Or when, I can't remember the number of the episode, he tells Viserys that he is weak. Or when he freaks out in e3 because his brother wants to send him help. Or in e1 during the funeral when he tells Rhaenyra that her father needs her. These are the ones I can think of the top of my hat, but I'm quite sure there were more.

The minute I saw Aemond I said he is like a little Deamon, even before when he was a kid. The demeanor, the crazy look… I am interested to see his arch.

Paddy Considine's performance as King Viserys Targaryen in this episode was PHENOMENAL. I became emotional when he died.

Another great reaction and discussion from the Gek Bois. And “get your buns off that throne” killed me.

"They stole the name" Aegon is a family name, named after Aegon I. Alicent doesn't have sole claim to that name at all, she also named him after Aegon I

A few things to point out for this episode (it's going to be long): 1. Princess Rhaenys mentioned it's been six years since she saw Lord Corlys. [+] If you remember in EP3, Corlys and Daemon were in the Stepstones defeating the Crabfeeder. And then in EP6, the Small Council was discussing how the Triachry had retaken it and Rhaenyra was mentioning how they should've built battlements and manned the post after Corlys & Daemon took it. Well, Lord Corlys took his fleet back to the Stepstones the past six years to retake it and it lowkey kind of becomes important later on. 2. The Faith of the Seven memorabilia all over the Red Keep. [+] House Hightower is located in the Reach (for all you GoT fans, their leige lords is House Tyrell AKA Olenna, the Queen of Thorns). They occupy Oldtown which houses the Citadel (where maesters train) and, at this point in history, the Starry Sept (where septons and septas train). Basically, Oldtown is the center of religion in Westeros. Alicent was quite devout even before her marriage to Viserys (if you remember her and young Rhaenyra kneeling before a bunch of melted candles). [+] Without getting into how the hierarchy within the Faith is organized, there is a position known as the High Septon. They give up their name and identity to be our equivalent of the Pope. It's supposed to be a completely unbiased system, but family names and wealth do come into play. Hightowers, as the ruling house of the city, have influence over the Faith. [+] When King Aegon I Targaryen conquered Westeros, he converted from believing in the Gods of Valyria to the Faith of the Seven as a political move. Targaryens since have subscribed to the Faith but don't participate in its practice. Alicent bringing the seven-pointed star to the Red Keep is another way of House Hightower showing off their power and influence. 3. King Viserys of House Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm. [+] I have to point out again that this man will pull himself from Death's door just to stand up for Rhaenyra who, in his eyes, is his ONLY child. I believe he's said it in a previous episode, but Rhaenyra is a child of love with Aemma while his children with Alicent are of duty. 4. Jace dancing with Helaena. [+] It seems so simple at first glance, but it is very poetic. She was married to Aegon because of Valyrian tradition and, as we can see, he is a terrible husband. Aemond genuinely cares for his sister and I personally believe part of the reason he despises his older brother is because of the way he treats his wife. But, if you remember from EP6, Rhaenyra proposed Jace marry Helaena. They could've been husband and wife, and we all know Jace would've treated her 100x better. 5. The relationships between Alicent's children and Rhaenyra's children. [+] We have to take this back. In the TV show it's depicted as Alicent wearing that iconic green dress to Rhaenyra's wedding to Laenor. In the history books, it is at a tourney where the Queen wears green and the Princess wears black (part of House Targaryen's red & black). That is where the "greens" party and "blacks" party originates, the respective sides of the coming war.** [+] Part of the division between Alicent and Rhaenyra is that Alicent ended up in the position that Rhaenyra always said she did not want: a political marriage, forced to have children of duty, and trapped by the will of a husband. Alicent became kind of jealous of Rhaenyra because she was able to have the freedom she was not afforded. [+] It also goes back to their individual upbringing. Alicent was raised by Otto who pushed her into the arms of Viserys. Rhaenyra was raised by Viserys who was allowed to voice her opinion and do what she wished. Alicent treats her children the way she was treated by her father, citing duty and forcing expectations. Rhaenyra treats her children the way she was treated by her father, with love, compassion, and understanding. [+] We only see them training together in EP6, but the boys were educated together under the same maester/septon (at least in the books). But their forced proximity led to more strife and division between the two sides. 6. Rhaenrya and Daemon's wedding. [+] Yes, it was in secret. Yes, Viserys does not approve. (Anyone remember him holding a dagger to his brother's throat in ep4?) Hence the six year time skip. The ceremony was done in the old Valyrian Dragonlord tradition, which explains the outfits and blood. [+] For any of you fellow Targaryen history buffs, anyone else catch Viserys's comment when Rhaenyra introduced her son Viserys? "A name fit for a king." ;) **For those of you that have absolutely no clue what is coming (yes, even you GoT fans who know the conclusion because of that one episode S5EP9), I am so sorry.

Aemond is a mirror of Daemon. He's literally Daemon with the 'D' on the end.

I love how they say Aemond is a more evil Daemon. Only one of them caved his wife’s head in with a rock. Only one of them murdered an innocent man so they could use his body as a double for Laenor. What has Aemond ever done besides be a little rude?

Valyrian steel cuts clean. For Valyrian steel is magic. Important to know when you start Game of Thrones

F*ck around and find out -Daemon Also Daemon has dark sister as his sword which explains why the cut was so clean. 1 of the finest Valyrian swords.

Hi Studio Gek. Since you guys mentioned how spoiler-y GOT would be for HOTD, let me just tell you that you can indeed watch the whole of Game of Thrones without a care at all. There are only a very few spoilers that you need to be careful about. I will mention the exact time stamps for episode where the spoilers are present. So please do make a note of it and avoid them. These are:- * The spoiler in Season 3, ep 4 is at the 15:49 mark and ends at 16:06. This is right after Varys says: "Prodigies in odd places indeed" (Fast forward or mute or you'll have a major spoiler for HotD character you’ve already met.) * Another one to avoid: Season 5, episode 9. When Sir Davos goes to see Shireen. Mute or fast forward starting at 11:10 through 11:35. The rest of their exchange is fine. AVOID AND SKIP THESE AND YOU ARE TOTALLY FINE TO GO AND PROCEED WITH GAME OF THRONES. (Let me know if you guys see my comment in the reply if you have taken it into consideration. Also are you guys going to watch GOT now or wait for HOTD season 2?Thanks.)

Best episode of the show, Paddy Considine should have gotten an Emmy for his role as Vyserys. And I hear, the part about the crown falling off and Daemon picking it up and helping him to the throne was improv

It's interesting to me that Viserys showed his good side to Rhaenyra and bad side to Alicent at the dinner table. After all Rhaenyra is his only child.

Respect for this man. Dragged himself out of his death bed for his family

One of the best episodes of television I've ever watched to be honest. In one of the best seasons of televisions I've ever watched.

"driftmark is Mine by all rights" ok calm down STANNIS THE MANNIS

19:05 Cannon always has the best reaction.

Never thought this franchise would reach the highs of the best moments of Game of Thrones after season 8 ended so awfully but this episode took away any doubts I had.

Aemond didn't just take that punch like it was nothing, but also proceeded to knock Jace to the ground with just his one shoulder, and all of it while still keeping his cup unspilled in his hand. Watch out, we've got a badass over here.

14:08 Vaemond is very dumb, because Rhaenyra also has Velaryon blood through her great-grandfather Old King Jaehaerys Targaryen and her great-grandmother Queen Alyssane Targaryen. The mother of Jaehaerys and Alyssane was Alyssa Velaryon who married the only son of Aegon I The Conqueror Targaryen and Queen Rhaenys Targaryen who was Aenys I Targaryen. The mother of Aegon I and Visenya and Rhaenys was also a Velaryon. Vaemond should have studied the family better instead of making accusations against Rhaenyra and saying that she does not know Velaryon blood when in fact Rhaenyra has Targaryen blood as well as Velaryon blood.

Can't wait for the GoT stuff

Yes multiple times in Game of thrones, they discuss what happened in this time period. Names and all. It almost upsets me with the spoilers haha. But the books House of the dragon is based on is a history book written from the perspective of one of the house maidens or something along those lines. And even the creator of the series and books has said, history is often wrong and told through a game of telephone. So what the history books and what Game of thrones says what happened, might not actually play out that way. The history book claims Rhaenyra forced the untimely ending of her late husband, but in reality, as we learned from watching the show. It played out much differently. The rumors become the history.

To be honest, Laenor and Corlys accepted the kids as their blood... Rhaenyra had to have heirs, her and laenor couldn't conceive naturally, it just didn't work. They had an agreement from the start and apart from ser crispy, shes not exactly a whore, her husband had plenty of sailor boys, she had 3 kids with Harwin.. the same man lol.

yes there are a couple scenes in Game of Thrones where the ending of this prequel show is talking about, one is shireen talking about Targaryen history with Davos and the other is Jofferey talking with Margery. House of the Dragon will be at least 4 seasons, so if you dont want to know what happens in season 4 you should skip or mute durring these 2 scenes. The first spoiler is in Season 3, ep 4 at the 15:49 mark and ends at 16:06. This is right after Varys says: "Prodigies in odd places indeed" mute or skip past this. The other is Season 5, episode 9. When Sir Davos goes to see Shireen. Mute or fast forward starting at 11:10 through 11:35. hope that helps 😁

Yes there is a spoiler in game of thrones in season 3 ep 4 i suppose, and it's a major spoiler for this show and it's delivered by no one other than the lovely character Joffrey Baratheon

This is my favorite episode of the whole S1 -- Rhaenyra's bedside scene with Viserys was so raw and desperate it was so beautiful.

To answer the question asked at the end by Cannon: yes, any viewer of the original Game of Thrones series can in fact guess what happens at the end of House of the Dragon even if they don't read much about the show or remember everything. You can't figure out exactly what happens to get there, but gist of the ending can be sussed out relatively early on with one basic fact that a GoT viewer can't forget. There's a detail that's become pretty central to the plot that directly links HotD to GoT and if you've seen GoT and think about it enough you will realize too. If you don't want any potential spoiler or even the slightest hint of what comes next, don't read further. If, instead, you like to think about stuff like this because it's interesting, read on: . . . . . . . . . Think about the hair of the children Alicent and Rhaenyra have and try to find ways to link that back to GoT. It's not a coincidence, and small details matter :)

“What had Viserys ever done dirty bro?” 1- He killed Aemma, after repeatedly getting her pregnant despite going through so many miscarriages, because he was obsessed with having a son. 2- He married a girl as young as his daughter that he KNEW was being sent to his chambers by Otto. He admitted he knew it. 3- By marrying his daughter’s best friend, he destroyed the most important relationship in her life, at a time when she NEEDED support, as her mother had just died. 4- He ignored and neglected his sons and Helaena, after being so obsessed with having sons for DECADES. By neglecting his children, he created a major divide in the family. There’s more, but these are the most egregious actions he took. The dance happened, in large part, because of him. No amount of “please just get along please please please 🥺” will undo the damage he did. He’s pathetic, and that makes people feel sorry for him, but lets not whitewash him.

Actually all current Targaryens have some Velaryon blood-the families have intermarried several times. Viserys’s great grandfather Aenys was married to a Velaryon and Aegon the Conqueror’s mother was a Velaryon.

viserys's actor absolutely killed it... i sobbed throughout the whole last half of this episode

So the spoiler for House of the Dragon in Game of Thrones is actually pretty big given how long ago the show was. Joffrey is talking about some of the outcomes of this conflict. Is it a huge and detailed? No. Would it spoil stuff that happens to characters in this show? Yes.

in the scene where Luke giggles there is a roast pig in front of Aemond, The pink dread just living it's life

Rhaenyra should've never left King's Landing. It was a huge mistake on her part, especially because it allowed the Hightowers to gain way power than they should've. One of her biggest but subtlest flaws is not fighting for the throne more aggressively, from even young. She always depended on just Viserys' affirmations alone, which were great, but barely did anything herself to stake her claim and that seriously undermined her.

In terms of what Viserys has done dirty - he didn’t give his wife the option of choosing (or knowing) what happened during the childbirth scene. The actor said that he played the character with the strong guilt and shame from those actions in mind (also, the original scene was apparently more brutal).

I'm a 66 year old lady and I adore your reactions!! You may have already said but are you going to do Game Of Thrones next? Great reaction young men, I'm sharing your reactions with my grandchildren!!❤

Alicent used the dagger of ice and fire to stab Rhaenyra. Remember it, she represents faith, the church etc which is not the Targaryen house.

my mother passed away monday... this episode hits different now :(

the alicent hate is too much 😔😔

When you tear out a man's tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you're only telling the world that you fear what he might say. - Tyrion Lannister the imp of casterly rock

These are the timestamps for House of the Dragon spoilers in Game of Thrones. Season 3 Episode 4: 15:49 - 16:06 Season 5 Episode 9: 11:10 - 11:35 Fast forward on both those sections, be quick, it's the first or second line after the scene transition, or just have someone edit those episodes beforehand.

I always think it's unfair how Rhanyera always gets smack for her kids with Harwin. She had to have heirs, and it wasn't possible with Laenor no matter how hard they tried. She had to do something. It's unfortunate that they took after Strong instead of her.

Aemond Targaryen 💚💚

15:00 "He's not walking to the throne, he's walking to her." - Geeta Patel, Diretor of S1 E8

Definitely not team green here but I really like Aemond 😂 such a very interesting character. And the actor looks badass

You guys keep saying “Alicents” kids- they’re also Viserys’ though… he has just as much responsibility for them.

The dinner scene here might be one of the best scenes ever made

Daemon when Aemonds age used to be up for the flare and ego and tourneys. Aemond doesn’t care, the guy is around 17/18 and is training for war and for himself. He does value tradition and duty above things, and him and Daemon do have similar qualities about pride for their house etc. they’re carrying the show and the story (as is Allicent ngl)

The scene of King Viserys walking to the throne gives me chills every time I watch it 🔥

Pay attention to Helaena. She speak facts 🫡

So their are 2 spoiler scenes in GoT that give away the end of this conflict and a major death in HotD. When you start the other series, have somebody you trust inform the guys who've seen it when those scenes happen so you can skip them. They are in season 3 and 5.

How does aemond feel like a more evil Daemon? 😂 At this point its for sure the opposite, looking at what they have done. Daemon brutally slaughtered loads of people in the city, killed his wife, waved a white flag with no intention of surrendering, killed a velaryon guard, mocking and insulting his Brother the king at every turn... Aemond has... Well he got attacked and defended himself. And keeps calling the strong boys bastards, which is also the truth. Thats about it. It might change later on in the seasons but he is a long way from the deeds of Daemon yet. To bad they arent on the same side really, would love a buddy "cop" show with Aemond and Daemon! They really are mirrors of one another. You can see the admiration from both sides.

Relating to the time passed between House of the Dragon and the events of Game of Thrones, in the very first episode prologue, they put up a graphic that this occurs 172 years before the birth of Danerys Targaryen (one of the surviving children of the last Targaryen king), and the events in Game of Thrones begins 17 years after that, so between the start of HotD and the start of GoT, there would be 189 years.

Thanks for dropping this one so fast after the last one!!!

Oh man I missed when this video dropped! Yeah the Viscerys scene really made me cry - so moving in how it was written and acted. Some of it was improvised with the crown falling. These actors are truly talented. Now for Corolys’ brother… He was in the right - However… He knew the room he was in. He read it and crossed their line. It’s messed up but what else was going to happen once he said it so brazenly?

In Episode 3, remeber that Viserys already had doubts and said "I have seen Aegon wearing the conquerer's crown" and "What if I was wrong" so this seems to her like a final wish that in fact he wants Aegon. That's what she got.

Aemond is the biggest threat to the Rhaeneryas side because of vhagar

3:17 Daemon is never getting old, he's a vampire lol

Paddy Considine was so effective with his performance of Viserys. The entire show was incredible, but I found myself so particularly moved and engrossed by the many levels and nuances of his characterization. It has been inferred by audience members that Viserys contracted Leprosy. Which is a chronic infectious disease that was not curable until the 1940's!!!

I've never heard the cycle of violence called the "beef cycle" before. I think I will only use that wording from now on.

I love Aemond vs Daemon scene, lol. It's like: Aemond: 😎😎😎 Daemon: Oh, ffs here we go again... SAY IT Aemond: 👁👄👁 Gotta go!

25:08 I’m sorry but why did Jace fall so easily🤣

Daemon helping his bro up the steps always brings tears to my eyes

There is a spoiler to HOTD in GOT FYI - there’s a conversation that very explicitly mentions some of our HOTD characters and their fates

one of the best episodes in TV history 🔥🖤

Actually Rhaenyra‘s children are velaryon because of her (if you take a look at the Targaryen family tree you’ll see she has also Velaryon blood)

What I love about this episode is how it shows that even though the adults tried to make up they had already poisoned their kids with their hatred so it was never going to work

Really enjoying the reactions guys. you're a good group. And if you read this you all look great every vid!

The fact that all of them can remember all these confusing ass names on their first watch is really impressive 😂😂😂

Drop the last 2 episodes already and start GOT so we can rewatch it with you guys 😁

Protector of the Realm 🍻

Please post your reactions to game of thrones. These are too good

36:01 Yes there's a spoiler from 'GOT' of whats coming in this Show I can't remember in which Episode But "Some young blonde king talks about big things in 'HOTD' to his beautiful wife" 🙂💔

Viserys is only 4 years older than Daemon, he was 55 when he died.

"My only child" Aemon and Aegon crying in the corner

The King whose only wants is peace No one expects His last words will start a war

PLEASE AFTER FINISHING HOUSE OF THE DRAGON 🐉YOU CAN REACT TO ALICE IN BORDENLAND,IT IS BASED ON A MANGA AND YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED ALL THE RU-vidRS HAVE REACTED TO THIS SERIES AND LOVED IT I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU REACT TO THIS SERIES. PLISSSSSS✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

And Alicent ofc thought Aegon The Prince or Princess who was Promised is her fcking weirdo son .... while it's actually Rhaenyra and Daemon's kin.. which you will see in the GOT

Y'all need to watch Peaky Blinders! Paddy Considine (Viserys) is the villain of season 3 -- he's such a MONSTER and (to me) one of the most loathsome villains in television history. Truly, a fiend of man. It was so jarring but very awesome to fall in love with him for this role instead of just.. seething in silent hate whenever he's on screen ❤️ he's a staggeringly good actor.

I've never understood the hatred for Alicent - she has basically done two things - protected her children and known that the realm would not allow a female to be leader. The problem isn't Alicent, it's the world they live in, and she was the only one that was realistic about it IMO