This week, Jason and Greta discuss how things have changed in the six years since Daemon and Rhaenyra’s union. Later, they chat with Director, Geeta Patel, to unpack parent/child relationships, Viserys’ long walk, and the Vaemond scene.
I CRIED like a baby when Viserys mustered the strength to get to that throne, when Daemon helped those last few steps and the last family dinner. Geez, this was the best episode to date.
I can’t believe that moment where Daemon picks up the crown, helps his brother up to the throne and places the crown on the his head was improvised too. Incredible stuff
I cried from the 16 minute mark to the hour exactly. I have never been so invested in a group of characters after only so episodes. I read Fire & Blood. I knew that Viserys would die a slow, horrible death (although it was gout instead of leprosy). But seeing Rhaenyra and Daemon realize how bad their father and brother are, knowing that those 3 have such an unbreakable bond was so heartbreaking. And then you think that he can’t comprehend what they are asking, the room is just about to claim her children illegitimate AND BOOM! I got actual, physical chills when that door swung open. I SOBBED when his brother came to help. He just proved to her that he has always been on her side. It’s like he’s internalized that talk with Rhey on Aegon’s second name day when she claimed “no one is on my side”. Viserys last dinner with his whole family brings him so much peace that he finally pass. I mean, gah. If Paddy Constantine does not get an Emmy, there is no justice
Ever. When I heard this show was going to be made that’s the scene I couldn’t wait for. It wasn’t the exact words but close enough. The whole show Is going away from source material, but I LOVE it!!!
one of the best episodes of television ever. everyone's said it, but I'll say it too - Paddy is such an MVP. Just blown away by the emotional weight he carried like a beast.
The conversation around Viserys' walk to the throne - it was heartbreaking to watch and Geeta's version is so insightful. How crazy that a walk is so impactful.
Right before Rheanarah's speech I paused the show and prayed. I prayed that the Lord would give her the right words to say and I prayed for her strength. I was serious! I hit play and my prayers were answered above what I asked! Her daddy came in and saved the moment! (please forgive the spelling) Praise the old Gods, the new, and mine!
It was a powerful scene when Viserys took all his best amphetamines and went to protect Rhaenyra with her kids and to try to reconcile the family one last time. More powerful was only Daemon crowning Viserys.
This episode was wonderfully directed. I’m more of a casual consumer of entertainment, but I’ll will definitely take notice the next time I see the name of Geeta Patel associated with films.
I found Otto’s smile amidst all the targaryen merrymaking chilling. And his sudden relaxation made me question Alicent thawing and warming up to Rhaenyra as well.
Dragon corrections. We have seen meleys when rhaenys flew in to the feast. And we have seen dreamfyre not only at the funeral, but also when she blew fire in the dragonpit when aemond was exploring
Really-really-really sad part is seeing this Valyria 40k model all in web and dust. Not even Aemond comes to play miniatures with Helaena. Not even Alicent orders to clean it up every once in a while. Poor Viserys.
Just a reminder that we haven't seen Rhaenyra ride her dragon Syrax since episode 2. I'm beginning to wonder if we'll ever see her on a dragon ever again.
This Alicent-Dyana scene was my second flashback from "Succession": the scene where Shiv talks the cruise victim out of testifying and going public with this exact sentiment of "Yeah, I believe you, but others will call you all sorts of things". The first one was Roman Roy, I mean Aegon, doing his window business.
So I would like to start by congratulating Paddy on his EMMY WIN for his portrayal of King Viserys. Anything else would be a slap in the face and straight robbery in my opinion. I would also like to say both Milly Alcock and Emma D'Arcy should at the very least be nominated as well as Matt Smith who is f-king ridiculous as Disco Daemon. Episode 8 is definitely my favorite episode as of now and the two moments that got me was the King's reaction to first meeting his grandson named after him and watching King Viserys make that walk to the throne. Talk about lump in your throat. Enjoyed the podcast and not only is Geeta Patel a great director but she looks absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for Episode 8. #RIPKingViserys
I wondered if all the shots of happy smiling faces of Otto, Alicent, Rhanera, and Daemon at the dinner weren't just in the King's imagination. Weren't there other shots where they weren't smiling? When you brought up all the happiness with the director, and she just said, Yeah...yeah, it had me wondering still. Gotta rewatch!
LOL I laughed my ass off when Daemon Targaryen sliced Ser Vaemond's head in half for dissing Rhanyera 🤣😂 & I just loved the scene at the dinner table with all them grown ass kids being messy most notably Alicent's sons. The funniest part of the dinner scene was when one of the cooks brought out a freshly cooked pig & Lucerys started chuckling quietly & subsequently pissed off his cooky ass, 1 eyed psycho uncle who immediately jumped up & started talking shit about Jaecerys & Lucerys's dead father! This episode was *EPIC*
The hearing is a farce cuz it biased against Rhaenyra, but as soon as Viserys enters it becomes already decided in her favor. I think Princess Rhaenys plays her cards then and there, as she knows that the only way her actual blood may end on both the Iron Throne and the Driftwood Thrones is through the marriages of her granddaughters with with Rhaenyras sons by now. I love that they managed to put in these nuggets of Velaryons as real players with their own grievances and ambitions!!
I loved Matt Smith improvising that scene where he picked up Viserys' after it fell while he was climbing the stairs to the Iron Throne. It's apparent why they chose to keep that scene in the episode.
WHAT an Episode.....i am stunned, Heartbroken, and SO impressed by everything and everyone in this Episode.... I ugly cried.....a LOT! And fckn hell Paddy deserves an Emmy or whatever.....He is SO good!...Was... 🙄😭😭😭😭
He can keep his tongue, in a fantastic episode what a line 😁 team black all the way, great goosebump moment when Visareys entered the throne room 🙌 the show keeps getting better ❤️🍀
The dinner scene is a masterclass of melancholy in simplicity. Viserys watching the kids in a last dance before the Dance. Fleeting moments of bliss. Everyone hoping for the best, expecting the worst. For something so uneventfully peaceful, the passing was one of the most foreboding & viscerally filmed deaths I've seen. Book Viserys also doses off to the great beyond in his bed, after telling stories to grandkids. The king who was most dissimilar to Aegon the Conqueror in life ends up being most similar to the Conqueror in death. Enough jokes. Now the serious stuff. "You're no son of mine" - Alicent getting crossbowed in the loo on mother's day confirmed. "Viserys wearing gold dragon instead of red” - Viserys secret Green Chad confirmed. Ep 9 is The Green Council😱!! Cue the Hoes Mad beat😤!! Our religion, tradition & patriarchy upholder Queen Mother & our redpilled King will make Westeros great again🙃/s.
Green Stonks are on the rise. Greens have all the cool dragons. Greens have all the money. Greens have all the drugs and booze. King Homelander is gonna be fantastic
The only thing that makes sense to me ,as far as the whole Targaryen secret prophecy thing goes, is that Aegon I told his son Aenys ,then Aenys told his wife Alyssa as he didn't trust nor didn't expect his brother Maegor would steal the throne. Then Alyssa told Jaeharys who in turn told Viserys
Aemond told Cole that he doesn't care about winning tournaments. He just wants to be able to kill anyone he wants and he sees Daemond as his greatest rival.
I love the fact that the Targaryens inability to come up with more than 3 names is what ultimatelly ends their golden age. This feels like vindication for all the Rhaenys, Rhaenyras and Rhaenas I had to tell apart
18:00 I think all of the 7 iconography is more of a subliminal symbol of the Hightower’s, because the family is the seat of Oldtown- home of the Starry Sept and had the strongest factions during the Faith Militant Uprising. It’s like putting the Hightower Sigil up without putting it up.😊
Route of the prophecy is probably: Aegon => Visenya => Maegor Aegon => Aenys => Aegon 1.5, Rhaena, Alyssa Velaryon => Jaehaerys => Aemon, Baelon, Viserys => Rhaenyra I think Aegon told his sister-wives. I think Aenys told his oldest kids (and Rhaena had a chance to pass it to Jaehaerys) and he might have told his wife (who would definitely tell Jaehaerys).
Just a remark on people dying alone -- the infirmed and dying aren't always as out of it as we may believe. When my mother was in her final hours, we were told she may decide to slip away when she was alone, on her own terms. And she did. We'd all had the chance to say farewell, but when we left her for a bit and came back, she was gone. She was peaceful. It's true, there is a commentary here about Viserys being isolated, but passing on is a journey we can only take on our own and it doesn't have to be heart-breaking. It's okay. ♡♡
Teared up twice this episode the gods give as they take away. I wondered why Alicent left Viserys at the end but then was happy he was with Aemma. Daemon helping him with the last steps hit home. Bravo to the team absolute masterwork of a episode 👑
King V's physical condition is proof that he needed Daemon as Hand of the King. Thankfully, Daemon created the Gold Cloaks to protect the King or he may have been murdered long ago. Daemon would have made sure that his brother was cured... not high off of milk of the poppy thru his pain.
(Caveat: I've read WOIAF but not FAB) - Given how Alicent has been built up as someone who will stick to her duty, as well as her being religious, I think that it was totally necessary, plot-wise, for Viserys to reveal ATC's dream-secret so that 1. - his words will be misinterpreted by Alicent and 2. - that she will have a reason to push for her son to ascend the throne. Otherwise, whatever her feelings on the matter, she would probably still support Rhaenyra, even in the face of pressure from, eg, her father. Btw Jason "legally legit" lmao
Regarding Vaemond: it already became very clear, when the war was going on at the Stepstones. Leanor named it by saying ... "What have you been doing, but being the master of complaint?" (Translating it from german to english). Further even Corlys says:"Even if you are from my blood, I won't let you starting a rebellion". Vaemond was not so strong in belief, it seems. He rather plays the safe cards in this play; he wants to secure himself whereas the others take the risk, not knowing about the outcome. Paddy should have get at least an acknowledgement for portraying Viserys during his last breaths.
Well, when King Viserys meets his grandson Viserys and he says "A name fit for a king!!", well, the child DOES become king, even though he only serves for about a year.
It was sad that Viserys died alone. Reminds me of the death of Elizabeth I, who spend her last 2 weeks in her bedchamber, mostly on her knees praying abd didn't eat. My question is WHY did Rhaera leave her dying Father - who everyone could see was taking his last breath - take her kids home ? Daemon could have done that. I can't believe she left him..
Am I the only one who assumed Diana was killed off screen? I know Alicent gave her the moon tea and the hush money, but the lines... Underling Who Knows Too Much: "I won't say anything!" Ruthless Boss: "I know you won't..." never seem to end well for the underling.
I honestly do not think it was Moon Tea, but poison. Why would the producers take such care in showing the actual liquid being poured into a cup. They made a point of it for us to see the color of the liquid, which was white. When the moon tea was given to Rae, after she "supposedly" slept with Daemon, the liquid was dark. The liquid was in a little glass container, but you could see that the liquid given to Rae was dark.
@@joel5956 AAAAAND, I have to watch it again, though, and I could be mistaken, but the woman who bought the tea into the room, was that the same woman who was sneaking around to see Mysaria later on, and Mysaria said something like there's been a lot going on? Something like that.
WRT what ends up happening with Seasmoke, Laenor always seemed pretty thirsty for battle, shot in the dark maybe he just dies off-screen in the intervening years. Its not really terribly unlikely that he would. Maybe someone else claiming Seasmoke will be the audience's only cue that he died. Also I guess maybe he returns to Westeros in disguise and retakes Seasmoke (Especially, if you know what happens in the book, I think the show is pretty likely to change some things because it doesnt really match the show's depictions of certain characters)
I'm starting to think maybe Laenor will have some bastards come out of the woodwork if he eventually dies fighting in Essos. The Dragonseed plotline could be way expanded on in the show as well.
I’ve noticed that these commentators. While funny and engaging, Do seem to hold a lot more sympathy and understanding for certain characters and their motivations than they do for others.
*DAEMON* *IS* *STILL* *THE* *BADASS* *KING* 👑 *DAEMON* *STOLE* *THIS* *EPISODE.* I thought it would be AEMOND and he looked cool. But when Daemon sliced Vaemond's head, Aemond looked SHOOK. Then when Daemon walked up to Aemond, his nephew knew what's up and walked away. Aemond doesn't want Daemon's smoke even after trying to shame Jace and Luke. 🤣 This episode showed that Daemon is still the biggest BADASS in the show and Aemond is the young pup trying to be like him. It's like Aemond is Kobe and LeBron worshipping MJ 🐐 as kids. We also saw the most compassion from Daemon in this episode by seeing the pain in his face seeing his brother like that. Helping Viserys walk up his throne and putting the crown on him. This was compassionate, caring Daemon at his best. This is where I believe Daemon will always be higher than Aemond on my favorite list. Because Daemon has a HEART. You can be a BADASS but if you don't have a heart and compassion, it's harder for viewers to care about that character. You don't want to be a badass but also a cold, heartless monster. This is the difference I see from Daemon vs. Aemond. Daemon has that heart in him the way we saw in Jaime when trying to save Brienne from a gang rape. Daemon cares about others and Aemond seems unfriendly and spiteful. Aemond may look like a badass but Daemon is already a certified badass while still charming and funny. Seeing Daemon and Aemond standing face-to-face is foreshadowing of the main event later down the line. The O.G. vs. Young G. Bravo to Paddy Considine. He will truly be missed. My MVP in terms of acting from Ep 1 through 8. With Viserys dead, let the Dance begin. Let the 💩 hit the fan. My favorite moment: After Vaemond calls Rhaenyra a whore, Viserys stands up and says, "I will have your tongue for that." Daemon slices Vaemond's head from behind and then says, "He can keep his tongue." Then Otto yells, "DISARM HIM!” The cool part is when the knights drew their swords, Daemon being the GANGSTA that he is looks totally nonchalant and is cleaning the dripping blood from Dark Sister. Then the scene when Daemon chuckles when Aemond walked away from the dinner scene. Aemond might be a badass but Daemon is on a far higher level of being a BADASS. To Daemon, none of this stuff surprises him. This O.G. killed at least a dozen people in a span of 90 seconds in the Battle of the Stepstones. This wasn't sparring with Criston that Aemond was doing earlier. To Daemon, killing mfers is just another Monday afternoon to him. Where's the "strong boy" in you, Aemond? Poser. 🤣
Not to correct you too, but Allison chose to not punisher son. It wasn’t that she did not have the power to do it. She knew that accusations like this diminish his potential future as king she was complicit in the crime.
yea now that I think about she really says “you are no son of mine” but doesnt actually do anything. At this point as much as she wants to deny it rhaenyra is still heir. her son isnt king or heir,even viserys punished daemon harsher for his acts to the point where he was exiled (he kept coming back sure but the point still stands) and alicent could have done the same if she really cared about the realm.
But if everyone who is cut by the Throne has leprosy then Maegor and Rhaenerya and I think Aegon II and the Aegon that legitimizes all his bastards all get it too and that is stupid and too many people getting leprosy should be just Viserys
Jaeherys likely found out about the prophecy from his elder brother who was usurped by Maegor. Because he was his brother's heir. His brother only had daughters.
10:30 If that's the case why did they change Baela and Rhaena from being twins like they are in the book? 14:20 Actually we already saw him at another small council meeting in episode 6. 41:16 We saw Rhaenys' dragon Meleys in episode 5 when they went to the wedding.
The King died because of the poison mixed in his tea by a servant who visited Missaria close to the end of the episode. So it was Otto who poisoned the King before he didn't ruin Hightower's plans.
Thats reading too much into it. There was no hint of poisoning, and Otto and Alicent actually keep power while the King lives so they try to keep him alive
The time jump has been puzzling to me if you have years to tell a story, but is this because filming started during covid? It's not hard to tell who's who, just get to like a character and the acting and there gone.
While the show is amazing, them changing so much is messing with the flow of things. Yes, it’s creepy that GRRM wrote young kids in but Rhaenyra died at 33. Also, the Corlys injury didn’t happen, it was simply a complaint about the legitimacy of the Velarayon sons. The dragon egg scene was weird too because they allegedly get eggs at birth, yet we saw two toddlers. All the time jumps are screwing things up. I’m also really surprised that there is no discussion of how Viserys has clearly being slowly killed over time. If Otto & Alicent were swiftly handled from the beginning, things may have been different but the time jumps have muddied all. In totally, it’s been about 19 years since the kids were added. ETA: When will we hear from Paddy C. & Matt Smith?
Sometimes it just baffles me how these people make this show since they say the weirdest shit like McTavish saying he was sort of fatherly to Rhaenerya and Alicent apparently beating her children even though it seems like she just hits Aegon solely which both have never been established as well as Jasper Wlyde being there since episode 6 still not named and Daeron not being alive yet as far as we know because he should have been there in the previous episodes unless he was just raised in Oldtown with Hobert as a squire/ward for life
so far they make the greens and the blacks like slytherins and Gryffindors .e except for Helaena who seems actually naive and sweet. i kinda wish one of the strong boys or Daemons girls have a bad quality about them to make the black kids more grey.
From now on, i have decided not to watch House of the Dragon any longer. All this war happened just because of misinterpretation of Alicent to understanding what Viserys has meant. Honestly!!!!! I'm at peak of dissapointment
I don't like the ending of this episode! Honestly how can the writer put such a bias scene into this... Like, hell.. can you just build up the conflict something else??
Bruh team blacks all the time, they have been on the side of right the entire series, I dare someone to try and make them out to be in the wrong, the Hightower are the main instigators and cause of this civil war and its all their fault and I hope they loose
... Aaaand the director is also an idiot. She did not understand the story and seemed to have no real insights into the characters, having to canvas the cast as to reactions and improvisation which I think led to an unfocused sense of direction. At key moments in the action, in the looks of the actors, their focus and reaction do not seem in concert with what is happening. The show runners gave her a shot, and I think she let the quality of the show down. Whatever goodness there was in this episode, it happened not because of Geeta, but despite her - THANK GOODNESS!