It’s also worth pointing out that Aegon is grieving. That final scene with him sobbing and Alicent walking away showed everything about why they’re so fucked up.
@@rexibhazoboa7097 Yep. He's like those people irl today who have picked a side & thus perceives 'the other' side as sub-human enemies... even the children.
The scene with Alicent & Helena when she looked up and saw the flowers dust falling is foreshadowing to the ashes falling from the battle of dragons. It’s also the same with Rhaenyra when she was playing with her sons.
@@VeritasOphanious not sure yet but since episode 1 her frame work has been shown in a light airy way. When she was at the beach side on the rocks at the beginning of episode 1 & the camera did a close up you could see carefully one side of her face had a dark shadow & one side was light. Am thinking it’s referencing what’s about come.
@@SE-gs6gd yes HOD/GOT producers & writers are very precise the way they present things on scene and are very detailed on the small details. Majority of the time the surroundings are more telling than the actions/words them self.
Man I feel like the scene of Aegon weeping at the end all alone adds so much more complexity to his character. Despite his bravado from earlier that scene shows us many things about him. First, is that it was just a mask and he is acting almost entirely out of grief and anger currently. Also, it probably shows a complete breakdown at the realization he is again rejected by his father as he was all his life and now also rejected by Otto. I gotta say too that some of the blame lies with Otto. Aegon never wanted the crown in the first place and Otto did all he could to make it happen but also he never stepped in and filled the void Viserys left and taught Aegon himself. Lastly, Daeron fans, we finally got our mention. Let's hope they do our boy justice. Daeron is hands down the best Green character
@@hokagedlo6133 Fair enough not gonna argue about which character you like more. Personally I liked Daeron the most bc I like the blue and copper color of his dragon and he was much nicer compared to his brothers. I'm assuming you like Aegon's internal struggle and dragon? If not what is it that draws you to him?
@MrFredstt you nailed it actually right on the money. Aegon ii is a very layered character and very entertaining he's despicable, but I love him on screen. He's a lot like Daemons for the greens in the way he operates
@@hokagedlo6133 Yeah I agree he's very interesting to watch. I'm always saddened when I reactors boil him down to just Joffrey 2.0. I'm hoping the show does his dragon justice
The acting in this episode was incredible. One of the best episodes of this show for sure. The action scenes in these shows are good, but it's the conversations and political drama that make them great.
Even the action scene with the twins was perfectly done. Taking off the helmet so even we don't know who's who, and the heartbreaking dialogue...I bawled.
I think this is one of the emptiest episodes in the whole universe, but I agree about the acting. But the twins did a fantastic job. They really brought those characters to life and Aegon’s actor. He’s doing a good job.
@@RoyKoopaling in what is it empty ? It's far from that. There are character development for many characters. Criston Cole is hand, Otto fired, Twins dead during a direct assassination attempt on Rhaenyra, Rhaenyra and Daemon in conflict with him leaving and her realising his true nature, the dilema of Baela about her father, the trauma oh Helaena, Aegon losing his mind, the reveal of the existence of Daeron...
Everyone's reaction to the fight is yelling Rhaenyra "Get out!" Do you not have eyes? She is trapped. If she tries to run to the door she will give the assassin a clear path to run her through. Pay attention to the rooms geography. The brother made sure there was only one exit out and he was blocking it.
I think the scene of Aegon crying is also telling of the Hightower family dynamic. Just before we see Alicent try to confide in her father about her troubles and he says, "I do not wish to hear it". When Aegon is in distress, Alicent doesn't comfort him because she herself was never comforted by her father. Even in other scenes from season 1, Alicent has never comforted her sons. Generational trauma. In conclusion this family is horrible
They might explain more in the next episode about Mysaria seeing Arryk and she going back to warn the guards. As you can see, Erryk came rushing in as if someone told him his brother is here to kill the Queen. I think Mysaria did warn the guards.
She clearly did. That is why she stopped her escort. She thought it was Erryk for a second, but remembered he had a twin. I'm 90% that she met both in season one when they were searching for Aegon so he could steal the throne.
@@scotthewitt258yeah, she remembers. pretty sure in the last episode she said to Erryk something like "last time there were two of you" when she was found.
That's because the whole point of the dance of the dragons is to show that when rich people start wars over petty arguments and power plays it's always the normal people affected most by it, if they didn't put emphasis on the small folk the entire point of the dance would be lost
It’s also foreshadowing what Aemons temper will cause the smallfolk. Idk if you’ve read the books so I won’t spoil anything but let’s just say we’ll be seeing his wrath in the future.
Rhaenys and Daemon are cousins and know each other inside out. And Daemon mentioned “A son for a son” to Rhaenys last episode so she knew what he wanted.
Exactly this. Even if he didn't say it, she would still have suspected him. Pretty much everyone knew he killed his first wife, but no one could do anything about it. Viserys always tried to keep him away because he knows he can't take orders and he will cause a mess if he gets involved in important business.
Agree, they forgot about the last episode where Daemon told Rhaenys the Ep1 title. So Rhaenys immediately knows what's up and thinks Daemon got his "son for a son".
@@kagenohikari8so many reactors seem to forget the last episode they watch. I'm constantly screaming at the TV. 8 guess because they watch so many shows. 🤷♀️
I love how they highlighted the kind of mother Alicent truly is. Aegon needed her twice in this episode alone and both times she turned her back on him. As for Criston, I'm done with that MF. He was on duty that night. Ser Arryk was with the king and crispy cleared the hallways for privacy. It was 10000% his fault. It was refreshing seeing Otto angry over the loss of innocents and i appreciate his reality check to Aegon. No one in their right mind would believe Viserys chose him as heir.
44:58 Misaria is definitely the one who alerted Erryk so he could run towards Rhaenyra's chamber and intervene Arryk on time. Otherwise, Erryk didn't have any reason to barge in suddenly and shout "brother" before even seeing him. I am sure this topic will be addressed in the coming episode.
@@k4polo It's also quite clear that for all his scheming, Otto genuinely is thinking of the good of the realm and desperately is trying to prevent as much carnage as he can. And now he knows all too well how utterly unworthy Aegon is of the throne. It's telling how he's going to join up with Daeron, who is by far the nicest and most responsible of the brothers.
Otto was always severely misunderstood and hated. Dude was extremely competent and ambitious yes but no more than Corlys or anyone else. He even suggests naming Rhaenyra in good faith and only changes his tune once she too rejects his counsel (kingsguard scene in particular) and then when Viserys has a son, yes there's some ambition at play, Otto views it as historically the son inherits over the daughter. He's a man of the time in that regard and plays by the rules of succession as pretty much every Lord does
@@k4polo Aegon's issue is that he had the right idea with appealing to the smallfolk but grief and anger coupled with never having been taught to rule comes into play and his need for getting the killer is greater than any grand political strategy
@@Chromium457Everything is optics. It's bad that the heir has been killed, but Aegon was already on shaky ground. Him taking the throne the day after Viserys publicly strengthened Rhenaera's claim to the throne, Rhaenys breaking out of the dragon pits. Like Otto said, he was already seen as weak. The only thing that would have strengthened his image is to paint the other heir (Rhanaera) as a monster. Unite the people, and in turn the noble houses, against a common enemy. It would have worked if he didn't then turn around and murder all the ratcatchers who were all commonfolk. Especially without publicly giving a reason. To the outsider it just looks like bloodlust for his murdered son. It paints him as the same type of monster he claims Rhanaera to be seeing as she also lost her son.
And I think Otto was in that moment, finally grieving his grandson. He's a very measured man and he knows that saying those things to Aegon would likely have him removed from his position but grief had blinded him.
Bro you didn't understand what he was trying to do. He tries to win over small folk by jahaerys funeral and taking sympathy of smallfolks. But aegon undid it after killing innocent ratcatchers.
Well, that's because you don't get that Otto has been planning a lot... I mean he's been scheming to put Aegon on the throne for years, he has thought things through. He's been obviously trying to gather armies, the Lannisters are already moving towards the capital. In the meanwhile the Vale hasn't moved a finger to help Rhaenyra, the North is sending only 2000 men... Otto had been winning the war so far
@@ladyhotep5189 We'll get some battle sequences but the Dance spans 2 years. We got at least 2 more seasons. In any case, they are allowed to interpret the characters however they want so long as I consider it to be interesting storytelling.
it's funny a big deal is made to call Rhaenyra a kinslayer but we just rolled right past Aemond being a kinslayer first and no one really being upset about that, and it is even funnier that Daeron is just now name dropped LOL
Thissss!! It is the nature of the deaths that skews the favour towards The Greens tho. Lucerys, while sent as an emissary, was killed in "open battle". Jaehaerys however was a toddler beheaded in his room while he slept. Both are bad but one is definitely worse than the other.
@@jjfam777 Killing an emissary is already bad in itself. Even worse when that emissary is of royal blood and your kin. But it's convenient that they just don't care about that stuff. Who witnessed the battle? You had Aemond in a lord's court trying to attack Luke. It is not realistic that people would not talk about that.
@@s1b3r11 People who knew Luce believed he was a bastard, the common people wouldn't know that, it's not like with Joffrey where letters were sent around the kingdom talking about it
The dynamics of parent-child bond between Otto and Alicent is reflected onto Alicent and her own children: Aegon, Haelena, and Aemond. Alicent never received compassion, warmth, affection, and sympathy from her dad; hence, she is unable to offer such actions and emotions toward her own children. She tries to confess her sins to Otto but he doesn't have the time for Alicent, his own daughter. For Otto, everything is about practical usage and rationality, no emotion and no feelings. As such, Alicent tries to justify her actions to Haelena, unable to fathom her daughter's state mind slowly descending into psychotic breakdown.
Honestly during this episode I felt bad for Aegon he loved his son he needed someone to mourn with and even his mother didn't comfort him. The Hightowers made him what he is.
His father is equally responsible. He spent years wanting a son. He sacrificed Aemma because he wanted one so badly. When he finally had one, he neglected him. It was Viserys's job to teach his son to be a man. Much like Robert was responsible for Joffrey. Conversely Ned was responsible for Robb and Jon.
@@havok6280 I think that the mistake he made was marrying alicent that was too messy, even if he was a better father she would still whisper bs in their ear. Rhaenyra also needed to make an effort to get closer to her siblings to avoid division once their dad died. Those kids didn't get love from any of their parents. Alicent is cold while Viserys was sick I think ever since they were born.
Achara calling Otto cold hearted then proceeding to say 'nowhere, he is dead' when Aegon talked about Jaehaerys being heir to the throne is insane. Wow lol
The "bad" twin would've definitely killed Rhaenyra if the "good" twin hadn't shown up. The whole reason why the "good" twin showed up was because of Mhysaria's warning. If Mhysaria hadn't been there in that exact place, at that exact time, Rhaenyra would be kebab.
Anyone notice Rhaenyra was quick to shutdown her son keeping an eye on Kings Landing but didn’t give af about having Daemon’s daughter do it. Almost as if she sees her as expendable.
I don't think she sees the girls as expendable but just doesn't want to risk her golden boy Jace who is clearly impatient about getting action and doesn't want to risk him doing something reckless, she trusts bala because she believes she'll be responsible and won't be rash is how I read it .
No I wouldn't send Jace either. Imagine if Jace clocks Aemond? You think he would leave quietly? Rather send a dragon rider who isn't too emotional right now. Plus moon dancer and Baela are much more stealthy. Rhaenyra values Baela a lot.
Otto is right with what to do with Jahaerys but I also think it’s very pointed that Aegon still doesn’t even refer to his son in the past tense but Otto is already saying “loved” like he’s over the kid. He’s so cunning and it feels like it comes at the direct expense of his humanity
One of the great things about this show is that every movement and every camera angle/frame tells you something about the story. It doesn’t waste shots or moments of physical acting.
Alicent should have consoled Aegon when was bawling his eyes out about the loss of his son. That was heartbreaking to see in so many ways. She never shows him any real motherly affection. Put all the politics and all the other BS aside and hug your son! Compare that scene with the one between Rhaenyra and Jacaerys last episode, and that pretty much sums up the types of mothers they are in a nutshell. Viserys and Alicent were negligent in showing much paternal love for Aegon. That's one of the key reasons why he turned out the way he did. They just let him run wild doing anything he wanted without providing him a loving foundation. He might have made a decent ruler if they had-or better yet a decent person.
I really do love this show, I might catch hate for this but I like it more than GOT. The connection between characters and the way it's filmed just feels so deep and engaging.
The Dragon women are interesting, because they have the power of flying a war machine, but they are fragile as women, and not warriors on the ground. When the bad twin came into Rhaenyra's bedroom, I kinda wanted her to take a sword, but without her dragon she is just a (medieval) woman... However, the dragon women do have the power of their dragons. It's an interesting alternate reality that we never had in our world, but it's pretty realistic (matching to our world) at the same time.
That was actually the final line delivered by The Joker in The Dark Knight. (Speaking to Batman) "Madness, as you know, is a lot like gravity. All it takes is a little push."
Daemon made the call to kill Aemond Targaryen intially as per rhaenrya's request. It back fired through collateral damage and now she's not responsible ?
So far the writers are staying true to the books. Which I appreciate. It's gonna get alot worse so hold on tight, it's gonna be a heck of a ride these next few seasons. 😬😬😬
Arryk was walking into his death the way he stormed into the room , he should have attempted at night or at best asked for forgiveness and joined his brother
I understand Daemon, he speaks the truth when he says that Rhaenyra is just like her father, wanting to resolve things without having to kill anyone. However, she forgets that her enemies don't think that way, and would do anything to see her dead without feeling an ounce of guilt. I hope the showrunners don't do her wrong like they did Daenerys. I'm eagerly awaiting the death of Ser Criston Cole!
I agree on the editing comments. The episode was amazing in itself. But there were some interesting choices in editing like the scene on the stairs with the grieving parents. If you watch the MAX behind-the-scenes, the actors discussed that they were supposed to have had a deep moment there between them of connection and grief. I just didn’t think it presented to the audience the way they intended it to. But those are just little minor critiques to such an amazing overall second season. Such a great start to season two. Looking forward to all the additional episodes.
People saying Rhaenyra sending Baela to scout over Kings landing instead of Jace proves she sees Baela as expendable need to use some common sense. Why would she send Jace to where his brother's killer lives? Jace is grieving and if he sees Aemond he won't let it go. Baela is also more on that spy sh!t like when she sent letters to Rhaenyra and Daemon while on Driftmark. She observant, loyal, dependable and not overly emotional right now. Rhaenyra really does depend on her.
Baela isn't grieving? Give one example of Jace being impetuous. Has he once said he wants revenge? Jace is easily one of the most even tempered characters on this show. Rhaenrya doesn't want to risk her heir.
Great reaction as always.... i think Alan & Adam are Corlys Bastards so that's why Alan says he owes them.... and if that is true the scene with the dragon is to get the connection with them being Dragonraiders.... the scene with Maseria (guess that's her name) will be that she did comeback and announced Errik about his twin coming to do bad things and that's why he got to save Rahenyra.... those girls will make an important alliance from that.... Keep rocking and stay safe!
The day Criston Cole dies will be f'in glorious. More glorious than when Joffrey choked to death. However, until that day comes, I will give flowers to Fabien Frankel. Not since Jack Gleeson have you ever respected an actor for making you despise a character with a passion. Hyped for next week!
Daemon’s next step is to protect Harrenhal so that team black has an advantage and I think there will be some negotiations between Daemon and the remaining members of House Strong
The scene of the brother being recognized was TOTALLY NECESSARY GABBY! She told the guard nearby and HE alerted the other guards! Otherwise, yes, they wouldn't have let her in!
People love to dunk on Cole and I totally get why but his plan wasnt bad at all. It almost worked!! Its cruel on Arryk and Cole is clearly projecting his guilt onto him but in the grand scheme of things his plan was worth the shot.
12:28. One thing that i agree with daemon here is that Rhaenyra is too much of a pacificst. Luke got murdered, Visenya was stillborn and Rhaenyra is not acting. She has no army save the people on dragonstone while Aemond is gathering people. I do agree that children should not be killed but she needs to start preparing for war
I instantly thought of Bron when the scene with the Blacksmith was going on. It was back when he was with Varys and Tyrion back in season 2 preparing for the Battle of Blackwater where he tells them that it’s the starving that gets the people in the city first.
I had alot of issues with the episode (the last two actually) but in regard to Otto, I thought that his conversation with Aegon actually made him look worse rather than wise. You planned for years for your grandson to take over the throne and you never prepare him for how to rule? You can’t expect an unprepared and wayward person (who was never taught about decision-making skills or leadership) to suddenly make these sound, logical decisions. If Otto had the best intentions for the kingdom and wanted this whole plan to succeed, he should have put more thought into molding Aegon into the type of king he wanted to be. While Aegon’s actions were careless, I can’t say I completely blame him. He’s in the throes of deep grief and instead of his grandfather having any sort of compassion for him, he scolds him and says that his father was right to neglect him. People may dislike Aegon but I think Otto was ultimately in the wrong here. He’s the one who orchestrated Aegon’s usurpation so he should have been there to guide him as he grew up instead of ignoring him and allowing his worst vices to take over.
I love Otto Hightower’s realization that he absolutely fucked up putting Aegon on the throne. He knew that Aegon was a terrible choice and that he couldn’t manipulate him forever, he even knew that Rhaenyra wasn’t truly responsible for the murder because he knows she’s a good person. But he was so blinded by his prejudice and fear of having a woman sit on the Iron Throne that he couldn’t see Viserys truly made the wise choice.
Do you not realize he was grieving over his dead son at the same time he is angry? You know how that feels? He might not be the perfect king but he did try to be a good king especially the way he has been raised
I think you're misinterpeting Otto's character. He's a pragmatist, he never really cared about whether a woman should be able to sit the throne or not. He was happy to push Rhaenyra as heir when it meant removing Daemon from power, and just as happy to later remove Rhaenyra in favor of his blood sitting on the throne. It's not like he was so passionate that a woman shouldn't sit the throne that he usurped her, he did it out of self interest.
Do react on Main Deewana ( Ganesh Hegde) it is one of the music videos which was very ahead of its time. Everyone who wants this reaction consider the like button as a vote! ❤️
I like the shot at 4:30 there’s a little awning window and people are walking. I mean they didn’t have to do that shot but they did and it was really nice :)
when Alicent tells to Otto that she has sinned. Otto says he does not wish to hear of it. I believe he says so thinking Alicent has plotted of installing Viserys's last wish for Aegon to be the King. Meanwhile, Alicent was actually talking about her "pleasure" with Ser Criston Cole.
Did anyone else notice in the war council meeting? The Queen Who Should Have Been IMMEDIATELY knew Daemon did it. And Jaby just called it out..... Remember, Daemon wanted Rhanys to go with him to catch Aemond before he coukd get back to the Red Keep. And she refused, because Rhaenarys did not order it.
I think we are to assume it took Mysaria a bit to follow up to the castle and tell Erryk about seeing Arryk. Why else would Erryk storm into the room? Also, Im confused why Rhaenyra mentioned Mysarias neck scar, but I got the vibe that its some connection between them like Daemon choked her so hard he scarred her at some point in her life. I feel like thats the implication, since they showed her wince when we came close to her when they were arguing earlier.
Mysaria didn’t go up to the castle to tell Erryk i think she warned the guard escorting her to notify Erryk most likely cuz remember, she drew his attention after she noticed it.
This show should be watched by anyone wanting to make a moving stories that captivate the audience. See this Disney? This is how you make a genre show... make us care, make us cry, make us angry, make us feel something for your characters and we will love you for it! The writing, the scenes, the cinematography, it just all feels right. Every character is written with logical progression and emotion, they are human through and through. Cole's projection, The King's pain and impotency, Otto's struggle against his grandsons' folly, Alicents' guilt and grief, Daemon's anger at his position, Aemon's sorrow at his temper and what it caused, everything just works... Characters we have never met, yet they feel as if we have watched them for 3 seasons of drama. We don't even know thier names, but they make us feel as if they live in this world, and aren't just thrown in randomly.
