You made me watch this show even though I was going to skip it because of how disappointing the last 4 seasons of GoTs and I'm glad I watched it. Highly recommend Last Kingdom btw, and would love to see a review.
BTW - Last weeks Coronation didn't take place in the Throne Room. It was at the Dragon Pit. So no risk of the Throne being melted. Just so no one is confused. Easy to miss on one watch and a quick turnaround for a video.
@@zekethewise7042 If you're referring to Aerea then I probably wouldn't go as far as betrayed. She was just a young princess that wanted to fly and leave dragonstone and naively tried to claim the biggest beast in recorded history as her mount like it was a toy & he simply ignored her wishes & didnt attempt to really help her until it was too late. But yea given how smart dragons are Balerion definitely gave no f***s taking the poor girl to Valyria so I see that point of view lol
Aemond’s face of realization and fear after he realized what he just did and Rhaenerya’s face of pain and vengeance when she heard of her sons death were incredible parallels. The true beginning of the end for Targaryen’s and their dragons and Lucerys was soo brave. You could tell he was nervous about going. He then did his best to defend off his uncle then just gets chomped on 😢
Lucerys tried keeping it together and playing it smart, but he still lost control over his dragon due to fear (when he shot fire at Vahgar, provoking Vahgar's full wrath)
"last week’s coronation felt stolen and hurried, while this week’s coronation felt respectful and earned" It was, because It was and it did because it is.
Because Aegon ran away and was still hungover from his drinking so he was still shocked when he heard his father died and he doesn't want to be king. Even he thinks Rhaenyra is way more deserve than her. But, too bad his moronic mother and his psycho grandpa push him so there will be someone with Hightower blood can sit in Iron Throne. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra's coronation is way peaceful because they are still grieving of Viserys' death and she realize she got usurped by her best friend / step mom and the fact Otto tried to manipulate her for peace but she has to bend the knee to Aegon is a huge red flag and she noticed that. Also, Daemon is lust for revenge for his brother's death and Rhaenyra stopped him. And people in Dragonstone still remember her as the Realm's Delight, the real heir to Iron Throne.
I read the books and know how everything goes down, but I was so tense during the Luke and Aemond part. They’ve done a good job bringing everything to life.
@@TheRibottoStudios I don’t mind them at all cause Fire & Blood was written by records of maesters and told by a jester. There’s no way the maesters could know exactly what happened except the end result.
@@jamesbombss5777 Exactly. Also changes like this add to the story. Now we have an interesting character journey with Aemond that just didn't exist in F&B.
@@TheRibottoStudios For the most part I like what they’ve changed. But I think Rhaenys bursting through the dragon pit was really stupid and they totally butchered Criston Cole
One of the best changes from the books is that Arrax and Vhaegar were acting on their own near the end. Aemond didn’t want to kill Luce, but he did and now he has to either own up to it, or claim it was intentional.
@@Bitchslapper316 in the book Aemond went after Luce because one of the Baratheon girls asked if Luce took his eye or his ball and that pissed Aemond off so he went to kill Luce, this was for an entirely different reason
@@kmjkmjkmj you sound like one of those no life book readers. Also, just saying bad writing to everything just shows how media illiterate you are, nothing else.
I've seen soo many ppl complain abt how they've "ruined dragons"..... How ? They've literally given dragons personalities and made them actual living creatures with their own brains and decision making abilities.... Like most animals in reality I feel they've improved on dragons and their lore
@Raymond Sims that's because GOT has basically only shown us Drogon, other two dragons were always in the background just to be eventually killed off So more development of dragons than that is welcome
@@Jackietreehorn39 I've seen quite a few in this video's comments section..... And go to their official RU-vid channel where they've released a BTS video if ep 10 and you'll see SOOO MANY ppl crying abt this
What a weird thing to complain about! All the dragons in this feel distinct and interesting, whereas the GoT dragons just kinda felt like pallet swaps of one another (and ended up being pretty terribly under-utilised tbh). I'm sad Arrax is gone, he was a cool lil guy,
How they show Aemond react to this is what I’m looking forward to most in season 2. The book didn’t describe both Lucas and Aemond losing control of their respective dragons and one killing the other. It just said that Vhagar killed Aarax and Lucas.
Yeah that makes sense. As the book is a history book, unless Aemond went and told everyone he lost control of his Dragon (which he absolutley would never do) the only people who would know are Aemond and whoever he does tell. Maybe his mother? But telling anyone that its possible to just straight up lose control of a flying nuke would turn the entire realm against them in fear. Because the entire reason they are royalty is because they control Dragons. If that control is partially a lie it would tear the realm apart.
@@ComicCrossing that actually why Viserys , last dragon rider of Baelon the Black Dread, was saying Targaryens controlling dragons was an illusion. They were small humans ,riding on building sized fire breathing flying lizards , hoping they listen to you
It was literally only ever told that the people on the ground saw fire, screams, and then Aarax falling to the sea bitten in half. Luce's body was never found. Some even theorized he might've survived the fall and lived a life as an amnesiac fisherman as there were scattered accounts of someone matching his description whose identity couldn't be confirmed... which would be ironic if the Maesters incorrectly assumed Lucerys might've survived when it was actually his "father" who managed to escape history...
My girlfriend (who HATES anything fantastical or fun) absolutely adores this show and she passively watched it more and more until she was hooked by it in the end and that says a lot about how effective this show is. House of the Dragon, yes, but primarily a high stakes family drama that a lot of people can some how enjoy and relate to
Same but the opposite. Never watched GOT or any other similar mainstream show but yet my girl hooked me to this and I was the one every week asking “Shall we watch HOD today.” 😅
That's the power of great writing. Something Rings of Power didn't have. Surely, there is a tempest in me. And it's telling me the sea is always right.
@@TapTwoCounterspell Truly.. i have no idea lol i chalk it up to it being primarily a family drama that just so happens to have dragons and fantasy elements. I can’t explain what drew her in
I was a little suspicious about how much screentime Lucerys was getting, especially when he was saying goodbye to Rhaenyra. But as soon as he landed in Storm’s End and spotted Vhagar, I knew it was over for him. Didn’t know how it was going to happen, but I knew he was done for.
I haven’t read the book but I really like how some things they apparently changed for the show still make sense because of the way the book is written. Like the notion of aemond being a stupid kid who let his prank get too far being interpreted by future maesters as aemond killing him in cold blood is really cool to me.
@@MrJuiceize The book covers the reign of the Targaryen kings from Aegon I. Viserys was only the 4th Targaryen king and the Dance covers only about 1/4-ish of the book, so be prepared for that. I loved it, but I also love reading actual history books and other historical fiction, so your mileage may vary
I like how Aemond didn't actually want to kill the kid, not just because it adds nuance to his character, but because he's been painted as the more intelligent and conniving of his siblings, and at this point he knows his mother doesn't want open war, and killing the kid would inevitably lead to that. Granted, who's to say taking his eye wouldn't, but hopefully you get my point
Aemon, started every fuck up though.....like him losing his eye, was him starting the fight as kids. An now that there older, he should of moved on from it. Also he even said after it happened, "i may have lost an eye, but i gained a dragon" Also the largest dragon in the world. So he should of let bygones be bygones. An focus on whatever goal he wanted for himself, but because of his petty actions, someone lost there life, an now War is inevitable.
I like how the plotpoint of dragons not really being able to be controlled was brought back. They completely abandoned it in GoT with Drogon getting bigger
This show really shows how great a series can be with great writing. The tensions, suspenses, characters, everything is so superb Rings of Power needs to take note at how to immerse us into a world each week and want us wanting more
You know, as well as I do, that aint NEVER going to happen. They've made LotR a fking political outlet instead of the mythical fantasy we all know and love.
@@Relixification Isn't HOD a political outlet too? they changed the race of the Velaryon and you could argue the show was all about women trying to be in power in a world ruled by men.
This series has been fantastic so far. The writing, production, direction, music etc. The casting is excellent, especially Daemon and older Aemond. Different vibe from GoT but still familiar, as it should be. Cannot wait for the next season 🙏🙏
This show got better and better with each episode. I actually loved the time jumps because we got to see certain events that happened instead of hearing about things thru dialogue or just seeing a random flashback. I loved that we got to see these characters young then grow into adults all in one season. This show could've easily started off with the war but chose to show the actual backstory to why there's a war and that's fuckin interesting. This was definitely my favorite new show.
I was shocked to see neither dragon listening to their rider, ngl I didn't know that was a thing ! poor lucrerys, it honestly makes it sadder to know that aemond really didnt mean to kill his nephew , It shows how these boys are really still just boys !
I love how they literally do it in one episode. Turning Rhaenrya into a mad queen whereas they couldn’t even properly convey and convert Daenerys into a mad queen in 8 seasons.
@@JohnNouzen Oh I've read the books, don't get me wrong. I'm just saying, compare to what comes later she's not exactly mad *yet.* At least not compared to what happens later on.
I did expect more out of the finally but it made that dragon chase more exciting. The strategy meetings at Dragon stone gave it a great “Game of thrones” vibe in a fantastic way. And what a table to play that game on. I want that table!
I Actually Really Really Like that they didn't make the Last episode a Spectacle.... There were some very Strong moments that imo were more compelling and satisfying than any Big Action sequence (Not saying you can't have both, but I am glad they didn't sacrifice those moments for action scenes). No words in the end, that slight stumble realizing all she's Lost and that turn & look into the camera was damn near perfection.
I absolutely want more HOTD. Season one was incredibly entertaining. When an episode concludes leaving me with that feeling it gets the binge worthy stamp of approval!
Thing people didn't get about house of the dragon is that it wasn't boring, it just didn't pander to the audience. It was shot in a much more bold way. It looked more like a golden age film that GOT which was shot in a more action oriented and modern style. It wasn't afraid to linger on shots for an uncomfortable amount of time. I don't think any other modern TV shows or even most popular movies have been shot like this. I can understand how certain younger western audiences wouldn't get it, but from a purely cinematic perspective, this season was honestly (if not objectively better) shot with a lot more attention to detail and precision.
Shout out to Lucerys’ actor, he did an amazing job playing a frightened boy just trying to make his family proud. So sad he’s gone. Amazing first season! Also, Jeremy….. where’s the Cobra kai season 5 review?!!!!!!?!!!?? I’ve been waiting for more than a month!!!!
I think it's implied that a Targaryen's control over their dragon depends on how closely bonded they are. For example, Daemon is so closely bonded to his dragon that it even imitates his movements. And when Daemon took an arrow earlier in the season the dragon screamed in pain.
Remember Aegon was anointed in the Dragonpit, not the Throne Room. Rhaenys *could* (should) have torched them all on the spot, flown to Dragonstone and presented herself to Rhaenyra saying, "I have burned all the usurpers and traitors my Queen." Instant pardon, war mostly avoided. Oh well.
I agree with your view on the series. Really well made, respectful to the source just like the early years of GoT. I was getting a little frustrated that things weren't kicking off as they surely will, but I think this may be a strategic choice, as some of the events, battles etc are going to need a bigger budget which they will hopefully get for future seasons.
Can we all agree that scene when the little guy flies in and lands during a heavy storm and turns around and sees that MASSIVE dragon which was terrifying! I literally felt the characters fear in that moment. That dragon is going to be a Problem in the coming war
I’ll go ahead and say it, Daemon was absolutely right. He saw how she was trying to be like Viserys, waiting problems out until it’s too late, hoping they’ll sort themselves out. Waiting around talking about peace when the opposition’s only way of peace is to take down your entire family is moronic, and they pay for it in the end. Aemond was there faster because getting there first matters in these situations.
I was so prepared to shit all over this show but honestly, it's been great. It's WAAAAY better than anything I could have hoped for. They did such a good job.
This whole show gives me such joy like the earlier GOT seasons. What I loved the most is the dialogue and political scheming. The dialogue took a nose dive in GOT’s final seasons. It’s so good to be back!
i think the show had a new take on the Aemond/Lucerys beef at least as far as canon goes, could be wrong but pretty sure prior to yesterdays episode Aemond was believed to have basically committed cold blooded murder as it relates to Lucerys fully intending to kill him in the altercation. I like that now we have new take
First off Jeremy, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your reviews. You have a real love of movies and tv and the thing that separates you from the pack is your knowledge of how films should be structured and how the different projects succeed or fail at that. And, you are hilarious. Keep up the great work my friend.
The only question I had after watching this episode was how did Rhaenyra and Daemon find out that Lucerys died at the hands of Aemond? Not like anyone would've found his body or the remains of his dragon.
Everyone at Storm's end saw the old 19 year old guy with a dragon the size of a village go after a 14 year old with a dragon 10x smaller who never returned. Not exactly a stealth kill.
@@brittanywerdowatz6883 In the book, Aemond asked for permission to chase Luke and was told nobody could tell him what to do outside of Storm's End's roof. Plus, the dragon was ripped in half. Nothing else could've done that.
It really seems like you had a great time with this series, your latest videos are absolutely hilarious. I'm a huge fan of the Westeros world and this season was perfect in every way.
This season basically only covered about 30 pages of the book. Future seasons have over 200 to pull from. So the meat of the story is still to come and the war will be crazy
@@MrLukkyNL Look man, I don't want to be an ass, but you seem like the sort of person who can't parse meaning and metaphor and needs to be explicitly told the story. The kind of person who has to watch "movie X ending explained" videos. Yeah, that's what she ~says~. But if you watch the edit and the focus of the camera, one can infer through the actions being shown, combined with the arching theme of motherhood the show is presenting us, that what I said is a valid interpretation.
You cannot make a Dragon 🔥obey. Aemond chases Lucerys on Dragonback through stormy skies with Vhagar. Lucerys on Arrax's back tries to escape but his Dragon spits fire on Vhagar, he retaliates by choking Arrax is Lucerys. This drama will make Black Queen Rhaenyra more hesitant, finished the negotiations! war is declared.
The buildup with Vhagar hunting Arrax gave me major Jaws vibes, and since Jaws is the absolute pinnacle when it comes to suspense and monster movies, that's a good thing. When Aemond and Vhagar initially come out of the clouds immediately brought me back to the scene where Brody is throwing chum in the water and the shark comes out for the water; obviously, the dragons were moving much faster and the scene was much more intense, but, to me, I was taken back to the first time I saw Jaws. House of the Dragon is great so far and, much like with Game of Thrones, I don't want to wait until next year for more. George R.R. Martin truly wrote some great scenes and many have been interpreted wonderfully.
8:25 Exactly. Showrunner Miguel Sapochnik was one of the best directors on Game of Thrones, making such episodes like "Hardhome" and "Battle of the Bastards" & "The Winds of Winter." Whatever the quality of the D&D writing during the latter GoT years, he at least directed the crap outta it. His only recurring flaw seems to be dark 'night' filmography, which may look fine in the post-production room...but not on everyone's various HBO devices/screens.
Aemonds face after Vaghar gets burned by Arrax is just sheer terror. He knows he can't stop this monstrous dragon from killing Luke and Arrax. The look of oh shit, I've just started a war. Wow just acting, visuals and knowing he only meant to scare him, but that is all gone now. Now to wait like 2 years for Season 2 lol.
7:38 ok “”oops my mum is going to be so mad at me”” is the kinda thing you say when you scratch the car not when your dragon mount accidentally bites a blood relative in half, that’s a little more than oops 😁
im just gonna say that i havent watched got and wasn't really interested in hotd either. but the idea of watching the show together with you and your critiques seemed fun so i gave it a try. and it has been amazing run. thank you for chatting with us throughout the season, these weekly videos were some of the few things that put a smile on my face these days. cheers!
I wish the final scene included Daemons iconic book line to rhaenyra when she finds out Luke is dead: "An eye for an eye, a son a son.." Which is going to have a major payoff.
This season has been an amazing watch. The only time I started to get bored was the lull before the shitstorm of the kids fighting and Aemond losing an eye, they were just giving us some time to be ready for it. It’s a shame we lost the young actors because I really loved them but they’ve all been wonderful. People can now be excited about this world again and move past seasons 7 and 8. Also loved seeing this 2 days early, that was a nice surprise. Also a quick shout to the music, it was on point and made the show even better.
The Iron Throne wasn't used on the coronation stage in the show. They used the throne jaherys used when the council met to decide the line of succession.
Will miss the weekly episode followed by your weekly review 🙌 it’s great that the game of thrones has survived after the S7 and S8 fiasco 😅 all hail HOTD 🔥
Otto keeps saying “it’s for the good of the realm” what did he think was going to happen? That all the lords and banners that swore to the king and her daughter were just going to take it? So he always knew he needed to murder that kid since she was 13. And thought “yup it’s for the good of the realm” there was always going to be war or he would need to commit murder on half of the Targs. Amazing how stupid he is
You guys ever wonder why the tale of ice and fire is a secret? Wouldnt you think if everyone was aware of the pending threat they would feel their only option is to bend the knee to the targaryians and the family would feel the need to work together and breed dragons as much as possible?
As a book reader i hated the changes at first, but after a rewatch I love it. I love how they put the war in the hands of the dragons. None wanted to be a kin slayer, but we needed someone to strike first. So, the dragons did! And the tragedy is that with the prophesy given to the TRUE heir, had the dragons, not dreams, struck first, the new Queen might have been able to navigate the waters to a peaceful unification. Having cut off the narrow sea, with an advantage in dragons and most likely all the houses in the north, this coulda ended quick. Without having to kill one another. But, that same blessing that brought them power, also brings death. And Rhynera knows this, as did Aegon the first, both a dreamer and a conqueror. But I now live that Aemon didn’t mean to kill Luke. But as it was said, when dragons go to war, everything burns. The changes make this such a tragic tale. Communication or lake thereof is the devil in the details here.
This series really washed away the bad two seasons of GoTs and gave me back the interest of this IP. Just wonder if this can also happen in the future for a franchise like Star Wars somewhere in the future.
