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Say what you may, but you can't deny that the BG score at the end of the episode with the transitions is an absolute masterpiece. All hail Ramin Djawadi !
That creature walking near the weirwood tree when Daemon and Alys were arriving to the tree, was a green man, they're supposed to be guarding the Isle of Faces... They're connected to the old gods, the weirwood trees and protecting them.. nice addiction
Criston Cole is an example of the grey characters that GRRM writes so perfectly. He starts the season off very badly, but when he is on the field of battle, he is a very respectable leader who leads his men well and suffers with them. I think it is the hypocrisy that made everyone hate him, but in reality, he is not close to the most evil characters in the show. That actor didn't deserve harassment man, he is a great actor. Jamie says he was the best and the worst of the kingsguard in the books and looks up to him. Criston Cole is the Kingmaker while Jamie is the Kingslayer. So they have some parallels.
Yes agree I hated Criston Cole as a character ever since young Rhaenyra turned him down But his scene in this finale episode alone made me like his character
@@gaius5901 I started to like him at Rook's Rest, to be honest. The way he reacted was very relatable. Dragons are a plague to Westeros and its people. HOTD really shows the devastation that the Targaryens bring to young people. Also when his voice breaks when he talks to Alicent the episode after Rook's Rest was masterful.
@@cmd7930 I disagree that they portray him as incompetent. Perhaps in the political domain, but I feel they've gone out of their way to depict him as a skilled military strategist and tactician. Even his mad plan to assassinate Rhaenyra came very close to succeeding.
1:17 Not true, there's going to be another ASOIAF related show next year, "The Hedge Knight", to tide us over. It's set about 100 years after HOTD, and 100 years before GOT.
As a book reader, I'd caution anyone from watching it until you have some reliable info as to how much it goes into the Targ royal history if you want to remain spoiler free for HotD. That story only takes place about 3 generations after this one.
@@awhartig5847 when they watched GoT, they were told which scenes to skip to avoid spoilers for HOTD, presumably they could do something similar for The Hedge Knight
@@Atlasss97 So what, Daeron just spawned in oldtown when the war started? He is around the same age as Jacaerys who was born when Rhaenyra was still in the capital. There is no way Daeron never met her
There is another Game of Thrones show coming out between S2 and S3. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms follows a knight called Dunk and a squire called Egg on their travels. It occurs between the events of HOTD and Game of Thrones. Roughly 65 years after HOTD and 100 years before GOT. The dragon Rhaena comes upon is Sheepstealer. A wild dragon never tamed. It's supposed to be an ugly brown beast. The 3 Eyed Raven is a seriously interesting character. They made him extremely one-dimensional in Game of Thrones.
"a son for a son" "yea, we're still waiting on that payment" What?! Did baby Jaehaerys die for nothing then? She had her son for a son in the very first episode of this season. :(
@rexibhazoboa7097 I saw someone make an interesting comparison between Aegon and Rhaenyra- he wants the love that daughters are afforded and she wants the respect and power that sons are afforded. They both want what the other has to some degree.
Alicent triggers me lol because she reminds me of my mom. Short sighted, self centered, will push her kids in front of a bus to protect her image while speaking out of both sides of her mouth. Often times in life, there isnt someone like Larys to pull you out. Honestly, he's the GOAT for that. He really didnt have to do any of this. He's putting himself in danger. Comforting Aegon. It's a selfless act thats rare in this series. At this point, I'm team Larys for king 🤣
@@superkoopatrooper4879Was your mom also a 14 year old child bride married to a 40 year old man, and made to have 4 kids by age 20 and raise them herself without the aid of any parent, or real guidance? Did she choose to have y'all or was she made to and therefore held a level of resentment for them and her undesired circumstances?
@@roseofthegarden_ No she was 24 and had kids with a 17 year old. Had 3 kids. When one of them tried to end their life with tylenol pm, she left them to ____ while she went shopping. I shouldnt have to explain that to you lol. Because she never took responsibility and pushed all her fears onto her children. I shouldnt have to also explain what "reminds" means. I shouldnt have to explain how even though half the characters are dragon riding princes and princesses, theyre still written to be relatable. Nore should I have to explain that you should take your olanzapine. I hope thats enough justification for you? Some people are out here upset because the crust wasnt cut off their grilled cheese. Others are actually valid.
One of the biggest mistake the writers made was that Rhaenyra and Aegon didn’t share any scenes and dialogue before the war, that would make this conflict more tragic. Now it feels like they are two strangers fighting for the throne, when they are actually siblings.
That was Daeron and his dragon Tessaerion flying over the Hightower soldiers. You guys missed it. Also in the vision it shows Caraxes dead and Daemon sinking down in water. It also shows the red comet.
For anyone wondering about why this season has less action than expected, HBO merged with WB so they needed cash for the merger so HBO cut the budget of every single one of their projects. At the same time, there was the writers strike and considering the showrunners of HOTD are American, they couldn’t rewrite the season to the way they wanted for it to actually fit the new budget. They were then forced to push events that were previously confirmed for season 2 (like a big battle that I won’t spoil the specifics of) into season 3 and stretch out some episodes because they weren’t able to fully rewrite the scripts. That is why episodes after episodes 4 have a very different pacing and that is why the season is only 8 episodes (even though they say it is for story reasons but HBO would never allow them to actually blame the studio). It is very unfortunate but I believe they did the best with the cards they were dealt.
yeah I get that. But the moment your viewers need to worry about budget, writing, and executive decisions instead of just consuming the art itself, it means the output is not that satisfactory.
@@user-fq7el1mt5jyes I agree, that’s why I am saying it is unfortunate. I am just saying that this wasn’t really what we were supposed to get. If you go back and watch the season 2 trailer there is many clips that we never saw in the season, just goes to show how many behind the scenes problems there were.
@@user-fq7el1mt5j Dude they gotta work with what they have. It's understandable why it is the way it is. Viewers should understand that it's about more than the art.. they have to have what they need to create it. Knowing this wasn't their plan is kind of a big deal.
The first and only Three Eyed Raven, until Bran Stark took over, is indeed Brynden Rivers, a Targ bastard. The Night King is GOT show only character, who we see in the vision is just a White Walker...
“Brynden Rivers appears to Bran Stark through dreams as a three-eyed raven. Through these visions, he guides Bran north of the Wall, and to a massive weirwood tree where it's revealed that he's been magically kept alive long beyond his natural lifespan.”
The Three-Eyed Raven in GoT is a Targaryen bastard named Brynden Rivers. During his life some people called him Blood Raven, because of the shape and color of his red birth mark. He’s the same person Daemon saw in his vision, but he hasn’t been born yet. Theoretically though Brynden could see Daemon from the future. His mother was a Blackwood, and the Blackwoods worship the Old Gods of the North. So he’s a green-seer from his mother’s side and probably has dragon dreams like Helaena at the same time. Pretty rare magical abilities in one spooky tree guy.
Also there is another GoT spinoff coming in 2025 called "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" which is set 100 years before GoT so we don't have to go 2 years waiting :)
You guys have matured so much as reactors❤ You are by far my favorite GOT series/lore reactors because you value character development and slower pacing over tons of flashy moments and entertainment expectations of a finale that people come to expect these days. Thanks for keeping a 3D view of this show! And im excited for a massive season 3❤
It's interesting to note too, that when Rhaenyra went to see Alicent in the Sept, she tried to find another way to prevent the war, and then Alicent refused and said it's too late. This time, now that Alicent sees Rhaenyra, her only choice is to have her son killed after Rhaenyra tells her it's too late to prevent bloodshed.
What terms did Rhaenyra offer to Alicent when she went to the sept ? Can you remind me again ? Lol that scene and this scene are just trash writing, should have never happened in the first place
@@mauratlantean3002 Yeah, she literally didn't offer anything, she just told her to make them surrender. She offered no terms. There was a good way to end the war, one that was literally used for the previous generation. Call a Grand Council and let the realm choose but the Blacks would never accept that because they know that Aegon would win because he was a man
@@makistrexas1922 Exactly. In the books, Alicent does offer to hold a Grand Council as Jaehaerys I did, and let the lords decide. Rhaenyra refused and said : " We both know how that council would rule ". In other words, she always knew Aegon has a stronger claim. But I know damn well that we aren't getting this scene now, since they made Alicent willingly surrender lol
I wish the finale had a bit more payoff but the last shot with Alicent and Rhaenyra is pure art. Rhaenyra has always chosen to be "free" and go her own way while Alicent has remained trapped by duty in convention. But the last shot shows us that the roles have reversed. Rhaenyra stands, framed by an empty cubby in the scroll shelf, literally trapped by the vast Targaryen lineages around her, her life now set to become another part of the histories. She is now the one confined by duty. Meanwhile, Alicent, finally having chosen to pursue her own freedom, gazes out across the open sky and sea.
One difference between Allicent and Rhaenyra that everyone likes to overlook, because Allicent is hated so much, is that Allicent is not and never was indifferent to the lower people. Rhaenyra uses the people, which by the way applies to all Tagaryan except Helena. Whatever the cost for their goals. You can see this in every scene with her maid and Rhaenyra is also willing to let thousands starve and kill for her throne. When Allicent's life was in grave danger and one of her bodyguards unhooked the hand of an attacker, she ordered to put away the swords despite being attacked.
The actor playing Alyn (Abubkar Salim) did a fantastic job with only a few moments dialogue. I felt his pain & internalized shame, envy for his 1/2 siblings, and drive to prove himself worthy. Corlys could have at least made sure his sons had enough to eat and a safe home to live in :( Something this series has done very well is to make complex characters, I felt badly for Criston Cole & Aegon IV FFS when I just wanted to despise them in peace. Making Helena a beacon of decency & fortitude wasn't anything I expected, but I am here for it! And finally I have to give a minor character MVP to Ser Simon Stong, the most poised, sharpest, and best dressed Castellan in Westeros
The Three Eyed Raven in Game of Thrones was Bloodraven. He was a Targaryen bastard from the riverlands. He won’t be born for about 50 years in House of The Dragon.
“'The book is the book, the film is the film,' they will tell you, as if they were saying something profound. Then they make the story their own. They never make it better, though (c) some fat old man
Wolves come from the north and lions from the west, the high tower shines from the south and a storm comes from the east, all with one destination in mind, for the War of paper and ink has come to an end and the war of fire and blood begins.
Wow, I've seen several reactions to this episode, both with ordinary channels and the hardcore bookfans. You are the first that have heard the wind whisper "traitor". I did not know it was there, but it is clear as day.
The point of aegons life being saved is kind of a last hope for the greens cause. Right now the blacks are up, and alicent basically gave her the throne. Even though battles will still be fought. Aegon is still a player even from afar.
Daemon doesnt become the three eyed raven, the dude in the vision Daemon has is Brynden Rivers (also called Bloodraven). He was a legendary targaryan bastard son whos story primarily happens during the blackfyre rebellions, which happens after the story of the house of the dragon. He eventually got sent to the wall by king Egg and later becomes the three eyed raven, which we also saw in GoT.
It was so great to finally see Brynden Rivers/Bloodraven/Three-eyed Raven with his signature raven-shaped birthmark. Even more suprising, I think that the voice whispering «Traitor» earlier, was him. Just like how Bran shouted after Ned in the GoT flashback, and Ned heard something. Also it’s crazy how Daemon was shown the future by his yet-to-be-born bastard great-grandson🤩
19:52 this is an Easter egg. So at harenhal there is something called the gods eye it’s a big lake with an island. It’s known to be home of a ton of wearwood trees and possibly some of the first children live there. The thing you see is called the green men they are essentially how bran sees his visions etc. so the fact we see him before Deamon has his visions is pretty awesome.
You were lately reacting to quite some Space and Sci-fi movies, One of the most popular Sci-fi / horror movies until this day, is of course the "Alien / Aliens" dilogy from Ridly Scott and James Cameron, Staring as main protagonist Sigourney Weaver. You certainly should check them out one day.
Daemon’s journey is significant because he was on the edge of tearing Team Black apart. His role is to achieve Rhaenyra’s reign & keep the prophecy going. The task hasn’t been easy & it will continue to be difficult. I understand viewers want to create more meaning to his existence with so many theories but sometimes it’s very simple. I think it’s a very good mirror of the human condition and what we want our own purposes to be.
I do not think the scenes, as others say, are meant to undermine Daemon’s role. His part is to serve her until the end and is very important. Daemon always thought he was meant for something bigger and he was just not the position he expected (being a rightful ruler over Westeros). I also think he was confused about what he really desired other than he knew he liked attention, power (or at least the appearance of power/domination) and to be needed which is an unfortunate trait.
HOTD or should I say 'The Rhaenyra Show' is pure fan fiction at this point and fan service to give modern audiences and former Daenerys fans a new badass warrior dragon queen. The show runner is constantly breaking the lore to push his own narrative, he thinks he can own the story and do better than the source material. Both Rhaenyra and Alicent are so different in the book, they are powerful women in a male dominatad world but no victims, they're willing participants in all the political scheming, that's how GRRM likes to write his characters, no one is blameless in his world, and Rhaenyra's character is as cruel as the rest of the players. And that's not the real Alicent, wtf, she would never betray her children for her 'bestie', in the book they hate each other, and she only stopped wearing green when she lost all her children. What we got in the book: "The city is yours, Princess. But you will not hold it long. The rats play when the cat is gone, but my son Aemond will return with fire and blood." - Queen Alicent Hightower to Rhaenyra Targaryen! What we got on the show: "Here my Queen let me bend my knee to you the rightful Queen, here is all our plans, so you can kill my entire family and my lover, did I tell you you're the best my Queen? You're the best. Take Aegon’s head I don’t care, anything for you my Queen. I will make sure Kings Landing bows to you and you can take Aegon's head, just let me and Helaena live. Wanna go for vacation btw? Team Black for the win." - Alicent to Rhaenyra in episode 8. Well, the actual point of the book's story is that thirst for power can tear entire families apart, while in the show it's more about feminism and the evil patriarchy, very popular themes these days. Martin has been subtly critisizing the writers, he found aspects of the adaptation quite problematic, like Blood&Cheece for instance, he also recently quoted: 'Ignore canon and the world you've created comes apart like tissue paper.' One thing is certain, the show is not even loosely based on the Fire&Blood book, and its unreliable narrators are far less biased than Condal the Rhaenyra simp. My expectations were low but holy f***.
George has hands on and direct influence on the show. More than he had on GoT. He’s a co-creator and producer so any changes to the source material he would be involved with.
@@Ledzgo504 Nope, they want us to believe that George is happy with their adaptation, that's not the case though, he probably can't criticize the show openly yet, but in recent interviews he has cast a shadow towards the show's writers.
Fire & Blood is a HISTORY book. About 10% of it is reliable, if even that. In the book Rhaenyra is Cersei with a dragon. Alicent is Cersei with a green dress. The Greens are straight-up bad guys with no redeemable qualities (except Helaena and Daeron, but Helaena is pretty much a non-character). In the show even the rapist got some humanity.
@@Aewon84 Crazy how a ‘history' book without POV characters is far more impactful and makes more sense than a dramatised TV series. Not to mention that the book's unreliable narrators are far less biased than Condal the Rhaenyra simp.
I love watching your reactions videos. True and genuine reactions and respect for the storyline. There’s so much hate going around for the season finale. People just want huge fights every episode.
Beautiful setup for season 3. You will now see all the negative reviews from people who were expecting a big payoff. We’re still building the story, folks. Breathe, enjoy the incredible storytelling.
According to GRRM there are SEVEN game of thrones shows in development. Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the one that is actively being shot so that will come out and the Dunk and Egg stories are quite fun which is what thats based on so unless HBO really messes it up it'll be good.
@@danielleeskeltonthe only benefit I can give hbo is that there’s not really room for interpretation with a knight of the seven kingdoms. They have a clear story that is written narratively and not from a persons perspective like fire and blood
@@phil8821 grrm said he wants to do more dunk and egg stories but for what’s out already book wise, that is what the show will be adapting. I don’t think it’ll be silly to assume they’re gonna shoehorn the white walkers and prophecy into it again though.
This finale left me feeling the same way as the S1 finale: "wow, next season is gonna be crazy!" but S2 wasn't crazy at all. Hard to be excited about this finale, there was so little action in this season it doesn't even feel like we're in a war.
Kind of funny that each time i see this video's title my brain autocorrects it as "IS IT WAR ?". My subconscious seems to have a grand time with HBO's budget cuts.
The music themes at the en of all houses - Stark and Lanister - Rains of Castemire, agh i love Ramin, I hope he does the music of the new Game of thrones show as well
Which doesn't make sense because the "Rains of Castamere" was a song written in universe about when Lord Tywin eradicated House Reyne of Castamere - over a century after the events of HOTD
Did you see Tessarion at the end? It's such a beautiful dragon! Rhena's dragon is Sheapstealer, in the books another girl - Nettles is bonded with him.
1:20 Actually now we have another series in between coming early 2025 which is a knight of the seven kingdoms from another book from the same world talking about adventures of Sir Duncan the Tall (the lord commander of kingsguard) and his squire egg (Aegon Targaryen) edit: HBO dropped few seconds teaser already showing the actors check it it out or maybe react to the video showing all great HBO coming shows like the last of us
Glad you enjoyed the episode! I liked it a lot too, although the ending left me wanting, it was pretty anticlimactic. I would have loved just one more episode, this season felt it was cut short. Regardless, I will be sat for season 3 lol.
The wait for more Westeros isn’t that bad, Dunk and Egg early/mid next year and HotD is already well ahead for season three as opposed to the wait between se1 to se2, so…
HOTD season 3 was going to be 2 yrs between seasons anyway just like the last 2 seasons of game of thrones was its heavy CGI it takes alot of post production with dragons
@@ramoncarter3121 yeah probably likely, heard different reports… CGI luckily has improved since GoT too. Still, it’s the whole WB Disc takeover of HBO which has thwarted shows like this… it should be a cash cow to them, but treat viewers/fans like this will be its downfall… do they have such short memories of how poorly handled the ending of GoT was??
I’m so happy you two have come around on alicent. To me she had one of the best character arcs of the season, and the scene at the end w/ rhaenyra and alicent was amazing.
Man if I was the lord of Harrenhal and had the coin and man power. I’d plan to bring down 1 or 2 of those massive towers and build large walls around the the main house. Each wall on the different levels down the hill/mountain the castle is on
If you were Lord of Harrenhal you'd be dead...like every other Lord of Harrenhal. Without exception everyone given the Lordship of Harrenhal has met a horrible end soon after - House Strong, House Lothsden, Lord Janos Slynt, Lord Petyr Baelish etc. It truly is cursed and haunted.
They wanted to do 10 episodes, 9 was about to be the battle and 10 was the aftermath but they didn't have enough money unfortunately. But now we will have A knight of the 7 kingdoms to watch in it's place!
The fact that you guys completely forgot Aegon’s son was murdered in his bed. Luke is not the only victim. You can’t just expect everyone to be okay with that. Also, you’ll be surprised how Aegon’s arc and Rhaenyra’s arc progresses in the next seasons, it’s quite exciting.
Well Aegon also usurped Rhaenyra’s throne and started the war in doing so which resulted in Luke being killed. Rhaenyra did not order to Aegon’s son to be killed. That’s why she said a son for a son, not a son for a grandson. But that’s not even the technicality here.
@@dommy5356 and Aegon didn’t even want to be king. Obviously Rhaenyra would have to kill him, my problem is the writing of it as if it’s a “son for a son” and Alicent sacrificing her son. The fact that Alicent hasn’t even mentioned her grandson murder is telling. It completely ruined her character and also Rhaenyra’s character as well, because now her victory is just a surrender from Alicent.
@@SpartanandPudgey But you said we're still "waiting for that payment?" It's quite dark and evil coming from Rhaenyra, she effectively demands Alicent condemns her own son to death, after already losing a grandson over it. And it's not even the son who killed Luke whose head she demands. All the pain she herself felt over Luke, she is now forcing on Alicent without any good reason.
Criston sucks so bad, but yeah, these last few episodes have had me start to really respect him as a character. His PTSD from the battle is really fascinating to see unfold
Season 1: We're ready for war. Season 2: We're Ready for War. Season 3: We're Ready for War. Season 4: we're ready for war. Final season 5: 5 minutes of war in the last episode.
There was 2 major battles this season (Burning Mill and Rhaenys') the war already started. This is build up to a bigger portion of the conflict. Maybe get off your phone and pay attention?
@@suddenimpulse030 to be fair, the battle of the burning mill wasn't shown, just it's aftermath. I get that they had budget restrictions but all this build up for just a montage of armys marching is a bit dissapointing tbh.
Even when this wasn’t a home run finale for me, I think I liked it more than most. Season 1 to me was about establishing the characters and the history that led to the war. Season 2 was about setting the pieces on the board for each side. And Season 3 should be the actual war. I assume at least part of S4 will be the aftermath. Our watch begins for S3 but at least we have the other spin off show next year.
Spartan I really like your perspective on this episode. I was originally pretty disappointed with this as a finale. But I think if they had no choice but to end it as an epic setup for the following season, it is pretty well done. Another great reaction from you both! Also, Realm’s Delight was Rhaenyra’s nickname in her youth. They only mention it once I think, every reaction I’ve watched so far no one remembered that 😂
About how Ulf and Hugh are related to the royal family: I think what Ulf said is that his father was bastard son of Prince Baelon (Viserys's father), whereas what Hugh tells about his mother suggests that she was Princess Saera (Viserys's aunt). So Ulf would be Viserys's nephew, and Hugh would be Viserys's cousin.
"misarya is like a replacement for alicent in rhaenyra's life" when you realise alicent is also attracted to rhaenyra as more than friends since they were teens you won't find the misarya and rhaenyra kiss scene out of place
@@realABN it might not be explicitly written but the creators have commented on the subtle way they wrote it in the script, both the young and adult actors for rhaenyra and alicent have said they played it that way too so not misinformation at all
Otto was taken by the Beesberry family. he was the old guy that Cole killed by slamming his head on the table. They went to war with the Hightowers since he died in the small counsel.
They wrote scripts for 2 more episodes for the season but were told late to cut the season down to 8. But then the writer's strike happened and then had to go into production without rewrites, which meant the season have to be cut without a finale! There were suppose to be a big battle (not sure if in the riverlands or the sea battle in the Gullet) and seeing what happens with Team Black moving in to take King's Landing.
10:00 Do you remember that Rhaenyra's original nickname as a child was "The Realm's Delight"? 33:42 it reminded me of the season 6 and 7 finales of GoT with the key players lining their pieces on the board before the battles begin. 47:03 My theory is that Larys has people holding Otto to keep him out of the strategy since he's such a big player.
King’s Landing? Hugh’s wife is there. He should demand that they at least smuggle his wife out of there before they send him to burn it. Ulf might not care. Also, that enormous feast is set before Ulf and Hugh and it’s a reminder that the royals are never hungry no matter what happens to the small folk. I don’t know the source material but I feel like Hugh is the one who will be dangerous to both sides.
Haha you blacks are pathetic, Aegon will break his legs in a dragon fight against the blacks and he will have to sit on a wooden throne down the Iron throne after that.
People nowadays just want action instead of storybuilding and it's funny cause it's the same people that complain about s7 and s8 of GoT having no story/character building. Lots of things happened this episode, all the pieces have come together.
