I just realized that with Laenor being alive, Rhaenyra didn't marry Daemon as a widow, she actually took a second husband. Just like Aegon the Conqueror, Rhaenyra has married twice: once for duty, and once for love.

I found it interesting that when Rhaenyra tells Jace and Luke to go to bed they start to protest like all children do but they listen and go to bed without her having to check on them. You can tell Otto notices that interaction and shortly after is when he grabs Aegon who's passed out drunk on the floor and drags him off to bed.

the character shift of Aemond pre and post vhagar was wild. The whole time i was thinking he's very chill and smart. After the flight, he was high on the fire and blood.

Daemon's laugh was well placed during the funeral. He was laughing at the Uncle's obvious shade towards the current heirs of the Iron Throne. The uncle kept stating how pure and thick Velaryon blood was and how Lenora left two true blood daughters.

Otto talking to Alicent was like: "and now your journey to the dark side is complete..."

"hand turns loom; spool of green; spool of black; dragons of flesh weaving dragons of thread" -Helaena Targaryen

Laenor and Qarl partying it up in Mykonos 🥳 ... while his bereft parents are devastated.

Laenor's conversation with Rahenyra after the Aemond incident actually made me tear up a little bit. Laenor sounded so distraught and defeated when he said he wished the gods hadn't made him the way he was, and Rhaenyra was so quick to reassure him that _she_ didn't. She's has stressed again and again that even when they have their differences she's never judged him or resented him for being gay, and that's honestly so gratifying to hear. I just love the route they've gone with for their partnership. They clearly love each other even if they aren't _in love_ with each other. And twist at the end of the episode was perhaps a more optimistic take that what I'd come to expect after watching GoT, but it was _very_ welcome. Specially after all the death we've already seen and all the death we know is coming.

Something I liked that earlier there was a scene where Aemond looked sad and like he wanted to console Jace over his dad dying, only to walk away since he didn’t know how to bring it up. Similarily before Rhaenyra came to console her grandaughters Jace was holding Baelas hand as well to console one another.

Harrold Westerling knows what Criston is. I caught that side eye he gave him when Alicent asked Criston to take Luc's eye!

Rhaenys is such a tragic character. She was passed over the crown, she's ridiculed as the Queen who never was. Her own husband uses her being passed over as a pretext to further his own ambition. His daughter is dead and she thinks her son is dead too. Plus she saw her "son's" charred body. And for those who have read Fire and Blood know what happens to her. She could have fled from the Rook' Rest as Meleys is the fastest dragon but she stood her ground like a brave targaryen. Not enough credit given to her. And on a separate note, Daemon has a hood specially for committing crimes haha

I love how Rhaenyras and Daemons wedding at the end was vastly different to the “Westerosy” weddings. More ancient and barbaric with simple clothes, painted with blood, cutting and “Mixing” their blood and drinking it at the end. Ignoring the customs of the faith. A true marriage between dragons.

I teared up during Aemond's claiming of Vhagar. No matter the "grey" of the characters, it was amazing seeing that little boy with such joy and empowerment and the music put me over the edge by the end of the scene. I can see why they didn't show Laena claiming her now (I guess 🙄😒)

i absolutely adore jacerys and lucerys, you can tell the young actors are really creating personalities for their characters. jacerys is more calm and respectful like a good “first born” where lucerys is a little more hot headed and protective

Little theory here: Leanor will die with his lover in battle. Since Leanor said last episode that going to war again is what he would be excited about he may become a sellsword after a while. And if he really dies in battle than both he and his sister Laena die the death they wanted. It would be bittersweet and Seasmoke would be free for grabbing again

Aegon in the window was showing Kings Landing the Real Pink Dread

Aemond is already incredibly smart because to diffuse the situation he reminded everyone that he now has THE dragon. He basically said, "Mother it's ok, an eye is a fair trade for a..." *stares down everyone else* ...nuclear fucking warhead that I can point to wherever I goddamn please from now on." That, and I really admire that he wanted the impossible and achieved it through sheer guts and determination. Imagine being ten, leaving the castle, wander in the pitch of night through howling winds to tame basically Godzilla.

The moment we’re aemond blamed aegon and aegon goes ,me? That was prolly the most I’ve ever related to a GRRM character just gave me flash backs to when my brother used to blame anything and everything on me lmao

I like that they clarified that it was only after Rhaenyra and Laenor actually tried to make an heir a few times with no success that they agreed to resort to other methods.

Every time Rhaenyra says ” people are questioning my son’s parentage, thats treason!” I just laugh. Like girl

“Exhausting wasn’t it? Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness”

That fight with the kids was so tense, oh my gosh. Very well done!!!

I wonder if there's a certain distance you can put between a dragon and its rider where the dragon can no longer feel the bond? That might explain why Seasmoke may eventually think Laenor's dead. Otherwise I'm imagining Laenor and Qarl partying in Essos and Seasmoke shows up like, "Dad, you've been gonna a long time! What are we doing over here??"

"I go to sleep, *Aemma* " 😁😁

at first my heart dropped when laenor talked about not liking who he was bc i thought the writers were gonna be weird but then rhaenyra comforting him made me tear up, an ally 😂❤

Also, did y'all catch the way Otto described his grandson?: "that rogue Aemond" 👀

I like to think Laenor isn't going to come back. He's just off reading the Pentos Times, sipping wine, reading about all the insane updates on what's going down in Westros thinking 'thank god I left _that_ mess'

At the end Otto said, “you’re doing amazing sweetie!” 😂

I understand why they shoved all this in one episode, but I wish they'd given a bit of clue about how much time had passed between all these events. It was still quick in the book, like 6 months, but this made it seem like one hell of an action-packed long weekend on Driftmark!

Nanny Vhagar snores! 🤗 I was surprised to hear everyone talking about how dark it was because when I watched it last night on the big screen TV, in the dark, I thought it was a little too bright to be nighttime. I pulled it up this morning on my smaller TV in the bedroom and, yeah, it's dark. So maybe the difference is watching it with the lights out? Or maybe the brightness on the living room TV is still set to "Battle of Winterfell"? 🤣

I thought cole said “as your protector I can’t” or something. Because he definitely wasn’t goin for it at first

I like that almost any variation from the books can just be explained by the book being a slightly inaccurate or incomplete historical account.

I loved the scene with Aemond claiming Vhagar. The bullying scene is different than the book but in the end it accomplishes what it needs to. TV show version optics wise looks better for Aemond IMO.

I loved the way Rhynese softly went OFF on Corylis. She has listened to him lie to himself, and pretend he was righting a wrong, but he was just POWER HUNGRY. And I loved the way Rynyra and Leanor sat down and had a real talk. They tried. And they both know that they could have done better. But, its time for Rynyra to step up, face it all and she is. I loved the Leanor gets the life he wants. It was a really great exit for him. The walk on the beach was beautiful, The moon light on their silver hair and their skin practically glowed. Daemon kisses, her face. It was a really well done scene. But the scene with Alicent, Rybnyra... the things Alicent was saying. The rage, in her eyes. This is just ART. Spectacular performances. Larys is SO CREEPY! It kind of feels like he is stalking the Queen. I think he might be in twisted love with her.

Buddy really just peaced out on everybody. My question is what happens to Seasmoke, does he just chill out for the next 40+ years staring across the sea. Poor Rhaenys and Corlys can't catch a break.

Rhaenyra and Daemon really said “Hey let’s hook up” five minutes after his wife’s funeral

Shootout to most wholesome relationship on the show so far, Laenor and Carl lol. Also to Daemon’s murderhoodie making a comeback. Loved the new Haelena prophecy, Aemond claiming Vhagar, losing his eye, the Alicent meltdown, Rhaenys calling our Corlys, R&D’s blood wedding. Felt like too much for an episode but so many great scenes.

The problem with the darkness in this episode was that they went for filming at day and turning the exposure down in post. It’s cheaper and quicker than lighting a scene at night properly but it always looks indistinct.

Aemond was pretty badass the entire episode

I'm only 7 mins into watching so this may have been covered later on but just in case, here's an explanation of the dragon commands. I know them from the Dracarys app, and from learning High Valyrian on Duolingo lol Lykiri - calm or calm down Dohaeris - in this context it means obey rather than serve Soves - Fly

Did you notice that Viserys accidentally called Alicent “Aemma” as he left the funeral to go to bed? She was stunned!

At about 26min into this video it’s talked about that during the main confrontation, Cole agrees to “take an eye” at Alycent’s command. What I see is Cole replying “as your protector” when she claims that he should obey her because he is “sworn to her”. So that seemed like a respectful decline of her instruction. He did then run to head off Daemon when he came forward, and we can see the guards grabbing Cole to release Daemon. So, that’s how I saw that unfolding.

Love how the season is going! I still feel like I'm not actually on either side; I can see why both Rhaenyra and Allicent are making the choices they're making, and I think that's the mark of realy well written characters.

Heroes of the Week: musicians. The slowed-down theme while Rhaenyra paced at the funeral the way she paced at Daemon’s homecoming reception years ago gave me goosebumps. (Shoutout to Emma for mimicking Milly’s body language so well.) Villain of the Week: Minty’s wicked wit! Her crack about Aegon reigning over King’s Landing had me snorting chai.

Aemond with that brand new biggest dragon energy

Regarding Larys.. it seems like chaos is his happy place. I’m not even convinced he’s looking to move up there in position “the ladder”.. it seems like he just enjoys flicking the dominos to sit back and be fascinated by their falling pattern

You do see a glimpse of Sunfyre right at the beginning after Leanas Coffin is dropped into the ocean. He is very much gold you can see it very clearly.

AS each episode goes by, it becomes more clear just how terrible of a king Viserys is. Him naming Otto Hightower the hand again is really the exclamation point on that statement.

Laenor literally sailing away from everything reminded me of what he told Rhaenyra, "The wise sailor flees the storm as it gathers." I wonder if we will see if he comes back to help during the dance of the dragons. Also, Lena's valarian death was by fire, but she was buried at sea, just like her parents were.

Seems like a bonded dragon would be able to feel their rider's death, but you have to imagine that at some point they are open to a new bond if that relationship is not maintained. Seasmoke could know that Laenor isn't dead but go along with another rider anyways since he doesn't come by anymore.

It wouldn’t have made sense if Daemon had Laenor killed they are related and served in war and they were supported each other and it would have really made him out to be a straight treacherous villain instead of just morally gray character

So from a story telling /writing perspective, since they saved Laenor I could actually see him merging into the character of Addam of Hull. I know the age is wrong, but since there is already some debate about Addam's parentage being the bastard son of Laeonor, it would be poetic if he takes Daemon's advice (across the narrow sea a name doesn't matter) and makes Addam of Hull his new identity. When the war breaks out he feels compelled to come back home. You could also fit in Alyn, having him still be a bastard of either Laenor or Corlys ( That perhaps Laenor knew about) and having them show up in Dragonstone together. His resemblance to the then decade's long dead Laenor just be used as evidence of his parentage, and those closest to him would likely be happy to keep the secret. This could also still play into Corlys wanting to make him legitimate yet again. It would be a departure from the books, but much like GoT combined some characters for the sake of story telling, combined with the Seasmoke rider angle...and I could see this as a similar way the writers of HoTD could bring Laenor back into the show without it fully invalidating the Fire and Blood story.

Did anyone else notice (on re-watch) when Viserys and Daemon were talking how in response to Viserys, Daemon almost said ''I need... Rhaenyra''. Instead, he said ''I need... nothing'' but if you watch closely, you can see Matt Smith mouthing the beginning of Rhaenyra's name.

I gotta say, as well: that opening funeral scene was beautiful. Stunning. Whole episode, but wow.

Good point about the afterbirth! I think the only show I've ever seen do something with that other than HotD is the show Versailles, an early season 1 episode features the daughter of the king's physician saving the queen from dying by removing the afterbirth. It wins her the trust of the king and the ability to practice medicine in a time when otherwise she would have been restricted.

Aemon: “I came to bring the pain, me and VHAGAR are on an astral plane, hardcore to the brain, Westeros Side, Death Row, The Greens on the rise.”

this was probably the best episode so far, we got dragon bonding, tension filled political issues, and the clear lines being split

22:41….”there’s no answer to that” I’ve been racking my brain about this very thing, I’m a dummy in the middle of show and book knowledge but that very question as to if seasmoke can even bond with anyone else has me excited to see what’s done with that! Thank you again for your lightbringing

This is one of those situations where it really works that Corlys is black in the show. When Aegon goes "look at them" and they show him next to Rhaenyra's kids, it puts everything on full display. That scene wouldn't have had as much impact if Corlys just looked like another Targaryen.

only just caught up with this and am so happy some of my favourite youtubers are collaborating! And providing awesome content and great references, points of view etc nice one :D Looking forward to Custome Co and the talk on the armour and weaponry in HotD!

There has been a moment in each episode that has made me just explode with chills and get emotional. This episode it was the moment Vhagar leveled out about the water with Aemond on her, and the Targaryen “ hmmm hmmmmmmm” music kicked in. Just beautiful, Mystical, sad..loved it.

I also think Aemond wanted to get back at Aegon for the pig thing, that's why he namedropped him.

I think Aegon is not that bad. He is stupid yes,but not evil or mean to the other children like Aemond. Also Alicent blamed him for not protecting Aemond then later Aemond blamed him for the rumors lol

Cole wasn’t gonna take the eye he said “for your protection” as if to say “only” for your protection. Aka not to do your dirty work (at least in public)

Also Aemond seems very much a mommas boy haha kind of explains his loyalty to greens since he doesnt like Aegon that much

When Rhaenerya and Alicent have their fight I noticed 2 things. First, when Rhaenerya looked at the knife she appeared to be nervous/scared, but then the fire roared in the background and her facial expression and even her posture completely changed as if the fire reminded her or empowered her in that moment to remember who she was…the blood of the dragon, fire made flesh. Second, I also interpreted her glance at the knife as being the first step into her idea of goading Alicent during the fight. The things she said about Alicent hiding her true nature…implying to everyone that Alicent was cra cra and then quietly telling Alicent “now they see you as you are” she was counting on Alicent taking that as such an insult to make Alicent actually stab her with the knife to make everyone see and think that Alicent was unbalanced and therefore making Rhaenerya’s claim to the throne even stronger. I even noticed that Rhaenerya repositioned Alicent’s hand so that when Rhaenerya pushed Alicent away she would actually draw blood to make everyone see that Alicent was mad. This whole scene had many layers to it imo. Remembering the power of the fire that rages within herself and strategically manipulating Alicent to appear mad for trying to attack young children.

David I just recently discovered your YT channel and now I am binge watching! When I heard you say Dark is the best TV series ever YES!!! Thank you! You have some taste (you both!) 😄

Yeah the Hightower father-daughter family moment was well done, as unlikable as they are.

Thank you for this wonderful stream, David and crew! I really appreciate these and it's lovely to have folks to talk about it with!

when aemonds eye got cut i was like "oh shit it's an odin!!" bc of your videos; came here immediately after the episode. and what an ep it was! so glad to be back in that good good Westerosi drama. cheers!

Two dragons congress on the beach of Driftmark, while another loses an eye to claim a dragon, all just before dawn breaks. Is the symbol on the marriage priest's chest of dragons emerging from a god's eye?

What are our bets on whether or not they told Laenor's parents? Yes, no, both, just Rhaenys? I can't imagine Corlys and Rhaenys still fighting for Rhaenyra if they think she could have had a hand in killing their son, but they did in the book. 🤷‍♀️ Then again, I can't imagine the cruelty of letting them live with the pain of thinking Laenor died if he didn't. It's hard to believe Rhaenyra would let a mother think that and I just don't see Laenor being the kind of guy who would do that. Then again again, can we imagine Rhaenys and Corlys-- particularly Corlys-- being ok with this??

The threads are those of black and green, that weave a war yet to be seen. 😂❤️

Caraxes has the same rope netting around him in episode 1, as was used to climb on Nanny V. I thought I'd seen it before so had a rewatch.

Awesome livestream David, glad to hear you talk about the characters

Aemond did nothing wrong in my view, he claimed a riderless dragon, he was right that Laenas daughter should have claimed her if she wanted her. He was attacked first and jumped, he was defending himself... but the deed was done, Vhagar was claimed.. they were salty.

I really appreciated Alicent's outburst. How she did everything right, followed all the rules, and did her duty, just to see her best friend still surpass her while flaunting all of those things.

I figured Aegon window whacked bc he’s a dragon rider and heights get him off. Also, a spool is a type of wheel. The hand turns to school could be the same as the hand that turns the wheel.

Almost as excited for this podcast as I am for HOTD. Totally look forward to David's breakdown after the episode - thanks!

The amount of times I've rewatched the start of this when David is on his "dealing out the pain" to "bad form" LOLs ---- so funny!

I'm completely fascinated by how every new episode tops the one before! Awesome stuff!

It’s better to live your life unencombered. This line was said after Larys monologued about love and children; I think he’s just a compelete psychopath. He’s basically Joffrey, but in little fingers postion. Also how eager he is to take out an eye; Lary’s will switch sides I bet when there is no longer enough conflict.

Great to see Heidi and Tony!

Love your videos, thanks for keeping me sane during the 7 days wait for a new episode, btw in the new ep 8 promo pics did you notice that Halaena is wearing a gown that is more golden in colour with a little tint of green, which is almost identical to the dresses young Rhaenyra used to wear, but its not green like her mother and brothers are wearing.

I find it funny that Haelena de Dreamer is from the Green side. Dragon dreams are not the same as greensight, but I love the kinda parallel/reference.

Couple of historical precedents that I think GRRM might have been thinking of when creating this situation: Rhaenyra vs Alicent's kids is a bit like Elizabeth I vs Mary Queen Of Scots. Elizabeth didn't _want_ to execute Mary and put it off for years, but after plot followed by plot followed by plot to put her on the throne, she eventually realised that it was never going to stop as long as Mary was alive, so she reluctantly did it. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I#Mary,_Queen_of_Scots Alicent vs Larys re Lionel & Harwin Strong is a bit like Henry II vs Thomas Becket. Becket was the unco-operative Archbishop of Canterbury, and in a fit of frustration Henry said something along the lines of, "who will rid me of this turbulent priest?" (the exact words are disputed but the sentiment was the same). Whether this was just a rhetorical flourish or not, it was taken as a nod-and-a-wink royal command by four of Henry's knights, who promptly went and murdered Becket _in the cathedral_ . At worst, Henry could 'plausibly deny' that he gave them the order, and at best he might genuinely not have meant it, although he didn't do very much to punish them either. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Becket#Assassination (edited to make it clear it was Henry II who said this, not Henry the Young King)

So we got another children standing trial before the King scene ala Joffrey, Arya, and Sansa before Robert. A lot of people disliked Cersei after that scene for her bloodlust/unfair punishment demands. Alicent's behavior makes Cersei look cool, calm, and collected. I also love the contrast between the scenes when Alicent attacks Rhaenyra and when Harwin attacks Criston. Each offender receives a visit from their at the time, Hand of The King father. Lyonel Strong chastises Harwin for losing his temper, dishonoring the family, and feels the need for them to leave the capital. When Otto arrives in Alicents room, he praises her feistiness and is happy to see her absolute devotion to "the cause". He instructs her how to act around Viserys to manipulate her way out of this, what angles to play, and that they'll "win" in the end. In conclusion, Hightowers suck.

Lovely episode. I was struggling to understand Daemon's mindset in the first half of the episode. his motivations and emotions seemed cloudy.

Great stream as always. Shame we lost Tony there, he’s awesome. I’ve followed Heidi’s channel- looks really interesting. X

Great job as always my friend

I think Damon giggled when he looked at Rhaenyra kids and realize none of them were Leanor’s kids, that what I got from the scene.

Yessss theatre background im geeking over y’all discussing Greek names so cute

I don't know if it's just my assessment, but Daemon doesn't really come off as a caring father. Your daughters just got beat up, and you chilling on the wall smirking and nonchalant.

Just saw your stream, and you mentioned dark. Definitely top 3 of all time shows for me...

I was actually shocked by the fight scene between the kids. My God, they are not holding back, so visceral and the choreography was far better than anything seen in seven hours of Rings of Power haha. Had to rewatch the last five minutes to see how clever the writing was in the escape of Laenor. They give you everything you need to figure out they didn't kill him, but it's done so subtly that it remains ambiguous right up until the reveal. Terrific writing, terrific episode.

That was absolutely epic!!!!

i luv how the show is showing Alicents legitimate grievances. Who wouldnt wanna beat the crap outta the kids that blinded your son. and this episode made Aemond look badass. ... and Aegon, dafuq, did Otto freakin kicked him, the prince!? His grandson? and no one gave an F, lol. I hope Aegon remembers and have Ottos leg cut off.

I somehow missed is was laenor on the boat until the directors cut and was so happy! It did almost seem like Aemond was hesitantly trying to be the man his mother wants Aegon to be after riding Vhagar with his new found strength.

Heidi was lovely! Thank you for introducing her to us.

I loved this episode. Such a rollercoaster of emotions. Actually applauded out loud at the end. However, coming to it after watching Top Gun: Maverick, my first thought during Aemond’s first ride on Vhagar was “Bird-strike”. I call it Rhaenyra’s “investiture” outfit - she’s invested with the title of Heir, similar to how King Charles was invested as Prince of Wales years ago. Also…Aemond antagonised four children…which is a shame, because there was a glimmer earlier on in the episode when it looked like Aemond wanted to say something sympathetic to Jaecerys but caught himself (likely thinking of what his mother would say about him being kind to the ‘bastards’).