notice how during most of the episodes we barely get dragon spectacle and the creators are still able to keep us glued to our screens. Some people were worried house of the dragon might rely on dragon spectacle too much , im glad the writing is able to keep people invested which is the most important thing

I feel the scene in the brothel with Daemon and Rhaenyra was much more about Rhaenyra experiencing many new emotions of freedom and Daemon teaching her to listen more to her desires as well as making a play for the throne, thus resulting in her wanting to bone her uncle who taught her to take what she wants, rather than her being drunk. I think the wine was much less of a factor, and Rhaenyra's exploits with Criston was a result of her learning from her uncle that as a Targaryen she can just abuse her power and take what she wants. I feel bad for Criston Cole though, he got used by Rhaenyra when he was shown to be unwilling at first to break his vows.

Viserys and Daemon's interactions are gold

That was one of the weirdest parts of the later seasons: throne rooms or military councils were just...empty, except for the main cast. On a show claiming to be the biggest budgeted TV show ever, with large scale battles - what, they couldn't afford extras for council scenes? I mean not even speaking roles; at least at the Winterfell council scenes (like when Littlefinger is executed) there's like...a hall full of people. With no speaking lines. But the crowds of courtiers at the red keep just drifted away by later seasons and it felt bizarre. Particularly forced with Daenerys, who in the books has an entire secondary cast of characters following her...so utterly contrived, for them to say "Daenerys feels alone without Jorah or Missandei, and Jon Snow leaving is the last straw that makes her snap"...when she has HOW MANY other friends she made along the way, in the books, who are among her advisors now? And what disgusts me more is that people BOUGHT IT; if you've ever seen people regurgitating online "well, Daenerys was alone, of course she snapped" - and they're just...parroting the Inside the Episodes, verbatim. YES, that was what was so great about the royal hunt; in the tents, seeing noblewomen from OTHER Houses, some have speaking lines but there are many more just as extras, showing that this is a bigger world with other houses in it. Or this episode, the line of suitors for Rhaenyra. How the hell did Season 8 have "the biggest scale ever" yet bizarrely empty royal courtrooms? Perhaps...because they thought it would distract focus from the faces of the main cast members?

One motivation you overlooked is the Targaryan sense of superiority. Rhaenyra tells Damon that she doesn't care about whether the common people support her. So while she's obviously riding an emotional high being out with Damon, and she's drunk and read to go, the biggest reason she's willing to have sex in public is because, as a Targaryan, she's headstrong and doesn't even _think about_ the other people who could be watching her and Damon together (for example, when she steals and runs away from the merchant - King's Landing and the smallfolk are a game to Rhaenyra. So obviously she wouldn't think about the consequences of being seen with Damon

1. Paddy Considine is KILLING THIS ROLE 2. Rhaenyra isn't drunk, I think that's the point. She's an 18-year-old using her agency to choose to be rebellious - she's being naive and overly trusting, but I think what makes her great as a character (and the scenes overall work well) is that she *wants* these things to happen. She *is* being herself, and I like that she's a very imperfect but relatable lead.

Daemon is not only a sociopathic badass character, he's also a political player. Makes every scene his character is in so much more exciting.

I think you're underestimating Rhaenyra's desire for Daemon. They're very similar to each other and Daemon also symbolically represents what Rhaenyra desires which is the freedom to do as she pleases, customs and rules be damned. It's telling that during their encounter Rhaenyra is more into it than Daemon (which is likely what causes him to feel guilty and stop).

I’ve never been a fan of the Hightowers’, but Otto’s expression when Viserys reclaimed the Hand’s pendant was heart breaking. The show portrays Alicent a lot better than I thought they would as well.

After watching the first 4 episodes of this show, I have even more hatred towards David & Dan for not letting different shoe runners finish the series. We were truly robbed man.

Few things: Alicent looks so uncomfortable simply in the Queen's Clothing. Compared to the first episode, and the blue dress she keeps wearing, she looks uncomfortable unhappy and out of place. On Princess Raynera being Drunk, there was dialogue that mentioned how often they drank/how many places they visted and how drunk she was. And by seeing how hungover Daemon was emphasizes that. I don't get why it's such a big deal for Raynera to be with Daemon aside from it being public. When the solution from the King is to marry her Cousin, lol.

All of Rhaenrya's previous hairstyles have been so elaborate, but when she's literally in a hurry after being called to see Alicent, she just wears a simple braid. Haha love these small deets.

I'm gonna say it. Rhys is up there with Charles Dance in terms of their performance of similarly powerful and intelligent characters. Otto being the more intelligent/tame version of Tywin. Not comparing them directly though, I'm just pointing out how they give SO MUCH importance and awesomeness to the shows. Rhys is INCREDIBLE.

I saw it rather as Rhaenyra being drunk on the experience than her acutally being drunk. Plus I think she still vastly underestimates how crucial the pubilc perception is to her position.

I felt like in that moment in his chambers, Otto was legit thinking to himself what the fuck he should do with that info, he most likely didnt get much or if any sleep that night. He himself is a father and to tell another what their daughter did must have hit him somwhere. Even if it was a move to smear rhaenyra in the end it still probably made him BEYOND uncomfortable.

The best episode so far and I‘m glad to finally have found out which rumors from the book turned out to be true. Always hoped for a romance between Rhaenyra and Criston so to me this episode‘s twist was brilliant 🔥❤️

One thing you didn't mention is the tea at the end. To me it's Viserys trying to figure out once and for all if his daughter lied to him. She says nothing happened so she should have no reason to drink it, so if she does he'll know something happened. Well he'll assume it was with Daemon so he wouldn't know the truth but still, he'd know she lied.

I just wanted to say that as a 19 year old who's recently gained independence from parents and lives alone in a different city Rhaenyra's actions felt totally relatable and not surprising at all. The sense of newly found freedom, going out at night and doing wild (and stupid) things is absolutely intoxicating. Loved this episode, it was my favourite so far, the writing, cinematography and especially acting have been stellar.

For those who doesn’t know about the Blackwood family, I’ll just say that that boy is such a badass that by the end of the war he will be known as “bloody Ben”.

The thing about Otto is that we don't see what the kid told him and Otto may have been lying to the king. Although they did make out, Rhaenyra did not have sex with Daemon. The way Otto put it to the king makes it sound like they actually slept to together. You seemed to interpret this as Otto 'doing his duty,' but it may have been Otto playing the game by making it sound like they had sex when he knew it wasn't true. It's telling that we don't see what the kid tells Otto here and we never saw what Daemon said in the brothel regarding the 'prince for a day' comment. Daemon may not have said that mockingly and he certainly didn't sleep with Rhaenyra - so what Otto's been telling the king could have elements of truth but be distorted just enough in order to benefit Otto's position at court.

I think Rhaenyra made that mistake with Daemon because she is 18 and this was the first time she actually had a taste of freedom, it was intoxicating, I don't think she cared in that moment and had no idea what to do. She never really has been put in situations like this before, so once she was in a situation like this, she lost all discernment and just wanted to do what made her feel good. I think it made sense personally.

I loved Ser Criston. I thought there was potential there from episode one but thought she might’ve been too young for him, glad I was wrong. I enjoyed his hesitation of going against his vows (much like Ned, Jon and Jaime) but once the armour was off, he gave in into his passions. I thought it was relevant and a subtle way to develop his character. Rhaenyra has great taste lol On another note, I’m so frightened of Otto Hightower. He’s so subtle and low-key, if I were queen I think I’d be more inclined to listen to him than not just cause every time he speaks I’m like “yeah that makes sense” and it’s until later that I’m like “wait…”. Great acting!! Calling the Hightowers the new Lannisters is so wrong, they stand on their own

I don't think it is "revealed" that Daemon was making a play for the throne. That is Viserys' point of view and I think it is left ambiguous. He could have consumated the act, she was pretty into it, but he left in anger. Maybe because he thought he was doing something wrong, after all, he ends up drinking himself into a blackout after leaving her. In the end it is up to interpretation really.

I can't wait for the "Daemon Targaryen being a badass for X minutes straight" videos, hopefully these episodes are just the tip of the iceberg.

Shawty caught 2 bodies in one night and one was her uncle What in the Targeryan

I have a feeling in Episode 5 we will see what caused the eventual rift between Cole and Rhaenyra we could possibly even see the scene as described by Mushroom in the Fire and Blood book where he asks her to run away with him to the free cities and she rejects him.

The Blackwood Bracken rivalry was so nice to see on screen. Would love to see Bloodraven vs Bittersteel one day.

Totally agree with you on how the world feels lived in. One thing that was really missing post Season 6. Everything felt empty. Realistically there should have been thousands of people at the dragon pit.

I am so obsessed with this show and Millys and Matts chemistry is driving me insane. Watched GoT since 2012 and have to say I am not at all disappointed with the start of HotD

To me, Rhaenyra's decision was completely believable. She's a royal, I'm assuming she's had alcohol during feasts and other occasions before so her decision wasn't due to being drunk. She was intoxicated on the freedom she never got to taste. From the moment she ventures into the city, she's completely mesmerized by it and we see her get more and more reckless as the episode progresses. Especially after she feels spurned by the common folks reaction to her in the play. She also grew up to think of s*x as something clinical and only done for the purpose of making a baby (part of why she's so resistant to marriage) and seeing people actually enjoy the act changed her perception and made her want to try it too. Also, her and Daemon's attraction was made pretty clear from Ep1 so when the situation arised, she went for it.

yessss I'm SO glad you talked about the contrast between Rhaenyra and Alicent!! I've made reaction videos to all of the episodes and one thing that keeps coming up for me personally is how impactful their relationship is. There is so much contrast there, right from their first scene together when Alicent greets Rhaenyra when she hops off Syrax in Ep. 1. The costumes, the hair, the backstories, the power dynamic. I was talking a lot about how Alicent never gets the luxury of choice and watching her watch Rhaenyra be able to choose everything while Alicent chose so little WHILE Alicent still has to be a guiding force to Rhaenyra is SO INTERESTING. You can see the envy, but also the love. Thank you for pointing out their contrast in their sex scenes too, it's such a powerful and word-less way of making us feel EVERYTHING we should be feeling.

i like to think that the "reminders" of the prince that was promised they put in was to throw some shade at the GoT directors for their incompetency.

I LOVED seeing kings landing alive after dark. This show is nailing it.

There's also a few things in the episode that are going to play really well on a season rewatch and a series rewatch methinks, so its great to see the writers thinking ahead. A big flaw with GoT it that the writers didn't think seasons ahead, which made them cut out many plotpoints in seasons 5 and 6, which made seasons 7 and 8 so empty. Its good to see them working overtime to not do that. Also great to see some Blackwood-Bracken conflict! (yes, I'm mad that they cut that out of GoT)

The reminder of the GoT finale is not that bad for me because for me season 8 is just not canon. I see it more as a fanfiction made by D&D. So when I hear the responsibility of the Azor Ahaj I imagine a better end until Martin is finished writing the real ending.

Otto wouldnt have to deliver bad news to Viserys if hadn't been spying on the Princess. Viserys is 100% correct that Otto lusts for power and his judgement cannot be trusted anymore.

The Otto actor is really growing on me. He is fookin awesome 😤👄😤

You have to do Otto being sus for x mins or Otto giving side eye for x mins 🤣🤣🤣

I don't think Daemon and Rhaenyra scene was contrived. You just said earlier that she's obsessed with him) If I was in such place first time in my life, after years of negative emotions and captivity, with the person I trust most in my life, I would go for it too, for sure Actually I myself was feeling quite "excited" during that scene as well, that's the difference when a female director does such shots

I think it was a power move from Vis to give his daughter the tea, because he knew something happened for sure ! And by giving her the tea he was sending her a clear message "you will not lie to me, and you'll do what you're supposed to"

Hot D finally living up to its name Honestly the scenes of Rhaenyra's night out really worked well for me. The fact that she was literally scared to death of sex made her sensitive to Daemon's show of temptation and seduction. I totally believed the scene. And of course Alicent isn't getting to experience any of the good parts of sex given the state Viserys is in.

A lot of subtle foreshadowing in this episode. One particular moment that stood out was a wave of fire shooting out of a stone dragon's mouth that fills the screen, immediately followed by a fortune teller asking Rhaenyra if she'd like to know how she will die.

Viserys was the MVP for me in this episode. The books portrayed him as just a guy who's incompetent as king but the show does WAY more. What I saw from Viserys this episode remind me of Rob Stark in a way. And Rob for the most part was the best king we got on screen in the Thrones verse. Tactical, intelligent, honorable but knowing when to be commanding to literally anyone before him. If you asked me before the season began who I expect would be in my 5 or even 10 favorite characters of the series I probably wouldn't have Viserys on my list. But right now he's at the top.

This show is really becoming better and better with each episode.From the characters,costume,dialogue,the story,dragons etc. Everything is blowing my mind.

I'm really glad that you're covering more content for the new show! I'm hesitant to get my hopes up for this, but it seems promising.

I’ve really enjoyed your content lately!! Keep up the great work!!

I loved how the tapestries full of sex scenes (they were both shown and mentioned) were already foretelling what was about to come, but the luxurious decadence of this period in Westerosi history and also how sex works as a way to make the characters come to their true self! Through sex we saw a dutiful but weak Viserys, an isolated and sad Alicent, a strong but apparently impotent Daemon (dichotomy!), and a lustful, energic Rhaenyra. With Rhaenyra this was almost like a “coming of age”, leaving her childish virginal persona behind and truly waking the dragon in her. We’ll see how she develops with her inner dragon!

couldn't wait for your video on this episode, so much is unraveling.

9:45 honestly though I think they should be allowed to reference the long night as much as they want. hotd shouldn't be tainted by got's ending, and since the true ending is the books, they should be able to put an emphasis on that if its relevant.

7:21 lmaoo we all got the hots for ser criston cole here

Considering how controversial Daemon is I actually think it becomes so much more engaging for the story. You can see Viscerys becoming more and more severe and angry to the point of forcing his daughter to marry who he wants which is only a consequence of his own daughter actions. The story feels engaging and dramatic and things happen in a logical way.

Best episode so far. I love how Rheanyra was kinda begging for Alicent to believe her lies. Another gray character in the making

Bro I am going through ur channel very recently it is really a treasure.

Rhaenyra’s Hot Girl Summer was absolutely fab!! 🤩 almost with Daemon and then actually getting Criston is 🤌🏽

The score in the scene with Rhaenyra and Ser Cristen Cole was beautiful

Daemon enters the frame and you never know what he's going to do

I don't even watch the show but from the clips, it seems they really put capable people behind the camera again. The photography especially, the lights, darks, framing. It's much more consistent and natural in these segments I see. That alone has an appeal that does not go unnoticed.

I love that this episode has long contemplative silent scenes between the characters. It really makes you focus on the body language, the visuals and sound ambience of the scene, makes it sensual, builds tension and makes it more emotional when the next line is spoken. Not many shows pull this off well, or do this at all.

Both daemon and otto were playing super mind games Daemon took off rae's cap in the brothel clearly to show otto's spy what rae is doing because daemon knew otto will tell this to the king and it will backfire at otto this also clears his path to rae

Rhaenyra’s turned on face is something else ngl

Soo Happy that they introduced the character of "Bloody" Benjicot Blackwood so early! He is a real Chad

I like how this episode showed the history of the blackwoods and brackens centuries old feud in that scene.with that kid.

I loved episode 4 and this review! Can't wait for your future reviews on House of the Dragon

I think that they are reminding the prophecy of the song of ice and fire, because of the new Jon Snow sequel show. Maybe they will try at least to correct somethings related to Jon's storyline and give a more fitting conclusion.

i have been waiting the whole day for you to drop these weekly hotd reviews, i have been loving each episode so far kinda like GOT

The ending with the Moon Tea was epic

Ramin Djawadi's music is just blowing my mind as well in this show. What a legend.

I think that she's not drunk with alcohol but drunk of realizing the freedom she badly wanted for herself. Now she have to face the consequence of her recklessness.

The Blackwoods are a super interesting house that I’d love to see more onscreen. Bloodraven’s mother was a Blackwood and there’s some interesting hints about them dabbling in magic.

I love this show and it keeps getting better and better each week. Spicy indeed. Never read the books either. 🐉🔥🐉🔥

Daemon does love Rhaenyra. He wants the power and he wants the love.

7:25 got me of guard 😂😂😂

I loved the Bracken Blackwood feud being shown.

awesome analysis with no future spoilers thanks you

I felt the guard (forgot his name) when Rhaenyra stole his helmet. This "Its the middle of the night, I am tired and you should be in the room behind me, just stop" look on his face...

Otto say "your grace" for 10 min straight!

Another example of great blocking was the confrontation in the Godswood with Alisant and Rhaenera. It starts with Alisant accusing Rhaenera while she’s standing uphill from her. As Rhaenera manipulates and lies to Alisant, she steps to the tree and takes the high ground. Really shows who’s in control during that scene.

Can you do a video at the end of the series with a breakdown and your favourite episode list?

After HotD, these writers should just remake GoT season 7 and 8

Hi Great video! I have a question : Is KZfaq your fulltime job or is it just a hobby ? Greetings from Germany your Paul

bro im gonna cry when the season ends and we have to wait for more of this show

The Prophecy of the prince that was promised is actually a George RR Martin's idea, which means it will be explored in the book canon. Game Of Thrones isn't book canon, House Of The Dragon is mostly book canonical. It is a book mystery, not a Game of Thrones mystery.

By the end of the season we can get a button-panel of Otto Hightowers' "Your Grace"s :DD

No sword fights no dragon battles and it's one of the best episodes so far. This show has GOTs seasons 1 thru 4 in it's DNA.

If Viserys had just married the 12-year-old or let Daemon marry Rhaenyra, none of this Targ civil war would happen. But he's a character to make mistakes to serve a story.

I definitely like this one more than the previous episode. So far the show is quality 👌🏼

Alcohol can definitely influence people to make dumb mistakes, but just the feeling of being liberated and out for a night could absolutely lead Rhaenyra to be swept up in the moment and not think logically or worry about the consequences. I've experienced that sort of situation myself a few times... Just without the incest.

I am whitnessing a quite interesting thing on myself regarding HotD: My first reaction to every episode is almost always 2 grading points below what i would give the episode after watching it a second or thrid time... that happened with every episode so far and with this one it was no different. This is a big change to the Later Seasons of GoT where i didn't see my opinion changing after rewatching the episodes. I think this show how good the writing of the episodes in HotD is because the little details, twists and additional stuff you can get out of it by reading between the lines or experiencing the episodes again. But nevertheless: the greatest thing about HotD to this moment is the acting for me... Good Lord their are some absolutely amazing performances each episode

rhys ifans went from playing hugh grant’s creepy roommate to managing to say “your grace” in 2382848 different voice tones and we don’t talk about that enough

They can talk about The Prince that was Promised, The Long Night etc. as much as they like imo. Everything that happened in the show after the books ran out, that GRRM wasn't involved in, is non-canon, is the way I see it. Actually, I think they might be doing this to hammer home the point that the whole Azor Ahai plotline IS actually important in the real story.

I have a feeling that constant reminder of the prophecy is the slight hint that HBO intend to retcon the ending of White Walkers in the sequel of Jon Snow. I think they will give him deserved closure and final important mission as he is the last living Targaryen left.

great review vid and great ep

Fantastic analysis. Agree on everything.

I'm LMAO with how you described the episode. Daemon dive-bombed Rhaenyra's boat like a douchebag...(I'm howling), this is excellent recap. Subbing, definitely.

I love Alicent's and Rhaenyra's friendship, and even if I know how it ends with them (though i havent read the books), i'm hoping that they have that complexity of 'she's a friend from long ago so i still care, but I still also wanna win'

I don't think they wanted to emphasize the point she was drunk, because they didn't want the scene to be a rape scene (or interpreted as such).

This was the best episode yet for me. The show started strong and somehow keeps getting better and better. Also S8 of GoT never happened so there's no issue here ;)

how i described the episode to a friend and its funny i see the title the next day

Excellent episode, Matt Smith said HoD wasn't going to be as good as GoT but I thought this episode was up there with the best of them, still not the Red Wedding but we can always hope...

What I do find equally interesting as Rhaenyra's adaptation, is that of Alicent Hightower - we did not get a close enough look at her character in Fire and Blood, but in the show we had ample opportunities to see who she is - a dutiful, obedient, kind and caring noble woman who has to suppress her aspirations for freedom and personal agency, to make way for the interests of her house, her kin, and especially her father. Rhaenyra is the rebel against medieval patriarchy, while Alicent is the "oppress-ee" of it, for the lack of a more precise term. She might feel bitter about the fact that, despite doing everything "by the rules" and meeting what everyone expects of her, she still does not have a single say in her own life. In a way, Rhaenyra and Alicent mirror each other.