Daemon meeting eyepatched Daemon is like Alt Shift X meeting Alt Schwift X.

The brutality of a visual dance of dragons exceeded all my expectations. I wouldn't have ever expected to feel so bad for the dragons themselves.

Daemon: I shall not eat your poison peas sir Also Daemon: more witch tonic please

“Vhagar is the size of a Boeing 747 and nearly as dangerous” may be the funniest thing I’ve ever heard

Aegon is one of the worst people but Sunfyre treating Aegon like a beloved owner was beautiful to me

Sweet Meleys staring at Rhaeneys as she died.

Sunfyre is the only thing that ever loved Aegon unconditionally. Heart-breaking to see him broken.

Aegon not knowing fluent Valyrian and commanding Sunfyre in English was an excellent touch, and the shot of Vhaegar hiding in the grass gave a stealth dynamic to fantasy WMDs I'd never considered

I feel bad for Aegon man. He’s an idiot and a terrible person but my heart actually broke for him when Allicent pretty much called him useless to his face 😭. All the man ever wanted his entire life was love and validation and he got neither from his mom or his dad. I also love how they showed how much he adored Sunfyre in such a short little scene.

Keeping everything crossed that we get a Paddy appearance in Daemon's dreams.

So Tyland is a horse, Criston is a bed, and Alys is an owl now? I'm having trouble keeping up with all these shapeshifters.

I love how the battle almost stops entirely whilst people watch the dragons fight

regardless, we are being given the impression Aemond was trying to kill Aegon twice

There's something so sad about seeing the actual war between dragons begin, knowing that the Battle of Rook's Rest is where the official downfall of those beautiful creatures starts

Daemon last episode: "These peas are probably poisoned." Daemon this episode: "Hee hee witch Kool aid, ty. No don't tell me specifically what it is, that's the best part."

I see a lot of people surprised by the fact that a dragon like Vhagar would resort to sneak attacks, but that's actually fairly realistic (within the confines of the show), I'd argue. People seem to have disposition for expecting honorable duels whether it be in knight fights, or dragon battles, yet that's not how history or nature often play out. Animals like crocodiles and other large predators resort to sneak attacks precisely because they are big and less maneuverable. A smaller and faster target is far less likely to give you an opening if they see you coming. Not to mention, when it comes to survival, creatures choose weaker or unexpecting targets to minimize the bodily harm that comes to them. I imagine that's how a dragon rider would sustain a longer tenure, by not being predictable. That said, it is surprising that Aemond and Vhagar maneuvered to that position without being noticed, but I guess in the chaos of war and smoke they could fly low until swooping under the cliffside. I think seeing Vhagar ambush in the season 1 finale was really cool in how she used clouds for cover. Gave an almost aquatic quality to her hunting style. Also it's neat to see the dragons primarily clashing like eagles do in turf wars and mating rituals, locking into a death spiral. Really makes it a literal dragon dance.

I think part of Rhanys turning around is a call back to season 1. Everyone was saying “You had a chance to kill Aegon and keep the war from starting and you didn’t take it”. Now she was given the chance to end the war verifying Aegon was killed and she wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice.

“I can have to make war” made me laugh out loud alone in the living room lol

"I expected you to learn" says she who has refused to teach

I think something no one has mentioned as to why Rhaenys was so determined to continue to circle around to the fight time and time again despite taking damage was the fact Aemond was riding Vhagar, her daughter’s dragon. The dragon Aemond claimed on the night of Laena’s funeral, swept out from under Baela before she had a chance to claim Vhagar. Aemond is using what is essentially what Rhaenys believes to be the one of the last remaining pieces of her children’s’ memories in this world to continue the cycle of violence and steal the throne from her family.

Seeing Vhagar in action was amazing, I especially love her adorable huff when she lays back down she's like a grumpy puppy and I also loved her stomping on the soldiers.

Didn’t they discount Vhagar being at Rook’s Rest because they thought Vhagar would logically be defending King’s Landing? There would be no reason for the blacks to think that the greens would send their only powerful defense to siege a small castle rather than defend the capital city.

I discovered tonight that I am 100% committed to crying over the death of CGI animals.

I’m sorry but Sunfyre deserved MUCH BETTER 😭😭😭

I saw someone suggest that Daemon dreamed of himself with an eyepatch because he couldn’t actually remember what Aemond looked like so he just pictured himself. 😂

Rhaenys knowing her odds were bad against Vhagar but going back in anyway reminded me of Brienne at the end of AFFC. “No chance, and no choice”

To be honest, Vhagar using these sort of "sneak" attacks makes total sense to me. I mean, she is larger than any dragon but that means also slower and way heavier, against a younger faster dragon she cannot hope to get some punches in unless she gets close to them. And she cannot get close to them unless she catches them by surprise. So in S1 she used the clouds as cover and in S2 she hides out of sights behind the cliff/castle. Think of crocodiles and alligators hiding patiently under the water, waiting for their prey getting close enough, this is what Vhagar reminds me of. In Season 5 of GoT they had this gladiators fight, and the larger heavier guy had to patiently wait for his moment to strike and decapitate his oponent, this kinda is Vhagar.

also i find aegon’s knowledge of high valyrian (or lack thereof) really interesting. he struggles to communicate w aemond in that council meeting, and goes on to command sunfyre in english/common tongue. you’d think that would be an obstacle in his dragon riding (in the season 1 finale, aemond uses a bit of english when he’s trying to control vhagar away from luke and arrax, which you could argue made the situation worse bc vhagar doesn’t understand that language) but from the little we see of sunfyre and aegon, they seem to have a close bond, and sunfyre readily obeys him even tho he’s not using high valyrian. could raise some more stuff up about the dragon/rider bond. (if they’re close enough, the dragon doesn’t necessarily need to understand the rider’s commands to do what they want?? idk. just some ideas)

I think it was pretty heavily mentioned in all three previous episodes that Vhagar would remain in King's Landing as a deterrent and we also saw the blacks assume as much. I dont think they forgot.

"Vahgar is the size of a Boeing 747 and almost as dangerous for the riders" had me dying lol.

The way Vhaegar attacks smaller targets reminds me of how Great White Sharks take out nimble sea lions - a precision one hit knock out ambush from below.

I knew it was coming, but it still hurt to watch. I have to say, any trickle of sympathy I had for Aemond is drying up real fast.

Everyone: dying and having a horrible time Daemon: "Sure, witch, I'll drink the nightmare juice, what's the worst that can happen; do the trees have to cry blood btw?" I swear next episode blud will just go "Fuck the face on the tree? Well, sure, what's the worst that can happen - does it still have to cry blood tho?"

I've just got some sore throat and a fever. I cant wait to turn on that 22 hours Jon Snow video to listen to while getting high fever hallucinations and constantly rewinding it back and forth due to falling asleep and waking up 15 times a day. What a great time to be alive.

28:01 The Greens previously talked about how they needed to keep Vhaegar close to Kings Landing or it would be too exposed, the Blacks scouted the army and saw no dragons. I think its a bit more understandable than “Dany kinda forgot”

I got a totally different impression of when Malease looked at Rhynese, I got the impression of sadness that she couldn't defeat Vagaar for her, that she gave it her best but couldn't and she was saying sorry

Something about even a terrible person, like Aegon, connecting with another being like with Sunfyre in the manner of a loving owner/caretaker makes you feel more empathy for him than you would expect. He's awful, but knowing he loved his dragon and his dragon loved him makes you feel for him.

I think it’s kinda obvious that Aemond meant to hit Aegon by his reaction afterwards. He was terrified and remorseful when he chomped Luke. When Aemond flamed on to his brother he looked pleased with himself. He’s so expressive through his eyes. He never even needs to speak. His eyes say everything.

meleys looking back at Rhaenys before losing her life . . . yeah thanks pay for my therapy, showrunners

I loved the look on Crispy's face when he saw exactly what happens when the Dragons Dance. There is a reason Daenon and Aemon are the only ones excited by the prospect. You deserve what happens next.

Worth noting that the Wine carafe that Ageon knocks over and shatters is decorated with a dragon and colored like Sunfire, and the 2nd “dragon” we see fall to the ground in this episode. Excellent job by production design on that.

the way i'm on a 4 hour walk rn listening to this. this is peak happiness for me and my therapist will hear about this

Can’t believe the Three eyed raven was able to teleport jojen paste into hotd. Truly impressive powers.

This episode made my hype for God’s Eye skyrocket. They included the attaching of the rider to the saddle a thing, so all I could think is they’re definitely planning FAR ahead. Cannot wait for series 3!

Rhaenys is so me, that lady was so done with being alive. And im so sad. Lowkey my fave character and I knew when she turned back that this was her end ): at least she went out a G

I verbally said no the entire time. The queen who never was is my queen and she will live on in my heart

Poor Sunfyre. I bawled my eyes out. I don't think my heart can handle seeing more dragons die and get hurt

Always enjoyed how Aemond is just Daemon but with the letter d moved to the end of his name 😂

Vhagar is just the sneakiest dragon ever. That's a second stealth kill out of 2

This episode did SO much to highlight the beauty and depth of bonds between dragon and rider. Seeing Sunfyre nuzzling Aegon was so sweet… Also very much mirrors Cheese’s dog. Someone can be rotten to the core, but still capable of showing tenderness and love and be loved in return.

Loving all the symbolism in Harrenhal, the bats for House Whent last week, this episode the Black Goat of Qohor for Vargo Hoat and the three hounds for Ser Gregor Clegane, all of whom met equally grizzly endings after holding the castle briefly.

Daemon tripping balls while at work is something I can really relate to

47:45 They said in a behind-the-scenes episode that Orwyle’s links are history, poison, the higher mysteries, ravenry and golf.

Dude is afraid of being poisoned + Dude is told by witch he'll die in Harenhall = Dude drinks strange potion from witch in Harenhall

I totally buy that Daemon *wants* to lose control, and become unstuck from his cycle of awful behaviour. He barely knows what he even wants at this point.

Only thing wrong with this episode: the writers were too craven to give us Elmo Tully!

The main reason the Blacks had to commit to defending Rook's Rest is because the feudal contract runs both ways. The vassals swear obeisance to their king, but the king swears to protect and defend them. Rhaenyra can't just hide in her castle while her supporters are butchered one by one by the Greens. If she wants to do that, she won't have any supporters for long.

Vhagar slammin her head back down after being told no was so pouty! My dog does that when i tell him we cant play now he just grumbles and puts his head on the floor exactly like vhagar

I really like how lizard-like Vhagar is. The way she lays down flat on the forest floor to stay cool, or the way she shakes the rain off of her head at Storms End. And her neck skin dewlap reminds me of a wise ancient iguana. 😍

A drunk man’s thoughts are a sober dragon’s words

I respect Rhaenys so much. She was dutiful in this entire fight. She could have ran and made her cameo but she stood her air. I just wish the studio stopped using the same trick of Vhagar being a stealth master. Like if I saw this dragon I would keep my eyes on it

I know that the episode was super sad, but as a person who spoiled herself the plot of Fire and Blood I’ve known about Rhaenys for a long time. So the highlight for me was how consistently funny was the first half of the episode. Aegon is officially the goofiest Targaryen we’ve seen on screen, and we’ve seen Viserys III. The green council scene in this episode was comedy gold. Harrenhal was also quite funny. Poor Ser Simon is probably frightened for his life. Imagine that not only he’s under Daemon’s control, Daemon is also loosing his marbles. It’s one thing to serve a violent Targaryen, and another - serve a demented violent Targaryen. Harrenhal staff should unionise or something

Imagine if Vhagar and Sunfyre refused to fight: "Sunfyre?! You want me to roast SUNFYRE!?! No way, I've watched over that dork from before they hatched! You little mouse things can have one of your shining claw duels instead- I need a nap"

I don’t think Rhaenys was fleeing at all. I think she was doing BDA, and looking for Aemond, waiting for the follow up attack. She just lost track of him. I think she knew she was screwed as soon as she saw Vhaegar, she was just hoping she might take Aemond out on the way.

Sometimes I feel like we don't recognise just how ridiculously OP Vhagar is. She's not just the oldest and the biggest dragon alive, she's battle hardened. She was bred and used for wars, and she fought and outlived them all. Sure, she's tired, but she's not REtired yet. I mean this with as much awe as I possibly can, Vhagar is a MONSTER!

Criston Cole’s horse having a “weaponised religion” unicorn horn does have a real-world counterpart in history. The Scottish unicorn was a symbol of power for the monarchy. The king used it as a symbol of having god on their side. The unicorn is generally recognised as being symbolic of Jesus. It may be a stretch to connect the two here, but I thought it worth sharing just because I like it…

People criticizing how only one dragon was sent fron the Blacks as if George didnt write this years ago and the writers have to be beholden to it and they didnt have an issue with it when they read it.

This one episode alone was more intense and emotional and better than 4 last seasons of GOT show alone

Nearly 4 hours of content 🙌🙌 Just shows how good the Dragon Show is these days, so much to discuss!

Two interesting things about Aemond. This episode we were reminded he knows High Valyrian while Aegon doesn't. He is seen examining the Catspaw dagger and it isn't red hot so maybe nothing but maybe he read the inscriptions while it was hot. Also I loved how Vhagar has a consistent strategy in killing dragons. Aemond has the biggest one and yet both against Luke and Rhaenys he attacks from below. I think both were looking around and above for Vhagar but he strikes from below and hidden. The first time was Vhagar, the second time Aemond took notice of how it worked and reproduced it. Good stuff.

You know the good old saying "Show, don't tell" ? Well god damn, whoever directing those episode is nailing it.

Vhagar is so strong and experienced in battle that Rhaenyra knew that she could’ve lost more dragons and heirs. They aren’t experienced enough without Daemon. If Daemon has been there, he and Rhaenys would’ve taken Vhagar out. However, Aemond probably would’ve not attacked Aegon because he would’ve needed the help.

It's crazy that Jace knows the threat from the Targaryen POV *and* from the Stark POV..!

the introduction of the dragon seat belt was pretty cool.

I have no problem with what happened in the episode, but I did roll my eyes a little at Vhagar managing to sneak behind the castle for the sneak attack, like they showed how big that dragon is moments ago, but it skittles behind the castle without Rhaeneys or Meleys seeing her. Really liked Cole trying to talk to the charred soldier.

As a less successful older brother myself (but with an infinitely better mother) that scene with Alicent and Aegon is the most utterly fucking brutal thing that has happened in the entire series. I know Aegon is a monstrous person but him realizing that he's been given every advantage and still failed to live up to zero expectations is devastating to see.

My friend asked what we did to deserve this show and I said “exactly what was expected of us, nothing.”

1:04:06 I think the implication of Orwyle’s answer might be that he never discussed it with Viserys because it wasn’t even a question who he wanted his heir to be. He was always so absolutely clear (after the hunt anyways) that Rhaenyra would be his heir, that there was no reason to discuss it with Orwyle broadly speaking.

Another wonderful episode, I will never forgive the more limited parts of this fanbase if their shitty feedback makes the next season less like this one because I am loving it.

A lot of character that have a link with magic are also having a relationship with an animal in the show ; A rat, a worm, an owl, a frog, a raven, a cat, a salamander, a dragon, etc.

Even Aegons connection with Sunfyre was cool. He gave him a little nudge. Dragons are used to show both sides of Targaryens: love and war

Rhaenrya’s council doesn’t expect vhagar to be there cause that would leave kings landing undefended

The part of the "behind the episode" where Eve Best said Rhaenys was ultimately the more "expendable" dragon owner - that broke me a little lol. Rhaenys got how things worked more than anyone else, and how to rule well, even if she wasn't the most "of the small folk" in her thinking. Rhaenyra had better have learned well from her advice.

We did not even discuss the fact that the reason Rhaeneys did not leave is that she wanted to defend the castle and its inhabitants..

Great ep, but how does Vhagar's kaiju looking ass keep pulling off these sneak attacks?

When Alt said 'Power is corrosive, war is destructive, relationships are complicated & fraught', I felt that

ugh such a good episode 10/10😭

I love how dragons fight almost like bald eagles, they lock talons and free fall and it’s almost a test to see who has the most courage, and i love how Vhagar lets go of the red queen so she can properly react and hit the ground on her feet and because the red queen is so light and agile she can recover quickly and fly without damage.

29:15 The Dance of the Dragons reminds me of how eagles fight: Each others talons locked, spinning through the air at high speeds towards the ground... Very graceful, but lethal at the same time! Well, minus the fire in their case 😅🔥

Knight takes Rook. Queen checks King. Rook takes Queen.

I might be reading too far into it but sunfyre’s strut and the chest bump he gave Aegon give him his own personality

Do not drunk drive your dragons.

That dragon fight gave me an anxiety attack. Seems like Vhagar is going to win this war all by herself. The blacks have to gank Vhagar,there’s just no other way.

Bran's dream of the sea coming to Winterfell is probably the most accurate in terms of symbology after the Ironborn sacked it.

"Oysters Clams and Cockles!!" Vhagar makes a beeping sound when backing into a forest

To me the “explosion” when dragons crash to the ground is like the breath being forced out of the dragon. The fire along with it

I think Rhaenys was prepared to die in this battle, at first they thought that it would be just an easy fight, when Aegon showed up I think she was confident that she would win and kill the king and end the war or severley wound the green team, I think that when she saw Aemond and Vaegar she knew she probably wasnt going to survive but I think she wanted to try to get rid of the biggest threat for team black and I also think there was anger and indignation because of what Aemond did, she saw that he attacked with the intention to kill his own brother, then she thougt that she wounded Vaegar enough because Vaegar is very old maybe she thought that Vaegar couldnt get back up so quickly but the other thing is that I think that since she was ready to die maybe she just didnt care, she has been so tired watching her son and daughter die and seeing how her granddaughters are being excluded that she wanted to go as a Dragon rider like Laena, Laena didnt want to die in childbirth and used Vaegars fire insted and Rhaenys being tired and trying all she can do she wanted to go in a dignified way for her and ironicly by the same dragon that killed her daughter Laena. Also she had the chance of ending all when she escaped at Aegon's coronation but she didnt attack, this time maybe she didn't want to go without doing the most she could to finish the conflict

A few hundred years ago, black goats were just symbols for the devil, and if Alys is a witch it just fits. As for the theory what caused the situation in the first place, I think it would be pretty neat if it's some princess-mononoke-situation.

Its interesting that Aemond was already sheathing his sword before Criston called out for him

The reason for Rhaenys turning back and attack Vhagar is that she knew if she returns to Dragonstone then Rook's Rest would be sacked. And her whole purpose of being there was to prevent it from happening. Plus I think she knew if she left them it would reflect badly on the Blacks and their supporters may not be happy with them ditching an ally.