Table of Contents
About This Episode
Ever wonder what it’s like to navigate the tumultuous world of Westeros, complete with family drama, political intrigue, and looming rebellion? Our latest episode continues our discusion of House of the Dragon Season 1. We start with the escalating tensions between Rhaenyra and Alicent as speculation builds around the true father of Rhaenyra’s sons. We dissect the tragic death of Laena Velaryrion and the shocking repercussions it had on the central characters. Join us as we unravel the truth about Sir Harwin Strong and venture to the Strongs’ castle, Harrhenhal.
As the power balance shifts with the decline of King Viserys and the growing influence of the Hightowers, we delve into the cloak-and-dagger politics, strategic alliances, and undercover resentment. Hold your breath as we examine the chaos ensuing from Viserys’s death, the scheming to crown Prince Aegon, and the rising conflict between Lucerys and Aemond. We expose the struggle faced by Rhaenyra between her loyalty to her House and her hesitance for war, and Daemon’s relentless push for its instigation. If you’re ready for a roller-coaster ride, buckle up! The cliffhanger ending will leave you craving for the next episode.
In This Episode
(0:00:01) – Rising Tensions (15 Minutes)
Rhaenyra and Alicent’s tension is growing as Rhaenyra has three sons who do not look like Laenor. Laena Velaryrion’s tragic death is discussed. Rhaenyra attempts to mend fences with her firstborn son, Jace, by suggesting he marry Helaena, her half-sister. Alicent is not interested in this proposal as she believes Jace is a bastard and should not have any claims to the throne. Rumors suggest Sir Harwin Strong is the actual bio dad of Rhaenyra’s three sons. This results in Lionel and Harwin leaving to go back to their home castle of Harrhenhal. Rhaenyra moves her entire family to Dragonstone. The hosts questipn why she couldn’t have found someone with blonde hair to have children with. Alicent’s reveals her terrible behavior when she forces Rhaenyra to present her child moments after giving birth.
(0:15:17) – Succession Crisis and Rebellion in Westeros (8 Minutes)
King Viserys has severely deteriorated and the Hightowers have taken over the court. A succession crisis arises after Corlys is severely injured. He could have died from his injury. Rhaenyra begs for her father to publicly defend her. Viserys musters up the last of his energy to do so. Lucerys is declared the heir and is betrothed to one of Daemon’s daughters. The kids actually get along well. Meanwhile, Aegon is a drunk and an asshole, and his mother covers up his sexual assault of a handmaiden. Daemon isn’t a saint. He demonstrates that he loves Rhaenyra and respects his third wife. There are some touching scenes between them. All hell breaks loose when Viserys dies. The Hightowers and Small Council plot to crown Prince Aegon as King instead of Rhaenyra. People who oppose the scheme are either killed or imprisoned.
(0:23:39) – The Road to War Discussion (8 Minutes)
Rhaenyra struggles with her loyalty to House Targaryen and her reluctance to go to war. Daemon pushes for war. Rhaenyra receives terms from the Hightower. She must concede that her brother is the true ruler of Westeros in exchange for certain benefits. The two older boys, Lucerys and Jaecerys, decide to go as ambassadors to potential allies. The situation takes a dramatic turn when Aemond tries to play chicken with Lucerys using a giant war beast. This is one situation too many for Rhaenyra and we are left with a cliffhanger as the episode ends.
Quotes
I mean, she goes out. It’s epic. She goes out epically.
That was probably the best death I’ve ever seen in the show.
And as you can imagine, kids fight and the proverbial someone will lose an eye is no longer proverbial it.
That is cold hearted. At least pretend to mourn the man first.
The poor man is a walking skeleton practically at this point.