House of the Dragon - HBO - Discussion (Spoilers)

[faizoff]

It was another solid episode. The scenes with  Rhaenyra are always so good, that actress really steals the scenes she's in. I also like the Valerian characters, they have a regal look to them.
I also like how the time passage between episodes grows larger and larger, not sure if the book is structured that way though from what I have read so far it's following pretty closely so far.

Seeing different types of dragons is really cool too. I do wish we could've seen more of the Crab king development in the previous episodes, he's a mystery character and I would've liked to have seen more of that land.

[soupytwist]

Solid episode.  Although visually amazing, I thought the Prince played by Matt Smith Vs the crab army was little to superhero for the groundedness of the series in general.

[gmillerdrake]

Enjoying the show a lot. It's pretty solid. I loved the juxtaposition in this last episode of the King having the Stag captured and held for him to deliver the killing blows vs the Princess being attacked by a violent wild boar...which....while she received some help from the knight....she still delivered the killing blows as the beast refused to die and kept at her.

The scenes with  Rhaenyra are always so good, that actress really steals the scenes she's in.

Very true....she is great. It's a bummer she's going to 'age out' to a new actress with these time jumps.

[cramx3]

Another good episode.  This season has been great so far. 

[hefdaddy42]

Best episode yet.

[cramx3]

I've seen a few negative comments about the show not having enough action... but GOT was always like this until the end where there were more and more battle scenes.  Full episodes of dialogue are pretty normal IMO for this type of show.  BUt even then, I don't think there was a moment of boredom in that episode.  However, at 70 minutes length, I can see how it does start to wear on people.  I think it also helps that the actors are once again really strong.  I'm loving the guy who plays the King.  He's doing a great job. 

[gmillerdrake]

I'm really digging Paddy Considine's portrayal of Viserys. Even in the last episode he admitted that he's not much of a warrior but you can tell he has a temper and can be 'forceful'.....but his restraint is 'just' perfect enough to pull off the stateman aspect of a king....but it's like right on the edge of losing it completely.

The remainder of the main cast as well is just killing it.....I am just really enjoying the kings portrayal.


***njnja'd by Marc  ****

[cramx3]

  the praise is deserved

But with all his sores getting worse, I'm pretty sure this story is not about him.  I get the feeling he is the Ned Stark here without the shock value.  Great actor for the first season and a main character but the story just starts with him.

The remainder of the main cast as well is just killing it.....I am just really enjoying the kings portrayal.

And also agreed, the entire cast is doing really well here, just had to give props to the one who stood out the most to me.

[XJDenton]

I think it also helps that the actors are once again really strong.  I'm loving the guy who plays the King.  He's doing a great job. 

[ariich]

[gmillerdrake]

Dang! Good episode….not quite Red Wedding level but sure has its own claim to Debbie Downer for a celebration

[lonestar]

Shit got real last night.

[hefdaddy42]

Fantastic episode.

[faizoff]

These last two episodes have been almost entirely dialog driven and have been excellent. Probably two of the best episodes of the series back to back. I don't know about anyone else, but these episodes even though have been an hour long feel like they go by so fast. That's what I love about these long dialog scenes and they're edited so well. Great acting all round again.

[MrBoom_shack-a-lack]

That was a solid episode. I love the little variation of The Rains of Castamere melody in the piano at the end or atleast I think that was a nod.

[Chino]

Great start and end to this week's episode. In the beginning, I saw Daemon pick up the rock and thought "welp, we're about to see some brutal shit", only to not see it and find out he staged it as an accident and didn't mutilate her. And then at the end, the last person I'd suspect, beats someone's head into a bloody pulp with his bare fists.

I was very tired approaching the end of the episode, and may have nodded off for like 45-60 seconds during the wedding leading up to that scene. What triggered that outburst? Was it just a fit of rage because he wasn't getting Rhaenyra?

[lonestar]

Great start and end to this week's episode. In the beginning, I saw Daemon pick up the rock and thought "welp, we're about to see some brutal shit", only to not see it and find out he staged it as an accident and didn't mutilate her. And then at the end, the last person I'd suspect, beats someone's head into a bloody pulp with his bare fists.

I was very tired approaching the end of the episode, and may have nodded off for like 45-60 seconds during the wedding leading up to that scene. What triggered that outburst? Was it just a fit of rage because he wasn't getting Rhaenyra?

It was because the boyfriend of Rhaenyra's betrothed told him he knew his secret about sleeping with her.

[gmillerdrake]

Great start and end to this week's episode. In the beginning, I saw Daemon pick up the rock and thought "welp, we're about to see some brutal shit", only to not see it and find out he staged it as an accident and didn't mutilate her. And then at the end, the last person I'd suspect, beats someone's head into a bloody pulp with his bare fists.

I was very tired approaching the end of the episode, and may have nodded off for like 45-60 seconds during the wedding leading up to that scene. What triggered that outburst? Was it just a fit of rage because he wasn't getting Rhaenyra?

Pretty much.....and what RJ said.......and maybe he was still tore up that he broke his vow/word as a Knight? Could have been a combination of them all just festering for a bit. But I don't think that there was much else to it.....there was a hint that maybe the Queen was involved in some way but not real clear on that.

I too noticed the head trauma flip of us all thinking we're going to see this sinister character Daemon bash in a chic's head....but not....it's only implied.....then BOOM....you have this 'honorable' knight going ape on some dude's skull!!!

[lonestar]

The queen is fucking shady.... I don't buy that innocent shit for one second, she's gonna go full batshit to make sure her kid ascends to the throne.

[gmillerdrake]

The queen is fucking shady.... I don't buy that innocent shit for one second, she's gonna go full batshit to make sure her kid ascends to the throne.

Yep. She started off 'innocent'....but as she's observing the politics of it all she's become a quick understudy and I'm sure we will see some Cersi Lannister style manipulation out of her as it unfolds.

[Chino]

Her father also gave her that whole "play the game or die" pep talk before he took off. 

[gmillerdrake]

Her father also gave her that whole "play the game or die" pep talk before he took off.

Very true....guess she's getting in the game.

[pg1067]

Watched it last night.  Sometimes it's hard to remember that this is a long-burn type show and that it's all building to something.

I'm super bummed that we've now seen the last of Milly Alcock and Emily Carey (particularly the former).

[Chino]

Watched it last night.  Sometimes it's hard to remember that this is a long-burn type show and that it's all building to something.

I'm super bummed that we've now seen the last of Milly Alcock and Emily Carey (particularly the former).

I know I'm way late to the party, but last night I saw what the older versions of the actresses/characters will look like for the first time. It's incredible how closely they resemble each other.

[Dream Team]

Strong rumors Lizzie Olsen (and Henry Cavill) is joining the cast . . . I might have to start watching this.

[gmillerdrake]

Watched it last night.  Sometimes it's hard to remember that this is a long-burn type show and that it's all building to something.

I'm super bummed that we've now seen the last of Milly Alcock and Emily Carey (particularly the former).

I know I'm way late to the party, but last night I saw what the older versions of the actresses/characters will look like for the first time. It's incredible how closely they resemble each other.

Yeah.....the casting of the characters who've aged is pretty on point. I'm hoping those actors/actresses can capture the essence of the characters that has been established by the younger versions because they were top notch

[Chino]

[hefdaddy42]

[Progmetty]

Strong rumors Lizzie Olsen (and Henry Cavill) is joining the cast . . . I might have to start watching this.

Holy shit! I hope Henry Cavil plays Aegon the third!

[faizoff]

The dragons in this episode were great, a nice change seeing them as a character with some type of personality. These episodes go by so fast.

[gmillerdrake]

Fantastic episode. Just……wow.

[lonestar]

Definitely didn't see that coming. Great episode.

[gmillerdrake]

Definitely didn't see that coming. Great episode.

I am liking the pace of this show more and more. Just moving it right along.....kind of indicates that they maybe only have a two or three year run in mind? I haven't looked into how many seasons they're planning with this show....but at this pace I can't imagine it'll be more than three seasons if it can even make it that far.

[Samsara]

Yeah, great episode last night. Totally did not see the twists.

[WilliamMunny]

Yeah, great episode last night. Totally did not see the twists.

Same here. Week after week, I am surprised by one thing or another. I didn't think I'd like the time jump, but it's pure genius. I didn't think I'd like the cast switch, but, again, it's pure genius.

Talk about a show exceeding any and all expectations!