I really felt like the show was gaining momentum but the switch in actors has kind of derailed that and it didn't help that some of the scenes were just kind of silly. I think Larys and Alicent were both good in the last episode though
Television House of the Dragon (GoT Prequel) - No book spoilers allowed
- Thread starter ha_rooney
- Start date
I completely assumed Viserys was dead, was that just me? 
I dont mind the time jump. The littlefingerish dude (Larys?) Is a bit too on the nose. Might as well give him a monocle.
I dont mind the time jump. The littlefingerish dude (Larys?) Is a bit too on the nose. Might as well give him a monocle.Time jump can be confusing and I miss the younger Alicent and Rhaenyra but I don't agree that any of the characters were inconsistent, especially compared with last season of GoT which had gross inconsistencies with character in just a few months. All HoD personalities now were foreshadowed in the previous 2 episodes and logical considering the 10 years in between.
Criston Cole - he was clearly broken last episode. He was deluded to think Rhaenyra would go to Essos with him and her clear refusal and finally the wedding broke him. It makes sense he would become more bitter watching Rhaenyra take up with Harwin and have 3 sons with him over 10 years. Some people are like that, never get over their first love and grow to be bitter and asshole-ish over 10 years. I've seen something similar happen. Also, Criston was never truly a bastion of honor. He did win that first tournament by taking advantage of Daemon turning his back and attacking Daemon from behind (sure Daemon was overconfident to turn his back but it's not like Criston let him turn around so he could take him out head-on) and he did jump right into bed with Rhaenyra without complaint. It's not like this guy was ever a Barristan or a Duncan the Tall. He's always been a bit of an opportunist in it for himself.
Alicent - everything she did seemed like a clear extension from the events of the last episode. From Otto's passionate statement to prepare Aegon for being King to her earlier conversation with Larys Strong to how she arrived at the wedding late, interrupting Viserys' speech and wearing green which said a lot about her decision and future intentions and the way the head of House Hightower told her Oldtown has her back. Stranded in the den of vipers that is Kings Landing, she was either going to sink or swim and she clearly chose last episode to swim in the intrigue and forge her own path for her and her children. The 10 years from 20 to 30 see people change a lot and I think Alicent was very consistent with last episode and her development as a character makes perfect sense. I think the older Alicent actress did a great job. I thought I would be more annoyed but I was pleasantly surprised.
Daemon - this might be the starkest difference but it's also logical. It's not uncommon for hotheads in their 20 or even 30s to finally settle down and become milder with marriage. He targeted Laena last episode and he always loved his drink and partying so it does make sense he would be spending time in the free cities drinking and immersing himself in their ancient libraries for a while. I think this episode reflected some of his softness to family that was shown in the very first episode with him bringing a gift for Rhaenyra. He was playful with Laena when they were riding dragons together and he chose not to risk her life by putting her under the knife to save their child (in contrast to Viserys). So I don't think his ambition and temper are gone,they've just been submerged for a while with his marriage with Laena who he really seems to respect and love. It will likely re-emerge now with Laena gone. I would have liked to see more here though, about how Laena got Vhagar to be her dragon or a flash of Daemon in the intervening 10 years.
Rhaenyra - definitely not as rebellious or independent but it does make sense in the sense that she did agree to get married, she made that pact with Laenor and followed through with it. Her rebelliousness is shown by her blatantly taking up with Harwin and having his kids. It might be less obvious and pleasing than her more overt rebelliousness but it does feel consistent when she chose to keep her role as heir and play the long game her father wanted her to play.
Agreed. If they went the deepfake route people would have been complaining about that too. The time jump is just something to accept when the show spans decades instead of 5-6 years.
Criston Cole - he was clearly broken last episode. He was deluded to think Rhaenyra would go to Essos with him and her clear refusal and finally the wedding broke him. It makes sense he would become more bitter watching Rhaenyra take up with Harwin and have 3 sons with him over 10 years. Some people are like that, never get over their first love and grow to be bitter and asshole-ish over 10 years. I've seen something similar happen. Also, Criston was never truly a bastion of honor. He did win that first tournament by taking advantage of Daemon turning his back and attacking Daemon from behind (sure Daemon was overconfident to turn his back but it's not like Criston let him turn around so he could take him out head-on) and he did jump right into bed with Rhaenyra without complaint. It's not like this guy was ever a Barristan or a Duncan the Tall. He's always been a bit of an opportunist in it for himself.
Alicent - everything she did seemed like a clear extension from the events of the last episode. From Otto's passionate statement to prepare Aegon for being King to her earlier conversation with Larys Strong to how she arrived at the wedding late, interrupting Viserys' speech and wearing green which said a lot about her decision and future intentions and the way the head of House Hightower told her Oldtown has her back. Stranded in the den of vipers that is Kings Landing, she was either going to sink or swim and she clearly chose last episode to swim in the intrigue and forge her own path for her and her children. The 10 years from 20 to 30 see people change a lot and I think Alicent was very consistent with last episode and her development as a character makes perfect sense. I think the older Alicent actress did a great job. I thought I would be more annoyed but I was pleasantly surprised.
Daemon - this might be the starkest difference but it's also logical. It's not uncommon for hotheads in their 20 or even 30s to finally settle down and become milder with marriage. He targeted Laena last episode and he always loved his drink and partying so it does make sense he would be spending time in the free cities drinking and immersing himself in their ancient libraries for a while. I think this episode reflected some of his softness to family that was shown in the very first episode with him bringing a gift for Rhaenyra. He was playful with Laena when they were riding dragons together and he chose not to risk her life by putting her under the knife to save their child (in contrast to Viserys). So I don't think his ambition and temper are gone,they've just been submerged for a while with his marriage with Laena who he really seems to respect and love. It will likely re-emerge now with Laena gone. I would have liked to see more here though, about how Laena got Vhagar to be her dragon or a flash of Daemon in the intervening 10 years.
Rhaenyra - definitely not as rebellious or independent but it does make sense in the sense that she did agree to get married, she made that pact with Laenor and followed through with it. Her rebelliousness is shown by her blatantly taking up with Harwin and having his kids. It might be less obvious and pleasing than her more overt rebelliousness but it does feel consistent when she chose to keep her role as heir and play the long game her father wanted her to play.
Agreed. If they went the deepfake route people would have been complaining about that too. The time jump is just something to accept when the show spans decades instead of 5-6 years.
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I thought he died too after he collapsed but apparently not, old fecker still lingering with parts of his body falling off every so often.I completely assumed Viserys was dead, was that just me?
I completely assumed Viserys was dead, was that just me?
Absolutely. Why show all that blood otherwise.It wasn't just a group of bandits.
The new Laena Velaryon is very Swedish, it sounds slightly odd when she replaced two English actors.
Never mind.
Very strong episode, it actually felt like a new pilot. The time jump didnt bother me, especially since the young actors were chosen after the older ones and if the rumour is true the producers actually wanted this to be the original pilot episode of House Of The Dragon but GRRM said NO, we have to have a history and background and they reconsidered the story.
“Joffrey”
I just had to burst out laughing, not sure why
I just had to burst out laughing, not sure why
Wasn't expecting meltdown in here, thought the episode was pretty good really. The 3 bastards with brown hair was a pretty on the nose nod to the Lannister bastards in GoT though.
Didn't mind the time-jump too much, it was expected when they announced the different actors. However, I think they should've done one more episode with a shorter jump given how much drama there was at the end of the last episode. Surprised Viserys has lasted this long!
Is there a reason the other son was willing to kill his father & brother without any remorse?! It's not like they were treating him like shit (like Tywin/Cersei with Tyrion).
Is there a reason the other son was willing to kill his father & brother without any remorse?! It's not like they were treating him like shit (like Tywin/Cersei with Tyrion).
This makes no sense. Alicent not turning him over immediately seems strange because the guy sounds like a psychopath.
Not bad episode. Nowhere near as good as last weeks but certainly not worse than episode 3.
EDIT: Don’t know if I need to spoiler this??
EDIT: Don’t know if I need to spoiler this??
I'm guessing once she's over the immediate shock at what he's done, she will realise it benefits her by having a more favourable Hand who serves her interests. But if he's willing to kill his own family, I'd be worried what he might do to others!
Is this covered on any websites anywhere? Im curious.
Why are people so pissed off they've changed out actors?
Really good episode.
Did a really good job acting as a soft reset for the new actors.
Did a really good job acting as a soft reset for the new actors.
Apparently people can't change their character in 10 years.Why are people so pissed off they've changed out actors?
Changing key actors is formally interesting if nothing else. Obviously a show like The Crown has done it effectively but a mid-season shift is a lot more difficult than in between seasons.
This is something that I was wondering about is this going to be one season only? If not, they could have done it the same way as the Crown.
The previous ones were good. One of the main plus points of the show.Why are people so pissed off they've changed out actors?
Already renewed for season 2
And? Absolutely no reason the new actors cant be as good if not better? The fact they got casting so spot on to begin with makes me think they'll be just fine.
It's not even changing the actors/actresses. The characters have had complete changes it seems.
Alicent has turned from what she was into a super bitch.
Rhaneyra has turned into a moaning cnut who doesn't seem as strong as she was.
Daemon doesn't seem the same either.
With the time jump, it's completely missed how those characters have got to the point they have.
Alicent has turned from what she was into a super bitch.
Rhaneyra has turned into a moaning cnut who doesn't seem as strong as she was.
Daemon doesn't seem the same either.
With the time jump, it's completely missed how those characters have got to the point they have.
I thought the change was handled well. The new actors are decent and it’s interesting to see the festering that’s happened in the past 10 years. They do seem to rush key events though while dragging out lesser ones.
I never said they wouldn'tAlready renewed for season 2
And? Absolutely no reason the new actors cant be as good if not better? The fact they got casting so spot on to begin with makes me think they'll be just fine.
I'm not sold on them yet though.
With this episode no character seems likeable anymore. And the one that could be died by dragon fire.
It's almost like things like getting married and having children might change one's perspective, especially when in a world where the people are involved in intrigues of a kingdom's court.
It took a few minutes to get used to the time jump given you're used to the old actors. Once you get an idea who is who, it's fine
It was a decent episode as a 'soft reset'. Let us know who is who, where they are at and motivations
Alicent showed signs of this at the wedding (last episode) and how she's willing to play the political game. Her character is what I expected especially given her faith and seeing Rhaneyra doing what she can't and won't do.
Daemon seems like he's just settled down and given the time , it's no surprise.
I think episodes in between might not really have had much substance to it so can see why they made the jump
I'm just surprised viserys is still alive. Thought he died last episode but he's still going on as King
It was a decent episode as a 'soft reset'. Let us know who is who, where they are at and motivations
Alicent showed signs of this at the wedding (last episode) and how she's willing to play the political game. Her character is what I expected especially given her faith and seeing Rhaneyra doing what she can't and won't do.
Daemon seems like he's just settled down and given the time , it's no surprise.
I think episodes in between might not really have had much substance to it so can see why they made the jump
I'm just surprised viserys is still alive. Thought he died last episode but he's still going on as King
Why are people so pissed off they've changed out actors?
Because theres been 5 or 6 episodes of young Rhaenya and Alicent and being invested in them, then all of a sudden they are suddenly portrayed by different actresses. Its a little jarring especially when its not expected which a lot of viewers it wouldnt have been. Imagine Danerys or Jon suddenly being played by someone else mid way through season 1. Hell the actor that played Bran grew up in between seasons and that was weird enough.
Regarding the time jump I dont get why they dont have the time stated at the start of the episode, like "150 years after Aegons conquest" would make things less confusing for certain viewers.
Anyway another really good episode.
Where as Rings of Power is just starting to get interesting and exciting....this show is taking the opposite turn sadly.
Very bizarre choice to move the story on 10 years after 6 episodes before anything truly memorable had happened. Changing actors not ideal either.
Disappointed but I will stick with it for sure.
Very bizarre choice to move the story on 10 years after 6 episodes before anything truly memorable had happened. Changing actors not ideal either.
Disappointed but I will stick with it for sure.
I like the new Alicent. She makes Rhaneyra look meek and yet can seem vulnerable herself
She also looks so similar to young Alicent that I wondered if they are actually related inrl.
Maybe they moved it on because nothing interesting happens between the last ep and the time jump.
It certainly seems like nothing has happened given the king survived, queen is still queen, princess is still princess but with kids that aren't king regents, and other kids grown up
Going with the notion that the first six EPs are background for the main part coming up
Surely youre invested in the characters themselves over the actors? Daenerys and Jon wouldn't require a recast as there isn't a substantial time skip in a single season. Also they were more or less fully grown adults (in the show atleast) whereas alicent and Rhaenya have been portrayed as children in their formidable years.
I liked episode 6. New actors are good.
And respect to directors or whoever; they made Alicent (especially) and Cole so annoying. You want to jump in tv, slap him and stab her.
And respect to directors or whoever; they made Alicent (especially) and Cole so annoying. You want to jump in tv, slap him and stab her.
HBO learning from their mistakes with GOT. When you don't know how to continue without digging yourself into a hole, just feck it, and do a time jump.
What hole were they digging themselves into?
Enjoyed the episode, but i laughed when all the new characters looked so much older and different (being new actors) but Ser Criston looked like he aged about 10 days, not 10 years! Solid episode though.
Preferred Milly and the other girl who played Alicent, and Rhaenyra's husband has none of the prowess the younger version had. I think the producer's should have tried to blend the characters better so they at least seemed their normal selves from their younger years. I read somewhere the producers intentionally told the actors not to talk to each other about their acting styles as they wanted them to act Rhaenyra (for example) in their own unique way. I preferred the more sweet and delicate Alicent. They could have just made her more cunning and deceitful rather than whiny with alot of resting bitch face.
Preferred Milly and the other girl who played Alicent, and Rhaenyra's husband has none of the prowess the younger version had. I think the producer's should have tried to blend the characters better so they at least seemed their normal selves from their younger years. I read somewhere the producers intentionally told the actors not to talk to each other about their acting styles as they wanted them to act Rhaenyra (for example) in their own unique way. I preferred the more sweet and delicate Alicent. They could have just made her more cunning and deceitful rather than whiny with alot of resting bitch face.