S02.E08: The Queen Who Ever Was

[AntFTW]

Quote

As Aemond becomes more volatile, Larys plots an escape, and Alicent grows more concerned about Helaena’s safety. Flush with new power, Rhaenyra looks to press her advantage.

Air date: August 4, 2024

[Spartan Girl]

The Dany sighting in Daemon’s vision just rubbed more salt in my GOT wounds.

Edited August 5 by Spartan Girl

[AimingforYoko]

For a finale, not much happened, did it? I mean, all the pieces are in place, but we're probably going to have to wait another two years for a payoff.

I love that we got another Alicent-Rhaenyra scene, but it kind of begs belief. 

So Daemon got the Cliff Notes version of ASOIAF and now he gets all noble?

 

[AntFTW]

Larys' plan seems like a bad one. Who fights for a King that flees? Leaving the Red Keep may be a good idea but not leaving Westeros.

How long has Rhaena been walking that she's so thirsty?

Jace sure knows how to breed loyality, huh?

As the Hand of the Queen, Corlys leaving to rejoin the blockade seems stupid.

Wow! Ser Alfred is a little turncoat. Maybe sending Ser Alfred was a test to see if he would do exactly what he just did with Daemon. If I'm Daemon, I wouldn't trust his backstabbing ass since he just proved he is untrustworthy.

Helaena is too pure for this world! 😭😭😭

Lohar getting Tyland's name wrong every time... funny! Tywin. Tyman. Tyrod.

[Oscirus]

Note to self: Avoid the internet before the next finale so you're not spoiled. Fix that shit. Wtf, HBO.

So Helena has gone from cryptic hints to full-on spoilers. We don't have time to watch that develop, but hey, the Lannister playing grab ass is definitely time worthy.

Speaking of wastes of time, all of that Harrenhall shit and daemon development was a waste of time when you could've just had him see the prince that was promised and reacted in the same way.

Alicent is legit, the worst character in this series. Aegon's life is now in danger because she forced him onto the throne when he didn't want it. Now she's playing the victim again and screwing him over. 

Ulf is going to get old quickly. I'm glad that Jace is around to keep him in check because Rhaenyra doesn't want to do it. I get the feeling that Ulf might pull an Aemond vs Jace soon.

I still hate that Rhaena legit abandoned her duties to chase a dragon she might not even get (Yes I know logic demands that she'll get said dragon, but that doesn't change my point). 

What's the point of changing Luke's death from the books into an accident if Aemond does everything else the same way as his book counterpart?

I figure I'm in the minority, but this is a horrible season finale.

 

 

 

[peridot]

I didn't realize that Aegon's dragon was dead, I thought he was just injured.  Larys was right to get Aegon out of there, if Aemond was willing to hurt his sister.

Wow at Alicent giving up on Aegon.  She finally decided she's had enough, and it's too late.  I'm surprised that Criston is capable of being so insightful about the pointlessness of it.

Alyn's scene with Corlys was good.  I completely get his bitterness and resentment.

Daemon's vision made me sad about the lost potential of Game of Thrones.

I hate they decided to focus on the lost love between Alicent and Rhaenyra at the end.  They mostly just decided to tease the next season - Ulf's lack of respect and entitlement, the Triarchy, Rhaena's fate, etc.  I bet the next season won't come until 2026. 

 What a finale. 🙄

[The Hound Lives]

6 minutes ago, Spartan Girl said:

The Dany sighting in Daemon’s vision just rubbed more salt in my GOT wounds.

For real. 
This finale doesn't have me cursing a 2 year wait. The last one didn’t either. 

[scarynikki12]

Hi Dany! Bye Dany! I wonder if knowing the truth about her ancestors would have deterred her from wanting to conquer Westeros and establish Targ Dynasty 2 or made her all the more determined? Eh it probably would have been the latter and maybe even woken up the Targ Madness Gene earlier.

I love that Alicent and Rhaenyra have both now easily sneaked around to have private conversations with each other. It's so absurd it ends up being delightful. I think Alicent's case would have gone over better if she'd focused on Halaena rather than "I just want to leave" as Rhaenyra has already shown a soft spot for her sister.

Speaking of, that was Dreamfyre flying over the whitecloaks right? That dragon looked blue. I wonder if Halaena could just tell her to follow Vhagar in battle and not have to go herself.

Looks like Rhaena finally got her dragon. Hope the kingdom, and Dragonstone in particular, have a lot (A LOT) of sheep.

It does sound like Ulf, Hugh, and Addam were getting dragon command lessons so surely there's someone on Dragonstone who could teach them/Ulf the basics of how to behave around the castle and queen? Don't get me wrong, I love a good "who gives a shit about royalty?" character and scene but Ulf needs to be careful for his own sake, dragon or no.

Otto's been locked up since he got fired?? Was that Aegon, Cole, Aemond, or an unknown party?

I saw some white hair in the Essos scene so it looks like there are some more Valyrian descendants about. Looks like some Lannister genes will be joining that group now that Tyland's visit has concluded.

I honestly thought it would end with characters actually going into battle rather than getting ready but I suppose season 3 will open with at least one conflict instead.

[AimingforYoko]

3 minutes ago, scarynikki12 said:

Otto's been locked up since he got fired??

Yeah, what's that about?

[TiredMe]

I’m feeling underwhelmed.

[AntFTW]

Whew! Westerosi days are really long. I gotta wait two years for a plan that is supposed to happen in three Westerosi days.

I assume that's Daeron and his dragon we see flying over the Hightower army.

Damn. Otto's locked up! 😂 I don't why that's funny but it is.

[jeansheridan]

It started so well but Allicent ruins all scenes. 

I did love that Daemond had a vision.  And we finally had payoff. And that Ser Simon was loyal enough to send Rhynaera a raven. 

But I cannot believe Rhynaera would tolerate Ulf like that. Yes Dany put up with bad manners. Tyrion had Bronn being a shite.   But Rhynaera is just taking it when he needs a sharper reminder. 

I am not at all invested in the sister hunting the wild dragon. I wish more time had been spent giving her a personality. Any personality. 

Because it can be done. Poor Tyland! Ha! That actor is gold in both roles. And that sea captain was wonderfully vivid. Whatever her name is. I actually love this expansion of the universe a lot. More of this, less Rhynaera gazing at the horizon. 

It's not Emma's fault. They can deliver the big scenes. How they watched Daemon. And last week in front of the dragon. 

But given Rhynaera just let 100 plus relatives burn to death (does that make her a kin-killer?) it's a bit rich they hesitate to use the dragons now!

 

 

Edited August 5 by jeansheridan

[thuganomics85]

Most everyone here is put through major hardships or sacrificing their happiness to accomplish their goals that they believe make them just.  And then there is this:

Hot Pirate Lady:  "I like you, Tyland!  You are a good looking man.  I want you to make babies with all of my wives!"

Tyland:  ".... Well, I guess I'll do what I must for the realm!"

Damn, it feels good to be a Lannister!!

 

Slow, but intriguing enough of a set-up for the finale next... wait, hold up!  This is the actual finale?!  Yeah, this was kind of a strange and frankly dull way to end a season that was kind of fillerish already.  I remember reading somewhere that there were cuts and other behind the scenes issues; mainly due to filming during the writer's strike; and I feel like a lot of this came into play here.  In general, it felt like a lot of stuff could have gotten a once over that didn't happen due to all of that.  At the very least though, it probably needed its normal ten episode order so that it could have the classic "big event" bit that is usually reserved for Episode Nine.  What could have been, I guess.

I swear, I know traveling in Westeros can always get a bit wonky, but how Alicent was able to get to and from King's Landing and Dragonstone with ease is as insane as, well, how Rhaenyra was able to do the reverse episodes ago.  And I felt like nothing major really happened.  I understand the appeal of wanting to have Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke share the screen as much as they can, but it just seems it was just a way for Alicent to be all "I'm not a bad person, I swear!" and Rhaenyra understandably roll her eyes at all of that.  I guess it's kind of significant that Alicent admitted she'd be willing to sacrifice Aegon to end the war, but I doubt anything will come out of it.  Really wasn't sure what I was suppose to think about all of that.

Yup, I don't trust Ulf and think him as a Dragon Rider is going to end poorly.  Still don't think he'll flat-out betray them, but he just seems like a self-serving individual, whose ego is going to screw something up down the line.  Hugh and Addam seem decent at least, but that probably means they are destined for horrible ends.  Granted, I feel bad for all of three of them, knowing that anytime they are around Jace, the latter is barely stopping himself from screaming "Fuck you filthy, poor bastards!!!!" anytime they make a noise.

Damn, Cole's gone full nihilist after the big dance with dragons.  Almost feel bad for him.

Aegon answers the question that I'm sure was on everyone's mind: yes, his dick is no more.  Somewhere in the future, Theon Greyjoy gives him a sympathetic nod, while Ramsey Bolton cackles while eating sausages in front of them.

Aemond handling last week's events by destroying a random town is peak Aemond, really.

Helaena still doesn't want to ride a dragon, but she's all about those spoilers!!

Daemon is still not free from Harrenhal, but at least he's finally gearing up for a fight.  And does get one scene with Rhaenyra, which is the most interesting he's been in a while.  Nothing against the supporting cast in the Harrenhal scenes, but you can just tell Matt Smith had more energy getting to play off Emma D'Arcy again.

Rhaena finally finds that wild dragon!

Otto is back but seems to be imprisoned?  Did Aegon secretly do that or is something completely different going on here?

By Westeros standards, Corlys might not be the worst father out there, but he really did deserve that telling off from Alyn.

I don't want to sound too negative, as I generally enjoyed this season for the most part.  But it felt like almost an eight hour set up for the actual meaty material next season, and a step down from season one in a lot of ways.  Hope they tighten things up or go back to the drawling board for some parts next season.  But, hey, it still will have to work hard at beating out Season Eight for worst season of any Game of Thrones product yet!

 

 

[Starchild]

29 minutes ago, Oscirus said:

Ulf is going to get old quickly. I'm glad that Jace is around to keep him in check because Rhaenyra doesn't want to do it. I get the feeling that Ulf might pull an Aemond vs Jace soon.

I was sympathetic to him when he was first introduced but now I find myself hoping that his dragon goes "what was I thinking?" and shakes him off over the ocean

[MJ Frog]

Welp. No more sausage for me.

[sistermagpie]

33 minutes ago, peridot said:

I didn't realize that Aegon's dragon was dead, I thought he was just injured.  

Aegon may have just been told he was dead and the dragon will make a dramatic return along with Aegon the not-Unburnt.

[magdalene]

12 minutes ago, scarynikki12 said:

Speaking of, that was Dreamfyre flying over the whitecloaks right? That dragon looked blue. I wonder if Halaena could just tell her to follow Vhagar in battle and not have to go herself.

That was the she dragon of Alicent's youngest son, Daeron. I think the dragon's name is Tessarion?.

Daemon having that vision reminded me very painfully of the final season of GOT. I loathed the final season. I liked one thing about the vision, Daemon and Heleana encountering each other in it.

Daemon seemed very used to having the witch in his bed room.

Speaking of Heleana, I love her and I love that she told Aemond his fate while that piece of shit abused her. He is nothing when it all is said and done.

Larys is a very smart man and Aegon did well going along with Larys' plans. I refuse to believe Sunfyre is dead, because if Sunfyre is dead they are really throwing book canon into the wood chipper.  Which they may well do judging by this often ludicrous episode.

Alicent is a piece of work - not big on  loyality to her own children, is she? Yet another meeting between her and Rhaenyra is fan fiction, very bad fan fiction. All that was missing was them making out.

[AntFTW]

37 minutes ago, peridot said:

I didn't realize that Aegon's dragon was dead, I thought he was just injured.

I believe the dragon is just injured, even though Aegon may believe his dragon is dead. Cole said he left some men to guard the dragon if I recall correctly. I imagine they wouldn't guard a dead dragon.

Edited August 5 by AntFTW

[paigow]

5 minutes ago, magdalene said:

All that was missing was them making out.

 

[magdalene]

I wonder if Otto knows his captor? He looked like he recognized them?

[Phillygurl]

What did I just watch? I thought I was watching House of the Dragon season 2 but why do I feel like I just watched The Bear Season 3?

I jest... this season was much more satisfying than the Bear season 3 but still there is a lot of getting ready to get ready to go to war. But I'm okay with it because this show has so much that pulls me in and keeps me watching so sure, let's savor it a little.

I am also very anti-Ulf as he just seems to make Jace's point all the more true. He has a Dragon and he's acting like he is royalty. He does know they can still throw him in prison or hang him right? 

[magdalene]

Oh yeah, Ulf, my soft spot for him has already ended.  I know Silverwing is the sweet golden retriever of dragons, but can she make an oopsie and drop him on his head.  Either he is dead or he might be improved.

[Jodithgrace]

The best part of this finale was the new ending to the tapestry with all the dragons. 
 

When Daemon says, “winter is coming,” I realized that there has been no mention in this prequel of the weird weather patterns that were such a big part of GOT. Are they in the middle of one of those ten year summers? 
 

It finally dawned on me that we probably weren’t going to get World War Dragon when I got up to go to the bathroom and saw that there was only about three minutes left in the episode.  I guess they used up their dragon budget during the last few episodes and have to save the battle for next year. If there is a battle, that is. With Alicent taking Helaena  and noping  out of there, and Larys doing the same with Aegon, the only one left to fight is Aemond. Of course, he’s crazy, so…

So now we know why Otto hasn’t returned any of Alicent’s texts. That prison wagon didn’t look like it had WiFi. Were we supposed to recognize any of his fellow prisoners? I didn’t. 
 

That pirate Queen was quite a character. It’s always funny seeing a Lannister taken down a notch or twelve. He wasn’t exactly one of the more arrogant Lannisters, though, was he? It did seem weird to me to introduce this new character in the last episode of the season. 

Edited August 5 by Jodithgrace

[magdalene]

This last episode was the worst of the season?

[Oscirus]

17 minutes ago, Jodithgrace said:

\With Alicent taking Helaena  and noping  out of there, and Larys doing the same with Aegon, the only one left to fight is Aemond. Of course, he’s crazy, so…

 

 

 

Helena's not going anywhere. I imagine she knows her end (if she's to die), and she's not about to run from it which is why she earlier told her mother she wasn't going anywhere. Aemond will be in Harenhall, and Aegon will be elsewhere; I fear that Rhaenyra's supporters might take out their anger on Helena whether Rhae gives the order or not.

Edited August 5 by Oscirus

[jeansheridan]

I read the book ages ago so no spoilers from me. But what I like is that there is a ton of room to change that plot. As Rhynaera pointed out, the histories may write about Allicent a certain way. But I can see wiggle room for the writers. The book readers read one history...but the show is what really happened.

Haelana has never been exact in her visions. Aemond may be dead in the God's Eye...or believed dead. And a wooden throne...which bloody Aegon? From what era? The conversation between our current Aegon and Larys hints at many versions of Aegon...future Aegons? 

This show is frustrating in that the actors are solid and individual scenes are good. But there is zero momentum.  

Edited August 5 by jeansheridan

[Stardancer Supreme]

So... HotD leaves us waiting on the precipice of battle. I'm still trying to decide if I am mad about it or not.

Tyland's adventures with the Triarchy was hilarious.  All this fighting to get a penis on the throne while pirates are happily led by a woman. GASP! And I cackled when Lohar told him to impregnate her wives.  Pirates are real progressive...

So Aemond, in a fit of rage, just burns a random town? Then goes home to attempt to bully Helaena to ride into war with him? I love that she did him like Rhaenys did Daemon; "I ain't doing that shyt. I know you burned Aegon and you are a dead man flying. You can kill me, it won't change your fate."

Crispy is just resigned to his fate, and now Gwayne is as well.  Heh.

Daemon has now seen the future and the light, just in time for Rhaenyra to pull up to Harrenhal. Ser Simon sure took his time sending a raven after seeing Ser Alfred attempt to goad Daemon into usurping a throne that wasn't meant for him.  To see him slink off when his plan didn't work was satisfying, but not as satisfying as Daemon (or Rhaenrya) taking his head for treason.

I was bracing myself for someone dying horribly this episode; I am more than willing to wait for the next season's shenanigans.

Jacerys, Jacerys, Jacerys.  Even Baela couldn't shake you out of your sudden turn into prejudice?  I'm also glad Ulf is getting most of the shade instead of Addam. We all see that Ulf will be Rhaenyra's problem child, right? He was pouring it on a bit thick; how does he think he can be so forward with Jacerys? Dude, this ain't no family reunion; this is war!

I guess Alicent put that guard out of his misery and returned to the Red Keep only to plant seeds of desertion in Helaena's head AND creep back out to Dragonstone to bat her eyes at Rhaenrya one last time?  She was way nicer than I would have been to be roused out of bed by that heffa.  I personally would have asked for Aegon and Aemond's heads. Hell, I'd want Daeron's head too! Eff that "son for a son"; I want all your sons to try to end this war.

The funny thing is that Larys took Aegon off the board and Alicent doesn't know it yet.

42 minutes ago, sistermagpie said:

Aegon may have just been told he was dead and the dragon will make a dramatic return along with Aegon the not-Unburnt.

Ehh. Cole said that Sunfyre was "long in the dying". It might actually serve this story better for that dragon to be dead. Sunfyre sacrificed his life to make sure his rider didn't die.

We did all that running with Rhaena to not see the bonding moment? Show, those scenes could have been left to Season 3. I wonder did the retinue go off to Penthos without Rhaena? I want Joffrey and his little brothers to be free of this conflict.

I'm glad Alyn told Corlys about himself. I was expecting him to refuse to sail with his deadbeat daddy.

I'm not mad.  2 years is enough time to replenish my Team Black collectibles and get the Blu-Ray of this season...

[Cotypubby]

Great. Now by the time the next season finally airs several years from now I will have zero memory of all the details that was all carefully setup during this season.

[AnimeMania]

(Season Finale)

[bluvelvet]

Honestly for me that sucked!! . I only enjoyed the conversation between Helaena and Aemond, and Alyn telling Corlys about himself. 

In other news, worse mother of the year Alicent gave her son to her worst enemy. 

ETA:Simon Strong is and older version of Samwell Tarly. 

Edited August 5 by bluvelvet

[Jodithgrace]

So, when season 3 begins are the “previouslies” just going to be all of season 2? I hope so, because no way am I going to remember all this. 

[jeansheridan]

Final thoughts for tonight. I did love hearing the Stark theme and the Lannister theme as both armies march. And a glimpse of a much younger three eyed raven. And Matt Smith flirting with the actress playing Alys and with Emma.  And saying Winter is coming in high Valeryian.

Can the writers please develop Rhaena & Baela? Pleeeeease. The actors are being paid! Use them.

Edited August 5 by jeansheridan

[KBrownie]

Eh.  The Season 1 finale was way better than this one.  The ending of Season 1 with Rhaenyra getting the news about Luke being murdered and her reaction was a much more powerful end to a season than pointless and useless Alicent staring off into nothing.  

The Alicent and Rhaenyra scene went on far too long.  I really wish the show would let. It. Go.  They’ve been enemies far longer than friends. I can’t believe that was necessary.  Rhaenyra should have had a follow-up conversation with her freaking husband and Prince Consort about I don’t know, the fact that FOUR of their children were sent away, or Rhaenyra being attacked on Dragonstone, the new dragon riders, or other important matters. But instead, delusional Alicent who somehow thinks she can control Aegon to get him to bend the knee wants to play innocent victim.  She still takes no responsibility for anything she did that set all this motion. Nothing was accomplished there.  Nothing.  The writers are stupidly stuck on pushing that so-called relationship.  Stop trying to make fetch happen. What is Rhaenyra still tearing up over her for? She didn’t show that much emotion when her three youngest sons had to be sent away after just losing Lucerys.  Let it gooooo.

The Lannister scenes also went on too long and were too many.  All of that wasn’t needed to achieve the purpose of getting the triarchy as an alliance for the Greens. Of course more time will probably be spent on a useless and graphic sex scene between Tyland and his captain 🙄. That time would have  been better spent on other characters and made more of an impact.  
 

The  Ulf stuff is old now.  Jace was right to be pissed. Ulf was sitting in the Queen’s chair and being completely disrespectful. You don’t act like that going into and being welcomed into anyone’s home, let alone the Queen’s.  Ser Simon Strong’s less subtle humorous moments were far better than the more obvious attempts at funny with Ulf and Tyland. His face in the background when Daemon kneeled to Rhaenyra and declared her queen (which he’s done twice now in two consecutive season finales, so no more “Daemon wants to be king and push Rhaenyra aside” stories please) and the slow clapping when Daemon started rallying the troops was hilarious.  

If Sunfyre isn’t dead and Aegon doesn’t know or feel it, then it shows how he doesn’t have as strong a bond with his dragon as other Targaryens.  The show has shown multiple times how connected Rhaenyra is with Syrax.  When Rhaenyra is in pain, Syrax reacts the same. It was shown earlier is episode 1 when she found Luke’s remains and last season when she was in labor.  Daemon as well has been shown to have an especially strong bond with his dragon.  
 

I did like Helaena telling Aemond to kick rocks.

Pretty underwhelming overall.  
 

Edited August 5 by KBrownie

[AntFTW]

My only expectation this season was that I expect more war to happen... and we didn't get much war.

8 minutes ago, KBrownie said:

Daemon as well has been shown to have an especially strong bond with his dragon.

Caraxes is always ready to fuck shit up with Daemon. Caraxes loves when Daemon's impulsive thoughts win. Two peas in a pod, those two.

Edited August 5 by AntFTW

[paigow]

1 hour ago, bluvelvet said:

ETA:Simon Strong is and older version of Samwell Tarly. 

because he is going to be evicted from his family home??? so he moves in with Jace???

[paigow]

One of the Tyland bastards....

[Roseanna]

4 hours ago, peridot said:

Alyn's scene with Corlys was good.  I completely get his bitterness and resentment.

Yes, the scene showed Gorlys in very bad light. Even if he couldn't publicly acknowledge his bastards when his royal wife was alive, it's disgraceful that he just literally let the boys starve. 

He still treats Alyn like a servcant although he saved him from drowning and his wife and children are dead.

4 hours ago, scarynikki12 said:

It does sound like Ulf, Hugh, and Addam were getting dragon command lessons so surely there's someone on Dragonstone who could teach them/Ulf the basics of how to behave around the castle and queen? Don't get me wrong, I love a good "who gives a shit about royalty?" character and scene but Ulf needs to be careful for his own sake, dragon or no.

Did I understand right that Ulf is not a Targ bastard and he only used to boast he is?

2 hours ago, jeansheridan said:

I read the book ages ago so no spoilers from me. But what I like is that there is a ton of room to change that plot. As Rhynaera pointed out, the histories may write about Allicent a certain way. But I can see wiggle room for the writers. The book readers read one history...but the show is what really happened.

Only, it's impossible to know what "really" happened. 

After I was begun to become interested in the show in S2, I am really disappointed with the finale.  

I can't just believe in Daemon's change of heart. The only reason I can find is that the writers love him and the so called "love strory" between him and Rhaenyra.

[millennium]

I was so pleased with myself that I wasn't spoiled for this episode ... until I realized it wasn't skill or luck that kept me spoiler-free, it was the simple fact that this stupid episode contained nothing worth spoiling!

Alicent did call upon Rhaenyra as I had hoped last week, but it wasn't satisfying. 

Daemon's change of heart was a bit too sudden, especially after a whole season of self-indulgent moping.   (wtf was the baby wendigo at the godwood?)

Coming into the scene after the destruction of Sharp Point robbed this event of any emotional impact it might have had.   We didn't witness the brutality of the attack, the horror of the people or the madness of Aemond.   Just a smoking ruin, from a distance.  

So much of this episode was the Ulf Show.   I don't like him and I can't get behind the other two either.  Plus Addam jerks me out of the story every time because he resembles Milli Vanilli.

Oh jeez, NOT THE SHIPYARD AGAIN!  

Corlyss naming the boat after Rhaenys only reminds me how angry I am that they killed Rhaenys yet kept on do-nothing Corlyss.

Admiral Lohar reminds me of Laurel Stucky from The Challenge.  The mud-wrestling contest did nothing to dispel that impression.  Suck it, dumb Lannister!

There should have been a trigger warning at the beginning of the episode:  The following program contains material that may dredge up memories of Season 8.  Viewer discretion is advised.

This show has been moving at a snail's pace all season.  Now, when the tension is ratcheting up and it finally seems it might go somewhere, it just ... rolls credits.

House of the Draggin' indeed.

 

Edited August 5 by millennium

[AntFTW]

11 minutes ago, Roseanna said:

Did I understand right that Ulf is not a Targ bastard and he only used to boast he is?

I think, at most, it’s unknown. Ulf tells people he’s a Targaryen bastard. He seems to milk the story of being a Targaryen bastard for free booze. Despite that he told people he’s a Targaryen bastard, Ulf had some doubts about the validity of the claim.

I also think there is a part of him that did believe he was a Targaryen bastard. Maybe someone did tell him that. Maybe he got it from his mother. Obviously, he had no way of actually proving it.

Now that he’s a dragon rider, I’m sure he feels extremely confident that his bastard story is true.

[Roseanna]

36 minutes ago, AntFTW said:

Now that he’s a dragon rider, I’m sure he feels extremely confident that his bastard story is true.

I understood it's just the opposite: as he hasn't the silvergilt hair of Targs which also Jace lacks, he has made a conclusion that it must be a heritage from the father's side, so his father can't haveen have been a Targ. 

In any case, his remarks shows that teh rumour about Jace, Luke and Jofrey's bastardy is widely told and also believed.     

[Roseanna]

6 hours ago, Oscirus said:

Alicent is legit, the worst character in this series. Aegon's life is now in danger because she forced him onto the throne when he didn't want it. Now she's playing the victim again and screwing him over. 

 

 

6 hours ago, peridot said:

Wow at Alicent giving up on Aegon.  She finally decided she's had enough, and it's too late.  I'm surprised that Criston is capable of being so insightful about the pointlessness of it.

 

6 hours ago, scarynikki12 said:

I love that Alicent and Rhaenyra have both now easily sneaked around to have private conversations with each other. It's so absurd it ends up being delightful. I think Alicent's case would have gone over better if she'd focused on Halaena rather than "I just want to leave" as Rhaenyra has already shown a soft spot for her sister.

 

5 hours ago, thuganomics85 said:

I swear, I know traveling in Westeros can always get a bit wonky, but how Alicent was able to get to and from King's Landing and Dragonstone with ease is as insane as, well, how Rhaenyra was able to do the reverse episodes ago.  And I felt like nothing major really happened.  I understand the appeal of wanting to have Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke share the screen as much as they can, but it just seems it was just a way for Alicent to be all "I'm not a bad person, I swear!" and Rhaenyra understandably roll her eyes at all of that.  I guess it's kind of significant that Alicent admitted she'd be willing to sacrifice Aegon to end the war, but I doubt anything will come out of it.  Really wasn't sure what I was suppose to think about all of that. getting to play off Emma D'Arcy again.

 

5 hours ago, magdalene said:

Alicent is a piece of work - not big on  loyality to her own children, is she? Yet another meeting between her and Rhaenyra is fan fiction, very bad fan fiction. All that was missing was them making out.

The whole scene was stupid, and Rhaenyra just as stupid as Alicent.

While Daemon has understood that none of them are actors but just pieces on the power play, Alicent and Rhaenyra still believe capable of making "good" decisions, although their values have changed: Alicent no long  believes in "duty" and is willing to give up clingin to power.

Viserys named Rhaenyra in his heir because he loved Amma? Huh? If this motive had been that as his and Amma' only living child Rhaenyra was "pure" Targ or that he didn't like Aegon and Aemond's character, those would be valit reasons.       

[magdalene]

2 hours ago, Roseanna said:

I can't just believe in Daemon's change of heart. The only reason I can find is that the writers love him and the so called "love strory" between him and Rhaenyra.

See, I never believed that he would actually go through with any betrayal.  There is "adapting" book canon and there is totally deviating from it. The show writers were just playing with the TV audience, it was a season long bait and switch.  There are characters like Viserys and Heleana who are so vague in the book source that the show has actually greatly improved them, the author GRRM even remarked on it praising the portrayals.  But Daemon is quite well drawn in the book and Matt Smith vividly brings him to life.  There was no need to change one of Daemon's main traits, loyality to the people he considers family. He was never going to betray Rhaenyra and usurp her.

[NeenerNeener]

I don't have anything to add that hasn't already been said, so just add me to the count of people who found this finale disappointing. The season itself had a few good moments, all of them involving dragons, but otherwise it was a snooze-fest.

[baldryanr]

I'm assuming the finale ended with a bunch of setup because they couldn't afford to film another extended battle sequence after Rook's Rest, so does that mean they quadrupled the budget for season 3?  Because it sure looks like there are multiple big battles about to erupt.

Alicent should not be a major character anymore given her status and lack of influence - forcing her to be one means we get stupid stuff like her camping in the woods, selling out her own son, etc.  And she's a complete moron if she thinks everyone else (Aemond, Otto, Criston, Daeron,) isn't also set for a meeting with the executioner.  Is she thinking they'll get killed in battle, so it's not really her fault?

[Haleth]

While this epi was mostly stalling before the expected action next season I did enjoy the superb acting. I thought the convos between Rhae/Allicent and Rhae/Daemon were especially well acted. Emma was wonderful.  Allyn’s dressing down of his sperm donor was well done too.

Ok, so I wasn’t seeing things with the glimpse of Otto in a cell.

When we see dragons flying around half the time I have no idea who that is. 

[Affogato]

10 hours ago, Spartan Girl said:

The Dany sighting in Daemon’s vision just rubbed more salt in my GOT wounds.

I actually suspect that the song of ice and fire played out exactly as it was supposed to:  Aegon/Jon ends the threat of another Targ reign. 
 

Yeah another season of GOT would not have been a bad idea to prepare people for the inevitability, but that’s TV for you. 
 

it adds irony to this story, that Viserys belief in the prophecy has fueled this clusterf*ck. 

Edited August 5 by Affogato

[Enigma X]

I loved this episode.  I prefer the political shenanigans over the "action" scenes. And almost every scene was just that: filled with political intrigue. 

[paigow]

Alys is a time traveller from the future sent back to preserve the sacred timeline

Lohar is much like the pirate allies that Davos meets in the future

 

[proserpina65]

Well that happened.  I don't know what the fuck it was, but it happened.

There were some good things: Aemond's & Aegon's scenes, Ser Simon Strong being awesome, Ulf giving absolutely zero fucks about court protocol, Tyland's new career as baby-daddy for hire for the lesbians of Essos, and knowing that Otto's still alive.

The rest was varying degrees of meh, except for one notable exception: that idiotic scene at Dragonstone.  I wish Alicent had drowned herself last week so my time wouldn't have been wasted on that nonsense.  Honey, if you wanted to escape, why didn't you just take your daughter and granddaughter and sail away to Essos then instead of going to whine and try to placate Rhaenyra?  But no, instead sell out all 3 of your sons and your brother with your ridiculous plan, that makes sooooooo much sense.

 

Other thoughts:

I had one hope for this episode, that Aemond wouldn't hurt Helaena since he does seem to care for her in some sense, but no, I couldn't have that, could I?

Rhaenyra, bitch, you got your "son for a son" when your asshole husband had assassins behead Aegon's toddler son, so fuck you.  Although if Alicent didn't bother to remember her own grandson, why should you, I guess.

TPTB - stop trying to make fetch happen with that stupid prophecy!

Oh, and if you're moving Aemond into his war-criming phase, at least show me him war-criming, damn it!

Also, the guards on the gates in Kings Landing all need to be fired.  If anybody and everybody can get in and out at any time, what's the point of barring the gates in the first place?

Rhaena continues to bore the everliving shit out of me.

 

The biggest problem with this season was the showrunner's and writers' insistence that Alicent and Rhaenyra were the heart of the show and thus had to both stay front and center of the narrative.  Alicent should've become a supporting character and her sons should've taken her place as the focus in KL as soon as she put Aegon on the throne.

I have more thoughts but I was up half the night complaining about the season finale on Twitter along with pretty much all my associates there, and got too little sleep to focus at this point.

[Chicago Redshirt]

1 hour ago, baldryanr said:

Alicent should not be a major character anymore given her status and lack of influence - forcing her to be one means we get stupid stuff like her camping in the woods, selling out her own son, etc.  And she's a complete moron if she thinks everyone else (Aemond, Otto, Criston, Daeron,) isn't also set for a meeting with the executioner.  Is she thinking they'll get killed in battle, so it's not really her fault?

Admittedly, it involves a lot of wishful thinking that Aegon would bend the knee in the first place. Maybe that he barely can literally bend the knee might be enough.

Maybe she is hopeful that once Rhae has the throne she will be merciful and keep the killing to the bare minimum. Hypothetically, Aemond and Daerion could bend the knee and live, butt it does not seem to be in Aemond's character. There is no in-universe reason Crispy and Otto could not get sent to the Wall instead of being killed. (The real world has fans like me who want to see Crispy die an agonizing death, and so the show will most likely oblige).

It was not 100 percent clear if Ali fully appreciated that there is no way Rhae would let Aegon live until she explicitly was told that, and more to the point whether.why she is OK with that. Maybe she sees it as OK to take 1-10 highborn lives over thousands of soldiers and tens of thousands of innocents. Maybe she values her life and Heleana's over the others, Maybe just wanted to be relevant and powerful again. I wish this was all a strategem to lull Rhae into a trap. But no, it is all to be taken at face value.