"Will the realm ever accept me as their queen Sir Criston?" "They will have no choice but to, princess." 😶 "Even I do not exist above tradition and duty Rhaenyra." 😶
It's a superstition in Westeros that the Throne cuts the unworthy, because Maegor was found impaled on the throne (he was murdered, justifiably), but based on the experience of other rulers (mad king Aerys excepted), that assertion doesn't make sense. Lots of them get cut from time to time (it's the most dangerous seat in the realm), but without serious consequence. In the book, Viserys is only cut once, when he makes a rash decision in anger (not disinheriting Daemon btw) and it leads to a serious infection, but it heals. Show Viserys (per creators and Paddy Considine) has leprosy (not from the throne) and that is why he doesn't heal. If anything, it links him symbolically to the Fisher King of Grail myth and King Baldwin of Jerusalem during the Crusades (neither of whom are "unworthy").
The hunting sequence telegraphs to the audience that Viserys is a weak, unworthy king. While in Viserys' mind not finding the white hart telegraphs the belief that maybe his son's nameday wasn't as auspicious as all the schemers and plotters were telling him it was. This is when he truly makes up his mind that his daughter should be the heir. The daughter who finds the vaunted white hart. But what makes us think this omen of royalty was for Rhaenyra and not for Ser Criston Cole? Maybe somehow he'll marry her and become King-consort. Maybe he'll play a royal part some other way. Maybe we'll find out he is Rhaegar and Lyanna's son lmao.
The hunt is a rite, a sacrifice. The King has to kill the king of the forest, tied down and pulled in opposite ways, acknowledging that his own life is forfeit thanks to his "crown". I also think Viserys is relieved to see that it is not the white hart, because that means that all of his doubt from the night before was misplaced -- his decision to name Rhaenyra as his heir was the correct one, and there is no supernatural portent to suggest that Aegon be named in her stead.
That scene. Of drunk Viserys lamenting in front of the fire. What an excellent moment. "I thought Rhaenyra was the way out of my abyss of grief and regret. And naming her heir would begin to set things right. I never imagined I would remarry...that I would have a son. What if I was wrong?" Paddy is as greqt an actor as the character Viserys is infuriating tho. Let's not get that twisted. He is telling his teenage wife to her face marrying her was a mistake. His kids are a mistake. Then why did you re-marry and sire children 🤦♂️. Why did you fall in the trap. You're a grown man. Nobody forced you.
The show is fairly faithful to the book its based on "Fire and Blood volume 1". But of course there are many things about it they changed. It's interesting they made House Velaryon black. (They're white in the books) Although it was probably done, not just for representation but so people who don't read the books won't be confused by which family is which. Since both the Velaryon's and Targaryen's are of Valyrian descent, and of course their Valyrian blood gives them their trademark silver-gold or silver-white hair and purple eyes. I'm most looking forward to meeting lady Jeyne Arryn next season; Rhaenyra's maternal cousin and one of the few gay female characters from the books.
"Will the realm ever accept me as their queen Sir Criston?" "They will have no choice but to, princess." 😶
"Even I do not exist above tradition and duty Rhaenyra." 😶
This is my favorite 2022 TV show
Love how they have a smaller cast in first season. Think it helped alot. Just loved this first season!!
"The road ahead is uncertain but the end is clear. Aegon will be king."
It's a superstition in Westeros that the Throne cuts the unworthy, because Maegor was found impaled on the throne (he was murdered, justifiably), but based on the experience of other rulers (mad king Aerys excepted), that assertion doesn't make sense. Lots of them get cut from time to time (it's the most dangerous seat in the realm), but without serious consequence. In the book, Viserys is only cut once, when he makes a rash decision in anger (not disinheriting Daemon btw) and it leads to a serious infection, but it heals. Show Viserys (per creators and Paddy Considine) has leprosy (not from the throne) and that is why he doesn't heal. If anything, it links him symbolically to the Fisher King of Grail myth and King Baldwin of Jerusalem during the Crusades (neither of whom are "unworthy").
Such a great show!
The hunting sequence telegraphs to the audience that Viserys is a weak, unworthy king. While in Viserys' mind not finding the white hart telegraphs the belief that maybe his son's nameday wasn't as auspicious as all the schemers and plotters were telling him it was. This is when he truly makes up his mind that his daughter should be the heir. The daughter who finds the vaunted white hart. But what makes us think this omen of royalty was for Rhaenyra and not for Ser Criston Cole? Maybe somehow he'll marry her and become King-consort. Maybe he'll play a royal part some other way. Maybe we'll find out he is Rhaegar and Lyanna's son lmao.
The hunt is a rite, a sacrifice. The King has to kill the king of the forest, tied down and pulled in opposite ways, acknowledging that his own life is forfeit thanks to his "crown". I also think Viserys is relieved to see that it is not the white hart, because that means that all of his doubt from the night before was misplaced -- his decision to name Rhaenyra as his heir was the correct one, and there is no supernatural portent to suggest that Aegon be named in her stead.
That scene. Of drunk Viserys lamenting in front of the fire. What an excellent moment. "I thought Rhaenyra was the way
out of my abyss of grief and regret. And naming her heir would begin to set things right. I never imagined I would remarry...that I would have a son. What if I was wrong?" Paddy is as greqt an actor as the character Viserys is infuriating tho. Let's not get that twisted. He is telling his teenage wife to her face marrying her was a mistake. His kids are a mistake. Then why did you re-marry and sire children 🤦♂️. Why did you fall in the trap. You're a grown man. Nobody forced you.
MY GOOD SIR KNIGHT.
I WISH YOU GOOD FORTUNE IN THE WARS TO COME.
( CRABS ARE LIKE ROACHES OF THE SEA. CLEAN UP CREW. THEY LOVE MEAT )
The show is fairly faithful to the book its based on "Fire and Blood volume 1". But of course there are many things about it they changed. It's interesting they made House Velaryon black. (They're white in the books) Although it was probably done, not just for representation but so people who don't read the books won't be confused by which family is which. Since both the Velaryon's and Targaryen's are of Valyrian descent, and of course their Valyrian blood gives them their trademark silver-gold or silver-white hair and purple eyes. I'm most looking forward to meeting lady Jeyne Arryn next season; Rhaenyra's maternal cousin and one of the few gay female characters from the books.