He'll likely be competing against the cast of Better Call Saul: Bob Odenkirk (Saul Goodman) for best actor or Tony Dalton (Lalo Salamanca) for best supporting actor. Not to take away from Paddy's incredible performance, but IMO the BCS cast had better acting.
A crippled Viserys' surprise entrance to the throne room with the epic announcement and with the support of this masterpiece of a track was phenomenal. No dragons, no armies, no fancy lines, just the greatest scene of the series.
Ramin might be the unsung hero of the Martin-verse. I feel like a lot of his GOT themes are so iconic that they are taken for granted, but he’s been taking it to another level for this show. The theme when Viserys entered is my favorite HOTD track so far, and I can’t wait for the full S1 soundtrack to be released.
Paddy Considine received a text message from GRRM himself letting him know that his version of Viserys he portrayed in the show was better than the one he wrote in the book. Truly a deserved affirmation and what an outstanding performance. Edit: OMG!!! 5K likes..... 😭😭😭 Mom, your child is famous
@@manvirshergill1739 I have to disagree with the easiness. Both the writers and the actor did a great job. Look what happened in GoT when the show surpassed the books and the showrunners had to be creative.
Paddy Considine basically made Viserys almost as good as Old King Jaquerys. When in the book, everyone thought he was a weak king. During his reign , Westeros was at peace and prosperous. Its after he died that things unravelled
The dinner scene killed me. Seeing viserys be happy even if its just for a brief moment was the most wholesome thing ever. The score, acting and directing is executed perfectly. Mad how ramin did it again after the nightking theme.
the meal until viserys gets carried off is my favourite scene of the show. very sad. I wouldn't call it wholesome either, since it isn't actually a last moment of happiness, it's viserys' last effort to commit to his delusion of a happy family, and his family playing along for his sake. it's somewhat nice of them to do it, but it's a lie, and even viserys knows it, he's just trying to pretend. that's why he mutters "I'm sorry" so often, he knows that the decisions he made have set up his family for conflict.
I don’t think he was entirely happy, I think even in his state he could see the fractures, he had to pour his heart out just to get them to act civil to each other for even a minute and they could barely muster that even while he was still there.
@@Ass_of_Amalek His decisions din't divide the family. Rhaenyra's bad decisions did and Alicent's obsession with duty. Alicent is so pious it blinds her... that and Otto's manipulations. But I wouldn't blame Rhaenyra for falling in love or wanting to fuck.
To me episode 8 was second only to the first episode. But then again, its good to be living in a time when we are arguing over which episode is the best rather than which is the worst.
It's incredible that a 50-year-old lepper with half a face slowly walking down a hall is the strongest king moment ever witnessed in this universe. I think Viserys had a lot of really good qualities for a king and his only true weakness was not understanding the ambitions of the people around him. He expects people to be driven by their very human desire for a good life and happiness not greed and lust for power. His plea at the end was so great and it even had the intended effect on most of the people there, but it didn't matter because everyone there was taught to put their feelings aside and further the interest of their family instead. People call him weak but he showed immense strength in this episode. If he had lived 20 more years and wasn't sick who knows what might have happened. I think he got a happy death in the end tripping out and seeing Aemma and leaving with the memory of finally reconciling his family. He dies thinking he succeeded in his main goal and will never see the horrific results of his mistakes. I think Alicent misunderstanding the prophecy, while it makes sense on its own, is unnecessary and just confuses the strong character development of Alicent. She already had very well-established motivations, her deluding herself about fulfilling Viserys' wishes is not needed.
No, I don't think he was naive as you describe it. He could see right through Otto and other people. He knew deep down his grandsons were bastards. But he didn't care, they were his daughters children and Targaryens. His biggest weakness was his unwillingness to act. He let the crab feeder to attack ships. He ignored growing distance between his relatives. He let Otto become the hand again and take controll. In his last moment he showed determination and his power of will overcame physical weekness. It was too late to stop the war and fix the realm but at least he saved his daughter and grandsons and got one last happy memory.
I don't think she misunderstood the prophecy she probably at first thought he was talking about their son Aegon but by the end realized he thought he was talking to Rhaenyra, that's why she walked away upset.
It also doesn’t help that they have to name one child in every generation “Aegon” though I can understand why. It’s a great name connected to a great and powerful person. It will add further legitimacy to their claim. Case in point: All 18 Louis’s in France’s history.
It didnt destroy them, there is like 8 generations after the death of Rhaenyra and Aegon II with periods of splendor like the reign of Daeron II (Saved for the Blackfyre rebellions), Maekar I and Aegon V. They just lost their mighty dragons.
I'm just so glad we all agree on one thing, Paddy delivered above and beyond expectations. He didn't subvert them, he just played the hell out of his part. I truly cried at his end, I haven't cried because of a TV show or movie since I was a boy. When he said my love as the credits rolled it felt like we all embraced the darkness of death with him, it was truly heart breaking and partially warming, knowing his suffering was over and he believed he'd be with his true and only love Aemma.
That scene with the moving of his fingers, short breaths that tear rolling down and then “MY LOVE” After the BS of GOT 5,6,7,8 season . This was an all timer episode IMO
@@motokid6008 he said that Paddy’s performance made him to think to go back and rip off those chapters and write much better . I reckon this is one of the biggest compliment and Paddy deserves every bit of it.
Well, Daemon challenged him to say it. Knowing Daemon, well, you know you're fucked. Also, last time someone tried to announce the bastard children in Throne Room, he got himself executed in public
I don’t blame him for being angry about a non-Valeryon inheriting Driftmark, but my guy if you’re gonna confront her publicly, what do you think they’ll do? At least Ned went to Cersei in private
That is inexact. Ned didn't confronted Cersei privately out of common sense but FEAR. He feared Bobby B would kill Cersei and her children so he tried to warned her first, which was his downfall (The sin of mercy, as he himself said). Vaemond was being spiteful. He knew he had already lose so he went down defiant with a last barb
The throne room scene was so awesome, and knowing that Matt and Paddy improvised the part where Viserys’ crown falls off and Daemon helps him to the throne is so cool!
Made this more interesting is that the scene were improvised since the crown were not meant to fall off, they were thinking about rehearsal the scene again until Daemon actor just went in off script and help Viserys actor and they decided to keep filming.
This makes it even better in my mind. They were going off what their characters should/would do. And I’ll bet Viserys’ (sp?) reaction to seeing it being Daemon was somewhat genuine.
Most powerful moment in the whole GOT universe was the Viserys and Daemon scene. The timing was so brilliant. The fact this was improvised makes this moment even more emotional. (the director Geeta Patel confirmed that was improvised in Vanity Fair interview).
I agree, most people will not allow anything to overshadow anything from the first 4 seasons of GoT but that science alone was the most power from that universe yet and in many ways as well
More powerful then.... Molten gold poured over Viserys Tyrion shooting his dad Jon Snow getting stabbed or coming back to life Hold the door Shireen burned alive Ned loses his head Jon Snow is a Targaryen Knight king resurrects the dead as Jon drifts away Zombie Dragon Young Cersei gets her fortune told Joffery drinks bad wine Jon Snow holding Ygritte Walk of Atonement Bran out the window Mountain vs Viper Cresei blows up the Sept Red Wedding House of the Dragon is a good show but let's not become prisoners of the moment and think the show, the characters, the writing or the story compares to GOT season 1-4. Only thing House of the Dragon does better is the set but that's just $$$. I am saying this as someone who likes House of the Dragon
i think the reason why alicent was so quick to take Viserys's words about 'the prince who was promised' and not assume he was just delirious is because of that one scene in the episode about the royal hunt. He mentions to Alicent, "You asked me if I believed the dream" and proceeds to say, "yes" which might make Alicent think that Viserys is lucid because he did confide in Alicent back then about his dream of his son with all the dragons bowing.
Well, and she's super religious. You ever been around super religious people while someone is dying? They interpret every word they say as important and a sign of Heaven
@@rosesweetcharlotte funny, but that’s just a naive perspective. Everyone gets emotional when their loved ones are dying, religion or not. she is not really super religious. It’s more of a culture thing in game of thrones. Everyone is religious. In fact throughout all of game of thrones, the royal women are seen praying all the time. It’s a common theme. Margery, Sansa, Catelyn, Osha… I’ll cut you guys some slack, because it is hard to tell what Alicent is thinking, just like her father. But it’s obvious their main prerogative is to put an heir on the iron throne, not fulfill some religious calling. 😉
I haven't cried for a GOT episode since the Red Wedding, and almost at Ned and Jon's death. This one episode made me cry THREE times. Wow...I honestly believe this is the best episode produced from this series so far.
because it is, GoT series didnt have such great music, camera shots that lvl of detail in every scene, acting (even without words like Matt through whole episode 3) & interactions between same characters throughout 1 season. HotD is a better show in every aspect of production value except for these time jumps, but they still managed to tell a story building up characters as they appear and switch actors later on. Masterclass cinematography.
This was truly the brat s en e if the universe it’s in to me. The complexity and emotion in it whilst balancing morbid/epic together is so hard to do. It was nailed flawlessly. I’ve never rooted for a character more
Hey what about Drogon's reaction at Daenerys death? That was sad too. But I agree that before this the red wedding was emotional. That episode is probably the only one that didn't even have an end theme playing when the credits rolled.
Daemon helping Viserys up the throne and picking up the crown/placing it on his brother is such incredible symbolism and an amazing vindicating moment. I'm glad they had a moment of reconciliation before Viserys death
I've seen somewhere that Visery's crown falling was not in the script but they went along with it (hopefully it's not just a rumor) and I'm glad they did.
I can’t believe how much I love Aemond he’s became a green daemon which I think is perfect for his character and can we just talk about him getting punched and not even spilling his drink? He must be thinking “hmm strong in name only I see.”
@@rektz2457 puberty does a lot to a boy. Especially to the rugged, warrior-like Aemond. His brother on the other hand just grew up to be a discord mod.
Aemond is such a poser and Daemon wannabe. But comments everywhere say he's such a BADASS! Such a Chad! 🤣 He did nothing badass here except take a punch from Jace SOFT. Aemond couldn't even look at Daemon directly in the eyes for 5 seconds. Guess he's starstruck by his idol. 🤩 When Vaemond got beheaded, Aemond, Helaena, and Alicent all flinched. Only Aegon stood ground. Aemond is the iPhone clones you buy in China. 🤣 The Louis Vuitton and Gucci imitations you can buy for 10x less. I can't wait when his face can withstand a hit from Dark Sister...
You can see Alicent feels regret to not marry her with Jaecerys eventhough last episode, Rhaenyra asked her to do it after knowing that both of her first 2 children are married each other and she finally realized how fuck up Targaryen family is for their incestious relationships.
My father passed away recently and my god this episode was so difficult because it was like seeing him die all over again. The way Paddy and others portrayed his death rattle breathing, the painful wailing at slight movements and just everything about it was just so painfully close to home.
For me it was the sores. My stepdad died from cancer and while my mom did her absolute best to keep the bedsores at bay, she could only do her best. He had wounds on his arm from chemo and they never full healed. It was all so awful
personally, episode 8 was my favourite episode 7 was incredible but Paddy Considine was an experience like no other topping every last one of his performances before this. EVERY LAST ONE
Pretty sure Viserys thought Alicent was Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra had to tell him her identity previously, for him to know it was her. Viserys likely thought Rhaenyra had come back and he was intending on continuing the conversation to assert that Rhaenyra's line is the one he thinks should carry Aegon's will. However, Alicent I believe knew Viserys thought he was talking to Rhaenyra, but didn't remind her identity, so she could use what he said to her advantage, whether its deceit or not, as now she knows for sure that Viserys will back Rhaenyra until his death, and there is nothing she can do to sway that without deceit.
I disagree. Alicent doesn't about the prophesy regarding the prince that was promised, or the death coming from the north. So, she couldn't have connetected what Viserys said to Rhaenyra, because she would needed knowledge about both the prophesy and the conversation between Rhaenyra and Viserys to do this. Furthermore, Viserys spoke about Aegon the first, but she thought he was refering to their own son. The whole conversation flew over the head, but I guess we will see how she's going to interpret it next episode.
You’re correct. The showrunners clarified that he thinks he’s talking to Rhaenyra and Alicent ends up thinking he is meaning for Aegon II to be King. And thus begins the Dance of Dragons.
Here's one of the reasons why this one is the best so far. In my opinion, Aemond the one-eyed, that is, his young actor took over the whole episode even though he didn't speak 10 sentences. The actor is too good with those facial expressions, that one eye instills fear and everything, just like his character should. The dinner at the end when he gives a toast is perfectly done, the detail when the Jace hits him with his fist and he doesn't even flinch, doesn't even linger over the glass of wine and just laughs and pushes him and knocks him down, a few seconds of the series reveals a lot about that character and what he has become during years. On top of that, Jace is the son of Harwin, who was one of the strongest. Certainly the highlight for me is the relationship between Daemon and Aemond the one-eyed, even though they don't exchange a single word except looks. Aemond sees Daemon both as an idol and as the fiercest enemy that they will soon become, while the Daemon sees in Aemond himself when he was young (arrogant, brave, a good fighter, insightful, etc.) but at the same time a fiercer enemy that he would like to have oppose. Aemond is the son that Daemon would love to have.
@Axeel Røynæ El Alam no it was not skill. Daemon knew Aemond was riding much bigger dragon so he had no chance, he had no exits so he knew only way to defeat him is for them both to go down. One on one combat is different story and we can't say who is better fighter because technically they never fought sword to sword, even though I personally think Daemon would also beat him there merely because of experience
honestly i wasn't expecting it at all but he became my favorite character too. i have run the full gauntlet of emotions with this man lol there are QUITE a few things about him i really dislike, but the level of emotional attachment i didnt realize i had until the last supper scene came on and i was bawling is insane. there is literally no other character i care about on that level in HotD even though im pretty invested in them
The walk up to the throne was beautifully poetic. Like the final rise in attempt to stop a disaster... And inevitably viserys still has to leave the throne even after his efforts The score and editing felt like a recap of the series, a swan song for Viserys
What really sold the throneroom scene to me was not really Viserys struggling to reach the throne, but the moment when his crown drops to the floor. If you didn't know, this moment was an accident, the crown fell down, but Matt just picked it up and continued the scene. The director thought it only added the emotion and boi was that correct. There are two reasons why I love this so much: 1 - it shows that the throne has completely rejected Viserys. Remember that only an unworthy king cuts himself on the throne's blades which did happen to Viserys and led to his disease, but this is the quintessence - now not even the crown admits to Viserys being king. 2 - Daemon picking up the crown and putting it back on his brother's head. Remember how they started? Rivals, Daemon wanted to be the heir, he wanted the crown, he wanted to finally replace Viserys on the Iron Throne. And now he has it, in his hands, the very crown he always wanted and what does Daemon do? Puts it back on Viserys' head. It's such a moment personally for Daemon and for the Targaryen brothers. A brother is a brother, no matter what was before, blood is still blood.
It might be recency bias, but this just may be my favorite episode between HotD and GoT. Only one brief moment of violence, but so much meaningful exchanges between characters. It felt like classic ASoIaF. The King deserves every award a TV actor can get, beyond stellar performance.
I’d like to point out how much more the throne room scene is moving with the fact that Daemon helped his brother climb to the throne and crowned him, it really shows us how much Daemon truly cares about his brother
I was teary-eyed when Viserys enters the throne room. That’s the love of a father right there❤ He endured all that pain, with heavy breathing walked up the stairs, all to defend Raenyra.😭
One thing I absolutely loved in the scene with Viserys walking through the throneroom, that you didn't mention, was when Daemon picked up his brothers throne, after he dropped it, and placed it back onto his head! That gave me goosebumbs, simply because of the the underlying symbolism of having Daemon be the one to do it. Not only is it a great way to show the reunion of two brothers, letting past conflicts be laid to rest (just as Viserys pleaded Daemon to do in previous episode), but it also, in some way, reaffirms Daemons true alligiance (his family). He may have wanted to sit on the iron throne himself, but NEVER at the expense of his brother. When Daemon placed the crown on his brother it almost felt like he was re-electing him as king.
No, Vaemond wasn't irrational and dumb in this scene. He wasn't raging, he just knew he's already screwed for claiming his heritage to Driftmark, so he decide to get his own way and say the truth as loudly as he could. You can clearly see satisfaction on his face. Vaemond just knew he's gonna be killed for that, now or later.
It's hard not to feel a bit bad for him. He loved Corlys, he had his own respect for Rhaenys, and really, the show implies that this really isn't just about Rhaenyra's children being bastards, it's that there are few Valyrion Houses left in the world and now House Veleryion is at risk of losing its own unique racial identity.
Except for the fact that her nieces would marry the Strong boys, and both girls are as valyrian as you can get. The Velaryon bloodline was safe, there was more spite and resentment than justice.
I also found it interesting how Alicent presented herself to be pious to the Seven and decorated the red keep with the seven pointed star. she even had a necklace that fit. I wonder if she turned even more faithful or if this is just a facade to gain the faith for her side, or to manipulate some pious lords, maybe she used this to show how she changed since her freakout last episode.
The behind the episode people explained that Alicent had become more pious after her actions in the last episode as a way to repent and comfort herself.
@@Ashbrash1998 she is a woman trapped. She is not a bad person but she may become one to ensure the survival of the people she loves. I don’t blame her. And I don’t blame Rhaenyra either.
No it's real. Alicent was already faithful since she is a Hightower from Oldtown where the faith is based so Alicent grew up very religious which is why she was angry (and jealous) at Rhaenyra for being seen with Daemon in a brothel. We also see Aemond seriously praying at the table so Alicent made her children religious. Well Helaena and Aemond at least. Alicent is also furious when Aegon rapes a servant girl and cheats on his sister-wife. Everything points at Alicent being highly religious.
Honestly this guy was the best part of the show for me. He nailed every single scene he was in. One of the best if not THE best actor on the show. He will be missed.
Every episode just gets better and better as the show continues, and I have no doubt that episode 9 will follow that trend after witnessing that banger of a preview
I know it has some flaws, but I dare say that this is my favorite episode in all GoT series. Impeccable acting, a tour de force of Ramin Djawadi, cinematography both mesmerizing and simple. The writing in the dinner scene and the Throne Room scene just blew me away
I came close to crying a couple of times. When Viserys entered the throne room after his conversation with Rhaenyra. When Viserys insists that he doesn’t want help but sees that it’s Daemon and accepts it. The dinner scene and his smile also choked me up a little too.
Viserys' entrance to the throne room was my absolute favourite moment of the series so far. I wanted to cheer. Absolutely fantastic writing, directing and acting, when an old man hobbling across a room can be so powerful
Viserys wasn’t rambling sadly. He thought Alicent was Rhaenyra and was talking to her, as he seemed to believe he was listening to her like the other day.
Glad I’m not the only one who cried at the last supper, this man who wanted nothing more than his family to get on and love each other, seeing them so,it apart but for one supper they’re happy, they liked each other again. The rift was repaired. He got his wish if only for a moment
It’s very difficult for a scene to be triumphant and inspiring at the same time, especially without it feeling forced. They nailed it. That was some of the best combination of writing, acting, and camera work I’ve seen.
Well Daemon and Rhaenyra aren't saints either. Alicent has been a good wife to Viserys and she didnt want any of the problems. She was used by her father Otto.
@@Tropicsuperset9 In the books Alicent is clearly evil and power hungry but in the show they made her really sympathetic. The only bad thing Alicent has done so far is attacking Lucerys and Rhaenyra. And she did that because her son lost an eye. I think many other parents would react in a similar way. Alicent hasn't killed any innocents and has not lied. Unlike Rhaenyra who had an innocent servant killed to marry Daemon. Rhaenyra has also lied to Alicent and lied to everyone about the father of her sons. If you look at it, Rhaenyra is more evil than Alicent. But yes, I think Alicent will become more and more evil because she is surrounded by bad people: Otto, Larys, Criston Cole and even her own son Aemond. Alicent is no Cersei. Cersei was born narcisstic and psychopathic. Alicent was born a good person who most likely will become bad.
@@cmd7930 I genuinely don’t think Alicent is a good person, or at least she was but obviously the throne and the power it gives will make her become heartless
@@Tropicsuperset9 Alicent is queen and already had huge amounts of power and she pretty much ruled with Otto while Viserys was in bed and she did not become evil. She even helped a girl which was raped by Aegon. She was even supporting Rhaenyra as queen and she was angry at Aemond for calling Rhaenyra's sons "Strong boys". I really dont see how Alicent is evil or heartless. She has had power for years and did not become heartless. She was almost crying because her son Aegon raped a girl. I do genuinely think Alicent is a good person influenced by the wrong people.
Viserys’ actor gave a masterful performance. I’m actually kinda bummed he’s not gonna be on the show now unless they do flashbacks. The range of emotion, his slow decay over time, his clear displays of internal conflict and desires…give that man the award he deserves!
The beautiful second where it looks like Visery is somehow reaching down with his hand to pick up the crown is just great… it truly shows us that Daemon could have been his hand. By being his hand it just.. my god
Viserys wasn't just rambling about Aegon to an empty room, he thought he was talking to Rhenyra. It has been well established he often confuses people in his drugged/sickly state.
As Viserys climbs the throne and we see the pommel of a sword, Viserys and the audience think it’s another kings guard (unless you can identify the sword instantly from its hilt, which I can’t) trying to help. Then it is revealed to both him and us that it’s Daemon helping so Viserys and audience both share that additional touching moment. A detail I really enjoyed. Also it the actor for adult Aemond and his smirk were so good it seemed essential that he be casted regardless of aging or appearance. Casting was probably like “F it, it’s too good to worry about any of those inconsistencies.”
*MATT* *SMITH* *HAS* *"IT"* I know SeanTankTop, Jody's Corner, and Akasan have always been skeptics of this Daemon character but there is a reason why he is GRRM's favorite Targaryen and he's written a lot of them. Years before HOT D was aired, I would read how popular Daemon was among book readers. Came from both genders. A lot of females read this stuff and aren't into Twilight and Harry Potter or at least not anymore for some. I'd read how Daemon was such a BADASS Targaryen and how they couldn't wait to see him in TV form. Matt Smith crushed this role the moment we first see him in Ep 1. Daemon pulls the most gravity in EVERY scene. It's like even if he's leaning in the background, you want to know what he's doing? What's he thinking? How he's reacting? If he doesn't appear for 30 minutes into the episode, you start to ask, Where's Daemon? Where's Daemon? This is pure charisma, people. Listen, I thought Ewan Mitchell would steal scenes in this episode but I didn't see it at all. Aemond looks cool but it's not the level of charisma that Daemon carries. Matt Smith still pulls the most eyes and ears to him. We all hang onto his every word and Daemon is a man of very few words. But when he says something, it can hit you as hard and as fast as Dark Sister did through Vaemond's neck. Daemon is THE ONE. This is why in every comment section, guys and gals will say, I love Daemon! I love Matt Smith! I will defend all of Daemon's crimes! It's insanity. But he's a character who hasn't let me down. Without Daemon, I'm not sure I would continue to watch this show. GRRM and the book readers were right all along. We are starting to get it. Daemon truly is the main reason to watch. The GOAT. "He can keep his tongue." Can see the tongue attached to the neck while Daemon wipes off Dark Sister and then directly looks at Aemond. You can even see Aemond flinch the moment Daemon played Fruit Ninja with Vaemond's head. I know not everyone likes Daemon and that's fine. People want to be a contrarian or like the boy scouts. And Daemon is written as a grey character so he's going to be divisive. But even the haters have to admit Daemon still pulls the most attention over any other character in this show. He has "IT". He has je ne sais quo.
Can we all just take a moment to look at Heleanas Backround Acting? Like how she clutches her arms together and distances herself from her Brothers when they are fighting? Or how she takes her hands to her ears when Vaemond gets daemon'd. And when Aegon provokes Jacaerys at Dinner, shes just quietly sitting there, playing with something. Shes just so innocent... Also she just unintentionally roasts Aegon (Her Husband) at Dinner while delivering a Toast to Rhaena and Baela
And it seems Otto is a supportive and loving grandpa. Who would've thought? I think Helaena is very introverted and barely speaks so Otto will be happy even if Helaena says the weirdest stuff.
His "rambling" at the end was important because he only ever told Rhaenyra. He literally thought he was talking to Rhaenyra, he confused people for each other throughout the episode. Alicent was shown to have no idea what he was talking about, to the very end
I want to give a special shout out to a very overlooked scene. Alicent subtly crying after giving that maid the moontea. Alicent has turned into such a different character than her younger self and this scene is the absolute best example of it. From coming to blows with Rhaenyra precisely because of the moon tea, to using the substance to protect her own son years later. You can see her own morals collapsing from the look in her face.
The amazing performance by paddy and the score aside, Aemond/daemon really made me exited for the future seasons. Knowing what will happen between the two played by these two actors is going to be amazing. Bravo hotd.
Paddy as Viserys has been an absolute revelation for the whole season. Outstanding performance from top to bottom, I really can't praise it enough. Standing ovation
Just happy that Paddy is getting love. Dude is such a phenomenal actor who’s slipped under the radar for what feels like his entire career. Man can act, and now everyone is seeing it
Sadly, this is the last episode we see Paddy Considine as Viserys and man, he delivered it very well on this episode. Showing Viserys becoming more fragile and broken but still wants to determine to save his daughter and wants to see the happiness of his family is so touching. This episode is literally "The Calm Before The Storm" or in this case, "The Calm Before The Dance"
Those strange gargly noises you hear from Viserys is called a Death rattle. Fantastic sound to deliver such a message, and real for those who have witnessed it
A genius detail that most of us missed: Aemond spits his “last tribute” right after he sees Rhaenyra’s middle son smirking at him as servant brings in a PIG and places it before him. A PIG YO. Remember episode 7? I didn’t notice it by myself unfortunately, but wanted to share it with you all!
Paddy was truly amazing. His farewell episode to the Viserys character was perfect. Aemond Targaryen is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. The way he says "I don't give a shit about tournys" and his smirk when he shoves down his nephew during the dinner scene was brilliant.
Anyone who's cared for someone dying of cancer knows that in the few days before their death they will find the last bit of energy they need to set things they need in order, enjoy the company of their loved ones, say goodbye and then pass on. That is what happened here with Viserys.
I don't think Viserys' last words are supposed to be the catalyst of the war. They're just some comforting words Alicent will use to feel better about betraying her husband's wishes. Let's be honest, her family and her were planning on taking over the throne years before that, so the words of a delirious dying man didn't change anything.
That was the most badass an old man's slow walk has ever been in media, I think! As someone who has seen a close family member "decay" rather rapidly from a medical condition (and I know I'm far from alone), I have to say I was astonished by the representation of the same in the show. I think this was the most realistic I've ever seen a man who is dying slowly but not of old age in media, and that's an accomplishment.
We for sure needed more than 10 episodes. That said the show is already great, so with the time jumps mostly over I cannot imagine how incredible will season 2 be.
Viserys dragging himself to the Iron Throne was definitely the climax of his story. At his most physically weakest, he became his most powerful in spirit. The final act as King. And his final act as a father, husband, brother, and grandfather…it was like that scene from Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2, when the whole gang had their last happy moment.
Wow. Just wow. I bawled my eyes out (twice). Paddy Considine was absolutely amazing, bringing his character to an amazing conclusion. I will miss Viserys. And the laughter of all these people at the dinner table. This episode did not fail to bring me to tears! The score, the acting and the writing were all on point. Ahhhh ok stop I'm tearing up again :(
It’s being a while since a TV show made me emotional, but Paddy as Viserys in this episode is nothing short of phenomenal. Reminds me so much of my dad’s final hours, the wheeze, the decay, the blurred mind, the insufferable pain…
7:30 Completely disagree, Viserys wasn't "just rambling about the prince who was promised" just for the sake of it. Viserys was in his dying breath, his brain was probably meltdown by that point and it grasped to the last meaningful conversation he had with her daughter Rhaenyra the other night, which wasn't just small talk or anything, it was about the most important decision Viserys ever made: making Rhaenyra his heir to the throne, this decision marked the fate of Rhaenyra's whole life and the future of the Seven Kingdoms, of course Viserys was going to be thinking about that and about the tremendous sentimental impact the last conversation with his daughter had on him. When she asked him about the prophecy he just didn't have the strength to give her an answer but he knew it was of immense seriousness to give her an answer, so the last thought his brain could construct in his dying hour was to give the answer Rhaenyra so much needed. And the fact that Alicent had heard Viserys talking about the prophecy it's not the reason why she latches on to contest Rhaenyra, like, what? Do you think had she not heard Viserys say those things she would have abandoned her feud with Rhaenyra? Like "Oh well, nothing to do here, let's leave all of Westeros to Rhaenyra" Of Course not! With or without that scene Alicent would have fought Rhaenyra and her family to the death.
This episode was particularly heartbreaking for me because it gave me ptsd of when my father was dying of cancer. The whispers, the weight-loss, the tired movements and the gravity of his death
I wasn't really a fan of King Viserys, but where they took his character in the show and the way they were slowly killing him and how we see him in episode 8 really got to me especially when he walks to the throne had me in literal tears.
his death just makes me cry like a girl.. how can a man so pure and full of love for his familly.. die so alone.. in the darkness only remembering his good days.. with the lie of a familly finally united.. RIP king viserys.. THIS DUDE DESERVE A TON OF PRICES..
Paddy is the new Brian Cranston. Played a goofy character in a comedy then seemingly transformed into an incredible dramatic character with a great performance.
I love how martin himself has stated that Viserys actor`s performance made him reconsider retconning a lot of stuff he wrote about the character in hotd
paddy considine's portraying of viserys speech destroyed me. we've spent the past months following viserys, week after week, being one of the most calm and peaceful rulers in asoiaf. not only that, but a sweet father as well - both a compliment and a flaw. viserys' walk to the throne gave me chills, what a great and moving moment! so, to see him crying his words to his family, painfully imploring for them to not destroy themselves, when we know what's gonna happen, was devastating. at the end, the supper scene felt like a gift for viserys & the public, his last moment of happiness. i hope he dies with that image on his head. "for the sake of this old man, who loves you all, so dearly" that's when i stopped holding & allowed myself to sob.
The Dark Souls boss arrival when Viserys came into the throne room was absolutely mesmerizing.
Otto Hightower: Why do I hear boss music?
Viserys of the Boreal Valley:
You should look up the undertaker entrance version
oh someone pls make that edit
The fact that Viserys’ entrance was more strong and regal than any other point in spite of his decrepit state was incredible
Put these foolish ambitions to rest, Otto.
If Paddy Considine doesn't win an Emmy, the night truly is dark and full of terrors.
He'll likely be competing against the cast of Better Call Saul: Bob Odenkirk (Saul Goodman) for best actor or Tony Dalton (Lalo Salamanca) for best supporting actor.
Not to take away from Paddy's incredible performance, but IMO the BCS cast had better acting.
i like to see it, game of thrones and bb competing, now bcs and hotd
@@nayj7823 fair, since this role was also heavily aided by the cast.
Fair but he'll have to be up for supporting actor cause its fair to say Odenkirk is most likely to win lead actor.
It sure would be! He brought light and relatability to this show that exemplifies what it is to be human❤
A crippled Viserys' surprise entrance to the throne room with the epic announcement and with the support of this masterpiece of a track was phenomenal.
No dragons, no armies, no fancy lines, just the greatest scene of the series.
Alone in my room, I cheered like a mad man at this scene
Yup
In that moment he was tested, and he passed.
I disagree. the greatest ecene of the series so far was the part of the family meal up until viserys got carried away.
Ramin might be the unsung hero of the Martin-verse. I feel like a lot of his GOT themes are so iconic that they are taken for granted, but he’s been taking it to another level for this show. The theme when Viserys entered is my favorite HOTD track so far, and I can’t wait for the full S1 soundtrack to be released.
Paddy Considine received a text message from GRRM himself letting him know that his version of Viserys he portrayed in the show was better than the one he wrote in the book. Truly a deserved affirmation and what an outstanding performance.
Edit: OMG!!! 5K likes..... 😭😭😭 Mom, your child is famous
Well that was easy as Viserys has no depth and characteraztion in the book 😂😂
I have never loved a king more than Viserys!
@@manvirshergill1739 I have to disagree with the easiness. Both the writers and the actor did a great job. Look what happened in GoT when the show surpassed the books and the showrunners had to be creative.
Paddy Considine basically made Viserys almost as good as Old King Jaquerys. When in the book, everyone thought he was a weak king. During his reign , Westeros was at peace and prosperous. Its after he died that things unravelled
Maybe he's really sick in real life cause wow, he's so convincing
The dinner scene killed me.
Seeing viserys be happy even if its just for a brief moment was the most wholesome thing ever.
The score, acting and directing is executed perfectly. Mad how ramin did it again after the nightking theme.
The scene that got me was definitely when the music swelled and he goes "I will sit the throne today"
the meal until viserys gets carried off is my favourite scene of the show. very sad. I wouldn't call it wholesome either, since it isn't actually a last moment of happiness, it's viserys' last effort to commit to his delusion of a happy family, and his family playing along for his sake. it's somewhat nice of them to do it, but it's a lie, and even viserys knows it, he's just trying to pretend. that's why he mutters "I'm sorry" so often, he knows that the decisions he made have set up his family for conflict.
All he wanted was for his family to be happy ... but they're all about to murder each other.
I don’t think he was entirely happy, I think even in his state he could see the fractures, he had to pour his heart out just to get them to act civil to each other for even a minute and they could barely muster that even while he was still there.
@@Ass_of_Amalek His decisions din't divide the family. Rhaenyra's bad decisions did and Alicent's obsession with duty.
Alicent is so pious it blinds her... that and Otto's manipulations.
But I wouldn't blame Rhaenyra for falling in love or wanting to fuck.
I have no idea how episode 8 topped episode 7.
Just wow.
It was really good but I don't think it topped 7 imo.
To me episode 8 was second only to the first episode. But then again, its good to be living in a time when we are arguing over which episode is the best rather than which is the worst.
hahaha it was incredible
It just wouldn't top for me.
Though My 3 fav ep.
This series is just wow
It did. This was the best episode with the most emotion I’ve seen in fantasy in a long time
It's incredible that a 50-year-old lepper with half a face slowly walking down a hall is the strongest king moment ever witnessed in this universe. I think Viserys had a lot of really good qualities for a king and his only true weakness was not understanding the ambitions of the people around him. He expects people to be driven by their very human desire for a good life and happiness not greed and lust for power. His plea at the end was so great and it even had the intended effect on most of the people there, but it didn't matter because everyone there was taught to put their feelings aside and further the interest of their family instead. People call him weak but he showed immense strength in this episode. If he had lived 20 more years and wasn't sick who knows what might have happened.
I think he got a happy death in the end tripping out and seeing Aemma and leaving with the memory of finally reconciling his family. He dies thinking he succeeded in his main goal and will never see the horrific results of his mistakes.
I think Alicent misunderstanding the prophecy, while it makes sense on its own, is unnecessary and just confuses the strong character development of Alicent. She already had very well-established motivations, her deluding herself about fulfilling Viserys' wishes is not needed.
His only true weakness was his blind trust in his daughter and his unwillingness to accept the truth when presented with valid points.
@@3DMasterST yep. The only mistake he made was name her his heir. If not , he could have had his dream of a happy family
No, I don't think he was naive as you describe it. He could see right through Otto and other people. He knew deep down his grandsons were bastards. But he didn't care, they were his daughters children and Targaryens.
His biggest weakness was his unwillingness to act. He let the crab feeder to attack ships. He ignored growing distance between his relatives. He let Otto become the hand again and take controll.
In his last moment he showed determination and his power of will overcame physical weekness. It was too late to stop the war and fix the realm but at least he saved his daughter and grandsons and got one last happy memory.
I don't think she misunderstood the prophecy she probably at first thought he was talking about their son Aegon but by the end realized he thought he was talking to Rhaenyra, that's why she walked away upset.
It also doesn’t help that they have to name one child in every generation “Aegon” though I can understand why. It’s a great name connected to a great and powerful person. It will add further legitimacy to their claim. Case in point: All 18 Louis’s in France’s history.
I actually like the irony that the prophecy that required the Targaryens to stay together was the final straw that broke the House.
Great point!
Sort of reminds me of Rhaegar
@@rosesweetcharlotte Yes! Or Aegon V possibly. Sounds very much like George Martin.
prophecy of Daenys rescued Targaryens but other prophecies killed them
It didnt destroy them, there is like 8 generations after the death of Rhaenyra and Aegon II with periods of splendor like the reign of Daeron II (Saved for the Blackfyre rebellions), Maekar I and Aegon V. They just lost their mighty dragons.
I'm just so glad we all agree on one thing, Paddy delivered above and beyond expectations. He didn't subvert them, he just played the hell out of his part. I truly cried at his end, I haven't cried because of a TV show or movie since I was a boy. When he said my love as the credits rolled it felt like we all embraced the darkness of death with him, it was truly heart breaking and partially warming, knowing his suffering was over and he believed he'd be with his true and only love Aemma.
So eloquently put.
That scene with the moving of his fingers, short breaths that tear rolling down and then “MY LOVE”
After the BS of GOT 5,6,7,8 season . This was an all timer episode IMO
Even GRRM said he acted the character better then he wrote him.
@@motokid6008 he said that Paddy’s performance made him to think to go back and rip off those chapters and write much better . I reckon this is one of the biggest compliment and Paddy deserves every bit of it.
@@player11x I think its the best compliment any actor or director can receive when it comes to adaptations. Arguably better than the Emmy.
Vaemond wasn't stupid, he knew he was pretty much commiting suicide. But he was like "Fuck it, im about to say this with my ENTIRE CHEST"
😂😂😂
Well, Daemon challenged him to say it. Knowing Daemon, well, you know you're fucked. Also, last time someone tried to announce the bastard children in Throne Room, he got himself executed in public
BAHSTAAAADS!
I don’t blame him for being angry about a non-Valeryon inheriting Driftmark, but my guy if you’re gonna confront her publicly, what do you think they’ll do? At least Ned went to Cersei in private
That is inexact. Ned didn't confronted Cersei privately out of common sense but FEAR. He feared Bobby B would kill Cersei and her children so he tried to warned her first, which was his downfall (The sin of mercy, as he himself said). Vaemond was being spiteful. He knew he had already lose so he went down defiant with a last barb
The throne room scene was so awesome, and knowing that Matt and Paddy improvised the part where Viserys’ crown falls off and Daemon helps him to the throne is so cool!
The progress in Daemons relationship with Viserys as the series continues was amazing. Matt smith is perfect for that role
Made this more interesting is that the scene were improvised since the crown were not meant to fall off, they were thinking about rehearsal the scene again until Daemon actor just went in off script and help Viserys actor and they decided to keep filming.
This makes it even better in my mind. They were going off what their characters should/would do. And I’ll bet Viserys’ (sp?) reaction to seeing it being Daemon was somewhat genuine.
Most powerful moment in the whole GOT universe was the Viserys and Daemon scene. The timing was so brilliant. The fact this was improvised makes this moment even more emotional. (the director Geeta Patel confirmed that was improvised in Vanity Fair interview).
I agree, most people will not allow anything to overshadow anything from the first 4 seasons of GoT but that science alone was the most power from that universe yet and in many ways as well
i loved that scene too but i dont think its the most powerful scene in GOT tho. but definitely in top 3
what scene? the one where Daemon says he watts Rhaenyra?
@@gunslinger3667 o my scene I personally like as much is the red wedding or Tyrion’s trail
More powerful then....
Molten gold poured over Viserys
Tyrion shooting his dad
Jon Snow getting stabbed or coming back to life
Hold the door
Shireen burned alive
Ned loses his head
Jon Snow is a Targaryen
Knight king resurrects the dead as Jon drifts away
Zombie Dragon
Young Cersei gets her fortune told
Joffery drinks bad wine
Jon Snow holding Ygritte
Walk of Atonement
Bran out the window
Mountain vs Viper
Cresei blows up the Sept
Red Wedding
House of the Dragon is a good show but let's not become prisoners of the moment and think the show, the characters, the writing or the story compares to GOT season 1-4. Only thing House of the Dragon does better is the set but that's just $$$. I am saying this as someone who likes House of the Dragon
i think the reason why alicent was so quick to take Viserys's words about 'the prince who was promised' and not assume he was just delirious is because of that one scene in the episode about the royal hunt. He mentions to Alicent, "You asked me if I believed the dream" and proceeds to say, "yes" which might make Alicent think that Viserys is lucid because he did confide in Alicent back then about his dream of his son with all the dragons bowing.
good catch I totally forgot about that
Yeah seriously, fantastic catch
Well, and she's super religious. You ever been around super religious people while someone is dying? They interpret every word they say as important and a sign of Heaven
Yes this scene totally made me think back to the scene at the bonfire during the hunt episode.
@@rosesweetcharlotte funny, but that’s just a naive perspective. Everyone gets emotional when their loved ones are dying, religion or not.
she is not really super religious. It’s more of a culture thing in game of thrones. Everyone is religious. In fact throughout all of game of thrones, the royal women are seen praying all the time. It’s a common theme. Margery, Sansa, Catelyn, Osha…
I’ll cut you guys some slack, because it is hard to tell what Alicent is thinking, just like her father. But it’s obvious their main prerogative is to put an heir on the iron throne, not fulfill some religious calling. 😉
I haven't cried for a GOT episode since the Red Wedding, and almost at Ned and Jon's death. This one episode made me cry THREE times. Wow...I honestly believe this is the best episode produced from this series so far.
because it is, GoT series didnt have such great music, camera shots that lvl of detail in every scene, acting (even without words like Matt through whole episode 3) & interactions between same characters throughout 1 season. HotD is a better show in every aspect of production value except for these time jumps, but they still managed to tell a story building up characters as they appear and switch actors later on. Masterclass cinematography.
This was truly the brat s en e if the universe it’s in to me. The complexity and emotion in it whilst balancing morbid/epic together is so hard to do. It was nailed flawlessly. I’ve never rooted for a character more
@@martrog3429 nah you’re smoking the hype. HOD is good even great so far but GOAT seasons 1-4 still tops it
Hey what about Drogon's reaction at Daenerys death? That was sad too. But I agree that before this the red wedding was emotional. That episode is probably the only one that didn't even have an end theme playing when the credits rolled.
@@diegobromfield no, not really. It didn't really earn that sadness from me.
Daemon helping Viserys up the throne and picking up the crown/placing it on his brother is such incredible symbolism and an amazing vindicating moment. I'm glad they had a moment of reconciliation before Viserys death
Yep, I kinda hated Daemon for not reconciling in episode 7 but this episode made me love Daemon again.
I cried when Daemon helped Viserys.
I've seen somewhere that Visery's crown falling was not in the script but they went along with it (hopefully it's not just a rumor) and I'm glad they did.
The most moving part of the episode for me was daemon helping his brother up to the thrown that everyone thought he wanted to take in earlier episodes
The fun fact is that it was improvised by the actors. The crown wasn't supposed to fail
I can’t believe how much I love Aemond he’s became a green daemon which I think is perfect for his character and can we just talk about him getting punched and not even spilling his drink? He must be thinking “hmm strong in name only I see.”
I love his jawline too
@@user-no4yd4gp4u bro has a megachin
Aemond looks 40 🤣
@@rektz2457 puberty does a lot to a boy. Especially to the rugged, warrior-like Aemond. His brother on the other hand just grew up to be a discord mod.
Aemond is such a poser and Daemon wannabe. But comments everywhere say he's such a BADASS! Such a Chad! 🤣 He did nothing badass here except take a punch from Jace SOFT.
Aemond couldn't even look at Daemon directly in the eyes for 5 seconds. Guess he's starstruck by his idol. 🤩 When Vaemond got beheaded, Aemond, Helaena, and Alicent all flinched. Only Aegon stood ground.
Aemond is the iPhone clones you buy in China. 🤣 The Louis Vuitton and Gucci imitations you can buy for 10x less. I can't wait when his face can withstand a hit from Dark Sister...
Helaena is the wholesome Targaryen we didn’t know we needed. Also little Viserys melted my heart ❤️
I’m sure they’ll all live happily ever after
Poor soul,she was married to her rapist brother
😅 some of them will!
3 words: blood and cheese
@@MCL003 go away ;-;
You can see Alicent feels regret to not marry her with Jaecerys eventhough last episode, Rhaenyra asked her to do it after knowing that both of her first 2 children are married each other and she finally realized how fuck up Targaryen family is for their incestious relationships.
My father passed away recently and my god this episode was so difficult because it was like seeing him die all over again. The way Paddy and others portrayed his death rattle breathing, the painful wailing at slight movements and just everything about it was just so painfully close to home.
For me it was the sores. My stepdad died from cancer and while my mom did her absolute best to keep the bedsores at bay, she could only do her best. He had wounds on his arm from chemo and they never full healed. It was all so awful
Im sorry for your loss
Exactly the same situation for me, so this whole episode hit really hard, sorry for your loss
Paddy Considine is the unsong hero of HotD S1!
Give that man an Emmy cuz hes acting is spot on from the beginning to the end!
personally, episode 8 was my favourite
episode 7 was incredible
but Paddy Considine was an experience like no other
topping every last one of his performances before this. EVERY LAST ONE
The way they altered Viserys made him look like a real life hollow from the Souls games. Truly haunting, and a perfect performance.
Exacly, when i First sae this guy crawling to the Throne i thought about Elden ring bosses, Haha
“ Ohhhhh Elden Ring “
Pretty sure Viserys thought Alicent was Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra had to tell him her identity previously, for him to know it was her. Viserys likely thought Rhaenyra had come back and he was intending on continuing the conversation to assert that Rhaenyra's line is the one he thinks should carry Aegon's will. However, Alicent I believe knew Viserys thought he was talking to Rhaenyra, but didn't remind her identity, so she could use what he said to her advantage, whether its deceit or not, as now she knows for sure that Viserys will back Rhaenyra until his death, and there is nothing she can do to sway that without deceit.
definitely. thats how I understood it immediately
Alicent could also be remembering the prophecy Viserys was talking to her about in ep 3.
I disagree. Alicent doesn't about the prophesy regarding the prince that was promised, or the death coming from the north. So, she couldn't have connetected what Viserys said to Rhaenyra, because she would needed knowledge about both the prophesy and the conversation between Rhaenyra and Viserys to do this. Furthermore, Viserys spoke about Aegon the first, but she thought he was refering to their own son. The whole conversation flew over the head, but I guess we will see how she's going to interpret it next episode.
You’re correct. The showrunners clarified that he thinks he’s talking to Rhaenyra and Alicent ends up thinking he is meaning for Aegon II to be King. And thus begins the Dance of Dragons.
yeah that was clear
The dinner scene almost broke my heart.
Viserys was happy for a few brief moments...
@@caronstout354 that's all he ever wanted and him revealing his face was OG af
Almost? Yours must be made of Valyrian steel. Mine was shattered like Dragonglass
Here's one of the reasons why this one is the best so far. In my opinion, Aemond the one-eyed, that is, his young actor took over the whole episode even though he didn't speak 10 sentences. The actor is too good with those facial expressions, that one eye instills fear and everything, just like his character should. The dinner at the end when he gives a toast is perfectly done, the detail when the Jace hits him with his fist and he doesn't even flinch, doesn't even linger over the glass of wine and just laughs and pushes him and knocks him down, a few seconds of the series reveals a lot about that character and what he has become during years. On top of that, Jace is the son of Harwin, who was one of the strongest. Certainly the highlight for me is the relationship between Daemon and Aemond the one-eyed, even though they don't exchange a single word except looks. Aemond sees Daemon both as an idol and as the fiercest enemy that they will soon become, while the Daemon sees in Aemond himself when he was young (arrogant, brave, a good fighter, insightful, etc.) but at the same time a fiercer enemy that he would like to have oppose. Aemond is the son that Daemon would love to have.
Exactly 💯
@Axeel Røynæ El Alam daemon died too fighting aemond , both are greatest fighters
@Axeel Røynæ El Alam 49
@Axeel Røynæ El Alam still he died🤡🤡 don't write essay I don't have time to read all this
@Axeel Røynæ El Alam no it was not skill. Daemon knew Aemond was riding much bigger dragon so he had no chance, he had no exits so he knew only way to defeat him is for them both to go down. One on one combat is different story and we can't say who is better fighter because technically they never fought sword to sword, even though I personally think Daemon would also beat him there merely because of experience
Viserys is by far my favourite character. What a performance by Paddy Considine. An emmy is certainly on the cards for him.
who cares about fcn emmy or any holywood awards, these are meaningless nowadays.
@@martrog3429 actors care. If you have done a great job you wont be against of being rewarded
@@martrog3429 he was such a pushover
honestly i wasn't expecting it at all but he became my favorite character too. i have run the full gauntlet of emotions with this man lol there are QUITE a few things about him i really dislike, but the level of emotional attachment i didnt realize i had until the last supper scene came on and i was bawling is insane. there is literally no other character i care about on that level in HotD even though im pretty invested in them
For real. In the books he was a clown and died like that, but Paddy just gave him so much depth he is now my Top 2 Targaryen King.
The walk up to the throne was beautifully poetic. Like the final rise in attempt to stop a disaster... And inevitably viserys still has to leave the throne even after his efforts
The score and editing felt like a recap of the series, a swan song for Viserys
What really sold the throneroom scene to me was not really Viserys struggling to reach the throne, but the moment when his crown drops to the floor. If you didn't know, this moment was an accident, the crown fell down, but Matt just picked it up and continued the scene. The director thought it only added the emotion and boi was that correct. There are two reasons why I love this so much:
1 - it shows that the throne has completely rejected Viserys. Remember that only an unworthy king cuts himself on the throne's blades which did happen to Viserys and led to his disease, but this is the quintessence - now not even the crown admits to Viserys being king.
2 - Daemon picking up the crown and putting it back on his brother's head. Remember how they started? Rivals, Daemon wanted to be the heir, he wanted the crown, he wanted to finally replace Viserys on the Iron Throne. And now he has it, in his hands, the very crown he always wanted and what does Daemon do? Puts it back on Viserys' head. It's such a moment personally for Daemon and for the Targaryen brothers. A brother is a brother, no matter what was before, blood is still blood.
For the contrary, I found the fact that the Throne didn't cut him this time as a sign that for One time at the very end Viserys was a worthy King.
It might be recency bias, but this just may be my favorite episode between HotD and GoT. Only one brief moment of violence, but so much meaningful exchanges between characters. It felt like classic ASoIaF. The King deserves every award a TV actor can get, beyond stellar performance.
I’d like to point out how much more the throne room scene is moving with the fact that Daemon helped his brother climb to the throne and crowned him, it really shows us how much Daemon truly cares about his brother
The actor who plays Aemond is phenomenal. Hopefully this is the last major time jump for a while and he gets to stick around.
it is the last major time jump and the current main actors are the ones who we'll see till the end of the show.
@@cmd7930 oh wow that’s awesome. Love the current cast.
@@Jalexander99 Enjoy them while you can, because now is when people start dying.
He is straight up terrifying.
I was teary-eyed when Viserys enters the throne room. That’s the love of a father right there❤ He endured all that pain, with heavy breathing walked up the stairs, all to defend Raenyra.😭
First time I cry in a series... Vicerys's speech truly touched me.
Yeah his court entrance and his supper speech was really moving.
One thing I absolutely loved in the scene with Viserys walking through the throneroom, that you didn't mention, was when Daemon picked up his brothers throne, after he dropped it, and placed it back onto his head! That gave me goosebumbs, simply because of the the underlying symbolism of having Daemon be the one to do it. Not only is it a great way to show the reunion of two brothers, letting past conflicts be laid to rest (just as Viserys pleaded Daemon to do in previous episode), but it also, in some way, reaffirms Daemons true alligiance (his family). He may have wanted to sit on the iron throne himself, but NEVER at the expense of his brother. When Daemon placed the crown on his brother it almost felt like he was re-electing him as king.
Seeing Viserys walk through those doors, slowly creeping his way to the iron throne brought me to tears. What an outstanding performance from Paddy.
No, Vaemond wasn't irrational and dumb in this scene. He wasn't raging, he just knew he's already screwed for claiming his heritage to Driftmark, so he decide to get his own way and say the truth as loudly as he could. You can clearly see satisfaction on his face. Vaemond just knew he's gonna be killed for that, now or later.
It's hard not to feel a bit bad for him. He loved Corlys, he had his own respect for Rhaenys, and really, the show implies that this really isn't just about Rhaenyra's children being bastards, it's that there are few Valyrion Houses left in the world and now House Veleryion is at risk of losing its own unique racial identity.
Except for the fact that her nieces would marry the Strong boys, and both girls are as valyrian as you can get. The Velaryon bloodline was safe, there was more spite and resentment than justice.
@@rosesweetcharlotte its nothing to do with race, but blood!
@@michaelmcdoesntexist1459 those girls are targs not velaryons the house was in trouble
@@retronerds6884 their mother was Laena Velaryon. Did you even watch the show?
I also found it interesting how Alicent presented herself to be pious to the Seven and decorated the red keep with the seven pointed star. she even had a necklace that fit. I wonder if she turned even more faithful or if this is just a facade to gain the faith for her side, or to manipulate some pious lords, maybe she used this to show how she changed since her freakout last episode.
Or maybe she truly is concerned about her sons' survival after Rhaenyra ascends the throne.
The behind the episode people explained that Alicent had become more pious after her actions in the last episode as a way to repent and comfort herself.
@@Ashbrash1998 she is a woman trapped. She is not a bad person but she may become one to ensure the survival of the people she loves. I don’t blame her. And I don’t blame Rhaenyra either.
No it's real. Alicent was already faithful since she is a Hightower from Oldtown where the faith is based so Alicent grew up very religious which is why she was angry (and jealous) at Rhaenyra for being seen with Daemon in a brothel.
We also see Aemond seriously praying at the table so Alicent made her children religious. Well Helaena and Aemond at least.
Alicent is also furious when Aegon rapes a servant girl and cheats on his sister-wife.
Everything points at Alicent being highly religious.
And/or currying the favor of the Septons and Maesters of Old Town in the Dance to come...
I love how it took Viserys longer to walk from one end of the throne room to the other than it took Jon Snow to travel from Winterfell to Dragonstone
Honestly this guy was the best part of the show for me. He nailed every single scene he was in. One of the best if not THE best actor on the show.
He will be missed.
ABSOLUTELY. ive heard people say theyre sick of viserys and im just. are we watching the same show lmao
It’s crazy to me that they can show viserys walking to the throne for that long and keep me absolutely captivated the whole time
How you not gonna mention the part where Daemon helps his brother to the Throne? Such a powerful emotional moment
The acting in this show is amazing.
Every episode just gets better and better as the show continues, and I have no doubt that episode 9 will follow that trend after witnessing that banger of a preview
ep 9's have a crazy tradition as well in that universe
@@rickwagner3797 yeah, every episode 9 in GOT was a banger, except season 5
I would've liked to see a scene of Alicent hearing about Rhaenyra's son Aegon, and see her fuming about it
Doesnt really work with the time jump. Its not like Alicent just found out Rhaenyra named her son Aegon like 4 years after he was born.
Everyone in this family is naming their sons Aegon I don’t think she cared
I know it has some flaws, but I dare say that this is my favorite episode in all GoT series. Impeccable acting, a tour de force of Ramin Djawadi, cinematography both mesmerizing and simple. The writing in the dinner scene and the Throne Room scene just blew me away
I came close to crying a couple of times. When Viserys entered the throne room after his conversation with Rhaenyra. When Viserys insists that he doesn’t want help but sees that it’s Daemon and accepts it. The dinner scene and his smile also choked me up a little too.
Paddy deserves an Emmy for his performance. Utterly heartbreaking.
Daemon staring at Aemond like: "Finally. A worthy opponent. Our battle will be legendary."
Viserys' entrance to the throne room was my absolute favourite moment of the series so far. I wanted to cheer. Absolutely fantastic writing, directing and acting, when an old man hobbling across a room can be so powerful
Viserys wasn’t rambling sadly. He thought Alicent was Rhaenyra and was talking to her, as he seemed to believe he was listening to her like the other day.
Glad I’m not the only one who cried at the last supper, this man who wanted nothing more than his family to get on and love each other, seeing them so,it apart but for one supper they’re happy, they liked each other again. The rift was repaired. He got his wish if only for a moment
It’s very difficult for a scene to be triumphant and inspiring at the same time, especially without it feeling forced. They nailed it. That was some of the best combination of writing, acting, and camera work I’ve seen.
Viserys was a truly good person :( a rare thing in this universe. RIP. The actor was incredible
Paddy Considine BLEW ME AWAY this entire season. LOVED his portrayal of viserys
Viserys's long walk was the best moment of the show for me. What an absolute BAMF. And when Daemon helped him to the throne 😫😭
Viserys struggling to walk through the Throne Room was one of the best entrances especially with the gold mask
I just got Goosebumps when King Viserys entered into the iron throne room🔥
Cried buckets as he marches to the throne. That was a real king. When he collapsed on the throne it didn't cut him either. Nicely symbolic.
I noticed that in the dinner scene, Alicent and Otto were sitting to the Right of Viserys, the side where he lost his eye and part of his cheek.
Well Daemon and Rhaenyra aren't saints either.
Alicent has been a good wife to Viserys and she didnt want any of the problems. She was used by her father Otto.
@@cmd7930 fair, but I think she is meant to be the cersie of HOTD, she is supposed to be an evil character, we just haven’t seen it quite yet
@@Tropicsuperset9 In the books Alicent is clearly evil and power hungry but in the show they made her really sympathetic.
The only bad thing Alicent has done so far is attacking Lucerys and Rhaenyra. And she did that because her son lost an eye. I think many other parents would react in a similar way.
Alicent hasn't killed any innocents and has not lied. Unlike Rhaenyra who had an innocent servant killed to marry Daemon. Rhaenyra has also lied to Alicent and lied to everyone about the father of her sons.
If you look at it, Rhaenyra is more evil than Alicent.
But yes, I think Alicent will become more and more evil because she is surrounded by bad people: Otto, Larys, Criston Cole and even her own son Aemond.
Alicent is no Cersei. Cersei was born narcisstic and psychopathic. Alicent was born a good person who most likely will become bad.
@@cmd7930 I genuinely don’t think Alicent is a good person, or at least she was but obviously the throne and the power it gives will make her become heartless
@@Tropicsuperset9 Alicent is queen and already had huge amounts of power and she pretty much ruled with Otto while Viserys was in bed and she did not become evil. She even helped a girl which was raped by Aegon. She was even supporting Rhaenyra as queen and she was angry at Aemond for calling Rhaenyra's sons "Strong boys".
I really dont see how Alicent is evil or heartless. She has had power for years and did not become heartless. She was almost crying because her son Aegon raped a girl.
I do genuinely think Alicent is a good person influenced by the wrong people.
Viserys’ actor gave a masterful performance. I’m actually kinda bummed he’s not gonna be on the show now unless they do flashbacks. The range of emotion, his slow decay over time, his clear displays of internal conflict and desires…give that man the award he deserves!
The beautiful second where it looks like Visery is somehow reaching down with his hand to pick up the crown is just great… it truly shows us that Daemon could have been his hand. By being his hand it just.. my god
Viserys wasn't just rambling about Aegon to an empty room, he thought he was talking to Rhenyra. It has been well established he often confuses people in his drugged/sickly state.
As Viserys climbs the throne and we see the pommel of a sword, Viserys and the audience think it’s another kings guard (unless you can identify the sword instantly from its hilt, which I can’t) trying to help. Then it is revealed to both him and us that it’s Daemon helping so Viserys and audience both share that additional touching moment. A detail I really enjoyed.
Also it the actor for adult Aemond and his smirk were so good it seemed essential that he be casted regardless of aging or appearance. Casting was probably like “F it, it’s too good to worry about any of those inconsistencies.”
*MATT* *SMITH* *HAS* *"IT"*
I know SeanTankTop, Jody's Corner, and Akasan have always been skeptics of this Daemon character but there is a reason why he is GRRM's favorite Targaryen and he's written a lot of them.
Years before HOT D was aired, I would read how popular Daemon was among book readers. Came from both genders. A lot of females read this stuff and aren't into Twilight and Harry Potter or at least not anymore for some. I'd read how Daemon was such a BADASS Targaryen and how they couldn't wait to see him in TV form.
Matt Smith crushed this role the moment we first see him in Ep 1. Daemon pulls the most gravity in EVERY scene. It's like even if he's leaning in the background, you want to know what he's doing? What's he thinking? How he's reacting? If he doesn't appear for 30 minutes into the episode, you start to ask, Where's Daemon? Where's Daemon? This is pure charisma, people.
Listen, I thought Ewan Mitchell would steal scenes in this episode but I didn't see it at all. Aemond looks cool but it's not the level of charisma that Daemon carries. Matt Smith still pulls the most eyes and ears to him. We all hang onto his every word and Daemon is a man of very few words. But when he says something, it can hit you as hard and as fast as Dark Sister did through Vaemond's neck.
Daemon is THE ONE. This is why in every comment section, guys and gals will say, I love Daemon! I love Matt Smith! I will defend all of Daemon's crimes! It's insanity. But he's a character who hasn't let me down. Without Daemon, I'm not sure I would continue to watch this show. GRRM and the book readers were right all along. We are starting to get it. Daemon truly is the main reason to watch. The GOAT.
"He can keep his tongue."
Can see the tongue attached to the neck while Daemon wipes off Dark Sister and then directly looks at Aemond. You can even see Aemond flinch the moment Daemon played Fruit Ninja with Vaemond's head.
I know not everyone likes Daemon and that's fine. People want to be a contrarian or like the boy scouts. And Daemon is written as a grey character so he's going to be divisive. But even the haters have to admit Daemon still pulls the most attention over any other character in this show. He has "IT". He has je ne sais quo.
Can we all just take a moment to look at Heleanas Backround Acting? Like how she clutches her arms together and distances herself from her Brothers when they are fighting? Or how she takes her hands to her ears when Vaemond gets daemon'd. And when Aegon provokes Jacaerys at Dinner, shes just quietly sitting there, playing with something.
Shes just so innocent...
Also she just unintentionally roasts Aegon (Her Husband) at Dinner while delivering a Toast to Rhaena and Baela
I really love Helena! She's so innocent, she gives me Luna Lovegood vibes.
@@blood_of_cerberus9617 I wouldn't be surprised by some inspiration from Harry Potter in her Performance.
And it seems Otto is a supportive and loving grandpa. Who would've thought?
I think Helaena is very introverted and barely speaks so Otto will be happy even if Helaena says the weirdest stuff.
His "rambling" at the end was important because he only ever told Rhaenyra. He literally thought he was talking to Rhaenyra, he confused people for each other throughout the episode. Alicent was shown to have no idea what he was talking about, to the very end
I'm confident 80% of the audience got teary eyed at the supper scene, what a passionate and great speech it was.
We the other 20% were crying since the Throne escene
I want to give a special shout out to a very overlooked scene. Alicent subtly crying after giving that maid the moontea.
Alicent has turned into such a different character than her younger self and this scene is the absolute best example of it. From coming to blows with Rhaenyra precisely because of the moon tea, to using the substance to protect her own son years later. You can see her own morals collapsing from the look in her face.
The amazing performance by paddy and the score aside, Aemond/daemon really made me exited for the future seasons. Knowing what will happen between the two played by these two actors is going to be amazing. Bravo hotd.
Paddy as Viserys has been an absolute revelation for the whole season. Outstanding performance from top to bottom, I really can't praise it enough. Standing ovation
Why is no one talking about the scene with Alicent and Dyana? That girl’s acting was so hauntingly convincing.
Someone said Aemond looks like evil Legolas.
Now I'll never think of something else.
Just happy that Paddy is getting love. Dude is such a phenomenal actor who’s slipped under the radar for what feels like his entire career. Man can act, and now everyone is seeing it
King Viserys died believing his family would get along after he passed. At least it was somewhat of a happy ending for him.
Sadly, this is the last episode we see Paddy Considine as Viserys and man, he delivered it very well on this episode. Showing Viserys becoming more fragile and broken but still wants to determine to save his daughter and wants to see the happiness of his family is so touching. This episode is literally "The Calm Before The Storm" or in this case, "The Calm Before The Dance"
Viserys was only 52 when he died (atleast from the book.) Man, Paddy gave a spectacular show.
Those strange gargly noises you hear from Viserys is called a Death rattle. Fantastic sound to deliver such a message, and real for those who have witnessed it
You don’t need dragons & tons of action to have a good tv show. These past few episodes are a perfect example.
Stellar Television!
A genius detail that most of us missed:
Aemond spits his “last tribute” right after he sees Rhaenyra’s middle son smirking at him as servant brings in a PIG and places it before him.
A PIG YO. Remember episode 7?
I didn’t notice it by myself unfortunately, but wanted to share it with you all!
Paddy was truly amazing. His farewell episode to the Viserys character was perfect. Aemond Targaryen is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. The way he says "I don't give a shit about tournys" and his smirk when he shoves down his nephew during the dinner scene was brilliant.
Anyone who's cared for someone dying of cancer knows that in the few days before their death they will find the last bit of energy they need to set things they need in order, enjoy the company of their loved ones, say goodbye and then pass on. That is what happened here with Viserys.
I don't think Viserys' last words are supposed to be the catalyst of the war. They're just some comforting words Alicent will use to feel better about betraying her husband's wishes. Let's be honest, her family and her were planning on taking over the throne years before that, so the words of a delirious dying man didn't change anything.
That was the most badass an old man's slow walk has ever been in media, I think!
As someone who has seen a close family member "decay" rather rapidly from a medical condition (and I know I'm far from alone), I have to say I was astonished by the representation of the same in the show. I think this was the most realistic I've ever seen a man who is dying slowly but not of old age in media, and that's an accomplishment.
We for sure needed more than 10 episodes. That said the show is already great, so with the time jumps mostly over I cannot imagine how incredible will season 2 be.
No because I was bawling multiple times.
Viserys dragging himself to the Iron Throne was definitely the climax of his story. At his most physically weakest, he became his most powerful in spirit. The final act as King.
And his final act as a father, husband, brother, and grandfather…it was like that scene from Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2, when the whole gang had their last happy moment.
Wow. Just wow. I bawled my eyes out (twice). Paddy Considine was absolutely amazing, bringing his character to an amazing conclusion. I will miss Viserys. And the laughter of all these people at the dinner table.
This episode did not fail to bring me to tears! The score, the acting and the writing were all on point. Ahhhh ok stop I'm tearing up again :(
It’s being a while since a TV show made me emotional, but Paddy as Viserys in this episode is nothing short of phenomenal. Reminds me so much of my dad’s final hours, the wheeze, the decay, the blurred mind, the insufferable pain…
7:30 Completely disagree, Viserys wasn't "just rambling about the prince who was promised" just for the sake of it. Viserys was in his dying breath, his brain was probably meltdown by that point and it grasped to the last meaningful conversation he had with her daughter Rhaenyra the other night, which wasn't just small talk or anything, it was about the most important decision Viserys ever made: making Rhaenyra his heir to the throne, this decision marked the fate of Rhaenyra's whole life and the future of the Seven Kingdoms, of course Viserys was going to be thinking about that and about the tremendous sentimental impact the last conversation with his daughter had on him. When she asked him about the prophecy he just didn't have the strength to give her an answer but he knew it was of immense seriousness to give her an answer, so the last thought his brain could construct in his dying hour was to give the answer Rhaenyra so much needed.
And the fact that Alicent had heard Viserys talking about the prophecy it's not the reason why she latches on to contest Rhaenyra, like, what? Do you think had she not heard Viserys say those things she would have abandoned her feud with Rhaenyra? Like "Oh well, nothing to do here, let's leave all of Westeros to Rhaenyra" Of Course not! With or without that scene Alicent would have fought Rhaenyra and her family to the death.
That’s a problem with this guy, he gives awful and illogical takes without even realising.
Especially with episode 5
This episode was particularly heartbreaking for me because it gave me ptsd of when my father was dying of cancer. The whispers, the weight-loss, the tired movements and the gravity of his death
i think daemon helping his brother up the steps despite all was one of the best moments of the season so far
Super emotional episode. Nice video, glad that you're doing these recaps, one of the few channels that actually makes them fun to watch.
I wasn't really a fan of King Viserys, but where they took his character in the show and the way they were slowly killing him and how we see him in episode 8 really got to me especially when he walks to the throne had me in literal tears.
his death just makes me cry like a girl.. how can a man so pure and full of love for his familly.. die so alone.. in the darkness only remembering his good days.. with the lie of a familly finally united.. RIP king viserys.. THIS DUDE DESERVE A TON OF PRICES..
heart breaking seeing Rhaenyra and Alicent’s final last sweet moment before their decent into madness and death
The acting Paddy did was phenomenal man and it’s become my favorite episode of the show
Paddy is the new Brian Cranston. Played a goofy character in a comedy then seemingly transformed into an incredible dramatic character with a great performance.
I love how martin himself has stated that Viserys actor`s performance made him reconsider retconning a lot of stuff he wrote about the character in hotd
Honestly I got really hyped for these😂
paddy considine's portraying of viserys speech destroyed me. we've spent the past months following viserys, week after week, being one of the most calm and peaceful rulers in asoiaf. not only that, but a sweet father as well - both a compliment and a flaw. viserys' walk to the throne gave me chills, what a great and moving moment!
so, to see him crying his words to his family, painfully imploring for them to not destroy themselves, when we know what's gonna happen, was devastating. at the end, the supper scene felt like a gift for viserys & the public, his last moment of happiness. i hope he dies with that image on his head.
"for the sake of this old man, who loves you all, so dearly" that's when i stopped holding & allowed myself to sob.