#3ts

Episode 6 commentary

The way Alicent is surprised that Aemond is also treating her like shit, and her acting like as if she doesn't recognize Aemond anymore, I mean girl...

Show Alicent was manipulated by her father into thinking that Rhaenyra would kill her sons, and I think the reason why she believed him was not only because it was Rhaenyra who exposed Otto and convinced her father to remove that leech from his seat (in exchange of her marrying Laenor), but also because Rhaenyra lied about Daemon not touching her (again, I don't think Rhaenyra trusted her enough to confess about what happened in the brothel and after that because she knew that Alicent is a puppet of her father). In Alicent's perception, if Rhaenyra could do all those things, then what are the chances of her not going as far as getting rid of her half-brothers so no one could challenge her claim to the throne right? So she instilled in her sons' minds about Rhaenyra killing them once she sits on the iron throne, hence their fucked up relationship with their sister (and nephews).

Book version is more straight to the point though, Alicent was so adamant at putting Aegon to the throne that she has taught her own children to hate Rhaenyra and their sons because they were their rivals (apart from Rhaenyra of course). Either way, book or show version, Alicent was still part if not the reason why her sons ended up this way. Slut-shaming Rhaenyra, allowing them to call their sister the whore of Dragonstone, making them feel like they are far more superior because they were born males and has more right to the throne was something she herself taught them. Funny thing is, just like everyone else pointed out, she thought she was exempted from their misogynistic bullshit.

Helaena once again getting dragged into this whole mess was painful to watch. This wouldn't have happened had Alicent agreed to marry her to Jace instead of Aegon, fanfictions and delusions aside, let's face it--Jacaerys would have treated Helaena way better than Aegon ever did. But you know what hurts more? Alicent acting like she cares for Helaena the most yet she allowed this to happen to her.

Aemond Targaryen finally showing his true colors (aka his book version). He has grown cockier since becoming the Prince Regent, but his arrogance will lead him to his demise.

Now that Aegon knows that his life is in danger in the hands of his own brother and enlists the help of Larys, I'm kinda hoping that he'll plot some sort of revenge towards Aemond, and the fight between the brothers would be the key to the greens' downfall.

I am hoping to see a more feisty version of Helaena, the scene where she faced Aemond for the first time since becoming Prince Regent gave me a spark of hope that the writers would give something better for Helaena, some sort of character development that will help her to finally stand up for herself (and her daughter). Also I want to see her riding Dreamfyre even just once.

Seasmoke choosing his rider will always be badass. I agree with what other fans pointed out that he's most likely the father of Dany's dragons since he looks more similar to them compared to Syrax. At least Seasmoke and Syrax were able to do something Leanor and Rhaenyra never did.

Speaking of dragons, it was indeed a crazy idea for Rhaenyra to heed Jace's advice, but with a big-ass grumpy old dragon on the opposing side, they're gonna be needing more dragons. Syrax and Caraxes would have stood a chance against Vhagar considering that Sunfyre is severely injured, Tessarion and Daeron are still MIA. Putting Helaena and Dreamfyre in the battlefield is out of the question/non-negotiable. But because, the Haunting of Harrenhal starring Daemon is like a whole-ass season long, Rhaenyra is still at a disadvantage. She is a dragonrider, but she obviously can't command all of the other dragons. Daenerys was able to do that to all three of her dragons because she wasn't just a dragonrider, she was their mother. Rhaenyra isn't. Having more dragonriders would increase her chances to win the battle, but if Rhaenyra carefully weighs her pros and cons, she'd do something to ensure that none of the dragonseeds would betray her. But then again, if you've read Fire & Blood, you know what happened.

Never underestimate the power of the smallfolk, that is why Otto wanted to get them to the greens' side by using the death of Jaehaerys to paint Rhaenyra as the bad person. But one thing that old prick didn't realize was that he needed to do much more than just earn their sympathy. Having Mysaria on Rhaenyra's side, someone who has lived the life, knows the struggles, and knows exactly what the people need gave Rhaenyra the advantage. By giving them something the greens never did, she successfully provoked the ire of the people towards the usurpers and get their support. The kissing scene between Rhaenyra and Mysaria to me doesn't feel romantic (at least not for now). Though I have to say that the latter is exactly who the queen needs at this point, someone that Daemon should have been for her.

Nice to see Paddy Considine make a cameo in the show. We all know that the Viserys is the person that Daemon loves the most, but the truth is, I expected more action and more thrilling scenes from Daemon this season. Matt Smith didn't lie when he said that we're gonna see a weaker Daemon but I feel like the Haunting of Harrenhal feels...dragging. Maybe I'm not just used to Daemon not committing war crimes but ngl I was expecting him to get his shit together this episode.

First, Pete was happy (AGAIN!) that Porsche was punished.

Even Porsche was kind of weary of his happiness because it seemed to override his senses so much that he was ignoring the obvious.

Then, he gave Porsche helpful tips of how to be better at taking his punishments.

And that was after Pete left Porsche high and dry after convincing him to break into Kinn's room to look for a special phone *foreshadowing much?*

Pete didn't even apologize for leaving Porsche to be punished alone. In fact, he called him a "black sheep" when they were watching the movie after trying to cool himself down with the fridge.

*Sir, if you only knew how hot it's about to get for you...* I don't know if something really snapped in Pete's brain after seeing his future husband torture someone, but he is being a little too gleeful in the pain department this episode.

Next, we have Kim making unintended incest jokes about Porsche (with Kinn if we do the math) while also ignoring all of his love's calls to the point that the stalker became the stalked.

And finally, we had this little nugget

It may be completely unimportant, but only time will tell who Tem is heartbroken over.

1970 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst

Episode 4 commentary

HOLY SHIT, that's all I've been saying all throughout this episode.

I just find it amusing at how the greens keep calling Rhaenyra a "whore of dragonstone" when their righteous queen dowager not only fucks her shitty guard dog, but also gets rid of the product of her own indulgence. And please don't be pulling that "Oh but she's a victim in all this, she's innocent blah, blah, blah." Honey, no...she knows exactly what she's doing so that argument doesn't apply in this scene. I also find it cringey at how some people find the affair between Crispy and Alicent romantic like...????

Hail Aegon, the useless, lame, and stupid Targaryen. I do love Tom Glynn-Carney but this is the dumbest Aegon has ever been. I swear to the gods I was laughing the whole time when Aemond read him to filth in High Valyrian, and he only realized that no one takes him seriously as king now? Even his own mother admits that he's not half of the king Viserys was, and him [finally] realizing that he's nothing without Otto is fucking priceless (as much as I hate that old bitch, he did the job). Speaking of which, when Alicent told Aegon about the "sacrifices that has been made" to put him to the throne tells me that she knew exactly what she was doing, I don't accept and will never accept that bullshit that she misunderstood what Viserys said.

Aegon going to that war with him not having the skills and tactics Aemond has is bold of him, but crazy in a really stupid way. I've said it a couple of times at how pathetic he was, but this is next level. Rhaenys would have effortlessly shredded him and his dragon into pieces if it weren't for Aemond and Vhagar, although I feel bad for Sunfyre because this beautiful boy do not deserve it.

I knew Rhaenys was gonna die, but watching it unfold breaks my heart. She knew it was impossible to fight Vhagar on her own, but she fought like a true dragon rider. I'm gonna miss seeing Eve Best in the show, but her performance as Rhaenys Targaryen will always be iconic.

Daemon still being haunted by the young Rhaenyra, questioning his true intentions, his mirrored path with Aemond, his dead ex-wife appearing before him, perhaps a reflection of his guilt for moving on so quickly and not even processing his grief before marrying Rhaenyra. Alys Rivers taunting him about his wife--damn, that castle is fucking his mind. I also sense that Alys was trying to seduce Daemon which I don't think ever happened in the book (Alys and Aemond did have a thing though) but maybe it's just me. But also felt like [hopefully] it will push him to get his shit together, and fight for his wife's cause.

Aemond obviously hates his brother for not only tormenting him since childhood, but also having everything he does not deserve. He's smart, skilled, and a damn good warrior. It shows, he shoved it right to Aegon's face that he would make a better king than him. We all know Aegon is not gonna die...yet, but he would be performing his duties and responsibilities as Prince Regent, and possibly...an affair with Helaena? The latter never happened in the book but what if?

I actually thought that Rhaenyra was gonna confess to Jace that his real dad is Crispy Cole hahahahaha!

Episode 5 commentary

Alicent finally realizing that the men she sided with doesn't give a shit about her. The fact that even Crispy and Larys agreed that Aemond should be Prince Regent was a huge slap on her face. Now that she knew that she is no longer of use to the council, realized why Rhaenyra rejected the orange bitch, and how much of a vengeful motherfucker her own son is, I am interested to know as to what Alicent would do next. If she wanted to correct her mistakes, she'd turn her back against the greens and bend the knee to Rhaenyra. But that would mean that she's gonna betray her own sons, and she'll possibly end up dead before she even gets out of the castle gates. OR she could stay loyal, keep her mouth shut and let Viserys' children kill each other while she isolates herself in her own chambers, carrying that guilt of how much she fucked up until she passes. Let's see what she does next.

Rhaenyra's council is full of misogynistic cunts and the only ones who respect and support her are the women. Rhaenys fought to the death to make sure Rhae sits on that damn throne, something she never got to do because she was born a woman. My badass Baela on the other hand defended the queen and reminded Corlys that Rhaenys' fate was her own choosing, and no one should be blamed in her untimely demise. Honestly, she and Jace would have been the best king and queen.

I have always loved Jace in both the book and the show, still young but has already showed his potential in becoming a great leader. This makes me dread his fate even more.

Targaryens are known for their inbreeding, but it is uncommon for a parent and child to have a relationship that is beyond...well...a parent and child. I am one of those who felt uncomfortable watching it, but when I saw this, the first thing that came into my mind was Daemon has mommy issues. But then I remembered that he was very young when Alyssa died so that's highly unlikely. I did however found an explanation for that vision, someone wrote that the sex scene between Daemon and his mother was actually about Daemon's superiority complex. He likes being the dominant one, it arouses him (hence the sex scene). Looking back at the previous episodes, no one has really regarded him as the stronger or the better brother and that vision was feeding his ego basically, and I couldn't agree more.

Episode 3 commentary:

Late to the party again but anyway,

Alicent and Criston's lOveY doVey moment before the cunt left is cringey af.

Rhaenys defending Rhaenyra from the council full of men is *chef's kiss* she's the only one who understands why the queen has been holding back. I get the council's point that they should be acting now because the greens are advancing. If you really think about it, it's really too late for peace negotiations, but the queen's desperate attempts to choose a peaceful way to end this conflict--despite how hopeless, was because she knew how important it was to keep the houses united (the prophecy), she also knew that this war will cause the downfall of their House, and more innocent lives will be claimed including her loved ones and she cannot allow that.

Rhaenyra sending her babies away to keep them safe will never not be heartbreaking. I feel bad for Rhaena too, all her life she felt useless and unloved. It sucks because she never felt like a true Targaryen just because she didn't have a dragon at the time (she wouldn't have Morning until much, much later). But my girl would be taking care and watching over two future kings. A role that Rhaenyra entrusted her, which is just as important.

I've read that Geeta Patel confirmed that Dany's dragons were actually Syrax's babies, which surprised me because those three looked more like Dreamfyre than Syrax or even Caraxes (if he's their dad). I even thought that Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal were those three eggs Elissa Farman stole from way, way back (like Rhaena Targaryen, the OG rider of Dreamfyre days). Perhaps they purposely did that since Daenerys came from Rhaenyra and Daemon's line but they should have at least made Syrax look like Dany's dragons 🤷.

Milly Alcock briefly appearing in Season 2 🥹🥹 Although that scene when she was sewing Jaehaerys' neck while singing gave off a really creepy vibe, it served as Daemon's conscience and I love the way they delivered it. Hands down to Matt Smith!!! I love that scene when Daemon teared up upon realizing how much pain he had caused Rhaenyra, Matt was impeccable.

I love how Crispy Cunt and Gwayne were scrambling to save their asses from getting burned by Moondancer. Baela scaring the shit out of them is priceless, and her dragon is a cutie.

Strangely, even if Aegon is back to his Joffrey Barratheon era I don't hate him as much as the latter. He is so easy to manipulate to the point that it makes him so pathetic, I feel sorry for him that he's only king by name. However, I feel worse for Helaena. She was setting aside her own grief because she felt like the small folk had it worse. Girl you are allowed to mourn, you did not deserve that kind of trauma.

Speaking of which, I wish they have shown more of Helaena's grief--the guilt, the nightmare that kept haunting her, OR Helaena setting her emotions aside because she felt that she does not deserve to mourn the death of Jaehaerys because she felt guilty of what she did. I think that would have been truer to what Helaena actually feels (and closer to her story in the book). Though I commend her strength for being able to "forgive" Alicent, not just for what happened to Jaehaerys, but perhaps for the things she fucked up in the past. Though I've read a fan theory that the scene could also depict Helaena's vision that Alicent might betray the greens in an attempt to correct her mistake or something like that, what do you think?

Ewan Mitchell is brave for doing that nude scene to show Aemond's vulnerable side. He is cold, fierce, and intelligent on the outside, but underneath that armor, he is someone who has suffered so much at a young age and is still hurting until now.

I'm still mad at this incredibly stupid writing that Alicent thought Viserys was referring to their son Aegon. Imagine losing your children, killing each other, and traumatizing your surviving loved ones over a misunderstanding. A fucking misunderstanding. Idk what the screenwriters were thinking or who came up with this idea but...I cannot.

I'm late for the party because I took a break from writing QOT fanfics, but here I am.

Episode 1 commentary:

I do appreciate the whole tapestry thing that tells the history of the Targaryen dynasty (mostly focusing on the dance, duh), but I still prefer the opening in season 1.

Rhaenys refusing to follow Daemon's order is badass ngl. Like I said, Daemon is my favorite bitch but if I have to choose between him and Rhaenys, I'd take the latter's side. Daemon is the "strike the iron while it's hot" kind of person, but the moment the Greens learned about Lucerys' demise they have been on high alert in case of any attacks from the Blacks so...it was a bad idea to attack King's Landing just like that.

I think we can all agree that Emma D' Arcy did an amazing job at showing Rhaenyra's grief. The unkempt hair, the dirt on her face and body, basically being not being able to care for herself (and she doesn't care), very image of a mother who just lost another child was nailed to perfection. The scene where the queen found the remains of Luke and Arrax was just heartbreaking.

Speaking of nailing a scene, I am also impressed at Phia Saban. I know a lot of people were confused at how Helaena decided to give up her son after her failed attempt to bribe Blood and Cheese. Actually it was much worse in the book, but it still ended up with Jaehaerys' death. I do agree with what others said that Helaena had to choose or all of them will die. If she sacrificed herself, they would still have killed both kids, if she chose to give up Jaehaera, the result would STILL be the same. The fear, desperation, confusion and trauma of Helaena was delivered so well by Phia.

I also read some comments saying that Helaena foresaw her son's death, and whatever she does she couldn't stop it hence she did what she did.

However, I do agree that the Blood and Cheese scene which was supposedly the highlight of the episode felt a bit...underwhelming. I mean, if you really think about it, it's horrible but I was expecting it to be at the same level or at least close to the book kind of horrifying. Though idk why they excluded Maelor's character, and I don't even know if Daeron is going to exist in the show either.

I have a confession to make, I kinda like Aegon in this episode. I was expecting him to be a lazy bastard or a Joffrey Baratheon kind of "king" but at least he's trying. But as I'm writing this, I realized that he's just another pawn of Otto's (just like his mother). Having Aegon as king would give him control over the kingdom, he cannot be king and being the hand of Viserys, and now Aegon II is the closest he could get to the iron throne, that's why the greedy bitch did everything he can--use his daughter and have her marry to Viserys despite her young age and trying to convince Vizzy to marry Aegon to Rhaenyra. Dude has been planning it for years. When Alicent voiced out her concern about being undermined by her father at the small council I was like, babes you're a pawn in this game, that's all you are and I hate that the showrunners made her this way. Again, she was a player in the book and I prefer that version of her.

Criston Cole bitching about Rhaenyra choosing the crown over oranges, and refusing to be her whore but still ended up being a boy toy of another queen will never not be funny.

Episode 7 commentary

Contains major spoilers from the book but y'all probably already know this.

I absolutely love the scene where Seasmoke and Syrax was like conversing. Seasmoke be like, "Look what I found..a new dragon rider!" Then Syrax would be like, "Good for you, he's cute." Also the detail where Seasmoke was like bowing to Rhaenyra while showing her his new rider is really good.

There's something about the scene of Alicent in Kingswood that's hauntingly beautiful. I like that they made the audience think as to whether or not Alicent was there to end herself, or was she just there to clear her thoughts or think of what she's going to do next. The reason why Alicent was written to be some sort of a puppet to her dad was because it will explain why her mental health deteriorated towards the end. Still not much of a fan of how they've written Alicent in the show and I don't know if I'm ever gonna see that side of her that came from the book.

I like Oscar Tully. He knew his vassals would not take him seriously because he is a boy. "Insulting" Daemon, punishing Willem Blackwood and making Daemon "ride along" by killing the latter in exchange of House Tully's loyalty [and army] had benefited the both of them. Daemon gets his army, and Oscar earns the respect of the Riverlords as the new lord paramount.

I REALLY HOPE THAT THIS WOULD BE THE LAST EPISODE OF THE HAUNTING OF HARRENHAL. I know the final episode got leaked on the internet, and I actually saw a scene about Helaena confronting Aemond. Ngl, I love that scene but bitch it ruined the excitement for me. So whoever leaked the episode, fuck you.

Rhaena never had any other dragon aside from Morning, but if she for real is going to claim Sheepstealer then...there wouldn't be Nettles anymore?

I know a lot of people are kinda upset with Jace right now, but I get his point. Yes, it was his idea to find dragonriders for the other dragons but he never really thought that a lowborn with a Targaryen blood (and a bastard of Corlys that no one knows about as of the moment) would be chosen by a dragon, and it's not really Addam's fault. The thing is, if bastards could be dragonriders then they certainly would think that they could claim the throne as well. If Rhaenyra passes, then another war might start (actually, it was pure chaos after Aegon II's death but we'll get to that later on). It's also bad enough that he and his brothers have been the talk of the town since they were born. Despite having the potential of being a good king, he would always be questioned, opposed, and like Jace said he will always have to fight for his position. It would have been easier had he been born looking like his mother, but his dad's genes are Strong unfortunately, and having a dragon is the only thing that proves of his Targaryen heritage--the reason why people respect him. So having bastards for dragonriders is not only a huge slap on his face, but it could also lead to another dance of the dragons.

If Rhaenyra wants to secure Jace's claim to the throne, the only way is to legitimize him. I don't know if it's already a thing in this timeline, but it's the only way to protect him. It's already an unspoken truth anyway. Problem is that, she's just gonna end up like Aegon II whom no one takes seriously. Even if she does her best to be a good mother and queen, people will not look past the fact that she had kids with another man that wasn't her (first) husband. And Daemon being Daemon? Oh, we are sure as hell that he would want his own son to rule in the future hence, another potential war.

Actually, we shouldn't be thinking too much about Jace's ascension to the throne because it will never happen. And Daemon didn't have to fight for his son's claim since he was already gone by the time Aegon III succeeded his uncle (and married Jaehaera).

But let's just pretend that we don't know that for the sake of discussion...unless you haven't read Fire & Blood.

Going back, if Rhaenyra wants peace and stability in her court and amongst her people, then she'd have to name Aegon the Younger her heir since her two youngest sons have always had stronger claim to the throne since birth, but this will destroy Rhaenyra and Jace's relationship.

Aside from his recovery, I wonder if Aegon is also conspiring with Larys already to eliminate Aemond? Or is he letting Larys do everything? But if you think about it, without Aemond and Vhagar the greens will be at a huge disadvantage. Tessarion and Dreamfyre wouldn't suffice unless Aegon pretends to bend the knee and devices a scheme to kill Rhaenyra and her family later on, but that would take so much time, and Aegon doesn't have the patience for that...So Ulf and Hugh betraying Rhaenyra it is then to get Vermithor and Silverwing to their side.

Dragonkeepers doing a mass resignation after Rhaenyra recruited dragonseeds because basically, dragons are sacred blah, blah, blah. These people were born/direct descendants of the Targaryens, therefore magic is in their blood. We all know now that dragons and riders form a bond by either:

Hatching the dragon

The rider successfully claiming the dragon

The dragon chooses its rider

The others who were deemed unworthy ended up being Vermithor's snack. The process of choosing a rider for Vermithor was indeed horrible, but it's only a matter of time before Aemond defeats Rhaenyra so she has to act quickly. But in doing so, she has to make sacrifices. On the other hand it's common knowledge that dragons shouldn't be fucked with, but the reason why the dragonseeds answered the call was because they thought that by claiming a dragon, their lives will change for the better. They were abandoned as children, lived a horrible life, and with the current situation, anyone would jump at any opportunity no matter how risky just to get out of that situation.

Though I wonder what show Rhaenyra would do to make sure none of the dragonriders would betray her, surely there will come a time when they would ask for a reward for their contribution to the war, and it's going to be more than just money.

Emma D'Arcy speaking in High Valyrian is just 🤌🤌🤌🤌 the scene where Rhaenyra was calming Vermithor, and as if they were having some sort of conversation through the mind, and when she opened her eyes, there was power--gods I kept on replaying it. Even the dragon knows who the real queen is. Such a badass scene!