#s1ep9

The Man In The Lightning, S1EP9

Not only do I love Barry's (incredibly successful) blackmailing here, I love McGee's reply. EHEHEHEHEHEHE

He's so quick with it too and with zero hesitation. He doesn't even feel bad about it. I love seeing that this is something in his skill set, even if he only did it because of his desperation. His desperation to get the man who killed his mom.

Favorite quote/moments: There are so many moments in this episode that are great. More than I remembered, in fact. This is not traditionally one of the episodes that I listen to multiple times, but the beauty of Beth's natural 20 that makes Silent Night an iconic moment in the show is just wonderful.

General thoughts:

Ah, the beginning of the fun titles. Now, I'm not 100% sure on the reference on this one, but it still works for me.

This one also has a fun intro that I had totally forgotten about. Got to love the parody of Behind the Music.

Overall, this is a great episode. And I had totally forgotten how much fun it is. This episode that is supposed to focus on Nick and Glenn becomes this beautiful, iconic moment for Ron instead. I love what the dice do to the storytelling.

I love that Nick and Glenn decide to hotwire the car, and that Nick got a natural 20, and they were able to run off with the van. And then Scam Likely's call makes the whole moment even funnier.

What a great, fun episode. And we get to meet Paeden in the next one. Very excited for that.

rhaenys has always always always warned rhaenyra that the patriarchy will never accept her as queen and that there will be war. she knows what's up.

unfortunately for the people of the seven kingdoms, both factions benefit from war — the victorious faction will not just be ruling by birthright but by conquest.

there is much less doubt about a rule by conquest versus a rule by birthright. think of that quote that goes something like "you're not given power, you take it".

if rhaenyra is victorious, she no longer has to deal with claims of her usurping her brother's throne. if aegon is victorious, he no longer has to deal with questions about him usurping his sister's throne.

the war will also mean the losing faction will lose most of their leadership and supporters in battle so the winning faction doesn't have to worry too much about any remaining supporters of the losing faction once the war is over AND there is not the cloud of suspicion that comes from losing leaders & supporters en masse in a non-war situation.