Podcasts about red keep

The Boys are back and they're returning to the Red Keep! They give you all of their thoughts on ‘House of the Dragon' Season 3, Episode 2 and go over where all of our main players stand by the end of it. (0:00) Intro (7:34) Spoilers ahead (9:52) ‘House of the Dragon' Season 3, Episode 2 reactions (58:33) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell New 2k+ doorbells, coming to your front door Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

THE MOST SHOCKING AND ABSOLUTELY UNHINGED TELEVISION EVENT IN HISTORY! GAME OF THRONES SEASON 8 EPISODES 5-6 REACTION & SERIES FINALE BREAKDOWN with Tara Erickson and Andrew Gordon! Game of Thrones Full Series Uncut Watch Along:   / thereelrejects   Limited Time Offer – You Need Fiber. Yes you! Boost your fiber with Huel today using my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code REJECTS at https://www.huel.com/REJECTS. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! GAME OF THRONES 8x1-8x4 REACTION:    • GAME OF THRONES 8x01 - 8x04 REACTION -  TH...   Support The Channel By Getting Some REEL REJECTS Apparel! https://www.rejectnationshop.com/ In this final review and reaction, Tara and Andrew brace themselves for complete chaos as Daenerys Targaryen goes full Dark Phoenix, completely reshaping the landscape of Westeros forever. We unpack the massive emotional scale and stellar performances of this iconic ensemble cast, featuring Emilia Clarke (Solo: A Star Wars Story, Me Before You) delivering absolute terrifying intensity as the spiraling Mad Queen Daenerys, Kit Harington (Eternals, Pompeii) as the deeply conflicted true heir Jon Snow, and Peter Dinklage (Cyrano, Avengers: Infinity War) giving a masterful, heart-wrenching performance as Tyrion Lannister. We also react to the monumental final arcs for Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister, Lena Headey as the cornered Queen Cersei, Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark, Maisie Williams as Arya Stark, and Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth. Our hosts react to every jaw-dropping highlight, brutal execution, and bittersweet farewell this massive two-part finale delivers. We break down the absolute dread of Varys being sentenced to dragon fire by a ruthlessly unhinged Daenerys, the jaw-dropping scale of the attack on King's Landing, and the pure horror of the dragon completely torching innocent civilians long after the city bells rang to surrender. We unpack the bloody, pride-fueled duel between Jaime Lannister and Euron Greyjoy, the hyper-violent poetry of the long-awaited Cleganebowl where the Hound and the Mountain fall together into the flames, and Cersei and Jaime's tragic "Romeo and Juliet" style demise beneath the rubble of the crumbling Red Keep. Finally, we break down the monumental throne room confrontation where Jon Snow delivers a shocking, devastating stab to his queen, Drogon completely melting down the Iron Throne before flying away with his mother, and the highly chaotic Small Council assembly where Tyrion hilariously fields a democratic vote before crowning Bran the Broken as King. We evaluate the incredible cinematic tracking shots, the massive storytelling logic leaps, and the pure emotional weight of the Starks' split endings—including Sansa becoming Queen of the North, Arya exploring uncharted maps, and Jon Snow finally giving Ghost a proper, long-overdue embrace before leading the wildlings back beyond the Wall! Follow Tara Erickson: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaraErickson Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/taraerickson/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/thetaraerickson Follow Andrew Gordon on Socials:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieSource Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/agor711/?hl=en Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Agor711 Intense Suspense by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Support The Channel By Getting Some REEL REJECTS Apparel! https://www.rejectnationshop.com/ Follow Us On Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/  Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reelrejects?lang=en Twitter: https://x.com/reelrejects Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ Music Used In Ad:  Hat the Jazz by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Happy Alley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... POWERED BY @GFUEL Visit https://gfuel.ly/3wD5Ygo and use code REJECTNATION for 20% off select tubs!! Head Editor: https://www.instagram.com/praperhq/?hl=en Co-Editor: Greg Alba Co-Editor: John Humphrey Music In Video: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Ask Us A QUESTION On CAMEO: https://www.cameo.com/thereelrejects Follow TheReelRejects On FACEBOOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM:  FB:  https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/ TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/thereelrejects Follow GREG ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/thegregalba/ TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/thegregalba Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailCersei does the walk of shame through King's Landing. Mackelly and Simon wistfully recall their college days.Chapter Review:Queen Cersei Lannister is shaved (all over) and must walk through the streets of King's Landing, from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep to atone for the cherry-picked sins that she has confessed to. She's a lion and won't be cowed. She keeps her eyes on the Red Keep and the promise of seeing her son King Tommen again as the crowd pelt her with insults and rotten flora and fauna. She stumbles, slips in excrement, and sees faces from her past in the crowd. Eventually the abuse takes its toll and she realizes that she has made a fatal mistake. This crowd of baying peasants will never again see and fear her as the queen. WIth this she breaks and runs, then crawls the rest of the way.But she is met by Qyburn and the newly appointed Kingsguard brother Ser Robert Strong - all 8ft of him. Suddenly she feels a great wash of relief. Her chances to prove her innocence in the trial by combat have just increased meteorically. Characters/Places/Names/Events:Cersei Lannister - Dowager Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Mother to King Tommen.Tommen Lannister - Younger son of Cersei and King of the Seven Kingdoms.Kevan Lannister - Uncle to Cersei, King regent.Lancel Lanniser - Son of Kevan, former lover of Cersei. Now a convert to the militant branch of the Faith of the Seven.Qyburn - Disgraced maester of the citadel. Ally to Cersei.Margaery Tyrell - Wife to King Tommen. Despised by Cersei.Ser Robert Strong - new member of the Kingsguard. The size and shape of the now (believed) dead Mountain (Gregor Clegane). Support the showSupport us:Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perksDonate to our causeUse our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of AudibleBuy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate linkBuy GoH merchandise through our store.Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media:DiscordTwitter @GhostsHarrenhalFacebookInstagramYouTubeAll Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Celeste sees red as he battles his way out of the grasp of the Red Keep. Along the way he sets fires with new friends and gets burned by old flames.   Content Warnings: Language, Violence, Sexual Themes, Dark Themes ------ Today's promo is for Moment of Balance! Check them out! ------   Join our Shrimp and Crits Discord server for the official listening parties. These are every release day at 7:00PM EST. https://discord.gg/qCHktpeTDG ------ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ShrimpandCrits ------ Join the Queer Actual Play Guild, a new discord space for queer voices in the AP community! https://discord.gg/n8qsmtDCUj ------ You can follow our linktree (https://linktr.ee/ShrimpandCrits) to our website, social media, and much much more. Please subscribe, rate and review us on any podcatchers where you listen. If you'd like to get in touch, feel free to do so by email (shrimpandcritspodcast@gmail.com) or post (PO Box 60934 Nashville TN, 37206)

Things go from dangerous to extreme as the Skywaymen uncover more secrets of the Red Keep and what lies within its walls.   Content Warnings: Language, Violence, Sexual Themes, Dark Themes ------ Today's promo is for $2 Creature Feature ------   Join our Shrimp and Crits Discord server for the official listening parties. These are every release day at 7:00PM EST. (full server only open to patrons) https://discord.gg/qCHktpeTDG ------ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ShrimpandCrits ------ Join the Queer Actual Play Guild, a new discord space for queer voices in the AP community! https://discord.gg/n8qsmtDCUj ------ You can follow our linktree (https://linktr.ee/ShrimpandCrits) to our website, social media, and much much more. Please subscribe, rate and review us on any podcatchers where you listen. If you'd like to get in touch, feel free to do so by email (shrimpandcritspodcast@gmail.com) or post (PO Box 60934 Nashville TN, 37206)

The Skywaymen are reunited with various parts of their past, while their future begins to take shape in the ever-menacing Red Keep of the Knights Bloodfruit.   Content Warnings: Language, Violence, Sexual Themes, Dark Themes ------   Join our Shrimp and Crits Discord server for the official listening parties. These are every release day at 7:00PM EST. (full server only open to patrons) https://discord.gg/qCHktpeTDG ------ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ShrimpandCrits ------ Join the Queer Actual Play Guild, a new discord space for queer voices in the AP community! https://discord.gg/n8qsmtDCUj ------ You can follow our linktree (https://linktr.ee/ShrimpandCrits) to our website, social media, and much much more. Please subscribe, rate and review us on any podcatchers where you listen. If you'd like to get in touch, feel free to do so by email (shrimpandcritspodcast@gmail.com) or post (PO Box 60934 Nashville TN, 37206)

The Skywaymen make camp and take a good long look at the Red Keep before carefully executing their well thought out plan.   Content Warnings: Language, Violence, Sexual Themes, Dark Themes ------ Preorder Yield by CR Stroud NOW ------ Join the Queer Actual Play Guild, a new discord space for queer voices in the AP community! https://discord.gg/n8qsmtDCUj ------   Join our Shrimp and Crits Discord server for the official listening parties. These are every release day at 8:00PM EST. (full server only open to patrons) https://discord.gg/qCHktpeTDG ------ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ShrimpandCrits ------ You can follow our linktree (https://linktr.ee/ShrimpandCrits) to our website, social media, and much much more. Please subscribe, rate and review us on any podcatchers where you listen. If you'd like to get in touch, feel free to do so by email (shrimpandcritspodcast@gmail.com) or post (PO Box 60934 Nashville TN, 37206)

After tactically fending off the Knights of the Bloodfruit, the Skywaymen pursue them across the plains to find the Red Keep.   Content Warnings: Language, Violence, Sexual Themes, Dark Themes ------ Preorder Yield by CR Stroud NOW ------ Join the Queer Actual Play Guild, a new discord space for queer voices in the AP community! https://discord.gg/n8qsmtDCUj ------   Join our Shrimp and Crits Discord server for the official listening parties. These are every release day at 8:00PM EST. (full server only open to patrons) https://discord.gg/qCHktpeTDG ------ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ShrimpandCrits ------ You can follow our linktree (https://linktr.ee/ShrimpandCrits) to our website, social media, and much much more. Please subscribe, rate and review us on any podcatchers where you listen. If you'd like to get in touch, feel free to do so by email (shrimpandcritspodcast@gmail.com) or post (PO Box 60934 Nashville TN, 37206)

NED STARK ACCUSED OF TREASON! Game Of Thrones Full Reaction Watch Along: ⁠  / thereelrejects  ⁠ Save & Invest In Your Future Today, visit: ⁠https://www.acorns.com/rejects⁠ Support The Channel By Getting Some REEL REJECTS Apparel! ⁠https://www.rejectnationshop.com/⁠ With Season 3 of House of the Dragon in the works at HBO and the new Knight of the Seven Kingdoms series debuting its trailer, Tara & Andrew CONTINUE their Game of Thrones Reaction, Recap, Commentary, Breakdown, & Spoiler Review! In Episode 7 – “You Win or You Die”, tensions explode as Ned Stark confronts Cersei Lannister with the truth about Joffrey's parentage, forcing her to flee before Robert returns. Meanwhile King Robert is mortally wounded in a hunting accident and names Ned regent, substituting “Joffrey” for “rightful heir” in his will. Jon Snow and Sam Tarly swear their vows at the Wall as a dead horse returns (no rider). Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys attempts to persuade Khal Drogo to invade Westeros while Jorah learns his pardon has been revoked but intervenes to ensure her safety. Then in Episode 8 – “The Pointy End”, the Lannisters surge — servants are slaughtered at Winterfell, Arya Stark battles in the Red Keep, Syrio Forel holds off knights to let her escape, and Ned Stark is imprisoned in the Red Keep's black cells. Robb Stark begins raising an army, banners fly, and Varys visits Ned with harrowing truths about loyalty and power. Meanwhile, Jon and Sam deal with mysterious reanimated corpses (wights) beyond the Wall, reinforcing the looming threat from the North. Follow Andrew Gordon on Socials:  YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MovieSource⁠ Instagram:⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/agor711/?hl=en⁠ Twitter:  ⁠https://twitter.com/Agor711⁠ Follow Tara Erickson: Youtube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@TaraErickson⁠ Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/taraerickson/⁠ Twitter: ⁠ https://twitter.com/thetaraerickson⁠ Intense Suspense by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. ⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...⁠ Support The Channel By Getting Some REEL REJECTS Apparel! ⁠https://www.rejectnationshop.com/⁠ Follow Us On Socials:  Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/⁠  Tik-Tok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@reelrejects?lang=en⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/reelrejects⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/⁠ Music Used In Ad:  Hat the Jazz by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. ⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠ Happy Alley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. ⁠https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...⁠ POWERED BY @GFUEL Visit⁠ https://gfuel.ly/3wD5Ygo⁠ and use code REJECTNATION for 20% off select tubs!! Head Editor:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/praperhq/?hl=en⁠ Co-Editor: Greg Alba Co-Editor: John Humphrey Music In Video: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/⁠ Ask Us A QUESTION On CAMEO:⁠ https://www.cameo.com/thereelrejects⁠ Follow TheReelRejects On FACEBOOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM:  FB:  ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/⁠ INSTAGRAM: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/⁠ TWITTER:  ⁠https://twitter.com/thereelrejects⁠ Follow GREG ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: INSTAGRAM:  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thegregalba/⁠ TWITTER:  ⁠https://twitter.com/thegregalba⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NED STARK ACCUSED OF TREASON! Game Of Thrones Full Reaction Watch Along:   / thereelrejects   Save & Invest In Your Future Today, visit: https://www.acorns.com/rejects Support The Channel By Getting Some REEL REJECTS Apparel! https://www.rejectnationshop.com/ With Season 3 of House of the Dragon in the works at HBO and the new Knight of the Seven Kingdoms series debuting its trailer, Tara & Andrew CONTINUE their Game of Thrones Reaction, Recap, Commentary, Breakdown, & Spoiler Review! In Episode 7 – “You Win or You Die”, tensions explode as Ned Stark confronts Cersei Lannister with the truth about Joffrey's parentage, forcing her to flee before Robert returns. Meanwhile King Robert is mortally wounded in a hunting accident and names Ned regent, substituting “Joffrey” for “rightful heir” in his will. Jon Snow and Sam Tarly swear their vows at the Wall as a dead horse returns (no rider). Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys attempts to persuade Khal Drogo to invade Westeros while Jorah learns his pardon has been revoked but intervenes to ensure her safety. Then in Episode 8 – “The Pointy End”, the Lannisters surge — servants are slaughtered at Winterfell, Arya Stark battles in the Red Keep, Syrio Forel holds off knights to let her escape, and Ned Stark is imprisoned in the Red Keep's black cells. Robb Stark begins raising an army, banners fly, and Varys visits Ned with harrowing truths about loyalty and power. Meanwhile, Jon and Sam deal with mysterious reanimated corpses (wights) beyond the Wall, reinforcing the looming threat from the North. Follow Andrew Gordon on Socials:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieSource Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/agor711/?hl=en Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Agor711 Follow Tara Erickson: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaraErickson Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/taraerickson/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/thetaraerickson Intense Suspense by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Support The Channel By Getting Some REEL REJECTS Apparel! https://www.rejectnationshop.com/ Follow Us On Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/  Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reelrejects?lang=en Twitter: https://x.com/reelrejects Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ Music Used In Ad:  Hat the Jazz by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Happy Alley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... POWERED BY @GFUEL Visit https://gfuel.ly/3wD5Ygo and use code REJECTNATION for 20% off select tubs!! Head Editor: https://www.instagram.com/praperhq/?hl=en Co-Editor: Greg Alba Co-Editor: John Humphrey Music In Video: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Ask Us A QUESTION On CAMEO: https://www.cameo.com/thereelrejects Follow TheReelRejects On FACEBOOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM:  FB:  https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/ TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/thereelrejects Follow GREG ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/thegregalba/ TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/thegregalba Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bring out your dead! Though the term isn't used often, necromancy as a concept has a major place in ASOIAF. It's a deep topic: from wights beyond the Wall in the middle of nowhere to Ser Robert Strong at the Red Keep itself… From Beric Dondarrion and Lady Stoneheart to ancient tales as far east as Asshai and as far west as the Iron Isles, not to mention real world influences both historical and fictional. Bonus Eps & More -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/historyofwesteros⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shirts & Stickers -⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠historyofwesteros.threadless.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.historyofwesteros.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Intro/Maps - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://klaradox.de⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://bit.ly/howfb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://bit.ly/howdiscord⁠⁠Nina - ⁠⁠⁠⁠goodqueenaly.tumblr.com/⁠⁠⁠

Send us a textDaenerys learns that the Sons of the Harpy are bold enough to murder her Unsullied and her dragons are wild enough to eat children. It's not a great day. Mackelly and Simon consider the cost of ambition.Chapter Review:Daenerys Targaryen is roused before dawn to see the body of her Unsullied Stalwart Shield's body. He's been murdered by the Sons of the Harpy, a group fighting a resistance war against her rule of Meereen. She orders that he be granted honorable funeral rites and that a hefty bounty is offered for information on the Sons of the Harpy.She spends the day hearing petitioners. Nobles want recompense for the losses that her rules has brought them, small folk have their own grievances. The fall of Meereen was accompanied by an orgy of lawlessness to which she has no choice but to turn a blind eye - she cannot execute or maim everyone in the city.The last petitioner bears the worst news. The dragons have grown increasingly wild and willful and farmer after farmer comes to demand the cost of their lost sheep. But the last one brings the charred bones of a human child. Dany is horrified. Characters/Places/Names/Events:Daenerys Targaryen - Last remaining descendent of the royal Targaryen line, Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, Queen of Meereen, claimant to the Iron Throne of Westeros.Unsullied - Eunuch slave soldiers. Renowned for their fighting prowess. Barristan Selmy (aka Arstan Whitebeard) - Former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard in King's Landing. Lord Commander of Dany's Queensguard.Strong Belwas - Eunuch former slave, sent by Illyrio Mopatis to keep Dany safe. Missandei - Former child slave, now handmaid and interpreter to Daenerys. Reznak mo Reznak - Ghiscari seneschal of Meereen.Skahaz mo Kandaq (aka Shavepate) - Ghiscari noble of Meereen. Convert to Dany's cause. Despised by the Sons of the Harpy.Hizdahr zo Loraq - Noble of Meereen, wants the fighting pits reopened.Daario Naharis - Leader of the sellsword company the Stormcrows.Second Sons - A sellsword company in Essos.Meereen - Largest city on Slaver's Bay. Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

Send us a textCersei's day goes from an extreme high to an extreme low. She airs the charges against Margaery to the entire court and knows the young queen is in hot water now. However, when Cersei visits the High Septon she discovers that she might've cooked her own goose as well. Mackelly and Simon take the temperature of the situation.Chapter Review:Queen Cersei Lannister sits in the throne room surrounded by a full court of spectators. She baits the septa representing the High Septon into revealing the charges against Queen Margaery Tyrell and her cousins. They are serious and salacious. The crowd buzzes like a bee hive. Later, Cersei and Taena Merryweather visit the Great Sept of Baelor to meet with the Tyrell girls.Margaery is confused and pleads with Cersei to take her and her cousins back to the Red Keep. Cersei informs Margaery of the charges against the Tyrells and that a trial is impending. She explains that Margaery can request a trial by combat, but her champion must be of the Kingsguard. Margaery becomes furious with Cersei and kicks her out of her cell.Cersei visits the High Septon and is happy that they agree that the Faith should conduct the Tyrell trials. She wants to take Ser Osney Kettleblack back to the Red Keep but the High Septon forbids it. He takes her to Osney. She finds the knight strung up and tortured. Osney admits he killed the previous High Septon on Cersei's command. Cersei is imprisoned and will face a trial herself. She has Qyburn pen a letter to Jaime imploring him to return and defend her.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms.Taena Merryweather - Social-climbing friend of Queen Cersei.Orton Merryweather - Judiciar and now Hand of the King.Aurane Waters - Grand Admiral, bastard of house Velaryon.Margaery Tyrell - Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Only daughter of Mace and Alerie Tyrell.Qyburn - Creepy as all hell fallen maester, now Master of Whisperers in King's Landing. Osney Kettleblack - Wooer of Margaery. Confessor of crimes on Cersei's behalf.Maggy the Frog - Witch who made a prophecy to Cersei that continues to match reality. Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

Game of Thrones continues to impress us with its plot twists. Stories from behind the scenes of your favorite TV show can be just as interesting as the main plotlines. The Dothraki language has a vocabulary of over 3,000 words and continues to grow. The language was created by David Joshua Peterson for the TV series. The recipe for pigeon pie was not created by George R. R. Martin: he borrowed it from the 16th-century author Giovanni de' Rosselli. Game of Thrones hit all the possible ratings and became the most pirated TV series of all time. In one episode, one of the spikes at the Red Keep displays the prosthetic head of a former President George Bush. The directors of the show sell replicas of the actual Iron Throne for $30,000 (height: 7′ 2″; weight: 350 pounds). A replica of Gandalf's sword from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit is forged inside the Iron Throne. Sansa's clothing has sent very deliberate messages to her allies and her enemies on multiple occasions. Her wedding dress tells us her life story: a trout and a wolf on the belt mean that she was born in House Stark and House Tully. TIMESTAMPS You can learn the Dothraki language. 1:00 Serve your own pigeon pie. 1:38 Game of Thrones is becoming a Harvard class. 2:15 It's the most pirated show. 2:41 Mother of slugs. 3:13 No audition for Tyrion. 3:44 George Bush's head on a spike. 4:16 A mixtape dedicated to Game of Thrones. 4:48 HBO sells the Iron Throne. 5:08 Gandalf's sword is in the Iron Throne.5:33 70 ways to say "Hodor." 5:59 Madonna goes full Khaleesi. 6:26 A message in Sansa's dress. 6:49 Maester Aemon's actor is also blind. 7:33 Myrcella and Tommen date in real life. 8:00 Jon Snow and Arya Stark's original romance plot. 8:16 4 characters for 1 actor. 8:49 Catelyn Stark is the mother of Hermione Granger. 9:10 Viserys is related to Dickens. 9:38 Theon is Lily Allen's brother. 9:53 The Walk of Shame was real. 10:23 Young George R. R. Martin looks like Jon Snow. 10:54 Music: https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/... #gameofthrones #johnsnow #aryastark Subscribe to Bright Side : https://goo.gl/rQTJZz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Social Media: Facebook:   / brightside   Instagram:   / brightgram   5-Minute Crafts Youtube: https://www.goo.gl/8JVmuC  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more videos and articles visit: http://www.brightside.me/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textCersei gets a confession of Margaery's wantonness from the Blue Bard. She will get the same from Ser Osney Kettleblack. The noose tightens around the young queen. Simon and Mackelly feel their throats constrict.Chapter Review:Queen Cersei Lannister blames Grand Maester Pycelle for the death of Ser Gyles Rosby. But leverages this anger to learn that Pycelle has been providing moon tea to Queen Maragery. At last something tangible she can use against her foe.At dinner with the Merryweathers, she accuses the Blue Bard of sleeping with Tommen's bride. He denies it until Qyburn works his magic. Then he sings a very different tune. If he can keep his story straight through a possible trial he'll be allowed to take the Black. Ser Osney Kettleblack is encouraged to confess the same crime to the High Septon. He agrees, but wants to actually sleep with a Queen so that his lie can have the ring of truth. Cersei obliges. Characters/Places/Names/Events:Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.Aurane Waters - Grand Admiral, bastard of house Velaryon.King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms.Taena Merryweather - Social-climbing friend of Queen Cersei.Orton Merryweather - Judiciar and now Hand of the King.Margaery Tyrell - Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Only daughter of Mace and Alerie Tyrell.Loras Tyrell - Knight of Flowers. Brother to Margaery and brother of the Kingsguard.Qyburn - Creepy as all hell fallen maester, now Master of Whisperers in King's Landing. Osney Kettleblack - Wooer of Margaery. Maggy the Frog - Witch who made a prophecy to Cersei that continues to match reality. Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

Send us a textCersei learns that Dragonstone has fallen but that Loras has paid with his life - or at least he lies at death's door. She delights in sharing this news with Margaery - who is stricken, but remains hopeful. Cersei dreams of her childhood run-in with Maggy the Frog and the details of the woman's terrifying prophecy. Simon and Mackelly probably should have seen this coming.Chapter Review:Queen Cersei Lannister learns from Aurane Waters that Dragonstone has fallen but that Loras led the assault to his doom. He was grievously wounded multiple times and lies unconscious beyond the skill of any maester to heal. Cersei is delighted. She carefully hides this as she shares the news with Margaery. The young queen is devastated, but latches on to the fact that Loras still lives and seems determined to seek to revive him.More non-Tyrion dwarf's heads are placed before her. The High Septon sends an emissary rather than himself to Cersei's annoyance. The faith is trying to shut down the brothels on the Street of Silk also to Cersei's, and every sailor's, annoyance. Grand Maester Pycelle reports that Lord Gyles Rosby seems to be dying. She dreams of her meeting with Maggy the Frog, the details of whose prophecy continue to come true (she did marry the king, she did become queen), which wouldn't be a problem but the prophecy turns a lot darker after that: she'll be replaced by a younger more beautiful queen, her three children will die, and the valonqar will choke the life from Cersei. She'd like to put a stop to that, and Qyburn thinks that she can.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.Aurane Waters - Grand Admiral, bastard of house Velaryon.King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms.Taena Merryweather - Social-climbing friend of Queen Cersei.Margaery Tyrell - Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Only daughter of Mace and Alerie Tyrell.Loras Tyrell - Knight of Flowers. Brother to Margaery and brother of the Kingsguard.Qyburn - Creepy as all hell fallen maester, now Master of Whisperers in King's Landing. Maggy the Frog - Witch who made a prophecy to Cersei that continues to match reality. Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

Send us a textCersei learns of the attack on the Reach by the Iron Born and feels unmotivated to react. She gets a gift from Ser Loras, which leaves Cersei with a golden win-win opportunity. She has an unexpected drop-in by Falyse, whose husband has been killed by Bronn and also confessed Cersei's plot. Qyburn is given instructions that Falyse should never see the light of day again. Finally, she tries to take Taena roughly, as Robert once did with Cersei, but she can't get into it. Simon and Mackelly shudder at Falyse's fate.Chapter Review:Queen Cersei Lannister sits in the shadow of the Iron Throne, as Queen Margaery Tyrell implores Cersei to take immediate action against the Iron Born, who have taken the Shield Islands. Cersei thinks it's a plot by Stannis Baratheon to distract the Tyrell force from their siege at Storm's End. She suggests the Tyrells deal with their own issue with what resources they have available. When Dragonstone falls, the Redwyne fleet can then sail home and defend the Reach. Ser Loras Tyrell offers to lead an assault on Dragonstone, to expedite a resolution. Cersei can't believe her good luck. No matter the outcome of this assault, Cersei stands to come out a winner.Falyse Stokeworth comes back to King's Landing with bad news. Instead of stealthily assassinating Bronn, her husband challenged him to a joust. It went badly, and Ser Balman confessed to Cersei's part in the plot before Bronn dispatched him. Cersei dispatches her failed conspirator to Qyburn.Cersei shares a bed with Taena Merryweather and forces herself upon her new friend. When the younger woman submits, Cersei loses interest and sends her away.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms.Taena Merryweather - Social-climbing Myrish friend of Queen Cersei.Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Tommen.Margaery Tyrell - Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Only daughter of Mace and Alerie Tyrell.Loras Tyrell - Knight of Flowers. Brother to Margaery and brother of the Kingsguard.Qyburn - Creepy as all hell fallen maester, now Master of Whisperers in King's Landing. Falyse Stokeworth - Daughter of Lady Tanda Stokeworth and widow Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

Send us a textCersei gets an update on Margaery court, while being waylaid by sparrows. She negotiates a deal with the new High Septon. He'll bless Tommen and erase the crown's debt to the Faith for a law allowing the re-emergence of the Faith Militant. Finally, she makes a veiled threat to Margaery. Mackelly and Simon bow their heads in prayer that she knows what she's doing.Chapter Review:Queen Cersei Lannister rides to the Great Sept of Baelor with Taena Maryweather. Taena fills Cersei in on the men in Margaery's court. The list is filled with most of the young, handsome knights in King's Landing. Therefore, the addition of Grand Maester Pycelle stands out. The going is slow. The litter is blocked by sparrows clogging the streets. Ultimately, Cersei walks the remainder of the way. Upon seeing a pile of bones of slain faithful, Cersei promises to seek revenge. However, the sparrows want only protection for the living.Inside the sept, Cersei is shocked to see septons on hands and knees scrubbing. When she meets the High Septon, she says he should have met her in his finest robes and a crystal crown, not wet and dirty. He explains that they've sold their crowns and fine robes. Cersei asks to speak in private. They kneel at the feet of the Crone. Cersei wants the sparrows gone from King's Landing and a blessing from the High Septon for King Tommen. The High Septon wants better protection from the king for the faithful throughout the realm. Cersei suggests they protect themselves, but a law prohibits the faith from taking up arms. She offers to abolish the law for a blessing for the king and forgiveness on the crown's debt to the faith. The High Septon agrees.On the ride back to the Red Keep, Cersei's festive mood is killed by the sight of Queen Margaery and her court. The two queens exchange pleasantries and barbs. When Cersei sees Margaery and Loras together, it reminds her of Jaime and herself. An idea takes root and laughter bursts forth. Margaery wants to share in the jest, and Cersei promises her that she will.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms.High Septon - The highest ranking member of the Faith of the Seven.Taena Merryweather - Socia Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

Send us a textJaime is booted from King's Landing by Cersei to settle matters in the Riverlands. He finds a sparring partner, installs new leadership at Harrenhal, and sends Wylis Manderly home. Finally, he defends the honor of Brienne of Tarth. Mackelly and Simon give high fives.Chapter Review:Jaime Lannister thinks the plan is folly. Queen Cersei doesn't care for his opinions on the matter. He'll go to the Riverlands, sort out Harrenhal, find Wylis Manderly, and end the siege at Riverrun. Jaime reluctantly agrees but insists on having Addam Marbrand and Ilyn Payne accompany him. Throughout their journey, Jaime finds a private place for Ser Ilyn and him to spar. Ilyn soundly defeats Jaime at every opportunity, and Jaime chose him as his partner because the silent knight can't tell anyone the embarrassing details.Once at Harrenhal, Jaime is disappointed to learn that no Bloody Mummers are captives but is pleased that Wylis Manderly is alive and in one piece. Jaime announces that Bonifer Hasty will take command of the castle. Bonifer wants no part of Gregor Clegane's men, so Jaime agrees to take them with him to Riverrun. At dinner, Ser Bonifer insists his Holy Hundred warriors can hold the castle, and Jaime hopes they can fight as well as they pray.Jaime leaves Ser Bonifer to find Ser Ilyn. Instead, Jaime finds Ronnet Connington overlooking the bear pit. Red Ronnet wanted to see where Brienne of Tarth fought the bear. He tells Jaime that he and Brienne were betrothed once. However, upon their meeting, he rejected the girl. Ronnet says the bear was surely less hairy than that freak. Jaime socks him in the face with his golden hand, sending Ronnet tumbling. Jaime insists Ronnet call her Brienne.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Cersei's children.Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.Addam Marbrand - Commander of the Gold Cloaks. Friend of Jaime's.Ilyn Payne - King's Justice who lost his tongue, so is unable to read, write, or speak.Wylis Manderly - Son and heir of Wyman Manderly of White Harbor.Bonifer Hasty - Pious knight and leader of the Holy Hundred."Red" Ronnet Connington - Knight once betrothed to Brienne of Tarth. Support the Show.Support us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

Spoiler note: This House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 8 review discusses “The Queen Who Ever Was” in full, including the finale ending, Alicent and Rhaenyra's meeting, Daemon's weirwood vision, Aegon leaving King's Landing, Aemond and Helaena, Rhaena finding the wild dragon, and the Season 3 setup. Mary & Blake are TV-first viewers and avoid future Fire & Blood spoilers. In our House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 8 review, we break down “The Queen Who Ever Was,” a finale that works beautifully as an episode of television but leaves the season ending more like a promise than a payoff. This is the hour where Daemon finally bends the knee, Alicent offers Rhaenyra the throne, Aegon escapes King's Landing with Larys, Aemond starts losing control, the armies move into place, and the season closes right before the war truly explodes. Mary gave the episode 4.9 flames. Blake gave it 4.9 flames as an episode of television, but much lower as a finale because the final montage builds toward catharsis without fully delivering it. That tension is the heart of the conversation: “The Queen Who Ever Was” is thematically strong, visually gorgeous, and emotionally rich — but it also feels like Episode 8 of a 10-episode season. Below, you can listen to our full podcast breakdown, watch the video version, read the recap, and follow our related House of the Dragon Season 2 coverage. Listen To Our House Of The Dragon Season 2 Finale Recap And Reaction Mary & Blake discuss the House of the Dragon Season 2 finale, Episode 8, “The Queen Who Ever Was,” including why the finale was nearly perfect until one crucial ending choice, why audiences need fitting denouements, whether Alicent or Rhaenyra is the main character of Season 2, Daemon's vision, the pirate chaos, and why George R. R. Martin needs to eat his vitamins. Subscribe To Get New House Of The Dragon Episodes APPLE PODCASTS YOUTUBE SPOTIFY House Of The Dragon Season 2 Finale Recap: What Happens In “The Queen Who Ever Was”? “The Queen Who Ever Was” begins by widening the map. Tyland Lannister travels to the Triarchy to secure help against Rhaenyra's blockade, only to find himself negotiating through mud wrestling, pirate swagger, monkeys, dyed beards, and Admiral Lohar's extremely chaotic vibe. In King's Landing, Larys tells Aegon that survival now means leaving. Aegon is broken, burned, and humiliated, but Larys sees him as politically useful precisely because everyone else has underestimated him. Together, they flee toward Essos, taking money and removing Aegon from Alicent's plan before she even knows the plan has failed. At Harrenhal, Daemon finally reaches the end of his haunted season. Alys Rivers leads him to the weirwood tree, where he sees images of the future: the White Walkers, dead dragons, the comet, dragon eggs, Daenerys, and Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne. The vision reframes his role in the war. This is not only about his ambition, his resentment, or his marriage. It is about something much bigger. When Rhaenyra arrives at Harrenhal, Daemon publicly bends the knee. But the most important part happens privately, when he speaks to her in High Valyrian and tells her the war is bigger than both of them. For once, Daemon is not trying to take the story from Rhaenyra. He is choosing to serve her part in it. Aemond, meanwhile, becomes more dangerous after realizing Team Black now has more dragons. He burns Sharp Point in rage and tries to force Helaena to ride Dreamfyre into battle. Helaena refuses and tells him what she knows: Aegon will be king again, and Aemond will die in the God's Eye. On Dragonstone, Alicent comes to Rhaenyra and offers her a path to King's Landing. She admits she was wrong about Viserys' final words, says Aemond is leaving for Harrenhal, and tells Rhaenyra she can take the Red Keep in three days. But Rhaenyra makes the cost clear: Aegon must die. Alicent resists, then accepts the price. The episode ends with armies, ships, dragons, and riders moving into place for Season 3. The Starks are marching. The Lannisters are moving. The Triarchy is coming. Criston Cole is on the road. Rhaena finds the wild dragon in the Vale. Otto Hightower is shown imprisoned. And Rhaenyra and Alicent end in mirrored positions: one crushed by duty, the other looking toward freedom. House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 8 Review “The Queen Who Ever Was” is a difficult finale because the material inside the episode is often excellent. The issue is not that nothing happens. A lot happens. The problem is that almost all of it points forward. As an episode, it has some of the strongest character work of the season. Daemon's Harrenhal arc finally pays off. Alicent and Rhaenyra get another charged conversation. Aemond's fear and cruelty become clearer. Helaena's role as a dreamer becomes more active. Aegon's escape complicates the entire political plan. And the final montage is visually beautiful. As a finale, though, the episode is more frustrating. It gives us movement toward a battle, movement toward the Gullet, movement toward Harrenhal, movement toward King's Landing, movement toward Rhaena and the wild dragon — but very little final release. It feels like the season inhales and then cuts to black before the exhale. That is why Blake's central critique lands: if the show could not end with a major battle, it needed a stronger emotional denouement. It needed one final moment that closed the season's thematic loop rather than simply arranging the next board. Mary is more willing to accept the setup because the season has already delivered major events: Blood and Cheese, Rook's Rest, the Red Sowing, Daemon's transformation, and the shift in Alicent. For Mary, this is the Risk board finally getting good. For Blake, it is a strong episode that needed one more move to feel like a true finale. Why Is The Episode Called “The Queen Who Ever Was”? The title “The Queen Who Ever Was” echoes Rhaenys' old title, “The Queen Who Never Was,” but the finale turns the phrase toward both Rhaenyra and Alicent. Rhaenyra is the queen who ever was because her claim, her duty, and the prophecy are now fully pressing down on her. She is no longer only trying to protect her family, avoid war, or prove that Viserys chose her. By the end of the season, she has accepted that she must take the throne even if the cost is blood. Alicent is also part of the title's meaning. She was never queen in her own right, but she helped create a king, defended a false interpretation of Viserys' words, and spent the season realizing that the system she served would never truly give her power. By the end, she no longer wants the crown, the court, or the color green. She wants to be free. That is what makes the title so sad. The episode is about queenship as a trap. Rhaenyra accepts the trap because she believes her part was decided long ago. Alicent tries to step out of it only after the trap has already closed around everyone else. House Of The Dragon Season 2 Ending Explained The ending of House of the Dragon Season 2 shows every major faction moving toward the next stage of the war. Team Black is stronger than it has ever been. Rhaenyra has Daemon, the Riverlands, new dragonriders, Corlys' fleet, and a potential opening in King's Landing through Alicent. But she also has new risks: Ulf is unstable, Hugh is unknown, Jace is insecure about his legitimacy, and Rhaenyra's moral line has moved. Team Green is weaker and more chaotic, but not finished. Aemond controls Vhagar and the military machine, but he is increasingly isolated and reckless. Aegon is alive and escaping with Larys, which ruins Alicent's deal and creates a future problem for both sides. Helaena knows more than anyone around her understands, and Otto's imprisonment suggests another hidden power move is happening off the board. The final montage is meant to show that the war is now unavoidable. The North is marching. The Lannisters are moving. The Triarchy is coming for the blockade. Criston Cole's army is advancing. Rhaena has found the wild dragon. Every piece is in motion. The frustration is that the montage functions more like a trailer for Season 3 than a release for Season 2. The finale does not end with the war arriving. It ends with the war about to arrive. Alicent And Rhaenyra's Final Scene Explained The Alicent and Rhaenyra scene is the emotional center of the finale. Alicent arrives at Dragonstone with no army, no weapon, and no real protection. She comes with the only thing she has left: the possibility of surrender. Alicent admits that she misunderstood Viserys. She knows now that Rhaenyra was right about his final words. She also knows Aemond is dangerous, Aegon is damaged, and the war she helped unleash cannot be controlled from inside the Red Keep anymore. Rhaenyra understands the offer, but she also understands what rule requires. If she takes King's Landing and leaves Aegon alive, her claim will never be secure. So she tells Alicent the truth: Aegon must die. That is the scene's brutal mirror. At the beginning of the season, Helaena had to identify which child was her son. In the finale, Alicent has to choose which son she can give up. It is not the same kind of violence, but it rhymes. The war keeps forcing mothers to name the child who will pay. The scene works because both women have changed places. Alicent now wants escape, air, anonymity, and freedom. Rhaenyra cannot go with her because duty has swallowed her life. Alicent speaks as if from a distant dream. Rhaenyra is awake inside the nightmare. Did The Finale Fail Alicent? Blake's biggest issue with the finale is not simply that there is no battle. It is that Alicent's story does not get the final moment it needs. All season, Alicent has been losing power. She begins believing she can hold the Green cause together, then discovers she misunderstood Viserys, loses her place on the council, watches Aemond rise, and finally decides to trade the throne for a chance at peace. That is a real character arc. The problem is that the finale ends before Alicent can experience the consequence of her choice. She agrees that Aegon must die, but Aegon is already gone. That should be devastating. It should trap her between the bargain she made and the reality she can no longer control. Instead, Aegon's escape is folded into the montage. We understand the plot complication, but Alicent does not get the cathartic moment of returning to King's Landing and realizing her sacrifice cannot be delivered. That is why the ending can feel emotionally incomplete. Alicent makes the season's hardest choice, but the finale does not let the audience sit in the immediate fallout of that choice. Daemon's Weirwood Vision Explained Daemon's weirwood vision is the payoff to his Harrenhal story. After weeks of ghosts, guilt, dreams, Alys Rivers, and psychological torture, Daemon finally sees a future larger than himself. The images connect House of the Dragon to the larger Game of Thrones mythology: the White Walkers, the three-eyed raven, the comet, dead dragons, Daenerys and the dragon eggs, and Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne. The point is not only fan-service. The vision changes Daemon's understanding of power. He wanted the crown because he wanted recognition, love, status, and proof that he mattered. The weirwood shows him that the throne is not a personal prize. It is part of a story that stretches far beyond his resentment. That is why his reunion with Rhaenyra works. When he speaks High Valyrian to her, he is not simply apologizing. He is telling her that winter is coming, the threat is bigger than their marriage, and he now understands that his role is to serve her claim rather than consume it. Daemon kneeling publicly matters. But the private High Valyrian exchange matters more, because that is where he finally recognizes Rhaenyra as his queen. Is Daenerys The Prince That Was Promised? The vision includes imagery that clearly points toward Daenerys and her dragons, but that does not necessarily mean the episode is declaring Daenerys to be the Prince That Was Promised. Within the scene, Daemon sees fragments of a future he does not fully understand. He sees dragons return. He sees the threat from the North. He sees the comet. He sees the Targaryen line stretching toward a future war against death itself. For Daemon, the important takeaway is not a clean answer to the prophecy debate. The important takeaway is that Rhaenyra's claim is part of something bigger than his ambition. The vision gives him enough fear and clarity to bend the knee. So the safest read is this: the finale uses Daenerys to show the future of dragons and the long shadow of Targaryen history, not to fully settle the Prince That Was Promised question. Aegon And Larys Escape King's Landing Aegon's escape is one of the finale's most important plot turns because it breaks Alicent's plan before the plan even begins. Larys understands that Aegon is not safe in King's Landing. Aemond is too dangerous, Alicent is making moves of her own, and the court no longer has a stable center. So Larys offers Aegon survival: leave, hide, recover, and let everyone else underestimate him. Aegon agrees because he has very little left. His body is broken. His dragon may be dead or believed dead. His authority has been taken by Aemond. His future as a father and king is physically and politically damaged. But that is exactly why Aegon may still matter. A king everyone assumes is finished can become a problem later. Larys knows that. Aemond may not. Aemond And Helaena: The Dreamer Finally Speaks Aemond's scene with Helaena is one of the clearest signs that he is losing control. He wants Helaena to ride Dreamfyre into battle because Team Black's dragon advantage has scared him. He needs more firepower, and he treats his sister as another piece on the board. Helaena refuses. More importantly, she tells him what she sees. Aegon will be king again. Aemond will die in the God's Eye. She speaks about the future with a strange calm that makes Aemond's violence look even smaller. That scene matters because Helaena is no longer only whispering cryptic lines in the background. She is actively confronting Aemond with knowledge he cannot dominate. He can threaten her, but he cannot make her unsee what she has seen. Aemond has Vhagar, but Helaena has the one thing he cannot burn: the truth of what is coming. Tyland Lannister And Admiral Lohar Bring Pirate Chaos The Triarchy material is weird, funny, and intentionally disruptive. Tyland Lannister enters a completely different kind of world: mud wrestling, monkeys, dyed beards, pirate wives, shifting names, and Admiral Lohar turning diplomacy into a test of endurance. Mary loves this material because it expands the world. House of the Dragon can become claustrophobic when it stays locked between King's Landing, Dragonstone, and Harrenhal. The pirate scenes remind us that the war is pulling in people who do not care about Targaryen family trauma except where it creates opportunity. The risk is that the Triarchy plot arrives late in the finale, when some viewers are waiting for payoff from characters they already know. But structurally, it matters: the blockade has to be challenged, and the Battle of the Gullet is clearly being loaded for Season 3. Corlys, Alyn, And The Driftmark Problem Corlys remains one of Mary's biggest frustrations in the finale. He is Hand of the Queen, but he keeps hanging around the same dock, circling the same family secrets, and avoiding the plain truth about Alyn and Addam. Alyn finally gives the scene the energy it needs by telling Corlys what he has been refusing to hear: Corlys was not there. He did not claim them. He did not raise them. And now that his acknowledged line has been devastated, he suddenly has use for the sons he left in the margins. That confrontation works because Alyn refuses to make Corlys comfortable. Corlys may be grieving, legendary, and politically important, but that does not erase the damage he caused by keeping parts of his life hidden. The bigger issue is whether the show waited too long to make this material truly alive. Alyn's anger is compelling. It just needed to arrive sooner. Rhaena And The Wild Dragon In The Vale Rhaena finally finds the wild dragon in the Vale, but the path there is frustrating. She leaves the royal children behind, runs into the wilderness without supplies, and somehow no one seems very good at finding her. Still, the image of the dragon is powerful. Rhaena has spent the season feeling unwanted, dragonless, and sent away from the real action. Finding the wild dragon gives her story a clear direction heading into Season 3. The question is whether the payoff will justify the setup. If Rhaena claims the dragon, her frustration and isolation may become essential. If not, the finale spent a lot of time watching someone make a very poorly packed hiking decision. House Of The Dragon Season 2 Finale: What It Sets Up For Season 3 The finale sets up Season 3 as the season where preparation becomes open war. Rhaenyra has Daemon, the Riverlands, multiple dragonriders, and a possible path into King's Landing. Alicent has made a bargain she may no longer be able to fulfill because Aegon is gone. Aegon escapes with Larys, making him a hidden problem for both Team Green and Team Black. Aemond is more dangerous because he is scared, isolated, and still holding Vhagar. Daemon returns to Rhaenyra with a changed understanding of his role. Helaena becomes more important as her dreamer knowledge becomes clearer. Corlys sails toward the Gullet while his family secrets keep boiling underneath him. Tyland and Lohar bring the Triarchy into the war against the blockade. Rhaena stands on the edge of claiming or confronting the wild dragon in the Vale. Otto Hightower is alive but imprisoned, creating another mystery for Season 3. Related House Of The Dragon Coverage Continue through Mary & Blake's House of the Dragon coverage: House Of The Dragon Season 2 Recap And Episode Guide House Of The Dragon With Mary & Blake Podcast Hub Previous Episode: House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 — “The Red Sowing” Season 3: House Of The Dragon Season 3 Teaser Reaction More From Mary & Blake Subscribe to House of the Dragon With Mary & Blake for every recap, reaction, listener feedback episode, and deeper discussion as we continue through the Dance of the Dragons. Want bonus podcasts, extended reactions, and community conversation about House of the Dragon, Outlander, The Rings of Power, and everything else Mary & Blake are covering? Join the Nerd Clan community at JoinTheNerdClan.com and support everything Mary & Blake are building. Mary & Blake Media is not affiliated with HBO, Max, Warner Bros. Discovery, George R. R. Martin, or the House of the Dragon production.

Spoiler note: This House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 review discusses “The Red Sowing” in full, including the dragonseeds, Hugh, Ulf, Vermithor, Silverwing, Addam, Jace, Alicent, Daemon at Harrenhal, Oscar Tully, Aemond, and the ending. Mary & Blake are TV-first viewers and avoid future Fire & Blood spoilers. In our House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 review, we break down “The Red Sowing,” the penultimate episode where Rhaenyra finally gets the dragon army she needs — and maybe creates the next giant problem she cannot control. This is a huge episode for Team Black. Addam bends the knee, Hugh claims Vermithor, Ulf claims Silverwing, and Aemond suddenly realizes that Vhagar may not be enough anymore. But the episode also asks the obvious question: is giving dragon power to barely trained strangers a brilliant wartime gamble or the worst HR onboarding process in Westeros? Mary gave the episode 4.9 flames, while Blake gave it 4.85 flames. The dragon spectacle is massive, Alicent continues to get some of the show's strongest interior scenes, Oscar Tully finally gives the Riverlands plot real life, and the ending gives the season genuine momentum heading into the finale. Below, you can listen to our full podcast breakdown, watch the video version, read the recap, and follow our related House of the Dragon Season 2 coverage. Listen To Our House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 Recap And Reaction Mary & Blake discuss House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7, “The Red Sowing,” including why the dragon selection scene is compelling but light on tension, why Alicent continues to have some of the best scenes in the show, why Team Black needs a much better HR team, and why Hugh, Ulf, Addam, Vermithor, Silverwing, and Seasmoke change the war. Subscribe To Get New House Of The Dragon Episodes APPLE PODCASTS YOUTUBE SPOTIFY House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 Recap: What Happens In “The Red Sowing”? “The Red Sowing” begins with Rhaenyra meeting Addam of Hull after Seasmoke chooses him as a rider. Addam immediately bends the knee and declares himself loyal to her, even though his parentage and connection to Corlys remain publicly unspoken. At Driftmark, Corlys continues awkwardly circling the truth about Addam and Alyn. Everyone who matters seems to know what is happening, but no one is saying the full thing out loud. Addam has just had a life-changing event, yet Corlys still struggles to acknowledge him plainly as his son. In King's Landing, Larys continues helping Aegon recover while Aemond rules as Prince Regent. Aegon is badly wounded, but he is not useless. Larys understands that better than almost anyone, and he keeps pushing Aegon's body and mind back toward survival. Alicent removes herself from King's Landing and goes into the woods with Ser Rickard. She is not exactly roughing it, but she is away from the Red Keep, away from the council, and away from the system that has swallowed her power. Her lake scene becomes one of the episode's most haunting images. At Harrenhal, Daemon finally gets movement in the Riverlands. Oscar Tully arrives as the new Lord Paramount and forces Daemon to face the consequences of the violence committed in Rhaenyra's name. To win the Riverlords, Daemon has to let Willem Blackwood die. On Dragonstone, Rhaenyra follows Mysaria's idea and summons people with possible Targaryen blood from King's Landing. The dragonkeepers object and walk away, calling the plan blasphemy. Rhaenyra proceeds anyway, bringing a crowd of would-be dragonriders before Vermithor. The attempt becomes a massacre. Vermithor burns and eats many of them before Hugh steps forward and survives the encounter. Ulf, meanwhile, stumbles into Silverwing and accidentally becomes her rider. By the end of the episode, Team Black has three new riders: Addam on Seasmoke, Hugh on Vermithor, and Ulf on Silverwing. The episode ends with Ulf flying over King's Landing on Silverwing, drawing Aemond and Vhagar toward Dragonstone. But when Aemond sees Rhaenyra standing with multiple dragons and riders, he turns back. For the first time in a long time, Vhagar is not the only answer. House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 Review “The Red Sowing” is exactly what a penultimate episode should be in this season: not necessarily the biggest battle, but the episode that changes the math before the finale. The strongest thing the episode does is make dragon power feel both miraculous and horrifying. Vermithor is spectacular. Silverwing is joyful. Seasmoke has personality. The final image of Rhaenyra with her dragons is powerful. But the process of getting there is ugly, reckless, and full of dead people who were treated more like applicants than human beings. That is the tension at the center of the episode. Rhaenyra needs riders. Vhagar has changed the entire war. Rook's Rest proved that Team Black cannot keep pretending restraint will save them. But Rhaenyra's solution is not clean. It is desperate, dangerous, and morally compromised. Blake's biggest critique is that the Vermithor sequence is incredible spectacle but not especially tense. The show has already spent too much time pointing at Hugh and Ulf for us to believe they are truly in danger. Once the crowd enters the dragon pit, the scene becomes less “who will survive?” and more “how long until the plot catches up to what we already know?” Mary responds more to the feeling of the dragon-bonding imagery: Rhaenyra reaching out, Hugh touching Vermithor, Ulf's chaotic joy, and the way the dragons finally seem to be choosing their people. The sequence may lack surprise, but it does not lack scale, awe, or personality. The episode also works because it is not only about dragons. Alicent's scenes are quiet but excellent. Oscar Tully gives Harrenhal the kick it badly needed. Jace finally says the thing that has been sitting underneath his story for years. And Aemond's retreat at the end gives the whole season a new tactical shape. Why Is The Episode Called “The Red Sowing”? The title “The Red Sowing” refers to Rhaenyra's attempt to find new dragonriders among people with possible Targaryen blood. She is not planting crops. She is planting power into people the old order never intended to elevate. The “red” part matters because this is not a clean recruitment drive. It is bloody. Many of the people who answer the call are burned, eaten, or trapped inside a ritual they do not fully understand. Rhaenyra gets what she wants, but the cost is enormous. The title also points toward the dragonseeds themselves: people scattered through bloodlines, secrets, brothels, bastardy, and forgotten branches of Targaryen history. Rhaenyra is harvesting that hidden inheritance because the war has made the old rules less useful. That is why “The Red Sowing” is such a strong title. It is about bloodline, bloodshed, and the terrifying idea that dragon power can move outside the royal family's clean little story about itself. The Dragonseeds Explained: Who Claims Dragons In Episode 7? The dragonseeds are people with possible Targaryen or Valyrian blood who may be able to bond with dragons, even if they are not part of the official royal line. In “The Red Sowing,” three riders matter most: Addam of Hull is chosen by Seasmoke before the mass claiming attempt begins. His connection to Corlys and Laenor gives the moment deeper family weight. Hugh Hammer survives Vermithor after stepping forward during the chaos. His Targaryen connection, grief, anger, and physical courage make him the most dramatically serious new rider. Ulf White stumbles into Silverwing almost by accident. His claiming scene is much lighter, stranger, and funnier, but it may also be the most worrying because Ulf is exactly the kind of person Blake does not want handed a dragon. The dragonseeds change the war because they solve Rhaenyra's immediate numbers problem. But they also create a much bigger question: if dragons can choose people outside the royal line, then what actually makes the ruling family special? Vermithor, Hugh, And The Dragon Selection Scene The Vermithor scene is the centerpiece of the episode. It is huge, loud, terrifying, and visually clear. The dragon is enormous. The crowd is completely outmatched. The sound design makes every scrape, breath, and movement feel dangerous. But the scene also has a tension problem. We already know Hugh has been built for something. We already know Ulf has been built for something. The anonymous people around them feel marked for death almost immediately. That means the scene works more as spectacle than suspense. Still, Hugh's moment lands because it tells us something about him. He does not simply hide. He steps forward. He protects someone else. He faces Vermithor with fear, anger, and need all moving through him at once. That is why Hugh feels like the right match for Vermithor. He is not polished. He is not noble in the traditional courtly way. He is wounded, furious, and desperate. Vermithor is not a gentle little symbol of legitimacy. He is raw power. Hugh meeting that power makes sense. Ulf And Silverwing: The Funniest Dragon Claiming Ulf's claiming of Silverwing plays like an accidental miracle. He is not noble. He is not prepared. He is not impressive in the way the dragonkeepers would want. He is terrified, scrambling, and very lucky. That is part of why the scene works. Silverwing feels different from Vermithor. Where Vermithor is all danger and domination, Silverwing feels curious and strangely gentle. Ulf becomes a rider almost by stumbling into the right place at the right time. The joy of Ulf flying over King's Landing matters because it gives the episode a burst of pure dragon fantasy. He is having the time of his life. The problem is that this is exactly why Blake is horrified. Ulf is the HR problem in human form. He gets a dragon and immediately turns into “Ulf the Dragonlord.” That may be fun for one episode. It may be a disaster for everyone later. Team Black Needs A Better HR And Onboarding System Rhaenyra's plan works, but the process is an absolute nightmare. Team Black gathers a bunch of people with possible Targaryen blood, ships them to Dragonstone, gives them almost no meaningful training, watches the dragonkeepers quit in protest, and then sends the whole group into a cave with one of the most dangerous creatures alive. Yes, the war is desperate. Yes, Vhagar is a massive problem. Yes, Rhaenyra needs riders. But this is still an onboarding disaster. The better version of this plan probably involves screening, training, smaller groups, clearer expectations, and maybe not throwing dozens of people into a dragon pit at once. Instead, Rhaenyra creates a “survive the dragon” workplace culture with a very poor benefits package. That is funny, but it also gets to the moral core of the episode. Rhaenyra is becoming more decisive. She is also becoming more willing to spend lives for the cause. That may make her more effective. It may also make her more dangerous. Jace Is Right To Be Worried Jace's frustration with Rhaenyra is not just whining. It is one of the smartest objections in the episode. Jace understands that his claim already depends on people accepting a story. Everyone knows the rumors about his father. Everyone knows he does not look like the old Valyrian ideal. His dragon has always been part of what makes him visibly Targaryen enough to survive the politics around him. Now Rhaenyra is handing that same symbol to common-born riders and unacknowledged bastards. From a wartime perspective, that may be necessary. From Jace's perspective, it undermines one of the few things protecting his future. That is why his question matters: what is he supposed to be after Rhaenyra dies? If dragonriding is no longer exclusive, then his legitimacy problem gets worse, not better. Jace is not wrong to see the generational consequence. Rhaenyra is trying to win the current war. Jace is thinking about the next reign. Alicent At The Lake Alicent's lake scene is one of the best quiet sequences of the episode. She leaves King's Landing, steps away from the Red Keep, and enters a space where she has no council table, no sons demanding power, no father answering her, and no clear role left to play. The image of Alicent floating in the water is beautiful because it is also frightening. For a moment, the show lets us wonder whether she is surrendering, cleansing herself, disappearing, or deciding what comes next. That ambiguity is what makes Alicent so strong this season. She is guilty. She is trapped. She is responsible for much of what happened. But she is also a woman who has watched the system she served strip her of usefulness the moment she became inconvenient. When she sees the bird and moves back toward shore, the scene feels less like an ending and more like a reset. Alicent may not know what she is yet, but she is not finished. Oscar Tully Finally Makes Harrenhal Matter Harrenhal has been weird, atmospheric, and full of strong images all season. But “The Red Sowing” finally gives that storyline a political jolt through Oscar Tully. Oscar arrives as a young lord everyone might underestimate, then immediately proves he understands the room better than Daemon does. He knows the Riverlords hate Daemon. He knows they are bound by oath but disgusted by what has been done in Rhaenyra's name. He knows Daemon needs them more than they need to like him. That is why the scene works. Oscar does not beat Daemon with strength. He beats him with leverage. Daemon has to let Willem Blackwood die because the Riverlords need proof that there will be consequences. It is a brutal public concession. It also may be the first useful thing Daemon has done at Harrenhal in weeks. Sir Simon Strong's reaction makes the whole thing even better. He looks like a man who dressed for a party and accidentally hosted a political execution. Daemon And Viserys: Does He Still Want The Crown? Daemon's vision of Viserys gives the Harrenhal story its emotional point. Viserys appears near the end of his life, broken down by the crown and by the burden of rule. He asks Daemon whether he still wants it. That question is the center of Daemon's whole story. He has spent so much of his life wanting recognition, power, love, and proximity to the throne that he may not know the difference between wanting the crown and wanting to be seen by his brother. Seeing Viserys in that state matters because it strips the crown of romance. The throne is not a prize. It is a burden that eats the person who carries it. The big question is whether Daemon has actually learned anything yet. The episode gives him insight, but insight only matters if it changes what he does next. Aemond Retreats From Rhaenyra's Dragons The ending of “The Red Sowing” is the episode's biggest power shift. Ulf flies Silverwing over King's Landing, and Aemond immediately reacts. He gets on Vhagar and chases the threat back toward Dragonstone. That reaction tells us something important: Aemond is still dangerous, but he is also impulsive enough to chase a provocation. Then he sees what Rhaenyra has built. Multiple dragons. Multiple riders. Rhaenyra standing in ash and confidence. Suddenly, Vhagar does not feel like an automatic win. Aemond turning back is a massive moment because it is one of the first times this season he looks genuinely checked. Not defeated, not broken, but checked. He came looking for prey and found a formation. For Team Black, that image is the victory of the episode. Rhaenyra did something dangerous and costly, but it worked. For now. House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 Ending Explained The ending of “The Red Sowing” means Rhaenyra has changed the dragon math before the finale. Before this episode, Aemond and Vhagar were the overwhelming military problem. Team Black had dragons, but not enough effective riders to counter the largest dragon in the world. After the Red Sowing, Rhaenyra has Addam on Seasmoke, Hugh on Vermithor, Ulf on Silverwing, and her own Syrax in the field. That does not guarantee victory. It creates deterrence. Aemond sees the new reality and turns Vhagar around because the battlefield no longer belongs to him alone. But the ending also plants future danger. Rhaenyra has given enormous power to people she barely knows. Hugh and Ulf may be useful now, but loyalty, class resentment, legitimacy, and control are all still unresolved. The dragons may help her win the next move and complicate every move after that. What “The Red Sowing” Sets Up Next Episode 7 sets up the Season 2 finale by giving Team Black a dragon advantage and giving everyone else a reason to panic. Rhaenyra finally has the dragonriders she needs, but her methods are becoming more ruthless. Jace sees the long-term legitimacy danger in raising common-born dragonriders. Addam is now publicly tied to Seasmoke and privately tied to Corlys' family secret. Hugh becomes a serious new power by claiming Vermithor. Ulf becomes a chaotic new power by claiming Silverwing. Aemond learns that Vhagar can be deterred when Team Black has multiple dragons on the board. Aegon continues recovering with Larys close by, which may matter if Aemond overreaches. Alicent steps away from King's Landing, but her story clearly is not over. Daemon finally gains the Riverlands, though at the cost of another public compromise. Rhaena continues moving toward the wild dragon in the Vale. Related House Of The Dragon Coverage Continue through Mary & Blake's House of the Dragon Season 2 coverage: House Of The Dragon Season 2 Recap And Episode Guide House Of The Dragon With Mary & Blake Podcast Hub Previous Episode: House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 6 — “Smallfolk” Next Episode: House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 8 — “The Queen Who Ever Was” Season 3: House Of The Dragon Season 3 Teaser Reaction More From Mary & Blake Subscribe to House of the Dragon With Mary & Blake for every recap, reaction, listener feedback episode, and deeper discussion as we continue through the Dance of the Dragons. Want bonus podcasts, extended reactions, and community conversation about House of the Dragon, Outlander, The Rings of Power, and everything else Mary & Blake are covering? Join the Nerd Clan community at JoinTheNerdClan.com and support everything Mary & Blake are building. Mary & Blake Media is not affiliated with HBO, Max, Warner Bros. Discovery, George R. R. Martin, or the House of the Dragon production.

Lord Commander A.Ron and King Jimhaerys have returned to the Red Keep with news of the realm. Rhaenyra is making risky decisions. Daemon is trapped with his brother's grief. The dragons can smell your fear, but they don't care about that. They have different reasons for eating you.  Want to hear your feedback read on the podcast? Send it to hotd@baldmove.com! The Sheep Defeater Episode Theme song: Game of Thrones (80's TV Theme) by Highway Superstar Support Bald Move:  Club Bald Move Leave Us A Review on Apple Podcasts Join the discussion:  Email  |  Discord  |  Reddit  |  Forums Follow us: Twitch | YouTube | Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lord Commander A.Ron and King Jimhaerys have returned to the Red Keep with news of the realm. Rhaenyra is making risky decisions. Daemon is trapped with his brother's grief. The dragons can smell your fear, but they don't care about that. They have different reasons for eating you.  Want to hear your feedback read on the podcast? Send it to hotd@baldmove.com! The Sheep Defeater Episode Theme song: Game of Thrones (80's TV Theme) by Highway Superstar Support Bald Move:  Club Bald Move Leave Us A Review on Apple Podcasts Join the discussion:  Email  |  Discord  |  Reddit  |  Forums Follow us: Twitch | YouTube | Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get bonus episodes on Patreon! We've got some peak fantasy in this chapter: dragon skulls, prophetic dreams, climbing through a scary castle – it's got it all. Maggie starts us off by unspooling Arya's frightening dreams about the Red Keep, to examine past and future references and ramifications for her character. Cam chases down another curveball Tolkien reference, searching in vain for wizards and Rings that feel conspicuously absent. We close with the kaleidoscopic mystery of Arya's overheard conspirators. LINKS: Patreon, YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, Cam's stories Feedback & Theories: secondbreakfastpod@gmail.com

What's up Brethren? We are back with episode 4 of House of The Dragon and we got full blown Dragon War. In this episode, Daemon is still on a vision quest to come to terms with the sins of his past. Namely those regarding young Rhaenyra, yet he still has no army at Harrenhall. Criston Cole continues to build the army for Team Green across the Crownlands while Alicent continues to spiral back in Kings Landing. Larys entrenches himself more and more into the Red Keep and happens upon Alicent drinking her Plan Tea... Rhaenyra returns to Dragon Stone as Criston Cole marches on Rooks Rest. Aemond humiliates Aegon in front of the small council as Aegon finds out that Cole and Aemond have hatched a plan without him knowing. Aegon flies into battle to prove that he's a big boy too... Cole and Aemond's plan to draw out a dragon from Dragonstone works and Rhaenys answers the call. In our first major dragon fight of the series, a main character falls, a dragon is dead and a king lays burnt by his brother. This season is amazing. This show rocks. Introducing BravBros Members! Offering exclusive access, bonus episodes, monthly Q&A zoom and more! Use the link below to join! https://thebros.memberful.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#houseofthedragon #gameofthrones In the aftermath of her attempted assassination, Queen Rhaenyra takes steps to ensure the safety of the future of House Targaryen and the dragons. Prince Daemon receives an unexpected welcome - and warning - at Harrenhal. Ser Criston leaves the Red Keep to muster soldiers for the King. Rhaenys gives wise council to both the Queen and her Small Council, in the hopes of finding a way to a peaceful solution. Queen Rhanyra makes an unexpected trip and finds out the truth of King Viserys' last words. Alicent realizes a grave mistake. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fandomhybridpodcast/support

Spoiler note: This House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 review discusses “Rhaenyra The Cruel” in full, including the aftermath of Blood and Cheese, the funeral procession, Criston Cole's promotion, Daemon and Rhaenyra's fight, and the Erryk and Arryk tragedy. Mary & Blake are TV-first viewers and avoid future Fire & Blood spoilers. In our House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 review, we break down “Rhaenyra The Cruel,” an episode about grief becoming propaganda, guilt becoming strategy, and terrible men failing upward at exactly the wrong time. The episode is almost entirely a reaction to the horror of Blood and Cheese. Jaehaerys is dead. Rhaenyra is blamed. Aegon wants revenge. Otto tries to use the tragedy politically. Alicent keeps making choices that reveal how little emotional control she has left. And Criston Cole, somehow, becomes even worse and more important. Mary gave the episode 4.7 flames, while Blake gave it 4.6 flames. Both ratings keep the episode high, but the conversation turns on whether the hour successfully converts grief into momentum or slows itself down with side characters and setup. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} Below, you can listen to our full podcast breakdown, watch the video version, read the recap, and follow our related House of the Dragon Season 2 coverage. Listen To Our House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Recap And Reaction Mary & Blake discuss House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2, “Rhaenyra The Cruel,” including why Ser Criston Cole is the absolute worst, why that also makes him dramatically useful, the visual grammar of the episode, Daemon's break from Rhaenyra, Aegon's grief, and the tragedy of Erryk and Arryk. Subscribe To Get New House Of The Dragon Episodes APPLE PODCASTS YOUTUBE SPOTIFY House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Recap: What Happens In “Rhaenyra The Cruel”? “Rhaenyra The Cruel” picks up almost immediately after the murder of Prince Jaehaerys. The Red Keep locks down, bloody sheets are carried away, the royal household panics, and the Greens begin shaping the story before the full truth can matter. Rhaenyra is blamed for the murder, even though the episode makes clear that she did not order the death of a child. Otto understands that distinction, but he also knows the accusation is politically useful. The funeral procession turns Jaehaerys into a public symbol, and the phrase “Rhaenyra the Cruel” becomes a weapon. Aegon is devastated and furious. He orders the ratcatchers hanged after Blood is found, turning his grief into an act of collective punishment. Otto sees the political cost immediately, but Aegon is not thinking like a careful ruler. He is thinking like a father whose child has been murdered. On Dragonstone, Rhaenyra confronts Daemon over what he set in motion. Their marriage, trust, and political partnership all fracture as she recognizes that Daemon's hunger for action has damaged her claim and made the war uglier. Meanwhile, Criston Cole projects his guilt onto Ser Arryk and sends him to Dragonstone disguised as his twin brother, Ser Erryk. The mission ends with the brothers killing each other in Rhaenyra's chamber, turning the civil war into literal twin-against-twin tragedy. House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Review “Rhaenyra The Cruel” is a grief episode, but it is also a propaganda episode. The smartest move the hour makes is showing how quickly a private horror becomes a public story. Jaehaerys' murder is already awful. Otto's instinct is to make it useful. That is where the episode finds its engine. The Greens do not need the full truth to win the public narrative. They need an image, a procession, a dead child, a grieving mother, and a name that can attach the crime to Rhaenyra. The title of the episode is not just a description. It is political branding. The episode also keeps underlining the difference between grief and care. Rhaenyra hugs her children. Jace and Baela get one of the episode's few tender moments. Aegon sobs alone. Helaena is managed more than comforted. Alicent sees pain and keeps turning inward. That contrast is why Mary fully switches to Team Black in this episode. Blake's strongest critique is that the episode slows down whenever it moves to Hugh, Addam, and Alyn. Those characters clearly matter later, but in this hour, their scenes can feel like the show is tapping the audience on the shoulder and saying, “Pay attention to these people,” before the emotional story is ready for them. Still, the craft is strong. Ramin Djawadi's score stands out early as the castle absorbs the shock of the murder, and the direction gives the episode a clear visual identity: funeral imagery, dust settling, slow-motion grief, and the silent brutality of the twin fight. Why Is The Episode Called “Rhaenyra The Cruel”? The title “Rhaenyra The Cruel” refers to the story the Greens want the realm to believe after Blood and Cheese. Rhaenyra did not personally order Jaehaerys' murder, but that almost does not matter once Otto sees how the event can be used. The power of the title is that it turns Rhaenyra's political claim into a moral accusation. If the realm believes she is cruel, then Aegon is no longer simply a rival claimant. He becomes a grieving father defending the kingdom from a monstrous queen. That is the episode's sharpest idea: in war, truth matters less than the story that travels fastest. Rhaenyra may know she did not do it. Otto may know she did not do it. But the dead child, the public funeral, and the phrase “Rhaenyra the Cruel” are enough to reshape the board. Ser Criston Cole Is The Worst — And That Is Why He Works The clearest Mary & Blake take from this episode is simple: Ser Criston Cole is the worst. He should have been protecting the royal family when Blood and Cheese entered the Red Keep. Instead, he was with Alicent. Then he redirects his guilt outward, attacks Arryk's honor, and sends him on a mission that is basically a death sentence. That is why Criston is so frustrating and so dramatically useful. He began the series looking like a classic knightly hero, but every season has pulled more rot out of him. His obsession with purity, honor, and loyalty keeps collapsing under his own hypocrisy. His promotion to Hand of the King is terrifying because he is not a cool strategist. He is volatile, ashamed, self-righteous, and now closer to power. Otto is manipulative, but he understands statecraft. Criston understands resentment. That makes him dangerous in a different way. Aegon's Grief Changes The Green Council Episode 2 does something important with Aegon: it makes him pathetic, dangerous, and human at the same time. He is not Joffrey. He is not a brilliant ruler. He is an overwhelmed young king who was unloved by his father, poorly prepared for power, and now shattered by the murder of his son. That does not excuse what he does to the ratcatchers. It does explain why he does it. Aegon does not process Jaehaerys' death as a political event. He processes it as a wound, then makes the realm absorb that wound with him. Otto's confrontation with Aegon is one of the most important scenes of the episode because it reveals the limits of the old Hightower strategy. Otto wants control, optics, and patience. Aegon wants revenge and recognition. Once Aegon removes Otto and elevates Criston Cole, the Greens become much less stable. Alicent, Helaena, And The Failure To Comfort Alicent's material in this episode is uncomfortable because she can recognize grief without knowing how to meet it. She understands that the funeral must happen. She understands that appearances matter. She understands that Aegon is out of control. But when her children need actual comfort, she cannot quite give it. That is clearest with Aegon. Alicent finds him sobbing and walks away. Mary's read is that Alicent may simply not know how to mother in that moment. She was not cared for well, she has not cared for her own children well, and she retreats into her own needs rather than sit with his pain. That failure does not make Alicent boring. It makes her tragic and frustrating. She is trapped inside the consequences of the very system she helped protect, and she keeps trying to wash guilt off herself as if guilt works that way. Daemon And Rhaenyra Finally Break Open The confrontation between Daemon and Rhaenyra is the Team Black center of the episode. Rhaenyra knows what Daemon has done. She knows that Blood and Cheese has damaged her claim, handed the Greens a weapon, and revealed something ugly about the man she married. The fight works because it is not only about Jaehaerys. It is about years of resentment, trust, inheritance, and Daemon's belief that Viserys chose Rhaenyra partly to deny him. Rhaenyra calls out the part of Daemon that still sees her crown as an insult to him. That is why Daemon leaving for Harrenhal matters. It is not just a military move. It is a marital and political fracture. Rhaenyra needs Daemon's dragon, his experience, and his violence. But she also sees that his violence may be one of the greatest threats to her legitimacy. Erryk And Arryk Explained: Brother Against Brother The Erryk and Arryk fight turns the civil war into its most literal form: two brothers, identical in armor and face, killing each other because the realm has split around them. Criston sends Arryk to Dragonstone because he needs to redirect blame, guilt, and attention away from himself. The plan is cruel because it weaponizes the twins' identity. If Arryk can pass as Erryk, he might reach Rhaenyra. If he fails, the confusion itself still creates chaos. The fight is directed to make the audience feel that confusion. Mary and Blake both spend time wrestling with who is who, who lands the fatal blow, and who falls on his sword afterward. That confusion is the point. The war has made even brotherhood unreadable. The scene works best because it is not overscored. The fight, the breathing, the panic, and Rhaenyra's vulnerability carry the moment. We may not know the twins deeply enough for the full emotional devastation to land, but the mechanics of the scene are strong. House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Ending Explained The ending of “Rhaenyra The Cruel” matters because it leaves both sides more unstable than they were at the start. Rhaenyra survives the assassination attempt, but the attack proves Dragonstone is not emotionally or physically safe. Team Black is wounded by Daemon's choices and by the cost of being blamed for Blood and Cheese. Team Green is also fractured. Aegon is grieving and furious. Otto has lost influence. Criston Cole has risen into a job he may be emotionally unfit to hold. Alicent remains trapped between guilt, desire, motherhood, and political survival. The biggest consequence is that the war has become harder to stop. Blood and Cheese created the public story. Aegon's reaction damaged the Greens' moral position. Criston's mission killed both twins. Every attempt to regain control creates another wound. What “Rhaenyra The Cruel” Sets Up Next Episode 2 sets up a season where the war spreads because the people in power keep mistaking reaction for leadership. Rhaenyra must repair the damage Blood and Cheese did to her image and her marriage. Daemon heads toward Harrenhal after a major break with Rhaenyra. Aegon becomes more dangerous because his grief is now tied to his authority. Criston Cole becomes Hand of the King, giving his shame and anger more institutional power. Alicent keeps losing moral and emotional control over the family she helped elevate. Mysaria may become more important after recognizing the danger around the twins. Hugh, Alyn, and Addam are clearly being seeded for larger roles, even if their scenes slow this episode down. Related House Of The Dragon Coverage Continue through Mary & Blake's House of the Dragon Season 2 coverage: House Of The Dragon Season 2 Recap And Episode Guide House Of The Dragon With Mary & Blake Podcast Hub Previous Episode: House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 1 — “A Son For A Son” Next Episode: House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 3 — “The Burning Mill” Season 3: House Of The Dragon Season 3 Teaser Reaction More From Mary & Blake Subscribe to House of the Dragon With Mary & Blake for every recap, reaction, listener feedback episode, and deeper discussion as we continue through the Dance of the Dragons. Want bonus podcasts, extended reactions, and community conversation about House of the Dragon, Outlander, The Rings of Power, and everything else Mary & Blake are covering? Join the Nerd Clan community at JoinTheNerdClan.com and support everything Mary & Blake are building. Mary & Blake Media is not affiliated with HBO, Max, Warner Bros. Discovery, George R. R. Martin, or the House of the Dragon production.

Jump right into the chaos of House of the Dragon, Episode 2! The Red Keep is in shambles, but Jason and Rosie are here to talk us through it. Whether you're looking for answers on which [redacted] [redacted] or whether Green or Black is winning the ongoing war, we're here to break it all down with the dedication of Alicent doing weird kinky stuff with Criston Cole when he should be protecting the crown!    Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rk   Follow Rosie: IG & Letterboxd    Follow X-Ray Vision on Instagram Join the X-Ray Vision Discord See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a Text Message.The Red Keep is in shambles after the death of Jaehaerys, and Aegon is out for blood. Alicent is only worrying about peen and PLOtto is about business as usual. Over on Dragonstone, Rhaenyra is fighting for her life both politically and physically. This episode was on one!!! It was well written and well acted, so go ahead and press play and enjoy our recap all about it...If you want to keep the fun going with us throughout the week, come join our Facebook group. THE WATCH DEM THRONES FACEBOOK GROUPhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/126567443834910/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBTTO WATCH AND SUBSCRIBE:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/blackwithnochaser/Twitter:https://twitter.com/BeBlackNoChaser?t=pVFV06lBFdZRu72ot4uCjA&s=09Twitter:https://twitter.com/WatchDemThrones?t=q0ngrYPlugf0ttzM2jo39A&s=09Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watch-dem-thrones-by-black-with-no-chaser/id1641754247Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1qI1bJ1vIlobu502w6zrtN?si=mtsa3gZYRZW_3FmlCrv7UgBWNC RADIO: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bwnc-radio/id6443800363Amazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/45279c3a-c09f-47d1-a3a3-88e6e2507230/watch-dem-thrones-by-black-with-no-chaserIHeartRadiohttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-watch-dem-thrones-by-black-101286659/?cmp=android_share&sc=android_social_share&pr=false#gameofthrones #demdragons #blackwithnochaser #houseofthedragonhbo #dragonseeds #theblacks #thegreens #houseofthedragon #youtube #targaryens #podcast #podsincolor #applemusic #spotifymusic #podsincolor #starks #lannisters #Velaryon

In this solo episode of Challenge Accepted, Frank Lourence delves into the second episode of House of the Dragon Season 2. This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions and power struggles following the shocking murder of Johannes the Younger. Frank provides a detailed breakdown of the key events, comparing them to the source material, and discusses the evolving dynamics among the Targaryens and their allies. With a blend of analysis and personal insights, Frank offers a captivating discussion that fans of both the show and the books will appreciate. Timestamps and Topics: [00:00:06] - Introduction and episode overview [00:00:33] - Immediate aftermath of Johannes the Younger's murder [00:01:12] - Symbolism in Aegon's destruction of Valyria model [00:02:17] - Red Keep lockdown and Otto Hightower's manipulation [00:03:32] - Public perception and the funeral procession [00:04:44] - Aegon's brutal actions and their repercussions [00:05:59] - Rhaenyra and Daemon's strained relationship [00:07:08] - Harrenhal's significance and Daemon's plans [00:10:05] - Criston Cole's rise and moral complexity [00:12:21] - Otto Hightower's dismissal and strategic retreat [00:14:03] - Erik's mission to kill Rhaenyra [00:16:01] - Civil War parallels and the tragedy of the Targaryen conflict [00:17:18] - Balancing political maneuvering and personal grief [00:21:06] - Rhaenyra's development and future decisions [00:25:17] - Comparing the show to the books Key Takeaways: Aegon's actions reflect his internal conflict and grief over his son's murder. Otto Hightower's manipulation tactics and their impact on public perception. Rhaenyra's increasing distrust of Daemon and her growing autonomy. The strategic importance of Harrenhal in the Targaryen civil war. Criston Cole's moral complexity and rise to Hand of the King. The show's exploration of emotional depth contrasts with the book's focus on political and military strategies. Memorable Quotes: "This is a story of the fall of the Targaryens." "Aegon's destruction of the Valyria model symbolizes the end of his father's legacy." "Otto Hightower specializes in PR, and he's using the murder to turn lords against Rhaenyra." "The dialogue in this episode is on par with anything we've seen in Game of Thrones." Call to Action: Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to Challenge Accepted on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends using #ChallengeAcceptedPod. Your support helps us bring more in-depth discussions and analyses! Follow Us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast Listener Questions: Got questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Email us at ChallengeAcceptedGFX@gmail.com or connect with us on Instagram, TikTok, or other socials at ChallengeAcceptedLive. We love hearing from our listeners and might feature your question in a future episode!

Blood and Cheese, when paired with the death of Prince Lucerys, ensured that the Dance of the Dragons would be a bitter civil war. But it also had a long term impact on the Red Keep that in turn had an impact on Arya's plotline, an impact which may not yet be fully realized. Tune in Mondays at 6 pm eastern for Review episodes and Saturdays at 3 pm eastern for Preview (spoiler-filled) episodes, with special guests. Bonus Eps & More - ⁠⁠www.patreon.com/historyofwesteros⁠⁠ Shirts & Stickers - historyofwesteros.threadless.com www.historyofwesteros.com Sean - ⁠bit.ly/3818H9X⁠ HOTD Intro - https://br4nthebuilder.com/

Spoiler note: This House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 1 review discusses “A Son For A Son” in full, including the ending, Blood and Cheese, and the major fallout from Lucerys' death. Mary & Blake are TV-first viewers and avoid future Fire & Blood spoilers. In our House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 1 review, we break down “A Son For A Son,” a premiere that turns grief into revenge and pushes both sides of the Targaryen civil war closer to disaster. The episode works best when it lets the emotional consequences breathe: Rhaenyra searching for proof of Luke's death, Jace breaking down in front of his mother, Alicent trying to scrub away guilt, and Aegon briefly looking like a king who wants to be loved before the final horror changes everything. But “A Son For A Son” also has a tension problem. It wants to pick up immediately after the Season 1 finale while also re-teaching the audience the board, the players, the alliances, and the stakes. That makes the premiere both thrilling and, at times, heavily expository. Below, you can listen to our full podcast breakdown, watch the video version, read the recap, and follow the related House of the Dragon Season 2 coverage. Listen To Our House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 1 Recap And Reaction Mary & Blake discuss House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 1, “A Son For A Son,” including Winterfell, Blood and Cheese, Rhaenyra's grief, Daemon's revenge, Alicent and Criston Cole, Aegon as king, and why the show wants to have its cake and eat it too. Subscribe To Get New House Of The Dragon Episodes APPLE PODCASTS YOUTUBE SPOTIFY House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 1 Recap: What Happens In “A Son For A Son”? “A Son For A Son” begins in the North, where Jacaerys Velaryon meets Cregan Stark at Winterfell and secures support for Rhaenyra's cause. The opening immediately broadens the world beyond Dragonstone and King's Landing, bringing back the Stark atmosphere, the Wall, the northern accents, and the feeling that House of the Dragon is reconnecting to the larger Game of Thrones world. At Dragonstone, Rhaenyra is nearly silent as she searches for proof of Lucerys' death. When she finds the remains of Arrax and Luke's cloak, the grief finally has physical evidence. Her only line — that she wants Aemond Targaryen — becomes the emotional engine for the episode. Daemon hears that desire and turns it into action. He hires Blood and Cheese to infiltrate the Red Keep and kill Aemond. But the plan goes wrong. Unable to find Aemond, Blood and Cheese force Helaena to identify which child is her son. They murder Prince Jaehaerys while Helaena escapes with her daughter. Meanwhile, the Greens try to manage the political fallout of Luke's death and the growing pressure of war. Aegon sits the Iron Throne, wants to appear generous to the smallfolk, and brings his young son into court. Alicent tries to maintain control while hiding her relationship with Criston Cole. Larys Strong continues replacing staff and tightening his grip on the Red Keep. By the end, the war has crossed another moral line. House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 1 Review As a premiere, “A Son For A Son” has a difficult job. It needs to honor the momentum of the Season 1 finale, reintroduce a large cast, clarify the political map, and deliver the horrifying Blood and Cheese event that pushes the season forward. That is why the episode can feel like two different things at once. On one hand, it has real momentum because it begins inside the emotional aftermath of Luke's death. On the other, it occasionally becomes a scorecard episode, pausing to remind us who is where, who is allied with whom, and which pieces are moving into place. Mary responded strongly to that premiere energy and gave the episode 4.8 flames, especially because it made her immediately hungry for the next episode. Blake landed at 4.6 flames, praising the return to Westeros and the expanded visual palette, while also feeling the weight of the exposition. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} The strongest material is the human material. Jace trying to report to Rhaenyra before collapsing into grief gives the episode its clearest emotional truth. Rhaenyra barely speaks, but Emma D'Arcy carries the episode through body language, stillness, and rage held just under the surface. The other major strength is the visual reset. Alan Taylor's direction makes the world feel larger and, frankly, more visible. The darkness is still there, but the episode uses firelight, moonlight, and texture in a way that feels closer to early Game of Thrones than some of the murkier visual choices from late Game of Thrones and Season 1 of House of the Dragon. Why Is The Episode Called “A Son For A Son”? The title “A Son For A Son” refers to Daemon's revenge logic after Lucerys' death. Rhaenyra wants Aemond, but Daemon turns that grief into a transaction: if Team Black lost a son, Team Green should lose a son too. That title matters because the episode is not really about justice. It is about substitution. Blood and Cheese do not get Aemond. They kill Jaehaerys instead. The horror of the ending is that revenge does not restore balance. It creates a new wound and gives the Greens their own dead child to weaponize. That is the moral rot of the Dance of the Dragons. Every side can explain why they feel wronged. Every side can justify the next escalation. And every escalation makes the war less controllable. Blood And Cheese Explained Blood and Cheese are the men Daemon uses to get inside the Red Keep and target Aemond. Blood is the brute force. Cheese is the ratcatcher who knows the hidden routes through the castle. Together, they turn Daemon's revenge mission into one of the ugliest acts of the season. The show makes one important choice: it does not clearly show Daemon giving the explicit order to kill a child if Aemond cannot be found. Instead, it lets the implication hang in the air. That choice protects Daemon from saying the worst version out loud, but it also leaves the audience to ask whether the show is pulling its punch. Our read is that Daemon knows exactly what kind of people he is hiring and what kind of violence he is inviting. He may not say the full thing on screen, but “A Son For A Son” wants us to feel that Blood and Cheese are not acting in a vacuum. They are the consequence of Daemon's appetite for revenge. The scene itself is horrifying because of how long it lasts and how much it withholds. We do not need to see the murder clearly to understand the brutality. The sound, Helaena's impossible choice, and the calmness of her escape make the moment deeply unsettling. Rhaenyra, Jace, And The Grief That Actually Lands Rhaenyra's grief is the emotional center of the premiere. She does not need speeches because the episode lets the search for Luke's remains do the work. When she finds what is left of Arrax and Luke, the loss stops being political and becomes physical. The Jace scene is the episode's best example of how House of the Dragon can cut through all the names, councils, claims, and alliances. Jace begins as prince and messenger, trying to report what he accomplished in the North. Then Rhaenyra embraces him, and the scene becomes mother and son. That is the kind of humanity the episode needs. The war is massive, but it only works if the audience can feel the private wound underneath the public claim. Winterfell Makes House Of The Dragon Feel Bigger Opening Season 2 at Winterfell is a smart move. The Starks, the Wall, the snow, and the familiar northern atmosphere immediately make the world feel wider. Season 1 was often centered on King's Landing, Dragonstone, and the Targaryen family's internal rot. Season 2 needs to show how that family disaster spreads into the realm. That is why the Winterfell opening works as more than nostalgia. It reminds the audience that this civil war is not just a family argument with dragons. It is a conflict that will pull in houses, regions, soldiers, old men, young heirs, and people who had no part in the original wound. It also gives the premiere the feeling of returning not only to House of the Dragon, but to Westeros itself. Alicent, Criston Cole, And The Collapse Of Moral Authority Alicent's story in “A Son For A Son” is built around guilt and control. She lights a candle for Luke, worries about where the war is heading, and seems to understand the emotional scope of what has happened better than almost anyone around her. At the same time, she is sleeping with Criston Cole, which makes both of them look even more compromised. Criston's hatred of Rhaenyra has always been wrapped in wounded honor, but his relationship with Alicent exposes the hypocrisy underneath that posture. The bath scene gives Alicent her Lady Macbeth moment. She scrubs at herself as if guilt can be removed by force. It cannot. The more Larys replaces her household, the more Aegon sits in power, and the more Criston fails upward, the less control Alicent actually has. Aegon, Jaehaerys, And The Cruel Setup Of The Ending One of the more interesting choices in the premiere is that Aegon is not presented as pure Joffrey. He is immature, vain, and unprepared, but he also wants to be liked. He wants to give the smallfolk what they ask for. He wants his son Jaehaerys near him. He wants to feel like a real king. That matters because the ending is designed to change him. Before Blood and Cheese, Aegon's interest in ruling might have faded or been managed by Otto and Alicent. After Jaehaerys is murdered, that possibility disappears. The grief that Rhaenyra carries at the start of the episode now belongs to Aegon too. The tragedy of “A Son For A Son” is that both sides now have a dead child. That does not create understanding. It creates fuel. House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 1 Ending Explained The ending of “A Son For A Son” matters because it transforms revenge into propaganda, grief into escalation, and a targeted assassination attempt into the murder of a child. Daemon wants Aemond. Blood and Cheese cannot find him. Helaena is forced to identify her son. Jaehaerys is killed. Helaena escapes to Alicent's room and finds Alicent with Criston Cole, turning the family's private hypocrisy into part of the same nightmare. The immediate consequence is simple: any chance of slowing the war becomes much harder. Rhaenyra's side can no longer claim clean moral high ground, even if the act was not publicly ordered by her. The Greens now have a child martyr, a grieving king, and a powerful story to tell the realm. That is why the ending works. It is not only shocking. It changes the political and emotional weather of the season. What “A Son For A Son” Sets Up Next The premiere sets up a season where the most dangerous choices may come from people who think they are acting out of love, justice, duty, or grief. Rhaenyra must deal with the consequences of revenge carried out in her name. Daemon has made the war uglier and may have damaged his relationship with Rhaenyra. Alicent is losing control of the family and system she helped put in power. Criston Cole is compromised, hypocritical, and increasingly dangerous. Aegon now has personal grief driving his rule. Aemond remains the original target, but the war is now bigger than one act of revenge. The realm is moving toward open conflict as alliances harden and old houses choose sides. Related House Of The Dragon Coverage Continue through Mary & Blake's House of the Dragon Season 2 coverage: House Of The Dragon Season 2 Recap And Episode Guide House Of The Dragon With Mary & Blake Podcast Hub Next Episode: House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 — “Rhaenyra The Cruel” Season 3: House Of The Dragon Season 3 Teaser Reaction More From Mary & Blake Subscribe to House of the Dragon With Mary & Blake for every recap, reaction, listener feedback episode, and deeper discussion as we continue through the Dance of the Dragons. Want bonus podcasts, extended reactions, and community conversation about House of the Dragon, Outlander, The Rings of Power, and everything else Mary & Blake are covering? Join the Nerd Clan community at JoinTheNerdClan.com and support everything Mary & Blake are building. Mary & Blake Media is not affiliated with HBO, Max, Warner Bros. Discovery, George R. R. Martin, or the House of the Dragon production.

Jaime bids farewell to his uncle and to his father's remains, envies Loras Tyrell's horsemanship, and frets over his twin's drinking and her new friends. Simon and Mackelly think he might have a point.Chapter ReviewJaime Lannister bids farewell to his uncle Kevan who is leaving King's Landing with his son Lancel and the bones of his brother Tywin. The conversation doesn't go quite as Jaime hoped. Kevan is furious at both twins for their incest, the shame their bringing to the family, and Cersei's refusal to toe (Kevan's version of) the party line. Kevan is headed to the Riverlands where rumor has it that Sandor Clegane has joined forces with Beric Dondarrion to terrorize the citizens. Jaime's warning to be careful manages to sound like a threat.Jamie notes that King's Landing seems emptier now that the Tyrells have left. He sees Loras Tyrell practicing jousting with envy, the younger Kingsguard is the better horseman. He finds his sister in her cups and hanging with Pycelle, Taena Merryweather, and King Tommen. Lollys Stokeworth has given birth, and the child's stepfather (Bronn) has thoughtfully named the baby Tyrion. Cersei is not amused.Jaime dismisses everyone and tries to get Cersei to see sense with her new friends. Nobody knows the true loyalties of Qyburn, Taena, nor the Kettleblacks and these have become her confidantes. She doubles down wanting the comely but untested Aurane Waters to be the Master of Ship. He's getting concerning Aerys II-vibes from his sister. She prefers to think of herself as the female Tywin.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Tommen.Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms.Tywin Lannister - Lord of Casterly Rock, recently murdered by his son Tyrion.Kevan Lannister - Brother to Tywin.Lancel Lannis DMR - Deweys Movie Reviews - PodcastWelcome to DMR - Deweys Movie Reviews - An Aussie podcast reviewing film & seriesListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.Support us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Brienne's search for Sansa takes her to Maidenpool to find a fool. First she finds old acquaintances that drum up painful thoughts. She meets a man who will take her to the fool, for a price. Simon and Mackelly question the intentions of Nimble Dick.Chapter Review:Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne arrive at the gates of Maidenpool. The town has been rebuilt since Brienne was there with Jaime. At the town gates, she defends the honor of a farming couple. Bloodshed is avoided by the arrival of Ser Hyle Hunt, captain of the gate. He and Brienne have history, and it's immediately clear it's not a good one.Once inside the town, Hunt takes Brienne and Pod to Lord Randyll Tarly. When Tarly finishes serving justice to the townsfolk, he meets Brienne. He tells her Sansa won't be at the Eyrie, as Brienne was considering. Lady Lysa Arryn is dead. The news causes Brienne to reconsider her plans to travel to the Vale.When Tarly takes his leave, Hunt offers to show Brienne to the Stinking Goose, where she hopes to find news of the fool she's hunting. Brienne has no interest in spending more time with the knight. She leaves for the tavern alone. Once there, she eventually meets Nimble Dick Crabb. The man explains that he tricked a fool looking for passage to Essos for him and two girls. Dick sent them to a long-unused smuggler's cove. He offers to take Brienne and Pod to it, for a hefty price. Brienne warily agrees.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Brienne of Tarth - Charged with rescuing Sansa Stark.Podrick Payne - Former squire to Tyrion Lannister, now traveling with Brienne.Randyll Tarly - Lord of Horn Hill. In Maidenpool to oversee reconstruction and bring order, prior to the wedding of his son.Ser Hyle Hunt - Knight in service to House Tarly. Former tormentor of Brienne.Sansa Stark - Eldest surviving Stark child. Currently in the Eyrie with Petyr Baelish.Dontos Hollard - Knight turned fool. Last seen fleeing the Red Keep with Scene N NerdA weekly podcast talking about TV shows, movies, and entertainment news for geeks! Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the Show.Support us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Get bonus episodes on Patreon! Ned Stark may already be dead. In this chapter, Littlefinger eulogizes him to his face, capping off a series of three failed initiations into the world of liars and crooks that is King's Landing. Cam's diving into unseen spymasters and unnoticed liars, while also keeping an eye out for Bran Atreides the God Emperor and the conspicuously absent white walkers. Maggie examines the suffocating falsities present here, both on the page and throughout the Red Keep. Pour yourself a glass of iced honey milk, and try not to gag! PS: can you imagine if Ned had a direwolf? LINKS: Patreon, YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, Cam's stories Feedback & Theories: secondbreakfastpod@gmail.com

It's the royal wedding day and Cersei couldn't be less thrilled. She's in constant fear for Tommen's safety, feels like the Tyrells are manipulating her, and is surrounded by fools. Plus, a long ago prophecy keeps coming to mind. Only one activity brings her any joy in the day, and it's quite the doozy. Simon and Mackelly remembered to pack their sunglasses and stand in the back.Chapter Review:Queen Cersei Lannister hopes for a storm to rock the Red Keep to its base. Her youngest son gets married today, and Cersei is taking no pleasure in the fact. Young King Tommen will marry his older brother's widow, and Cersei thinks it's much too soon. Ser Jaime Lannister has taken every precaution imaginable to protect Tommen, but it's not enough for Cersei. She can't help but recall a prophecy told to her as a child by a fortune teller, where a beautiful young queen will cast her down and take all she holds dear.When Tommen briefly chokes on wine during the wedding feast, it's more than Cersei can bear. She leaves the hall to cry in private. However, Taena Merryweather finds her and says Cersei's made is a Tyrell spy. Cersei is skeptical of the Myrish beauty, who is one of Queen Margaery's ladies. However, she promises a reward if Taena is telling the truth.Back in the Small Hall, Cersei surveys the room and decides it's full of imbeciles, including her brother Jaime. Everyone will need to be replaced by her own people. When she's called “the old queen” one too many times, Cersei asks for everyone to follow her outside. When the masses are gathered, she has the Tower of the Hand set aflame by wildfire. She hopes to smoke out her brother Tyrion, and remove the taint of the previous Hands of the King, especially her father. As everyone leaves for bed, Cersei sends Jaime away in favor of Ser Osmund Kettleblack.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms.Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Tommen.Kevan Lannister - Uncle to Cersei, Jaime, and Tyrion.Taena Merryweather - Myrish Lady of Longtable in the Reach.Margaery Tyrell - Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Only daughter of Mace and Alerie Tyrell. Support the Show.Support us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

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Jaime might've bitten off more than he can chew with standing vigil over his father for seven days and nights. While battling sleep, he recalls his last conversation with Rhaegar Targaryen as well as his recent one with the chief undergaoler. He's visited by Cersei and again rejects her plea to be Hand of the King. Finally, he brokers a lunch for Cersei and feeds her exact steps to success. Simon and Mackelly wonder if she'll still muck it up.Chapter Review:While Jaime Lannister stands vigil over his father's body, he thinks of how if he'd known that Tyrion was going to kill their father he'd have stopped him. He thinks of the conversation he had with the chief undergaoler of the Red Keep dungeons. He gets the same story Cersei got regarding Rugen, the missing undergaoler. Jaime is furious to learn that the turnkeys who fell asleep the night of Tyrion's escape were murdered, by order of the queen.Said queen appears in person, as Jaime stands vigil. She's dressed as a commoner to escape notice. She says Kevan refused her offer of Hand of the King and that he knows about Jaime and Cersei's relationship. She begs Jaime to reconsider taking the role of Hand of the King. Jaime again refuses. Again, in no uncertain terms. A furious Cersei stalks off after unleashing a barrage of angry words toward Jaime.When the sun comes up, mourners again flood the Great Sept of Baelor. Tywin's body has continued to decay and the odor has intensified greatly. When Queen Cersei and King Tommen approach the corpse, Tommen gags and runs for the door. Jaime goes after him and consoles the little king. Queen Cersei arrives and admonishes her son for embarrassing her. Mace Tyrell is close on her heels. Jaime sets up a lunch between Cersei and Mace, to Cersei's annoyance. But Jaime explains that it's an opportunity to send Mace on a task out of the city, where he might get himself killed.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Tommen.Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms.Tywin Lannister - Lord of Casterly Rock, recently murdered by his son Tyrion.Kevan Lannister - Brother to Tywin.Grand Maester Pycelle - Elderly member of the Small Council. Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Busy day for Queen Cersei. She fends off mourners expressing regret and vying for her favor and works to keep the Tyrells off the Small Council. She bonds with Qyburn before finally having a highly contentious dinner with her uncle. Mackelly and Simon are in shock that Kevan went there.Chapter Review:Queen Cersei Lannister and King Tommen kneel before her father Tywin's body. The odor emanating from the late Hand of the King is not missed by those in attendance, so all are glad when the prayers end. Afterward, mourners approach Cersei to express condolences. Falyse Stokeworth offers that if her sister Lollys has a son, they'd like to name him Tywin. Cersei shoots the idea down.  She congratulates Lancel on his betrothal and his new lordship. He's not thrilled about either. He met with the high septon. Cersei reminds him of the power of silent prayer.She's approached by Mace Tyrell. He's angling to be named Hand of the King, but says his uncle Garth is on his way to King's Landing to serve as Master of Coin. Cersei has no interest in another Tyrell on the Small Council, so lies and says she's offered the role to Gyles Rosby. Mace is shocked, but his mother steers him away. Later,  she asks Rosby to be Master of Coin and to act as though it was offered yesterday.Back in the Red Keep, Qyburn says he's found a gold coin in the missing gaoler Rugen's chamber. It's from the Reach, which causes Cersei to question whether the Tyrells were involved in the plot to free Tyrion. Cersei plans to call for the headsman for Gregor Clegane. Qyburn asks to move Gregor to the dungeons, to continue to work with him.Her uncle Kevan arrives for dinner. Cersei asks him to be Tommen's Hand of the King. Kevan says he will, if he's also made King Regent. Cersei is to go back to Casterly Rock. She refuses. Kevan says he's taking his brother and going home. Tommen has his mother… and his father too.Characters/Places/Names/EventsCersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms.Tywin Lannister - Lord of Casterly Rock, recently murdered by his son Tyrion.Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Tommen.Kevan Lannister - Brother to Tywin.Qyburn - Former Maester, stripped of his chain by the Citadel. Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Cersei is awakened to the news that her father is dead. She can hardly believe it, but is not exactly broken up about it. At least her little brother is locked up and will be a head short by this evening. Ah, about that: he's escaped. Mackelly and Simon spot many of Cersei's character flaws, while ignoring their own.Chapter Review:Cersei dreams of sitting the Iron Throne. It's a great dream until Tyrion appears, and her clothes disappear. Then it takes a nasty turn. She gets cut and the Iron Throne fights her. Tyrion laughs. A maid wakes her. Not to save her from the dream but because the Kingsguard are here to let her know that Tywin is dead. Cersei's struggling to separate the dream from reality. But she begins to piece it together. She dresses and is escorted to the Tower of the Hand.En route, she ponders how she should react and how she and her rivals will use her father's death to their advantage. Jamie has followed the secret passage in the fireplace, and Loras Tyrell has been sent to check on King Tommen. She sends Boros Blount to confirm that Tyrion is still secured. She wants Pycelle to prepare her father's body, but he's been and gone and not even bothered to remove the quarrel from Lord Tywin's guts.Qyburn comes in and prepares the body, and asks what's to be done with Shae. Cersei hadn't even noticed her. She wants her removed quietly, so nobody gets the idea that Tywin was consorting with a prostitute. Jamie arrives back, no sign of the murderer. She offers him the role of Hand, he refuses. Uncle Kevan demands that they stop squabbling. Blount returns with news that Tyrion is escaped. Cersei recalls a prophecy in which the Valonqar will choke the life from her.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Cersei Lannister - Queen regent and mother to King Tommen.Tywin Lannister - Lord of Casterly Rock, recently murdered by his son Tyrion.Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Tommen.Loras Tyrell - Knight of the Kingsguard.Boros Blount - Knight of the Kingsguard.Kevan Lannister - Brother to Tywin.Grand Maester Pycelle - Member of the Small Council.Qyburn - Former Maester, stripped of his chain by the Citadel.Shae - Former lover of Tyrion, murdered by him.Valonqar - High Valyrian for “little brother”. Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Tyrion is rescued from his cell by Jaime, but learns the awful truth of Jaime's previous betrayal. Tyrion, in turn, tells Jaime he killed Joffrey. The two part ways acrimoniously. On his way to freedom, Tyrion stops to visit his father. He finds a familiar face waiting in Tywin's bed and Tywin in the privy. Tyrion deals with them both in similar fashion. Simon and Mackelly wallow in the sadness and betrayal.Chapter Review:Tyrion Lannister prepares to attack, as the door to his cell opens. It turns out to be his brother Jaime. Jaime is here to rescue him. When Tyrion thanks him, Jaime says he's repaying a debt. Tyrion insists on knowing the secret of this debt. Jaime tells him he lied to Tyrion about Tysha, on their father's command. Tyrion's wife truly was a crofter's daughter, met on the road. The news sends Tyrion into a fury. He tells Jaime that Cersei has been unfaithful to Jaime and that, yes, he killed Joffrey. With that the two part ways.Tyrion meets Varys, to escape through the dungeons and to the sea, bound for Essos. Along the way, Tyrion realizes he's below the Tower of the Hand. He insists Varys tell him how to find his father's bed chamber. When Tyrion arrives, he finds Shae in Tywin's bed. She says she was forced to say horrible things about him at trial. She calls him her Giant of Lannister. At that, Tyrion strangles her with the Hand of the King chain she wears.He finds a crossbow and tracks his father to the privy. Tywin says he doesn't know what happens to the “whore” Tysha after Tyrion's “sharp lesson.” Tyrion says if he uses the term again, he will kill his father. True to his word, when Tywin says it again, Tyrion shoots him dead.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King.Tywin Lannister - Tyrion's father, Hand of the King.Shae - Prostitute and lover of Tyrion.Tysha - Tyrion's first wife.Sansa Stark - Oldest daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark, wife to Tyrion.Lord Varys - Master of Whisperers in King's Landing, has served multiple monarchs as chief spy. Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

In the sixth installment of our series with History of Westeros on the Dance of the Dragons, House Targaryen reaches its lowest point yet and the action ends up back where we started - at the Red Keep. Also the Battle of the Kings Road claims the life of the ambitious and furious Storm Lord, and the muppets head to King's Landing. Support us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jaime has a curious goodbye with Arya Stark. He refuses to leave the Kingsguard, despite a strong push from his family. He resists an advance from his sister, which results in a heated argument between the two. Finally, he gives Brienne a jaw-dropping gift and then tasks her with a surprising mission in return. Simon and Mackelly squint hard at “Arya Stark.”Chapter Review:Jaime Lannister grows bored of watching the king sign documents that offer rewards or punishment to houses, for their roles in the war. He returns to the White Sword Tower. On his way, he runs into a girl claiming to be Arya Stark. Jaime is skeptical.Cersei waits for him in his chambers. She begs him to talk to their father about Tywin's plan to send her back to Casterly Rock, effectively separating her from her son Tommen. Jaime doesn't think it'll do any good, but Cersei believes it will, if he agrees to leave the Kingsguard. Jaime refuses. Cersei makes a sexual advance that Jaime rebuffs. She throws insults as she storms out.Jaime calls for Ser Loras Tyrell and Brienne of Tarth. Loras admits Brienne might be telling the truth about Renly Baratheon's death. After dismissing Loras, Jaime gives Brienne the Valyrian steel sword his father gave him. In return, he asks she use it to find Sansa Stark and keep her safe.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jaime Lannister - Member of the royal Kingsguard. Twin brother to queen Cersei and older brother to Tyrion. Nicknamed the "Kingslayer" for killing King Aerys Targaryen.Ser Loras Tyrell - Member of the Kingsguard. Young, dashing, talented knight from the Reach. The third son of Lord Mace Tyrell of Highgarden.Brienne of Tarth - Warrior woman. Once "Brienne the Blue" in King Renly's Rainbow Guard. On a mission to rescue the Stark girls for Catelyn Stark.Cersei Lannister - twin to Jaime, mother to Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella. Tywin Lannister - father of Jaime, Cersei, Tyrion. Lord of Casterly Rock. Hand of the King.Tyrion Lannister - youngest sibling of Jaime and Cersei. Imprisoned awaiting trial for murdering his nephew King Jofrrey.Tommen Lannister - King of the Andals, Roynar, and the First men. Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. Protector of the Realm.We've got four new sustainer tiers on our Buy Me a Coffee site. Something for every budget and level of interest. Check it out! Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Tyrion's is betrayed by Shae and demands a trial by combat. Oberyn Martell steps up and defeats the Mountain, but then lets his guard down and the Mountain crushes his head, and Tyrion's hopes. Simon and Mackelly rue the day.Chapter Review:Tyrion Lannister weighs the offer of Oberyn Martell, but for now allows the trial to continue. Podrik Payne cannot vouch for Tyrion's innocence, which suggests that few will. The last witness is a surprise: Shae. Of course Cersei would have interviewed, and coerced, Sansa's handmaids. But Shae is not only going to lie for Cersei, she's also going to tell the truth. Tyrion and Sansa plotted the murder and Tyrion used her sexually and forced her to refer to him as “her giant of Lannister.” The crowd's laughter is too much for Tyrion and he demands the trial by combat.Cerseis is thrilled to announce that the Mountain Gregor Clegane will fight for her, but the whole room is stunned when Oberyn Martell offers to champion Tyrion's cause. Tywin is furious. Tyrion realizes that this situation has no good outcomes for Tywin. If Oberyn wins, the Tyrells will be annoyed, and Tyrion freed. If the Mountain wins, Tyrion will be dead and the Martells might crown Myrcella, Plunging Westeros into another civil war.Oberyn outwits and defeats the Mountain, with his poisoned spear. But then stands on the vanquished Clegane's chest to extract a deathbed confession. He gets one, Gregor did rape and murder Elia, and murder her children, but it's Oberyn's deathbed. The Mountain trips him and crushes his skull. Tyrion's hopes die with the Red Viper.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King.Tywin Lannister - Tyrion's father, Hand of the King.Kevan Lannister - Tyrion's uncle, as well as brother and trusted advisor to Tywin Lannister.Sansa Stark - Oldest daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark, wife to Tyrion.Cersei Lannister - Mother of the late Joffrey Baratheon, sister to Tyrion.Oberyn Martell - Brother to Doran Martell the Prince of Dorne. In King's Landing to seek justice for his murdered sister Elia and her children.Shae - Prostitute and loveWe've got four new sustainer tiers on our Buy Me a Coffee site. Something for every budget and level of interest. Check it out! Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Tyrion stands trial for the murder of the king. The prosecution has no end of witnesses, while Tyrion has none. But at the 11th hour a glimmer of hope appears. Mackelly and Simon weigh the scales of justice.Chapter Review:Tyrion Lannister languishes for days in a Red Keep tower cell. He's well-treated and fed as befits his station, but the crime of which he's accused holds only one possible punishment. He's getting advice and daily visits from his uncle Kevan, but neither of them is very optimistic of his chances. Cersei is amassing a deluge of witnesses to testify against him. Tyrion pins his hopes on trial by combat, but knowing that the opponent will be Gregor Clegane, Bronn demurs. The trial, before a three-judge panel of Tywin, Mace Tyrell, and Oberyn Martell, goes very badly for Tyrion. The witnesses either exaggerate, downright lie, or in the case of Varys: accurately report Tyrion's various threats and comments on the dead king. Kevan advises confession and the Night's Watch, but Tyrion doesn't trust his father's mercy.On the final night of the trial, Tyrion is visited in his cell by Oberyn. He's not necessarily there to reassure Tyrion, but knowing that he's doomed he's hoping to get the truth about his sister's death. Tyrion confirms some suspicions: while it was the now dead Lorch who dispatched Princess Rhaenys, it was The Mountain who raped and murdered Elia and killed baby Aegon. But Tyrion denies that Tywin ordered the deaths. Oberyn throws Tyrion a lifeline. He'll be his champion in trial by combat against Clegane.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King.Tywin Lannister - Tyrion's father, Hand of the King.Kevan Lannister - Tyrion's uncle. Brother and trusted advisor to Tywin Lannister.Sansa Stark - Oldest daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Former hostage of the Lannisters. Wife to Tyrion.Cersei Lannister - Mother of the late Joffrey Baratheon, sister to Tyrion.Mace Tyrell - Lord of Highgarden.Oberyn Martell - Brother to Doran Martell the Prince of Dorne. In King's Landing to seek justice for his murdered sister Elia and her children.Lord Varys - Master of Whisperers in King's Landing. Has served multiple monarchs as chief spy. Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Jaime and Brienne arrive in King's Landing. They've learned that bad news awaits them. Brienne is immediately imprisoned, while Jaime gets into it with his father and his sister. Simon and Mackelly hope for a bit more love and a lot less, respectively.Chapter Review:Jaime Lannister arrives in King's Landing with Brienne, Qyburn, and Roose Bolton's men. It's not changed that much, still stinks. They've learned en-route of the deaths at the weddings (the red and the purple). Jaime is struggling to find the correct emotion. He cares more about how Cersei is feeling and feeling sorry for himself about his hand.Upon arrival, they meet Ser Loras Tyrell, who denounces Brienne as a kingslayer - of Renly that is. Jaime arranges for Brienne to be imprisoned (temporarily, for her own good). Jaime visits the sept, where Joffrey lies in state. He finds his twin mourning over their dead child. She affirms that it was Tyrion who killed Joffrey. They have sex there and then. Jaime wants to be open about their relationship, but Cersei roughly disabuses him of that idea.Jaime visits his father, who reports that Vargo Hoat is getting his comeuppance from Gregor Clegane, who has retaken Harrenhal. Jaime is to leave the Kingsguard, marry Margaery Tyrell (Cersei will marry Oberyn Martell) and take King Tommen to Casterly Rock to be raised away from his mother. Jaime flat out refuses. Tywin disowns him. Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jaime Lannister - Lord Commander of the Royal Kingsguard. Twin brother to queen Cersei and older brother to Tyrion. Nicknamed the "Kingslayer" for killing King Aerys Targaryen. Brienne of Tarth - Warrior woman. Once "Brienne the Blue" in King Renly's Rainbow Guard. On a mission to rescue the Stark girls for Catelyn Stark.Vargo Hoat - Leader of the Brave Companions. Steelshanks Walton - Soldier in Bolton's forces, tasked with bringing Jaime safely to King's Landing.Ser Loras Tyrell - Knight of Flowers. Brother to Margaery. Reputed former lover of King Renly Baratheon. Now member of the Kingsguard.Gregor Clegane - The Mountain. Tywin's most feared soldier.Cersei Lannister - Twin to Jaime. Mother to Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella. Tywin Lannister - Father of Jaime, Cersei, Tyrion. Lord of Casterly Rock. Hand of the King. Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Sansa flees the scene of the crime with Ser Dontos. After a scary climb she's rowed to deliverance - which turns out to come with a familiar (although not totally friendly) face. Simon and Mackelly consider her future.Chapter Review:Sansa Stark races to the Godswood where she has hidden a change of clothes. When she takes her hair net off, she realizes a black amethyst is missing and gets a sinking feeling in her stomach that it's somehow related to King Joffrey's death. Dontos arrives and denies that the hair net had anything to do with Joff's death. He choked on pie.Dontos leads her out of the castle to a cliff where a secret ladder has been cut out of the stone that leads to the river below. When the pair make down safely, they find a man waiting to row them out to safety.When the little boat reaches a ship, a stunned Sansa discovers Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish waiting for her. Dontos, who stayed behind to row himself back to the castle, asks for his reward of 10,000 gold dragons. Instead, he's killed by three crossbow bolts.Littlefinger explains to a highly-upset Sansa that Dontos did what he did at Littlefinger's command and did so because he was being handsomely paid. Once he'd drunk this payday, he'd sell Sansa again to Varys or Cersei. When Sansa asks why Littlefinger would want to hurt the Lannisters, who gave him so much, he responds that he had no motive. He likes to keep his foes confused. He says he loved Sansa's mother Catelyn and thinks in a different world Sansa might've been his daughter. He tells Sansa to forget about the Lannisters, Tyrion, and King's Landing. She's safe with him and sailing home.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Sansa Stark - Elder daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Forcibly married to Tyrion.Ser Dontos Hollard - Drunken jester of King Joffrey, but friend to Sansa.Lord Petyr Baelish - Former member of the Small Council, now lord of Harrenhal. Understood to be in the Vale seeking an alliance with Lysa Arryn.Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Master of Coin. Now accused of murdering King Joffrey.King Joffrey Baratheon -  King Joffrey Baratheon First of His Name. Bastard son of Jaime Lannister and his twin sister Queen Cersei. Killed at his wedding feast. Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

A (book only) look at a compelling character! From Myr to King's Landing, from the Red Temple to the Red Keep, from Aerys to Robert, from king's man to outlaw, from Gregor to Sandor, from wildfire swords to the flames of R'hllor, from skipping prayers to raising the dead, from cynic to faithful, from Beric to Stoneheart, from justice to survival... It's been a long journey for Thoros, and the Lord of Light is not finished with him yet. Try Smile Brilliant: Smilebrilliant.com - use the code "westeros" for 20% off Bonus Eps & More - www.patreon.com/historyofwesteros Shirts & Stickers - historyofwesteros.threadless.com Nina: goodqueenaly.tumblr.com Sean's YouTube: bit.ly/3818H9X www.historyofwesteros.com

Hello Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke! Make the 10 year jump with us into a Red Keep where there is a new batch of royal kids aka war-fodder. The Alicent and the Ser Crispy clique spells trouble as Rhaenyra (such a badass) wakes up to the dangers at court and takes a play from Daemon's book. And did you watch the intro? Did you?? It's different.  Want to represent Team HOTD? Check out the new merch in the Bald Move store! Thoughts, questions, do you like dragons? Email in at hotd@baldmove.com.  Theme song: Game of Thrones (80's TV Theme) by Highway Superstar Support Bald Move: Club Bald Move Leave Us A Review on Apple Podcasts Join the discussion: Email | Discord | Reddit | Forums Follow us: Twitch | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rhaenyra is swiping left on the lords of the land during her bachelorette tour of the realm. Daemon makes a gaudy return to the Red Keep, which means trouble is afoot. Between the late-night trysts and ‘low-born Mardi Gras', tensions are running high. Explore the angst and more in this laugh-out-loud episode from Bald Move.  Want to represent Team HOTD? Check out the new merch in the Bald Move store! Theme song: Game of Thrones (80's TV Theme) by Highway Superstar Thoughts, questions, do you like dragons? Email in at hotd@baldmove.com.  Support Bald Move: Club Bald Move Leave Us A Review on Apple Podcasts Join the discussion: Email | Discord | Reddit | Forums Follow us: Twitch | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices