Ryan Shoots First: House of the Dragon (S1 Ep10) “The Black Queen”
The Dance of Dragons has begun, as we speculated this “finale” actually somewhat served as the back half of a two-parter.
Starting with the death of King Visarys we saw last week how the Green’s reacted to this news, rushing and plotting to put Aegon on the throne. This week we see it from the Blacks’ side. Not only the news that her father is dead but that her inheritance has been stolen and the crown claimed from under her feet. Rhanyra shockingly keeps it pretty cool. Her reaction is a tempered one clearly a sign of her father’s influence on her. She is equal parts the fire of Daemon but also the peaceful, controlled manner of her father. Of course by the end of the episode, she realizes that her foes across the land do not share her willingness to play by the rules for the sake of the Kingdom. It’s sad that in both politics and ruling the side that honors and plays by the rules more times than not are fighting with one hand tied behind their back. History is written by the victors not the honorable.
One thing is Ewan Mitchell who plays Aemond is gonna be a household name. Similar to how Game of Thrones gave us so many stars I see him coming out of this with so many options whenever the Dance is done. Emma D’arcy as well was fantastic in this episode she had to show so many emotions some in the same scene, grief, sorrow, composure, and malice. She lives in the lines between these emotions and in this episode, she put it all on display. With the first season in the books, this season will always be remembered to me as restoring the faith in Westeros. It wasn’t long ago a ‘Thrones’ Prequel was announced and it was met with ridicule, trepidation and some disdain. Many were so burned by season 8 of Thrones they vowed to be done with it. Thrones, in general, was one of the most transformative and successful series of all time, and by going out with a thud allowed for its legacy to be left to gather cobwebs. Now in just 10 episodes, faith is restored, the fans are back and invested and what we loved about gathering around Twitter on a Sunday night is back. People still hate how Thrones ended but this new show has allowed them to go back, celebrate the things they liked and enjoy what is new. For that I will always be grateful to HotD and the long wait till season 2 now begins. Place your bets on which will come first, Rings of Power S2 or HotD? Let the Games begin.
Observations
- I really don’t like how they only put the names of whose on the opening. Kinda gives a way some stuff.
- Kid really wants Driftmark.
- Daemon I get you’re upset but you have an ally there man. Maybe don’t accuse her of stuff.
- Well, this is crappy timing. Maybe don’t always be pregnant?
- Look at that slimy Boi
- Yeaaa I’ve watched 2 actual children be born and this was way grosser
- He’s a real one
- Man, something about a Targaryen woman starting with her small team of loyal is peak.
- Ahh this again. Meet ya at the bridge
- Hi Corlys, ok lots to catch you up on.
- Corlys with that “yep that sounds like my dumbass brother” look
- Shot of the week. A new dragon has entered the fight
- Ahh shit, too late Lucerys
- How do you say “I have a bad feeling about this” in a Valyrian?
- Way to go moron
- Yeaaa she’s done playing
