Episode Grade: (9.4/10)
Sensing an instability given his declining health and Rhaenyra’s erratic behavior, Viserys moves quickly to secure a political marriage with the Velaryons. However, what’s supposed to be a lengthy and extravagant celebration turns into a quick and dark betrothal as a result of Ser Criston Cole’s violent actions. Meanwhile, Alicent finds the truth about Rhaenyra and Daemon re-emerges as an important figure.
Plot (47/50)
This episode featured the best writing of the show thus far. Daemon’s vicious disposal of his wife, Rhea Royce, and Viserys’ urgency in securing Rhaenyra’s marriage to Laenor sets the tone for the rest of the episode as various storylines converge even further. Viserys’ succession has been the main plot of the show and this was no different; however, for the first time, we begin to see the battlefield develop with credible sides forming as a result of marriages. Rhaenyra and Laenor are the clear early favorites given the combined military might of their respective houses as well as Viserys’ official backing. Aegon is still a child but his side is developing in the form of Alicent. Aegon has tradition going for him and that is a force in itself. Finally, Daemon’s immediately bounced back from his banishment by murdering his wife and making himself available for a political marriage likely to Laena Velaryon. Rhea’s murder was a surprising twist and a brilliant bit of writing to logically re-establish the credibility of Daemon’s character. Daemon’s the dark horse in this race, but his age, experience, cunning, and appetite for murder make him a very real threat. Viserys’ increasingly deteriorating health is a good bit of consistency, even if I believe he’ll live for years (episodes) to come simply because it’s too early for him to die plot-wise. In all honesty, I was a bit nervous when he started contemplating his legacy midway through the episode, but ultimately he survived. His collapse at the end of the episode doesn’t have me fooled at all though. Moving along, the marriage plot was fairly easy to follow. Criston Cole’s actions at the end of the episode had the appropriate shock factor. GoT set precedent for such scenes but they still feel original. There was plenty of intrigue with the increasingly complicated relationship between key characters but also in the development of side characters such as Larys and Laena. We even have a bit of mystery developing as they’ve yet to reveal the name of Viserys’ daughter. It’s such a small detail but the writers’ decision to give the girl screen time with Alicent as opposed to Aegon, who’s of much greater significance, seems intentional. The episode was littered with drama and the suspense was off the charts. Finally, the direction of the show is as clear as its ever been as the aforementioned sides consolidate their claims to the throne until the King eventually dies and all hell breaks loose.
Character Development (14/15)
Unlike previous episodes where Viserys was the focal point, the focus was more evenly spread across other characters this time around. With that said, we get some very interesting insight into Viserys as he comes face to face with his mortality. The conversation he has with Lyonel Strong during which he contemplates his legacy is pure gold. There’s a very human air of regret in his tone about the level of respect shown to him, or lack thereof, as a direct result of his kindness as opposed to a more traditional rule by force. Lyonel Strong continues to offer words of wisdom, but there’s nothing that can truly rest a person’s mind when they’re in this mental state; they’re either capable of coming to terms with the path they took or not. One character who won’t regret being too kind is Daemon, whose ruthlessness in pursuit of the throne was on full display in this episode. With his back somewhat to the wall after being banished by Viserys once and for all, he violently yet tactically lashes out by killing his wife Rhea. This opens up plenty of opportunities for him to acquire more power through marriage. He has his eyes set on Laena, and she seems willing to play ball. His relationship with Rhaenyra continues to be puzzling; however, it isn’t clear whether he actually wants her by his side or if he simply seeks to de-stabilize her as heir to the throne. For her part, Rhaenyra seems to be taking her responsibilities more seriously. Her response to Daemon’s probing at the wedding and her rejection of Criston Cole’s offer to run away both signal a maturity that we haven’t seen in Rhaenyra up until this point. Speaking of Criston Cole, the guilt he displayed in the previous episode was confirmed in this one, but to think that Rhaenyra might give up all she has to run away with him is beyond foolish. His violent murder of Joffrey tells of a man who would literally rather die than be stuck in some game between royals. Alicent gives him a lifeline twice though, so it will interesting to see how that relationship develops. Alicent gives Criston Cole these chances because she feels they’ve both been manipulated by Rhaenyra. Her defiant display at the wedding feast is a far cry from the girl that was crying to her exiled father at the beginning of the episode. In essence, Otto told her to open her eyes and set her priorities straight because whether she likes it or not, she’s in the game of thrones. Learning of Rhaenyra’s betrayal was the catalyst that made her accept the harsh reality that they are playing a zero sum game. To add another wrinkle to the situation, it was Larys Strong that fed Alicent the information that led to her discovery of Rhaenyra’s betrayal, which begs the question: Did Larys act on his own accord or does Lyonel Strong secretly not want Rhaenyra to ascend the throne? Lyonel’s signal to Harwin to save ensure Rhaenyra’s safety as chaos ensued at the feast seemed a bit reluctant, but it very well could’ve just been annoyance at the situation. Either way, I’ve got my eye on Lyonel.
Theme/Messages (5/5)
- One of the episode’s important themes is the difference in consequences for the upper class and the lower class. In this case, Rhaenyra and Laenor are upper class, while Criston and Joffrey are lower class. Criston and Joffrey got caught up in the game with Rhaenyra and Laenor, respectively, and as a result one of them is dead while the other’s career is over at the very least. For the commoners, their lives are over. For the royals, sure there might be some grief, but the marriage continued ahead before Joffrey’s blood could dry.
- Which is worse, regretting doing something or regretting not doing something?
- “Is it not better to live in peace than to have songs sung after you are dead?”
- “Many that have been tested only wish to have been spared it… It is perhaps best not to know.”
- “When one is never invited to speak, one learns to observe.”
- “You’re no fool yet you choose not to see it.”
- Respect is rarely earned through kindness and kindness alone.
Acting (13/15)
Paddy Considine (King Viserys) possibly had his best performance in the show thus far, the way he captures the emotions of his character is impressive to say the least. Matt Smith (Daemon) and Milly Alcock (Rhaenyra) were great as well.
Cinematography (15/15)
This shots of effects in this episode had great symbolic meaning:
- Great shot of Alicent standing under the gate of the Red Keep with its spikes right above her head and Targaryen flags draped over the walls of the Keep (10:10)
- Cool contrast of Rhaenyra in red while everything around her is blue (20:15)
- Awesome shot of the Targaryen ship with the sun rising in the background (24:52)
- Great shot of Viserys draped against a chair out of exhaustion with the sculpture of Old Valyria behind him (35:15)
- Intricate buildup of suspense during the feast as the music crescendos and the focus shifts quickly between elements like the King’s plate, the violin, the dancing feet, and the drums (52:40 onwards).
- Powerful imagery as the camera pans across the dining table revealing plates of half-eaten ducks or geese as solemn music plays and the voice of the High Septon echoes in the background (58:10 onwards)