I respect your personal views and understand why book purists usually are disappointed when movies or tv shows change or add things but it is after all an adaptation of source material, I personally love this show and what you have not mentioned is that although the ratings for linear viewing are down, this season has broken records for streaming, the highest ever for any MAX show so I don’t think they are doing as badly as you might think, just my two cents…

Someone said that bookreaders complaining about how slow the show is like someone complaining that a math test was too easy when they already knew all the answers. As a non bookreader, yes the pace was slower but I think it’s placing the chess pieces where they need to be for all this upcoming mayhem that is apparently coming.

Great 👍🏻 video as always but completely disagree personally. Rhaenyra getting to King’s Landing quickly was plausible since it’s relatively close to Dragonstone (Daemon did the same thing in S2 EP 1). I expected her & Alicent to have at least one more scene together before sh*t truly hits the fan & have one more go at trying to end things peacefully. I don’t mind the slow burn personally & I think people are forgetting the best seasons of GoT were relatively slow & had little action. I would rather they take their time than rush through the story like what happened with latter GoT. Looking forward to more videos! Keep it up. 👍🏻.

@whoknew2273

8 күн бұрын

Exactly instead of the rushed GOT towards the end

I actually think it makes sense the ending. Could have taken a her a few weeks too to get there. Nobody knows what she even would look like after 10 years and disguised as a nun nobody would recognize her. They are both controlled by men to do what they want and realize they are more alike than they think. That is why Alicent did not get the guards to go after Rhaynara. Also if she was captured there would be even more bloodshed with the blacks instantly attacking with dragons once they find out.

@Broncos18

8 күн бұрын

They both also clearly still care about each other in a way but Alicent does know it is unavoidable because she has no power. Rhaynara thought that she was able to control Aegon with Otto but had no clue that Aegon was making decisions on his own. I feel in a way Alicent also realizes she is doomed no matter which way the war ends. She is either a puppet of the men at the table or will be killed or captured in the end.

@Broncos18

8 күн бұрын

People need to stop bashing this show constantly. There are faults buy christ if this show goes off the air we are going to get more bullshit like Rings of Power. Appreciate what we have right now because it could be so much worse. This doesn't even compare to season 8s writing either. The character motivations here are actually clear and discussed instead if random sequences happening for no purpose.

@jonny-b4954

8 күн бұрын

Isnt it like a days sail from Dragons tone?

Love your content James but strongly disagree with your take on the ending.

Alicent & Rhaenerya have their “Martha” moment (BvS Dawn of Justice) over the name, Aegon. 😂

@fullmetalb5241

8 күн бұрын

Hahaha fantastic

Great Episode The ending was a corker so i completely disagree It ramped up everything for next week loved it The writing is terrific And on the teleport thing you somply cannot have 3 episodes of just traveling They had to cut that

I loved the final scene. Emma and Olivia have great chemistry. Of course I haven’t read the books. So I can see why it may have been a bit silly.

Loved this episode, and particularly the scene with Rhaenyra and Alicent. Seeing them both finally understand Visy’s final words (and his enduring endorsement of R) was so thrilling and satisfying to me. Also, I think the greater emphasis on male nudity this series *is* an attempt to balance things out with the GOT’s enduring emphasis on female bodies to the point of being gratuitous and ridiculous and, according to some of the actresses, feeling exploitative. Although I do believe the GOT show slowed its roll on the compulsory female nudity in each episode as the seasons progressed as they didn’t need to rely on bringing in the ‘just here for the nude chicks’ watchers so much. Always enjoy your take on the show, James 👍✨

I disagree about the ending, I expected them to have a final face-to-face before things got bloody, the wrinkle that I think works in favor of the show rather than the book is Rhaenerya now knowing exactly what her father said to Alicent, and then Alicent’s denial of any course of action leading to peace, seals her doubts as to whether a war should be fought, and also gives her even more reason to fight it knowing that the prophecy of Ice and Fire, her family’s legacy, now hangs in the balance with the Greens on the throne.

For me, the teleportation issue of GOT was due to them setting the precedent through many seasons that traveling takes time. And having many plot lines or side stories occur while people were traveling. Then all if a sudden its cutting from scene to scene and people are in completely different places. I just haven't felt the same with HOTD. So it seemed pretty consistent for me and that might be why it didn't bother me here. Also with how close dragonstone is to kings landing. But Rhaenyra putting herself in danger like that was....interesting lol.

I actually really really liked this episode. And I enjoyed the way that it ended too. It was nice seeing the 2 of them get to speak after all this time. I also enjoyed it more than the last episode which didn't work for me for some reason... I didnt expert her to pick up a sword and defend herself, but she really reverted to damsel in distress 101, and I guess I expected her to be more spirited and at least throw items at the twin, or do SOMETHING, ANYTHING proactive in that scene... I think my main issue so far is I feel like Rhaenyra just doesn't have the fucking juice anymore. She's missing a lot of the precociousness and verve that she had when she was younger and I feel like a lot of the goodwill that the younger actress brought to the character is starting to wear off? And I'm noticing that this older version of the character just doesn't have it in her to do what needs to be done... She just seems diminished somehow and its a bummer. But the show overall is still fantastic! I just hope things spice up and get a little more cutthroat at some point. I want them to have more agency instead of both these women having to respond to the plans mades by the men around them without their input.

Completely reverse feeling on this one playa.

@krustykruss9685

8 күн бұрын

Yeh he doesn’t very often come up with cold takes, but this one was north of the wall cold

@lawaraya

8 күн бұрын

I agree with you, according to e2 of s1you can depict travel between kingslanding to dragonstone by boat in one ep LYK otto, the last scene was my favorite of the second season, finally thought the series had found its footing making callbacks to previous episodes and themes but tastes differ

@Broncos18

8 күн бұрын

Media literacy is dead. The character motivations make sense if people actually pay attention.

@glibglob8755

8 күн бұрын

He also enjoyed the terrible action film Silent Night.

What I love most about this channel is that it is perhaps the only one you got absolute sincerity from the host. He does not sugar coat what he thinks so to appease the audience either we agree with him or not. Going even to the lenghts of saying loud and clear what he expects on some of the aspects of the show, if you know what I mean... I cracked up laughing! Way to go!

I can’t believe they brought back Westeros teleportation, especially after the response to the mess that was GOT’s final seasons. Literally, character comes up with plan / hard cut to them arriving at far away location. For the first time it felt the writers were not in control of their own story which is a little worrying.

This episode was amazing. People have no patience. The storytelling is great and that’s what will make what is to come that more impactful.

I do not agree. The ending was perfect. Her motivation was very clear to me and it is also not unreasonable but rather heroic that Rhaenyra Targaryen‘s risks her life to prevent a cruel and devastating war. This perfectly reflects her character as presented in this show so far.

Alicent isn't refusing to believe she made a mistake. Her and Rhaenyra both realized the mistake that was made.... but alas the boys are off to war and it's too late

The book Fire and Blood's perspective authors of the Dance of the Dragons were biased against Rhaenyra. The Master's Citadel is in Old Town, and one of the authors was a master. The show is showing us how she really was, not how history wrote her as.

Love your reviews, but I disagree with you on the ending. She now has no option but to move forward with Fire and Blood. She knows that Alicent mistakenly misunderstood Viserys and that she is the rightful heir. There is no other path forward for her to secure the throne but violence.

You seem to miss the whole angle of the books

really appreciate how you provide valid criticisms unlike bigger channels who get a chance to meet the makers involved and cease any criticisms just to shill.

I feel like there's so much time between seasons that its too easy for folks to just move on.

🎵“All we are saying / is give war a chance.” 🎶

This build will certainly have a pay off in the end also if people are expecting battles every episode then this is not the show for you even in GOT there was always build up to the battles .

I was watching the episode and I was thinking all along....so when is it going to break?!!? C'mon guys....let the dogs out!

@METNA928

8 күн бұрын

Rewatch episode 1x9

Thrones had disproportionate female nudity. Dragon has disproportionate male nudity. Seems balanced to me. I don't see the issue. Rhaenerya lacks the mean streak that she has in the book and while that isn't necessarily a bad thing, her decision to enter Kings Landing was perplexing to me. I understand the significance of the final scene from a thematic point of view, but practically it makes Rhaenerya look silly.

I think we’re in for some Battle of the Bastards level stuff I’m still holding out hope this season will be peak GoT.

Thanks for the video, James! I love the first two episodes of this season, though I was hoping for a dragon battle in E3.

Semi-Solid episode. Agree with you on that last scene, though I liked seeing Alicent & Rhaenyra, It was a bit ridiculous. 12:58 - 🙋. 13:48 - Game of Thrones was also called "Titties & Dragons". In the books all of these characters are terrible ppl. Have you read Elric of Melniboné series?

Her cause still goes on with her heir and sons. Nothing really changes with her death, except one less dragon.

@Dredaybay

8 күн бұрын

Not necessarily true. Everyone would have to stand with her son and think he has a chance to dethrone Aegon . But I imagine most would just fall in line with Aegon.

Daemon pommeling that unlucky gaurd made me laugh. It was probably unnecessary but Daemon's never one to choose the path of least resistance. In his defense, Daemon was alone, & probably thought more guards would quickly follow so why take the chance?

Great review, totally agree with everything!

Demon Slayer Hashira Unite review?

I also disliked the final scene, glad I'm not alone. I hate how moments like that can completely take me out of the show. And it sucks cause it was otherwise a good episode, and I loved the scenes at Harrenhal.

😅😅😅 love the tatas❤

The thumbnail is giving big boss vibes. HOTD's writers better stay on your good side😅 Thanks for your review.

Its ok i miss GOT n not only that i use to love n hate so many characters. There is no one im really drawn too. I think they need more kingdoms n characters the is just not enough. I watch it just too watch but not loving it.

I’m a huge fan of GOT and am currently re-watching the original series with my wife and daughter as they experience it for the first time. It’s a blast watching their reactions to the surprises along the way. Despite my interest in the first series, I just can’t get into HOTD. I watched the first season but for whatever reason it didn’t click with me so I haven’t yet jumped into season 2.

KALKI 2898 released this week Must watch

Props to HBO for having a full on blow job in this episode, its not often you see that in mainstream media.

100% in agreement here. It felt forced towards the end though I would have loved to see a latter conversation between the two, it should not come at the cost of the quality but perhaps next episode will make up for it.

Your opinions are yours, so I will give you that. Your perception of HOTD is so incorrect. I clicked your video hoping for some insight I might have missed but WOW....... You are NOT a fan.... Sorry

Halfway through this episode I got up to go play more Elden ring. Had the wife fill me in on the rest of the episode.

Agree on that last scene. It made them both look stupid. I was dying for Rhaenyra to do something bold the whole episode, but not that dumb undercover move.

Just watched it..Makes Game Of Thrones looks like a comedy soap opera.

I found that final scene totally unplausable as well 💚🇬🇧🌱 even when Allison left she'd at least run for it not sit around in deep thought....

Agree this was the weakest one. The only part I liked was the Daemon part. I'm pretty patient with storytelling, I generally enjoy a slow burn as long as there is a payoff. But this was pure filler. And I also thought the ending was cringe, but I think they needed a way for Rhaenyra to find out her father's last words. Like they realized they wrote themselves in a corner and needed a hotfix. Hopefully they don't continue with the Fast Travel stuff, though as someone else mentioned, in this instance Dragonstone is pretty close (by boat) to King's Landing.

Man I’m sorry but House of the Dragon has been corporatized. It’s well made but they are dragging the show. I’m losing my patience with this series and I’m not sure if I’m going to watch every week. MAX decided to increase their prices for this series, only for it to be lackluster with little to no lore and trying to popularize characters that are weak

It was beyond boring. Looking at my watch the entire year it was on. Waiting for something to happen which never does. Hopefully, someone will actually be willing to stop blathering and fight the bloody war already.

This episode was amazing. People have no patience. The storytelling is great and that’s what will make what is to come that more impactful.