ast week’s episode was an actual shocker – Laenor was brutally attacked in Driftmark’s Nice Corridor, Rhaenyra and Daemon obtained collectively, Aegon misplaced an eye fixed, Otto was again in enterprise as Hand of the King and Alicent confirmed her true colors.
So what is going to episode 8 maintain? Extra murders (with the malevolent Lord Larys nonetheless on the scene it appears doubtless)? Extra backstabbing? Or all-out struggle this time? As ever, a ton of spoilers forward.
A throne by some other title
Episode 8 opens in a throne room – however this one isn’t surrounded by swords. We’re at Driftmark and it’s the Driftwood Throne, the excessive seat of Home Velaryon, and Rhaenys is sitting in it.
Apparently, it’s been six years since she final noticed Corlys. She’s simply acquired the information that he’s gravely wounded. He obtained his neck slashed, and fell overboard. Now he’s obtained a horrible fever and “burns from inside”. Sounds tough.
“The Sea Snake is powerful”, says Laena Velaryon’s daughter, who’s being taken care of by her Gran. It’s true, however that doesn’t cease the dominion’s sharks from smelling blood. They usually’re circling.
First up is Corlys’s brother Vaemond, who’s utilizing his brother’s sickness as a chance to place himself ahead as the following inheritor, as a substitute of Rhaenyra and Laenor’s son Lucerys.
“Driftmark is mine by all rights, and whereas I ought to like your assist I don’t want it,” he tells Rhaenys. “The winds have shifted, The Crown has good motive to take my facet.”
She replies that the King would have his tongue for this. Sure, however it’s not a king on the Iron Throne, it’s a queen, he replies – and he’s not fallacious.
An uncle and a niece make plans
Daemon is scrambling round a rocky space and picks up an egg. When he returns to the dragon handlers he says that Syrax has introduced a contemporary clutch of eggs – three in actual fact. Effectively, that bodes effectively for his rising household.
He receives a notice from Driftmark. It’s from his and Laena’s daughter Baela, who shares the information about Corlys’s damage and Vaemond’s ambitions for the throne.
Daemon goes to share the information with Rhaenyra. She is, unsurprisingly at this level, pregnant, and Daemon rubs her stomach tenderly (it would by no means cease being bizarre).
Rhaenyra just isn’t happy with the information. Vaemond means to name into query Luce’s (Lucerys) legitimacy, Jace’s (Jaecerys), and thus her personal declare to the throne? Daemon is equally involved. Has he made a typical trigger with Otto? The notice says that Rhaenys goes to court docket, too – absolutely she can’t be planning to again Vaemond?
“These vipers rule in my father’s title,” sighs Rhaenyra. They need to go to King’s Touchdown and make their declare for his or her proper to the Driftwood Throne.
A heat welcome
Rhaenyra and Daemon return to King’s Touchdown however it’s Lord Caswell who involves greet them. Alicent or Otto are nowhere to be seen, however then once more, maybe Rhaenyra would quite not see her former buddy after the final episode’s knife fiasco.
“I might say it’s good to be residence, however I scarcely recognise it,” says Rhaenyra as she enters.
In the meantime, over within the council room, the same old suspects are having an economics assembly. Everyone seems to be wanting extremely bored. A knight comes to inform Alicent about Rhaenyra and Daemon’s arrival, however she appears unbothered and moody. She’s sporting a high-necked bodice which has chains on it and a golden star. Form of Star Trek meets the Excessive Sparrow.
The council strikes to debate the Driftwood inheritor. Somebody says that Lucerys has been raised away from Driftmark which makes him much less respectable (regardless of the actual fact he’s a dragonrider); another person says that his talents don’t have anything to do along with his declare on the throne, whereas another person says the Sea Snake by no means formally named him as inheritor anyway.
Lord Beesbury, one of many older council members, protests. Certainly the truth that Lucerys is Laenor’s son makes his proper to the throne plain? Be careful honourable man, you’ll come to a sticky finish quickly should you don’t pipe down.
Alicent cuts him off. They’ll take heed to the petitions of Princess Rhaenyra and the opposite claimants tomorrow.
As she’s leaving the room a knight stops her. There’s been a “delicate scenario within the prince’s residences”.
Cobwebs and a King
Daemon and Rhaenyra go to see the previous King Viserys, who’s, are you able to consider it, nonetheless alive, although nobody within the palace is performing like he’s.
His chambers are dusty; skinny, wispy curtains cling across the King’s mattress and cobwebs cowl his mannequin metropolis. There aren’t any indicators of life in that room.
Daemon and Rhaenyra lean over the mattress, Rhaenyra closest to her father. The King seems to be actually, correctly terrible. His pores and skin is nearly curdling, one thing has occurred to 1 facet of his face and it’s bandaged up. He seems to be mutilated and skeletal.
When the Princess says she is there with Daemon her father repeats Daemon, Daemon, Daemon – it’s troublesome to inform whether or not he’s upset, or happy, or offended. Or lucid in any respect for that matter.
They clarify the Driftmark scenario – the combating within the Stepstones, Corlys and the petition to determine upon the succession. However moments later the King asks whether or not one thing occurred to Corlys. He actually isn’t current in any respect.
Rhaenyra introduces her and Daemon’s youngsters, considered one of whom is known as Viserys. The King smiles. “Now that could be a title match for a king,” he says. He then cries somewhat and holds his head, and asks for his tea. Daemon sniffs it – it’s milk of the poppy, a strong anaesthetic that, in excessive doses, can cut back consciousness.
One other highly effective tea
Alicent goes to fulfill Diana, a younger servant woman, who’s crying and shaking, presumably because of the “delicate scenario” that was spoken of earlier. Diana says, in additional phrases than this after all, that she was raped by Aemond. He jumped on her.
Alicent seems to be genuinely upset – she has created a monster. “Thanks for telling me Diana. It wasn’t your fault. I consider you,” she says and holds the woman’s head to her chest.
Ah, however then the terrifying Alicent now we have come to know rears her head: “What I fear about is what others would possibly consider.” Very a lot uh oh. She goes on, saying that since there have been no witnesses to the occasion others would possibly assume that Diana in actual fact enticed the prince.
Diana says she received’t inform anybody. She guarantees. “It’s finest to make sure,” says the Queen. She palms the woman a bag of gold. A medieval NDA, then. However then she palms her a tea, too. Can we repeat, uh oh? The woman drinks it…
Then it’s over to the Queen in Aemond’s mattress chamber. Quite intrusive Alicent? Isn’t he married? She cares not. In truth, she pulls again his bedcover revealing his pasty white behind. When he sits up he will get an enormous slap across the face.
“Consider the disgrace… In your spouse. On me,” she says ferociously. “You might be no son of mine.”
The hit has managed to stir some sort of emotion within the egocentric younger man. I didn’t ask for this, he says. I’ve finished every part you requested however it would by no means be sufficient for you or father.
Later we see Helaena ask her Mum, “Have you ever seen Diana? She’s supposed to decorate the youngsters?” Alicent responds by hugging her daughter.
Meet brute?
“It’s been so lengthy since had the enjoyment of your presence,” says Alicent as she addresses Daemon and Rhaenyra within the King’s mannequin metropolis room, which is simply off his bed room. Regardless of hating the previous incest factor, we’ll admit the 2 really do appear to make a formidable duo, placing on a united entrance in opposition to Alicent.
Alicent says that she and Otto are usually not ruling, however are as a substitute “mere stewards of the king’s will and knowledge”. All through the dialog, there are glances in direction of each his mattress and the scar on Rhaenyra’s arm (the one which Alicent created).
Alicent reminds the Targaryens of Viserys’s sickness, however they accuse her of holding him “addled on milk of the poppy whereas the Hightowers heat his throne”. She replies that he’s blind with ache with out it. It’s troublesome to know who to consider right here. After all, anybody who has watched the final seven episodes wouldn’t put something previous Alicent, however the king seems to be effectively and really rotten, and it should damage lots to look that dangerous (poor man).
“I’ve little doubt it was additionally an act of the purest mercy,” says Daemon rolling his eyes. It’s good to see him come to his brother’s defence, even when energy and succession are components of his motivation. He’s so deeply unlikeable however we’re actually having fun with him. He asks whether or not the maesters additionally commanded the elimination of Targaryen heraldry within the palace, with numerous statues and stars changing it. Effectively, Alicent? What say you?
In truth, the Queen seems to be somewhat flushed. She appears to know she’s within the fallacious and says one thing concerning the Seven gods.
Rhaenyra then asks who will probably be judging her son’s declare to his personal inheritance. The Queen says it will likely be her, and her father Otto, however that she is going to overlook about all of the accusations which have been lobbed at her through the assembly. Yeah, proper.
Preparations for the petitions
Everyone seems to be preparing for the massive showdown. Jace and Luce are within the courtyard watching Aegon struggle Ser Criston Cole. He seems to be really unhinged, sporting an eye fixed patch and swinging a mace on a series. By the seems to be of it, Ser Cole solely simply will get away along with his life.
“Nephews, have you ever come to coach?”Aegon says, turning to them. Fortunately, they’re saved by the… gates, as Vaemond arrives, diverting everybody’s consideration. Then it’s to the council room the place the Queen is with Vaemond and Otto. She admits that she’s feeling a bit nervous now that the massive dispute is at hand.
“We should, after all, act within the curiosity of our topics,” she says. Ever noble, ever threatening.
Otto is, predictably, supportive. He says that the specter of struggle looms and that ought to it arrive on their shores the very last thing they’ll need is to have a baby commanding the best fleet in Westeros. He’s in all probability – dare we are saying it? – obtained a degree.
Vaemond says that the following Lord of the Tides would “be deeply in your debt your grace” and that “so will Driftmark, in all its power.” Is {that a} cloaked bribe or a cloaked risk? It’s troublesome to inform, however both means, Alicent should definitely be feeling the warmth.
Rhaenys and Rhaneyra meet in a backyard. Rhaenyra says that she has been pondering over why Rhaenys got here to the gathering in any respect, and was questioning who Rhaenys can be supporting. However she realised that Rhaenys has in actual fact come to advocate for herself.
“That is no honest continuing, it’s a entice,” says Rhaenyra, pleading along with her eyes. However Rhaenys hasn’t forgiven the Princess for orchestrating Laenor’s dying.
“I didn’t order his dying, nor was I complicit in it. I swear this to you,” lies Rhaenyra.
She then makes a fairly marvellous supply in anyone’s books: in return for Rhaenys backing Luce’s declare to the Driftwood Throne, Daemon and Laena’s twin daughters Rhaena and Baela, and her youngsters with (ahem) Laenor, Jace and Luce, might be married. That may imply that Velaryons will, in time, sit on the Iron Throne.
“A beneficiant supply… or a determined one…” says Rhaenys, however provides that it doesn’t matter. It actually seems to be like she’s going to simply accept and Rhaenyra thinks she is going to, too. The ladies’s faces are shut collectively now, Rhaenyra is wide-eyed whereas Rhaenys’ face is glassy, ice-cold. She says to the Princess, “You may discount with me all you want… however tomorrow the Hightowers land their first blow, they power you to your knees, and I have to stand alone.” Ouch.
Unhealthy day?
Rhaenyra is sitting subsequent to her father’s mattress. It’s late and she or he’s weeping. Her hair is undone and it seems to be like she too was in mattress and couldn’t sleep.
“The Music of Ice and Hearth, do you consider it to be true?” she cries. Do you keep in mind all the best way again in episode one? The story concerning the dream that Viserys informed his younger daughter, all these years in the past?
She talks about her inheritance. “I believed I wished it,” she continues. “However the burden is a heavy one, it’s too heavy. If you want me to bear it then defend me. And my youngsters.” However her phrases fall on deaf ears. The poor previous King is away with the fairies, muttering surprisingly.
The following day as Viserys is having his sores tended to, mendacity out on a kind of therapeutic massage desk, he tells Otto he needs to have supper with all of his household within the Crimson Preserve. By all accounts, this feels like a completely horrible thought, however Otto clearly agrees to the King’s request. Viserys’s physique is on present now, and it’s really ghastly. His flesh is putrid – there are gaping holes the place bits of it was (we’re wanting ahead to studying the Reddit thread on what this revolting illness really is).
Convey milk of the poppy says Otto, watching him. However this time, the King refuses it. A small, tiny, teeny weeny little bit of hope might flutter in your abdomen.
All of it involves a head
Everyone seems to be gathered within the Throne Room. Right here we go, your entire episode has been constructing as much as this second.
Otto is sitting on the Iron Throne, whereas Alicent, Daemon and Rhaenyra look on.
Vaemond speaks first. He’s raging even earlier than he begins talking, little sweat beads rolling down his face. His argument is all primarily based on the Valyrian bloodline.
Rhaenyra butts in and begins speaking about her personal sons’ Valyrian blood. It’s fairly daring provided that she is aware of, we all know, and in reality your entire kingdom is aware of that Laenor Velaryon just isn’t the daddy to her youngsters. Actually in all probability not a good suggestion to carry up the bloodline, Rhaenyra.
Then again to Vaemond who retains making the identical claims. When he finishes, it’s Rhanerya’s flip to talk. However simply as she opens her mouth the large doorways of the Throne Room swing open. It’s the King. Swaying on his weak legs, he’s nearly bent double holding onto his strolling stick, with a gold masks hiding half of his decaying face.
Maybe it’s that we’ve been starved of any braveness or goodness for weeks now, however his pure defiance and can to be there, in opposition to all the percentages, is sufficient to make your coronary heart explode. Everybody within the room gasps and Otto and Alicent couldn’t look extra guilt-ridden, their facial expressions switching between disgrace and shock.
Viserys struggles to climb the steps to the throne, however when he stumbles and his crown falls off his head, Daemon involves his support and re-adjusts the crown.
“I dont perceive why petitions are being heard over a settled succession?” says the King. Hoorah and hooray. Glorious query Viserys. Otto and Alicent look embarrassed. The king says that Rhaenys is the one one who can supply perception into Corlys’s needs.
All eyes on Rhaenys. She steps ahead, and confirms that Corlys wished the succession to go by their son Laenor to Lucerys. Rhaenys then talks concerning the marriage supply, and the way Laena’s daughters are going to be marrying Rhaenrya’s sons. Rhaenrya seems to be on in amazement. All our mouths are agape.
Vaemond, who remains to be sweating, has had sufficient. He says that the king broke centuries of custom by appointing his personal daughter as inheritor, however that he won’t permit the identical factor to occur in his circle of relatives.
“Permit it. Don’t forget your self,” says Viserys, summoning power from who-knows-where. Lucerys is my true-born grandson, he says.
“That’s no true Valyrian. And no true nephew of mine,” shouts Vaemond, pointing at Lucerys. He stops himself for a second, however can’t resist the taunt, shouting “Bastards” at Rhaenrya’s sons. “And she or he is a whore…” he spits in direction of the Princess.
The King is so offended that he pushes himself off his chair, brandishing a knife. “I’ll have your tongue for that,” he says. However in the identical second, Vaemond’s head comes flying off his shoulders – sure, actually. Daemon has simply sliced off his head.
“He can hold his tongue,” Daemon smirks. Yay!
A Final Supper
It’s time for that supper that the King requested. The household gathering that’s absolutely going to go effectively. The scene opens with Alicent and Rhaenrya sitting on two ends of a desk. The King is carried into the room in a chair and is positioned between them.
Viserys says that given all of the marriages it’s an event for celebration (cough, somebody simply obtained beheaded, cough) and Alicent conducts a prayer.
It takes him an extended uncomfortable second, however Viserys stands, and really, he seems to be like he’s about to die. He says that they’ve all grown so distant from one another, and as he does he takes off his masks.
Effectively, let’s simply say there will probably be few folks left on the desk who nonetheless have an urge for food. His eye is lacking and you may nearly scent the odour of his putrescent flesh. Poor bloke.
“My very own face is now not a good-looking one, if certainly it ever was. However tonight, I want you to see me as I’m. Not only a King. However your father, your brother, your husband… Who might not stroll for for much longer amongst you.” Weep.
It’s his final effort at some kind of reconciliation, and it appears to work. “If not for the sake of the Crown then for the sake of this previous man who loves you so dearly,” he says.
Rhaenyra raises her cup and apologises to Alicent, citing the Queen’s fixed devotion to the King. Alicent then says she is moved by the Princess’s graciousness, shockingly including, “You’ll make a high quality queen.” The one grownup who doesn’t look moved by the alternate is Otto.
The kids, nevertheless, are usually not behaving. Aemond is taunting Jaecerys about whether or not he’ll make lover to his new spouse, and even gives his providers to the younger fiancée. Music performs although, Jaecerys dances with Helaena and the folks across the desk are speaking and laughing. All of it seems to be, momentarily, hopeful.
However the king has exhausted himself and is taken away. When he has left, Aegon makes a toast. “To the well being of my nephews,” he says. “Jace, Luce, Joffrey. Every of them good-looking… sensible… robust. Come allow us to drain our cups to those three robust boys.” Clearly a struggle breaks out, and the adults within the room step between them – Jace and Luce are held by knights.
Nevertheless, the bust-up doesn’t appear to have affected the brand new truce between Alicent and Rhaenrya. Rhaenrya says she thinks it’s finest if she goes again to Dragonstone, at the least to take the youngsters. The 2 maintain palms, and Rhaenrya says she is going to return “on dragon again”. “The king and I might each like that,” replies Alicent.
Mysaria distress?
A cloaked determine is strolling by the streets of what seems to be like King’s Touchdown. Mysaria, Daemon’s previous girlfriend (keep in mind her?) is standing on a balcony able to obtain the visitor. You immediately assume this it should be Daemon, regardless of the determine wanting too svelte.
However the digital camera turns to disclose the face of considered one of Alicent’s foremost servants. She was the one who handed the Queen Diana’s poisoned potion. What might be happening?
The King croaks?
Within the last scene, the King is again in his mattress. It’s darkish and he’s groaning in ache. Alicent tends to him, providing him one other tea. Out of the blue Viserys says that “he believes it to be true” then mutters a bit about “the Music of Ice and Hearth”.
Not now Viserys, fallacious particular person! However Alicent doesn’t know that. She leans over her husband perplexed, pondering he’s going even barmier.
“It’s you. You’re the one. You have to do that,” he whispers. “You have to do that.” Alicent stares at him. Oh pricey, what a horrible misunderstanding and what horrible timing (it appeared like she was simply beginning to soften in direction of Rhaenyra). “I perceive, my King,” she says. She blows out his candle.
Within the darkness, King cries. A tear runs down the facet of his face. “No extra,” he says, his respiration slowing after which he whimpers, “Oh my love.” And that very effectively is likely to be the tip of King Viserys. And the beginning of one thing new and harmful in Alicent.
Verdict
In contrast to the present’s previous episodes – which have been bloody or tense, or the place folks have been deeply merciless or malevolent (however admittedly somewhat bit entertaining) – episode eight is simply plain unhappy.
It’s unhappy to see the King so hopelessly unwell, unhappy to see that the households stay so divided, unhappy to see that Alicent’s monstrous sons haven’t grown up (and maybe even develop into worse folks) and unhappy that regardless of the King’s finest efforts, the way forward for the Iron Throne stays as opaque as ever. Right here’s hoping that episode 9, is a bit more enjoyable.
Home of the Dragon is streaming on NOW and Sky Atlantic