House of the Dragon
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Nuptials are deadly in Westeros.
The feast to open Rhaenyras wedding to Laenor Velaryon almost avoids this ending.
The fifth episode starts with one crushed-in, pulpy head and ends with another.
), appears content with her lot.
Their marriage, we learn, is unconsummated, furthering the Daemon cant keep it up theory.
ForHouse of the Dragons first four episodes, Daemon was the biggest threat to the stability of Viseryss reign.
And hes still plotting away.
But now a pack of new menaces has arrived just in time to broaden the shows reach.
Viseryss failing health is one.
Is it some Westerosi wasting disease?
Whatever it is, hes now coughing and falling and all around rather poorly.
His backbone is as flagging as his immune system.
Dragging himself to Driftmark to ask for Laenor and Rhaenyras betrothal is beneath the dignity of a king.
The lack of a welcoming party is another knock.
It sounds small fry, but thats potentially a big win for Corlys.
Perhaps Corlys (unlike almost everyone else at court) has his eye on the long game.
How about we just … tolerate one another?
(This isDuck, Duck, Gooseas Ive never seen it.)
House of the Dragonis still learning how to pace itself.
With that said, the shock of the scene came from two directions.
First, a number of opportunities for trouble arose and then snuffed themselves out before the mid-banquet tussle.
And then there is Alicent, essentially staging a coup by couture.
Kissing her father good-bye, she wore the Targaryen red and gold.
While watching Viserys stumble out of the carriage, she donned blue.
Fellow Hightowers quietly cheer her signal, but no battle breaks out.
Secondly, the fight itself is staged more like real life than your typical TV fight.
Then the spill of dirty blond curls appears to come from Jason Lannisters smarmy little head.
Blood pools around him around the stone floor.
Anyone reasonable would infer that the wedding might be delayed or deferred after this opening ceremony.
Breaking his vows proves too much for Cristan.
But Alicent, who spared his life and has so far kept his secret, appears.
Viserys wont live into old age, and the kingdom will not want Rhaenyra as queen.
Rhaenyss outfit in this episode is the epitome of pirate chic: miniskirt, high boots, drapey-armed blouse.
Its refreshing to see a short hemline in Westeros.
But he might prove an interesting ally for her.
Alicent lets Cristan off easy, but we have to wonder why.
Well have to settle for Rhaenyras extremely memeable eye roll.
Rhaenyras wedding hair looks like one of those English cakes dotted with raspberries.
Are Rhaenyra and Laenor doing an actual … dance of dragons?
Are their arms meant to be … flappy wings?
Is this … seductive?
The creators ofHouse of the Dragongot that rat ideafrom Martin Scorsese, didnt they?
