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The following incorporates spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 2, “The Rogue Prince,” which debuted Aug. 28 on HBO.
One of probably the most intriguing facets of House of the Dragon is how Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen is lusting after the Iron Throne. He has proven King’s Landing that he is a violent individual, per his homicide spree with the Gold Cloaks, sending delicate messages he could be higher to steer, particularly if Westeros wants an enforcer, versus the extra passive, King Viserys. Of course, there’s his not-so-subtle facet as nicely, as seen along with his joke about Viserys shedding his inheritor, Baelon, after Queen Aemma’s horrific dying.
All these parts laid naked his ruthless streak, additional evidenced in him flirting with Princess Rhaenyra. Simply put, he is a conniving determine, and one seemingly able to play cerebral video games for the throne. However, whereas Daemon’s placing on this rugged persona, there is a large flaw in his armor.
This flaw is tied to Daemon’s fondess for these near him. It was hinted at when he argued with Viserys, admitting in Episode 1 that whereas he could be a greater ruler, he had no downside staying by his brother’s facet and guiding him because the Hand. It’d have spared the king from each himself and shady members on the council like Otto. He did have some extent as Otto was cleverly guiding Viserys to marry Otto’s daughter, Alicent, which Episode 2 revealed to everybody, together with an offended Rhaenyra.
Daemon’s mercy was additionally current after he took Dragonstone however refused to kill Rhaenyra. Striking her down would have invited conflict, however he’d have one much less successor to fret about. Yet, he gave her Baelon’s dragon egg, and in any case that huffing and puffing, swiftly relented. Maybe it is as a result of his crush, or possibly he simply could not convey himself to homicide his kin. This was an act of mercy it could be exhausting to see Game of Thrones‘ Viserys or Daenerys participating in, as a result of they had been obsessed and cutthroat when it got here to the throne.
In Daemon’s case, although, he nonetheless has compassion, and as warped as it’s, love, for his household. It matches as a result of one has to assume he’d have already enacted a coup when Viserys saved shuffling him round from function to function, simply to maintain him busy and away from politics and insurance policies. The crimson flags had been there encouraging him to strike, however he could not. This weak point can additional be seen in him bringing Mysaria to Dragonstone, breaking custom.
She’s not a Targaryen, however Daemon does appear to take care of her, not realizing it is portray a goal on her again. He must be specializing in the throne, not distractions, particularly ones which are angering his king like this, however it doesn’t matter what, Daemon cannot do with out her. He would not even care if she’s offended or may presumably betray him. Admittedly, it is human, however not what a Targaryen must be doing at a time when army technique and astute ways are wanted.
Last however not least, Daemon being ill-equipped and too emotional for what’s to come back is punctuated by him chiding Corlys Valeryon, telling the Master of Ships he can bad-mouth the king, however the Sea Snake cannot. It as soon as extra spoke to the bond and respect Daemon has for Viserys, when actually he must be leaping on the alternative to make use of Corlys to instantly launch his coup. Ultimately, they’re partnering in opposition to the Crabfeeder, however Daemon’s losing time, nonetheless determining if he is able to betray his brother for what he feels he deserves. And the longer he takes, the extra time the likes of Rhaenyra and Alicent must construct claims that would go away Daemon within the mud.
House of the Dragon airs Sundays at 9:00 p.m. on HBO and streams on HBO Max.
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