House of the Dragon Episode 8

Sure, it may have seemed odd when House of the Dragon replaced the roles of the young Princess Rhaenyra and Queen Alicent with older actors, while characters ...

The little shit Prince Aegon turns and whispers to Lady Baela that he would satisfy her should his nephew, Jacaerys, fail in his duties as a husband. He tells Alicent about Aegon the Conqueror's dream and the whole Prince Who Was Promised prophesy, which kind of comes true at the end of Game of Thrones. hey all start having a nice time again, then the King is removed from the room and Aemond instigates another fight. Of course, the main succession problem for the Iron Throne is still in play, but Driftmark is sort of like a mini-game. I wouldn't be surprised if the character hissed a little whenever he spoke an "S," to sound like a snake-human hybrid. Back in the throne room, the King stumbles to the Iron Throne as Daemon helps him up. The princess introduces her father to his two new grandchildren (which she had with her new uncle-husband): another baby Aegon and Viserys Jr. In his absence, Corlys's younger brother, Ser Vaemond, seizes the moment and declares that he should be granted the claim to Driftmark over " [House Strong](https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a41278220/house-of-the-dragon-larys-lionel-strong/)'s pups." Meeting with Rhaenyra and Daemon, Queen Alicent explains that she and her father, Otto Hightower, are not ruling the kingdom, but merely "following the King's wisdom." [House of the Dragon](https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a40897130/house-of-the-dragon-hbo-release-schedule/) Episode Eight. [King Viserys](https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a40999968/will-king-viserys-die-house-of-the-dragon-got-prequel/) is downright skeletal and bedridden when Rhaenyra arrives, resembling the horrifying visage of a vampiric Prince Philip. It's a dreadful declaration for viewers who are still trying to resettle into the Game of Thrones prequel following the [massive cast changes we've seen](https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a41387548/house-of-the-dragon-actors-change/) since Episode Six.

Another family reunion makes for a drama-stuffed House Of The Dragon this week, but while there are noises of peace, it begins to feel like both sides ...

These Targaryens have hit their stride.](/articles/house-of-the-dragon-episode-8-review) [Daily Deals: Nintendo Switch OLED On Sale, Discounts on Joy-Con Controllers, and More8h ago - Plus, deals on some of the best Alienware gaming laptops.](/articles/daily-deals-nintendo-switch-oled-on-sale-discounts-on-joy-con-controllers-and-more) [Keanu Reeves' Dream MCU Role is One That Fans Want Him to Play Too1d ago - Johnny Blaze in the MCU? Viserys wanted his family to hug it out, and bemoans their issues: “The crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. But later that night, as a cloaked figure hurries to Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) to report all these events, a raving Viserys talks to his wife about the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy, and she misunderstands him in a way that may be significant. Martin’s Fire And Blood, where Rhaenyra was reported to have dispatched Daemon to straight-up murder Vaemond and take the tongues of family members who repeated his claim. Alicent’s time is split between caring for him, ruling the kingdom alongside her father and a newfound devotion to the worship of the Seven, whose seven-pointed star now appears all over the palace. Egged on by a whisper from Daemon, Vaemond rashly condemns the three boys as bastards and Rhaenyra as a whore. Rhaenys might be able to help them – though she doesn’t fancy her chances – but still has reason to believe that one or both of them killed her son Laenor, who is presumably still living it up somewhere across the seas. Vaemond pledges to bring his petition to the king and, more to the point, to the realm’s effective rulers, Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and the Hand, Lord Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans). Viserys is sinking fast and dependent on milk of the poppy – just call it opium – to control his endless pain. They have no reason to be friendly to Rhaenyra or her sons’ claims as the health of King Viserys (Paddy Considine) fails. Her husband, Corlys (Steven Toussaint), has been away voyaging since the death of his children, and now he’s seriously injured following a pirate attack on his way home. [House Of The Dragon](/tv/game-of-thrones-house-of-the-dragon) Episode 8, which aired on HBO on Oct.

Did the civil war between the Targaryens really start over a misunderstanding? We break down the final scene of House of the Dragon Episode 8.

Martin, we know that Viserys' death is the linchpin moment that brings the kingdom to full-blown war. When he dies in the book, Alicent does not tell the public that he is dead. After a week, his death is finally revealed and Aegon II Targaryen takes the throne. Now, with Viserys' dying words, it seems that we are on a fast track to the civil war between the two halves of the House of the Dragon. He confuses Alicent with his daughter and leaves his wife assuming that he is ordering her to support their son Aegon (Tom Glynne-Carney) as the heir. It seems in these scenes that Rhaenyra doesn't want the burden of being heir but remains heir because of her father's wishes. His face has decayed, his energy has completely drained, and he is addled by milk of the poppy, taken in order to ease his own pain. Although he is tired and exhausted, he seems to hear Rhaenyra's words because he arrives in the throne room the next day and defends Lucerys' claim to the Driftwood seat. He makes reference to Aegon, but Alicent believes that he is talking about their son not their forebearer. The episode ends with Alicent backing away, the camera She says, "You told me it was our duty to hold the realm united against a common foe. The episode manages to nearly end on a high note.

As King Viserys Targaryen's health worsens, the Hightowers rule in King's Landing and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen is forced to defend her children's rights.

House of the Dragon war explained](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/house-dragon-dance-dragons-war-explained/) [Where was House of the Dragon filmed?](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/house-dragon-filming-locations-sets/) [What is Dark Sister in House of the Dragon?](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/house-dragon-dark-sister-explained/) [What book is House of the Dragon based on? The King speaks of the Song of Ice and Fire and The Prince That Was Promised and speaks of Aegon - confusing Alicent. - In the book, Viserys' last visit is from Princess Helaena and her children before he goes to bed and dies peacefully in his sleep. A weary Rhaenys notes that she is used to death and continues to watch the process. In the Throne room, Ser Otto sits on the Iron Throne to judge the issue of the succession in Driftmark. Viserys asks his cousin Rhaenys to comment on the matter and what Lord Corlys wants, to which she comments that Lucerys is therefore the chosen heir and reveals the betrothal of Jace and Luke to Baela and Rhaena, respectively. In the morning, Viserys is treated by maesters and he requests to Ser Otto that his whole family dines together that night. Rhaenyra complains that Viserys is being addled by the Milk of the Poppy by the Hightowers’ maesters and Daemon bemoans the removal of Targaryen heraldry in the Red Keep and being replaced by other statues and stars, but Alicent comments that the star is that of the Seven who guide them and remind all of a higher power. Ser Vaemond petitions himself to be the rightful heir to the title of Lord of the Tides. Viserys is then introduced to Rhaenyra and Daemon’s young sons, Prince Aegon Targaryen (the Younger) and Prince Viserys Targaryen. Rhaenyra sees that the Seven-Pointed Star is present in the place now and comments that she does not recognise her old home. Rhaenyra fears that Ser Vaemond’s intentions will question the legitimacy of her children and claim to the Iron Throne, while also learning that Rhaenys is also heading to King’s Landing but Daemon doubts she is backing Ser Vaemond.

Paddy Considine's Viserys takes one last shot at peace in the 'Game of Thrones' prequel's eighth episode, 'The Lord of the Tides.'

But when Rhaenyra and her husband (and the king’s brother) Daemon (Matt Smith) come to King’s Landing to plead their case, their arrival gives King Viserys the exact emotional jolt he needs to Grandpa Joe his way out of bed and back into the proverbial chocolate factory known as the Red Keep. But that’s not how everyone views the matter, certainly not Corlys’s borhter Vaemond (Wil Johnson), one of the loudest voices in the room when it comes to the true parentage of Rhaenyra’s three Velaryon sons. If not for the sake of the crown, then for the sake of this old man who loves you all so dearly.” By all rights and certainly by Corlys’s own wishes, the title of Lord of the Tides should pass to his grandson Lucerys (Elliot Grihault). At least, that’s the case until the final moments of “The Lord of the Tides,” House of the Dragon’s eighth episode, directed by Geeta V. The surprise is not that Viserys will someday die, leaving his daughter Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and wife Alicent (Olivia Cooke) to duke it out over who gets to sit on the Iron Throne.

King Viserys I makes his final pitch for peace in a surprisingly emotional House of the Dragon.

If House of the Dragon is able to execute the war as well as it has the lead up to it then we’re in for some good, yet dark times indeed. And it’s to Considine and the writers’ credit that [Aegon the Conqueror and whether his Song of Ice and Fire prediction](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/house-of-the-dragon-premiere-ending-creators-explain-that-bombshell-change-to-targaryen-lore/) was real. Thankfully House of the Dragon knows exactly what to do with annoying peons: CUT THEIR FUCKING FACES IN HALF. As the [newly-married Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Daemon (Matt Smith)](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/are-daemon-and-rhaenyra-house-of-the-dragons-one-true-pairing/) arrive at their father/brother’s bedside to argue their case for Luke Velaryon as The Lord of the Tides, they quickly realize that there is no use of it. Viserys removes his golden Phantom of the Opera half-mask to reveal a haunting void where a face should be and he delivers an urgent message as if it comes from beyond the grave itself: In “The Lord of the Tides,” all of House of the Dragon’s major characters are given a choice. [sickly monarch](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/whats-wrong-with-king-viserys-in-house-of-the-dragon/) through all of House of the Dragon’s run but he is transcendent here. [House of the Dragon](https://www.denofgeek.com/house-of-the-dragon/) to both [Game of Thrones](https://www.denofgeek.com/game-of-thrones/) and [The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power](https://www.denofgeek.com/the-rings-of-power/). They’re all pot-committed and House of the Dragon has at least two more episodes to go and likely a few more seasons after that. In its eighth episode, “The Lord of the Tides,” House of the Dragon stands on its own once again. Without his old colleague Gretchen Schwartz presenting Walt with the opportunity to pay for his cancer treatments and help his family without selling meth, Breaking Bad is merely the story of a man backed into a corner with no other options.

Rhaenyra is still married to Daemon. Since we last saw them, they've had two children, Viserys (named after her father) and Aegon (so many Aegons!). In this ...

Earlier in the episode, Rhaenyra spoke to Viserys as he drifted in a state of delirium. Old and vulnerable, he pleads with the family to let go of the "ill feelings in our hearts." [The Song of Ice and Fire](https://ew.com/tv/house-of-the-dragon-song-of-ice-and-fire-prophecy-game-of-thrones/), do you believe it to be true?" "You told me it was our duty to hold the realm united against a common foe, but by naming me heir you divided the realm." The realm cannot stand, he says, "if the house of the dragon stands divided." "The true and unimpeachable blood of House Velaryon runs through my veins," he declares. "The matter is settled… The only one able to offer insight into the desires of Lord Corlys is his wife, Rhaenys. If Rhaenys backs Lucerys' claim, Rhaenyra will arrange for Jacaerys and Lucerys to be betrothed to Baela and Rhaena, thus ensuring Velaryon blood will rule both the Seven Kingdoms and Driftmark. Vaemond hints at what she (and the rest of the kingdom) won't say, lest they be accused of treason: Lucerys is not a true Velaryon. "They might think you're the sort of girl that might have enticed him first," she warns. They've become quite immersed in the Faith of the Seven, going so far as to swap out the castle's "Targaryen heraldry," as Daemon calls it, for seven-pointed stars that honor the new gods.

Per George R.R. Martin's prequels, the struggle really kicks off after King Viserys I Targaryen dies and the half-siblings begin fighting for the Iron Throne.

She knows Aegon II is ill-equipped for the job, but she thinks Viserys said he’s the Targaryen who will bring salvation to them all. Alicent, meanwhile, has no idea what Viserys is talking about, and interprets his words to mean that Aegon II — their son — must sit on the Iron Throne instead of Rhaenyra. As Viserys loses lucidity, he says he believes Aegon I and that a Targaryen must sit on the Iron Throne. Not only do we have reason to suspect that the Hightowers and Grand Maester Mellos were slowly killing Viserys, but Alicent’s reasoning for securing the Iron Throne for her son will now seem less malicious than her literary counterpart’s because she misinterpreted Aegon I’s prophecy. Viserys accidentally cuts his hand on the Iron Throne, which leads to an infection that Grand Maester Mellos can’t heal. “Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men. Later, Rhaenyra cries and bemoans Viserys’ decision to not replace her with Aegon II as heir, telling Viserys she doesn’t want the Iron Throne. The manner of his death was altered considerably, and the changes may impact the conflict about to unfold. Viserys then stuns the entire Red Keep by not only wobbling to the Iron Throne later that afternoon, but also confirming that Lucerys Velaryon is the rightful successor to Driftmark. Six years have passed between Episode 7 and Episode 8, but we’re still in the prologue of the Dance of the Dragons, the civil war between Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Prince Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney). It’s presumably the painkilling milk of the poppy, but Daemon has a sniff and looks dubious. [Viserys wasn’t long for this world.](https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-episode-5-ending-explained-king-viserys-dead) Since Episode 2 he’s been suffering from an illness that rots his flesh, and he’s been treated with excessive leeches and lots of mystery teas.

Driftmark. Six years have passed. Corlys has been off in battle; word comes back to brother Vaemond and Corlys's wife, Rhaenys, that he was injured and now ...

He keeps saying, “I’m sorry.” He remembers that she wanted to know about the prophecy. He tells her that it’s the prince meant to unite the realm. Daemon picks it up and helps Viserys up the stairs to the Iron Throne. “No,” Vaemond whispers, “I will not allow it.” The king tells him to watch himself. Luke is future Lord of the Tides. “The matter is settled! Teary, she requests Viserys defend her and the children. She whines for the billionth time about being his heir and how his choice divided the realm. He spars with Aemond, who, with his dashing eyepatch, is quite the warrior. Rhaenyra and Daemon arrive in the king’s quarters, where his model city now takes up most of the room. Alicent says they’ll listen to the petitions and decide what’s best. Daemon shows wife Rhaenyra the message; she recognizes that if Luke’s claim to the title is questioned, so could the legitimacy of her three sons with Harwin Strong.

Those who thought this was going to be Game of Thrones, but just with a new cast of characters have likely been a bit annoyed at how little action takes place.

There are characters that are going to be worth watching because they're evil and the best thing about the show, and what the series has set up, is that it's not clear who is going to come out on top. [this episode of The House of the Dragon](https://gamerant.com/house-of-the-dragon-episode-6-review/) is one that does things no other episode has done, while doubling down on some of the things that have worked all season. Paddy Considine does a rather incredible job of portraying a man that is quite older than the actor really is in the real world. He also does a phenomenal job of playing someone who knows that his days are growing short and who just wants to take in his family. Right at the top of the list is that Viserys, who at this point in the timeline is both quite old and quite infirmed continues to be an oddity in these stories. That has been one of the most interesting things about this season of House of the Dragon, because the people around him are not particularly good people. To some degree, that means that everything will be settled both in his kingdom and his family. And, as an old man who is coming towards the end, he wants to make sure that everything is settled before he goes. It's also a testament to the writers that while things might be a bit confused at the beginning, there is enough done on screen to mostly fill in the blanks, even if there are a few parts that still leave some questions unanswered. [House of the ](https://gamerant.com/house-of-the-dragon-episode-7-review/) [Dragon](https://gamerant.com/house-of-the-dragon-episode-7-review/) audience had to struggle to keep up with names of various characters and move those characters around on the chess board in their minds. For most of House of the Dragon, it wouldn't be totally unfair of a vast majority of the audience to end just about every episode by screaming "come on, get on with it!" It doesn't seem like it would have been too hard to actually show some of these scenes so that people could know who exactly was where and why.

From Vaemond (Wil Johnson) being killed by Daemon (Matt Smith) to Viserys (Paddy Considine) finally dying at the end of the episode, the moment where we see ...

Martin, that Mysaria plays a role in the subterfuge between the Blacks and the Greens. In the earlier scene, we see her deliver moon tea to Alicent when she is questioning the serving girl who was sexually assaulted by Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney). When Alicent asks what has happened, she tearfully says, "I was fetching the prince his wine, and I put it on his table, and when I turned... The woman in the hood is Alicent's (Olivia Cooke) servant, Talya (Alexis Raben), who we saw earlier in the episode. She told him then that she had left the life of sex work and is revealed to now trade in secrets instead. We last saw Mysaria in Episode 4, when she found Daemon in one of the brothels sleeping on the ground after he nearly seduced Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock).