Hey guys and welcome to my review for House of the Dragon Episode 7, Driftmark.
Another eventful episode this week, which I really enjoyed for the most part, especially
the crazy second half where one momentous event followed another.
But before getting into my top 5 moments, honorable mentions go to the friendship between
Daemon’s girls and Rhaenyra’s boys, as well as the conversation between Alicent and
her father, where Otto commends her resolve and they finally get on the same page about
how far they will go to secure the throne.
Remaining with Alicent, who put on an exceptional performance all episode, I also enjoyed her
final conversation with Larys, where she at last gave up all pretense of being honorable
and embraced the idea of underhanded tactics in her continuing campaign for the throne.
Finally I wanted to mention the Targaryen wedding scene at the end as I found the blood
ritual very interesting.
Now, for the fifth best moment of the episode, I went with the candid conversation between
Corlys and Rhaenys, about legacy versus family and blood relations.
This was a fascinating discussion and it was both sad and enlightening to hear their perspectives
and desires in stark contrast.
I was glad to see Corlys finally admit he is working towards his own ambitions rather
than for his wife, who made it clear she wanted nothing to do with the iron throne.
Unfortunately the situation is so messy I can really understand both of their arguments.
In principle, I probably side with Rhaenys more, about concentrating on their own family
and acknowledging the reality of their blood relations.
But at the same time going down that path would be disastrous for everyone, especially
Rhaenyra’s boys who are innocent in everything and, despite the reality of the situation,
do have the name Velaryon, and so are absolutely crucial to maintaining the current power structure
and succession plan that will secure the prosperity of House Velaryon for many years to come.
A tough situation and excellent scene.
For the number two spot I chose the final sequence and shot of the episode where the
fate of Laenor Velaryon was revealed.
Ok I have to admit I did not see this coming.
In the books Laenor is killed by his lover Qarl Quarry at a fair, and the suggestion
is that Daemon may have arranged his death.
So when Rhaenyra started talking about marrying Daemon and killing Laenor, I thought the big
reveal was that Rhaenrya was in on it, which both shocked and upset me, as I didn’t think
the portrayal of her character suggested she was capable of something so horrible to someone
on her side, who was certainly a negligent father and husband but was clearly good natured
and intended no harm.
Especially after he apologized and promised to devout himself to their cause.
And so I just grew angrier and angrier until that final moment when Laenor’s revealed
to be on the boat, and everything fell in to place.
My jaw literally dropped I was so shocked, and then of course it all made sense, with
Daemon killing that random guy for seemingly no reason, tossing the body into the flames
so it could not be recognized, it was brilliant, but most of all I was just so relieved to
see Rhaenyra didn’t do it, as that would have been way over the line.
What an amazing moment.
For the number three spot, I went with Aemond taming Vhagar.
This was an awesome scene.
Although later events made me hate this kid, up to this point he had been acting pretty
decent, advising Aegon to be kinder towards his sister and future wife.
And then he proved what a badass he really is by going for Vhagar and staring down the
dragon even as it prepared to breath fire.
What an incredible scene, made even better when they started flying through the air.
But as much as I enjoyed seeing Aemond trying to stay on the saddle, the real star of the
show was Vhagar, who looked so massive and mighty, it completely made sense why Otto
later claimed this prize was worth so much more than an eye, as it represents a significant
military resource that was now on their side.
For the second best moment of the night, we stay with Aemond as he returned from his flight,
to encounter his nephews and cousins.
I’m sure it was very inappropriate and inconsiderate of Aemond to claim Vhagar without consulting
anyone, but honestly what he did, considering how impressively he handled the situation,
I think is completely forgivable.
However being unapologetic, acting like a jerk, insulting their families and throwing
down little girls takes things way too far.
Then by the end when he’s literally threatening to kill Lucerys, I totally understand why
the boys felt they had to go to defend themselves with extreme measures and to me those most
at fault are the parents and kingsguard that allowed all this to occur without notice.
I also gotta say The kingsguard in particular really don’t appear very good at their jobs
by the end of this episode.
But while Aemond’s character came off very unlikeable despite his bravery, the young
actor is doing a great job with the role, as are all the kid actors who had a lot of
screen time this episode and really put on excellent performances.
And finally, for the best moment of the night, we go to the explosive aftermath of the fight,
where Alicent Hightower finally snaps and loses her mind, ordering a child’s eye to
be removed and attacking Rhaenyra with a dagger in front of everyone.
What a chaotic and crazy scene.
Seeing Alicent’s outrage and the loss of all composure was amazing and powerful, leaving
me on the edge of my seat.
I loved everything about this, from Alicent ordering Criston Cole to take the child’s
eye, to Rhaenyra holding her arm back as she whispers about the real Alicent finally showing
her true self.
It was all amazing.
Although this must have been embarrassing and frightening for Rhaenyra, she really handled
the situation as best she could, turning her weakness into a strength by getting the Greens
to admit they’re spreading treasonous rumors, which finally moves Viserys to act with some
modicum of strength, vowing to remove the tongues of any who name Rhaenrya’s sons
bastards.
Once again I want to mention Olivia Cooke who plays Alicent, as she’s really nailing
the role.
So those were my top 5 moments of the night, and while I don’t have any major criticisms,
one thing I will say is that I felt the first half of this episode went really slow, too
slow in my opinion, as all the meaningful glances, the walking, the love scene, I just
felt it all dragged on for way to long.
But I can’t really complain because once things started to pick up I was utterly captivated
and glued to my screen.
Now for the best kill of the episode, I went with Daemon taking out the random servant
and switching it out for Laenor, to facilitate his escape.
As for the best quote, I chose Rhaenyra’s whispered words to mad queen Alicent during
the attack, when she said, “Exhausting wasn’t it, hiding behind the cloak of your own righteousness.
But now they see you as you are.
” So that’s it for my review of House of the
Dragon Episode 7, overall, despite the slow start it was another excellent episode, with
moment’s so good I can’t go lower than 9 out of 10.
But what did you guys think, especially about all the big moments and reveals.
Did you guys see the Laenor twist coming?
And what did you think of Alicent’s attack?
Let me know in the comments and if you haven’t already, be sure to check out my spoiler free
Prelude to the House of the Dragon video the spoiler filled Dance of the
Dragons video, my world of thrones geography video,
and a beginners guide to the entire history of ASOIAF.
So that’s it for now guys thank you very much for watching and I’ll see you in the next one.