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Ser Criston Cole is the very definition of fumbling the bag.
Ser Criston and Rhaenyra
Why on earth would Criston think Rhaenyra would want to run away with him and be a nobody in Essos?
Especially since there is a high percentage of Valyrians still in places like Pentos and Lys, Rhaenyra would just be another silver-haired girl with not a penny to her name. I doubt that there are still dragon pits in Essos, as any remnants of the Old Valyrian empire were destroyed when its surviving dragonlords were.
Although Criston claimed that he wanted to marry Rhaenyra to somehow ‘restore his sullied honor’ I don’t see why he made such a big deal out of it.
Yes, Rhaenyra immediately had a crush on him since the first time she laid eyes on him at Baelon’s Tourney.
Yes, Ser Criston owes his entire position in the Kingsguard to Rhaenyra.
Despite all of this, maybe it is an abuse of power on Rhaenyra’s part and Criston was put in an impossible situation – but that doesn’t mean he has to be nasty, and lash out like an uncontrollable dog.
Was Joffrey Threatening Ser Criston?
To be honest although it may have seemed that way, I really don’t believe Joffrey had ill intentions by making those statements to Ser Criston.
Joffrey was Laenor’s paramour, and the two shared everything together. When contrasting their relationship with Rhaenyra and Criston, it should have been abundantly clear to the latter that he was nothing but the royal sidepiece.
I believe Criston even mentions on the boat during his ‘let’s run away and be poor together’ proposal that he doesn’t know Rhaenyra that well, which should be a dead giveaway to his position in the princess’ life.
I have to wonder if Ser Criston’s meltdown was less about Rhaenyra denying his vain marriage proposal in order to restore his personally perceived loss of honor, and more about witnessing the ‘game of thrones’ the royals play.
Along with Alicent, Ser Criston has watched firsthand the backstabbing and cut-throat tactics the nobles have been playing at court, and the Targaryen/Velaryon maneuvering for the throne.
The scheming would even go so far as to commit murder.
Lady Rhea Royce was Gone too Soon
We finally get to see Daemon Targaryen’s Bronze Bitch, and she’s actually a cute and capable woman!
A skilled huntress who most likely does not put up with his Targaryen-supremacy complex. The show seems to be steering Daemon’s characterization as someone who fetishizes his Valyrian blood, and the comment Lady Rhea makes about Daemon being ‘unable to finish it’ just adds further salt on his impotency wounds.
I really cannot believe that Daemon didn’t even attempt to consummate his marriage, though.
Surely, he tried and like with Rhaenyra – he just couldn’t ‘get it up’ and ‘finish the job’?
Daemon Loves House Targaryen?
I bet if Daemon does end up with Laena Velaryon he should have no problem consummating the marriage.
It seems during the timeskip Laena found and claimed the legendary she-dragon Vhagar that King Viserys had left abandoned in Essos. It was powerful watching House Velaryon show up to the wedding festivities, and although we probably won’t see Daemon and Laena’s wedding, I’m sure it would have been festive.
The Grand Maester Conspiracy Strikes Again?
During the episode, King Viserys fainted about twice. I’m not sure what is going on with his body, but now even his arm is seemingly infected in addition to his already lost fingers. The Grand Maester Mellos recommended slugs and leeches to cure him, while Maester Orwyle recommended a remedy that may actually help, but was shot down.
Otto’s advice to Alicent regarding the King ‘not being long for this world’ was also concerning, to say the least.
I mean it is abundantly clear to whoever is in Viserys’ presence for more than five moments that he is ill, but Otto said Viserys would soon die so matter-of-factly I have to wonder if the king is being slowly poisoned by the Maesters.
Alicent has now turned against her king and declared a silent war on House Targaryen, so I’m sure she would more than likely turn a blind eye to the treason committed by the Maesters seemingly loyal to her house.
Either way, I’m going to wrap this episode review up. But let me know what you think!
Do you think the Maesters are poisoning King Viserys?
Why were the Hightower’s who attended the wedding already all wearing green?
Do you think Otto Hightower will somehow return to court?
I’d love to know your thoughts and opinions! Leave them in the comment section below, and Subscribe to our Newsletter for more weekly House of the Dragon reviews.
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