House of the Dragon Episode 8

House of the Dragon episode 8 will make its presence felt on HBO this weekend. What time can audiences expect the new episode in their region?

House of the Dragon episode 8 premieres on HBO and HBO Max in the United States on Sunday, October 9, at 9:00 p.m. Can you believe there are just three episodes of the show left to go before season 1 ends? ET on Sunday, October 9 [The Lord of the Tides](https://bamsmackpow.com/2022/10/02/house-of-the-dragon-episode-3-release-date-next-episode-come/)“, will bring the show one step closer to its conclusion, setting the stage for what is sure to be an unforgettable final two episodes. And with three more episodes left to go this season, you can rest assured that things will only get ore outlandish for the dragon-guarded clan. The series has captivated fans since its arrival, bringing the Game of Thrones craze back into the public eye and proving that the conversation is far from over.

This Targaryen family drama – set 200 years before the events depicted in Game of Thrones – is all about the succession to the throne of King Viserys (Paddy ...

We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards. Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. That’s 2am UK time on the morning of Sunday October 9. You can also sign up to watch the first five episodes without a long commitment thanks to Sky’s NOW streaming service. At the end of the episode Viserys’ chosen heir to the throne, his daughter Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) was married again, this time to her blood uncle Daemon (Matt Smith). If you’re already subscribed to Sky Q or Sky Glass, for example, you can Sky Atlantic on channel 108.

House of the Dragon is set 190 years before Daenerys Targaryen became the Mother of Dragons. Though Game of Thrones focused on families from all across Westeros ...

[faded in the final two seasons](/culture/entertainment/game-of-thrones-season-8-george-r-r-martin-calls-out-toxic-backlash/), however, as the HBO show was created at a faster pace than Martin could crank out new books. The show is based on Fire & Blood, a book Martin wrote in 2018. Some of the show's shine 10. PT/ET, but hits HBO Max at 9 p.m. [Game of Thrones](/culture/entertainment/every-game-of-thrones-season-ranked-best-to-worst/) before it, House of the Dragon will air one episode at a time. The show will hit streaming services around the world at the same time, including [HBO Max](/tags/hbo-max/) in the US. [narrows its focus to the Targaryens](/culture/entertainment/all-the-targaryens-to-know-in-house-of-the-dragon/). Though Game of Thrones focused on families from all across Westeros and beyond, House of the Dragon (And we [now know it'll return for a second season](/culture/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-will-return-for-season-2-hbo-confirms/).) It has its predecessor's old prime time slot: 9 p.m. Martin's Fire & Blood book, it chronicles the peak and subsequent fall of the House Targaryen. [journey began](/culture/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-recap-the-heirs-of-the-dragon/), Viserys was a new king and Rhaenyra Targaryen was just 14 years old.

The Dance of the Dragons, the legendary civil war during the Targaryen rule, has already begun with the last confrontation between the Princess and the Queen.

The episode will be available to stream on Now, everyone is eager to see how the Targaryen kids will carry on this conflict in the next episode. So, get ready to see the adult and not-so-innocent versions of Alicent and Rhaenyra's kids in Episode 8.

After another time jump, the characters are reunited once again as Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and Daemon (Matt Smith) return to King's Landing. But this time, Otto ...

[Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels](https://www.amazon.com/b/?rh=i:instant-video,n:2858778011&ie=UTF8&filterId=OFFER_FILTER=SUBSCRIPTIONS&node=2858778011&ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1465430649312&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=fs-livedrops1-20&linkId=90b2815fb79ba0e403137c68e139db16%E2%80%9D) [House of the Dragon](https://winteriscoming.net/game-of-thrones/house-of-the-dragon/) Episode 8, “The Lord of the Tides” premieres on HBO. Of course, we know that Corlys wanted Rhaenyra and Laenor’s (John MacMillan) son Lucerys (Elliot Grihault) to be his heir, but Corlys’ brother Vaemond (Wil Johnson) has other ideas. Right after the new episode, be sure to tune in for But this time, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) sits on the Iron Throne in place of King Viserys (Paddy Considine), who’s likely too sick to do so. After another time jump, the characters are reunited once again as Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Daemon (Matt Smith) return to King’s Landing.

This recap of the HBO Max series House of the Dragon season 1, episode 8, “The Lord of the Tides,” contains spoilers. There were shock deaths (or fake ...

As a result, Alicent raises her cup to Rhaenyra and states that she will make a fine Queen. As Rhaenyra starts to make her defence, a weak Viserys enters the scene and decides to “sit the throne today”. As the episode ends, it seems that Viserys dies. Viserys mumbles to Alicent that Aegon’s dream, the song of ice and fire, is true. Viserys settles the matter and restores Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne. After [Daemon](https://gameofthrones.fandom.com/wiki/Daemon_Targaryen) takes a dragon’s egg, Rhaenyra speaks with her children, [Joffrey](https://gameofthrones.fandom.com/wiki/Joffrey_Velaryon) and [Jacaerys](https://gameofthrones.fandom.com/wiki/Jacaerys_Velaryon). The accusations against Rhaenyra and the bloodline of her children are made clear. So, Rhaenyra acknowledges that Alicent has stood by Viserys’ side no matter what, and for that, she has Rhaenyra’s gratitude. He responds by telling her that he never asked for any of this and that he has always done what he could to please her and Viserys. With Viserys too ill to sit on the throne, Otto takes charge of the meeting. [Rhaenys](https://gameofthrones.fandom.com/wiki/Rhaenys_Targaryen) has last seen her husband, [Corlys](https://gameofthrones.fandom.com/wiki/Corlys_Velaryon). It doesn’t matter to Rhaenys as all she wants is to bring Rhaenyra to her knees.

Halfway through the first season of House of the Dragon, HBO's Game of Thrones prequel series recast two of its most important characters.

The role role of Prince Aegon Targaryen is now being played by Tom Glynn-Carney, while Prince Jacaerys Velaryon is played by Harry Collett and Prince Lucerys Velaron is being played by Elliot Grihault. Aemond is building up to be one of the villains of the show, and he figures to take on a major role going forward. [House of the Dragon](/category/house-of-the-dragon/), HBO's [Game of Thrones](/category/game-of-thrones/) prequel series [recast two of its most important characters](https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/house-of-the-dragon-alicent-time-jump-emily-carey-leaving-role-episode-6/).

King Viserys is dead (we think), long live the queen — but which one? 'House of the Dragon' season 1 episode 8, 'The Lord of the Tides,' explained and ...

• Forgive the tiny quibble, but there is not a chance that Vaemond would enter the Red Keep with his heraldry through the training courtyard. His presence is a weak glue; in time, it could help Rhaenyra and Alicent stick back together. And hulking Aemond slams tables with menacing glee; his cousins have seen him spar in the castle courtyard and know that he’d best them in an instant. She can — and does — let his blindness to her faults, and their shared knowledge of the Song of Ice and Fire, infiltrate his judgment. Like Alicent, her preferred method of manipulation is to appeal to the bond between herself and Viserys. Also like Alicent, she has a son named Aegon to waggle in front of her father; unlike Alicent, she’s thoughtfully (cunningly) named another son Viserys. Viserys looks like a corpse — I couldn’t help but think of the Sire from May this recapper humbly recommend that the Targaryen and Velaryon families recognize that they are not the kind of kinfolk who can gather for a chit-chat and a glass of Dornish wine? Nobody but Lord Caswell (whoever he may be) greets them, and in the Small Council meeting Alicent and Otto attend — where, in fact, they rule — the two have a little snicker at the message their absence has sent. It all leads to one central point: If Viserys is now a puppet, who gets to pull the strings? The stakes may be high, but the tactics are low, low, low, the sad little political maneuverings of those who revel in their newfound power. Well, we’re not really sure, but the hubbub surrounding his potential demise has been enough to unsettle the entire monarchy (again), send Targaryens leaping from island to island (again), and gather the whole crew for one cozy little melee (again).

On HBO's Game of Thrones spin-off, a question of succession turns the show into Succession.

He talks of Aegon the Conqueror, and the dagger, and the prophecy of The Prince That Was Promised. Viserys stands — sort of — and makes an emotional entreaty to his family to get along, for his sake. Rhaenyra goes to the bedridden Viserys and tearfully asks him to defend her against Vaemond. Daemon tries to shame Alicent for administering "milk of the poppy" to the king for his pain, but she's not having it. (Side note: If you believe that Rhaenyra knows that Laenor is still alive, there's no reason in the world for her not to come out and say as much to Rhaenys in this scene. Rhaenyra swears she didn't have Laenor killed — which is technically true — and that she was not complicit in it — which is a lie. She's the family member who's charged with daily care of the loved one with failing health, and he's the know-it-all brother-in-law who never calls but just breezes in once a year to complain. But listen: In the book, Rhaenyra's naming her first son with Daemon "Aegon" is a big deal, one that Alicent takes as an insult to her eldest son, Aegon. So for the repellent, older Aegon, son of Viserys and Alicent, let's go with Aegon the Aess. Daemon and Rhaenyra worry about Vaemond's petition to the Iron Throne, and wonder if Rhaenys will back him, because her true allegiance is a mystery. Aegon is a monster, yes, we get it, but reducing rape to a device that exists solely to remind us of that is just lazy, cynical writing. Corlys' younger brother Vaemond knows that Corlys wants Driftmark to pass through his son Laenor and his wife Rhaenyra to their second son, Luke (their oldest son Jace is still officially the heir to the Iron Throne, remember).

This week brought the end of an era as the second sons, those overshadowed, resentful men of Westeros, instigated most of the action.

[last week](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/02/arts/television/house-of-the-dragon-season-1-episode-7-recap.html) about the grace and gravitas with which Considine has anchored “House of the Dragon” from the beginning, so I won’t belabor it again here. (Might as well lean into the name confusion.) He seemed almost gleeful, as if relishing the thought of facing off with a worthy adversary. When Viserys sat back down and took a gulp of wine, I half-expected it to shoot out of his head in a dozen different places. “The crown cannot stay strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided,” he said. The upshot was that Vaemond got to keep his tongue and the Sea Snake, wherever he is, got to keep his succession plan. Whatever it was, it set up one of the more memorable executions in “Thrones” history. As for his besmirching the king’s daughter and grandsons to his face (or the half that remained, anyway) … There are also a couple of new heirs, courtesy of Rhaenyra and Daemon: a new Viserys to replace the one we just lost, as well as yet another Aegon to keep track of, curse the gods. But “he’s got a strange moral compass of his own,” the actor said. I had a similar feeling watching this week’s “House of the Dragon,” when Daemon helped Viserys up the steps to the Iron Throne. Vaemond Velaryon (Wil Johnson) lit the fuse on everything with his strategic, if ultimately unsuccessful (and then some) petition to subvert his older brother’s wishes and gain control of his house, castle and throne. It’s a subtle reminder that whatever its other failings and prejudices, the human heart tends to be forgiving and sympathetic in the face of suffering and love.

Episode 8 of House of the Dragon centers around who will succeed Lord Corlys Velaryon as Lord of the Tides. It takes place 6 years after last week's show.

"A final tribute to the health of my nephews," he says. "The Prince to unite the realm against the cold and the dark. "You wanted to know if I believe it to be true," he says. I thought I wanted it, but the burden is a heavy one…If you wish me to bear it then defend me, and my children." "I will sit the throne today." Set aside your grievances, if not for the sake of the crown then for the sake of this old man, who loves you all so dearly." Set by the Queen and the Hand, I'd wager, to proclaim my son illegitimate," Rhaenyra says. "When it does, will you want a child at the command of the greatest fleet in Westeros?" Rhaenyra meets Rhaenys in the Godswood to do some petitioning of her own. Most of his hair is gone, his skin discolored, and a bandage is wrapped around the left side of his head when Rhaenyra and Daemon (who sailed from Dragonstone) go to see him. Vaemond heads straight to the queen, and gets an audience with both the queen and her father Hand. A full recap of House of the Dragon episode 8 is below.

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.

The HBO series continued to surprise fans of George R.R. Martin's "Fire and Blood" book with revelations about King Viserys and a prophecy.

[House of the Dragon](https://affiliate.insider.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D35871X943606%26xs%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.hbomax.com%252Fseries%252Furn%253Ahbo%253Aseries%253AGYsYeoAxKH8LCwgEAAAOR&amazonTrackingID=null&site=in&vikingID=6343620bdda1a56007022c43&platform=browser&sc=false&disabled=false&sessionID=1665368157458ibabg2bj&xcust=xid%3Afr1665368160562hjd)" air Sundays on HBO at 9 p.m. He plans to appeal to his Grace the King on matters of succession, rights, and the sanctity of blood. Notably, she walked into the room in episode six when Alicent and Larys were talking about Rhaenyra's children being Ser Harwin Strong's bastard sons. In this episode, we see Jacerys being taught by Maester Gerardys, the man serving Rhaenyra at Dragonstone. But up until this episode, the main knights of Viserys' kingsguard that we've seen were Ser Criston Cole and Lord Commander Harrold Westerling. He wishes for the Driftwood Throne to pass to him, that is his by rights and that he is the only unattainted choice."

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.

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.

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).

A lot happened in this episode — including multiple deaths. Let's take a look at the interesting details and moments...

8.The lack of official greeting for Rhaenyra is an insult, deliberately perpetrated by Otto Hightower — we hear Ser Harrold Westerling tell him they were greeted according to his orders. He plans to appeal to his Grace the King on matters of succession, rights, and the sanctity of blood. He wishes for the Driftwood Throne to pass to him, that is his by rights and that he is the only unattainted choice." 13.Luke laughs when the pig is placed in front of Aemond because of the prank the boys played on him when they were younger, giving him a pig instead of a dragon. What was your fave moment of Episode 8 of House of the Dragon? 11.The setup of the family dinner was influenced by depictions of the Last Supper.

Rhaenyra introduces him to her children – one of whom is called Aegon – and asks him about the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy that he told her about all those ...

In a nutshell, it means that the temporary peace between Alicent and Rhaenyra is broken. As the king lay dying, he and his wife were essentially having two different conversations. Clearly, at this point, he thinks he's talking to Rhaenyra again, and even though Alicent doesn't understand his talk of the Song of Ice and Fire, she latches on to the name Aegon when Visersy' murmurs it. The first couple of times we see Viserys in episode 8 he's lying in bed, struggling to tell the difference between his daughter Rhaenyra and his wife Alicent. The king is talking about Aegon the Conqueror, who first dreamed of the prophecy, but Alicent thinks he means their firstborn son. The problem?

A new time jump also means new actors: The six Targaryen kids -- Aegon, Aemond, Jacaerys, Lucerys, Baela and Rhaena -- all have new faces in Sunday's episode. A ...

"A final tribute to the health of my nephews," he says. "The prince to unite the realm against the cold and the dark. "You wanted to know if I believe it to be true," he says. "I will sit the throne today." Set by the queen and the Hand, I'd wager, to proclaim my son illegitimate," Rhaenyra says. Set aside your grievances, if not for the sake of the crown then for the sake of this old man, who loves you all so dearly." "When it does, will you want a child at the command of the greatest fleet in Westeros?" Rhaenyra meets Rhaenys in the Godswood to do some petitioning of her own. Vaemond heads straight to the queen, and gets an audience with both the queen and her father the Hand. Most of his hair is gone, his skin discolored, and a bandage is wrapped around the left side of his head when Rhaenyra and Daemon (who sailed from Dragonstone) go to see him. "Ah, the maesters. A full recap of House of the Dragon episode 8 is below.

The last few scenes of House of Dragons have left many questions behind themselves. For a few scenes, King Viserys's dream of a united family appeared to ...

The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). For a few scenes, King [Viserys](/topic/viserys)'s dream of a united family appeared to come true. Alicent gets interrupted by a knight who informs her of a crying girl in Prince Aegon's room, later finding out that Aegon raped the girl. [House of Dragons](/topic/house-of-dragons)have left many questions behind themselves. You must do this." In the later part of the episode, we also find Rhaenyra and

Including the miscommunication between Alicent, Viserys, and Rhaeynyra and the prophecy of the Prince that was Promised.

It's an unfortunate miscommunication that followed Rhaenyra and Alicent's brief reconciliation with each other, as well as Alicent's acknowledgement of Rhaenyra's entitlement to the crown. Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men. She asks her father if he believes in the Song of Ice and Fire, a prophecy that originated from a divine dream from Aegon the Conqueror and which Viserys had confided in Rhaenyra in Episode 1. Aegon called his dream the Song of Ice and Fire. The Prince that was Promised." The next day, Alicent and Otto prepare to hear appeals from Rhaenys, Rhaenyra, and Vaemond on who is to become the next Lord of the Tides. Every Targaryen ruler since Aegon has been notified of the prophecy by the previous ruler. Delirious, Viserys mistakes Alicent for Rhaenyra from the previous night, telling her that he does believe in the Prince that was Promised from Aegon's dream. Significantly, the prophecy claims that this prince must descend from the Targaryen line. [House of the Dragon](https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a40910816/funniest-twitter-reactions-house-of-the-dragon-game-of-thrones/), which aired last night, has sealed the fate of King Viserys Targaryen and opened hell's floodgates for his surviving family members. After Vaemond, the younger brother of Corlys, bids for himself, Viserys emerges in the hall, taking back his royal duties from Otto and Alicent for the day. Six years after the funeral of Laena Velaryon, the line of succession for Driftmark has been challenged after Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) suffers a potentially fatal injury during a battle in the Stepstones.

In the eighth episode, the heir to the throne looks strong, and Viserys shares a premonition that may shake Westeros. Contains spoilers.

After eliminating the rest of his family as a “favour” to Alicent two episodes previously, he appeared set for a long and glorious reign as House of the Dragon’s resident villain. In Thrones, Joffrey was a “bad seed” born of the forbidden love of his sibling parents (his grandfather Tywin Lannister was no charmer either). Nobody has played the game of thrones more skilfully than the one-time heir to the crown. Instead of the dragon motif, the capital is now draped in the iconography of the Seven, a Westeros religion alien to the pale lords from across the sea. And in his delirium he let the royal cat out of the bag, revealing to Alicent the Seven Kingdom’s equivalent of the Third Secret of Fatima. “We have more in common than we sometimes allow.” Their kids are a horrific rabble of bruisers, taunters and sex offenders (see below) – but might Alicent and Rhaenyra have rekindled the connection they held so dear as children?

Episode 8 of 'House of the Dragon' sets up a future with much confusion and certain bloodshed after Viserys finally dies.

When Rhaenyra was pleading with her father to restate his support for her and her children, it's clear that Viserys was listening to and wanted to, but was simply unable to do so because of his condition. His obsession with a male heir was evident throughout that first House of the Dragon episode, and even though his wife wouldn't have survived the child birth regardless, it's clear that he holds himself responsible for her demise. And at a dinner in the Red Keep that Viserys—no longer sedating his pain with Milk of the Poppy, which seems to be basically a natural, Westeros version of morphine—called, the Hightower side and the Targaryen side almost seemed to finally make peace. You saw how poor of shape he was in throughout "The Prince of Tides." "I think the last scene of this episode was always a litmus test. But what happened is that Alicent now believes—and you can even understand where she's coming from—that Viserys' dying wish was for Aegon—their Aegon—to be king. Viserys brings the conversation up, and Alicent does her best to understand. In Episode 7, Viserys called Alicent "Aemma," so it's clear that he hasn't been quite aware of who's who for a while. King Viserys I Targaryen, in the late stages of his battle, presumably, with leprosy, made his final stand, settling those disputes and desperately, hopelessly, pleading for his family to make peace ahead of his impending death. After Vaemond Velaryon dared to publicly challenge the legitimacy of Viserys' daughter, Rhaenyra's (Emma D'Arcy) children, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) made him pay, cutting his head clean in half just above the mouth ("He can keep his tongue," Daemon remarked, after the King called for him to be silenced, in that wonderful Matt Smith quippy way). [House of the Dragon](https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a40909082/house-of-the-dragon-season-1-release-schedule/) had a lot of work to do in ["The Lord of the Tides," Season 1 Episode 8](https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a41533380/house-of-the-dragon-recap-episode-8/), as it continues its run toward the first season's finale and an inevitable civil war for the Iron Throne in Westeros. If you picked up on the [Chekov's Gun](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ChekhovsGun) the show put right in front of us in Episode 1 when [King Viserys I Targaryen](https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a41030815/house-of-the-dragon-viserys-grief-guilt-therapist-explains-georgia-dow/) (Paddy Considine) essentially pulled a Monty Python ["It's just a flesh wound,"](https://youtu.be/ZmInkxbvlCs) you've probably been waiting for the realm's kind and naive king to bite it for quite a while.

Corlys would have wanted Lucerys Velaryon, Laenor's son, to be named heir. The trouble with that though, is that he's not true Valeryon and Vaemond does not ...

Viserys wishes for Alicent to take up his mantle as protector of the realm and keep the houses together. However, Alicent clearly interprets this as needing to usurp the succession and put Aegon on the throne. He speaks of the Song and Ice of Fie and mentions Aegon. He goes on to call the children bastards and Rhaenyra a whore. There’s dialogue here that’s going to be the catalyst for war erupting across the realm, and poor Viserys is too drugged up and garbled to actually articulate what he means properly. That night, Viserys talks to Alicent about the coming threat, that being the awful writing in seasons 7 and 8 of Game of Thrones of course. He’s helped to the throne and throws shade on what’s happening. If Rhaenys backs Lucery’s claim to the throne, Rhaenyra will have Jacaerys and Lucerys betrothed to Baela and Rhaena. Daemon and Rhaenyra show up to see him, informing the King about the petition regarding Driftmark. As for Alicent, she continues to oversee the council meetings, and it seems issues in the Stepstones have managed to stabilize for a while now and trade is good. Rhaenyra introduces her father to two new kids as well (Daemon and Rhaenyra’s), Aegon and Viserys, the latter named after him of course. Viserys continues to deteriorate in the wake of all this, now bedbound with bandages wrapped round his head and eye.

In the battle of the queens, Alicent finally shows a glimpse of mercy Cersei would never allow.

Of course, the Hightower queen still has plenty of time to prove us wrong, but for now, she’s turning out to be a much more subtle villain. Regardless of which option is true, it seems Alicent at least has more of a conscience than Cersei. Alicent then hands her a sack of coins and makes her drink a special tea — presumably the abortifacient potion Rhaenyra drank after her night out with Daemon and later tryst with Criston. Maybe she realizes how cruel her sons truly are, and how her manipulation of others has led to their entitlement. But [House of the Dragon](https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-shows-how-the-volume-should-be-used) introduces a new player into this group: [Alicent Hightower](https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/alicent-hightower-house-family-tree-explained), second wife of King Viserys Targaryen. Alicent soothes the girl, saying she believes her before noting that not everybody will.