Show: House of the Dragon Alicent, Criston and Aemond Targaryen reunion at the green council "The dowager queen is a woman" #alicent #cristoncole #aemondtargaryen
@@ty814 Nah daemon was pretty much the second coming of Maegor the Cruel- you see it with how he treats the brackens in the Riverlands. Of course, in the books at least, Aemond is just as bad if not worse.
@@DecimusPrime-xg4zi Bro he is fucked now. Daemon was the first in house Targeryan to realise that Otto is using Viserys to destroy their power and family. He was also peaceful with Laena.
Not having a female so long as there are males. This keeps popping up in the Targaryen dynasty. Where arguably good female rulers are passed over for their male relatives.
Rhaenys may have been but was a velaryon, rhaeneyras judgement has been shown to be awful, she mothered 3 bastards and peasants kill dragons under her watch, objectively a bad ruler by far, the worst that happened with Aegon was ratcatchers being hung@@odyssey2548
@@odyssey2548 No the claim of Allicent was always that the traditional line should be followed. That was their claim. 100% of it. Nobody was ever getting the title based on how "arguably good" they would be at it.
Impressive how Aemond doesn't say a word whilst they debate who should be regent, and just sits there with a coy look in his eye. But once chosen as regent, he immediately takes charge.
@@jayexotic7908He had years to teach Aegon how to be a proper king. He chose not to because he wanted to control him. Thanks to that, Aegon grew up to be a drunken idiot.
@@jayexotic7908 textbook stupid: betrayed his own king for personal gains, leading the whole kingdom into turmoil, which in turn lead to the death of all known Westerosi dragons, weapons paramount to contain the Others
Also add how her own sons being a pampered fool and a violent sociopath respectively stems from her not giving them any love which they desperately needed as children.
@@jamalcollier7588 Agreed. I truly believe that if Alicent had played nice with Rhaenyra and tried to make amends, then she would have been given more agency under Rhaenyra's rule. She should have accepted the proposal between Jacaerys and Helaena; it would have been to everyone's benefit. I will caveat this by saying that once Daemon became Rhaenyra's husband, I don't think peace with the Hightower clan would have been possible. Daemon surely would have conspired to have them killed or removed from power.
@@Falxifer95 I think that the TV series made it seem like Alicent had post-partum depression after each of her children, but I agree. I think her resentment to her marriage and towards Rhaenyra translated to lack of affection and discipline to her children. Contrast this to Rhaenyra, who is clearly shown as being a loving and devoted mother who raised upstanding sons (more or less).
@@artharionsanchez1793 sure they are unruly but at least there’s a modicum of respect. Alicent thought she was on their level when actually she’s just a Cersei wannabe
@@DarthMalgusSith_LordAnd she says that she went into this war to protect them from Rhaenyra. All she’s ever done is put her children in danger and they’re probably all gonna die because of her and Otto’s reckless ambition.
@@garlantyrell6368 especially Haelena, she got nothing to do with this wars and she is suffered alot even her mother doesn't care about her feeling at all.
It's not even a backstab, she's just unsuitable given it would be absolutely terrible optics for the Greens. The fact that this went over her head only reinforces the point.
I like the part where the voices in the room were slightly muted in the background to highlight the turmoil inside Alicent boiling as she comes to realize she never had a voice in that council in the first place - if it wasn't for her father Otto, she wouldn't be respected. I'm Team Black but I feel for her in this scene. This is a supported reason why even though Rhaenyra told her that she misunderstood Viserys' last words being Aegon the Conqueror's vision, she could no longer do anything about it because even if she wanted to, she knew nobody in the council would listen. She has no power - a real Dowager Queen indeed. I remember what Rhaenys told her in Season 1 - You desire not to be free but to make a window in the wall of your prison.
She did it to herself. What she supported against rhaenyra was done to her. She joined the leopards at my face faction and as the name says they ate her face
@@brendanmuller7301I agree, but it’s not like she really had a choice. Otto and the council would have conspired to put Aegon on the throne with or without her approval. She naively believed that if she took part in it, she would be able to influence Aegon and the council. This scene however proves that was never going to happen.
@@AesirUnlimited being that naive IS a choice when she personally witnessed how that same council found a woman in power so utterly distasteful an option that they'd rather commit treason
That last sentence is definitely what I was looking for. Rhaenys was speaking from experience as a woman passed over for a male, but Alicent was too blinded by her ambition and fear of Rhaenyra to listen.
The way Larys pivots this conversation to the final decission resting with the Hand of the King is brilliant. He knows Alicent and Criston have been doing the dirty in secret
Yeah, Larys wants those Alicent's feet so he made Criston go against her in her face. Now she is lonely and csn only depend on Larys which means he can ask her for a foot job
There was no response she could give once they brought up the point of after making a fuss over a woman’s rule to just appoint one of their own. She overplayed her hand and it bit her in the ass
@@VDA19Also, we haven't seen her doing of what she's being doing as Queen / Queen Regent when Viserys was still around. Even when she was a teenager, she barely doing anything politcally besides getting pregnant, talking to Rhaenyra, taking care of her kids or accompanying her old husband. She only started to join Counsil when she was an adult. Did she even doing good job as being the Queen? We don't know.
@@margarethmichelina5146 she was in the council with rhaenyra during episode 6. Rhaenyra did an amazing job leading, she petulant and get in rhaenyra way all the time
Tywin once told to Cersei “I don’t distrust you because you’re a woman, I distrust you because you are not as intelligent a you think you are.” In this case everybody distrusts Alicent because of both things.
Honestly, it's *really* satisfying to see the patriarchal conservativism which Alicent championed to steal Rhaenyra's crown for the Greens and put it on Aegon's head is now backfiring on her here. She gets to feel some of what Rhaenyra felt, except whereas Rhaenyra was betrayed by an external party, Alicent dug herself into this pit.
I honestly love more her voice. It transmits such disdain, such rage, such cold disregard. The way Olivia Cooke commands her vocal chords and diction is flawless.
The irony that Alicent is now in Rhaenyra's position is great, but I also like how she is in Aegon's situation of being treated as useless. She now gets why Aegon went into battle.
He's the heir, he's a great warrior and has the largest dragon. The council had no other choice but to pick him Alicent's delusional rant didn't merit an answer. She was lying to herself
While the scene's focus is on Alicent. What I really loved was the nuance change in the dynamic between Criston Cole and Aemond. Cole is clearly disturbed what happened to Aegon, and knows Aemond's part in it. But there's really nothing he can do. It's not like he can punish their main dragon rider, who's now regent. The fact that Cole doesn't actually speak at all to Aemond in this scene. Notice when Aemond asks "what's our standing in the riverlands?" He turns to Cole. Who doesn't answer him - which just speaks volumes.
I think it's also because as much as I dislike Cole, he does care for the boys, probably more than Alicent does and he knows that Aemond always had that in mind that he is the worthy one and even in truth he is the worthy. Cole affirmed that himself when they were searching for Aegon for coronation. Here, Aemond was best option strategically but also in the sense that he will get sth that Cole himself didn't get. He understand the bigger reason behind thr action bcz he himself did sth like that when Rhaneyra rejected him
I love how Cole used to treat them as boys and him and Aemond were especially close. Now he looks at Aemond as a monster and a kinslayer. Not just for what he did to Aegon, but seeing what the dragons were truly capable of disturbed him to his core. He fears Aemond now but realizes him and Vhagar are their only hope for winning the war.
I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS COMMENT AFTER LEARNING THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THIS PHRASE. And here it is. Thank you. I feel many conservatives in the US that are gays or lesbians or transgender fit the Alicent type.
I love how Aemond sits there not saying a word and they proceed to talk about him like he isn't but once elected as regent, he starts spouting out orders.
I feel like people are missing a subtle but important piece of this scene's puzzle. Cole's discomfort, his silence, and his avoidance of Aemond's piercing gaze. The man is fucking terrified of Aemond now, he is not about to challenge him in favor of Alicent.
You're right and it's no wonder, is it? He has seen what Aemond is capable of. I'd be terrified to of this lil' monster. Daemon is a s0ci0path, too, but at least, he never tried to murder his own brother... O.o
@@mmmelancholia Oh, indeed! Plus Aemond is in control of the biggest and badest Dragon around and he is not afraid to use her. Anyone would be very scared.
You can almost feel, see, and sense the fume coming out of Alicent through our very tv screens. Alicent knows now who Aemond really is, a murderer and a monster who craves power above family.
They are fighting a war against their sister over ultimate power in the realm, fully expecting to kill her as the result. Why would anyone seriously expect familial ties to hold back Aemond from attempting to take power away from his bully?
@@AesirUnlimited Ikr. When he lost his eye, even his father did not care. I like Viserys and how much he loved his daughter but he did not ask his condition first, only asked "Aemond, look at me, your King's speaking to you. Who did tell you this lie?" (About Jace and Luke being bastards). I was like 😮 Viz, that's your son!!!
@@rahmatmanurung8133 Yeah that was his son who bashed his heir's head with a rock. Even Otto said that Viserys's responsibility as a king comes before being a father in the very first episodes.
I find it hilarious Alicent just assumed she still had influence over the green's council. if she had actually paid attention to Aegon instead of passing him off as a fool who refused to learn, which is also her and otto's fault for never bothering to teach him, she would have realized the council was already following Aemond and that he was gaining influence as the actual ruler instead of Aegon. Her and Otto feel like the type to gain a bit of experience and then consider themselves masters of their craft which backfires spectacularly. She thought because she ruled in visery's stead when he was bedridden she could do so again, despite being at war and having others directly challenging her now which she doesn't have experience with. Otto assumed because he has guided a king before that he could do so again with aegon, despite never building up any sort of affection or trust and never actually teaching him.
If she had supported Rhaenyra’s claim and made sure her children do to she would most likely now sit at that table with a position of power as the Queen dowager and friend to the Queen … and her daughter would be in a happy marriage (with Rhae’s heir ) and her grandchildren would one day sit the throne (like she could have had it all )
Eh I’d say the thing with the rat catchers was stupid. What annoys me is that the show writers refuse to acknowledge how bad it is that rhaenys killed hundreds of small folk in her escape on maeleys and now said that their deaths are seen as a bad omen
What was Alicent expecting? I am wondering if Rhaeny's words did get to her- Rhaenys had asked Alicent if she ever saw herself on the throne. and here is the sign that yes she could see herself on the throne. Rhaenys was passed over for her uncle then her cousin, because she is a woman even though she was her father's rightful heir. When Viserys was unable to perform his duties as king rather than hand over the responsibilities to his named heir Rhaenyra, His hand Otto Hightower ruled in his stead. the hightowers replaced Rhaenyra with Aegon - because she is a woman and he is a son. They did everything they could to make the realm believe Rhaenyra couldn't rule because she is a woman-----So why did Alicent think she would be viewed as any different? And surprisingly Larys was the one to make a the point to Alicent- we usurped Rhaenyra because she is a woman- what would the realm think if the greens put a woman on the throne after doing everything to prove Rhaenyra couldn't be on the throne because she is female. Rhaenyra at least has sons, even if her eldest were bastards by birth Viserys legitimized them and she has two younger sons who are legitimate targaryen heirs
That was some bs said by rhaenys alicent has no royal Targaryen blood why would rhaenys ask do she see herself on the iron throne knowing she will never get it
@@kap2652 It's not bs at all. Targeryens themselves took the seven kingdoms because they could. Aegon I had no right to those lands but he took and ruled them all the same. Rhaenys was basically asking that since the Hightowers were usurping the throne after Viserys death in ep9. Doesn't she see herself on the throne ruling rather than her son or father, or if she at least has some ambition instead of being a puppet to the men around her by always dancing to their tune.
@@zusiphesapo9598 Aegon I won his right to rule the seven kingdoms through the way all the other kings of westeros did, through war and conquest? That's literally the only claim they had on eachothers lands. Look at the riverlands for example, literally conquered by Ironborn, then conquered by Stormlanders, the reconquered by Ironborn. Then you have the Andals who came from the east and formed the current cultures of Westeros their reason being divine conquest. So if Aegon I had no right, then those same warlike kings have no claim either.
Alicent: "Women can’t rule! My eldest son is the king!" Aegon: *frothing at the mouth in bed* Aemond: "I'm your son too, mother, and technically next in the royal line of succession." Alicent: "I should rule in my son's stead! I have the experience!" Council: "You're a woman." Aemond: "Still here, still your son, and my brother's successor!" Council: "Aemond for the win!" Alicent: *screams internally*
@@elamcyril Alicent said to Rhaenys "We do not rule, but we may guide the men that do." She's never accepted Rhaenyra as the next in line. She thought she heard Viserys speak of Aegon as the next king, because that's what she wanted to hear.
@elamcyril Alicent never truly accepted Rhaenyra's rule, and by allowing Otto Hightower to usurp the iron throne so they could prop her son up as their puppet ruler, she made it clear who's side she was on. She spent years trying to poison Viserys against his own daughter in the hopes he'd snub Rhaenyra and make Aegon his successor, but it never worked, so she went with her father's scheme out of hate, jealousy, and resentment toward her ex-friend. Even if Viserys was saying things on his deathbed, he was too drugged up to be coherent enough to make any changes or decisions. Alicent heard what she wanted to hear and told herself she was carrying out his wishes when she was actually doing it to get back at Rhaenyra by putting her son on the throne.
Alicent and Otto have long played the game of "I WANNA RULE" to the detriment of their future generations. As someone else said commented, Otto could've spent time educating Aegon to be a good king but, for all his wisdom, he didn't because he and Alicent wanted a puppet they could rule through by proxy, which just made the prospects of the Greens worse in the long run. When Aegon himself didn't want to be king, they dragged him to the throne just because they wanted a puppet. Even if I disapprove of the reason used by the council to do it (sexism), it's high time people made Otto/Alicent understand that they're not Targaryens. They can advise by they have no right to rule.
Exactly. If Otto and Alicent wanted Aegon to be king, they should have spent some time preparing him, instead of wanting to use him and control him like a puppet. That often backfires horribly with Targaryens, and it blew up in Otto's and Alicent's face almost immediately.
Lmao and she put Aegon in that place Also is a non sense that Alicent wants to protect his kids yet SHE doesnt care Aegon She wants him to be the King and having control on Aegon YET SHE HURT HIM AND DOESNT GIVE A F- WHAT IS HER PLAN SHE IS BIPOLAR ? DOESNT make any sense having to different views of the same subject If she was an actual mother Aegon (more than being a good ruler) would be manipulate to make different decision something Larrys is doing LOL he has Aegon on his pocket
@@Morfe02 Although Alicent can be horrible to him, she does somewhat love Aegon when it comes down to it. You could tell she felt very distressed when the maesters were tending to him. And the way she gently touched him when he was resting later on in the episode looked like a hint of affection.
@@garlantyrell6368 i dont know man the fact could be "canon" that Alicent helps Jaehaerys and Viserys in bed yet she goes away the moment when Aegon awakes (she doesnt see him) sends me different vibes or messages of the directors
@@Morfe02 It just shows that she doesn’t know how to give emotional support to her children. She loves them, but also knows nothing about how to be a mother, somewhat because she’s treating them the same way her own father treated her growing up.
I like how the young maester was the only one humble enough to respect her, and defend her claim. Right after doing whatever necessary to save her son. Support came were It was least expected, even If It was obvious. Dude is not only a professional, he's also full of compassion. An excellent doctor. I like him.
@@falakkhan8442Alicent is an uptight bitch who I can go on and on about. But for every sin, Cersei triples them. Alicent is NOWHERE near her depravity.
So, they were not wrong, Aemond is next in the line of succession and choosing Alicent over him, when one of the reasons for choosing Aegon as king was the fact that Rhaenyra is a woman, would be hypocrisy. And in the end, Alicent realized how stupid she was, no matter how much she criticized and thought little of Aegon, he was the only one who listened and stood by her, he would seek, listen and respect her, giving her power, yet she belittled him. In the end, her only ally was the son she despised.
I think the 'now she knows what it feels like' people are maybe misunderstanding this scene - Alicent is not only now becoming a victim of the patriarchy, she has been her whole life. The key difference between her and Rhaenyra is that, Rhaenyra's position + Viserys turning a blind eye gave her the power to make room for herself outside of a woman's role in the patriarchy, while Alicent has been trying to stay withing the Westerosi standard of a 'good woman'. When Rhaenyra is ignored and usurped, Alicent assumes this is because she's broken the 'rules' (mainly by having obvious bastards) and so still believes that she can claim some agency having played the good, dutiful wife for so long, but this scene is her realising that everything she suffered and sacrificed and put her children through was for nothing - she cannot win. It's not really a 'haha, gotcha' moment in my opinion; it's tragic and I think deserves more empathy than it's getting.
This!!! 🎉 Rhaenyra in a sense is Alicent's shadow: she represents everything Alicent wants deep, deep down but is too scared to outrightly claim for herself (and understandably so, given the partriarchy of the age). All this time, Alicent has always tried to carve out her own significance through the men in her lives - Viserys, Otto, and Aegon - while fooling herself that what she values are honor, justice, and temperance. But unconsciously, what Alicent desires and represses inside her is what Rhaenyra boldly declares for: power, esteem, and validation. That's why Alicent ends up despising Rhaenyra so much: she sees in Rhaenyra her own suppressed will to power. Jungian Shadow: the thing that bothers us the most in another person is usually the thing that we have disowned in ourselves. This scene is her 'karma' and her realizing that she and Rhaenyra are two sides of the same coin - and that there is no salvation for either of them in the current system.
If she had a good relationship with her son Aemond, she could rule through him like a Catelyn/Robb or Olenna/Mace parallel. But oh well, she's not the warmest of mums.
But Alicent is not capable. She literally let the enemy queen escape when she could have easily captured her. Gender aside Alicent has no business leading the war effort.
Alicent is a peacemaker in a time where every bridge has been burnt and every dragon is free to dance. What's the point, it's like keeping a farming hoe on your belt when a sword can be placed instead?@@masterplokoon8803
@@masterplokoon8803both are true. Alicent was incapable and men will choose each other over even a capable woman. The older you get, the more you see (specially if you work)
@@Phoenix.219 This is the absolute truth. Men are gonna be men and when given the choice they will always choose their fellow man over even the most brilliant of women. I guess Alicent didn't get the memo.
To be fair, this was an environment Alicent contributed to. The entirety of the green’s politics rested on Rhaenyra being unfit to rule the realm because she was a woman. Alicent believed this and worked to undermine her for the sake of her own son, who she knew was incompetent and even a rapist. She is responsible for this mindset continuing.
Alicent: "I know Aegon's legitimate, next-in-line male adult heir to the throne is sitting right there, and the Hand of the King sitting right next to me, BUT"
despite daemon being daemon he was loyal to viserys and he will be loyal to his wife, Aemond is a kin slayer, he is what daemon would be if he had given to his vices
The look of resentment for her own son is just wow. She wants power so much that she can’t even love her kids. Aemond is a hot head yes but the way he took charge of that meeting shows he’s strategically good at being king just that in battle he gonna think after he did what he did lol.
A very powerful scene. Neither she nor her father were able to control Aegon or Aemond in the least. Now, everything they feared is crashing down on them - and Alicent is completely powerless because the entire claim of her house to the throne is based on the fact that a male heir comes before a female one. Oh, the sweet, sweet irony...
Otto and Alicent imagined they can control Aegon and Aemond, but forgot the brothers are Targaryen and they are infamously hard to control. They mistook them for old, ill, weak Viserys, who was an exception to the rule.
@@teodorakoslov2929 You're right, their Targaryen heritage surely makes them quite difficult to control, yes, but I also think that it's the total lack of actual good parenting in their youth that let them spiral out of control, at least in the show. Viserys didn't really care about his "green" children at all - but neither did Alicent which is even worse, given the fact, that she was so keen on putting her own blood on the throne. Alicent never loved her children and projected her own negative feelings towards them, refusing them love, care or real solace. Her motherly feelings were always shallow and half-hearted. So it's no wonder that they refuse to listen to her now.
@@mmmelancholia Oh, absolutely. If their parents (or even Otto) actually cared for those kids and guided them properly, it would have been easier to reason with them as adults. But seeing how no one bothered, and with their Targ dispositions, they should have realised there would be no controlling them.
I never thought I'd see the day when I compare Cercei favourably to someone, but here we are. Not only that, but at least Cercei was also entertaining to read about/watch.
Nobody else is mentioning it but this scene almost mirrors the scene of Aegon II in the council. Her dissociating because she realizes nobody’s listening and they’re just talking around her is VERY similar to Aegon before he stormed off the council. Alicent then told him to listen to people that are better at their jobs and to do nothing. Now she knows what that feels like.
The end of this was such a good depiction of a person who is trying not to cry in public. The way she's there but not really present, just trying to keep it together.
This was Alicent's Karma and i couldn't be happier. She backstabbed and betrayed Rhaenyra only to have both her Paramours betray her. Yes Alicent the Leopards ate your face because Leopards don't change their spots. The whole point of the war is to keep a woman off the Throne.
There is so much going on thru Alicent’s head right now. The sound production alone deserves all the awards to be able capture and portray the muted rage she is feeling. I don’t know if Alicent hates Aemond, is afraid of him, or simply does not know him. It might be all of the above. She couldn’t get an answer out of Cole. Aegon is burnt and broken. Aemond is on the throne. Doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together. She now has no power or play in this dance. Everything she has stoked is now out of her control. And she can’t even voice it.
Yupp it's all of the above. Not necessarily hate but she doesn't like him bcz she scared of him as she can't control him and he is powerful and wise in every sense
It seems sudden Alicent wanted to be in the spotlight. She always had power over her children (save for Aegon later) and dont need the official title of regent. Her experience in ruling doesnt evaporate because of the lack of a title.
She could have power over Aegon, manipulation, yet SHE insult him and ignore him multiple times Which concludes on Aegon going to Rooks Rest LOL She could Talk with Aegon to manipulate him something Larys is doing excellent with a few words 😂
She wanted the throne for herself bcz she knows she can't control Aemond. She knows he is Daemon 2.0 out of anyone's control and he listens bcz he is wise enough to do that. Her dialogue with Rhaneyra "you know what Aemond is" says enough about what she thinks of him.
you acknowledge that she has no power over Aemond then express surprise over her desire to keep him out of the role as regent? without the title of regent nor her father's protection, Alicent is now utterly powerless. Aemond could easily dismiss her from the small council after her failed power play and would be within his rights to do so. He won't though as he'll enjoy basking in her impotence.
Alicent: I wish to nominate myself, the woman responsible for all this shit happening in the first place and set my son up as king because primogenitor *continues in hypocrisy* Aemond: now comes the part where we throw our heads back and laugh, ready? Smol Council: READY!!!! Aemond and Smol Council: *laughs in irony and reminder of the Hightower’s words: “Behold, the consequences of our actions,”*
How is she responsible for all the shit? Don't get me wrong she helped make it, but the council was planning the usurpation well in advance, Alicent was the last one to find out. She's a hypocrite, but she doesn't bear the responsibility alone.
Alicent didn't even get humbled but got put in her place. You see why you don't question King Viserys decision. This is exactly why Viserys chose Queen Rhaynera. This isn't only ironic but poetic you being put down. Shrinking in her seat literally she's a clown
@@daru3015 What are you talking about? You mean a false council that was created of tyrants and weaklings. Alicent and Otto had no rights, bearing, and say on reversing King Viserys decision. Even to the point where they realized how stupid they are putting Aegon in charge
@@MarwolfAeducan What the heck are you talking about? He warned Rhaynera the Iron Throne is the most dangerous seat in the world and the amount of enemies it creates. He even did teach her through season 1 episode 1-4 about ruling.
I don’t understand why she’s upset. SHE raised them and this isvwhat she wanted. She wanted her son’s to be next in line. She was never meant to rule. Her job as a mother was to raise kings. It’s unfortunate that she did a poor job.
Hah! Alicent.. How does it feel to be in Raenyra’s shoes ( or the princess Raenys one) and you want to know why she wants the crown..🤨🤨 That sense of betrayal she got from Cole was epic
Alicent was not really denied power because of evil men or patriarchy, she just showed herself unfit to rule. She attempted to control Aegon and instead she lashed out at him and caused the King to rashly ride into battle to escape the capital. She could not control the council neither, with its members seemingly plotting without each other’s knowledge, which also led to the catastrophe at Rook’s Rest. She had the head of the opposing faction in her hands, and instead of seizing her and ending the war immediately she prioritised her personal honour and feelings for her old friend over the good of the realm. She’s just proven to be a mediocre ruler at best in the time of crisis, so it is natural that the councillors would like Aemond to take a shot at it.
So much for her attempts toward gentle guidance- she's as short-sighted & self-centered as they get. If she'd had an ounce of commonsense, she should have pushed past her daddy-issues to give Aegon some guidance when he asked for it. And say something else other than her had still triggered him to drunk-dragon to Rook's Rest, & he was brought back crispi-fied -- she should have never risked the humiliation of being rejected, by putting herself forward; she could have taken Aemond's protectorship as an opportunity to start over - throw her support behind him & move forward in governance alongside him -- the show has thrown around some strange character trajectories...
It’s definitely because she is a woman first and foremost. She realizes the only reason she was able to rule before was because her late husband king LET her. He wasn’t sexist like the rest of them
regardless, Alicent is a woman and has no Targeryan blood. Those to facts are the same reason she started the war with Raenyra, putting her on the throne makes no sense when Aemond is there and he checks those to conditions. Furthermore, Aemond is a good warrior with "control" over the most powerful dragon (and the only dragon they can rely currently). There is nothing Alicent has in her favour to help her, even if she were smart she would still have no basis unless she kills every Targeryan. Otto understood that and that's why he wanted a puppet since he could never aspire to be the king
One of THE most interesting things about Game of Thrones was the concept of karma. What a character did oftentimes revisited that same character to the third power. In the first episode Ned Stark beheaded a deserter from the Nightswatch. A few episodes later Ned would be beheaded himself. In the first season Dany quietly killed Khal Drogo with a pillow when it became obvious he would never be the man he was. In the final season Jon Snow quietly put a dagger in Dany’s heart after she burned King’s Landing. The Queen of Thorns had King Joffrey poisoned and so it was somewhat befitting that she too was poisoned. In the Game of Thrones you win or you die, but what you send out into the world will come back to you. And I see that same sense of karma in House of the Dragon. Alicent helped keep Rhaenyra off the iron throne only to find herself being done the same way and despite there being a need to have a sensible head on the throne regardless of what is between their legs.
As someone who only watches HOTD from the short CZcams snippets, it's kinda hilarious to remember Alicent as "the lady with an aghast expression no matter what happens" and to hear her saying "Aemond is young" when she literally looks younger than 95% of the characters including her own children. 😂
@@ellaadairShe was born in 1993, while Ewan Mitchell (Aemond) was born in 1998 and Tom Glynn-Carney (Aegon) was born in 1995. Even by the standards of Westeros, she isn’t anywhere old enough to be their mom; an older sister if anything. They’re all incredible actors but it can be hard to take seriously knowing the fellas could have literally gone to school with their “mom.”
@@Garrus1995 Right and I think the producers originally wanted to change the actors for Rhaenyra and Alicent again because they were so close in age with their "children", but then decided against it. I think they didn’t want to make it too confusing by changing the actors a second time.
I noticed that in S1E6 Alicent was breathing so hard when she didn’t get her way when Viserys told Lord Strong to still be his hand and walks away. This episode, you can clearly hear her hard breathing.
Women in the show: Why won’t the men let me lead? *Proceed to watch every female protagonist and antagonist, except Jeyne Arryn, being very incompetent at their jobs. Alysanne Targaryen is rolling in her grave. The humanization is great but taking away the political mindset to just being upset that I have no respect from the men is a bit annoying. *My question: Is the show really trying to support women or make them look like idiots in the show? Martin avoided that when he wrote Fire & Blood which I am very grateful for. I understand the female characters are villainized in the Fire and Blood book but it was written by the maesters. Leaders during times of war are villainized because war is horrible.
The show has gone in the opposite direction, basically whitewashing the two female leads, while martin did not villainize female characters, he showed that women are human beings and capable of good and evil just the same as men are.
It's ironic, in the show at least, that Aemond comes to power being the very embodiment of everything that Lord Otto feared Daemon would be.
Ser Otto. He’s not a lord. A lord implies you actually have ownership of a piece of land
Fantastic analysis
Otto only feared that Daemon will fuck him. Daemon was doing good job as master of coins and Lord of city watch
@@ty814 Nah daemon was pretty much the second coming of Maegor the Cruel- you see it with how he treats the brackens in the Riverlands.
Of course, in the books at least, Aemond is just as bad if not worse.
@@DecimusPrime-xg4zi Bro he is fucked now. Daemon was the first in house Targeryan to realise that Otto is using Viserys to destroy their power and family. He was also peaceful with Laena.
Alicent forgetting the sole claim of the Greens is not having a woman as a ruler
Exactly 💯
Not having a female so long as there are males. This keeps popping up in the Targaryen dynasty. Where arguably good female rulers are passed over for their male relatives.
she never said it was because of gender lmao, it's because rhaenyra choses bastards as her heirs
Rhaenys may have been but was a velaryon, rhaeneyras judgement has been shown to be awful, she mothered 3 bastards and peasants kill dragons under her watch, objectively a bad ruler by far, the worst that happened with Aegon was ratcatchers being hung@@odyssey2548
@@odyssey2548 No the claim of Allicent was always that the traditional line should be followed. That was their claim. 100% of it. Nobody was ever getting the title based on how "arguably good" they would be at it.
Alicent: women can’t rule!!!
Also Alicent: WHY WONT THEY LET ME RULE!!!
Alicent has always been a hypocrite. Rhaenyra specifically calls her out on this in season 1 when she tried to take Luke's eye as revenge for Aemond.
@lildozen42069 AGREED!
@@Aurora-313Every major player in this show is a hypocrite
@@PRubin-rh4sr But people only want to call out The Green as if the The Blacks are nuns
@@PRubin-rh4srnot really. Lord Beesburry wasn’t, the former Lord Commander of the kingsguard wasn’t, Lord Strong wasn’t.
Impressive how Aemond doesn't say a word whilst they debate who should be regent, and just sits there with a coy look in his eye.
But once chosen as regent, he immediately takes charge.
He been waiting his chance to show he has the chops to be a ruler.
He already knew the answer. Alicent is the only clueless on that table
God I love Aemond. He's even better than the book version in my opinion.
@@NRV0 And he truly has.
😅😅 his eye
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. First Otto, now her.
Like father, like daughter
Otto is not stupid
@@jayexotic7908He had years to teach Aegon how to be a proper king. He chose not to because he wanted to control him. Thanks to that, Aegon grew up to be a drunken idiot.
@@jayexotic7908 textbook stupid: betrayed his own king for personal gains, leading the whole kingdom into turmoil, which in turn lead to the death of all known Westerosi dragons, weapons paramount to contain the Others
@@Wolf-xy7xpfacts. They thought they could have a puppet. Now all they have is a drunken rapist and a bloodthirsty one-eyed freak.
How it does it feel Alicent....been rejected by your own house.
From what I've seen this seems kind of karmic for her lol
And also Otto
She's so fine though
Being rejected because she is a woman too.... how them apples. She and Rhaenera should form a club.
How the mighty have fallen 👎🏻
Poetic justice at its finest. I don't think Alicent truly realized just how much power and privilege she had under King Viserys until now.
Even her own father gave her power in that council, but now that both are gone…
And she would have had more under rainiera
Also add how her own sons being a pampered fool and a violent sociopath respectively stems from her not giving them any love which they desperately needed as children.
@@jamalcollier7588 Agreed. I truly believe that if Alicent had played nice with Rhaenyra and tried to make amends, then she would have been given more agency under Rhaenyra's rule. She should have accepted the proposal between Jacaerys and Helaena; it would have been to everyone's benefit.
I will caveat this by saying that once Daemon became Rhaenyra's husband, I don't think peace with the Hightower clan would have been possible. Daemon surely would have conspired to have them killed or removed from power.
@@Falxifer95 I think that the TV series made it seem like Alicent had post-partum depression after each of her children, but I agree. I think her resentment to her marriage and towards Rhaenyra translated to lack of affection and discipline to her children. Contrast this to Rhaenyra, who is clearly shown as being a loving and devoted mother who raised upstanding sons (more or less).
Larys said, "I already got the feet; you mean nothing to me now. 🗿"
🤣
When the ghost of Rhaenys shows up behind her to whisper "I told you so."
"Like the view from your window, Alicent?" - Rhaenys
May I say that Ewan Mitchell was pitch perfect casting for the role of Aemond. He fits the role like a glove.
They all do. It's amazing how GOT and HOD have selected the perfectly right actors to play parts
I dont dislike him but I think he looks a bit too much like a cartoonish villain.
Now she knows what it feels like to be Aegon. Completely ignored and disrespected by the council despite her status.....
more like how it feels to be rhaenyra completely disrespected and passed because of het gender.
She be feeling now like both Aegon and Rhaenyra 😂
Her status as a woman?
Power is a trick
@@nileverdeen3797 Her status as former queen regent.
At least Rhaenyra's lovers stood up for her...
Criston Cole?
Ouch 😅 yep.
Have you seen her counsel?
@@artharionsanchez1793 sure they are unruly but at least there’s a modicum of respect. Alicent thought she was on their level when actually she’s just a Cersei wannabe
Crispy cream is as weak of a man as they come.
"Look here comes a consequence, consequence, consequence. Consequences of my actions chasing me right now."
- Alicent's entire arc 😂
"House of the Consequences" was too much of a spoiler, I guess
Alicent was a backstabber, who also taught her children how to backstab, then acts suprised when they do so.
She was such a bad mother that I don’t think she “taught” them how to backstab, they just saw her doing it everytime
@@danteluna8322 she was never a mother to her children, she only saw them as a tool for power
@@DarthMalgusSith_LordAnd she says that she went into this war to protect them from Rhaenyra. All she’s ever done is put her children in danger and they’re probably all gonna die because of her and Otto’s reckless ambition.
@@garlantyrell6368 especially Haelena, she got nothing to do with this wars and she is suffered alot even her mother doesn't care about her feeling at all.
It's not even a backstab, she's just unsuitable given it would be absolutely terrible optics for the Greens. The fact that this went over her head only reinforces the point.
I love how Aemond didnt have to say a word and Alicent was speaking her guts out
Eat that slice of humble pie slowly Alicent 😂
She doesnt care, its just an act!
Nobodx will eat no humble pie do you really think this show is real? Some of you take tv shows to seriously.
@@Azubjournicalm down Karen, nobody thinks this show is real lol
@@sneha__98hahahahaahah😂
@@sneha__98 oh trust me, people here on yt take things very personally just like you now did and on reddit too. if anything you fans are the karens.
I like the part where the voices in the room were slightly muted in the background to highlight the turmoil inside Alicent boiling as she comes to realize she never had a voice in that council in the first place - if it wasn't for her father Otto, she wouldn't be respected. I'm Team Black but I feel for her in this scene. This is a supported reason why even though Rhaenyra told her that she misunderstood Viserys' last words being Aegon the Conqueror's vision, she could no longer do anything about it because even if she wanted to, she knew nobody in the council would listen. She has no power - a real Dowager Queen indeed. I remember what Rhaenys told her in Season 1 - You desire not to be free but to make a window in the wall of your prison.
She did it to herself. What she supported against rhaenyra was done to her. She joined the leopards at my face faction and as the name says they ate her face
@@brendanmuller7301I agree, but it’s not like she really had a choice. Otto and the council would have conspired to put Aegon on the throne with or without her approval. She naively believed that if she took part in it, she would be able to influence Aegon and the council. This scene however proves that was never going to happen.
Those words must be haunting alicent now that rhaenys is dead
@@AesirUnlimited being that naive IS a choice when she personally witnessed how that same council found a woman in power so utterly distasteful an option that they'd rather commit treason
That last sentence is definitely what I was looking for. Rhaenys was speaking from experience as a woman passed over for a male, but Alicent was too blinded by her ambition and fear of Rhaenyra to listen.
The way Larys pivots this conversation to the final decission resting with the Hand of the King is brilliant. He knows Alicent and Criston have been doing the dirty in secret
Yeah, Larys wants those Alicent's feet so he made Criston go against her in her face. Now she is lonely and csn only depend on Larys which means he can ask her for a foot job
So basically the Council told Alicent : Do simply what is needed of you. Nothing. 😂
"You cant do this to me....do you know how much i've sacrificed!" - Green gobliccent
"You're out, Alicent."
I almost feel bad for Alicent. Almost. Also, good on Aemond for getting the ratcatchers cut down.
Did it to herself.
There was no response she could give once they brought up the point of after making a fuss over a woman’s rule to just appoint one of their own. She overplayed her hand and it bit her in the ass
Her breathing was phenomenal 😂😂😂😂 baby girl was HEATED
absolutely insane that an entire minute of this is just her sitting there silently and it hits harder than most scenes in the show
No it doesn’t it feels forced and cringe . This scene provide nothing just unnecessary not fitted tension
So, Alicent, how does it feel to be Rhaenyra?
Gender aside Alicent is not qualified to lead, specially not in the war specially when she allowed the enemy queen to walk away from the sept.
@@masterplokoon8803 I love how she said she has experience ruling. Uh, yeah, you ruled the kingdom into a civil war and let the enemy leader escape.
@@VDA19Also, we haven't seen her doing of what she's being doing as Queen / Queen Regent when Viserys was still around. Even when she was a teenager, she barely doing anything politcally besides getting pregnant, talking to Rhaenyra, taking care of her kids or accompanying her old husband. She only started to join Counsil when she was an adult. Did she even doing good job as being the Queen? We don't know.
Two different situations aemond next in line they at war alicent has no place to be regent in a war
@@margarethmichelina5146 she was in the council with rhaenyra during episode 6. Rhaenyra did an amazing job leading, she petulant and get in rhaenyra way all the time
Tywin once told to Cersei “I don’t distrust you because you’re a woman, I distrust you because you are not as intelligent a you think you are.” In this case everybody distrusts Alicent because of both things.
very true
She took several seats and then the men spoke as if she didn’t even exist! Her reaction is priceless!!😂
Honestly, it's *really* satisfying to see the patriarchal conservativism which Alicent championed to steal Rhaenyra's crown for the Greens and put it on Aegon's head is now backfiring on her here.
She gets to feel some of what Rhaenyra felt, except whereas Rhaenyra was betrayed by an external party, Alicent dug herself into this pit.
Serena Joy, raise your hand.
Gotta respect Aemond's attitude. Dude went straight to work, respect.
Without drinking 😂
I don't know what memory she pulled up to act so realistic in this last part. She is an awesome actress
I honestly love more her voice.
It transmits such disdain, such rage, such cold disregard.
The way Olivia Cooke commands her vocal chords and diction is flawless.
i love it when people reap what they sowed
Except the Greyjoys. They don’t sow
@@noahburrow330except they do. 😂
The irony that Alicent is now in Rhaenyra's position is great, but I also like how she is in Aegon's situation of being treated as useless. She now gets why Aegon went into battle.
The best thing about this? Aemond says nothing until all the others selected him.
“Silence is a valid option.”
Power play
He's the heir, he's a great warrior and has the largest dragon.
The council had no other choice but to pick him
Alicent's delusional rant didn't merit an answer. She was lying to herself
While the scene's focus is on Alicent. What I really loved was the nuance change in the dynamic between Criston Cole and Aemond. Cole is clearly disturbed what happened to Aegon, and knows Aemond's part in it. But there's really nothing he can do. It's not like he can punish their main dragon rider, who's now regent. The fact that Cole doesn't actually speak at all to Aemond in this scene. Notice when Aemond asks "what's our standing in the riverlands?" He turns to Cole. Who doesn't answer him - which just speaks volumes.
I think it's also because as much as I dislike Cole, he does care for the boys, probably more than Alicent does and he knows that Aemond always had that in mind that he is the worthy one and even in truth he is the worthy. Cole affirmed that himself when they were searching for Aegon for coronation. Here, Aemond was best option strategically but also in the sense that he will get sth that Cole himself didn't get. He understand the bigger reason behind thr action bcz he himself did sth like that when Rhaneyra rejected him
I think even alicent knows what aemond did, after seeing that dagger. Everyone is too afraid to speak up to him. Everyone except halaena.
I love how Cole used to treat them as boys and him and Aemond were especially close. Now he looks at Aemond as a monster and a kinslayer. Not just for what he did to Aegon, but seeing what the dragons were truly capable of disturbed him to his core. He fears Aemond now but realizes him and Vhagar are their only hope for winning the war.
Indeed
Alicent: I dont understand why leopards ate my face.
I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS COMMENT AFTER LEARNING THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THIS PHRASE.
And here it is. Thank you.
I feel many conservatives in the US that are gays or lesbians or transgender fit the Alicent type.
I love how Aemond sits there not saying a word and they proceed to talk about him like he isn't but once elected as regent, he starts spouting out orders.
Not your own son closing the window of your prison alicent 😅
Alicent so terrified of the little monster she created.
YOU GOT RHAENYRA'D.
Rheaneyra is worse lol
After treating Cole like crap, she still expects him to support her. 😂
She's such a horrible mother.
She's actually even more unhinged than Cersei.
I feel like people are missing a subtle but important piece of this scene's puzzle. Cole's discomfort, his silence, and his avoidance of Aemond's piercing gaze. The man is fucking terrified of Aemond now, he is not about to challenge him in favor of Alicent.
You're right and it's no wonder, is it? He has seen what Aemond is capable of.
I'd be terrified to of this lil' monster. Daemon is a s0ci0path, too, but at least, he never tried to murder his own brother... O.o
@@mmmelancholia Oh, indeed! Plus Aemond is in control of the biggest and badest Dragon around and he is not afraid to use her. Anyone would be very scared.
You can almost feel, see, and sense the fume coming out of Alicent through our very tv screens. Alicent knows now who Aemond really is, a murderer and a monster who craves power above family.
Considering who is family is, he can’t really be blamed. Lol
They are fighting a war against their sister over ultimate power in the realm, fully expecting to kill her as the result. Why would anyone seriously expect familial ties to hold back Aemond from attempting to take power away from his bully?
Also, they're Targaryens. Every time a Targaryen is born, God's flipped the coin. She was lucky that she was married to a kind Targaryen.
@@AesirUnlimited Ikr. When he lost his eye, even his father did not care. I like Viserys and how much he loved his daughter but he did not ask his condition first, only asked "Aemond, look at me, your King's speaking to you. Who did tell you this lie?" (About Jace and Luke being bastards). I was like 😮 Viz, that's your son!!!
@@rahmatmanurung8133 Yeah that was his son who bashed his heir's head with a rock. Even Otto said that Viserys's responsibility as a king comes before being a father in the very first episodes.
I find it hilarious Alicent just assumed she still had influence over the green's council. if she had actually paid attention to Aegon instead of passing him off as a fool who refused to learn, which is also her and otto's fault for never bothering to teach him, she would have realized the council was already following Aemond and that he was gaining influence as the actual ruler instead of Aegon. Her and Otto feel like the type to gain a bit of experience and then consider themselves masters of their craft which backfires spectacularly. She thought because she ruled in visery's stead when he was bedridden she could do so again, despite being at war and having others directly challenging her now which she doesn't have experience with. Otto assumed because he has guided a king before that he could do so again with aegon, despite never building up any sort of affection or trust and never actually teaching him.
If she had supported Rhaenyra’s claim and made sure her children do to she would most likely now sit at that table with a position of power as the Queen dowager and friend to the Queen … and her daughter would be in a happy marriage (with Rhae’s heir ) and her grandchildren would one day sit the throne (like she could have had it all )
Everytime Aemond says "Lord Strong" i can't stop laughing 😂😂😂
Aemond is fascinating and so charismatic
Even Aemond realizes that the ratcatchers' death was stupid of Aegon
It is fucking stupid because it leads to the common people hating the crown which has consequences later.
Eh I’d say the thing with the rat catchers was stupid. What annoys me is that the show writers refuse to acknowledge how bad it is that rhaenys killed hundreds of small folk in her escape on maeleys and now said that their deaths are seen as a bad omen
everyone besides Aegon knew it was stupid.
@@aleemizcool3654bruh it was stupid as fuck what do you mean? All he had to do was have helaena pick the right one from a roundup
@@idawg7332it's because the high born don't GIVE A DAMN about the small folk lol
What was Alicent expecting? I am wondering if Rhaeny's words did get to her- Rhaenys had asked Alicent if she ever saw herself on the throne. and here is the sign that yes she could see herself on the throne.
Rhaenys was passed over for her uncle then her cousin, because she is a woman even though she was her father's rightful heir.
When Viserys was unable to perform his duties as king rather than hand over the responsibilities to his named heir Rhaenyra, His hand Otto Hightower ruled in his stead.
the hightowers replaced Rhaenyra with Aegon - because she is a woman and he is a son. They did everything they could to make the realm believe Rhaenyra couldn't rule because she is a woman-----So why did Alicent think she would be viewed as any different?
And surprisingly Larys was the one to make a the point to Alicent- we usurped Rhaenyra because she is a woman- what would the realm think if the greens put a woman on the throne after doing everything to prove Rhaenyra couldn't be on the throne because she is female.
Rhaenyra at least has sons, even if her eldest were bastards by birth Viserys legitimized them and she has two younger sons who are legitimate targaryen heirs
Very well put. I actually cheered when Larys said that. Kudos to the actors for a job well done.
That was some bs said by rhaenys alicent has no royal Targaryen blood why would rhaenys ask do she see herself on the iron throne knowing she will never get it
Maybe because Otto was a competent ruler unlike Rhaenyra, not to mentioned that she rather preferred wasting her time with her uncle in dragonstone.
@@kap2652 It's not bs at all. Targeryens themselves took the seven kingdoms because they could. Aegon I had no right to those lands but he took and ruled them all the same. Rhaenys was basically asking that since the Hightowers were usurping the throne after Viserys death in ep9. Doesn't she see herself on the throne ruling rather than her son or father, or if she at least has some ambition instead of being a puppet to the men around her by always dancing to their tune.
@@zusiphesapo9598 Aegon I won his right to rule the seven kingdoms through the way all the other kings of westeros did, through war and conquest? That's literally the only claim they had on eachothers lands. Look at the riverlands for example, literally conquered by Ironborn, then conquered by Stormlanders, the reconquered by Ironborn. Then you have the Andals who came from the east and formed the current cultures of Westeros their reason being divine conquest. So if Aegon I had no right, then those same warlike kings have no claim either.
Alicent: "Women can’t rule! My eldest son is the king!"
Aegon: *frothing at the mouth in bed*
Aemond: "I'm your son too, mother, and technically next in the royal line of succession."
Alicent: "I should rule in my son's stead! I have the experience!"
Council: "You're a woman."
Aemond: "Still here, still your son, and my brother's successor!"
Council: "Aemond for the win!"
Alicent: *screams internally*
🤣🤣🤣.
When the heck did she said Women can't rule? She literally accepted Rhaenyra as the ruler before her miscommunicated convo during Viserys' death.
@@elamcyril Alicent said to Rhaenys "We do not rule, but we may guide the men that do." She's never accepted Rhaenyra as the next in line. She thought she heard Viserys speak of Aegon as the next king, because that's what she wanted to hear.
@elamcyril Alicent never truly accepted Rhaenyra's rule, and by allowing Otto Hightower to usurp the iron throne so they could prop her son up as their puppet ruler, she made it clear who's side she was on. She spent years trying to poison Viserys against his own daughter in the hopes he'd snub Rhaenyra and make Aegon his successor, but it never worked, so she went with her father's scheme out of hate, jealousy, and resentment toward her ex-friend. Even if Viserys was saying things on his deathbed, he was too drugged up to be coherent enough to make any changes or decisions. Alicent heard what she wanted to hear and told herself she was carrying out his wishes when she was actually doing it to get back at Rhaenyra by putting her son on the throne.
She really had a chance to show support of other son for a change and failed 😂
She actually thought they’d back her LOL. She gave up her toes and carnal favors and it still wasn’t enough. SIT DOWN!
🤣🤣🤣🤣 not the toes
Brutal.
This was satisfying for the story
The moment she realizes she has no control. She can't control her son, the person shes sleeping with, and the person she gives feet pics too.
Alicent and Otto have long played the game of "I WANNA RULE" to the detriment of their future generations.
As someone else said commented, Otto could've spent time educating Aegon to be a good king but, for all his wisdom, he didn't because he and Alicent wanted a puppet they could rule through by proxy, which just made the prospects of the Greens worse in the long run.
When Aegon himself didn't want to be king, they dragged him to the throne just because they wanted a puppet.
Even if I disapprove of the reason used by the council to do it (sexism), it's high time people made Otto/Alicent understand that they're not Targaryens. They can advise by they have no right to rule.
Exactly. If Otto and Alicent wanted Aegon to be king, they should have spent some time preparing him, instead of wanting to use him and control him like a puppet. That often backfires horribly with Targaryens, and it blew up in Otto's and Alicent's face almost immediately.
Girl really let the leader of the enemy faction escape during a civil war & then went "why won't they let me lead the war effort?"
That's what I thought during this whole scene. Letting the enemy queen walk away and then wanting to lead the war effort is wild.😅
Lmao and she put Aegon in that place
Also is a non sense that Alicent wants to protect his kids yet SHE doesnt care Aegon
She wants him to be the King and having control on Aegon YET SHE HURT HIM AND DOESNT GIVE A F-
WHAT IS HER PLAN SHE IS BIPOLAR ? DOESNT make any sense having to different views of the same subject
If she was an actual mother Aegon (more than being a good ruler) would be manipulate to make different decision something Larrys is doing LOL he has Aegon on his pocket
@@Morfe02 Although Alicent can be horrible to him, she does somewhat love Aegon when it comes down to it. You could tell she felt very distressed when the maesters were tending to him. And the way she gently touched him when he was resting later on in the episode looked like a hint of affection.
@@garlantyrell6368 i dont know man the fact could be "canon" that Alicent helps Jaehaerys and Viserys in bed
yet she goes away the moment when Aegon awakes (she doesnt see him) sends me different vibes or messages of the directors
@@Morfe02 It just shows that she doesn’t know how to give emotional support to her children. She loves them, but also knows nothing about how to be a mother, somewhat because she’s treating them the same way her own father treated her growing up.
I like how the young maester was the only one humble enough to respect her, and defend her claim. Right after doing whatever necessary to save her son. Support came were It was least expected, even If It was obvious. Dude is not only a professional, he's also full of compassion. An excellent doctor. I like him.
Alas his support probably meant the least...had either Lannister or Cole supoorted her it might've changed some minds.
One voice is still a minority in a vote.
@@MrDibara He's still sweet.
Its almost weird not having a pos maester lol
Like Cersei the only woman she ever cared about was herself
Atleast cersei loved her children, she cleary doesn't, cersei led her children be the kind, unlike alicent who is fighting with his son aemond
@@falakkhan8442Allicent has morals, she calls out her children for their bad behaviour. Cersei coddles her children and defends them.
@@TTUploadsagreed alicent is 10 times better than that thing named cersei
@@falakkhan8442Alicent is an uptight bitch who I can go on and on about. But for every sin, Cersei triples them. Alicent is NOWHERE near her depravity.
She's absolutely a selfish cow, but Cersei's more or less insane
0:41 that's brilliant acting. The way she's moving her hand, thinking yet simultaneously trying to control her emotions.
1:52 Cole was like: What do you look at me for? damn woman
He was good enough to be her Boy Toy but not her Baby Daddy ... then she gets mad he won't stick out his neck for her ??? 🙄🙄🙄
Tbh he spared her the horrifying future.
@@gameboyfila they started doing it after viserys died and if then she gets pregnant with cole's child both will be unalived
So, they were not wrong, Aemond is next in the line of succession and choosing Alicent over him, when one of the reasons for choosing Aegon as king was the fact that Rhaenyra is a woman, would be hypocrisy. And in the end, Alicent realized how stupid she was, no matter how much she criticized and thought little of Aegon, he was the only one who listened and stood by her, he would seek, listen and respect her, giving her power, yet she belittled him. In the end, her only ally was the son she despised.
Love it, good take
Tbh Aemond was a mama's boy in season 1. Alicent soured their relationship in season 2 and lookie now. So smart huh?
I think the 'now she knows what it feels like' people are maybe misunderstanding this scene - Alicent is not only now becoming a victim of the patriarchy, she has been her whole life. The key difference between her and Rhaenyra is that, Rhaenyra's position + Viserys turning a blind eye gave her the power to make room for herself outside of a woman's role in the patriarchy, while Alicent has been trying to stay withing the Westerosi standard of a 'good woman'. When Rhaenyra is ignored and usurped, Alicent assumes this is because she's broken the 'rules' (mainly by having obvious bastards) and so still believes that she can claim some agency having played the good, dutiful wife for so long, but this scene is her realising that everything she suffered and sacrificed and put her children through was for nothing - she cannot win. It's not really a 'haha, gotcha' moment in my opinion; it's tragic and I think deserves more empathy than it's getting.
This!!! 🎉 Rhaenyra in a sense is Alicent's shadow: she represents everything Alicent wants deep, deep down but is too scared to outrightly claim for herself (and understandably so, given the partriarchy of the age). All this time, Alicent has always tried to carve out her own significance through the men in her lives - Viserys, Otto, and Aegon - while fooling herself that what she values are honor, justice, and temperance. But unconsciously, what Alicent desires and represses inside her is what Rhaenyra boldly declares for: power, esteem, and validation. That's why Alicent ends up despising Rhaenyra so much: she sees in Rhaenyra her own suppressed will to power. Jungian Shadow: the thing that bothers us the most in another person is usually the thing that we have disowned in ourselves. This scene is her 'karma' and her realizing that she and Rhaenyra are two sides of the same coin - and that there is no salvation for either of them in the current system.
Alicent’s eagerness to rule was too on the nose lmao. She should have known it was a long shot.
If she had a good relationship with her son Aemond, she could rule through him like a Catelyn/Robb or Olenna/Mace parallel.
But oh well, she's not the warmest of mums.
2:34 larys that sly devil 😂 he's been putting a rift between Alicent and Cole yet passing the heat directly to Cole was a vile move 😂😂😂
Men in power will always choose each other over even a capable woman. Alicent is learning that lesson over and over.
But Alicent is not capable. She literally let the enemy queen escape when she could have easily captured her. Gender aside Alicent has no business leading the war effort.
Alicent is a peacemaker in a time where every bridge has been burnt and every dragon is free to dance. What's the point, it's like keeping a farming hoe on your belt when a sword can be placed instead?@@masterplokoon8803
@@masterplokoon8803both are true. Alicent was incapable and men will choose each other over even a capable woman. The older you get, the more you see (specially if you work)
@@Phoenix.219 This is the absolute truth. Men are gonna be men and when given the choice they will always choose their fellow man over even the most brilliant of women. I guess Alicent didn't get the memo.
To be fair, this was an environment Alicent contributed to. The entirety of the green’s politics rested on Rhaenyra being unfit to rule the realm because she was a woman. Alicent believed this and worked to undermine her for the sake of her own son, who she knew was incompetent and even a rapist. She is responsible for this mindset continuing.
Alicent: "I know Aegon's legitimate, next-in-line male adult heir to the throne is sitting right there, and the Hand of the King sitting right next to me, BUT"
In trying to spare the realm from daemon Otto and alicent made a far worse version of him
despite daemon being daemon he was loyal to viserys and he will be loyal to his wife, Aemond is a kin slayer, he is what daemon would be if he had given to his vices
@@dorime3031 daemon's loyalty to Rhaenyra is questionable -- he told the Brackens to bend the knee to him, not Rhaenyra.
@@dorime3031 daemon's loyalty to Rhaenyra is questionable -- he told the Brackens to bend the knee to him, not Rhaenyra.
@@DelusionalNYCNo it isn't Daemon never broke his loyalty to Rhaenyra he just thinks she is weak and passive
@@dorime3031 Daemon is also a kinslayer. These two are as bad as each other.
The look of resentment for her own son is just wow. She wants power so much that she can’t even love her kids. Aemond is a hot head yes but the way he took charge of that meeting shows he’s strategically good at being king just that in battle he gonna think after he did what he did lol.
A very powerful scene. Neither she nor her father were able to control Aegon or Aemond in the least.
Now, everything they feared is crashing down on them - and Alicent is completely powerless because the entire claim of her house to the throne is based on the fact that a male heir comes before a female one. Oh, the sweet, sweet irony...
Otto and Alicent imagined they can control Aegon and Aemond, but forgot the brothers are Targaryen and they are infamously hard to control. They mistook them for old, ill, weak Viserys, who was an exception to the rule.
@@teodorakoslov2929 You're right, their Targaryen heritage surely makes them quite difficult to control, yes, but I also think that it's the total lack of actual good parenting in their youth that let them spiral out of control, at least in the show.
Viserys didn't really care about his "green" children at all - but neither did Alicent which is even worse, given the fact, that she was so keen on putting her own blood on the throne. Alicent never loved her children and projected her own negative feelings towards them, refusing them love, care or real solace. Her motherly feelings were always shallow and half-hearted.
So it's no wonder that they refuse to listen to her now.
@@mmmelancholia Oh, absolutely. If their parents (or even Otto) actually cared for those kids and guided them properly, it would have been easier to reason with them as adults. But seeing how no one bothered, and with their Targ dispositions, they should have realised there would be no controlling them.
Rhaenys words to Alicent "You toil still to service of men"
She works for men and now the men pushed her aside.
I really like how they hyper focused on her to really make us feel her reaction to losing power.
Remember an episode ago when Alicent told Aegon to “do what is expected of him, do nothing”… 🙂
"I never thought the leopards would eat my face" sobbed the woman who voted for Leopards Eating People's Faces Party
🎶Now I know how Rhaenyra felt. Now I know how Rhaenyra felt!🎶
Hard to find a more incompetent leader and parent than Cersei but holy shit here we are.
I never thought I'd see the day when I compare Cercei favourably to someone, but here we are. Not only that, but at least Cercei was also entertaining to read about/watch.
Nobody else is mentioning it but this scene almost mirrors the scene of Aegon II in the council. Her dissociating because she realizes nobody’s listening and they’re just talking around her is VERY similar to Aegon before he stormed off the council. Alicent then told him to listen to people that are better at their jobs and to do nothing. Now she knows what that feels like.
The end of this was such a good depiction of a person who is trying not to cry in public. The way she's there but not really present, just trying to keep it together.
This was Alicent's Karma and i couldn't be happier. She backstabbed and betrayed Rhaenyra only to have both her Paramours betray her. Yes Alicent the Leopards ate your face because Leopards don't change their spots. The whole point of the war is to keep a woman off the Throne.
3:34 Hello darkness my old friend...
Alicent kind of forgot that she wore that green dress at Rhaenyra's first wedding to PREVENT a woman from taking the throne. Whoops.
The latest episode clearly showed how criston Cole lost his soul and his trust in men with swords after seeing dragons in battle
She really thought she was going to be ruler when their entire claim the throne is based off, not wanting women to rule? 😂
There is so much going on thru Alicent’s head right now. The sound production alone deserves all the awards to be able capture and portray the muted rage she is feeling.
I don’t know if Alicent hates Aemond, is afraid of him, or simply does not know him. It might be all of the above.
She couldn’t get an answer out of Cole. Aegon is burnt and broken. Aemond is on the throne. Doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together.
She now has no power or play in this dance. Everything she has stoked is now out of her control. And she can’t even voice it.
Yupp it's all of the above. Not necessarily hate but she doesn't like him bcz she scared of him as she can't control him and he is powerful and wise in every sense
It seems sudden Alicent wanted to be in the spotlight. She always had power over her children (save for Aegon later) and dont need the official title of regent. Her experience in ruling doesnt evaporate because of the lack of a title.
She could have power over Aegon, manipulation, yet SHE insult him and ignore him multiple times
Which concludes on Aegon going to Rooks Rest LOL
She could Talk with Aegon to manipulate him something Larys is doing excellent with a few words 😂
She wanted the throne for herself bcz she knows she can't control Aemond. She knows he is Daemon 2.0 out of anyone's control and he listens bcz he is wise enough to do that. Her dialogue with Rhaneyra "you know what Aemond is" says enough about what she thinks of him.
It’s more fear for Aemond than anything
you acknowledge that she has no power over Aemond then express surprise over her desire to keep him out of the role as regent? without the title of regent nor her father's protection, Alicent is now utterly powerless. Aemond could easily dismiss her from the small council after her failed power play and would be within his rights to do so. He won't though as he'll enjoy basking in her impotence.
Alicent: I wish to nominate myself, the woman responsible for all this shit happening in the first place and set my son up as king because primogenitor *continues in hypocrisy*
Aemond: now comes the part where we throw our heads back and laugh, ready?
Smol Council: READY!!!!
Aemond and Smol Council: *laughs in irony and reminder of the Hightower’s words: “Behold, the consequences of our actions,”*
How is she responsible for all the shit? Don't get me wrong she helped make it, but the council was planning the usurpation well in advance, Alicent was the last one to find out. She's a hypocrite, but she doesn't bear the responsibility alone.
Alicent didn't even get humbled but got put in her place. You see why you don't question King Viserys decision. This is exactly why Viserys chose Queen Rhaynera. This isn't only ironic but poetic you being put down. Shrinking in her seat literally she's a clown
If she did not question Viserys’ decision she would not be on the council at all, so what is your point?
Lmao Viserys was also dumb for choosing Rhaenyra and doing nothing to stop the buildup of the civil war. None of these 3 people mentioned are smart.
Viserys was an idiot yeah question his decision. He didn't bother to train or warn rhaenyra of the political intrigue
@@daru3015 What are you talking about? You mean a false council that was created of tyrants and weaklings. Alicent and Otto had no rights, bearing, and say on reversing King Viserys decision. Even to the point where they realized how stupid they are putting Aegon in charge
@@MarwolfAeducan What the heck are you talking about? He warned Rhaynera the Iron Throne is the most dangerous seat in the world and the amount of enemies it creates. He even did teach her through season 1 episode 1-4 about ruling.
Alicent look has words all over her face.
I don’t understand why she’s upset. SHE raised them and this isvwhat she wanted. She wanted her son’s to be next in line. She was never meant to rule. Her job as a mother was to raise kings. It’s unfortunate that she did a poor job.
Agreed, at least rhaenyra was a good mother and tried to raise her kids right
Hah! Alicent.. How does it feel to be in Raenyra’s shoes ( or the princess Raenys one) and you want to know why she wants the crown..🤨🤨 That sense of betrayal she got from Cole was epic
When you let anger control you then you stop listening.
3:00
decisiveness was key. interesting how aemond quickly maneuvered into position after the agreement of his regency
aemond just sits there and says nothing...and then he gets chosen anyway, perfect
1:37 LMAOOOO HIS LITTLE LIP QUIP
Alicent was not really denied power because of evil men or patriarchy, she just showed herself unfit to rule. She attempted to control Aegon and instead she lashed out at him and caused the King to rashly ride into battle to escape the capital. She could not control the council neither, with its members seemingly plotting without each other’s knowledge, which also led to the catastrophe at Rook’s Rest. She had the head of the opposing faction in her hands, and instead of seizing her and ending the war immediately she prioritised her personal honour and feelings for her old friend over the good of the realm.
She’s just proven to be a mediocre ruler at best in the time of crisis, so it is natural that the councillors would like Aemond to take a shot at it.
So much for her attempts toward gentle guidance- she's as short-sighted & self-centered as they get.
If she'd had an ounce of commonsense, she should have pushed past her daddy-issues to give Aegon some guidance when he asked for it.
And say something else other than her had still triggered him to drunk-dragon to Rook's Rest, & he was brought back crispi-fied -- she should have never risked the humiliation of being rejected, by putting herself forward; she could have taken Aemond's protectorship as an opportunity to start over - throw her support behind him & move forward in governance alongside him -- the show has thrown around some strange character trajectories...
It’s definitely because she is a woman first and foremost. She realizes the only reason she was able to rule before was because her late husband king LET her. He wasn’t sexist like the rest of them
regardless, Alicent is a woman and has no Targeryan blood. Those to facts are the same reason she started the war with Raenyra, putting her on the throne makes no sense when Aemond is there and he checks those to conditions. Furthermore, Aemond is a good warrior with "control" over the most powerful dragon (and the only dragon they can rely currently). There is nothing Alicent has in her favour to help her, even if she were smart she would still have no basis unless she kills every Targeryan. Otto understood that and that's why he wanted a puppet since he could never aspire to be the king
Two of them straight up say she can't rule because she's a woman. Its main sexism that drives the decision.
The best scene of the season so far !
Interesting how Aemond just kind of sits back and lets the argument be won in his favor
One of THE most interesting things about Game of Thrones was the concept of karma. What a character did oftentimes revisited that same character to the third power. In the first episode Ned Stark beheaded a deserter from the Nightswatch. A few episodes later Ned would be beheaded himself. In the first season Dany quietly killed Khal Drogo with a pillow when it became obvious he would never be the man he was. In the final season Jon Snow quietly put a dagger in Dany’s heart after she burned King’s Landing. The Queen of Thorns had King Joffrey poisoned and so it was somewhat befitting that she too was poisoned. In the Game of Thrones you win or you die, but what you send out into the world will come back to you. And I see that same sense of karma in House of the Dragon. Alicent helped keep Rhaenyra off the iron throne only to find herself being done the same way and despite there being a need to have a sensible head on the throne regardless of what is between their legs.
Alicent you can thank your dear ol dad for this
3:33 when I lose all my money at the casino
I wont write about Alicent. I will write about how a great actress is Olivia Cooke. Her eyes in this scene speaks...screams about despair.
Even Sir Crispy Critter did not have her back. Oh Alicent!
She's Queen Mother, nothing more
As someone who only watches HOTD from the short CZcams snippets, it's kinda hilarious to remember Alicent as "the lady with an aghast expression no matter what happens" and to hear her saying "Aemond is young" when she literally looks younger than 95% of the characters including her own children. 😂
I heard that Olivia Cooke (Alicent‘s actress) is only about three years older than the actors that play Aegon and Aemond.
@@ellaadairShe was born in 1993, while Ewan Mitchell (Aemond) was born in 1998 and Tom Glynn-Carney (Aegon) was born in 1995. Even by the standards of Westeros, she isn’t anywhere old enough to be their mom; an older sister if anything. They’re all incredible actors but it can be hard to take seriously knowing the fellas could have literally gone to school with their “mom.”
@@Garrus1995 Right and I think the producers originally wanted to change the actors for Rhaenyra and Alicent again because they were so close in age with their "children", but then decided against it. I think they didn’t want to make it too confusing by changing the actors a second time.
I noticed that in S1E6 Alicent was breathing so hard when she didn’t get her way when Viserys told Lord Strong to still be his hand and walks away. This episode, you can clearly hear her hard breathing.
Women in the show: Why won’t the men let me lead?
*Proceed to watch every female protagonist and antagonist, except Jeyne Arryn, being very incompetent at their jobs. Alysanne Targaryen is rolling in her grave. The humanization is great but taking away the political mindset to just being upset that I have no respect from the men is a bit annoying.
*My question: Is the show really trying to support women or make them look like idiots in the show? Martin avoided that when he wrote Fire & Blood which I am very grateful for. I understand the female characters are villainized in the Fire and Blood book but it was written by the maesters. Leaders during times of war are villainized because war is horrible.
The show has gone in the opposite direction, basically whitewashing the two female leads, while martin did not villainize female characters, he showed that women are human beings and capable of good and evil just the same as men are.