South of King’s Landing: Game of Thrones Aftershow

"The Queen Who Ever Was" Review - House of The Dragon, Season 2, Episode 8

The season finale has left a few fans disappointed, especially with a long wait for what's next. But were Dylan and Ashley left as disgruntled? Listen to find out! And what they thought of the season as a whole.
Takeaways From This Week
The season finale focuses on setting up the pieces for Season 3
The episode features memorable quotes and amusing scenes
There is a possibility of a peaceful resolution to the war
Daemon's realization that there are bigger things in the world than the crown serves as the crux of the episode. Rhanera decides to go find Aegon and confront him
The scene between Alicent and Rhanera is tense and filled with sharp dialogue
The future of the show is uncertain, with war looming and characters in danger
A teaser for the spin-off show, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, was released
Episode Breakdown
Episode Title: The Queen Who Ever Was
Synopsis: As Aemond becomes more volatile, Larys plots an escape, and Alicent grows more concerned about Helaena's safety. Flush with new power, Rhaenyra looks to press her advantage.
Director: Geeta Patel
Writer: Sara Hess
Cast: Emma D'Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Sonoya Mizuno, Matthew Needham, Tom-Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Kurt Egyiawan, Abubakar Salim, Clinton Liberty, Kieran Bew, Ellora Torchia, Tom Bennett
Hosts:
Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil
Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
South of King’s Landing Credits:
Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

"The Red Sowing" Review - House of The Dragon, Season 2, Episode 7

In the penultimate episode of the season, we get alllllllll the dragons. 
Takeaways From This Week
The episode focuses on the development of the dragon riders and the war for the Iron Throne.
Alicent's storyline is explored, but her character's purpose is unclear.
Damon's character shows growth and vulnerability.
The opening scene with Rhaenyra and Adam of Hull sets the tone for the episode.
The significance of lineage and bastards is discussed. Elitism is a prominent theme in House of the Dragon, with the noble folk believing they are more deserving of being dragon riders.
The moral dilemma of sacrificing lives for the greater good is explored, with Rhaneyra making the choice to potentially lose a few randoms to win the war.
The introduction of new dragon riders, such as Ulf, adds excitement and unpredictability to the story.
Lena's storyline of searching for a wild dragon adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative.
The upcoming season finale is highly anticipated, with the potential for a major battle and the resolution of various storylines.
Episode Breakdown
Episode Title: The Red Sowing
Synopsis: The war for the Iron Throne escalates, and Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, in a crucial gamble, is prepared to risk everything in her urgent quest for dragon riders.
Director: Loni Peristere
Writer: David Hancock
Cast: Emma D'Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Sonoya Mizuno, Matthew Needham, Tom-Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Kurt Egyiawan, Abubakar Salim, Clinton Liberty, Kieran Bew, Ellora Torchia, Tom Bennett
Hosts:
Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil
Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
South of King’s Landing Credits:
Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

"Smallfolk" Review - House of The Dragon, Season 2, Episode 6

It seems we'll be seeing some new dragons in the coming episodes, or at least one with a new rider, as things get ready to heat up.
Episode Breakdown
Episode Title: Smallfolk
Synopsis: With few options left, Rhaenyra embarks on a risky venture while Aemond takes steps to reshape the Green Council. 
Director: Andrij Parekh
Writer: Eileen Shim
Cast: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Matthew Needham, Sonoya Mizuno, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Phia Saban, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Jefferson Hall, Kurt Egyiawan
Hosts:
Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil
Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
South of King’s Landing Credits:
Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

"Regent" Review - House of The Dragon, Season 2, Episode 5

Following the intense finale from last week, this episode leaves Dylan a bit sour, especially when it comes to Daemon's story.
Takeaways From This Week
Damon's storyline is the weakest element of the show
The Greens are strategizing to fill a void on Agon's council
Character moments reveal power dynamics and shifting alliances
Dragon blood is needed to ride the dragons
Episode Breakdown
Episode Title: Regent
Synopsis: Amid whispers of bad omens, the Greens consider how to fill a void on Aegon's Council. Jacaerys sets out on a rogue mission to strike a deal. Daemon enlists Lord Willem Blackwood to help persuade the Brackens to bend the knee..
Director: Clare Kilner
Writer: Ti Mikkel
Cast: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Matthew Needham, Sonoya Mizuno, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Phia Saban, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Jefferson Hall, Kurt Egyiawan
Hosts:
Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil
Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
South of King’s Landing Credits:
Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

"The Red Dragon and the Gold" Review - House of The Dragon, Season 2, Episode 4

A shocking episode with a full-on dragon fight has us on the edge of our seats.
Takeaways From This Week
The episode had a high impact, ending with major character deaths
The pacing of the episode felt off compared to the rest of the season
The dragon battle was a standout moment
The hosts speculate on the future of the show and discuss character arcs
Rhaenyra's decision to go into battle was a fearless and memorable moment
The episode ended with a shocking twist
Episode Breakdown
Episode Title: The Red Dragon and the Gold
Synopsis: As Rhaenyra makes sure there is no other way to end this conflict but war, dragons flew, and the dance begun.
Director: Alan Taylor
Writer: Ti Mikkel
Cast: Matt Smith, Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Matthew Needham, Sonoya Mizuno, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Phia Saban, Harry Collett, Freddie Fox, Gayle Rankin
Hosts:
Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil
Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
South of King’s Landing Credits:
Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

"The Burning Mill” Review - House of The Dragon, Season 2, Episode 3

War cannot be stopped, and blood is on the horizon following this episode of House of the Dragon.
Takeaways From This Week
The episode focuses on the futility of war and the attempts to prevent it.
The standout performances and memorable moments make the episode enjoyable.
The opening scene sets the tone for the episode, showcasing the conflicts between different factions.
The war council meeting in King's Landing highlights the arguments and tensions among the characters.
The events at Dragonstone emphasize the importance of preventing war and the sacrifices made to protect the future.
The presence of dragon eggs hints at the potential for the return of dragons in the future. The characters in House of the Dragon are looking for moral victories rather than actual victories.
The Targaryen dragons are on the verge of extinction, and there are no happy endings in the series.
Harrenhal is a massive castle in disrepair, and Daemon wants to take it for its strategic position.
Damon's dream sequence and the encounter between Rhaenyra and Alicent in the church have significant implications for the story.
Rhaenyra's conversation with Alicent solidifies her decision to go to war.
Episode Breakdown
Episode Title: The Burning Mill
Synopsis: Daemon flies to Harrenhal to begin arranging an army, while Rhaenyra meets an old friend to try stopping the war from cascading.
Director: Geeta Vasant Patel
Writer: David Hancock
Cast: Matt Smith, Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Matthew Needham, Sonoya Mizuno, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Phia Saban, Harry Collett, Freddie Fox, Gayle Rankin
Hosts:
Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil
Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
South of King’s Landing Credits:
Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

”Rhaenyra the Cruel” Review - House of The Dragon: Season 2, Episode 2

This week's 70-minute episode has a lot to break down. The fallout from the gruesome death at the end of last week's episode is felt across Westeros.
Takeaways From This Week
The acting and dialogue in House of the Dragon are better than Game of Thrones so far.
The episode sets up the eventual conflict between the two sides.
The character dynamics and performances are strong.
The episode explores the consequences of the murder of King Aegon's heir.
The episode hints at the importance of certain characters and their future roles. Frustration with the decisions made by certain characters
Discussion of the fight between the twins
Episode Breakdown
Episode Title: Rhaenyra the Cruel
Synopsis: Both Alicent and Rhenera are facing the consequences of the murder of King Ageon's heir
Director: Clare Kilber
Writer: Sara Hess
Cast: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Matthew Needham, Sonoya Mizuno, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Phia Saban, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Jefferson Hall, Kurt Egyiawan
Hosts:
Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil
Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
South of King’s Landing Credits:
Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

”A Son For A Son” Review - House of The Dragon: Season 2, Episode 1

Welcome back to South of King's Landing, where we're discussing each episode of House of the Dragon, week by week, and it's all kicking off with this intense series premiere!
Takeaways From This Week
The new opening sequence sets the tone for the season and provides a glimpse into the history and current events of House of the Dragon.
The Starks are portrayed as the morally right side, but their alliance with the blacks challenges this perception.
The dragons are visually impressive and play a significant role in the story.
The Hightower group's actions and hypocrisy highlight the moral ambiguity of the characters.
King Aegon's childish behavior and his desire to kill everyone demonstrate the show's attempt to balance good and evil. The humor in House of the Dragon adds an enjoyable element to the show
The motives of certain characters, such as Otto Hightower and Alison Hightower, are unclear
The final scene of the episode creates tension and anticipation for future episodes
The sound design in House of the Dragon is effective in creating a visceral reaction
Episode Breakdown
Episode Title: A Son For A Son
Synopsis: As Alicent grows concerned by Aegon's Small Council, Rhaenyra arrives at a fateful decision.
Director: Alan Taylor
Writer: Ryan J. Condal, Ti Mikkel
Cast: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Matthew Needham, Sonoya Mizuno, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Phia Saban, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Jefferson Hall, Kurt Egyiawan
Hosts:
Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil
Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
South of King’s Landing Credits:
Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques
Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

”The Black Queen” Review - House of The Dragon: Season 01, Episode 10

The season finale of House of the Dragon officially starts the Dance of the Dragons.Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley The Black QueenWhile mourning a tragic loss, Rhaenyra tries to hold the realm together, and Daemon prepares for war.Director: Greg YaitanesWriter: Ryan J. CondalCast: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Harry Collett, Ewan Mitchell, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Bijan Daneshmand, Phil Daniels, Elliot GrihaultIntro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ South of King’s Landing Art:Cherie Henriques Support Us:http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

”The Green Council” Review - House of The Dragon: Season 01, Episode 09

Do heads roll in the penultimate episode of House of the Dragon Season 1? Do dragons fight? The most shocking thing but be what’s right in front of our faces.Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley The Green CouncilWhile Alicent enlists Cole and Aemond to track down Aegon, Otto gathers the great houses of Westeros to affirm their allegiance.Director: Claire KilnerWriter: Sara HessCast: Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Fabien Frankel, Eve Best, Sonoya Mizuno, Graham McTavish, Matthew Needham, Jefferson Hall, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Phia SabanIntro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ South of King’s Landing Art:Cherie Henriques Support Us:http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion