Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5.
Summary
- Daemon Targaryen's dream sequence in House of the Dragon S2E5 is unexpected, delving into his internal conflicts and desires.
- Daemon's scene with Alyssa Targaryen offers a unique insight into his character, exploring his need for control and superiority.
- The reveal of Daemon's sexual fantasy involving his mother, Alyssa Targaryen, was a surprising book change with mixed reactions.
Nothing could've prepared me for Daemon Targaryen's dream sequence in House of the Dragon cast, and I respect audiences' desire for more of him.
Daemon's plotline with Alys Rivers has been entirely original to the show, and it's allowed us a peek into Daemon's thoughts and feelings, which he typically keeps well guarded. The visions earlier in the season of younger Rhaenyra were telling of his feelings about his wife/niece and how he has a constant need for control and superiority. In House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5, things took a turn for the weirder with Daemon having a sexual fantasy about his and Viserys' mother, Alyssa Targaryen.
House Of The Dragon Season 2 Trailers Built Anticipation For The Alyssa Scene (Sort Of)
HOTD's Trailers Hinted At Aemma Arryn Being Daemon's Fantasy
House of the Dragon's season 2 trailer showed glimpses of Daemon having a sex scene with someone who appeared to be a Targaryen woman. Since it clearly wasn't Rhaenyra, many speculated that the woman would be Aemma Arryn, King Viserys' first wife and Rhaenyra's mother. I went into the scene expecting the woman to be Aemma, as it would've expanded further on Daemon's inferiority complex with Viserys and his constant desire to be king.
I was confused when I didn't recognize the woman and wondered if they'd re-cast Aemma before my jaw dropped to the floor at the reveal of her being Daemon's mother. I had prepared myself for Aemma, understanding the thematic purpose and alignment in what Daemon's story is really about: his undying conflict with Viserys. It was undoubtedly one of the stranger book changes this season that I'm not entirely sure was justified.
Why Daemon Dreaming Of Aemma Would've Been Better
Aemma Would've Been A Less Provocative Choice With The Same Effect
I can't say I'm too upset at this Daemon decision, as generally, I find it amusing and can see the purpose of Alyssa Targaryen having some foundational effect on Daemon's psychological issues and complexes. However, in a season that's received consistent criticism for its book changes, I think playing out the scene with Aemma could have accomplished a similar thematic effect while evoking unnecessary less shock value. It's the type of book change that just seems almost too far-fetched to bother with, and House of the Dragon likely could've done without it.
Taking place about 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon tells the tale of the rise of the Targaryens, the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria. The popular HBO spinoff show first starred Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower before they were replaced by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, who play the older versions of the characters. Also starring in the series is Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen) and Paddy Considine as Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys Targaryen.
- Cast
- Eve Best, Gavin Spokes, Graham McTavish, Bill Paterson, Matthew Needham, David Horovitch
- Franchise(s)
- Game of Thrones
- Seasons
- 4
- Streaming Service(s)
- MAX
