It seems people are just now starting to realize that Daemon Targaryen is not a very nice person.
Despite his morally dubious and self-serving nature, Matt Smith's compelling take on the brother of the late King Viserys has emerged as one of the most popular characters in HBO's House of the Dragon, but his actions during last night's season finale lost him a lot of support.
When Rhaenys informs Rhaenyra of her father's death and her half-brother Aegon's usurping of the throne, Daemon urges immediate action. However, the Princess wishes to avoid war at all costs, reminding her husband of Viserys' prophecy regarding the "Prince who was promised" and the final stand against the emerging darkness in the North.
With that, an incensed Daemon sizes his wife by the throat and begins to choke her. It's not made explicitly clear what set him off, but Rhaenyra suggests it might have something to do with Viserys not trusting his brother enough to tell him about the prophecy.
As if this wasn't bad enough, Rhaenyra had been forced to deliver their stillborn child while Daemon talked strategy in the other room earlier in the episode.
We've seen Daemon do some pretty heinous stuff over the course of the season (including bashing his first wife's head in with a rock and seducing his underage niece), but for many, putting his hands on Rhaenyra was a step too far. This does mark a departure from the book, though nothing we've seen from the character in the series up until now suggests that he wouldn't be capable of this kind of act.
At any rate, if it's war Daemon wants, it's war he shall have, as Rhaenyra is sure-to-be fuelled by vengeance after learning of the death of her beloved son Lucerys (more here).
What did you guys make of Daemon's actions in the season finale of House of the Dragon? Be sure to share your thoughts down below.
About The Author:
Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.