House of the Dragon Episode 8 – Recap & Review

Welcome, fellow Targaryen enthusiasts, to the fire and fury of a new era in Westeros! House of the Dragon Episode 8 has premiered, taking us back 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones to explore the rise and fall of House Targaryen. The tension in King’s Landing reaches a boiling point in episode 8 of House of the Dragon, titled “The Lord of the Tides.” Six years have passed since the events of the previous episode, and the conflict surrounding the succession continues to simmer beneath the surface. King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine), frail and increasingly reliant on milk of the poppy, struggles to maintain control of a fracturing court.

House of the Dragon Episode 8 Video Review:

A House Divided

Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) find themselves locked in an icy war of words and passive-aggressive maneuvers. Their strained relationship casts a shadow over the entire court, with each woman maneuvering for an advantage. Moreover, the arrival of Rhaenyra and Daemon (Matt Smith) in King’s Landing to advocate for their son Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault) as heir to Driftmark further stirs the pot. Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) lies gravely wounded from a battle in the Stepstones. This leaves the succession of his prestigious house open for debate.

A Question of Legitimacy

Vaemond Velaryon (Wil Johnson), Corlys’ younger brother, throws the succession into question by publicly challenging Lucerys’ legitimacy. He accuses Rhaenyra’s sons of being bastards fathered by Daemon, casting aspersions on the future of the Targaryen lineage. This accusation sparks outrage from Daemon, who ends Vaemond’s life in a shockingly brutal display of Targaryen justice.

A King’s Ebbing Strength

Viserys, momentarily roused from his stupor by the commotion, attempts to assert his authority and maintain order within the court. However, his physical and mental decline is evident, leaving many questioning his ability to rule effectively. This episode masterfully portrays the fragility of power and the growing desperation of those vying for the Iron Throne.

Seeds of War are Sown

The brutal confrontation in the throne room marks a turning point in the series. The veneer of civility within the Targaryen family shatters. Now the seeds of war are firmly planted. Rhaenyra and Daemon’s defiance sets them on a collision course with Alicent and her faction, leaving the future of Westeros hanging in the balance.

Fire Away in the Comments!

What did you think of House of the Dragon’s eighth episode? Share your thoughts on the episode, the characters, and my video review in the comments below! Let’s keep the fire of conversation burning bright as we delve deeper into the world of House of the Dragon.

Showrunner: Ryan Condal, Miguel Sapochnik
Stars: Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, and Milly Alcock
House of the Dragon Season 1 can be stream on HBO Max. Be sure to follow E-Man’s Movie Reviews on Facebook, Subscribe on YouTube, or follow me on Twitter/IG @EmansReviews for even more movie news and reviews!