As a huge fan of “Doctor Who” growing up, I can completely relate to this showrunner’s fascination with Matt Smith’s electrifying performance as the Doctor. His vibrant energy was so accessible and captivating for a young kid like me that I dreamt of going on adventures with him. That’s why, during the making of our fantasy series “House of the Dragon,” I was determined to keep Matt on the podium, keeping Daemon Targaryen on that platform, as long as it was okay with both him and Ryan Condal, our showrunner. I wanted to save that eye contact for a very particular moment in Season 1, where these characters finally come face to face at the banquet table. The electricity in the room during those scenes was palpable, and I only ever wanted to see Daemon and not Matt.
Warning: The following story reveals major plot points from episode 6 of “House of the Dragon” Season 2 on HBO Max, titled “Smallfolk.” Proceed with caution if you prefer to avoid spoilers.
King’s Landing is far from the City of Brotherly Love.
As a seasoned historian and student of Westeros’ tumultuous history, I’ve witnessed countless power struggles and political maneuvers. The recent developments under Prince Regent Aemond Targaryen’s rule have left me with a sense of unease.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but recount one of the most gripping moments from the latest episode. In this pivotal scene, I witnessed Aemond and Aegon come face-to-face for the first time since their encounter at the Battle of Rook’s Rest. The tables were turned as Aemond stood over Aegon, who lay weakened in bed, unable to speak or move. With a scowl on his face, Aemond harshly reprimanded his older brother for recklessly joining the fight. He demanded to know what memories Aegon held from that fateful day, but all Aegon could muster was a sorrowful “nothing.”
In the outskirts of King’s Landing, apart from the Red Keep, tension among the citizens is mounting. Rhaenrya Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno), hiding behind black flags on boats, distributed rations of food they had plotted to bring from Dragonstone. This clandestine scheme aimed at winning the hearts of King’s Landing’s impoverished neighborhoods and triggering an uprising.
After the Battle of Rook’s Rest, where is Aemond and Aegon’s sibling relationship?
The relationship between Aemond and Aegon has never been strong. Aemond has long viewed Aegon as less capable and unwilling to be king, while seeing himself as the rightful heir, despite being the secondary son. Aegon himself admitted in Season 1, Episode 9, that he holds no desire for ruling. It’s clear that he lacks political aspirations. Given this, it’s easy to understand why members of the small council might find Aegon an appealing prospect – someone they could potentially influence and guide. Conversely, Aemond, who harbors political ambitions, could pose a challenge for the small council as they may not be able to control him as easily.
I’m fond of the moment when Aemond gets elected, and he moves from one edge of the table to the other due to a significant shift in power. Previously, Aemond had been involved in the war from that side. Upon switching sides, he views the other characters in a fresh light. But now, the question arises: how can they serve Aemond? This situation bears some resemblance to Aegon’s predicament. After all, how can he serve Aemond, given that Aemond lies in his bed and is severely injured as a result of their encounter above Rook’s Rest?
Does his current condition pose a problem for me, and with Aemond’s newly gained authority, could he become an obstacle? Is he still an ally? I enjoy the chaos that unfolds in Episode 6.
What political agenda and ambition does Aemond have now that he’s on the Iron Throne?
Aemond shuns the idea of assuming the role as the Iron Throne’s occupant. He understands that whoever claims the throne becomes a highly sought-after figure in the realm, and with his current standing, he has an ample target on his back. The weight of the crown is indeed burdensome. Aemond may find contentment in acting as prince regent instead.
Perhaps he harbors a desire for the throne and the absolute power that comes with it. I find Aemond intriguing because of his unclear motives. It’s uncertain whom he truly serves or what ultimate goal he’s pursuing. Whatever it may be, it won’t end well.
In this episode, Aemond and Aegon have a conversation for the first time since Rook’s Rest. Aemond inquires about his brother’s memory of the battle, to which Aegon responds that he recalls nothing. However, Aemond’s questioning may not be sincere as he hands him a small ball from the small council. It’s unclear whether this gesture is meant as an incentive or a warning. How would you analyze this scene?
You’ll have to wait and see. I love that scene, because it’s almost like Stephen King’s “Misery.” It’s like this spider leering over his prey in the web. You’re right there in the palm of my hand. That’s certainly a new dynamic for Aemond, as well as his brother, who’s now physically inferior than him. I can’t wait to see where it goes. If I give all the answers, people will stop asking the questions. That’s a really cool way of looking at it. It’s the king’s marker. Maybe Aemond is giving it back to his brother, maybe he’s trying to reassure him that everything’s gonna be okay — “You’ll be king after you recover” — maybe lure him into that false sense of security.
Will Aemond give up the throne once Aegon recovers?
Aemond has a multitude of motivations. One of them is that he wants to be the war hero, and to be seen as this nigh-unkillable force, very similar to the Rogue Prince, the younger Daemon Targaryen. Especially because Aemond wields the largest singular power in Vhagar, with that power comes a great responsibility. He has to be seen as someone who can capably control that power. It ultimately means that in his mind has to be the person who wins the war for the Greens. He’s prepared to do the necessary evil. That’s the thing with Aemond, he doesn’t necessarily consider other people’s perspectives in the situation. He’s got his own singular vision. He sees the world through a very black and white filter. You’re either with him or you’re against him, and if you get in his way, he will cut you down.
The similarities between Aemond and Daemon extend beyond just their nearly identical names. Both are the second-born sons harboring lofty political aspirations, and they hold deep-rooted hatred for one another. What direction do you envision their contentious relationship taking when they eventually cross paths once more?
In real life, I believe they would make great friends due to their shared connection and rivalry. Aemond aspires to equal and even surpass Daemon, requiring him to go above and beyond his previous accomplishments. His admiration for Daemon is evident through the numerous aspects of his attire that mirror his idol. From the Targaryen black armor to his long locks, it’s a clear nod to Daemon. Without giving away any secrets, if these two were to encounter each other in a room, even the most ordinary items could turn into potential weapons.
Have you and Matt Smith spoken about how similar your characters are?
One approach to paraphrasing this text could be:
What would Aemond be like if he hadn’t lost his eye when he was a child?
After suffering the loss of an eye, the character undergoes significant changes both physically and emotionally from Episode 7 to 8 in Season 1. Instead of becoming a scholar or maester as he might have done otherwise, his past traumas fueled a determination to transform into a formidable weapon. As M. Night Shyamalan’s quote from “Split” goes, “the broken are the more evolved.” Having endured years of harm and neglect as a child, he vowed never to be vulnerable again. He dedicated himself to rigorous training under Criston Cole with the intention of honing his skills into those of a deadly weapon.
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but ponder over the intricate web of events that led to the tragic downfall of characters in “Game of Thrones.” When it comes to Aemond Targaryen and Vhagar, the situation is far from black and white.
In my conversation with director Geeta Patel, she explained that Aemond may have some unresolved issues with his mother, which could be the reason behind his strong bond with Vhagar, the eldest female dragon, and her role as the madam of the brothel. Is this a plausible explanation in your opinion?
I’ve come across many individuals throughout my years of observation who, like Aemond, have struggled with a deep-seated longing for their mother’s love and acceptance. Aemond’s story is not an uncommon one – he was the spare son, always feeling overshadowed by his older brother or sibling. His yearning for that unconditional bond between a child and their parent left him searching for validation in other places, such as through power and war.
In the final analysis, what truly fuels Aemond’s actions throughout Episode 10 of Season 1 is his deep longing for his mother’s love and affection. All he yearned for was to be in her embrace once more and express his remorse. I strongly believe that nothing meant more to Aemond at the end of that episode than being forgiven, and he wished to confess: “I’m sorry, Mom. I made a mistake. I lost control of my emotions.”
He possesses this code that stops him from doing that. He must be seen as this nigh-unkillable, Terminator-like figure who doesn’t feel anything because love is weakness, and “weak” isn’t in Aemond’s vocabulary.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
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2024-07-22 05:17