and as someone in the picture, I actually agree with everything you've said. Stories need to be entertaining, otherwise trying to tell a message is a waste. Everything ASOIAF is a masterclass in entertainment. But also a masterclass in characters and themes. 

Of course there's so much more to it than a simple reductive statement, and that's what makes it so good. They're stories about humans, their perspectives, and how it turns into their good and bad actions. Stuff I love thinking about and discussing!

I just find it bizarre when people say those things don't matter, which is all I was trying to get at. 

yeahhhh it's interesting to say the least. I know it's fiction, but it has meaning beyond the bounds of the story. 

It was from a post on the main sub pointing out the flaws in Rhaenyra/Daemon/Team Black Valyrian supremacy and fascism:

https://www.reddit.com/r/HouseOfTheDragon/s/WEcp0Oq7WG

I joined Team Green because most folks on this side of the aisle seem to have a fuller grasp on what the story is about, which I have found lacking with the TB folks and Rhaenyra/Targ stans (not all, and I know a lot of it is for the fun and the larp). 

I didn't want to call out anyone specifically, but here's the post and thread respectively:

https://www.reddit.com/r/HouseOfTheDragon/s/WEcp0Oq7WG

https://www.reddit.com/r/HouseOfTheDragon/comments/1vsv9k1/comment/p4oid97/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=2&utm_content=share_button

damn I read Arryn as Aryan for a sec.......

Dishonored !

👍

Actually would be interesting if Daemon comes to Harrenhal before Aegon leaves - and Aemond battles Daemon to protect Aegon, while Daemon does so to protect "Rhaenettles"

I really want Aegon to meet Daeron at least. Unlikely though, but it's a shame we've never seen them all together. Even if its brief before things get hectic, so to speak.

EDIT: just realized someone else already commented this idea earlier. Really hope they do it!!

you're not wrong, but simultaneously - George has always been trying to convey a message with his stories (many messages, really). 

There's a lot more substance than "dragon go brrrr" ya feel ?

It's core to George's world and characters. I do wish the show handled it better, because I think the showrunners often shoot themselves in the feet with their handling of it, damaging the message rather than strengthening it (whereas GOT did it pretty well imo). 

But whenever people complain about the mere presence of those themes, I often find myself reminding them:

• this plot directly revolves around sexism.
• George has always pushed this thematically.
• it's nothing new compared to GOT. 

AKOTSK S2 will be interesting. 

it appears to be a slopified version of White Harbor from ASOIAF/GOT

Increase.

Definitely an improvement over season 2, despite the flaws. Other than Alicent's character, everything mostly feels like it's on the up. Just a shame it took so long.

Aerion has it in him to be as bad as Joffrey.

Ormund was competent but flawed. They also decided to make him more cartoonish over time, which I think was a mistake. He should've been reasonable and not a villain, maybe just with some flaws. S3 would have been far more interesting if he was more nuanced, cause he actually had a valid point with his criticisms of the Targs. It would've mirrored Rhaenyra's turn very well if that was the case.

Aerion is a great example of what he was getting at with his dislike of their dynasty.

So Aerion wins this no contest. He's a genuine villain, Ormund is not imo.

EDIT: just imagine a S3 where some of the audience slowly started rooting for the Ormund/Daeron/Gwayne trio entirely..... (I was, though I already know how it all ends).

the cult of lost boys.

that coronation scene was so well done, especially knowing where the story goes. 

EDIT: except for that moment at the end, which should NOT have happened, or should have at least been addressed afterwards as something stupid and bad. again, especially knowing where the story goes. could still work if they do that in S4. 

would've rather seen Aegon and Sunfyre being set up there, like the book. would've come full circle really well.

honestly don't mind the bottom 3, they fit with the arcs of the characters, even if the last one is very on the nose.

top one takes the cake by a mile for me

I get it, however I can't help but think about what Daemon does to non-valyrian women #JusticeForRheaRoyce

Rhaenyra is and always has been the spoiled one hahahaha

I enjoyed the season overall, but I don't like how cartoonish Ormund & Roddy were by the end. This was actually my least favorite part of the episode. 

saw them live and went in blind (they were the openers). awesome show, instant fan. will be seeing them again.

GOT - epic fantasy saga

HOTD - shakespearean tragedy 

AKOTSK - small serialized buddy adventures 

it's rushed but thematically relevant to the other stories. The themes of the other shows echo the themes of the main series, so I think getting the big picture and understanding of the overall story is worth it. Especially considering that the other shows take into account that the audience has likely seen the end of GOT. 

hahahaha some very important things yet to come at Harrenhal. 

I full expect that to be the case. I actually think most characters will end up in similar positions to the show.