Daemon is just creepy, man. However, he's also charming when he wants to be and I like how Rhaenyra basically dared him to mess up her wedding knowing full well that he cares too much about her to ruin this very important moment for her. No, that role falls to another character in this episode.
See, this is what I mean when I say you don't know where these characters will go.
Alicent had a number of great scenes this episode, notably one where she talks to someone about one thing and they misunderstand what each of them are saying, yet they arrive at a truth that had been hidden up until this point. My favourite, aside from her making a point through her choice of garments, was her rather emotional farewell scene with her father whose reasoning becomes somewhat clearer, even though it is far from the whole truth and also we know that the road to hell is paved with the best intentions, Otto. You never tried to make sure people would be more comfortable with Rhaenyra herself so get off your high horse or don't....you have a long ride ahead of you after all. Her final appearance in the episode is both a relief to certain characters but also the prohesier of doom in a certain way. Also noteworthy that throughout the season Alicent has made sure to be on good terms with lots of different Houses, whereas Rhaenyra has not met a confrontation she has ever shied away from, which also meant she's alienated a lot of people or failed to make allies.
Gotta love the fact that the more Viserys' plans backfire, the worse he looks from a health perspective. Though in this particular instance everyone had worked out a solution that would have kept most people happy (I especially like the idea of them discussing the importance of the successors' last names, as they would be fairly important to them) but then a
wrench was thrown into this carefully arranged marriage...I'd also say that I'd start questioning whether Grandmaester Mellos has his best interests at heart...or maybe it's just appearances and all the maesters are doing is disagreeing about the best way forward in terms of treatment. Seems a bit early to say. But just in case, I want to mention that House Hightower, the Citadel and the Faith all have their seat in Oldtown so they're all neighbours who know each other quite well.
Larys Strong is a well-spoken and sneaky individual whose motivations were often a mystery in the source text and who we'll see more of. Also gotta love how his brother Harwin just manages to control the situation at the end with barely any effort on his part. Also someone to watch out for in the future. He was about the only guy who seemed happy that Rhaenyra could kill a boar in episode 3.
The tension at the wedding during the last 15 to 20 minutes was exquisite. So many peole with so many different beefs all walking around potentially throwing punches.
It is also noteworthy that Daemon's problem with his wife seems to be mainly that she does not seem like the sort of person he can easily push around so his past comments about her seem petty and vindictive and rather childish, which once again adds layers to this devious snake. In contrast to Daemon's rather troubled relationship with his lady wife, we thankfully get one of the best couples since Eddard and Catelyn, namely Rhaenys and her husband Corlys, both of whom seem to truly understand and respect each other and who have their children's best interests at heart (though, of course, sadly Corlys seems to think one can just grow out of a preference for geese instead of ducks, which means he still has a lot to learn for such a renowned sailor).
