I’m struggling to talk about this week’s House of the Dragon episode. The Lord of the Tides is another solid hour of storytelling. Once again lacking physical action, the show continues to build up to the inevitable civil war. Another six-plus years have passed, and it seems that the two Targaryen factions have stayed away from each other. 

While I do not think there are a lot of talking points to be made this week, that doesn’t mean it was a bad episode. This week focused almost exclusively on Viserys. Clearly, at the end of his life, Rhaenyra has come back to King’s Landing to ask her father to step in and help secure her position in Westeros. We see more infighting between Alicent’s children and those of Rhaenyra and Daemon.

Both sides of the Targaryen family dine together.
Photograph by Ollie Upton / HBO

Viserys’ dream comes true

The only thing holding this family together is Viserys. I’m impressed the show has managed to make him look worse and worse each week. The Lord of the Tides does a great job of sending him off. While I loved him in the dinner scene, what did it for me this week was the Iron Throne. Viserys walking to the throne timed with the musical score, picture perfect. The moment with Daemon is now unforgettable. Actor Paddy Considine is hands down the best performance this week. Might be the best one of the series to date. Seeing him finally get what he wanted, a happy family moment, was rewarding. Best final line delivery so far.

The Blacks argue for their right to lands.
Photograph by Ollie Upton / HBO

Lord of Tides closing thoughts

I struggled to come up with solid moments to talk about in The Lord of the Tides, but I have a lot of random thoughts. It’s pretty obvious something is brewing between Daemon and his nephew Aemond, right? Aemond is into having beef with everyone though. Also, we don’t talk about Alicent’s daughter Helaena is married to her brother Aegon. I don’t think the show does a great job of explaining little details like this. It is sure to become important later on. Also, Helaena seems to be the only person who’s always happy. And will Rhaenyra stop popping out a child or two every episode? I think we’re on the sixth one.