At the end of episode five, Ser Laenor Velaryon (Theo Nate in episode five, John Macmillan in six and seven) marries the heir to the Iron Throne, Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock in episode five, Emma D’Arcy in six and six). This is despite his preference for men and her preference for her own choice of bedmate as well. It’s also despite Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) beating Laenor’s partner Ser Joffrey Lonmouth (Solly McLeod) to death.
Rhaenyra says she and Laenor tried to produce heirs, but it didn’t happen. They have separate lives, and she wants him to be with Ser Qarl Correy (Arty Froushan), who he obviously cares for. Of course, her children were born from trysts out of wedlock, which is clear to the rest of the court from their physical appearances. They’re in quite the pickle, especially since Rhaenyra remains hot for her uncle Daemon (Matt Smith).
Rhaenyra has been the only main character it’s been possible to root for. Everyone else is awful, and the few who are slightly less horrible end up dead or making stupid decisions. Hey, when you play the game of thrones, you win, or you die. Even the heir makes some questionable choices. As Rhaenyra and Daemon stood together, plotting, and she spoke about her future Ser Laenor, I’m sure I wasn’t alone in starting to wonder if I would have to hate her now as well. Everyone is now talking on social media about being Team Rhaenyra or Team Alicent (Olivia Cooke), but for me, it would have been very easy until the end of this episode to be Team-This-Show-Is-Too-Dark-and-I-Hate-Everyone-In-It, despite the high-quality acting.
