YMMV / House of the Dragon S1 E4: "King of the Narrow Sea"

• Alternate Character Interpretation:
  • Why did Daemon take Rhaenyra to a brothel, try to seduce her, back off from the deed at the last moment, and then ask Viserys to let them wed? For a reminder, the way the scene is choreographed is Daemon turns Rhaenyra against the wall, she turns back around to kiss him again, and that's when he wavers. This suggests it's either having to face her (literally and metaphorically) or her overt overtures that's the factor that changes things.
    • This is what the showrunners and director said, but many feel this doesn't exactly line up with how the scene is played on screen.
      Miguel Sapochnik: It's the idea that Daemon is using Rhaenyra as a way to get her to her father. Ultimately, his impotence in this scene is a reflection of the fact that he knows deep down what he's doing isn't right.
      Clare Kilner: He thinks it's shocking to her. But she doesn't just get shocked, she gets excited by it. And when that happens, he has nothing. And, basically, he can't handle not being in charge or in control.
    • While Sapochnik calls it "impotence", there's nothing in the scene itself that indicates that—though given the scene in episode 1 where Daemon doesn't finish with Mysaria, it wouldn't be coming completely out of nowhere. Either way, it's more than likely psychological, rather than any physical problem.
    • Given the chemistry between them, the most popular interpretation among viewers is that it's a Ladykiller in Love thing, of realizing how emotionally involved he actually is and not wanting Their First Time to be like this.
  • Daemon's ambition. Is giving up his role as King of the Narrow Sea a demonstration he doesn't actually want to be king? Or do the details of the kingdom matter—could he desire Westeros in a way he does not desire the Stepstones?
  • How consensual is Rhaenyra and Criston's sex scene? Rhaenyra's giggling like it's a game, while Criston is stone-faced and silent in contrast. The scene is nearly silent; the only word spoken is when Rhaenyra is about to take off her top and Criston grabs her wrist and whispers, "Stop." She takes off his armor slowly and carefully, like he's an animal that might bolt at any sudden movement. He does seem to start enjoying himself and taking more initiative after his armor is off which could indicate either giving into his passions or just trying to get through it. Since he's sworn to Rhaenyra's service and owes his position to her, he doesn't really have the option of saying no. On the other hand, his reluctance could be because he's a member of the Kingsguard who are supposed to be celibate, rather than actually being averse to sleeping with Rhaenyra; his gloom might be due to knowing this is a bad idea and feeling guilty about giving in to his desire regardless.
  • Is Alicent so furious and upset about the rumor Daemon slept with Rhaenyra because she's genuinely worried it will destroy Rhaenyra's position and reputation? Or does she harbor a secret crush on Rhaenyra and is jealous Daemon got to her first? Is Alicent more concerned how Rhaenyra’s perceived sin might damage her reputation, that is the opinion others have of her, or more personally shocked about the immorality that damages the image she herself had of her own friend?
  • Viserys questions Daemon about something scandalous he is rumored to have done in a brothel last night. Daemon does not refute these claims, even though they're not exactly true. This casts a new perspective on the "heir for a day" incident.

---