South of King’s Landing: Game of Thrones Aftershow

From the battles for the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones to the fiery Targaryen drama of House of the Dragon, the Explosion Network crew brings weekly predictions, reactions, and detailed breakdowns from the world of Westeros.

  1. "The Queen Who Ever Was" Review - House of The Dragon, Season 2, Episode 8

    06/08/2024

    "The Queen Who Ever Was" Review - House of The Dragon, Season 2, Episode 8

    The season finale has left a few fans disappointed, especially with a long wait for what's next. But were Dylan and Ashley left as disgruntled? Listen to find out! And what they thought of the season as a whole. Takeaways From This Week The season finale focuses on setting up the pieces for Season 3 The episode features memorable quotes and amusing scenes There is a possibility of a peaceful resolution to the war Daemon's realization that there are bigger things in the world than the crown serves as the crux of the episode. Rhanera decides to go find Aegon and confront him The scene between Alicent and Rhanera is tense and filled with sharp dialogue The future of the show is uncertain, with war looming and characters in danger A teaser for the spin-off show, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, was released Episode Breakdown Episode Title: The Queen Who Ever Was Synopsis: As Aemond becomes more volatile, Larys plots an escape, and Alicent grows more concerned about Helaena's safety. Flush with new power, Rhaenyra looks to press her advantage. Director: Geeta Patel Writer: Sara Hess Cast: Emma D'Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Sonoya Mizuno, Matthew Needham, Tom-Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Kurt Egyiawan, Abubakar Salim, Clinton Liberty, Kieran Bew, Ellora Torchia, Tom Bennett Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley South of King’s Landing Credits: Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

    40 min
  2. "The Red Sowing" Review - House of The Dragon, Season 2, Episode 7

    30/07/2024

    "The Red Sowing" Review - House of The Dragon, Season 2, Episode 7

    In the penultimate episode of the season, we get alllllllll the dragons.  Takeaways From This Week The episode focuses on the development of the dragon riders and the war for the Iron Throne. Alicent's storyline is explored, but her character's purpose is unclear. Damon's character shows growth and vulnerability. The opening scene with Rhaenyra and Adam of Hull sets the tone for the episode. The significance of lineage and bastards is discussed. Elitism is a prominent theme in House of the Dragon, with the noble folk believing they are more deserving of being dragon riders. The moral dilemma of sacrificing lives for the greater good is explored, with Rhaneyra making the choice to potentially lose a few randoms to win the war. The introduction of new dragon riders, such as Ulf, adds excitement and unpredictability to the story. Lena's storyline of searching for a wild dragon adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative. The upcoming season finale is highly anticipated, with the potential for a major battle and the resolution of various storylines. Episode Breakdown Episode Title: The Red Sowing Synopsis: The war for the Iron Throne escalates, and Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, in a crucial gamble, is prepared to risk everything in her urgent quest for dragon riders. Director: Loni Peristere Writer: David Hancock Cast: Emma D'Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Sonoya Mizuno, Matthew Needham, Tom-Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Kurt Egyiawan, Abubakar Salim, Clinton Liberty, Kieran Bew, Ellora Torchia, Tom Bennett Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley South of King’s Landing Credits: Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

    32 min
  3. "The Burning Mill” Review - House of The Dragon, Season 2, Episode 3

    02/07/2024

    "The Burning Mill” Review - House of The Dragon, Season 2, Episode 3

    War cannot be stopped, and blood is on the horizon following this episode of House of the Dragon. Takeaways From This Week The episode focuses on the futility of war and the attempts to prevent it. The standout performances and memorable moments make the episode enjoyable. The opening scene sets the tone for the episode, showcasing the conflicts between different factions. The war council meeting in King's Landing highlights the arguments and tensions among the characters. The events at Dragonstone emphasize the importance of preventing war and the sacrifices made to protect the future. The presence of dragon eggs hints at the potential for the return of dragons in the future. The characters in House of the Dragon are looking for moral victories rather than actual victories. The Targaryen dragons are on the verge of extinction, and there are no happy endings in the series. Harrenhal is a massive castle in disrepair, and Daemon wants to take it for its strategic position. Damon's dream sequence and the encounter between Rhaenyra and Alicent in the church have significant implications for the story. Rhaenyra's conversation with Alicent solidifies her decision to go to war. Episode Breakdown Episode Title: The Burning Mill Synopsis: Daemon flies to Harrenhal to begin arranging an army, while Rhaenyra meets an old friend to try stopping the war from cascading. Director: Geeta Vasant Patel Writer: David Hancock Cast: Matt Smith, Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Matthew Needham, Sonoya Mizuno, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Phia Saban, Harry Collett, Freddie Fox, Gayle Rankin Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley South of King’s Landing Credits: Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

    35 min
  4. ”Rhaenyra the Cruel” Review - House of The Dragon: Season 2, Episode 2

    24/06/2024

    ”Rhaenyra the Cruel” Review - House of The Dragon: Season 2, Episode 2

    This week's 70-minute episode has a lot to break down. The fallout from the gruesome death at the end of last week's episode is felt across Westeros. Takeaways From This Week The acting and dialogue in House of the Dragon are better than Game of Thrones so far. The episode sets up the eventual conflict between the two sides. The character dynamics and performances are strong. The episode explores the consequences of the murder of King Aegon's heir. The episode hints at the importance of certain characters and their future roles. Frustration with the decisions made by certain characters Discussion of the fight between the twins Episode Breakdown Episode Title: Rhaenyra the Cruel Synopsis: Both Alicent and Rhenera are facing the consequences of the murder of King Ageon's heir Director: Clare Kilber Writer: Sara Hess Cast: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Matthew Needham, Sonoya Mizuno, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Phia Saban, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Jefferson Hall, Kurt Egyiawan Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley South of King’s Landing Credits: Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

    37 min
  5. ”A Son For A Son” Review - House of The Dragon: Season 2, Episode 1

    17/06/2024

    ”A Son For A Son” Review - House of The Dragon: Season 2, Episode 1

    Welcome back to South of King's Landing, where we're discussing each episode of House of the Dragon, week by week, and it's all kicking off with this intense series premiere! Takeaways From This Week The new opening sequence sets the tone for the season and provides a glimpse into the history and current events of House of the Dragon. The Starks are portrayed as the morally right side, but their alliance with the blacks challenges this perception. The dragons are visually impressive and play a significant role in the story. The Hightower group's actions and hypocrisy highlight the moral ambiguity of the characters. King Aegon's childish behavior and his desire to kill everyone demonstrate the show's attempt to balance good and evil. The humor in House of the Dragon adds an enjoyable element to the show The motives of certain characters, such as Otto Hightower and Alison Hightower, are unclear The final scene of the episode creates tension and anticipation for future episodes The sound design in House of the Dragon is effective in creating a visceral reaction Episode Breakdown Episode Title: A Son For A Son Synopsis: As Alicent grows concerned by Aegon's Small Council, Rhaenyra arrives at a fateful decision. Director: Alan Taylor Writer: Ryan J. Condal, Ti Mikkel Cast: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Matthew Needham, Sonoya Mizuno, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Phia Saban, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Jefferson Hall, Kurt Egyiawan Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley South of King’s Landing Credits: Intro & Outro Music: Curse of the Scarab by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ South of King’s Landing Art: Cherie Henriques Summary Show Notes: Created by Riverside.FM AI Integration Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

    39 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

From the battles for the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones to the fiery Targaryen drama of House of the Dragon, the Explosion Network crew brings weekly predictions, reactions, and detailed breakdowns from the world of Westeros.

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