House of the Dragoncaptivated audiences, returning to Westeros during the Targaryen dynasty.
But now, fans can learn more withthe release of the pilot script.
Fans may have guessed some of the script’s reveals, but this provides concrete confirmation for these theories.
Image by Jefferson Chacon
The script confirms that there is more than friendship between them.
Though not directly stated, Rhaenyra is shown to have a crush on Alicent.
Alicent may not share her friend’s feelings, but even an unrequited romance is big news.
Image via HBO
Yet the script proves Alicent is attracted to Cole when she first sees him.
Yet the script details Alicent’s disappointment and jealousy when Cole addresses the princess.
Though nothing comes of it, these feelings could continue throughout the story.
Image via HBO
However long the crush lasts, it shifts the dynamic between the two characters.
In truth, Luke, though willing, was ill-prepared to negotiate, and it goes horribly wrong.
Though this happens several episodes later, the pilot script impacts this situation in one minor way.
Image via HBO
This suggests either Rhaenyra forgot about Borros' problem or didn’t set her son up for success.
However, they are not competitors for the Iron Throne, but Viserys' (Paddy Considine) attention.
Viserys longs for a son, and Rhaenyra and Daemon want to fill that spot in his life.
Image via HBO
But neither is Rhaenyra alone.
A short scene in the script shows Rhaenyra breaking down in Alicent’s arms after the funeral.
Alicent lost her mother sometime before the series began, giving her an understanding of Rhaenyra’s situation.
Image via HBO
A deleted scene confirmed Viserys tried to tell his brother about Aegon’s prophecy but stopped.
And with this scene in the released script, it’s now clear why.
Daemon dismisses the idea of dreamers, saying dragons made Targaryens kings.
Image via HBO
He boasts of Targaryen power in creating the dragons and how the family is godlike.
Daemon expresses a desire to conquer without caring where.
His ambition and violence worry Viserys, leaving him hesitant to make Daemon the next king.
Image via HBO
The show documents that Viserys isn’t suited to ruling, though he tries his best.
But in this scene, Viserys himself admits it.
He expresses a desire to go back to that day and refuse the crown.
Image via HBO
With both Daemon and Viserys having an interest inOld Valyria, they likely know what they’re talking about.
But as the castle mourns, Daemon celebrates with his gold cloaks.
He toasts the dead prince, referring to him as, “The heir for a day.”
Image via HBO
The event is told through Otto Hightower’s (Rhys Ifans) report.
Therefore, Daemon isn’t shown saying the words.
Though this drives Viserys to replace Daemon as heir, his reaction is not on-screen.
Image via HBO
As Rhaenyra becomes heir, the script highlightsAlicent’s jealousy.
Before she had a taste of power, Alicent craved it.
This is even before she’s jealous of Rhaenyra’s freedom to pick a husband.
Image via HBO
This explains why a Targaryen, as the last remaining line of dragonriders, needs to face the threat.
