The Princess and the Queen

As I'm seeing a lot of criticism online about this sixth episode it seems a portion of the audience doesn't care for the large time jump between the fifth and sixth episodes, the longest one yet at ten years. The recasting of two major characters, namely the two for which the episode is titled sees Olivia Cooke and Emma D'Arcy step in for the two younger actresses we got to know in the first five episodes of the season. As good as they were, it leaves large shoes to fill but I think both new actresses prove more than capable here. It's best to think of this second half of the first season as a new beginning, or even as a second season that you didn't have to wait long for. This whole season is more of a prologue to the meat of the story which is what this is building to, The Dance of Dragons that was detailed in the Fire and Blood book and alluded to in Game of Thrones. This is all crucial backstory for the fallout of these two former friends now turned bitter enemies and the allies they make and break along the way. The important characters to play in the upcoming war have been fleshed out so we know why they are going to do the things they do. This episode was a great reintroduction to characters that we are still getting to know and it was a nice juxtaposition of Cooke as Queen Alicent chewing through her dialogue calculating out in the open while D'Arcy brought quiet and calculated movements as they both begin to put their pieces in place to play the ultimate game. Even though the younger versions will be missed, I'm excited to see what the older versions will bring.

The new Rhaenyra and Allicent are not at all enough like the originals. Their accents, voices and mannerisms are completely different. I feel like Rhaenyra cried through the entire episode and there was none of Allicent's softness that was there before. However some of the other characters stayed the same but now have completely different (unexplained) personalities, for example Criston. Too much time has passed with not enough information to catch us up. I basically understand where we are at with the story, but I don't have any attachment to any of the characters anymore. Disappointing. I hope it gets better though.

What an episode! Filled with Dracarys and the longest episode till now yet it doesn't contain the events I wished to see, and its not a bad thing as it's clearly a preface for the second half of the season!

We can see the changes in our characters, not only by the actors and actresses playing them but in their personalities, and other characters stays the same.

Like any episode of any show for George R. R. Martin we say goodbye to some characters some we have a bond with some we dont.

The queen is green inside out, i dont wish what's Rhaenyra's going through to my worst enemies, and there's definitely something with that mouse!

Surly I'm not the only one who seemed a little lost at the fact they just ditched a bunch of actors ( due to them getting older) and not others.

Not only does the princes and queen look like a completely different person (because they are) but they don't even act, move, or talk the same. It's so incredibly jarring as a viewer.

Furthermore, Milly Alcock had totally nailed her role to a level of master class talent, I almost feel sorry for the actor that had to fill those shoes. Was there not an Adult in the room when they made this decision? Why not just age her like they did other characters... or others where they didn't even bother. Just kept them looking the same age... it's inept level bewildering.

It totally threw me off the bandwagon.

That and the fact it's mostly just in your face drama, a soap opera at best. No magic, no witches, nothing majestic about it. No legendary knights & sword fighters. No lurking evil. No sorcery. Just soap & sauce.

Missing Milly Alcock and Theo Nate! They were one of the reason to watch. Let's see what the older characters have to offer. Thanks goodness Sir Christian is still here, being played by the same person!!!!! The show is still well with the time to continue watch, just missing certain folks. Guess I'll wait and watch to see the end results. The dragons are the best part of the show. The queen has turned into a completely different person, just jealous that she doesn't have a living relationship of love and respect. And there is no real as tionship between her and Rhyenyran. Be more concern about herself and hers sons.