Recap & Record

By: Levi & Los
  • Summary

  • Join host Los (280+ Podcast) & Levi (What Are We Doing Podcast) each week as we discuss & break down the hottest TV episode of the week. Season 1 - House of The Dragon (HBO) Season 2 - Love is Blind (S5 - Netflix) Season 3 - Fboy Island (S3 - CW)
    Levi & Los
    Show More Show Less
activate_samplebutton_t1
Episodes
  • WAS IT GOOD!? A WILD SEASON FINALE - House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 8, The Queen That Ever Was
    Aug 7 2024
    Get ready, folks, because we just devoured a gripping 70 minutes of House of the Dragon, and we're here to break it all down for you. This episode was an emotional rollercoaster with long-brewing storylines finally colliding, leaving us on the edge of our seats. Just when we thought we knew where things were headed, the show threw in some unexpected twists that had us questioning everything. The season finale brought back a crucial character from season two, who was forced to make a heart-wrenching decision between her children—a choice that’s far from simple for Alicent, even if some of her kids are far from innocent. Yet, despite the episode's powerful moments, it felt like the finale missed the mark in delivering the catharsis we craved. Instead of a climactic battle, we were left wondering if the show could fit all the action into the remaining minutes. House of the Dragon has a knack for teasing war without delivering, leaving us with a sense of unfulfilled anticipation. One of the most glaring issues with this finale was its tendency to hold back when it should’ve charged forward. The series seems to save the big moments for an undefined "later," assuming we’ll stick around no matter what. This cautious approach undermines the reckless and dangerous nature of its protagonists. We know the Targaryen dynasty is doomed, so why not show us the full extent of their downfall? The episode kicked off with a charm reminiscent of Game of Thrones. We saw Tyland Lannister awkwardly negotiating in a desert paradise far from Westeros. His deal, trading away the Stepstones for ships to break Rhaenyra's blockade, sets the stage for future conflicts. And let’s not forget the whimsical mud-wrestling scene with Captain Lohar, played by Abigail Thorn, which added a much-needed touch of humor. Tyland’s concerns overpaying for Lohar’s fleet seemed trivial compared to the existential crisis unfolding in King's Landing. With Aegon’s dragon dead and Helaena refusing to ride Dreamfyre, the Green Team is down to one overstretched dragon. Meanwhile, the Blacks boast six, possibly seven, dragons if Daemon can shake off his poison-induced dreams. The balance of power is shifting, and everyone reacts predictably—Aemond lashes out violently, Helaena retreats into nihilism, and Aegon dreams of power despite his incapacitation. On Dragonstone, Jace struggles with family dynamics, trying to maintain order among his dragon-riding companions. Each character falls into a familiar role—Ulf as the black sheep, Hugh as the peacemaker, and Addam as the lost child. Their need for each other's dragons complicates their relationships, reflecting Tolstoy’s notion that all unhappy families are unique. Harrenhal provides a glimmer of hope with Daemon shaking off his doldrums to make grand plans. His vision quest, guided by Alys, reveals glimpses of the future—a powerful montage that intertwines past and present, showing dead dragons, White Walkers, and potential redemption. Daemon’s journey underscores the series' theme of destiny and the inevitability of war. A climactic montage teases the impending conflicts: Corlys and Alyn sailing together, Criston marching towards Harrenhal, and Stark’s Greybeards crossing into the Riverlands. Yet, the tension built throughout the episode dissipates without a true cliffhanger, leaving us yearning for more. In a surprising twist, Helaena emerges as a dreamwalker, hinting at a deeper, more mystical connection to the unfolding events. Her visions add layers to her character, transforming her from a seemingly weak figure to a powerful player in the game of thrones. As the episode concludes, we’re left with tantalizing glimpses of what's to come. Will Heleana’s visions come true? What does the future hold for our favorite characters? One thing’s for sure: House of the Dragon has set the stage for an explosive season three, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 36 mins
  • NOT PENULTIMATE ENERGY - House of The Dragon S2E7, The Red Sowing, Breakdown, Recap, & Spoilers
    Jul 30 2024

    In this week's "House of the Dragon," episode 7, “The Red Sowing,” the tension is as thick as dragonfire, and we’re here to break it all down for you. Levi & Los have got your backs with the juiciest deets and hottest takes from around Westeros. If you’ve been scratching your head over some of the new faces this season, fear not! Episode 7 pulls the threads together in a way that even the most skeptical smallfolk would approve. First up, Queen Rhaenyra is adding a new rider to her team—none other than Addam of Hull. The beachside meet-cute between Rhaenyra and Addam, with dragons in tow, is nothing short of epic. Addam bends the knee, swears loyalty, and hints at mysterious parentage. Rhaenyra, ever the shrewd leader, welcomes him to Dragonstone without hesitation. Back in King’s Landing, Alicent Hightower is licking her wounds—literally. With the Grand Maester tending to her injuries from last episode’s chaos, she’s off to the Kingswood for some soul-searching. Meanwhile, Lord Jasper Wylde's juicy tidbit about Seasmoke’s new rider has Larys Strong playing it close to the chest, unsure whether to spill the beans to Prince Aemond. Rhaenyra's brain is buzzing with Mysaria’s suggestion: “Let’s raise an army of bastards.” The Royal Targaryens’ brothel escapades might just provide the dragonriders they need. The ever-calculating Corlys Velaryon also steps in, giving Addam the green light to train as a dragonrider while keeping familial ties on the down-low. Over at Harrenhal, young Lord Oscar Tully is stepping up as the new Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. He’s caught in a bind between upholding old oaths and dealing with Daemon’s demands. His bold move? Ordering Daemon to execute Willem Blackwood to appease the Riverlords. Talk about making a statement! King Aegon Targaryen is still struggling, trying to walk through the pain under Larys’s watchful eye. Meanwhile, Corlys is busy scouting for new dragonriders. Alyn refuses the call of the dragons, sticking to his love for the sea, while Rhaena Targaryen sneaks off in search of a legendary dragon in the Vale. Rhaenyra’s plan to recruit Targaryen bastards sparks anxiety in her son, Jaecerys. The legitimacy of his claim as heir is suddenly in question, and he's none too pleased. But the word spreads, and soon Dragonstone is crawling with dragonrider hopefuls. Rhaenyra’s dragonriding auditions turn into a fiery disaster when Vermithor, the colossal dragon, goes on a rampage. Amid the chaos, Hugh Hammer earns Vermithor’s respect, while Ulf’s bumbling escapade lands him with Silverwing. Ulf’s clumsy ride over King’s Landing nearly triggers another dragon war, but Aemond’s rare moment of restraint saves the day. With dragons and riders assembled, the stage is set for a showdown. Aemond’s decision to hold back from attacking Dragonstone signals a brewing storm. With one episode left this season, will Rhaenyra’s newly minted dragonriders be the game-changer? Join Levi & Los as they dissect every fiery moment, every political twist, and every dragon roar in this week’s “House of the Dragon.” You won’t want to miss their insights and wild theories as we head into the season finale. Stay tuned, dragon lovers!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Was it Worth it? House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5 Review – Regent - Recap & Record Podcast
    Jul 16 2024
    Welcome back to Recap & Record, where we dive deep into the latest episode of "House of the Dragon." This week’s episode, though less action-packed than last week’s dragon warfare, brings significant political developments and emotional depth. Let's break it down. In his epic fantasy novels, George R.R. Martin is known for embedding playful references. For instance, he based a trio of men-at-arms on the Three Stooges and used superheroes like Blue Beetle and Green Arrow for noble house sigils. In "House of the Dragon," the important House Tully features leaders named Grover, Elmo, and Kermit, with a Ser Oscar, reminiscent of "Sesame Street." This week's episode appears to reflect another of Martin’s clever touches: the saying “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king,” with Prince Aemond Targaryen taking control of Westeros. Aemond One-Eye’s rise to regency, as his brother Aegon remains comatose and gravely injured, is a critical development. With Vhagar, the deadliest dragon of the Targaryen civil war, under his command, Aemond now possesses both immense firepower and political authority. This consolidation of control raises concerns among the small council, especially for the increasingly marginalized dowager Queen Alicent, Aemond and Aegon’s mother. Even Aemond’s nominal supporters are uneasy about their choice of regent. Ser Criston Cole, who witnessed Aemond’s attempt to kill his brother, chooses to support Aemond’s rise, believing that a dragon rider must lead the war. He tells none of this to Alicent. Ser Larys Strong, on the other hand, argues from a political standpoint, suggesting that raising Alicent as Queen Regent after rejecting Rhaenyra’s claim on the basis of her sex would create legal and sociopolitical confusion, risking their support. The men of the council, except for the habitual voice of reason, Grandmaester Orwyle, back the male candidate over the female. The episode's director, Clare Kilner, effectively captures Queen Alicent’s emotional struggle. As the camera lingers on Olivia Cooke, portraying Alicent, the music by composer Ramin Djawadi adds to the tension. The camera draws closer to Alicent’s face, revealing her anger, embarrassment, fear, and pain over her abandonment by both her lover and her son. These emotions are vividly conveyed through Cooke’s expressive eyes. As Aemond’s political power grows, the episode sets the stage for further turmoil in Westeros. The implications of these developments will undoubtedly unfold in the coming episodes, promising more intense and dramatic moments. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the intricate power struggles and emotional battles in "House of the Dragon."
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins

What listeners say about Recap & Record

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.