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.
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    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!

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    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."
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    57 mins
  • Rhaenys Targaryen | House of The Dragon S2E4 Breakdown Review & Spoilers - The Red Dragon & The Gold
    Jul 8 2024
    In this week’s Recap & Record podcast, Levi and Los dive deep into the explosive fourth episode of House of the Dragon Season 2. Game of Thrones fans, brace yourselves, because this episode finally delivers the dragon warfare we've all been craving! The Targaryen's cold war turns blisteringly hot as three dragons clash in a battle for the ages. Levi and Los dissect every jaw-dropping moment, starting with the epic finale where Prince Aemond rides Vhagar into a deadly confrontation. With Rhaenys's Meleys and Aegon II's Sunfyre joining the fray, it’s a scene straight out of a dragon lover's dream. The intense dragon-on-dragon combat over a besieged castle sets a new bar for fantasy battles on TV. But it's not all fire and fury. Daemon’s descent into madness continues at Harrenhal, spurred by his interactions with Alys Rivers and some questionable sleeping arrangements. Levi and Los break down Daemon's eerie visions, his sleepless nights on a heartwood bed, and how his mental state is affecting his decisions. Is Daemon losing his grip on reality, or is there something more sinister at play? Meanwhile, political intrigue simmers as Rhaenyra struggles to control her council, leading to Rhaenys stepping up to defend Rook’s Rest. The tension between the various factions within the Targaryen family is palpable, and the stakes have never been higher. Levi and Los discuss how Rhaenyra’s return and her attempts to quell the infighting will shape the future of Westeros. The duo also explores the episode's quieter moments, like Alicent’s showdown with Aegon and the ever-sneaky Ser Larys questioning her loyalties. They delve into the dynamics of Alicent’s family, her pain and determination, and how her actions are influenced by the shadow of Viserys' legacy. Is Aegon fit to rule, or is his immaturity leading the realm into chaos? Adding to the drama, Levi and Los analyze the significance of the Targaryens’ use of High Valyrian and how language reflects power and knowledge within the family. They highlight the contrast between Aegon’s lack of discipline and Aemond’s strategic mind, drawing parallels to the larger themes of ambition and legacy in the series. Tune in for a comprehensive review filled with humor, insights, and passionate debate. If you love House of the Dragon, you won’t want to miss this episode! Levi and Los bring their unique perspectives and infectious energy to every discussion, making this podcast a must-listen for all fans of the show.
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • It's Too Late...House Of The Dragon Full Recap, Easter Eggs & Spoilers - S2E3 The Burning Mill, WOW!
    Jul 2 2024
    Welcome back, dear listeners, to another riveting episode of the Recap & Record podcast! This week, your favorite hosts, Levi and Los, dive deep into the latest episode of HBO’s House of the Dragon. Buckle up as we navigate the treacherous waters of Westeros, where old feuds reignite and the seeds of war are sown. Our episode kicks off with an age-old feud between the Brackens and the Blackwoods, arguing over their lands' borders. In classic Westeros fashion, they’re divided more by spite than loyalty, with one side backing Rhaenyra and the other supporting Aegon. As tensions escalate, it becomes clear that hotter heads prevail when a kingdom stands on the brink of war, with kin slaying kin being the most grievous sin of all. The petty squabble between the houses begins with words and shoving but soon escalates to drawn swords. In a gut-wrenching cut, we transition from the initial clash to a field littered with the corpses of both houses. Blood and wreckage cover the countryside, and an old windmill stands as a testament to better days. The first real battle of the Dance of Dragons has occurred, albeit offscreen, hinting at more to come. Rhaenyra, portrayed by the brilliant Emma D’Arcy, meets with her aunt Rhaenys (Eve Best) to discuss the looming bloodshed. Determined to avoid war, she decides to confront Allicent (Olivia Cooke) in King’s Landing. Disguised as a nun, she meets Allicent at the Great Sept, pleading with her once-friend to avoid war. The conversation reveals a significant misunderstanding about King Viserys I’s dying words, leading to a shocking revelation: he spoke of “the prince that was promised” and the Song of Ice and Fire, not Aegon. Despite this, Allicent remains resolute that war is inevitable. Allow us a moment to lament the ending of Game of Thrones. The final seasons, especially Season 8, left much to be desired. The mishandling of Jon Snow’s prophecy and the abrupt character arcs still sting. House of the Dragon’s emphasis on prophecy only highlights how Thrones fumbled in its final hours. Rhaenyra’s effort to avoid war feels half-hearted. She offers Allicent nothing substantial, merely reiterating her claim to the throne. It’s hard to see how she thought this would sway Allicent or her son Aegon to step aside. The time for peaceful resolution has passed, and Rhaenyra’s approach reflects that missed opportunity. This episode packs several key developments. Rhaenyra sends her youngest sons with Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) to the Vale, along with a clutch of dragon eggs. This gesture mollifies Rhaena, who feels left out without her own dragon. Meanwhile, Daemon (Matt Smith) takes residence in the dreary Harrenhal, meeting the steward Ser Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale). Daemon’s presence and plans for the Riverlands indicate their strategic importance in the coming war. In Harrenhal, Daemon experiences a haunting vision of a young Rhaenyra, a surprise return for Milly Alcock. This vision, induced by a witch, hints at Daemon’s eventual fate. The witch’s prophecy, “You will die in this castle,” adds an ominous layer to Daemon’s arc. We’re introduced to several new characters this episode. Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) makes his debut, exuding arrogance and rubbing even Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) the wrong way. Cole, weary of talk and eager for action, leads an army to the Riverlands. His encounter with Baela (Bethany Antonia) on her dragon Moondancer adds tension as loyalties are tested. We meet Ulf White (Tom Bennett), a Dragonseed whose lineage could sway the war’s outcome. His appearance alongside other Dragonseeds like Hugh Hammer and the Velaryon bastards Addam and Alyn of Hull foreshadows their significant roles. The mysterious Daeron and his dragon Tessarion remain unseen but are hinted to join the fray soon.
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Sleep With One Eye Open | House of the Dragon S2E2 Rhaenyra the Cruel | Recap & Record Podcast
    Jun 24 2024
    FANTASYAXETHROWING.COM PROMO CODE: WESTEROS $5 OFF SUNDAYS! Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) knows the assassins targeted the wrong prince, and while he feels flattered, he knows he must stay vigilant. Aemond's nephew's death weighs heavily on everyone, especially Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), who faces an unimaginable shock. The episode opens with the twins Erryk and Arryk Cargyll (Elliott and Luke Tittensor) locked in a deadly battle in Rhaenyra’s own bedroom, highlighting the show's knack for delivering sudden, severe surprises. This brutal fight, a reflection of the senseless brutality of civil war, ends in a tragic murder-suicide, showcasing the futility and horror of such conflicts. Ser Arryk's mission, assigned by Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) due to his own frustrations with Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke), sets the tone for the episode’s dark themes. Despite their turbulent relationship, Alicent and Criston rekindle their romance by the episode’s end, while Rhaenyra and Daemon’s (Matt Smith) relationship deteriorates further. When Rhaenyra learns of young Prince Jaehaerys' murder, she is outraged, realizing Daemon acted recklessly on her behalf. She dismisses Daemon as “pathetic,” severing their ties. King’s Landing continues to be a hotbed of political machinations. King Aegon, devastated by his son’s death, fires his grandfather Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) as the Hand of the King, replacing him with the impulsive Ser Criston. Otto’s ill-conceived plan to parade Jaehaerys’s corpse through the streets backfires, traumatizing Helaena and revealing the fragile state of House Targaryen. Meanwhile, Aemond reflects on his past actions. Cradled by the prostitute who took his virginity, he expresses regret over killing Lucerys, showing a rare moment of vulnerability and responsibility among the Targaryens. His acknowledgment of the consequences of royal temperaments underscores the episode’s exploration of power and its impact on the “small folk.” The episode also introduces new characters, including Alyn and Addam of Hull, hinting at deeper connections with Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint). Hugh the blacksmith (Kieran Bew) also makes a significant appearance, representing the common people's struggles and foreshadowing their potential role in the unfolding war. Visually stunning, the episode balances dark moments with beautifully lit scenes, such as the moonlit reunion between Rhaenyra and Jacaerys. The narrative effectively contrasts the grand political schemes with the personal tragedies and moral complexities of its characters. "Rhaenyra the Cruel" leaves us with a haunting sense of foreboding. With both sides suffering profound losses, the path to war seems inevitable. Join Levi and Los next time on "Recap & Record" as they continue to dissect every fiery detail of "House of the Dragon." Subscribe, comment, and share your thoughts on the episode. Until then, stay vigilant, as the fight for the Iron Throne heats up.
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    50 mins
  • Blood And Cheese - House of the Dragon Season 2 Premiere Review – "A Son for a Son" | Podcast S2E1
    Jun 18 2024
    Welcome to "Recap & Record," where your hosts Levi (from the "What are We Doing?" podcast) and Los (from the "280+ Podcast") bring you the ultimate breakdown of "House of the Dragon" Season 2, Episode 1. Get ready for a witty and thorough recap as we dive into the world of dragons, political intrigue, and familial drama. Last season, "House of the Dragon" left us breathless with a jaw-dropping dragon battle amid a thunderous storm. While we might have hoped for an equally electrifying start to Season 2, the premiere instead serves as a somber reminder of past events. For much of its runtime, it feels like an extended "Previously on House of the Dragon" segment, setting the stage before the real action unfolds. Our journey begins in the frosty expanse of Winterfell. The Starks are busy dispatching volunteers to the Wall, marking the arrival of winter. Jacaerys (Harry Collett) is present, attempting to rally the North to his mother's cause. Cregan Stark (Tom Taylor) offers limited support, reminding us that winter is coming. The narrative here is brief, as a raven arrives with grim news: Jacaerys' brother is dead, prompting a hasty return to Dragonstone. On Dragonstone, we find Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) in mourning. She searches the coastline for Lucerys' remains, retrieving a token to burn in his memory. Grief-stricken and emotionally paralyzed, she demands Aemond's head but is otherwise absent when her presence is crucial. With her gone, the responsibility of the war effort falls to Daemon (Matt Smith), who struggles with his limited authority as a prince consort. Daemon's attempts to lead are met with resistance. He confronts Rhaenys (Eve Best) about not annihilating the Greens in the previous season, but she stands firm. Daemon's belief in the combined might of their dragons against the formidable Vhagar remains untested. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra’s knight, Ser Erryk Cargyll (Elliott Tittensor), brings the spy master Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) to Daemon, who plots Aemond's assassination. Back in King’s Landing, Alicent (Olivia Cooke) is entangled with the detestable Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). Their affair is supposedly over, though this promise is soon broken. In the council, Alicent's peace proposals are shot down by her father, Ser Otto (Rhys Ifans). However, in private, they agree to collaborate more closely, marking a reluctant but powerful alliance. Aegon, the so-called "Magnanimous," is a disappointing monarch. He struggles to take his role seriously, distracted by his young son and barely tolerating his sister-wife Helaena (Phia Saban), who delivers cryptic warnings about "rats." Daemon's plot comes to fruition as he recruits two shady characters, Blood and Cheese, to infiltrate the Red Keep and assassinate Aemond. The episode's climax is brutal. Failing to locate Aemond, Blood and Cheese turn their attention to the King's children. They force Queen Helaena to choose which child will die, ultimately beheading the young heir and delivering his head to Daemon. The murder is heard but not seen, a rare moment of restraint in Westeros. New characters emerge, including Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) and the smith Hugh (Kieran Bew), hinting at future storylines. Ser Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) continues to unsettle Alicent with his creepy demeanor, and Aemond grows impatient, ready to wage war with Ser Criston's help. The brewing conflict at Harrenhal promises further turmoil.
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    55 mins
  • ‘FBoy Island’ Ends w/ a Shocking Twist: Good Choices & $50K - Fboy Island Season 3 Finale Breakdown
    Dec 13 2023
    What's up Recap & Record listeners! This is Levi and Los coming at you with our final FBoy Island recap of the season. We've made it to the end of this wild ride with some twists, turns, and of course - FBoys doing what they do best - manipulating. In this dramatic season finale, our final three women - Katie, Hali, and Daniella - went on their overnight fantasy suite dates to try and determine if they had a real connection with their remaining men or if they were being played. Katie got intimate with Nice Guy Vince and former FBoy Benedict. Hali bonded more with Mercedes and seemingly felt sparks fly with EJ. And Daniella continued her whirlwind romance with Jared while also having a safe, comfortable time with Nice Guy Christian. After the overnight dates, it was decision time. Katie ultimately felt a stronger pull towards Vince and his genuine feelings for her, sending Benedict home brokenhearted. Hali decided to stop chasing sparks and go with the safer choice of Mercedes, even though EJ surprisingly vowed to split the money. And then there was Daniella. All season long she was falling hard and fast for Jared, while Christian patiently waited in the wings for her to notice him. We all expected Daniella to throw caution to the wind and pick Jared. But in a shocking twist, Daniella picked Christian! And then Jared revealed his true FBoy colors, admitting he was playing Daniella all along and would have taken the entire prize. What a snake! Daniella was crushed, but she definitely dodged a bullet. In the end, while there were some broken hearts and shady moves, the women all saw through the remaining FBoys' games and made wise decisions. It restores our faith in the process...well, somewhat at least. So that wraps up another crazy season of FBoy Island! What did you think about how everything shook out? Were you shocked by any of the final choices or outcomes? Who were your favorite and least favorite contestants? And what do you hope to see next season? Let us know in the comments! As always, hit that subscribe button to get alerts for all our latest recaps, theories, and reality TV commentary. Until next time, this is Levi and Los signing off! FBoy Island forever! **** FOLLOW THE PODCAST: TWITTER: https://recaprecord.com/twitter INSTAGRAM: https://recaprecord.com/instagram SPOTIFY: https://recaprecord.com/spotify APPLE: https://recaprecord.com/apple GOOGLE: https://recaprecord.com/google AMAZON: https://recaprecord.com/amazon GOODPODS: https://recaprecord.com/goodpods POCKET CAST: https://recaprecord.com/pocket STITCHER: https://recaprecord.com/stitcher
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    51 mins