'House of the Dragon' Season 2: Why Daemon Targaryen is the most unpredictable character in HBO's hit series
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is set to stream on HBO on Sunday, June 16, 2024, and anticipation for the series is reaching a fever pitch, largely due to the popularity of the character Daemon Targaryen, played by actor Matt Smith.
Daemon Targaryen defies categorization as either a purely good or bad person, instead, he is portrayed as an impulsive and unpredictable individual who possesses both admirable and flawed qualities.
His unpredictable nature costs him the opportunity to ascend to the throne, as his brother King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine), who prioritizes avoiding conflict at all costs, removes Daemon as his heir.
George R.R. Martin, the author of 'Fire & Blood', the book on which this series is based, has also stated that Daemon is his favorite character.
Here is an analysis of why Daemon Targaryen is the most unpredictable character in 'House of the Dragon'
Daemon Targaryen's radical action
From the very first episode, we witness Daemon as someone who values action over strategy. As the commander of the city watch, he establishes the security force known as the Gold Cloaks.
The Gold Cloaks would round up every criminal in the city and punish them brutally. While his methods may have been infamous, they effectively restored order to King's Landing. He is a fierce warrior who will use every trick in the book to win at all costs.
In the battle of Stepstones, Daemon fights alone and surrenders himself to the Crabfeeder (Daniel Scott-Smith) as a strategy, ultimately defeating him.
Another aspect of his character is his self-consciousness. He is well aware of his actions and their consequences, and as a result, even his impulsive actions are often calculated and strategic.
Daemon Targaryen brutally murdered his first wife
Despite all his good qualities, Daemon is ultimately a man who is willing to commit bad deeds for his gains, making him untrustworthy.
He seeks to rid himself of the burden of his first marriage and doesn't hesitate to resort to drastic measures, including the murder of his first wife Lady Rhea Royce (Rachel Redford). His marriage with Rhea held little significance to him except as a source of venting out.
His misogynistic traits and uncanny ability to deceive make it difficult for the audience to fully trust him, even in his marriage to Rhaenyra Targaryen ( Emma D'Arcy), to whom he has pledged his loyalty. He's the type who strikes when least expected.
That being said, his affection for Rhaenyra seems to be the only relationship that he appears to be emotionally invested in.
Daemon Targaryen is loyal to his family
Despite all his negative deeds, one aspect that remains unquestionable is his unwavering loyalty to his family, especially his brother Viserys.
He never attempts to overthrow Viserys, despite commanding a loyal force willing to execute any of his commands.
Daemon's actions have consistently been driven by the welfare of his family and the crown. However, with his unpredictable nature, you can always expect him to do the unexpected in the upcoming Season 2 of 'House of the Dragon'.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Trailer
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is streaming on HBO on June 16, 2024.