Movies News Talk
Recently delighted viewers with his surprising cameo in season 2, episode 6, Paddy Considine, the gifted actor who brought King Viserys I Targaryen to life in HBO's hit series, Considine shared a set of behind-the-scenes pictures on social media to provide a window into the preparation of this moving event.
Among the pictures were a candid view of Considine in the makeup chair, the massive King Viserys monument from the episode, and a friendly hug between Considine and Matt Smith, who plays Daemon Targaryen. The caption by Considine captured his great delight at getting back to the set, seeing his old cast and crew, and donning the King Viserys costume one last time. Playing the part, he admitted he felt a sense of purpose and responsibility—something he sorely missed when leaving the show. His words created a moving portrait of his emotional relationship to the series and the character.
Viewers of Daemon's haunting images at Harrenhal have debated their relevance and meaning a lot. Although some viewers would consider them to be a slight diversion from the main storylines, their deeper significance is These images force Daemon to face the results of his past deeds and provide a study of his tormented psyche. The visions themselves are not haphazard; each one significantly helps Daemon to untangle his complicated personality.
Daemon seeing Rhaenyra sewing Jaehaerys' head back on captures the guilt he carries for delivering "Blood and Cheese" to kill the king's grandson. Though following orders from his brother, his actions have severely damaged his conscience. Viserys's look in these visions, particularly in the episode where Daemon dreams the king approving his marriage to Rhaenyra, captures the prince's need for acceptance. Viserys reminds us constantly of Daemon's ambition for the throne and his sense of betrayal upon Rhaenyra being selected as heir over him.
Though Viserys' comeback might be fleeting, it has great weight in the series's bigger story. It represents Daemon's inner conflict and the great weight he bears from past choices and unspoken wants. The episode reminds us very importantly that the ghosts of the past haunt the characters and influence their behavior even in the middle of political intrigue and war.
It is evident as the second season of House Of The Dragon develops that the events of season one and the people from that era still shape the present. Viserys's comeback—even in the form of a ghostly apparition—tells volumes about his ongoing impact on those who survived him. Considine's strong performance is evidence of his ability to captivate even long after his character dies.
Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO show fresh House Of The Dragon season 2 episodes.