Why had Daemon Targaryen to kill Willem Blackwood?
To placate the Riverlords, Daemon Targaryen is obliged in "House Of The Dragon" season 2, episode 7, to kill his devoted friend Ser Willem Blackwood. For Daemon, this choice was a required evil since it was the only way to guarantee the Riverlands' allegiance for Rhaenyra's throne claim. Daemon had been mercilessly destroying several Riverland homes, yet his behavior was seen as despotical. Daemon was under pressure to make a decision after the youthful Oscar Tully, the new Lord Paramount of the Trident, insisted on justice: either execute Willem to please the Riverlords, or risk totally losing their allegiance. By giving Willem up, Daemon was able to show his disapproval of the atrocities he had ordered, therefore keeping the Riverlords from leaning Green.
How might Daemon's actions shape "House of the Dragon's" future?
Executing Willem Blackwood helped Daemon to guarantee the Riverlands' allegiance to Rhaenyra's cause. With Team Black now possessing access to a strong army and a strategically vital area, this calculated action gave them a major edge in the Dance of the Dragons. Daemon's choice to kill Willem was a daring and deliberate one that eventually helped Rhaenyra's claim to the throne. Although it was a tough decision, it proved Daemon's determination to give up anything for his objectives and his capacity as a strategic leader.
If Willem Blackwood was merely doing as Daemon instructed, then what was the reason for executing him?
Willem Blackwood executed Daemon's orders strategically to placate the Riverlords, while following them. Daemon's terrible deeds infuriated them, and they considered Willem as the planner of these crimes. By giving Willem up, Daemon was able to demonstrate the Riverlords he was ready to punish his allies responsible for their deeds, therefore shifting the guilt from himself. Crucially for Team Black, Daemon's conciliatory approach helped him to win the Riverlords' backing.
The Riverlands suffered what effects from Willem Blackwood's passing?
The Riverlands suffered greatly at the execution of Willem Blackwood. Although it first satisfied the Riverlords, it also bred a great sense of betrayal and resentment. Respected and powerful House Blackwood was committed to Team Black, and this was absolutely vital. Although Rhaenyra's cause gained short-term benefit from Willem's death, it also set up a possible cause of future Riverlands instability and strife. The loss of a liked and trustworthy leader could inspire anger and discontent, hence fueling more disturbance and revolt.
Was Daemon a better leader when he decided to kill Willem?
Daemon's choice to murder Willem Blackwood revealed his merciless ambition and strategic thought. Though it was a morally dubious action, it finally helped him to ensure the Riverlands for Rhaenyra's cause. It proved his political power dynamics awareness and his readiness to make tough decisions. It also begged issues about his allegiance and his readiness to abandon his friends in order to further political agendas. It depends on your point of view whether this increases his effectiveness as a leader. His acts reveal both his drive to succeed and his readiness to employ brutal methods.
The Dance of the Dragons will feature the Riverlands in what capacity?
The Dance of the Dragons will revolve mostly on the Riverlands. Strategically midway between the capital and the other areas, it will be a target for conflict. The Riverlands have a great advantage since they support Team Black; it offers them a strong army and a base of operations. Aemond Targaryen and Team Green will surely aim to seize control of this vital area, though. Over the Dance of the Dragons, the Riverlands will probably be the scene of many wars and political intrigues.
