The viewers’ unexpected love for Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon is turning a Game of Thrones plot twist into reality.
The romance reaction to a notorious character in House of the Dragon repeats the plot of an iconic character from Game of Thrones in real life. Matt Smith’s sincere portrayal of the impulsive yet charming Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon has deeply impressed viewers. Ironically, both House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones feature vicious characters that are seen as romantic ideals, though their actions suggest otherwise.
According to the House of the Dragon’s writer, Sara Hess (via The Hollywood Reporter), the charismatic Matt Smith is “incredible in the role. But Daemon himself is… I don’t want him to be my boyfriend!” Hess stated that Daemon Targaryen’s romantic appeal among viewers baffles her, as the character isn’t a good partner, father, or brother to anyone who doesn’t serve a purpose for him. Ironically, it’s not hard to spot an uncanny similarity between the love for Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen and the in-universe popularity of Game of Thrones’ monstrous Joffrey Baratheon.
HOTD’s Daemon Reaction Is A Real-Life Joffrey Plot Repeat
Viewers dubbing hot-tempered Daemon Targaryen an “Internet boyfriend” strangely turns the Joffrey Baratheon plot from Game of Thrones into reality. Daemon’s claim to the throne isn’t as strong as King Viserys’ children, and being loyal to Rhaenyra offers him a pathway to power. Daemon’s killing of his first wife, who disapproved of his greed and political ambitions, explains that all his relationships are driven by purpose. The scene where he helped King Viserys up the Iron Throne was heavily influenced by his desire for a ruling in Rhaenyra’s favor. Ultimately, even his acts of love and benevolence have been self-serving.
Similarly, Joffrey disguised his malice under his thin facade of charm, making Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) fall in love with him. Blame it on her naivety, but Sansa was fascinated with the romantic idea of marrying her prince charming. Joffrey found pleasure in tormenting the Stark princess, satisfying his deep-seated disdain for House Stark and proving that he deserved no love. Shortly after, in her ambitious quest for queenhood, Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) expressed her strong romantic interest in Joffrey. Real-life women idolizing the problematic Daemon Targaryen is as appalling as high-born women in Game of Thrones romanticizing the amoral sadist, Joffrey.
Daemon’s Audience Reaction Sets Up His Most Brutal HOTD Twist
Despite seeming like the best-matched couple in House of the Dragon, according to the narrators in George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood, Daemon will betray Rhaenyra. He will step outside his marriage to seek pleasure with his former love interest Mysaria, as they work together and rekindle their romance. Fire & Blood also hints at Daemon’s other affair with House of the Dragon’s upcoming character, Nettles, a 17-year-old claiming the dragon Sheepstealer for the Blacks. Daemon and Nettles traveled to Maidenpool in the Riverlands, where the rumors of their affair were sparked. However, conflicting sources claim that Daemon’s admiration for Nettles’ courage was akin to that of a father for his daughter.
Daemon’s history with infidelity is not a new revelation. Laena was always aware of Daemon’s feelings for Rhaenyra. He married Rhaenyra soon after the death of his first wife. Daemon, characterized by a desire for excitement, finds monogamy dull and unappealing. This facet of his personality will come to the forefront, disappointing audiences who see him as the epitome of romance. Daemon will have adulterous encounters to find thrill outside his marriage, paying off his most brutal House of the Dragon twist.
