House of the Dragon pretty much started with Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen being touted as the villain of the show, but nine episodes later, Daemon has come out to be an ‘internet boyfriend’ whom a lot of fans love.
What’s funny is, HOTD executive producer Sara Hess has found herself baffled that everyone would love a character as toxic as Daemon. Talking to THR, Hess explained, “He’s become Internet Boyfriend in a way that baffles me. Not that Matt isn’t incredibly charismatic and wonderful, and he’s incredible in the role. But Daemon himself is … I don’t want him to be my boyfriend! I’m a little baffled how they’re all, ‘Oh, daddy!’ And I’m just like: ‘Really?’ How — in what way — was he a good partner, father or brother — to anybody? You got me. He ain’t Paul Rudd.”
This is just my own speculation, but I think one of the main reasons that fans gravitate to Daemon is their love for Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra has kind of been a fan favorite character throughout the course of the show, and seeing that she’s kind of obsessed with her uncle, fans just sort of leaned in on the ship.
I mean, a few episodes ago, fans had loved Ser Criston Cole, but ever since he got rejected by Rhaenyra, fans have been dubbing him as ‘Ser Incelot’.
For now, the series is now building up to its finale, which should mark the beginning for the Dance of Dragons. It’s been one slow burn of a season, but each episode has managed to be so full of intrigue and drama, I can honestly forget about any dragon fighting.
Catch the finale of House of the Dragon on HBO Max this Sunday.
