If you tuned in for this week's House of the Dragon, then you probably need no reminder about Daemon "Fuck it — I'll do it myself" Targaryen's BIG MOMENT.
For a refresher, it's been a three (yes, THREE) year time jump since Episode 2, and in this week's episode, "Second of His Name," we found Daemon battling alongside Corlys Velaryon against the Crabfeeder in the Stepstones.
By this point, Daemon and Corlys have nearly exhausted their resources and are on the brink of losing their fight.
However, after some repeated persuasion from members of the small council, Viserys finally bends and informs Daemon that he'll be sending aid.
Of course, Daemon, being the prideful younger brother that he is, is LESS than thrilled about the arrival of this news and, after ~shooting~ the messenger (sorry, guy)...
...rows off Gendry-style to go on something of a suicide mission.
And what follows is QUITE the spectacular display of bravery/madness/fighting from Daemon.
Fans were quick to note that not only was Daemon's big moment amazing to watch, but it also blew everyone's minds that he did so while having no dialogue the entire episode:
Daemon fckn Targaryen did not utter a single word from the moment he stepped out from Caraxes, got belittled, read a letter, sailed through the waters alone, fake surrender, hit by arrows. The eyes and body tell a LOT. Phenomenal acting is what this is! #HouseoftheDragon #HOTD
Bro did not say a single word and still took the whole episode! Daemon Fucking Targaryen🔥 #HouseoftheDragon #hotd
And, of course, it made people even more appreciative of Matt Smith's A+++ performance...
Just realised that Daemon said not one word from the moment he came off the dragon till he walked out with you know what. Matt Smith is killing this role. #HOTD #HouseoftheDragon
I’ve been a Matt Smith fan since Dr Who. I think he’s brilliant in every role he plays but his role as Daemon Targaryen is another level. That was some perfect casting! #HouseoftheDragon #HOTD
Once a upon a time everyone hated the casting of Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, & he’s making everyone who didn’t like him as Daemon eat their words #HouseOfTheDragon
...and the showrunners' handling of the character:
In 3 episodes, the actor & showrunners already did a splendid job in adapting Daemon Targaryen from book to screen. All the early character nuances give justice to how he was described. #HouseoftheDragon #HOTD
They even felt like the hole Jon Snow left in their hearts had been filled:
daemon has filled a jon snow sized hole in my heart #HouseoftheDragon
Me reading all of the Jon Snow and Daemon Targaryen comparisons this morning. #Houseofthedragon
But, generally, people were absolutely LIVING for Daemon's dramatic mad dash at the end of the episode, and making some hilarious jokes and observations about it:
Rickon Stark seeing Daemon avoid all those arrows #HouseOfTheDragon
Laenor & Seasmoke saving Daemon from the Triarchy gave that old GOT feeling again 🔥 #HouseoftheDragon
On a scale of 1 to Daemon how well do you handle getting texts from your family #hotd
I can't belive Daemon Targaryen waited 3 years for Viserys to send him aid just so he can be "oh now you want to help me?" and finally end the war in a suicidal mission. I love his drama. #HOTD
Daemon rather put himself in harms way and risk death than admit that he needs Viserys’ help. He just like me fr #HOTD
Daemon really said fuck your reinforcements #HOTD
Viserys: gotchu bro I’m sending help Daemon: #HouseoftheDragon
Prince Daemon Targaryen? y’all know i’m right. #HouseOfTheDragonHBO #Houseofthedragon #Hotd
me to Daemon Targaryen after episode 3:
Daemon Targaryen in the 4th quarter of the war #HouseOfTheDragonHBO #houseofdragon
Daemon walking out of the cave holding half of the Crab Feeder like #HouseoftheDragon #hotd
Daemon waving the white flag knowing damn well he's not surrendering #HOTD #HouseoftheDragon
Viserys: I'm sending you some help bro Daemon: NOT ON MY FUCKING WATCH *goes wild* #HouseoftheDragon #DaemonTargaryen
War veteran Caraxes casually blocking fiery arrows with those durable wings. Then when Daemon got hit, he felt it and screeched. The spiritual bond of these two 🥺 Outstanding opening sequence! #HouseoftheDragon #HOTD
Me to Daemon and Rhaenyra: (And them to each other probably) #HouseOfTheDragonHBO #HouseOfTheDragon #HOTD
Daemon after reading that his brother is gonna help him #HouseOfTheDragonHBO
When Daemon walks out with half a Crabfeeder #HOTD
Daemon after killing the Crabfeeder
Daemon pulling up on the crabfeeder 🦀#HouseoftheDragon
DAEMON TARGARYEN THE MAN THAT YOU ARE #HOTD
Me after watching Daemon Targaryen each week
What did you think of Daemon's performance this week?! Did you love it? Is he your new (or continued) favorite character?! Tell us in the comments below!
