The Blacks

Lore & Background

This faction arose from a deep schism within House Targaryen, rooted in King Viserys I's decision to name his daughter heir despite traditional customs favoring male succession. The Blacks rallied around the legalistic argument that the First Heir chosen by the monarch cannot be overturned without cause. Their power rests heavily on the dragons they command, viewing these beasts as both weapons and divine validation of their bloodline's right to rule. The alliance with House Velaryon proved crucial, providing the naval dominance needed to challenge King's Landing and supplying additional dragonriders—though Corlys Velaryon himself never rode a dragon. However, internal tensions regarding legitimacy and the nature of Rhaenyra's children sometimes complicated their unity. Despite these challenges, they remained steadfast in their belief that breaking the king's word would destabilize the realm forever. Their banners flew black to signify mourning for the peace lost but also strength against the opposition. As war broke out, they controlled Dragonstone as a fortress of resistance, preparing for a long struggle where every dragon lost was a blow to their claim.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the jagged cliffs of Dragonstone, carrying the scent of salt and ash. Rhaenyra stood before the great doors of Blackwater, her cloak pulled tight against the chill. Below, the black banners snapped in the gale, a stark contrast to the grey sky above. She could hear the distant roar of Syrax testing the air, a sound that had once been music but now felt like a warning. The realm was divided, and she knew the cost would be measured in blood.

Reader's Guide

The Blacks are the political and military coalition dedicated to securing the Iron Throne for Rhaenyra Targaryen. Their primary goal is upholding the will of King Viserys I, who named his daughter as heir above her half-brothers. To achieve this, they rely on a powerful alliance with House Velaryon, bringing naval strength and additional dragonriders to their cause. Members include loyal Targaryen kin such as Daemon and the children of Rhaenyra, alongside sworn houses like Blackwood and Arryn. They control Dragonstone fortress early in the conflict, using it as a strategic stronghold against King's Landing. Their role is defensive initially, reacting to the Greens' seizure of power after Viserys dies. Ultimately, they seek legitimacy through bloodline law rather than gender norms prevalent among their opponents. This faction represents tradition and established decree within the realm. Their struggle defines the Dance of the Dragons, a brutal civil war that nearly extinguishes the Targaryen dynasty forever. Victory would mean restoring order under Rhaenyra's rule.

Did You Know?

• The name 'Blacks' comes from their choice of black banners to distinguish themselves from The Greens.
• Daemon Targaryen served as a key military commander and husband to the claimant Queen.
• Many members were related through complex marriages designed to strengthen dragonriding bloodlines.
• They held control of Dragonstone for much of the early conflict, using it as a primary base.

Narrative Turning Points

This pivotal episode serves as the definitive catalyst for the Dance of the Dragons, transforming political tension into open conflict. The story begins with Princess Rhaenys delivering the devastating news of King Viserys's death and Aegon's usurpation to Dragonstone. This revelation triggers a traumatic event where Rhaenyra suffers premature labor, resulting in the birth of a stillborn daughter while simultaneously being crowned Queen by her brother Daemon. Despite the grief and shock, Rhaenyra initially resists immediate warfare, hoping to secure alliances and maintain unity against a prophesied threat. However, the fragile peace shatters when Prince Lucerys is sent to Storm's End to rally House Baratheon. There, he encounters his uncle Aemond, leading to a confrontation that escalates into tragedy. The episode concludes with the horrific death of Lucerys and his dragon Arrax at the claws of Vhagar, an event that irrevocably seals the fate of the realm for war.

Production and Creative Execution

The episode was crafted by series co-creator Ryan Condal, who also penned several previous installments, ensuring a cohesive narrative voice as the season reached its climax. Direction duties fell to Greg Yaitanes, marking his third time helming an episode in the series. The production featured a robust ensemble cast, including Matt Smith and Emma D'Arcy, whose performances were central to the emotional weight of the scenes. A significant casting note is that this installment marked the final appearance of Elliot Grihault as Prince Lucerys Velaryon, necessitating a poignant farewell for the character. The title itself reflects Rhaenyra's ascension and her leadership of the faction known as 'the Blacks.' Behind the scenes, the team focused on high-stakes drama, culminating in complex sequences involving dragons and stormy weather that required precise coordination to achieve the desired visual spectacle.

Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception

Upon its premiere on October 23, 2022, the episode became a cultural phenomenon, drawing an impressive 9.3 million viewers across HBO and HBO Max in the United States alone. This figure made it the network's most-watched season finale since the conclusion of Game of Thrones, with linear television accounting for nearly 1.9 million of those viewers during the initial broadcast. Critics responded with overwhelming praise, awarding the episode a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 42 reviews. Reviewers highlighted the spectacular dragon sequences set against a stormy backdrop as visually splendid and emotionally devastating. The writing was commended for its compelling cliffhanger nature, while the musical score and acting performances, particularly by D'Arcy and Smith, were singled out for elevating the tragic stakes of the finale.

Legacy and Unintended Consequences

The impact of this episode extended beyond its scheduled broadcast due to a significant leak that occurred two days prior to airing. The content was shared widely on illegal torrent sites, exposing millions of fans to the season's conclusion before the official release. Despite this breach, the episode successfully cemented the narrative trajectory for future seasons by establishing the irrevocable enmity between the factions. The death of Lucerys served as a grim foreshadowing of the brutal civil war to come, stripping away any remaining hope for a diplomatic resolution. Furthermore, the episode solidified the show's reputation for delivering high-stakes drama and complex character dynamics, setting a new standard for fantasy television storytelling in its inaugural year.