House of the Dragon’s biggest flaw is its unlikable characters

Prince Daemon Targaryen

Heard the term “problematic favs” to excuse away a character like Daemon? Sure, he looks great in armor, steals every scene he’s in, and will cut off a man’s head if he talks sideways to his wife — at least the one he loves. But come on, don’t get blinded by the tall, dark, and sinister. Daemon psychologically planted the seed to marry his niece. He strategically set her up to be seen in a brothel with him so he could marry her. His brother and king laughed him off, forcing Daemon to live up to the lie he created. You know, the one where he married Lady Mysaria, a former prostitute despite her not wanting to marry.

A few years later, we see her happy and empowered. On the flip side, Daemon is unhappy with his newly arranged marriage. What did he do to free himself? He kills her. Not exactly the qualities you look for in a protagonist. Let’s talk about the engagement ball where he and Rhae got close. Ser Criston snapped, and all hell broke loose — Daemon left Rhae to fend for herself. Luckily, Ser Harwin Strong was there to save her — Daemon sure didn’t. He went on to convince Rhae to fake her husband’s death, torture his parents all so they could marry, wow. People can try to excuse away his behavior, but the dude isn’t likable.