The strongest scene from episode 8 was not in the script

Anyone who has seen the current eighth episode of House of the Dragon knows that it is bursting with emotional moments: Lord Corlys Velaryon is seriously injured, his brother Vaemond is killed by Daemon and King Viserys succumbs to his serious illness.

A particularly emotional moment, which pressed the tears of many fans, was originally planned very differentlywhen we got to see him in the episode.

Touching moment between Daemon and Viserys was not in the script

As a gathering of lords and ladies heatedly debates the successor to the ill-fated sea serpent, Lord Corlys Velaryon, King Viserys Targaryen unexpectedly enters the throne room. As the now frail Viserys mounts the Iron Throne for the last time, his crown slips off his head and falls to the ground. Daemon picks it up, helps his brother onto the throne and puts the crown back on his head.

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It is a strong moment between two siblings, which has seen many ups and downs, and shows that Daemon genuinely loves and respects his big brother, despite his outwardly distant demeanor. Though Daemon long lusted after the crown, he put it back on his terminally ill brother’s head.

But this scene was actually planned differently. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, director Greeta Patel reveals:

According to Patel, the original plan was for Daemon to toast his brother at the family dinner later in the episode, but the actors and director felt during rehearsals that there was something special about the scene. Therefore, Daemon’s speech was deleted and replaced with the improvised moment.

The warm moment between the two Targaryen brothers, Daemon and Viserys, was just one of the many highlights of episode 8. In our weekly analysis, we provide you with background information, theories and hidden details about other important scenes.