House Of The Dragon Episode Four Review - 8 Ups & 2 Downs

While initially unconvinced by Paddy Considine as Viserys Targaryen, this writer has decided to take it all back.

Considine's performance has come on in leaps and bounds by the episode; as mentioned previously, the actor is relishing bringing the angrier side of Viserys to life and this shines through this week in particular. Watching the normally clueless King finally pull the wool from his eyes and angrily berate Otto for his devious ways was delicious, but it got even better as the visibly squirming Hightower was relieved of his duties as the Hand of the King.

It was more than just the satisfaction of watching Otto suffer this week however; Considine made Viserys believable as a King. Gone was the almost bumbling, slow-to-action monarch, replaced by a man with an iron will born of quiet desperation. Banishing Daemon and forcing Rhaenyra to marry Laenor Velaryon splendidly flaunt Viserys' more ruthless streak but the episode's final scene where Rhaenyra is brought a tea designed to abort any potential pregnancy poignantly hammers home the harsh truth of Rhaenyra's situation; Viserys may be her father, but the King's word is the final word.

As his various wounds fester and his fingers drop off, Viserys has the air of of a man who knows he does not have long to live, and as such, will not spend his last days sitting doing nothing about it. Considine's feverish concern, his terrifying wrath and a fearsome determination to do what is necessary to protect his house was the highlight amongst the usual array of stunning highlights in this week's episode. Bring on next week.