House Of The Dragon Episode Seven Review - 7 Ups & 3 Downs
2. Up - The King's wrath
Paddy Considine's fury in this scene was like a terrifying elemental force of nature.
The veteran English actor has earned glowing plaudits for his portrayal of Viserys to date; particularly in the scenes where the King's fearsome side is allowed to shine through. To date, the pinnacle of Viserys' wrath had been directed at Daemon in the aftermath of his scandalous antics with Rhaenyra. Considine's umbrage at the implication Rhaenyra's children are bastards makes his behavior in this scene look like a friendly slap on the wrist.
In a flawless performance, the actor brings Viserys' nuclear anger to life in absolutely terrifying fashion; the screen practically crackles with fury as the King roars in apoplectic frustration at the divides within his "family" before decreeing any subsequent mention of royal bastardy will result in tongues being removed. This was the electric Considine at his exemplary best from start to finish; the depth of his performance is highlighted by the fact that he effortlessly manages to convey the monarch's dismay at his perceived failure as a father and a husband, while simultaneously being so incandescent with unadulterated rage that he visibly trembles with emotion.
Special praise must also be directed for the manner in which House of the Dragon have managed to convincingly age Viserys; the man legitimately looks closer to death every time he appears on screen. All in all, another stellar outing for the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms.