House of the Dragon Fans Hail Jace Velaryon As "Feminist King" After Episode 8
Looks like the royal kids battle for fan love in every new episode.
Warning: the following article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon episode 8
If you loved Ser Harwin Strong and think that the show robbed you of more moments with him, then you might probably enjoy his legacy in episode 8, The Lord of the Tides, with Jace Velaryon demonstrating what fans believe is "a king's behaviour".
During a dinner organized by King Viserys to try and facilitate some peace between Alicent, Rhaenyra, and their families, the two sides' kids don't seem to be enjoying each other's presence. However, while Aegon and Aemond resort to punchlines, insults and provocations, Jace Velaryon is seen being as polite as he can — and also tremendously respectful to women — a quality the Hightower kids don't seem to share.
Despite Aegon and Aemond mocking them during their toasts, Jace delivers an actual heartfelt toast. When Aegon tries to mess with him and Baela, he doesn't go ballistic but urges Aegon to watch his mouth.
At some point, he decides to entertain Helaena with a dance — but not unless his own lady was okay with it.
"The way Jace leaned towards Baela and let his lady know that he's going to make another lady a bit happier with her blessing, we stan a feminist king." – @rhaegarlya
The way Jace behaved throughout the entire episode made fans call him "a feminist king" and unleash a wave of support on Twitter that got his name trending on the social media platform.
The chemistry between Jace and Baela has also not gone unnoticed: the two smiled at each other when their betrothal was announced, and seem to be genuinely liking each other. The way Jace supports his brother Luke when he's uncomfortable being stared at made fans rule that Rhaenyra "raised real men" — unlike Alicent, whose kids rape maids and insult their kin.
"[R]haenyra's brown haired boys are so well mannered and polite. jace is a true perfect prince and heir, always striving and making effort to fulfill his duties as the future king and protecting his brothers while luke is still a sensitive boy and carries the glee of his childhood," Twitter user libralogy noted.
Despite the fact that Aegon and Aemond — or, to be precise, their younger versions — secured some fan love in two previous episodes, this one certainly seems to be favouring Rhaenyra's kids.
However, everyone will soon have to go through the atrocities of the Targaryen civil war, which is about to erupt with the death of King Viserys that concluded the episode.
Next episode premieres on Sunday, with the House of the Dragon finale scheduled to arrive on HBO Max on October 23.