In episode 6 of House Of The Dragon, King VIserys is seen suffering more intensely from the mysterious illness that has been plaguing him since the start of the season. However, he still continues to actively rule as king.
Viserys, despite his faults, has proven to be a kind man that only wishes for peace and prosperity within the realm. However, many of his decisions since the beginning of the season have been influenced by his tendency to let his emotions guide his choices. This has led him to make some shocking decisions throughout the season.
Dismissing Daemon
In a lot of ways, Viserys is comparable to his book counterpart, but in the series, he is a bit more melancholy. Much of his sad nature has to do with the relationship he has with his younger brother Daemon. He tries to support his brother despite Daemon's unruly behavior.
After he heard that Daemon called his deceased infant "heir for a day," he is so outraged with his brother that he removes him as his heir. Viserys had spent so much time defending his brother's action to the small council that it was a bit shocking to see him make this sudden decision.
Naming Rhaenyra Heir
Fans of the novels knew that Rhaenyra would eventually be named Viserys' heir. However, Viserys seeming disinterest in his daughter made this decision come out of the left field.
Early in the first episode, Viserys is so obsessed with having a son that he barely notices his daughter, even when she's present pouring wine at the small council meetings. While he admits his wrongdoings right before he names her heir, his obsession with a male heir did make this sudden decision abrupt.
Refusing To Help The Sea Snake
The small council is made up of a group of noblemen entrusted to advise the king, like Corlys Velaryon. This also means that the king should be loyal to those that serve on his council.
However, when Corlys asks the king what he plans to do about the Crabfeeder in the Stepstones attacking his ships, Viserys dismisses the request. As a member of his council and the other Old Valyrian house, besides the Targaryens, the king should have been more concerned with providing Lord Velaryon with aid.
Marrying Alicent Hightower
Emily Carey as Young Alicent Hightower had many quotes that proved she severed Viserys well, lending him an ear and offering him advice. This is likely what urged Viserys to take her as his second wife.
However, there were other families, like the Velaryons, that were making him marriage offers. While Alicent was also from a noble house, this decision upset those close to him. Not only was Rhaenyra hurt that her father would be marrying her closest friend, but he insulted one of the most powerful families in the kingdom.
Not Naming Aegon His Heir
After he remarried and Alicent gave birth to a male heir, fans were wondering if he would falter with his decision to name Rhaenyra heir. Most of the lords were assuming the same thing, often inquiring about Aegon's succession at the boy's second Name Day celebration.
While fans of the novels know her claim to the throne sparked the feud between the Targaryens, his desire for a male heir did make this decision to keep her as his heir a bit shocking, especially for the lords within his court.
Fighting With Rhaenyra In Public
Viserys is seen fighting with his family, specifically Rhaenyra and Daemon, several times throughout the series. However, he usually does this in private to keep their personal agreements from prying eyes.
This is why it's shocking when he starts yelling at Rhaenyra in the middle of the celebration for his son. Not only are they bickering, but they are openly arguing about her trying to avoid her duties to marry. King Viserys is clearly a private man, making it unusual for him to scold his heir in front of so many of his subjects.
Attacking Daemon
The wily Daemon proves he was power hungry when he asked Viserys to marry him to Rhaenyra even after rumors were spread that the uncle and niece had a sexual encounter.
However, Viserys has also always shown love for his brother up until this point. Not only is Viserys outraged at this point, but he physically assaults him and then holds a dagger to Daemon's throat. While those actions weren't unjustified, it was a bit shocking and solidified Viserys' shift in his opinion of his brother.
Dismissing Otto Hightower As His Hand
The cunning Otto Hightower is one of the most powerful Hands of the King, serving the previous king before taking over the position for Viserys' court. He served Viserys for the first 10 years of his reign.
However, the rumors he brought to Viserys about Rhaenyra and Daemon were too much to bear. After Viserys was seen trusting this man over everyone else in his court, it was a shock that all it took was a little prompting from Rhaenyra to take away Otto's position.
Bargaining With Corlys Velaryon
After Viserys refused to support the Velaryons in their war in the Stepstones, there was a rift between the two Valyrian families. Corlys was not only upset about the war, but Viserys deciding to wed Alicent instead of his daughter Laena.
That's why it was bold of Viserys to come to Corlys and Rhaenys and suggest their son Laenor marry Princess Rhaenyra. This was shocking considering Viserys hadn't supported the house in previous years and this match was putting their son in danger.
Not Speaking Up Against Alicent
In the most recent episode, King Viserys is seen as quite ill. However, he still appears to be of a sound mind and takes part in the political affairs of his court.
Despite the fact that he's still acting as king, Alicent speaks up in the small council when Rhaenyra suggests betrothing two of their children. Considering Viserys had expressed an interest in the suggestion, it was shocking to not see him stick up to his wife and make that call.