Here is the first in what could be a regular happening: a farewell post to a beloved character, in this case Viserys Targaryen, but more so a farewell and our best wishes to the man who embodied him for six episodes this season, Harry Lloyd.
This post is all about Harry Lloyd. We have not come to bury Harry, no; we are here to praise him.
Harry first came to our attention back in July of 2009; the Hollywood Reporter confirmed our Sean Bean scoop, and the article tossed a few extra little tidbits at us as well, one which included Harry Lloyd being cast as Viserys. Almost immediately, we scoured You Tube for various scenes he’d done, from playing a villainous madman (Son of Mine) on Dr. Who, to the twitchy role of Will Scarlet in BBC’s Robin Hood.
Most of us immediately had the impression he could certainly play crazy. We did not know how right we were. He did it, and quite well! There are only a handful of roles that some may be able to claim have been depicted better onscreen than in George R.R. Martin’s beloved books, but Lloyd’s Viserys is probably near the very top of that list. Certainly, Lloyd nailed the bug-eyed overconfident craziness that was Dany’s elder brother, but it was the subtler nuance—the humanization—of what could easily have been a two-dimensional character, had it fallen into the hands of a lesser actor, that earns Lloyd our eternal gratitude.
For me, Viserys’ growth was epitomized during his episode six “loyalty discussion” with Ser Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen) as Viserys was attempting to make off with his sister’s dragon eggs. The way Viserys held himself, chin high, staring down the stony face of Mormont—as though Jorah were the thief and not he—showed me the depth of understanding Lloyd had for this role. The divine right by which he believed himself to be the rightful sovereign of Westeros. And my favorite line, his “I need a large army,” retort, said with just the hint of a ironic humour, made me smile wide, despite what I knew would ultimately befall the character—despite realizing at that point that we were not just losing Viserys, but losing Lloyd as well. Forever, as Game of Thrones goes. And I simply reveled in the scene, watching two master actors—one only a few years out of school—take a brand new scene that was nowhere in the books and make it viable to the series as a whole.
This is a momentous post. Besides Margaret John, we’ve not said goodbye to anyone. Just think of all the discussions that have taken place, all the times we’ve mentioned Harry’s name, or Viserys’s. It’s remarkable. And now we say goodbye.
We ask you, our loyal readers, to say your own farewells, your own thank-yous. Give us a moment of your time and recall your favourite scene, your favourite line, either with Viserys Targaryen or about him. Share for us all. This is how House Gatewatch honours its departing heroes.
Fire And Blood: Best of luck, Harry! You have earned yourself a following. I, for one, cannot wait to see what you do next.
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227 Comments
Ciao Harry, good job :)
Damryn of DorneQuote Reply
Great job! I was actually almost sorry to see Viserys go (almost).
ThomasQuote Reply
They could always get him back to play Rhaegar in any flashbacks there might be in later seasons.
Just stick a beard on him.
Or if the Dunk and Egg stories are ever made by HBO there’s tons of Targs to be cast, one could easily look like Viserys.
Only half joking.
MormegilQuote Reply
I’M NOT READY FOR HIM TO GO :(
turned a character I wasnt bothered about into one of the most interesting. Such a great actor and I hope he gets the success and recognition he deserves.
Goodnight, sweet prince.
Gytha OggQuote Reply
Absolutely enjoyed Lloyd in the role. Viserys was a character I found immensely fantastic in the books and Lloyd exceeded my expectations on the screen. So sad to see such a complex and well played character leave the show, but…. What a way to GO ! So glad he had fun doing it.
RahBurQuote Reply
“I need you to be perfect today. Can you do that for me?”
“Make him happy.”
“I want us both to go home.”
“Mormont, kill these Dothraki dogs!”
“And yet here you stand.”
“Khal Drogo! I came for the feast!”
…and many, many, many more. And all of his looks, smirks and craziness. And his ingeniously memorable performance in episode 6.
Thank you, Harry Lloyd! Hope to see you soon on screen again!
Black LionQuote Reply
And OMG DAT SMILE
Such a cutie pie.
Gytha OggQuote Reply
Harry Lloyd was great as Viserys. All the best to him!
Alexander DubrovskyQuote Reply
I despised him in the book and Lloyd made me LOVE him. I am 100% with you, the way he delivered the line “I need a large army” was PERFECTION. That line is right there with his delivery of “Where’s he going?” in the pilot. He made me wish that HBO would pull a Lafayette with him and keep him alive one way or another (just for a second, that desire didnt last very long since Im very much a purist when it comes to the HBO adaptation lol)
Lloyd, you’ve made a fan. From now on I will be sure to try to support and watch whatever projects you decide to be on after Game Of Thrones.
PacoQuote Reply
Harry, Great job. I never liked Viserys but you made me love to hate him and that is admirable. Thank you.
AstalnarQuote Reply
Sooo… Going to do this when (not if, when) we get to laters seasons and things like zombi-Cat or other maybe-deaths happen ? Just my 2 cents.
Oh and yeah. Harry made me cry a tear for Viserys. I applaud to that.
rorschach-Quote Reply
Great idea for a regular feature WIC!!
Lloyd was terrific, and truly brought Viserys to life – WAY more compelling than I remember the character in the book. Two thumbs up!!! Indeed, he will be missed!
EdQuote Reply
Harry played the role to perfection. Good job by a fine actor.
And I think that having a curtain call as the series progresses is a great idea.
David MooreQuote Reply
I agree that Viserys was one of the best realised characters on the show. I remember back in the day, actually getting goosebumps watching that clip from Doctor Who. Probably because i could see him as Viserys there (just slightly more crazy in that clip).
My favorite Viserys moment has to be when he thought he was going to get his (real) crown. For the first time, we see him actually happy. “Thats all i wanted. What was promised.” His subsequent death was not really satisfying. (Though very well done) It was – almost – like putting a rabid dog to sleep.
sjweningsQuote Reply
Ok is it just me who is pre emptively getting the sads over the future stars of these posts?
I don’t know if my heart can take it.:(
Gytha OggQuote Reply
I too was very satisfied with Harry Lloyd’s Viserys, definitely in the top 3 as far as getting the character ‘right’ so far.
Jordan HealeyQuote Reply
Brilliant work. He stole the show for me.
I’m very sad to see him go.
SonglianQuote Reply
Lloyd elevated Viserys for me, a character I had no interest in knowing. With Lloyd in the role Viserys was suddenly tragic and cruel and insane and vulnerable all at once, qualities that, if his book self had them, I had never picked up on it. I’m sorry to see him go, though still not sorry Viserys is dead, lol! Here’s to all of his new and undoubtedly successful endeavors!
My favorite scene…I think it was the bathtub. He showed a side of himself that had once been young, innocent, and happy. Not for long, admittedly, but the glimpse was very unique, adding a great deal of depth to his character.
Raquel DoddQuote Reply
Ty for a great job Harry.
Every scene nailed down perfect.
HobertoQuote Reply
i dont think any server has enough free space for giving every dying character an own goodbye post, even if they are major :D
Mario MjoedQuote Reply
He was wonderfully cast and certainly made the character much more interesting and enjoyable than he was in the book. I too would love to see him come back in some capacity. Rhaegar flashbacks? Who knows.
ChryseeQuote Reply
Bravo, Harry, House Gatewatch gives you a standing O!
OldGranQuote Reply
Love this post, FaB! Looking forward to more later this season…
But yeah, it is crazy to think that for almost two whole years we have been looking forward to Lloyd’s performance as Viserys. And now it is over. Done. Barring flashbacks (or deleted scenes on the DVD), these scenes are all we will get of him as Viserys. But wow, did he make an impact.
Like FaB said, many agreed that he was a good choice for the role just based on his ability to do crazy. But I don’t think many suspected he would bring such depth and nuance to the role. Once we started to see bits and pieces of his performance in the trailers, you could already tell it was going to be impressive. And it was.
Another thing that was great about Harry is how he was an ambassador of the show. Remember those early days when any cast member interview was huge news? Harry had like 3 or 4 early interviews where he talked up the show and you could tell he was really passionate about it. That was awesome. All his recent interviews have been great as well. I loved the story about the Russian fan he told in the BAFTA Q&A. A talented actor and a very well-spoken and funny guy to boot.
Farewell Harry. May you have a long and illustrious career!
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
My favourite moment was on the pilot episode. The stumbling down the stairs, wondering if Drogo had liked Daenerys. It was a perfect example of body language. All the insecurities, all the real inferiority complex shown in just a simple walk down some stairs.
We will miss you, Harry, as much as we won’t miss Viserys.
Farewell, actor.
CaedesQuote Reply
My favorite Lloyd moment was when we first saw part of his conversation with Dany in the previews. It made me realize we were going to be in for a treat with that performance.
On a side note – where was this post for poor Mycah…
dizzy_34Quote Reply
Even if I despise the character, I was indeed sad to see Harry Lloyd’s departure from the show. He has been a wonderful Viserys, bringing to the character a humanity and a sassiness that will certainly be missed. His portrayal was jaunty and snide at the same time, but his scene with Ian Glein had an incredible vivid and melanchonic tone as well. He’s a great actor and I’ll certainly support him in whatever project he embarks upon next.
Andrea MorstabiliniQuote Reply
Harry, you brought to the screen a Viserys that was even better than the one in my head. You made people sit up and take notice. You helped Emilia Clarke portray Dany as she was meant to be by providing her a strong foil. And, perhaps most importantly, you have set a new record for slimy bastards on television.
Thank you for all of your hard work. I’ll keep an eye out for your name in the future and look forward to seeing many wonderful things from you again.
McSherrieQuote Reply
Viserys, you were a real douche, but you were valuable – as a gauge against which we could measure Dany’s suitability to rule, as a supremacist against kindly whores and 40,000 proud savages, as a mold for a new style of golden hat.
And yea, though your bones have been chucked aside in the Dothraki sea, your crazy eyes still linger. Ever will your screams be heard. Ever will your tyrannical dreams
resonate. Never will we forget the man who wanted so much, threatened so much, and yet got pwned so thoroughly.
PS: Harry Lloyd, you truly were the Mad King’s son. Thank you, and may you always fly with dragons.
Franny BeeQuote Reply
Harry is one of the actors that has given a character more life than there was of him in the books. And doing so with GRRM characters is a HUGE compliment.
For me he is/was with Mark Addy, Owen Teale, Francis Magee, Amrita Acharia (where’s the love?) and Iain Glenn a prime example of actors making me invested in characters in which I was not while reading the books.
KnurkQuote Reply
I was almost sad to see him go. Almost.
As others have said, Lloyd turned a character that was a mere appendage when I read him, to one that I looked forward to seeing onscreen.
He did a wonderful job. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for things that he will do in the future.
Convivial EddQuote Reply
I have to say I felt sorry for Viserys when he got his crown. That is a remarkable achievement on Harry Lloyd’s part because let’s face it that character deserved to die. Harry did an outstanding job and will be missed.
YeremiahQuote Reply
I concur with all above. Bravo!
My two favorite moments:
During the Wedding Feast, Viserys casts Dany a look, its on screen for less than a second. It is amused and playful as if to say, “Get a load of what these savages call food! How are you holding up over there at the high seat, little sister?” Hard to translate that one look, its worth a thousand words. Tiny, but it stuck in my head.
Second: “*I* don’t take orders from savages, or their sluts.” This, with steel bared. Can’t fully explain why, but I hear Harry delivering this line in my head very clearly. Every day.
I wish you success in all your future endeavors, Harry!
McKeeQuote Reply
I thoroughly enjoyed Lloyd’s performance and he definitely breathed life in what was a pretty flat one dimensional character in the book. I’m really kind of sad he’s gone actually. I hope he has a really successful career ahead of him! He’s definitely a talented actor.
StarkgirlQuote Reply
Yeah, I gotta give huge props to Harry Lloyd. He really gave depth and watchability to the character. Sort of in the same style of Gaius Baltar on BSG, he was the guy who stole the screen and you just loved to hate him. :)
Props to Harry! Can’t wait to see him in more projects.
Grant GouldQuote Reply
Standing O for Mr. L. The way he said “Dany” during his final scene just slew me.
PS: Dear HBO, plz bring him back 4 Rheagar. K thx bi.
InkasrainQuote Reply
Harry Lloyd didn’t just hit a home run as Viserys, he hit a grand slam! The casting for this show has been amazing, but none have been better than Lloyd. Great job!
Matt CeloriaQuote Reply
He really did an awesome job as Viserys and the crowing was just about as horrifying as I hoped it would be.
SockMonkehQuote Reply
Well played, Mr. Lloyd, well played. You made me care about Viserys, which points to how much talent you really have. Good luck in your future endeavors!
RobertQuote Reply
Oh, I’m gonna write something long for this. Maybe gather up all my previous “Hail Harry” notes and combine them. I hope the actor himself comes by here, or someone points him this way, so he can see just what an impact he’s had on us, and our take on how well he played one of the books most awful characters.. Now off to collate..
purplejillyQuote Reply
He made me love Viserys and feel sorry for him…can’t HBO bring him back in another role? Like Garrett Dillahunt in Deadwood.
Laura LuchettiQuote Reply
Harry did a magnificent job in this role! I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.
Christopher J. GillQuote Reply
No goodbye post for Jory? :’(
FelagundQuote Reply
No goodbye post for Jory then?
Or Ser Vardis Egan, Ser Hugh of the Vale, Mycah, Lady, Will, Ser Raymar Royce and Gared either? (I think these are the only named characters to have died so far, but please do correct me if I’m wrong – not including Robert as that would be an episode 7 spoiler now wouldn’t it.
Ha, couldn’t have a proper eulogy for all the deaths I suppose, but I did like Jory.
On topic: Harry was a great Viserys and made him a much deeper character than in the books. Which is quite an achievement given that they were written by The Man himself.
Good luck for the future Harry, I’m sure it will be bright.
Jim HiggittQuote Reply
he was crazy. but he was fun.
Cersei the FairQuote Reply
I salute to you, Harry!
Yet I insist we get a goodbye post for Jory as well, since he’s certainly on the list of characters who’ve been portraied better on screen than in the books!
SteveQuote Reply
Fantastic job, Mr. Lloyd, as well as could be said in the original post. I wrote a little something on my blog for you, but undoubtedly you’re more likely to read it here. Truly, you nailed the madness that was Viserys. I’ve read the series several times, and what you created was better than anything I had in my mind. I am confident that you are at the beginning of a fantastic career. Farewell.
Bill WolfeQuote Reply
Excellent work, Harry!
Wish you scored a lengthier role. You were a pleasure to watch!
kerningQuote Reply
This may be an unpopular opinion, but I always felt sorry for Viserys, even in the books. Yes, he was horrible to his sister and nothing will excuse that, but when I think about the life he’s lead, and the fact that he’s, y’know, inbred and crazy, and he makes me think of a rabid dog. Yes, he needs to be put down for the safety of others, but it’s not the dog’s fault.
Thank you, Harry Lloyd, for such a fantastic performance. We’ll miss you.
bad_idea_bearQuote Reply
I remember seeing Harry on the Viserys “Targaryen Portraits” previews for the first time – the “You don’t want to wake the dragon, do you?” scene – and being so excited because he completely nailed it. He never disappointed.
Plus he was always so enthusiastic about the books. Hope everyone caught the “Blackberry BBM” Thrones interview with him:
http://skyatlantic.sky.com/blackberry-in-partnership-with-sky-atlantic-hd/blackberrys-bbm-interview-harry-lloyd
ShandyQuote Reply
My favorite moment was the first real line we got from Viserys in the first trailer. You could just see the bile that is Viserys bubbling in his eyes. As soon as I saw him I was like “Yes! They nailed it !”
Titus CrowQuote Reply
Thank you Harry for your wonderful perfomance. You gave heart to the character so that we could actually understand why Visery’s was crazy. The look on your face when Visery’s thought he was finally going to get what he wanted from Drogo was perfect.
Bravo!
fuelpaganQuote Reply
Congratulations Harry Lloyd for a masterpiece of a performance.
*Jaqen H’gar needs an actor, hint hint. *
MongerelQuote Reply
*waves*
bye…. :(
JackQuote Reply
One of my main hopes for the show was that we’d get more insight into non-POV characters, and Viserys was top of my list. He was a horrible person, but with a very tragic and interesting background that warranted a bit of depth, something we didn’t get when reading as we only ever saw him through Dany’s eyes.
Harry Lloyd went beyond perfect in his portrayal, even better than I’d hoped. When he was cast I remembered his performance in Doctor Who and thought it was an inspired choice. Viserys was every bit as detestable and crazy as in the book, but we saw so many other aspects of his character too. I hated him and pitied him at the same time.
Great job Harry, I hope all your future projects succeed. And if there’s a chance of a flashback scene in future series of GoT, please do it! :)
ShinyteapotQuote Reply
Been a fan of Lloyd’s since Robin Hood, and when he was announced as Viserys it was my FAVORITE casting, and remains so to this day. I knew what he would bring to the table, but even I found myself surprised at how much Lloyd’s portrayal endeared me to the character. I dreaded this episode, even as much as I loved his performance in it. The scene with Jorah is one of my favorites thus far, but really every moment Lloyd had on screen he made the most of it.
I have nothing but best wishes and high expectations for his acting career. He’s certainly got the skills (and the looks, yowza) to carry him far. If he reads this, good luck!
SmegmaQuote Reply
Loved how Harry portrayed Viserys. Great depth to the character. Also loved watching the interviews with Harry he seems a fun guy that knows his craft.
I’m also rather stunned that I’m getting excited about seeing how he makes Dennis Thatcher interesting! ;)
Jackie MacPhersonQuote Reply
I just got an email from HBO offering me to watch episode 7 on HBOGO.
and I’m no where near the US, could it be they are opening the site for everyone now??
Harry really loved your Viseris, awesome job, will be great to see you as Reahger, but you need to put on some muscle first.
drinksTeaInTheMorninQuote Reply
Harry Lloyd, you did a stupendous job. While reading the books, Viserys was a character that I never felt empathy for, nor did I care to. I never once really considered his point of view or why he did what he did. I always chocked it up to insanity and perceived privilege. Your embodiment of the character not only made me curious about his motivations and outlook, but gave me a much greater understanding of the burden he had. Bravo to you, you will be missed. *applause*
As to my favorite scenes… All the scenes that made him seem more human. The bathtub scene when he’s describing a part of his childhood. The two scenes in episode 6, first when Jorah is explaining what is happening while Dany is eating the heart and later when he is attempting to steal the dragon eggs. The audience gets to see that he knows he isn’t set up to rule, but his belief in his family’s dynasty is what drives him to do what he does.
MiraxQuote Reply
Sterling work from Harry, who did indeed manage to enhance the character in a cool way, i.e. without radically altering GRRM’s vision. Hope this leads to great things!
DavieboyQuote Reply
….and this is why i love this site :)
on point… Thanks Harry, like FaB said you took what have could have been a cookie cutter character and made it truly memorable. Kudos and good luck!!!
David GilroyQuote Reply
Thanks Lloyd, your performance made me feel a sympathy for Viserys that I never approached reading the book. Well done.
Now if anyone can write a decent script about a certain albino swordsman and sorceror you should only need to slap in the crimson contacts and the job’s yours!
KarsaQuote Reply
He did a good job. :)
I think a lot of people here overestimate how sympathetic he made his character, though. Every new viewer I know haaaaaates Viserys and was happy to see him die. :D But a villian you’re happy to see die is a good villian, IMO.
userjQuote Reply
Love him <3 <3 despite the fact that I loathed visery.
And I love even more his russian accent
Can't wait to see him somewhere else ^^
MorganeQuote Reply
harry lloyd made viserys three dimensional and human. you never quite LIKED viserys but thanks to harry lloyds portrayal, you could understand him. one of my favorite performances of the season.
educatedponyQuote Reply
I’m going to miss Harry Lloyd playing Viserys so much! I think out of all the casting, he was the most spot on ith how I envisioned the character. Harry really lived up to the role, and as was startd in the post – a lesser actor could have easily played the role with a very 2-dimensionality “crazyiness”, but Harry found the depth in the character and fleshed him out. He made him so believeable and actually even sympathetic. Especially in the scene from Ep. 6 between him and Ian Glenn. Wow! Harry, buddy, we will miss you but I thank you so much for truly bringing Viserys to life like no one else could. You did an amazing job. We’ll miss you but I’ll be getting the DVDs to rewatch over and over, I’m sure. Good luck in your career. We’ll be watching for you!
The Winter RoseQuote Reply
I have said my goodbyes for Harry/Viseris in a previous post already, but here’s an important observation:
I know, nothing but praise for the departed, but truly, if you read this Harry, know then that this is the FIRST time EVER on Winter-is-Coming in which 100% of all comments are positive!!! And not just positive, but ravingly positive. Hence, I salute you Harry, yours was a perfect performance.
I declare this the No-Gate Gate!!!
Tar KidhoQuote Reply
Like many folks, I recognized Harry’s name because he made such an impression as Son of Mine that I looked him up on IMDB. As soon as he was announced, I knew the role was in good hands.
Still, I was pleasantly surprised by Lloyd the ambassador, and impressed with the way he sold the show in interviews. Above and beyond my hopes, his passion made me feel much less alone as I cried out, “Just wait until you see this show!” when it was so, so far away.
Then, he went one step further and made me care about a character whose every scene in the book made me hope for his brutal death.
Brilliant casting, and great work. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Harry Lloyd.
paulgudeQuote Reply
I appreciated Harry Lloyd and the job he did has Viserys even more after I watched the interview with him and Addy, Bean, and Jackson. I nearly didn’t recognize the man! And it wasn’t just about the wig, it was his entire person! (I can’t say that about Bean and Addy — who are ALSO terrific but did not transform themselves like Harry did)
Farewell to you Harry! You were fantastic!
And just on the side, I still think of Jory as a bit player, almost extra status.
I also do not see Lloyd playing Rhaegar, unless he puts on more muscle.
BrynnQuote Reply
Mr. Llyod, I wish I had the time (at work on deadline) or skill at writing to properly thank you and praise your work. My wife grew to despise your patheticness and admire your nuanced portrayal. You were one of the characters she asked me a lot about (to understand your ages at the time of the Usurper’s rise and how you came to be there bartering your sister.) She was intrigued and you were one of many who were able to bring alive the depth that is ASoIaF, even in “villains.”
There is precious little badery for badness’ sake in his books (I’m looking at YOU Conan! :) ) but you surpassed even Mr Martin’s ability to make us wonder and regret the sad lost child.
You had many good scenes with and without the wonderful Ms Clarke, but when you said “that was all I ever asked for” with that expression and body language. I knew what was coming and … Well, your character could not have lived, it would have been to no one’s benefit (not even his) but we can still feel empathy and sorrow because you showed us his Humanity.
Thank you Mr. Lloyd, I will look for you in the future (maybe look now for Robin Hood too) and may you always soar with the Dragons you (ok, Viserys) dreamed of in your youth.
Well done. (I really had no time, but couldn’t leave it at just “great job, thanks either”… *sheepish grin*
VarsuukQuote Reply
Along with Maisie Williams and Mark Addy, he has put on the best perfomance so far on the show — and that’s saying something.
You know someone is talented when they are stealing scenes from other actors who are also incredibly talented.
AlanQuote Reply
Thank you, Harry !
The RabbitQuote Reply
Of all the characters in ASOIAF , I thought Viserys was the most diffucult one to portray but Harry Lloyd did a marvelous job! An actor to watch out for in the future!
Thanks, Harry!
durandalQuote Reply
Yeah, Harry rocks. I didn’t like Viserys in the books at all. In the TV-series he’s one of my favourites.
DiriadQuote Reply
Well, in Deadwood Garret Dillahunt played Jack McCall in season one and then came back in season two and three as a completely different character, Francis Wolcott.
Ingemar SvenssonQuote Reply
His acting was wonderful and the wig actually looks real. Let’s hope we’ll see him in more good shows/films.
TeeQuote Reply
I couldn’t wait to see Viserys disappear in the book. I dreaded that happening in the series. Viserys was terrible and deserved everything he got, but Harry Lloyd was a pleasure to watch. Most actors would’ve gone far over the top with such a villain, but he was always in control. I really hope he finds his way onto American television in the near future in a much longer-lasting role. :)
Steve the PirateQuote Reply
Thanks a lot Harry for making me care about a character I could not care less while reading the books.
Thanks for letting me see the five-year old and traumatized kid hidden behind Viserys’ mask of arrogance and superiority-complex. Now, at least, I think I understand him.
standing ovations from us gatekeepers for an outstanding performance;
thank you for taking this seriously and for supporting the buttom.
marzmanQuote Reply
A greater Viserys than ‘ere, played here.
Edric DayneQuote Reply
Farewell Harry Lloyd
You brought life to a cartoon
Golden performance
haiku_hodorQuote Reply
Dear Harry Lloyd, I hope someone steers you here to see all this praise. I am guessing one of the joys of being an actor is knowing people enjoyed your work, and I have to say, in this role, I enjoyed the heck out of you!
I’ve written quite a bit about you in other posts and I don’t want to recap too much of the same thing so I’ll try to keep it shorter, and just say that if you are ever having a bad day, come back here and read the many, many post episode recaps that have praise for you as Viserys.
I’m an American, and had never heard of you before. I just knew that I hated Book Viserys so much, I had no interest in whoever they were casting in that throw-away role. Book Viserys came across as shallow, entitled, cruel, and with more than a little touch of his dad’s madness. (which you showed off perfectly with your famous ‘crazy eyes!’) He was just awful to his sister, and it made him entirely unlikable. He was two dimensional and nasty, and I was happy when he got his crown.
You, on the other hand, brought such depth and dimension to him. Lines that were cartoonish and super-villiany when I read them in the book, came out as sincere and real when you performed them, (You don’t want to wake the dragon, do you?) and unlike the books, I was very sad when you got your crown in the show.
You brought such amazing depth, humanity and reality to the character, that it let me imagine other Targaryens in the book that we have never seen yet. In the books, young Cersei once had a big- time crush on Rhaegar, your older brother. That never seemed quite real to me before. I could never imagine a sexy, attractive Targaryen until you were in that bathtub, being all relaxed and sweet. And as you talked about your childhood, and dragons, I could suddenly imagine what Rhaegar might have been like – older, calmer, more mature, confident, and very steamy with sexuality. It suddenly seemed realistic that there could have been this gorgeous, white haired Targaryen Prince that Cersei was crushing on back in the day.
You did a great job, Harry, and still remain for me the character I would say is ‘most improved’ from the books.
My fondest hope now is that GRRM gets more writer’s block, and down the road HBO has to turn to prequels, and we can get you back as your older brother.
And Pssst, to Viserys himself – McKee and I have our secret alt. History theories that you aren’t really dead, just wandering the desert now, dazed, confused, with some strange round scars and a vague memory of a past that you can’t shake. I’ve seen enough soap operas to know it could be true. We’re sewing our dragon banners by candlelight, waiting for you to return!
purplejillyQuote Reply
I wanted Viserys “crowned” from his very first scene, so I guess that means Lloyd played him well. :) great job!
ClobQuote Reply
I agree, we need to bring this boy across the pond! Wonder if he sings? (Glee!) He could be a foreign exchange student :)
purplejillyQuote Reply
Off-Topic:
I know, it’s just a fanvideo, but it’s so beautiful I HAD to post it!
On Topic:
Oh yeah, and Harry was and always will be great!
AbyssQuote Reply
How about Pip in a live action version of South Park? Seriously though, I wanted to echo every else’s sentiments. Very well done!
Lord Ned’s HeadQuote Reply
Thanks Harry – “I am your KING!” – Brilliantly done! I always thought the golden crown was slightly harsh!!
Khal NicQuote Reply
Bravo Harry Lloyd for a (ahem) crowning performance. Why oh why was he not submitted for an Emmy?
Part of me wishes he had been cast as someone else so we could keep watching him. But then we wouldn’t have gotten such an excellent, nuanced portrayal of what was a one-dimensional villain in the book.
Fate’s BitchQuote Reply
I don’t think he’s totally gone yet. I think he’ll be included in Dany’s dream sequence at the start of the final episode.
We’ll see if they decide to include that.
Josh ParkerQuote Reply
Harry Lloyd’s (along with Mark Addy’s) is probably my favorite depiction of any character so far. His Viserys was glorious. Actually, as far as the book go, I’m not really a fan of any Targaryen, and towards Viserys I was impassive at best. Harry Lloyd changed that. Seriously, since they mucked up the Hound, Viserys became one of my Top 3 favorite characters in the show, along with Tyrion and Jaime, closely followed by Robert.
Favorite line? “You do not command the dragon! I am Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, I don’t take orders from savages or their sluts.” The delivery was brilliant. His last scenes were also very good, and his death is probably my favorite ending so far (yes, even more than Episode 7′s).
Honestly, I will miss Lloyd’s Viserys. Yes, as a pre-show fan I knew from the get-go that he won’t last long, but damn, until Joffrey recieves more time, we don’t really have an adequate villain replacement for the show (I don’t count the Lannisters as villains, and Gregor was only a cameo). Lloyd’s Viserys was definately a villain whom you loved to hate.
RinsoQuote Reply
Abyss,
that is one awesome fanvideo!
KnurkQuote Reply
I thought Lloyd’s performance as Viserys was brilliant. If this was True Blood — he’d be the next Lafayette — the character who isn’t killed (as he was in the novels) and is instead kept on because he’s too awesome a character to lose from the series.
I am very sorry to see him go. Well done Harry!!
Steel_WindQuote Reply
“When the write the story of my reign sweet sister, they’ll say it began today”
My favorite line from him by far. Delivered perfectly with an air of righteousness and fulfillment of something he believed was only the beginning of something great. The tragicness of knowing his eventual outcome and watching him deliver that line was just PERFECT. He was very good at making you hate him and the things he did but at the same time allowing you to see things a bit from his perspective and allowing yourself to feel a tiny bit sympathetic that he was killed.
NakmalQuote Reply
Dear Harry Lloyd,
you’ve earned a golden crown.
Sincerley
Anna M.
SawyerQuote Reply
Fire and Blood Harry, thank you
BairanaxQuote Reply
Harry Lloyd, thank you so much for just owning that part.
I’m making it a point to watch everything you do in the future.
Hey House Gatewatch, Harry Lloyd woke the dragon and HE SLAYED IT!
Mike ChairQuote Reply
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b74s3FcrLjc
RIP(you had it comming, though)
PepiQuote Reply
Harry Lloyd was great as Viserys. He really managed to embody Viserys’ character in a way that made him more fully realized than in the book.
The whole cast has been phenomenal so far. So far the only actor that has done a poor job of his role was the guy who played the Frey knight in episode 4, who delivered his lines like he was reading them instead of sounding natural.
Also, there’s a small error in the first paragraph of the text. Harry Lloyd as Viserys was seen in five episodes, not six. He was absent in episode 5 after all.
RitariKnightQuote Reply
I love Viserys in the book… Harry did a great job… He’s simply amazing, like always!!!
I’ll miss him…like Viserys and like an actor in this series
ElisaQuote Reply
One of the best performances on the show. Harry was mesmerizing every minute he spent on screen.
I bore no love and felt no pity for book Viserys. He was cruel, abusive and entitled. But Lloyd’s portrayal actually made me sad. He transformed the Cart King into someone who, despite his cruelty, had problems we could actually identify with: losing his family, being exiled from home, being constantly overshadowed by more illustrious siblings, and feeling as though he had the sole responsibility to restore a centuries-long dynasty. He may be crazy, but I picked up on a real loneliness in TV Viserys’ character.
TV Viserys was fantastic. Harry was fantastic: attractive, charismatic and dedicated. HBO has a tendency to work with the same actors in multiple shows, so hopefully Harry will be featured in some of their other programs. I look forward to whatever he does next.
LinaQuote Reply
I sure hope someone from HBO can tweet or email a link of this post to Harry Lloyd – he deserves to see all his kudos!
purplejillyQuote Reply
I want to thank Harry Lloyd as well for his wonderful work, his great impersonation and for making of Viserys a character that we could actually come to like, more human and less the monster the book made him appear. Congratulations and looking forward to seeing you around elsewhere because I’m sure we’ll, you’ve shined way too much ;)
SA_AvengerQuote Reply
Surprisingly, I’m really sad to see Harry/Viserys go. In the books he was one of my most hated characters, but Harry really made him sympathetic. That was some great acting. I especially felt sorry for him when Ser Jorah caught him stealing the eggs, and when he was clearly drunk and distraught at the feast (it was like watching someone self-distruct).
As for memories, I still remember how exciting it was when we had our first spy report sighting that said Harry had been spotted sporting white hair!
So long Mr. Lloyd, and best of luck to you!
LexQuote Reply
Forgot about my favourite Viserys lines. There were so many!
“When they write the history of my reign, sweet sister, they will say it began today.” (First bit of great dialogue I heard in any of the previews).
“I need to speak to Khal Drogo. We need to begin planning the invasion.” (The wedding isn’t even over, lol!)
“You want to dress me now? These stink like manure!”
“You are a horselord’s slut, and now you’ve woken the dragon!” (complete with a whimpy backhand slap)
“Dany, please!” (first time we’ve heard someone call her Dany?)
LexQuote Reply
Incredible performance as Viserys!! Harry’s emotional range is unbelievable!
AngelaQuote Reply
When I saw the golden crown scene, my first thought was “Yay! Viserys is dead!”
My second thought was, “Oh no! Now we won’t get to see Harry Lloyd on the show anymore!” It made me sad. The show is worse off for not having Harry Lloyd’s acting in it.
TylerQuote Reply
Best wishes to Harry Lloyd, whose portayal of Viscarys has been a high-water mark for acting in Game of Thrones.
My favorite moment was near the end, the last scene, when Drogo tells Viscarys that he’ll have his crown. The look that Lloyd achieves… relief, happiness, triumph all rolled into one exhalation of breath and one big smile. Knowing what comes next, it’s devestating that anyone could be so happy while unwittingly hearing his own death sentence.
K26dpQuote Reply
No love for “Go on, touch the fabric. Feeeeel it”? Loved his goofy delivery on that one.
Fate’s BitchQuote Reply
I don’t see him playing Rhaegar, but with good make-up he could make a terrific Mad King Aerys, in the unlikely event they decide to do a flashback to the murder of Brandon and Lord Rickard Stark, or to the day Jaime earned the title, “Kingslayer.” If they were to do a between-seasons movie of “The Hedge Knight” (please, HBO?), I could see him playing either Daeron the Drunk or, if he bulked up a bit, Aerion Brightflame.
Alex HarmanQuote Reply
Damn Harry. Your character might have died in the series, but it’s you who killed (in a good way!) the role. I could wax on about how great your performance was, but just know that you’ve done an A+ job for GoT, and as the show continues to grow in popularity, the quality of your performance was (and will be) one of the many reasons why.
BlarghQuote Reply
Just to agree with what everybody else is saying; I already knew Harry Lloyd was an actor to watch since seeing him in Doctor Who, but I’ve been amazed by his performance in Game of Thrones. For me, Lloyd, Mark Addy and Maisie Williams have been the threee absolute standouts in a generally pretty outstanding cast (no disrespect intended to Peter Dinklage, Sean Bean, Lena Headey etc etc etc), and I’m sorry to see him go. I’m sort of wary of the idea of excessive flashbacks, but if we ever do get to see Mad King Aerys, there’s your actor right there – and one capable of adding a bit of extra dimensionality to what could be a pretty one-note character. A bit like Viserys, come to think of it… :D
A Bear_A BearQuote Reply
He needs to grow his hair out. Short hair doesn’t accentuate his better features like the flowing locks do.
Oh, and great work! You made a cardboard cutout into a complete character – what more could we ask?
KGQuote Reply
Interesting thought! Given that, if I were Lloyd’s agent, I think I’d be looking to find out when the tryouts are for Jaqen H’ghar. I think if they were to recast Lloyd it should definitely be as someone in Westeros, not across the Narrow Sea. Jaqen would be ideal — being a Faceless Man, he might just have met Viserys at some point in the past and added the Beggar King’s face to his repertoire.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t mind seeing him in a cameo appearance as one of the Brotherhood Without Banners, one of the Clegane thugs on Arya’s hit-list (Raff the Sweetling, maybe?), or perhaps Lazy Leo Tyrell at the Citadel in the prologue of AFfC (though that might become a larger role in subsequent books, depending on how much we get of Sam’s POV while he’s there).
Alex HarmanQuote Reply
Your crazy eyes were a delight, best of luck Harry. May you never again have to answer to horselords or their sluts.
SnarkQuote Reply
Don’t have much different to say than anyone else, just wanted to add to the kudos.
Harry was so great as Viserys, sad to see him go.
MikeQuote Reply
I thought Harry did an amazing job throughout, but during the last scene when he said the simple line “Thats all I wanted.” I was fully won over by his amazing acting skills.
In the book I never once cared about Viserys, in fact I cheered when he went out, but that one moment was all it took for me to have a moment where I actually felt bad for him.
As others have said, I too look forward to seeing what the future brings!
Zach MQuote Reply
Great job Harry!
Even in the books I was always kind of interested in Viserys, His story is as tragic as many others in the series. Not that that excuses his cruelty.
But Harry’s job of portraying him made him an even more nuanced character. It really does feel like something is missing from the show now. Still, we can always go back and watch!
I really do hope he stops by here and sees all this, he seems like such a good guy and I’m sure he’d love to see people praising his work.
John-Michael LelievreQuote Reply
and Peter Dinklage. However, Lloyd had a lot less to work with. That golden crown wasn’t nearly as sweet as it was in the book(Because he was so good).
The DarkStarQuote Reply
FYI
I have the episode 106 recap up at http://www.lordnedsheadlines.blogspot.com. Go check it out and please feel free to comment and follow!
Lord Ned’s HeadQuote Reply
Over a hundred comments, and all of them positive? On this site? That is the highest possible compliment that could be paid.
But yeah. A fantastic performance. Note perfect. This dude’s gonna go places.
GaRQuote Reply
Thank you Harry!
I’ve been a fan of Mr. Lloyd since that memorable Doctor Who turn, and his Viserys has increased my esteem for him on two major levels:
He humanized (just enough) a pretty flat character into one who was compelling, even if not entirely sympathetic.
He read and respected the books, and had passion for the story being told.
I only wish we could have had him on board the cast for longer!
BlueCanaryQuote Reply
not so unlikely…
KnurkQuote Reply
Harry, you were beyond perfect.. I too think your portrayal was even better than the book version of Viserys. Thank you so much for bringing your “a game” to Game of Thrones. I wish you every success and look forward to your future work!
BradQuote Reply
Harry Lloyd is so awesome he should be back as a different character :) For me the most memorable Viserys scene was the crowing and his final plead to Dany to save him. Quite touching despite Viserys being a mad and arrogant bastard :)
Joonas TaipaleenmakiQuote Reply
There was a scene filmed with the Mad King and the death of the Starks (brief shot of it in a couple of trailers) but I’m not sure if it will be shown in the show or not.
We don’t know who was cast as Aerys but I doubt it was Harry.
If he was recast as another Targ I would rather it was one of the “Great” ones rather than another of the “Mad” ones so no Aerys or Aerion Brightflame.
MormegilQuote Reply
Is there a petition to get Lloyd added to the emmy nominations and if not can we start one?
Failing that, next year’s BAFTAs.
ShinyteapotQuote Reply
Funny story. I was watching the episode of Doctor Who that he played in, and I went and looked up his name, and commented to a number of my friends, “man, whoever they cast as Viserys can’t possibly be as perfect for the role as this Harry Lloyd guy”. About the third or fourth time I mentioned this, the friend I was speaking to went, “Um, hey, funny you mention that…”
And at least one fan rejoiced. Lloyd made me look forward to the Dothraki scenes even more than I’d already been; I had been looking forward to the crowning scene because I hated Viserys, and this time around I wound up dreading it because I loved Lloyd’s portrayal of him. Bravo, sir, I can understand why RTD had you as his choice for the Eleventh Doctor. Look forward to seeing Lloyd’s work on other media.
Jon CantwellQuote Reply
Thank you Harry. I hope your future endeavors are as well loved as this one.
You lent credit to one of my- now even more favorites.
When I re-read I will think of you.
I also hope they bring you back as another character.
daev3Quote Reply
Yes, definitely a great performance by Lloyd. It was his scenes in episode 6 that were my highlights – his talk with Jorah and finally seeing him happy when he thought he’d get what he’d always wanted.
Johan SporreQuote Reply
I know every body wants to give Peter Dinklage the Emmy for best supporting actor this season, but I honest think we should wait for season two to reward Dinklage because Harry Lloyd truly deserves an Emmy for this role and this is our only chance to give it to him!
my watch BeginsQuote Reply
Shinyteapot,
you just read my mind!
my watch BeginsQuote Reply
Good luck Harry! You brought a hateful, somewhat 2-dimensional character to life for me. I loved the arrogance and superiority every tilt of your head conveyed! But at the end, knowing more of Viserys’ backstory, you made me feel really sad for him; great acting.
A great casting choice and I will definitely look out for your next role!
silverjaimeQuote Reply
Like others, I have been so impressed by Harry Lloyd’s acting and his interviews.
I remember in that 11 minute behind the scenes video, seeing that bit of his scene with Emilia Clarke, and then him being interviewed about his part. I just remember thinking “wow, this guy has the potential to be an incredible Viserys”. And he was.
dtbQuote Reply
I hated book Viserys but the way you delivered those lines just brought so much emotion. Despite all of his craziness Viserys can be charming and insightful in his own ways. My favorite scene by far is:
Dany: I don’t want to be his queen. I want to go home.
Viserys: So do I. I want us both to go home, but, they took it from us. So tell me sweet sister, how do we go home?
Dany: I don’t know.
Viserys: We go home with an army.
That felt more real than the books (blasphemy i know). Your delivery was superb! Good luck Harry in all your future endeavors! I for one will look you up on wiki to see what mischief you’re up to and follow your future projects.
DrfunkQuote Reply
Really enjoyed Harry Lloyd’s portrayal , and I’ve been wondering since about the second episode if HBO couldn’t pull multiple role thing with him ( a la Garrett Dillahunt in Deadwood). It wouldn’t have to be a Targaryen…maybe a totally different role . I’d be really interested to see it…
Thanks , Harry.
obsidianQuote Reply
I became a fan after Doctor Who and the character of Son of Mine and Viserys was another spectacular character. Harry Lloyd you are a great actor and I can’t wait for more work from you!!
JaniceQuote Reply
Performance of the season IMO, even though a couple of episodes remain. A lot of characters (Tyrion, Arya, Syrio etc.) have such amazing material to work with. Harry Lloyd made gold out of nothing.
Erik SjöströmQuote Reply
Really good job. Made me like a character that in the books I hated. Can’t give much more praise then that.
Harry HoggQuote Reply
Ah Harry, what can I say? I completely brushed past Viserys in the book but Harry Lloyd made me pay attention to him. Couldn’t have ignored him even if I tried. Actually made me feel slightly sympathetic towards him. Great job Harry! May have to check out this Robin Hood series…
My fav Viserys scene: the one in Pentos when Drogo is being introduced to Dany. Viserys starts out acting regal and kingly, but when Drogo departs abruptly, he runs down the steps with a high pitched “where’s he going?!” Just loved that!
And a special mention for “where’s my sister” followed by a high pitched “where is she”. Couldn’t help but laugh at that even knowing what scene was to come.
An during the wedding feast when Illyrio is telling Viserys a wedding isn’t considered good craic if there isn’t at least 3 deaths. Harry’s smile at that was cute.
So basically all of Harry’s scenes!
Viserys may not be missed but Harry definitely will.
BroQuote Reply
Harry’s performance as Viserys was nothing less than stunning. He added a huge amount of complexity to the role without making TV Viserys a different character – we simply saw lots more detail, which rounded the character out a great deal, humanizing him and showing us how he saw things. It’s as if Harry’s acting added a Viserys point of view to the story.
I genuinely felt sorrow at the crowning scene. This might show you the depth to which Harry got me to feel for Viserys in spite of how evil and self-centred the character was. Sure: Viserys chose to treat Dany that way… But I felt it was as much everyone else’s fault for not disarming him earlier, because, frankly, he didn’t look like he had even the remotest clue how to use a sword. I mean, for crying out loud, Jorah made him leave the dragon eggs behind earlier (in what, incidentally, was my favourite scene from the episode), when Viserys had the sword and Jorah was unarmed. Gah. It didn’t have to end that way. Harry/Viserys could have been swanning around madly somewhere in the world of ice and fire, doing amazing things with eyebrows that men will giggle to behold…
Best wishes to Harry in all future work. I can’t wait to see him in some new roles.
Siobhan MooneyQuote Reply
I’m probably one of few people who found book-Viserys fascinating and somewhat sympathetic, but Harry Lloyd made him even more of that. I’ve been consistently impressed by him throughout the show and even from the first glimpses we had in the very first teasers, etc. He’s one of the few actors who I don’t think I’ve seen ANYONE on here have anything negative to say about.
Viserys and Jorah were the only characters who really interested me at all in the Dany storyline, and both actors have done an exceptional job onscreen as well.
Steve Hugh WestenraQuote Reply
Hated the character in the book. Hated him even more on screen, and that made me love him a little too. I think Harry Lloyd did an AMAZING job with him, from the very second his character was introduced. He was slimy, cruel, yet still strangely human in a can’t-quite-decide-why-you’re-so-mental kind of way. Loved every second of it, and am strangely sad to see the character go. Very, very well done :)
Jake StormoenQuote Reply
First time poster here..
Harry, your Viserys was outstanding! Sorry to see you go, damn it!
coppercinoQuote Reply
One great thing about this show is that it’s given me a bunch of new favourite actors! I look forward to following their varied careers in the future, and Harry is no exception.
LexQuote Reply
Harry Lloyd – thank you for your out of this world performance of Viserys.
I would love to see Harry Lloyd back in upcoming seasons playing a flashback Prince Rhaegar. When Dany is the House of the Undying in ACOK, she sees a vision of Rhaegar and Princess Elia. At first, she thinks Rhaegar is Viserys as they look a lot alike. I think Harry is a good enough actor to play the 2 very different Targaryen princes.
winterqueenQuote Reply
Long time fan of Harry’s (back to Doctor Who and Robin Hood) and I was ecstatic when he was cast as Viserys. And a little sad too, because I knew he wouldn’t be around long. :(
Harry managed to do something I thought was practically impossible: make Viserys into a living, breathing, 3 dimensional person. I felt sympathy for the crazy bastard! I loved all his scenes, but my favorite has to be the “I need a large army” scene with Ser Jorah. Thanks, Harry, for your wonderful portrayal of Viserys and for being such an ambassador for the show. You will be missed. And I know many of us are eagerly awaiting your next project!
MichelleQuote Reply
Harry Lloyd is a very talented actor and quite the acting chameleon. They should bring him back in a different role like HBO did on Deadwood when Dillahunt played one character one season and a totally different character the next. Lloyd could pull it off.
duckyQuote Reply
dear harry lloyd,
i drew a picture of viserys being owned by rakharo. you were brilliant in that scene, in all your scenes, and i want to shower your body with kisses.
love forever, mimi.
Mimi MiévilleQuote Reply
Magnificent performance by Harry Lloyd. I hated Viserys in the books, obviously, but I couldn’t help shed a tear during the final scene. Mr. Lloyd managed to make this terribly unsympathetic character frightening and pathetic, pompous and sad, hysterical but ultimately human. I’m a huge fan of Mr. Lloyd now.
(Also my favorite Viserys line in Ep 6: “Hope it wasn’t MY horse.”)
(Also looking at the word Lloyd for ten minutes straight has made my brain bend; I blame the Welsh and their damn double consonents!)
Carrie MeathrellQuote Reply
DavosFTW! Wants Harry Lloyd to play Davos ftw! He could wear a mission impossible mask. In fact let’s cast harry Lloyd for every role! Mission Impossible masks FTW!
A wonderful performance from somebody who obviously became passionate about this show and this character. If his agent can make people understand just how much Harry gave this character, then I’m sure stardom awaits.
And if not, DavosFTW will take over as Harry’s agent….where is that mask…
DavosFTW!Quote Reply
By creating a character that I was able to hate so much you have truly done your job well. So many times I wanted to punch that smug smile off your face. So well done for transporting me into that “space” and helping me forget about the mundane little insanities of my every day life. Thank you Harry.
KiplenQuote Reply
How timely that you’ve posted this today! I was just discussing Harry Lloyd with some friends – and how impressed I was with him! Viserys was practically a one-dimensional villain in the books, and Harry infused him with such depth that it was remarkable. He showed, at times, humanity, power, and, in the end, pathos. He will be greatly missed as Viserys.
I, too, look forward to his next project. Kudos, Harry!
AzurecobaltQuote Reply
I couldn’t have imagined a better Viserys, excellent work.
I can’t wait to re-read the book – I actually look forward to the Targaryan storylines now that I’ve seen into Viserys’ wonderfully crazy head. This has got to be first time a film-adapted book character has significantly enhanced my appreciation of the source material (which should mean ALOT coming from a book-fan-nerd!)
JWestfallQuote Reply
Great job, Harry! You took a character I absolutely hated and made him so much fun to watch. Favorite scene was the bathtub scene because there’s a brief glimpse of Viserys’ humanity. At least you went out with a bang (or rather a clunk!): one of the coolest deaths in TV history :)
SareetaQuote Reply
Well done, Harry Lloyd. You owned the Viserys role. I have no doubt that your future is very bright. I look forward to seeing you bring more characters to life in future projects. Thanks for helping make A Game of Thrones the wonder that it is.
LangkardQuote Reply
“I’m the last hope of the dynasty, Mormont. The greatest dynasty this world has ever seen, on my shoulders since I was five years old. And no one has ever given me what they gave to her in that tent. Never. Not a piece of it. How can I carry what I need to carry without it? Hm? Who can rule without wealth or fear or love.”
Bravo, Harry! You will forever be Viserys in my head.
I took you for a king. A true Beggar King.
the goatQuote Reply
Absolutely! One of the reviews I read the other day pointed out that Harry just joined a very short, and undoubtedly awesome, list of characters (along with that Bond girl in Goldfinger) who have died a truly gilded death.
the goatQuote Reply
I kinda hope they’ll have him guess start again as a head character similar to the ice truck killer in the second season of dexter. Viserys taunting Dany while dreaming or daydreaming can be a good way to show some of her internatl thought process on screen
ferQuote Reply
Mimi Miéville,
Ha, that picture is awesome! it captures the true essense of that scene!
purplejillyQuote Reply
“What did I buy you for? To make me sad?”
Harry Lloyd, you made me so happy!
Adam WingQuote Reply
bad_idea_bear,
You’re not the only one, I feel sorry for him every time I read AGoT… Viserys was actually one of my most anticipated characters, so to say that Lloyd’s performance exceeded expectations is saying something.
Would love to see him as Rhaegar (or, even better, age him up a bit and he can be Aerys!) but all the flashbacks so far have been cut so I’m not holding my breath.
PeltastQuote Reply
There’s a new parody out on Episode 5, check it out on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/user/seanzoz?feature=mhee
DawnWielderQuote Reply
Lloyd exceeded every expectation that I had for the role. Marvelous job. Hope to see him in other things.
Linda RussellQuote Reply
Harry did for Viserys with his acting, what the writer’s are trying to do for Cersei by changing her character, made me care.
Well done sir, I will look out for your future projects.
feyrbandQuote Reply
Harry Lloyd, you were absolutely great. You should have been nominated for the Emmy, and I will be watching for your other work in the future.
Now I hope to see you as a protagonist, maybe as a second lead where the main hero is not as interesting as the second lead. Mat Cauthorn if anyone ever films the Jordan books, Duncan McLain if they do the Deryni novels. You could play Paul Shaffer if they ever make the Fionvar Tapestry, or a nuanced Poul Anderson hero such as Captain Sir Dominic Flandry, and do them proud.
Imagine a remake of Star Wars with Harry Lloyd as Luke Skywalker. He’d outshine anybody as Han.
Thank you so much, Mr. Lloyd. You were amazing.
Maester TcostQuote Reply
Everything has been said already, I can only agree.
Harry, you took one of the hardest roles in the series and played it to complete perfection. I will so be watching out for everything else you’ve done or will do!
YeekimQuote Reply
In the “I need a large army” scene quoted above, there was one other line that stood out for me. When Lloyd says “I never got what they gave her in there”, his voice kind-of thickened with emotion. Heart-breaking scene :(
PintoQuote Reply
My favorite Viserys scene was his scene with Doreah in the bathtub. The way he spoke of the dragon skulls in the throne room made him seem like he’d escaped his madness for a spell and almost seemed human. Very well done Harry Lloyd.
Ryan S.Quote Reply
Those are getting funnier each time.
LexQuote Reply
Excellent performance Harry! Here is a bit of trivia – did you know that (according to IMDB) Harry is the great-great-great grandson of Charles Dickens and his first film role was in the BBC production of David Copperfield (along with a very young Daniel Radcliffe). I happen to have this particular DVD and will definitely have to see it again. Looking forward to seeing him in future roles.
AnneQuote Reply
Mr Lloyd, may your bottom always be supported. Thanks to you!
dimensionallyTQuote Reply
During the first episode of Game of Thrones, I was sitting there, watching it with my parents (awkward much), thinking I wasn’t likely to be watching the rest of the series. Then Harry Lloyd came on screen. I instantly fell in love with him. By next week I couldn’t wait to watch it again, and after a while I fell in love with the whole programme. If Harry had never been in GoT, I probably wouldn’t have watched it after that first day, and I have to thank him enourmously for that.
Also, I now have someone new to oogle on the screen. I’m sure I’ll be finding and watching Robin Hood, and I’ve already dug out my old Dr Who magazines and trading cards just to find every tiny picture of Harry!!! (yes, I was sad enough to once collect Dr Who trading cards!)
So Monday night I was sitting there screaming at the tv “Don’t kill Viserys, you can’t do that!!!”, and I’m devastated that he’s gone, but thanks to Harry I’ll be watching the rest of the show, and enjoying it immensely ^_^
DaisyQuote Reply
It didn’t take more than one episode for me to become a dedicated fan of Harry Lloyd. As the opening credits of A Golden Crown rolled out, I was already half in mourning for a character I was supposed to abhor. If the book depiction of Viserys, masterfully written as it is, left a little something to be desired in terms of giving the character that human aspect, Harry filled that void on screen. And then some.
Ena KobentarQuote Reply
Im just going to say my opinion and there is no intention to rile anyone up in it.
Unlike many here i wasnt impressed by performance at all.
I didnt see a humanized Viserys (even if thats an oxymoron) – i saw two different people with the same dress and the wig interchanging in the role.
And no connection in between.
One Viserys was too nice, even puppy like and the other crazy aggressive and pathetic. Nothing in between. Just two extremes glued one to another.
Of course, the whole Dothraki part being so short and cut up just made it worse.
The smiling KnightQuote Reply
very sad to see harry go : (
I think viserys has to be on of the most difficult characters to portay, because of his complexity and the big range of emotions he shows (from dangerously crazy to little hurt boy).
And for me – he nailed EVERY single scene. perfect. all of them.
great performance!
Cant wait to see where he goes in the future
ps. I hope he doesnt return as another character (though flashbacks would be ok : ) ). viserys is dead – and to see harry in another role – rhaegar, mad king or whoever- would just be wrong
1_RedCatQuote Reply
From Spain the one who is not agree…
Harry for the North! Cast him for another completly role, not for anything as obvius as Rhaegar.
I mean, he could amuse us doing something 100% different, something different like, … ouch, now I can only imagine him as some son of… Lord of the Dreadfort ;)
At any case, we´ll miss you!
Bravo Mr Lloyd!
Dufraine314Quote Reply
The smiling Knight,
Why am I not surprised?
Personally, I think that Harry Lloyd was brilliant as Viserys.
Amir MishaliQuote Reply
jeez.. some people obviously do not understand the difference between saying farewell to somebody and room service. One does not need to like somebody’s work in order to appreciate it.
marzmanQuote Reply
Oh look, TSK came in and decided to be negative. LOL I can now say that this thread is complete.
SmegmaQuote Reply
About Daenerys:
Am I the only one who hates her? I get that she would try to make the best out of the terrible situation her brother put her. What I don’t get is how fast she has changed, how fast she has forgiven Drogo for what he did to her, how much she is already enjoying her husband and the rest of the barbarians. I don’t understand why she had to act so emotionless while watching her brother getting molten gold on his head. No matter how much of an asshole her brother was, her utter lack of reaction to his death by the hands of her rapist husband seemed completely sociopathic.
Maybe it’s the acting, I don’t know. Maybe Holly Marie Combs, who was originally cast as Daenerys, would have done a better job. Maybe she’s portrayed differently in the books.
GeorgeQuote Reply
Funny…in the books, I couldn’t wait to see this clown die. But on the show, it was played so well by Harry Lloyd that I was sad to see him go. Hope he starts getting some bigger roles in series or cinema now.
Mike KernsQuote Reply
Kudos to him, he did a really great job, hope to see a lot more of him in the future.
GhostQuote Reply
Smegma,
“The Smiling Knight?” She sounded lost. “Who was that?”
The Mountain of my boyhood. Half as big but twice as mad.
“An outlaw, long dead. No one who need concern your ladyship.”
(GRRM, AFFC)
GhostQuote Reply
The smiling Knight,
I really don’t care bout your other comments in the recap-threads but why do you post here if you don’t have anything positive to say? This thread is a salute to the actor, so if you don’t want to salute him just say nothing.
KnurkQuote Reply
Job well done Mr.Lloyd…you will be missed …kind of :)…as for all the people feeding the trolls or one troll in particular…I ask you …Why ?….just ignore the false Knight….you only encourage morons like that….
coltaine777Quote Reply
This bothered me too. A week ago she’s pleading for Rakharo not to hurt her brother, and now she’s emotionless as he gets his crown. It’s a bit jarring.
purplejillyQuote Reply
ooooh, that’s actually a very cool idea!
purplejillyQuote Reply
I’m one of the few people who do not think that Viserys was an one-dimensional villian in the book. I do see however how an actor with less empathy and less enthusiasm for the part could have played him as one.
So for me this was one of the (if not THE) best adapted characters of the series. Casting, costuming and performance were perfect here. :-)
SchlafmohnQuote Reply
Ciao from Italy:)
Well, what can I say about Lloyd? A truly superb actor.
I honestly find a bit boring the Dothraki scenes without him because the main attractive character for me was Viserys.
I can not choose a best moment because they were many, so all I can say is good luck Harry Lloyd and can’t wait to see you soon in TV/Movie.
AlbaQuote Reply
A fantastic performance by an amazing actor!
I loved you in Doctor Who, and despite not having read the books yet I think it’s clear you were a perfect choice for the character. He was my favourite from episode one and I was rooting for him right until the untimely end!
I very much look forward to seeing you again soon be it on television or the stage!
JibsyQuote Reply
purplejilly,
I saw Dany’s reaction not as emotionless but just shell-shocked and almost sad that it had to happen. But I can see how it could be viewed as the other.
And kudos to Harry Lloyd for being being brilliant throughout!
Shadowcat85Quote Reply
Yep, almost sorry to see him go. The scenes with Viserys were great. Lloyd nailed the part to the wall… his brand of crazy will be missed.
Stephen BullaQuote Reply
Knurk,
Amen to that Knurk!
Shadowcat85Quote Reply
Shadowcat85,
It could also be taken that way – someone in shock could very well react in an emotionless manner.
purplejillyQuote Reply
I was both dreading and anticipating the crowning. Anticipating because it’s one of my favourite moments in the books and Harry Lloyd is one hell of an actor, dreading because it would mean no more Harry Lloyd. My favourite moment? When he says to Joreh, “The love her.” with his voice filled with sorrow. That summed up Viserys to me and showed a side of him we didn’t get in the book. He sees Dany so easily get the respect and admiration of people that he has been seeking his whole life, and failing. He does not know how to be loved like Dany, but he recognizes it and realizes he’ll never get it. He saw himself as the only one to restore the dynasty, and now sees Dany as a threat to steal it from him.
Though I do find one thing interesting. People responded positively to the humanity Harry Lloyd gave his character, who was most certainly a villain in the books, and yet they dislike the humanity that Lenna Heady is giving to Cersei.
clemintineQuote Reply
Knurk,
Ah, you might be right.
Then ill ask the mods to remove the post.
I can easily repeat it somewhere else.
The Smiling KnightQuote Reply
Perfection and beyond! Zealous motivation, crisp tactics, lines as smooth as Guinness and a twinkle in the eyes that made me imagine that they did indeed have a violet hue after all! I rather enjoyed the Viserys character in the books, but Harry Lloyd made me love him! In the same way as James Callis stole the show in Battlestar Galactica with his truthfully human cowardice, manipulative wit and charm, so did Harry, without at all seeming to try!
Harry, if you read this thread of comments (and I really hope you do), thank you for your delicious contribution to the show! It will be sorely missed!
IngridQuote Reply
The Smiling Knight,
haha please do my friend. I’m looking forward to the next episode because of your recommendation that it’s the best of the bunch and now I’m fully prepared for some barking.
KnurkQuote Reply
clemintine,
I think the way clementine described it was perfect but I have to reply on the cersei comment. there is a huge difference b/t them. Viserys was broken in both the books and the show but with the show lloyd was able to show a human side that in all honesty was already there in subtext. So harry should totally be given credit and lauded for this unlike cersei who doesn’t have that humanity in the books and thus when she’s presented as otherwise in the show it makes no sense. they have to change facts to give her that humanity. One example would be when she goes to see Catelyn and talks about the “baby she lost” when in fact she aborted that baby. Harry shows the humanity that was always there but to change the facts to make cersei more likeable or empathetic changes the very nature of the character in the same way han solo shooting first changes the very nature of his character.
Jess SnowQuote Reply
yes!
KnurkQuote Reply
While I agree with all the posts that praise Lloyds work with this production, it makes me kind of sad that this is the first “curtin call” when we have already lost one of my favorites from season 1, though not a huge roll his loyalty, honor, and humanity, call for at least a fond farwell to the noble captain of winterfells guard Jory Cassel
DarkskyeQuote Reply
Darkskye,
Good catch. I really liked our Jory; he gave off a vibe of loyalty, goodness and honor that really fit my mental image.
Kind of the polar opposite of Harry Lloyd’s Viserys, which is exactly what we needed for the character. Lloyd did crazy brilliantly, but (and probably more importantly) I also appreciated the way he handled the subtler moments. In the hands of a less capable actor, a line like “You don’t want to wake the dragon, do you?” could have fallen flat, as silly fantasy dialogue. And his finale, he really brought out the scared, insecure kid inside the character.
Thanks for your hard work, and good luck. This goes to Jamie Sives as well.
ZackQuote Reply
I hated Viserys in the book. Didn’t dislike him, didn’t love to hate him, just plain hated him. Harry Lloyd made me love him in the show. Not like, not love to hate, LOVE.
That’s all you, Harry. You gave what is possibly the best performance in the show (yes, even better than Dinklage), and you did what I thought was impossible: made me sad to see Viserys go. Bravo! You have gained a lifelong fan in me. :)
Oh, and my favorite lines? Got to be “I need a large army” and “Yes, it is sad. What did I buy you for, to make me sad?”
EmmaQuote Reply
Bravo! Can’t wait to see what you’ll be in next.
MikeQuote Reply
I still remember the day we found out harry lloyd was cast. we all hopped on youtube to watch doctor who clips. I thought to myself wow this guy will make a perfect viserys. And he definitely did. Thanks so much harry!!
Pierce VanderBentQuote Reply
Thank you Harry! Thank you for taking the time and effort to figure out what made Viserys tick. What can I say that hasn’t been said hundreds of times on here already? Rest assured, as long as there is a GoT fan around you’ll never ever have pay for your own drinks.
FridayQuote Reply
I felt his best scene was his last. The delivery of, “That’s all I wanted” was perfect. I was surprised; I actually felt bad for Viserys.
JimmyQuote Reply
Jess Snow,
We do see the humanity of Cersei once we get to her POV in Feast. I don’t see how you can argue that Cersei is any less complex that Viserys.
On one hand, Viserys abuses his younger sister, doesn’t care what he puts her through so long as he gets his crown, and is generally a coward with an inflated sense of self-worth. On the other hand, his family was murdered when he was very young, leaving him stranded on foreign lands, he has a baby to raise while running from assassins, and feels the weight of an nearly extinct dynasty on his shoulders.
On one hand, Cersei plots and murders Jon Arryn, Robert, Ned, and sleeps with her twin brother. On the other hand, her father has treated her as nothing but chattel her whole life, she has an abusive husband, she resents that despite being born first she can never inherit the Lannister lands simple because she was a woman, and many of her actions are to protect her children to prevent their heads from ending up on spikes.
Both their stories have two sides. I’d say at the end of the day, they are both evil, but aren’t evil just because. They are both complex with many motivations and they themselves have been at the receiving end of many wrongs.
And honesty, Cersei has her nice face on in public, is all smiles and soft talk and sympathy. You think if she was cackling madly all the time people might pick up on that. Part of Cersei is her charm and how she uses it to veil herself, so Heady is going the right way with Cersei.
clemintineQuote Reply
For me the best was Viserys’ line to Jorah in episode 2 about how under his reign Jorah wouldn’t get into trouble for selling poachers.
It was a simple enough line, but something about the way Harry Lloyd delivered it was genius – the light, amused shock at something so silly being a crime, his mouth showing humour, and something steely about the eyes as he reflected on what his reign would be like.
EleanorQuote Reply
For me Harry Lloyd has been like a flaring shooting star in this already brilliant show.
While I was dreading what I knew it’d happen, all I could do was to think about two wishes: “Please, Viserys no! Spare him! Change the script for once!” (I even hated Dany for a few seconds). The other one was to wish a successful career to Mr. Lloyd, now officially my favourite actor. There is not a single thing I didn’t love about him as an actor (superb acting) and about him as a man (gosh, what an insanely beautiful man :)~).
I can’t decide a particular quote as every line he delivered is pure gold, but when I hear his “I AM YOUR KING!, it still sends me shivers down my spine.
Thank you, Mr. Lloyd. Thanks to you I think I’m beginning to prefer Targaryens to Lannisters, and that’s blasphemy :)
Rinoa De la PicaQuote Reply
I really like this kind of topics, but I think it generates a dangerous precedent.
What will you guys do when Theon, Bran or Rickon could have die in season 2?, or Catelyn “die” in the Red Wedding? If there is no post, people will ask why. Is a kind of spoiler
Btw, really awesome job of Harry Lloyd as Viserys.
ChemaslaneQuote Reply
Chemaslane,
I thought the same thing. I think that’s a serious thing to consider.
SmegmaQuote Reply
clemintine,
In no way am I saying cersei isn’t complex. And you don’t see her humanity in feast you see her madness. The woman is a textbook psychopath who murdered her childhood best friend when she was 12 or 13. That wasn’t anything to do qith all those reasons you gave for her actions. And secondly cersei didn’t have anything to do with arryn’s death.
jess snowQuote Reply
Smegma, I guess we will cross that bridge when we come to it. There is no way of knowing exactly how they will portray those events on screen.
MAJOR BOOK SPOILERS AHEAD!
In reference to Bran and Rickon their “death” might not be used as a cliffhanger, i.e. they might show up in the same episode they were assumed to be dead by the denizens of Winterfell. Obviously, no post would be expected then.
As to Theon, this one may not be as vague as it was in the books. In fact, the way the show has been going, subtlety (or the lack thereof) has been one of the big differences between book and show. I bet that we are flat out shown or told that Theon has been captured as opposed to being led to believe he was killed.
Catelyn will be difficult. The Red Wedding will almost certainly be an episode cliffhanger. And if they follow the book’s structure we won’t see her “resurrection” until later in that season. So we might have to do a “fake” tribute thread to Michelle Fairley on this one. We’ll play it be ear though.
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
i don’t know if i’ll ever forgive harry lloyd for making me sorry to see viserys getting his crown ;)
baxusQuote Reply
The most pleasant surprise of the show and the most convincing character to me. Well done, Harry! Wish him all the best in the future, it sure looks bright :)
JoakimQuote Reply
Amen to that Winter…you are so right about Harry Lloyd’s acting and his overall presence in the show! I just wish to have seen what that scene must have looked on-set, especially between Jason Momoa, Emilia Clarke and Harry Lloyd…! Fantastic work!
So RIP Viserys Targaryen…all praises, good wishes and gratitude to Mr. Lloyd for his work on the show, his great acting and his dedication to his role! All the best in the future!
loco73Quote Reply
so a little off topic but can I just say how awesome it is that we have this place as fans to be able to come and discuss both the books and the show? I mean how freakin lucky are we?
jess sn0wQuote Reply
Hey what about Jory…we should say a few words about him…anyone!?
loco73Quote Reply
Darkskye,
Sorry did not see your comment…
loco73Quote Reply
Maybe I’m mis-remembering who killed Jon Aryn. I was holding out on my re-read until the series was finished, but as I’ve forgotten many details I caved to prepare for Dance and now I’m only part way through. Regardless, in Feast, yes we do see her spiral into madness, but we also see her humanity and the world from her eyes. She became more dimensional to me. Viserys threatened his sister with gangrape for goodness sake, and would have done it too if he thought it would give him his crown. I’m merely pointing out a double standard. When male villains are given more dimension, people respond positively. But female villains seem to be judged more harshly and are denied a little humanity.
clemintineQuote Reply
The smiling Knight,
Ah, so you really are just another bog-standard troll who does this for the attention? I’m sorry I compared you to Lawrence Miles – I have traded online insults with Lawrence Miles – you, sir, are no Lawrence Miles…
A Bear_A BearQuote Reply
Thanks, Harry! And all of the above …
Hear Me RoarQuote Reply
“Here is the first in what could be a regular happening: a farewell post to a beloved character.” Wise to have that on the main page without warning?
Loved Lloyd as Viserys. Just spot on. Big ups!
AndréQuote Reply
clemintine,
All fair points and well made :)
Jess SnowQuote Reply
Apologies to Jamie Sives, I didn’t even think of doing Curtain Call posts until this week.
(And by the look of it we may end up with one per week. Yikes!)
If I had thought of it last week, Jory’s man would have gotten one. But yes, Sives brought a ton of grim weight to a barely-mentioned character in the books. I think the TV series Jory was better than the book version.
Kudos!
Honorable mention goes to Brendan McCormack (sorry, ‘Blues) for what I saw was a very honorable turn as Ser Vardis Egen. Some nice stoic conflict. Give ím ten years and hell, McCormack could play Ned Stark.
Such great casting. I want to kiss Nina Gold.
Fire And BloodQuote Reply
I am sad to see Harry Loyd gone, he really gave the character a depth and tragedy that few actors could’ve managed.
I would like to see him back in flashbacks, not as Rhaegar but as King Aerys.
DavidQuote Reply
Fire And Blood,
Maybe we can do a misc. post at the end of the season for all the bit characters who also warmed our heart.
purplejillyQuote Reply
clemintine,
I know who killed Jon Arryn, and it wasn’t Cersei. If you want me to put it in spoiler text let me know!
purplejillyQuote Reply