I appreciated this episode for what it didn't try to do: Viserys didn't try to placate Corlys at all. At first, I thought it a bit odd--Laena's age *is* a problem, for reasons other than it's gross--but it illustrates the point well: Viserys is not good at playing politics, and he does not recognize threats right in front of him (it took him far too long to realize Damon was a problem too). He might not have been able to soothe Corlys, but it's notable he didn't even try.
Laena is twelve; a child between her and Viserys would be at best three years out. She almost certainly hasn't started menstruating yet and while 14 is average (for the time period the show is based on), it's very possible she doesn't begin until she's 15 or 16. That's before getting into the randomness of conception and high likelihood of miscarriage, especially for a very young mother. Rejecting Corlys' proposal based on Laena's age and the necessity of getting more heirs ASAP to ensure succession--perhaps while counter-offering a betrothal between Rhaenyra and Corlys' ten-year-old son--seems like a decent idea if Viserys is dead-set on Alicent. Corlys' ambition is such that he probably wouldn't have bit on it, but Viserys could have tried...except he's a nice man who couldn't imagine Corlys would do anything more than be disappointed.
I think, in part, whatever else he might be, Viserys is a king, and a king expects/demands to be obeyed. I think to him, the matter of Jahaerys' succession is a settled matter. Of course, for Rhaenys and Corlys, Viserys being named king didn't end their aim on the throne.
I love Viserys, though, in a way that I could never love a character like Ned Stark. Ned was so honor-bound and rigid that he seems almost hellbent on failure. Viserys, though, is trying his best. As you say, though, his kindness makes him assume others are also trying their best to work with him. And, uh, that just ain't happening.
I appreciated this episode for what it didn't try to do: Viserys didn't try to placate Corlys at all. At first, I thought it a bit odd--Laena's age *is* a problem, for reasons other than it's gross--but it illustrates the point well: Viserys is not good at playing politics, and he does not recognize threats right in front of him (it took him far too long to realize Damon was a problem too). He might not have been able to soothe Corlys, but it's notable he didn't even try.
Laena is twelve; a child between her and Viserys would be at best three years out. She almost certainly hasn't started menstruating yet and while 14 is average (for the time period the show is based on), it's very possible she doesn't begin until she's 15 or 16. That's before getting into the randomness of conception and high likelihood of miscarriage, especially for a very young mother. Rejecting Corlys' proposal based on Laena's age and the necessity of getting more heirs ASAP to ensure succession--perhaps while counter-offering a betrothal between Rhaenyra and Corlys' ten-year-old son--seems like a decent idea if Viserys is dead-set on Alicent. Corlys' ambition is such that he probably wouldn't have bit on it, but Viserys could have tried...except he's a nice man who couldn't imagine Corlys would do anything more than be disappointed.
I'm enjoying this show a lot.
Excellent points.
I think, in part, whatever else he might be, Viserys is a king, and a king expects/demands to be obeyed. I think to him, the matter of Jahaerys' succession is a settled matter. Of course, for Rhaenys and Corlys, Viserys being named king didn't end their aim on the throne.
I love Viserys, though, in a way that I could never love a character like Ned Stark. Ned was so honor-bound and rigid that he seems almost hellbent on failure. Viserys, though, is trying his best. As you say, though, his kindness makes him assume others are also trying their best to work with him. And, uh, that just ain't happening.