Matt Smith will always be Doctor Who to science fiction fans. However, in George R.R. Martin’s Westeros, he is the infamous Daemon Targaryen, the brother of Viserys I Targaryen and the uncle-husband of Rhaenyra Targaryen. In House of the Dragon, Smith’s character is one of those who have an agenda that doesn’t always align with the goal of the others.
Daemon has always felt a deep attraction to his niece. Likewise, Rhaenyra was always attracted to her uncle for some unseen reason. Incest is a common theme in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, so it’s not unusual.
Matt Smith’s performance as Daemon is fantastic. In one episode, he is one scene where he says nothing. His face is doing all the acting. Smith is one of those actors who has a wide range when it comes to acting. He has played the hero and the villain and those on neutral ground.
Daemon is one of those characters who does sit on neutral ground. Sure, he has a selfish way of looking at specific situations. But his goal isn’t to take the throne from his brother or Rhaenyra. If anything, his goal is somewhat unclear. He loves the ladies initially, but he settles down with Lady Laena Velaryon and has two daughters, Baela and Rhaena.
They almost welcome a third child, but Laena and the child perish in childbirth. The loss of his wife and the mother of his daughters is beyond devastating for Daemon. Matt Smith pulls it off so well. Seeing him playing a father is humbling, as he and the young actresses who play his daughters are so great together on and off the screen.
