We expected House of the Dragon to be good. But we didn't expect to be so thoroughly wowed by our first return to Westeros since Game of Thrones came to an end. But thanks to some brilliant fantasy storytelling and the incredible efforts of the House of the Dragon cast, we got something special. And we have to thank the cast for that.
Game of Thrones had one of the best ensembles on TV, with the Game of Thrones cast home to dozens of exceptional actors. The spin-off was no different and, as we prepare for House of the Dragon season 2, we've brought you a comprehensive guide to everyone you need to know from within the tangled Targaryen family tree and beyond.
The House of the Dragon cast list:
- Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen
- Milly Alcock as Young Rhaenyra Targaryen
- Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower
- Emily Carey as Young Alicent Hightower
- Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen
- Paddy Considine as Viserys Targaryen
- Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower
- Matthew Needham as Larys Strong
- Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon
- Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole
- Tom Glynn-Carney as King Aegon II Targaryen
- Ty Tennant as Young Aegon Targaryen II
- Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen
- Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen
- Wil Johnson as Ser Vaemond Velaryon
- John Macmillan as Ser Laenor Velaryon
- Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria
- Graham McTavish as Ser Harrold Westerling
- Harry Collett as Prince Jacaerys Velaryon
- Elliot Grihault as Prince Lucerys Velaryon
- Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen
- Bethany Antonia as Lady Baela Targaryen
- Phoebe Campbell as Lady Rhaena Targaryen
- Elliott Tittensor as Ser Erryk Cargyll
- Luke Tittensor as Ser Arryk Cargyll
- Jefferson Hall as Jason and Tyland Lannister
- Michael Carter as King Jaehaerys I Targaryen
- Ryan Corr as Ser Harwin Strong
- Bill Paterson as Lord Lyman Beesbury
- Nanna Blondell as Lady Laena Velaryon
- Sian Brooke as Queen Aemma Arryn
- Gavin Spokes as Lord Lyonel Strong
- David Horovitch as Grand Maester Mellos
- Roger Evans as Lord Borros Baratheon
Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen
As well as appearing in several theater productions, D'Arcy had been lighting up our televisions for years before they debuted — to much acclaim — as an all-grown-up Rhaenyra Targaryen from House of the Dragon episode 6 onward. Rhaenyra is one of the most important House of the Dragon characters, and D'Arcy is up to the challenge.
They did a tremendous job of depicting Rhaenyra as a devoted mother who, at the end of the first season, is now prepared to go to war in the name of her family. D'Arcy is going to be one of the central figures in the show going forward and we know they're going to bring real intensity and passion to the Dance of Dragons.
Away from Westeros, highlights of D'arcy's career so far include leading roles in TV series like Wanderlust and Truth Seekers. They also spent time on the London stage in an acclaimed revival of Arthur Miller's classic witch trial story The Crucible.
Milly Alcock as Young Rhaenyra Targaryen
For the first five episodes of House of the Dragon, Milly Alcock's portrayal of the young Rhaenyra Targaryen was a highlight, as she grappled with the implications of being officially named as her father's heir to the Iron Throne. Although her time in one of the best fantasy series around today was brief, it's clear her star is on the rise.
Unfortunately, we're unlikely to see much of Alcock in the second season of House of the Dragon, though she might get some more time in the spotlight through flashback sequences. It would be a real shame if we never got to see her again.
In 2018, when she was just 18 years old, she was presented with the Casting Guild of Australia's Rising Star Award for her portrayal of a teenage runaway in the dramedy series Upright, alongside the comedian Tim Minchin. Just like D'Arcy, she's also spent time appearing in The Crucible on the London stage. There's no doubt that such a famous play is an enormous draw for a young actor seeking to push their talents.
Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower
Olivia Cooke might be in it for the long haul when it comes to House of the Dragon. She played the aged-up Alicent Hightower from episode 6 onward, and there's plenty more story for her to tell as she faces off against her childhood friend Rhaenyra in the name of their respective families' legacies.
You probably know Cooke best from her work in the movie biz, from Spielberg's sci-fi adventure Ready Player One to the weepy Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, which is one of the best teen movies of recent years. She's also starred in some unconventional additions to the canon of the best horror movies, including The Limehouse Golem and the blackly comic Thoroughbreds.
With such a varied portfolio, taking on a Targaryen must be no problem for her. Alicent will need all the cunning she can get.
Emily Carey as Young Alicent Hightower
Emily Carey enchanted audiences as a younger, more sympathetic Alicent Hightower in the first five episodes of House of the Dragon, forming an uncomfortable bond with King Viserys that ultimately leads to marriage. This is Westeros and so we basically never get a healthy relationship between two adults.
Carey's chemistry with Milly Alcock makes the friendship between Alicent and Rhaenyra very believable, which makes their descent into war even more powerful. We love seeing them as friends, so we're devastated when they're torn apart.
This isn't even the first time Carey has played royalty. In 2020, she played a very fictionalized version of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov in a fantasy movie entitled Anastasia: Once Upon a Time. She also voiced Anne Frank in the critically acclaimed Where is Anne Frank, which was among the best animated movies of 2021.
Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen
Half of the internet seems to see him as a sort of problematic boyfriend, but there's no denying that Daemon Targaryen is an evil piece of shit. He might have a little seductive energy to him, but he's not shy to swing a sword and he's constantly plotting against just about everybody. Even his own brother couldn't stand him most of the time.
This isn't Matt Smith's first stab at playing a conniving bad guy. He might want to forget, but we all remember him (and his infamous dance) from Sony's sort-of-Spidey movie Morbius, where he played Loxius Crown opposite Jared Leto's vampiric anti-hero. As we wrote in our Morbius review, it's a dog's dinner of a movie.
This also isn't Smith's first time playing a prince, as he portrayed the late Prince Phillip in the first two seasons of one of the best Netflix series, The Crown. And don't worry, I haven't forgotten — the star is most well-known for playing the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who. It's one of the best sci-fi series of all time and it provided a real launch pad for Smith's career, which is going from strength to strength.
Paddy Considine as Viserys Targaryen
Viserys Targaryen wasn't a great king, but he was a rare example of a Targaryen who wasn't a completely nightmarish psychopath. They're as rare as unicorns. The first season of House of the Dragon followed Viserys as he declined in health, right up until his eventual death.
But the reason Viserys worked so brilliantly as a character was the man behind the wig: British acting stalwart Paddy Considine. Bringing a sense of comic relief as well as tragedy to his role as the hapless King, people might recognize him from his role in one of the best comedy movies ever, Hot Fuzz.
More recently, he was part of the Peaky Blinders cast as the sinister Father John Hughes. He also has some experience on the other side of the camera, directing hard-hitting thrillers in Tyrannosaur and Journeyman. They're both unforgettable experiences, though they're not easy to watch. Much like Westeros, so he's a great fit.
Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower
As Viserys' scheming Hand of the King, Otto Hightower is the second most powerful man in the Seven Kingdoms. Rhys Ifans brings slithering intensity and quiet menace to the role. Otto's power is limited by the man on the actual throne, but his ambitions seem to know no bounds.
He conspired to marry his daughter to Viserys so that his grandchildren could inherit the Iron Throne and the Hightowers will truly be supreme. Obviously, we now know that Rhaenyra and Daemon have something to say about that.
Ifans is no stranger to the small screen, having first appeared in the children's TV series Spatz back in the '90s. Still, he's best known for his film work, having appeared in everything from rom-com classics like Notting Hill to some of the best superhero movies, like Spider-Man No Way Home.
Matthew Needham as Larys Strong
With his unhinged scheming and ambition, Larys Strong makes Littlefinger look like Winnie the Pooh. He also gave us one of the most uncomfortable scenes in the entire first season of House of the Dragon, based around his more unconventional desires involving the queen. Larys knows just how to get under our skin.
Any good villain needs a level of theatricality, which makes Matthew Needham perfect for the role — after all, he's performed on-stage for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare's Globe, and the Royal National Theater, to name just a few.
He's also acted in the daytime soap Casualty, like just about every British actor you love today, and played the lead in the Oscar-winning short film Stutterer.
Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon
The legendary Sea Snake, Corlys Velaryon, is set to play a major role in House of the Dragon. Fans of the books know that Corlys ends up aligning with Rhaenyra Targaryen, later adopting the title Hand of the Queen. He's picked his side for the battle to come and, with his mastery of the waves, he looks set to be a valuable ally to Rhaenyra and her team.
High-stakes drama doesn't faze actor Steve Toussaint because, as well as writing several short films of his own, he's also acted in plenty. British audiences will remember him from being in just about all of the best TV series of the last few decades, including Line of Duty, It's a Sin, and Doctor Who.
Not only that, but Toussaint has also appeared in blockbusters like The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. He's a busy man.
Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole
If you think you can't handle rejection well, you can comfort yourself by remembering that you can, at least, handle it better than Criston Cole. He went from forlorn lover to bitter incel pretty fast, with a bloody temper. That makes him great fun to watch, but a nightmare to live with.
It's a testament to actor Fabian Frankel that the character has compelled fans so much and we're fascinated to see where he goes next now the battle lines have been drawn. He's aligned with the Hightowers and he'll certainly be a formidable part of their army for the conflict to come.
You'll probably recognize Frankel from the dark and grisly mini-series The Serpent, but this isn't the first time he's crossed paths with a Targaryen. He also had a role in Last Christmas, which starred Daenerys Targaryen actor Emilia Clarke. Someone must've been manifesting.
Tom Glynn-Carney as King Aegon II Targaryen
Rude, crass, and cowardly Aegon is possibly the person least suited to inherit the Iron Throne, and he knows it. So what stops him from abdicating the throne? Well, the only thing this king likes more than a goblet of wine is power, and now he's had a taste he doesn't intend on letting go. In the grand lineage of unsuited rulers throughout the history of Westeros, we can't kid ourselves: he fits right in.
Tom Glynn-Carney's first major credit was a guest spot in Casualty (that show keeps coming up), but he's gone on to star in massive blockbusters like Christoper Nolan's Dunkirk, the recent Tolkien biopic, and the new show from Peaky Blinder's creator Steven Knight, SAS: Rogue Heroes.
That's a very busy dance card for an actor whose stock is only going to rise now that he plays such a pivotal role in one of the biggest shows on TV today. Good luck to him!
Ty Tennant as Young Aegon Targaryen II
Awkwardly enough for Matt Smith, his on-screen wife's main rival for the Iron Throne isn't just the stepson of the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) but is also the grandson of the Fifth Doctor (Peter Davidson). That's quite the family tree to pick apart and we're very aware that it makes it look as if everybody in Britain has played the Doctor at some point. We're still waiting patiently for our turn.
At 20 years old, Aegon Targaryen is probably Ty Tennant's biggest role to date, but he also appeared in Tolkien, alongside his older counterpart Glynn-Carney. He also occupied one of the lead roles in the most recent TV adaptation of War of the Worlds, as well as appearing alongside his father in Good Omens.
Given the strong acting lineage throughout his real-life family, we expect to see a lot more of Tennant in the years to come.
Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen
Aemond was born to rule the Seven Kingdoms, or at least he would be if he'd been born first. Unfortunately, as the Aegon's younger brother, Aemond will never rise higher than a prince, and this seems to have given him a degree of impostor syndrome as he spends the majority of House of the Dragon trying to prove himself to everyone, even claiming the most powerful dragon, Vhagar, for himself.
Finally, a British actor who didn't get their start in Casualty! Ewan Mitchell has been working as an actor since 2015 when he appeared in the ITV drama The Halcyon, but since then, he's gone on to play Osferth in The Last Kingdom and Tom Bennett in World on Fire. He also starred in Claire Denis' film High Life alongside Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche. You can see him in Emerald Fennell's next project, Saltburn.
Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the "Queen Who Never Was," would have inherited the Iron Throne over Viserys had only she been born a man. Still, Rhaenys isn't as bitter as you'd expect, although the fact she and her dragon Meleys side with Rhaenyra over Aegon II tells you those old wounds may not have healed as much as she pretends.
A veteran actor, Eve Best, brings a touch of class to House of the Dragon. She's been working since 2000 when she appeared on, you guessed it, Casualty, but since then, she's gone on to win critical acclaim in projects like Nurse Jackie, The Honorable Woman, and The King's Speech. Best even won an Olivier Award for Best Actress after appearing in Richard Eyre's production of Hedda Gabler.
Wil Johnson as Ser Vaemond Velaryon
As the younger brother of the Sea Snake (Corlys Velaryon), Vaemond serves as a knight for his house. In the book, he's originally Corlys' nephew. When Corlys Vaemond gets very vocal about who should inherit Driftmark. A little too vocal, in the end. When he becomes enraged in Kings Landing, he runs his mouth a little too much, and ends up losing it.
He's played by Wil Johnson, who's appeared on-stage too, most notably in Othello. Prior to House of the Dragon, he'd appeared in a few short films, but will soon appear in Cobra, the drama series starring Robert Carlyle and Victoria Hamilton.
John Macmillan as Ser Laenor Velaryon
The first husband of Rhaenerys Targaryen, Laenor, is one of the most unfortunate characters in House of the Dragon. He is basically little more than a political pawn for his ambitious father, who's forced into a loveless marriage and made to live a lie. Still, at least he gets a happy ending of sorts, escaping across the Narrow Sea just before all hell breaks loose in Westeros.
A graduate of the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, John MacMillian got his start in 2007 playing Guideris in Cymbeline. Since then, Macmillan's gone on to have supporting roles in films like The Dark Knight Rises, World War Z, and most recently, the Prime Video movie The People We Hate at the Wedding. He's also enjoyed success on the small screen, appearing in a number of popular shows, including Ghosts, Sherlock, and The Great. You can see him next as King Guthrum in the comedy movie Seize Them!
Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria
Daemon's former lover turned spymaster, Mysaria, is one of the most powerful people in King's Landing thanks to her network of hidden informants and spies. While her role in House of the Dragon season 1 was small, she'll have a much bigger part to play as the Dance of the Dragons heats up.
A trained ballerina and model, Sonoya Mizuno got her start in Alex Garland's science fiction masterpiece Ex Machina, but she's gone on to appear in other critically acclaimed films like La La Land, Annihilation, and Crazy Rich Asians. You can see her next in Garland's Civil War.
Graham McTavish as Ser Harrold Westerling
The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Harrold Westerling, is a skilled swordsman and honorable man who served as Rhaenyra's sworn shield for a number of years. In the end, Harrold resigned from his position after hearing the Greens plotting to have Rhaenyra assassinated.
A veteran theater actor with plenty of film and TV credits under his belt, Graham McTavish plays Harrold Westerling in House of the Dragon. McTavish made his TV debut on the Disney show Return to Treasure Island, but he's gone on to star in films like Creed and Aquaman, and most notably, he played Dwalin in The Hobbit trilogy.
On the small screen, he's lent his voice to Vlad Dracula Țepeș in the animated series Castlevania, played The Saint of Killers in Preacher, and plenty more.
Harry Collett as Prince Jacaerys Velaryon
Rhaenyra's firstborn son with Laenor Velaryon (Or was it Harwin Strong?) Jacaerys was set to inherit the Iron Throne before his uncle Aegon usurped the crown. Jacaerys has spent the majority of Hosue of the Dragon being teased by his uncles for being a bastard, but he'll play a much larger part in the civil war about to overtake Westeros.
While House of the Dragon was arguably Harry Collett's big break, he's been working as an actor since 2014, when he starred in Casualty. Since then, he's worked on films like Ethel and Earnest and Dunkirk, and he even returned to Casualty to play the recurring character Oliver Hide.
Elliot Grihault as Prince Lucerys Velaryon
Poor Lucerys didn't get much to do before he was swallowed whole by Vhagar, but his death will change the Seven Kingdoms and the Targaryen family forever. Elliot Grihault plays Lucerys, which is his only listed credit at the moment, but we're looking forward to seeing what he does next.
Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen
The oddest of Viserys and Alicent's children, Helaena seems to have prophetic dragon dreams of things yet to come, which mark her out from her siblings. She had the poor fortune to be married to Aegon II, and unfortunately, her life is only going to get tougher as the Dance of Dragons begins.
Phia Saban may be best known for playing Helaena, but she's also appeared in another fantasy series, The Last Kingdom, where she plays Aelfwynn.
Bethany Antonia as Lady Baela Targaryen
The eldest daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and his first wife, Lady Laena Velaryon, Baela, was too young to play a major part in House of the Dragon season 1. However, as Jacaerys Velaryon's betrothed, we expect her role to grow as the show goes on, especially if the showrunners choose to adapt the story of Sara Snow.
Bethany Antonia plays the older Baela Targaryen, and she has an impressive list of credits under her belt. Antonia got her start on the BBC show Doctor (Not Casualty? That makes a change), but she's also had major parts in Stath Lets Flats, the Netflix series Close, and you can see her next in the new Russell T Davies project, Nolly.
Phoebe Campbell as Lady Rhaena Targaryen
Baela's younger sister and an aspiring dragon rider, Rhaena's role in House of the Dragon, has been a small one so far, with her story primarily revolving around her wanting a dragon. Still, like her sister, Rhaena will have more to do in season 2 following the death of her fiance Lucerys.
A working actor since 2016, Phoebe Campbell made their debut in the BBC show Home From Home and has had supporting roles in Midsommar Murders. They made their theatre debut in 2022's The Importance of Being Earnest.
Elliott Tittensor as Ser Erryk Cargyll
If House of the Dragon had an MVP, it would be Ser Erryk Cargyll, the man who helped to crown the Black Queen, Rhaenyra Targaryen. A man who put principle over duty, Erryk forsook his vows as a member of the Kingsguard to do what was right, and for that reason, we love him.
Elliot Tittensor, who's best known for playing Carl Gallagher in Shameless, plays Erryk, but he's been a working actor since 2003 when he appeared in Brookside as Niall Gibson. Since then, Tittensor has had roles in shows like Moving On and Silent Witness. He even appeared in the Christopher Nolan movie Dunkirk.
Luke Tittensor as Ser Arryk Cargyll
Every masterpiece has its cheap copy, so if Erryk's House Cargyll's greatest son, then Arryk's the runt of the litter. OK, that's probably a little harsh, but we just don't like that Arryk sided with the Greens during the Dance. Sure, he was just keeping his vows, unlike his oathbreaker brother, but you know we're Team Rhaenyra at The Digital Fix.
Arryk is played by Elliot Tittensor's real-life twin brother Luke, who also played Carl Gallagher in the early seasons of Shameless (Elliot took on the role full-time as an adult), but since then, he's appeared in a number of UK soaps, including Emmerdale, Holby City, and Casualty.
Jefferson Hall as Jason and Tyland Lannister
Jason and Tyland Lannister are the current generation of golden pr*cks running Casterly Rock, and while they don't have as much screentime as their predecessors Tyrion, Tywin, and Cersei, they're just as ambitious, plotting to marry Jason to Rhaenyra and conspiring with the Hightowers to steal the throne.
The Tittensors may be real-life twins, but not everyone is lucky enough to have a perfect clone of themselves. When that happens, actors just have to pull double duty, as Jefferson Hall learned when he took the role of the Lannister twins. Yep, Hall plays both Jason and Tyland in the show, and he's got an impressive filmography.
Hall played the obnoxious true crime podcaster in the 2018 Halloween movie, as well as Torstein in Vikings, and he most recently appeared in Oppenheimer playing Haakon Chevalier, the languages professor who was implicated in spying for the Soviets.
Michael Carter as King Jaehaerys I Targaryen
Jaehaerys only appeared in the first two minutes of House of the Dragon, but the Good King's shadow looms over the whole series. Basically, all Targaryens aspire to be this guy or Aegon the Conqueror, I just wish he'd chosen Rhaenys over Viserys as his heir because then the Dance of Dragons probably wouldn't have happened.
To play Jaeharys, the showrunners brought on Michael Carter, who is best known for playing Gerald Bringsley in one of the best horror movies ever, An American Werewolf in London, although he's also appeared in classic British shows like Taggart, Spooks, and Casualty (Of course!).
Fun fact: he also played one of our least favorite Star Wars characters, Bib Fortuna, in Return of the Jedi, but he didn't reprise the role in The Mandalorian.
Ryan Corr as Ser Harwin Strong
Ser Harwin Strong, Rhaenyra's… friend, seemed like he was destined for great things, but his brother had other ideas, and so Harwin became yet another victim of the curse of Harrenhal. In real life, Ser Harwin is played by Ryan Corr, who got his start playing Matthew McDougal in 25 episodes of The Sleepover Club.
Since wearing Matthew's pajamas, Corr's made a name for himself, starring in movies like Wolf Creek 2, The Water Diviner, and Holding the Man. You can see him next in Lucas Taylor's new TV series In Limbo.
Bill Paterson as Lord Lyman Beesbury
Like Ser Erryk, we love Lyman Beesbury because he had the tenacity to say no to the Green Council and stoop up for Rhaenyra's claim. It didn't end well for the lord of Honeyholt, but at least he tried.
Bill Paterson, who's probably best known as Fleabag's dad, played Lyman, but he got his start long before Phoebe Waller-Bridge was even born. He got his first TV role in 1974 doing the BBC's Play of the Day, and since then, he's enjoyed great success on the small screen.
To date, Paterson has lined up credits in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, Doctor Who, Outlander, Inside No. 9, Good Omens, The Sandman, and Brassic.
Nanna Blondell as Lady Laena Velaryon
We didn't get a lot of Lady Laena Velaryon before she chose to end her life in dragonfire, but what we did see, we liked. She was as fierce and proud as the dragon she rode, and we totally understand why Daemon fell for her.
The Swedish actor Nanna Blondell brought Laena Velaryon to life, but she's had quite the career since graduating from the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts. Blondell's first credit is playing Blenda in Livet enligt Rosa, but her big break was when she got a recurring part on the soap Andra Avenyn.
Since then, she's starred in Real Humans, which would later be adapted into Humans for English-speaking audiences, and played Ingrid in the Marvel movie Black Widow.
Sian Brooke as Queen Aemma Arryn
Queen Aemma Arryn's role in House of the Dragon was a small one, but as the love of Viserys' life and his reason for being, she had a huge impact on the story. Her death is what prompts the king to name Rhaenyra as heir and inadvertently sews the seeds for the Dance of Dragons.
Sian Brooke played Aemma, and aside from House of the Dragon, you may know her from her work in Sherlock, Doctor Foster, and Good Omens. Brooke also plays Constable Grace Ellis in the ongoing BBC series Blue Lights, which is currently filming its second season.
Gavin Spokes as Lord Lyonel Strong
The lord of Harrenhal and the man who replaced Otto Hightower as Hand of the King, Lyonel Strong, gave wise counsel to King Viserys for many years. His only mistake was underestimating the promiscuity of his eldest son, Harwin, and the ambition of his youngest son, Larys, which led to his untimely demise.
Lyonel was played by Gavin Spokes, a veteran character actor who's appeared in Andor, The Hitmen, and most recently, Ridley Scott's Napoleon movie.
Roger Evans as Lord Borros Baratheon
Lord Borros's father, Boremund, swore to uphold Viserys' declaration that Rhaenyra was his one true heir, but Borros is not his father. When Lucerys could not enter a marriage pact, as Aemond could, Borros threw his lot in with the Greens and King Aegon II. Borros was played by Roger Evans, whose previous credits include Father Brown, The Crown, and most recently Northern Lights.
If you can't get enough Game of Thrones content, then we've got you covered. We have a library the size of The Citadel full of juicy guides and articles, including a guide to the most powerful Game of Thrones dragons. You can also learn more about Balerion the Black Dread and find out why House of the Dragon season 2 might have cut the best character.
Elsewhere in Westeros, we've looked at whether your favorite Game of Thrones characters could return in Game of Thrones season 9. We also asked an AI to write a Jon Snow sequel, and it went as badly as you'd expect.