Ya I think this is very true. When I said it was Pro-Rhaenrya, I meant that they started the show with her, and ended it with us hanging on to her emotional perspective. But that doesn’t mean they do a good job of making it her show, like you said the engagement of character stuff is only plot level. And since she’s the main character, it means everyone else is even more surface level.

I never knew Alicent was in love with Criston until reading an episode with the actress. The show never talks about it, but it’s a huge part of why the actress says Alicent feels so upset about Criston sleeping with Rhaenrya. Similarly, the actress said that Alicent is insecure because she knows Rhaenyra is the better mother, but that’s also never really showcased since we rarely see them as mothers unless it’s important for the plot.

> Like she clearly fucks up on an epic scale producing all these bastards

The show tries to sweep that under the rug by saying she and Laenor tried to have kids, but it just didn’t work, which is a pretty poor excuse, to be honest. Especially for someone who knows her claim is likely to be challenged. In the books, my impression is that she did it because she thinks she can get away with it.

> Also, the whole tie in of the prophecy is stupid and I don't understand why it's even there.

One of its purposes, the way I understood it, was to remove Alicent’s agency. Like she supports the usurping of the throne, but just because she thinks it’s her husband’s wish. Pretty lame, if you ask me.