Reviewer Rating: 3.15/5.0
3.15
If there’s one show on the air right now that knows how to depict grief, it’s this one.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a major character suffer a huge loss. In House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5, the effects of last week are being felt in both King’s Landing and Dragonstone.
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen is dead. None of her relatives wanted to say goodbye.
Farewell to the queen who never existed
We’ve already discussed Rhaenys’ incredible marriage to Corlys.
Just last week, the princess found herself face to face with Arin of Hel, whom she immediately recognized as her husband’s son.
If you don’t get it, don’t worry; you’re not alone.
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Many fans were shocked by the fact that Arlin and his brother Adam were the illegitimate children of sea serpents.
But what stands out most about this interaction is Rhaenys’ gracious reaction.
She shows kindness to Arlin, then sternly advises Corliss to view his sons as heirs, not outcasts. Catelyn Stark could never be.
Anyway, rest in peace Rhaenys.
widespread consequences
The battle at the end of House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4 left a lasting mark in more ways than one.
The Black team grieved for Rhaenys and Melais, while the Green team faced uncertainty as Aegon II was sent home in a crate with a potentially fatal injury.
Kriston Cole and Gawain Hightower decided to display Melais’ head in King’s Landing like a trophy, but it backfired.
They thought it would be a show of strength and victory, which is almost understandable.
But the brutal performance failed to impress. This scared them.
This means Mythalia’s advice to Rhaenyra – to use this fear to gain support for her cause – is likely to succeed.
Side note: As Criston and Gawain dragged Meles’ head through the streets, they shouted victory and attributed the dragon’s death to Aegon.
If I know anything about Aemond Targaryen, who of course was the real culprit who cut down Rhaenys and Melais, he certainly wouldn’t like this.
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He was severely bullied by Aegon throughout his life and we have to recognize the impact this had on him. The fifth episode of House of the Dragon season 2 highlights this fact.
That’s why the question of who will serve as regent in Aegon’s absence is so tense.
Who will take Aegon’s place?
There are two obvious choices: Allison, the Queen Mother with direct experience in the role, or Aemond, the natural heir to the Iron Throne (according to the Greens, anyway).
I doubt anyone was surprised when the council voted for Eamond, but it was a bit surprising when it was revealed which council members supported which candidate.
I expect Larris and Christon to at least support Allison’s bid.
But they all supported Aemond’s claim, much to Allison’s chagrin.
Now, look – Larris is a creepy little guy, okay – but he has a point, doesn’t he?
Remember, I’m Team Black.
But the Greens were going to loudly oppose Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne, even go to war over it, and then appoint a woman to rule in Aegon’s place while he recovered?
That seems disingenuous, doesn’t it?
So, with only the Maester siding with Allison, the Greens voted for Aemond to succeed to the throne.
He got into position quickly and comfortably.
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It’s interesting that his first official order as regent was to “cut off the damn Ratcatcher,” since public displays of vengeance were one of Aegon’s many impulsive actions.
Aemond is very similar to his uncle Daemon in that he craves power and resents anyone who suggests he shouldn’t have it.
That’s probably a good sign, he shouldn’t There it is.
a prince, a king, a consort
Daemon is still tripping over at Harrenhal, and we’re still not sure exactly why, although we suspect Alys Rivers is involved.
Who is the mysterious blond woman he falls passionately in love with? She does look like a Targaryen, but I don’t recognize her.
Daemon is not in a good state of mind. He ordered House Blackwood to be creative in defeating House Bracken, thoroughly enraging the River Lords.
Most importantly, he confesses to Elise his intention to seize the throne.
I shouldn’t be surprised. We’ve always known daemons crave power.
From the first episode of House of the Dragon Season 1, he has his sights set on the Iron Throne.
But deep down, I still hope his devotion to Rhaenyra is true.
Rhaenyra’s Strengths Revealed
The good news is that Rhaenyra knows something is wrong with her husband, and she plans to find out what it is.
I admired her candor in expressing her dissatisfaction with Sir Alfred Bloom. She doesn’t mince words, which makes her a great queen.
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Remember in the last episode, Aegon complained to Alicent about how his council ignored him?
Rhaenyra had the same concerns about her council, but boy, did she show more emotional intelligence in all of this.
To her credit, as a mother, Jess became the star contestant on the fifth episode of the second season of House of the Dragon.
His negotiations in Weir served Rhaenyra well, and even better, his idea of finding a dragonrider by looking for someone with Targaryen blood could be a game-changer for House Black.
Combined with Whiteworm’s advice about poaching supporters from King’s Landing, Rhaenyra may be on her way to success in the coming weeks.
At the castle gates, hungry and sick people begged to enter. They were denied help. This happened in Game of Thrones too, and it didn’t end well.
The mysterious farm family from House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 are back, and I bet they’ll play a big role in leading the defectors in their attack on black people.
As usual, Emma Darcy was absolutely fantastic this week. They once again proved that they can portray a variety of emotions and concepts perfectly. In the space of an hour, they cover grief, anger, frustration and grace.
Looking to the future
With only three episodes left in the season, my anxiety levels are starting to rise.
There is still much to discuss, and we know that anything can happen.
Even though it’s based on the original, the makers of House of the Dragon show they’re not afraid to take liberties.
For now, all we can do is speculate on how the season will end.
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I guess we’d all be surprised.
Let us know what you think of House of the Dragon season 2 so far, and check out HBO to catch up on any episodes you missed.
