This week’s “House of the Dragon” delivered another episode rich in scheming and light on spectacle. Notably, significant moments are conspicuously absent – perhaps a sign that some scenes are too costly to produce.
Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) struggles with her identity amidst the chaos, missing her uncle/husband Daemon (Matt Smith) and grappling with a shortage of dragonriders.
With the loss of Rhaenys (Eve Best) and her dragon Meleys, Rhaenyra must bolster her ranks. Unclaimed dragons like Seasmoke, formerly ridden by Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan), Silverwing, and Vermithor are potential assets.
Jacaerys (Harry Collett) and Rhaenyra’s plan to unearth a new dragonrider from the Targaryen lineage ends disastrously. Ser Steffon Darklyn (Anthony Flanagan) attempts to claim Seasmoke, only to be incinerated by the dragon. Eventually, Seasmoke chooses Corlys Velaryon’s (Steven Toussaint) illegitimate son, Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty).
Corlys accepts Rhaenyra’s offer to serve as her Hand, a promising alliance for her faction. However, Rhaenyra faces skepticism from her council, who doubt her ability to win without Daemon. Her son Jacaerys even shares these doubts. Rhaenyra asserts her authority by slapping a dissenting council member, reminding them of her power.
Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) supports Rhaenyra, helping to sway the small folk of King’s Landing against the Greens and offering emotional encouragement by revealing her scars. Their relationship takes a surprising turn with a passionate kiss.
Daemon endures his own identity crisis at Harrenhal, haunted by visions of his late brother, King Viserys (Paddy Considine). Frustrated by his lack of progress with the River Lords, he seeks guidance from Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), who advises patience.
Elsewhere in Westeros:
- King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is bedridden with burns, unable to betray Prince Regent Aemond (Ewan Mitchell).
- Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) remains missing, worrying Alicent (Olivia Cooke).
- Prince Regent Aemond, on a power trip, expels Alicent from his council, deepening her crisis.
- Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) hears of an unclaimed dragon in the Vale.
- Alicent learns that her son Daeron, sent to Old Town, is kind-hearted, unlike his brothers. When will we meet Daeron?
- Prince Regent Aemond plans to march on Harrenhal to face Daemon, promising a dramatic arrival on Vhagar.
The sole character free of an identity crisis is Prince Regent Aemond, whose confidence as his brother’s substitute king matches the formidable presence of his dragon.
“House of the Dragon” airs Sunday nights on Max, a Warner Bros. Discovery property.
