The new episode of 'House of the Dragon' could easily be called 'How to Train Your Dragon', because the attempts to mount the mighty creatures are the cornerstone of events in Westeros this week.
If you haven't read the book 'Fire & Blood', you probably didn't quite understand why season 2 of 'House of the Dragon' introduced so many new characters who seemingly don't affect anything. But episode 7 fixes that and explains the purpose of characters from different corners of Westeros. Now commoners play roles no less important than the nobility! Let's discuss the events of episode 7.
Previous recaps:
Warning: spoilers for episode 7 of season 2 of 'House of the Dragon' below
Rider of Sea Smoke
First, Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) meets the new rider of Sea Smoke (or 'Smoke', depending on the translation). It is Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty). The characters meet on the beach with their dragons. But any tension quickly dissipates as the boy immediately kneels before her, saying that all he wants is to learn the art of dragon riding and serve her as queen. When she asks about his origins, he does not name his father (hello Corlys Velaryon!). As a result of the meeting, Rhaenyra invites him to Dragonstone, where she gives orders to provide him with chambers, teach him High Valyrian, and generally make him a man worthy of his dragon.
Rhaenyra shares the news about Addam with Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno), but doesn't know where to find other potential riders. Her friend (?) says the answer might be right under their noses: Targaryens have visited brothels in King's Landing for years, so they have plenty of bastards; they just need to look among the bastards. 'Let's gather an army of bastards,' Rhaenyra declares at this remark.
Corlys finds Addam on Dragonstone and gives him permission to take leave from his duties at the port so he can learn to ride a dragon. But he does not reveal their kinship, limiting himself to the word 'well done'.
Alicent's Turmoil
In King's Landing, Grand Maester Orwyle treats Alicent Hightower's (Olivia Cooke) wound, sustained from the attack by protesting commoners in the previous episode. She looks demoralized: she doesn't understand what influence she has over her children or the citizens. Alicent sets off for the Kingswood accompanied by Ser Rickard of the Kingsguard. It looks like self-imposed seclusion (if not self-removal from the story). It's even unclear whether her character will have any significance in the future. Perhaps the forest trip will help her reset and re-enter the game.
Young Tully Strikes Back
Young Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes) returns to Harrenhal, having become Lord of the Riverlands after his grandfather's death. The boy must simultaneously earn the trust of the river lords under his command and deal with Daemon's (Matt Smith) request to raise an army.
The clever boy decides he will follow his grandfather's oath to Viserys and support Queen Rhaenyra. At the same time, to appease the river lords, he must address the atrocities committed by the Blackwoods against House Bracken with Daemon's support.
Essentially, his decision orders Daemon to behead Willem Blackwood for his crimes so that justice prevails. Targaryen realizes he has no other solution to the problem and relieves his subordinate of his head.
After this, Daemon has another vision involving Viserys (Paddy Considine). He sits on the bed in a decrepit state, holding a crown and asks: 'Do you still want it?' Indeed, does he?
Other Dragon Riders
Last week we speculated that the blacksmith Hugh (Kieran Bew) is a future dragon rider. This was confirmed. But not immediately.
Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), upon learning that Addam became a rider, went to his brother Alyn. The Hand of the Queen hinted that he too could mount a dragon. To this, Alyn declares that he is 'of salt and sea' and desires nothing else.
Another relative of Corlys, Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell), sets off for Pentos, but secretly searches for a wild dragon that Lady Arryn told her about. Given that Rhaena has dreamed of getting a dragon since childhood (and she missed out on Vhagar), perhaps she will soon have such a chance.
Thanks to a game orchestrated by Mysaria, word reaches King's Landing via Alyn that Rhaenyra is inviting Targaryen bastards to come to Dragonstone to receive a dragon. Ulf (Tom Bennett), under pressure from friends, decides to make the trip. Blacksmith Hugh also considers it after the death of his child, but his wife protests. Hugh did not know his father, but his mother, who worked in a pleasure house, was the sister of Baelon Targaryen, father of Viserys and Daemon.
Finally, several dozen hopefuls arrive at Dragonstone to participate in the 'casting for House of the Dragon'. However, the order responsible for 'communication' with the ancient creatures and speaking High Valyrian does not approve of this plan and leaves Rhaenyra.
The queen leads the guests to see Vermithor, the largest dragon in the world after Vhagar and perhaps the most ferocious. When the beast emerges from the shadows, it towers over Rhaenyra and appears larger than Sea Smoke or any of the other dragons on her side.
But everything descends into chaos when the first volunteer steps forward. Vermithor burns not only him but also almost all the other newcomers, causing them to flee into the dragon pits. Vermithor continues to pursue them, burning, trampling, eating them alive (this scene easily evokes 'Jurassic Park' vibes).
Hugh finally comes face to face with the dragon, ready to accept his fate, but the creature seems to like his bravery. Vermithor bows before him, and the blacksmith strokes his nose. Rhaenyra is clearly sorry for the dead, but now she can declare her triumph with the idea of an army of bastards.
Meanwhile, Ulf has wandered deep into the dragon lair. Tripping, he accidentally steps on a dragon egg, awakening another dragon – Silverwing. Instead of burning the stranger alive, she chooses him as her rider.
However, Ulf is a complete novice in dragon riding, and when he first mounts the flying creature, he heads to King's Landing, frightening the citizens and interrupting a meeting of the Small Council. Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) rushes on Vhagar to pursue Silverwing and her new rider to Dragonstone.
We already know that if Aemond and Vhagar are chasing you, nothing good will come of it. But this time, the Targaryen shows rare restraint and orders Vhagar to turn back. On Dragonstone, there are (at least) three of Rhaenyra's dragons, and even Aemund understands that if he starts a fight now, he might not win. This happens to him for the first time.
There is only one episode left this season, and perhaps Rhaenyra's new dragon army will show itself in an epic battle next week. We keep our fingers crossed and count the days. And what a pity that the finale is not directed by Miguel Sapochnik!
Teaser for the final episode:
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