All families seek revenge – some do it better than others. It's up to you to decide whose side to choose.
The second episode of 'House of the Dragon' continues the high narrative pace and raises the stakes of the impending brutal war (though one could say it has already officially begun). The characters and we are faced with a chain of events that, like dominoes, destroys all possible paths to Targaryen reconciliation.
We recall and discuss what we saw in the first episode of the second season of 'House of the Dragon': Rhaenyra's mourning, the return of the Wall, and Daemon's bloody revenge.
Open materialWarning: the following text contains spoilers for Episode 2 of Season 2 of 'House of the Dragon'
The 'Greens' Mourn Jaehaerys's Death
Let's start with the fact that the episode was a showcase for two rising stars of the universe – Tom Glynn-Carney and Phia Saban. As father and mother, they deeply grieve the death of their eldest child. Aegon is impulsive and vents his anger on those closest to him and on chairs, while Helaena, on the contrary, grieves deep inside, but her gaze shows how shocked she is.
Now Helaena must go through a funeral procession (where we are again hinted at the brutality of the child's murder, whose head was literally sewn back to the body), observing the reaction of the residents of King's Landing.
The king's accusations against the Council and the guard look convincing and emotional – they are accused of inaction and negligence (quite logical). Moreover, Aegon then chooses a rather brutal method of dealing with both the captured assassin and the uncaught ratcatcher, deciding not to waste time interrogating too many people, but simply hanging all potential candidates. Surprisingly, we also see his more human side – he quietly mourns the loss of his child in complete solitude. This makes the audience feel a little sympathy for the character.
Alicent's Guilt (or Lack Thereof)
As they say, doubtful, but okay. Alicent shows herself in a bad light throughout the entire episode. And even her phrases about 'this is punishment' and 'the gods will punish us' do not save her. As a mother, she orders her daughter to serve the crown, forgetting her own feelings. And all she cares about is whether Helaena will tell what she saw that night in her mother's chambers. Alicent herself, upon seeing her crying son, simply leaves the room without a word. The final scene of the episode does not add any points to her credit. The mother-queen continues to make a series of bad decisions.
Favorite Conspiracies and a Change of Hand in the Spirit of 'Game of Thrones'
Although it's hard to call it a conspiracy, rather a very fortunate turn of events, namely for Ser Criston Cole, who becomes the King's Hand in this episode. Literally the same night he bungled the infiltration of the castle and the murder of the heir. What a career path.
But Otto Hightower seems to understand the consequences of his decisions and, apparently, regrets not backing Rhaenyra. Family is still above all for him. After all, even under difficult circumstances, he (as an experienced man, unlike the little brats) recommends not waiting to find the assassin, but immediately blaming Rhaenyra. The truth is hardly needed by anyone, right? This will significantly weaken her position both in the eyes of the residents of King's Landing and among the noble families.
But the cunning plan cannot stop the growing tension: now Otto has no leverage over the king. And he himself is tired of the stupidity of his children and grandchildren, even refusing to listen to Alicent's sin. Insulted, Otto wanted to return to his homeland, Oldtown. But on the way, he will stop by for family matters. And he still does not know that the one who pushed for the change of Hand was none other than Larys Strong.
Daeron Targaryen Was Indeed Born
The fourth son of King Viserys and his wife Alicent, whom all fans had lost track of. According to media reports, we should not expect his appearance this season. But it is still interesting why such an important character is not introduced into the plot, yet mentioned in conversation.
In Argument, Truth is Born – The Difficult Relationship Between Daemon and Rhaenyra
Well, Rhaenyra is very outraged (that the episode was named 'cruel' in her honor), and of course by being subjected to false accusations. Her position has been further shaken, and her Council is sure that justifications will not win anyone over to her side. The damage has already been done. However, during the conversation, Daemon puts on a meme-worthy performance – it is literally written on his face who in the room is the mafia murderer.
And so we come to a logical heated conversation between the Targaryens (too bad it's not in High Valyrian). The scene is charged with electricity and great chemistry between the actors; both reach a boiling point. They are literally screaming 'where is my Emmy?'
Well, Daemon is even right here: both about why the throne was passed to Rhaenyra by inheritance, and why his brother was a weak-willed king.
Rhaenyra, of course, does not want to admit this, and is also little informed about the relationship between her father and uncle. But her husband's words definitely offend her, and then his loyalty and devotion come into question. Does Daemon consider Rhaenyra his queen? We did not hear an answer.
Aemond Admits Guilt (A Rare Moment of Weakness)
Alicent's least favorite child and the instigator of the war, in a very short scene in a brothel, admits his guilt in what happened. Not to say he repents, but he admits it. He is shown as a broken man in soul and body. But what struck me more was the phrase of his interlocutor, who describes the essence of George R.R. Martin's universe in one sentence: 'when princes lose their composure, other little people like me often suffer.'
Scenes of Secondary Characters
We should not overlook several key scenes with new characters this season. There is Addam, who watches Laenor Velaryon's dragon, Seasmoke. And the blacksmith Hugh, who recently appealed to the king for help, discussing their difficult situation with his wife.
Queen Rhaenyra Tries to Play Fair
Rhaenyra is still naive in her decisions and keeps her word to Mysaria (which Daemon gave her). By releasing her from the dungeon, she risks her position on Dragonstone. But we see how such a decision turns out to be fortunate. Mysaria, apparently in gratitude for her freedom, manages to report the infiltration of the castle by the twin brother. This possibly saves the queen's life.
Duel of Two Brothers
The very duel that Sansa Stark once told about in 'Game of Thrones'. Brother against brother. Knight against knight. Each with his own truth and each deeply loyal to his rulers. Moreover, the scene is necessary for Rhaenyra to realize how vulnerable her position is. And a direct confrontation can no longer be avoided.
Beautiful choreography, sharp dialogue, and a pinch of drama made the scene memorable. Arryk's plan was suicidal from the start (which Ser Cole definitely knew himself). But Erryk deserves a place in fans' hearts. And the quote 'Your grace, forgive me' has already become iconic. Here is the contrast between the so-called best knight of King's Landing and real knights, ready to kill their own brother and give their lives for a transgression.
Teaser for Episode 3:
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