Following up the death of a major character in the premiere episode of a season is never an easy feat to follow. Many shows fumble and never recover. Fortunately, ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3’s second episode matches its predecesor in both tone, intensity, and pace, adding more layers to an already rich story. While the episode also fell into some of the same trappings that kept the premiere from being a masterpiece, the vast majority of ‘House of the Dragon’ is brilliance on the small screen. It’s safe to say that ‘House of the Dragon’ is back in full form, ensuring fans will be locked in each week.
Suddenly Seeking Sheep Stealer
Fleeing the destruction of the Gullet, Baela transports Jace’s lifeless body upon her dragon headed for DragonStone. Announcing that “The Battle is Won,” Baela stands in silence as Rhaenyra calls for Jacaerys, demanding he get up. In this moment, Rhaenyra, coming to terms with the death of her son and masking her grief, makes the decision to take King’s Landing and follow Alicent’s plan.
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Rhaena followed a different path following the Battle of the Gullet, taking flight to the Vale to seek refuge, but being denied it. Making repeated pleas to Jayne Arryn, Rhaena takes flight again, heading into the mountains. Sheep Stealer and Rhaena disappear, their role in this episode having come to a conclusion.
Tying up the loose ends and driving the story forward by dealing with the death of Jace immediately set this episode off at a break neck pace. It would create an almost domino effect that would reverberate throughout. The episode, however, delivers some of the best acting we’ve seen in the entirety of Westeros. Emma D’Arcy provides one of the most raw and emotional performances, emoting pain across their face throughout the episode until the time was right to announce her new form.
In The Wreckage of the Gullet
Standing in the wreckage of his father’s fleet, Alyn speaks with Baela about their father and what the fallout from the battle will truly be. Corlys is still missing, leaving his children anxiously awaiting his discovery. Flying atop his dragon, Addam finds him upon the rocks.
When he’s regained his senses and his feet, Corlys takes stock of what remains: a burning castle, a decimated fleet, but the battle won. “If this is victory, may I never know another,” Corlys marinates as he sits upon the rocks. Looking upon his children, Corlys tells his sons he has nothing left to give them, but his name. A gift worth far more than any coin.
While we spend the least amount of time with Corlys, we get more of a sense of the bigger picture for what comes next for his character and those of his children. He’s cathartic and tired, ready to proceed on with his life. It’s these lighter moments that, in the backdrop of the violence, truly gives ‘House of the Dragon’ it’s soul, giving it humanity in an otherwise monstrous world.
The Fall of House Strong
For Rhaenyra and Alicent’s plan to bring the war to an end to be successful, it is essential for Aemond to leave King’s Landing. In fact, it was the last piece of the puzzle. As luck would have it, Aemond follows the wishes of his mother and leaves for Harenhal, Alicent tying up the loose ends of her plan in the shadow of his dragon.
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Ser Criston and his men who have been waiting for Aemond to arrive are startled to attention as Vhagar flies above them, burning the countryside. Making easy work of the fortification’s, Aemond bursts into the main hall, finding Lord Strong at table with his sons. Making quick work of the Strongs, Aemond finds himself grievously wounded and face to face with a witch.
A Series of Fortunately Unforunate Events
Larys and Aegon’s hamfisted attempt to escape continues to be more folly than success. Aegon gets in his own way repeatedly, refusing any aid Larys attempts to provide. The tension is broken, however, when their transport is attacked and their able to make their escape. Refusing to follow Larys’ suggestions, Aegon sets out to find his dragon.
While Aemond’s current story arc makes sense and to a degree so does Aegon’s, Aegon seems more silly and misguided. I don’t have a real understanding of where things are headed for him and Larys. What exactly is their end game? There’s a level of fear that exists as to whether or not there is a long term plan.
Hail to the Queen, Baby
Leaving the safety of DragonStone, Rhaenyra, Daemon, and their dragon rider’s fly directly toward King’s Landing, hoping that Alicent has kept her end of the bargain. Alicent, to her credit, has made efforts to garner the support of the gold cloaks, almost being caught by Lord Jasper in the process, who finds himself behind bars for his assault on Alicent later in the episode. Explaining everything to Helena, Alicent, her grandchildren, and her daughter, the Queen, command the city guards to allow all dragons to come into King’s Landing by order of the Queen. They then flee King’s Landing, hoping to find a much simpler life.
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Daemon makes quick work of any opposition Rhaenyra and him come into contact with as they make their way through the castle. Before long, they find themself in front of the Iron Throne, toe to toe with those loyal to the Hightowers. Entering the throne room and turning the tide, the Gold Cloaks take the loyalists captive.
The throne is hers.
Rhaenyra stands unopposed.
‘House of the Dragon’ is at it’s best when the action is intense and methodic. The sequence from the moment Rhaenyra landed to the moment she finds herself in the throne room seems quite quick and overly easy. The beauty in this moment, however, wasn’t in the actions, but the actors. D’Arcy and Smith put on a masterclass of character work. Smith’s cocky bravado as Daemon is exactly what audiences have come to expect from him. D’Arcy matches Smith’s intensity with a timidness that pulsates. It’s clear this is new to Rhaenyra and D’Arcy wears that on their face throughout.
The Man Named Hightower
As the new occupants settle into their new home, Daemon moves about the castle rooting out an loyal to the Hightowers. Moving to execute Grand Maester Orwyle, Daemon stays his hand when Orwyle claims to have someone far more interesting. Orwyle leads Daemon to the dungeons where Lord Jasper is currently being held. Before Jasper can curse Daemon, a guard approaches Daemon and reveals that Lord Larys had left him a gift. A gift that was quite the surprise.
As Rhaenyra stands in her throne room, Lord Jasper is paraded in front of her, still running off at the mouth with no thought for the situation that he finds himself in. With the focus on Jasper, Daemon exclaims, “the rats in the dungeon were much larger” presenting Otto Hightower to Rhaenyra. Seizing the moment and knowing what it would symbolize, Rhaenyra executes Otto, claiming her throne. Rhaenyra sitting upon her throne, taking in the moment, is shocked to see Alicent as she is brought before her, having failed at her attempt to flee.
The final moments of this episode are brilliantly classic ‘Game of Thrones.’ The drama and violence were cranked to eleven, taking the audience on a visceral, albeit speedy quest. Moreover, it’s D’Arcy’s performance in the last few seconds of the show that will leave the most indelible mark. The wash from pain to power was intense, settling once and for all, who the ruler of Westeros was.
Final Thoughts:
‘House of the Dragon’ continues to stun with it’s size, scope, and storytelling. While the story happens quite quickly with events happening at a slightly breakneck pace, the series continues to dazzle audiences with it’s attention to detail and iconic performances.
