All things that go up, must come down as the old saying goes. This has been true of the hit HBOMax series, ‘House of the Dragon’ as this week’s penultimate episode doesn’t quite nail the mark. That is not to say that the episode catastrophical upends an otherwise exceptional season. It is more, quite honestly, a means to highlight the phenomenal work thus far. As it stands, this episode does not hit the high mark set by the previous episodes, but it does, however, set up the season to end on a note that we will all be discussing for months to come.
The Waltz of the Dragons
Since her ascension, Rhaenyra has had a loose grip on her throne, her power, and her mental state. Grief has played an essential role in every decision that she’s made since she arrived in King’s Landing on the back of her dragon. Focusing primarily on the death of her sons and less on the day to day rule of her kingdom, Rhaenyra never let go of this feeling that Daemon was not being upfront with her about Sheepstelaer and his rider. Much of that uneasiness being planted by Mysaria, who seems to have her own game at play.
The pot rises to a boil as Baela, Rhaenyra, and Addam confront Daemon and Rhaena in the Vale, each upon their own dragon. The dragons show their true power as they shook the ground, rumbling and tumbling, gnashing and clawing across the landscape. Following the melee, the disfunctional family made their return to King’s Landing, a new problem added to an evergrowing list.
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The events that are taking place in King’s Landing and with Rhaenyra have grown more and more convoluted with issue after issue piling up with no clear resolution. Rhaenyra, as a character, has hit a steep decline with the blame being put mainly on her being a female. While this, historically, would be true, it does not inherently mean that the Queen was weak by any means. Elizabeth used her feminity as a weapon against the mysoginy of the day. We’ve spent 3 seasons following a STRONG queen. For that to completly evaporate seems disingenuous.
This region of Westeros does benefit from having an exceptional cast, probably the best grouping of the series as a whole. Sonoya Mizuno and Emma D’Arcy share the lion’s share of each other’s screen time, adding a new layer to the story being told while giving audiences sheer beauty in performance. Matt Smith to his credit is his evercharming self. Again, the stand out in King’s Landing is Phia Saban as Helaena. I really want her to get her chickens, though I have a hunch that she won’t.
Adventures in Dreamland
Taking shape in the shadow of the Red Keep, Helaena’s dreams are becoming increasingly prophetic. The dreams have showed images of snow and winter, darkness and death. They could be the prophecy of Fire and Ice. They could be a prophecy of her own death, finally reuniting with her all of her children. Rhaenyra’s growing interest in Helaena and her dreams, however, is creating a much larger issue for Helaena and her own current state as she remains a prisoner of Rhaenyra.
Again, there is not enough that can be said about Phia Saban’s performance as Helaena becomes a much important cog in the machine that is King’s Landing and the Iron Throne. She has been truly phenomenal, holding her own with members of the cast who have had much more to do over the series run thus far. It has been refreshing watching Saban spar with the likes of Olivia Cooke and Emma D’Arcy.
Somewhere Down in Tumbleton
Tumbleton took a bit of a backseat this week as the small, occupied town will most certainly be the site of a massive battle in the finale. Preparations are being made as the armies of Rhaenyra approach the gates. Ormund has grown increasingly full of himself as Daeron and Gwayne look for a way to stop Ormund and his ambition. That ambition, however, gains the Hightowers a dragon when Ormund cuts a deal for Ulf and his dragon.
The Wicked Witch of Harenhal
Aemond has not been right since his arrival at Harenhal. Falling under the spell of Alys Rivers, Aemond has been manipulated time and time again as Alys becomes an everpresent figure in Aemond’s mind. That’s when Alicent arrives at Harenhal, creating a troubling problem for Alys. You see, dear reader, it’s hard to manipulate someone using the visage of their mother, IF, in fact, the real mother is there. Oedipal complex aside, Alicent is in immense danger at Harenhal as she seeks a way to murder her son, finally attempting nightshade as a means to an end. That, however, will not be enough to take down Aemond with Alys at his back.
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This story arc is absolutely growing towards something much greater and much more important than what is being realized on screen at this point in the show. Between dragon eggs and relations between Aemond and Alicent, there is much more to the story than audiences are seeing. It was nice to see Alicent get out of King’s Landing and fight for her own survival in a truly immediate way. Olivia Cooke gave a masterful performance yet again, meeting Ewan Mitchell’s portrayal of Aemond in a softening way.
The Last Stand of King Aegon II
Tired of running and staring down an army that he most certainly cannot avoid, Aegon has had enough. This is, of course, much to the chagrin of his travelling partners, Tyland Lannister and Lord Larys Strong, who implore him flee. Larys taking his leave, Tyland staying by his side, Aegon is faced with the enemy army in the dead of night, choosing honor over cowardice. His decision to make his stand clearly finding him favor with the gods, Aegon finds Sunfyre alive and ready to rid him of the host.
Aegon’s story arc continues to be one of the best of the show. Tom Glynn Carney plays Aegon in a darkly comedic way that compliments the person Aegon is and the person Aegon wants to be. He can never seem to get out of his own way. That is until he finds a small stroke of luck in each moment that it’s mattered most.
Final Thoughts:
This week’s ‘House of the Dragon’ takes a huge leap forward and, unfortunately, a few steps back. While the series is finding it’s stride in some regions of Westeros, it’s fumbling in others, leaving a somewhat muddy lead up to what looks to be finale of gargantuan proportions.
