By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review contains spoilers.
We start in the Vale, where Lady Rhea Royce (Rachel Redford), Daemon’s actual wife, sets off on a solo hunting trip and soon encounters her, never present, husband. It is made very clear that, Just like Daemon’s view of her, Lady Rhea has no time or longing for her husband’s presence. This is a good job really, since Daemon spooks the horse, leaving Rhea unable to move off the floor. It is then implied that Daemon caves her head in with a rock. Well, I guess he’s free to marry again!
King Viserys I (Paddy Considine ) and Princess Rhaenyra arrive at High Tide – the home of House Velaryon. Lord Corlys decides on a very interesting powerplay, by not greeting the King upon his arrival – instead sending his children – It’s a bold move Cotton! While the King and Lord Corlys thrash out terms in the Driftwood throne room, Lady Laena is left to entertain Rhaenyra. We are now introduced to the second actor to play Lady Laena, as Nova Foueillis-Mose has been replaced by an older performer in the form of Savannah Steyn – who is playing the mid-point version of the character, before, ultimatly in the near future, we will swap out again to Nanna Blondell who will be the older version. While Viserys and Corlys thrash out the terms of their children’s betrothal, Rhaenyra and Laenor are making their own deal – that their marriage will be in name only, and that their sexual appetites remain their own – so they both seek to bed, other men! Despite this proposal, Ser Criston also wants in, but not as a ‘side guy’, but as a husband. Things are only going to get worse for Criston upon his return to King’s Landing…
Back at the Red Keep, Ser Otto (Rhys Ifans) tries one more time to instigate the Queen (Emily Carey) to preapre Aegon to rule, and insist that Rhaenyra will take the lives of her children to ensure her right to rule. The division is sparked further when Larys Strong let’s slip out the special tea that was brought to Rhaenyra’s room – much to the shock and realisation of Alicent. With Viserys and Rhaenyra now back, Ser Criston is questioned by Alicent in regard to the night of Daemon’s return and the accusations thrust upon Rhaenyra. In an awkward misunderstanding, Ser Criston gives up the truth about his night with Rhaenyra whereas Alicent was inferring to Daemon. So, now what Queen Alicent? Is that good news or just more bad news?
House Velaryon, and their dragons, descend upon King’s Landing for the pre-wedding feast in honour and celebration of Rhaenyra and Laenor. With all the guests seated, Viserys’ speech is stalled further upon the arrival of Prince Dameon. Without a word, Daemon is given a seat at the King’s table – talk about a powerplay! But even Daemon is out-done, as the King’s speech is once again interrupted. Still, this time by Queen Alicent… in her green dress… this is one of the most significant moments to happen in the story so far, and it is the colour of a dress that will soon have a significant influence on the main series story arc! These are Hightower colours, not Targaryen. These colours symbolise war… Alicent is clearly reeling at Rhaenyra and Viserys’ actions that led her father to be forced out of hand – and by proxy the feeling that she was manipulated to go against her family and also to help safeguard her own children’s futures. The music in this scene was incredible and it really enhanced the tension and drama – I dared not breathe throughout the entire sequence. As for what happened next… strap in!
With lovers, both current and jilted, all casting eyes upon Rhaenyra and Laenor things soon heat up when a fight breaks out, involving Ser Criston and Laenor’s lover Ser Joffrey Lonmouth a fight in which Cole beats Joffrey to a pulp, killing him in the process. With Laenor heartbroken and Criston still seeing red – he leaves for the Godswood tree where he plans on taking his own life – however, he is stopped, by the Queen. Inside, at a very rushed and private wedding ceremony, Rhaenyra and Laenor speak their vows, before Viseryls collapses, ending the episode.
Wow. So much to unpack and so many possible implications. The strife between the Greens and the Blacks, a huge part of the books and clearly this story, has finally arrived. Criston’s rage and how Alicent will use this to her advantage. Viserys’ time in this realm drawing ever closer… it has all been leading to this, and now the real fun is about to begin!
This episode will be the final outing for Milly Alcock and Emily Carey and I think both of them can leave the show with their heads held high. They have both been incredible as Rhaenyra, and Alicent – Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke have big shoes to fill – and we will see them make their debuts next week after a ten-year time jump and we are truly down the rabbit hole in regard to the Blacks and Greens.
What did you make of this latest episode of House of the Dragon? Let us know in the comments or find us on social media!
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