Chris Connor reviews the fifth episode of House of the Dragon season 2…
The fourth episode of House of the Dragon’s second season saw the action ratchet up considerably as key figures from both houses Green and Black were placed at the heart of the battle for the iron throne. Both sides taking considerable losses and reeling from casualties. The fifth episode takes a more leisurely approach dealing with the fallout from the battle and reflecting on the position both sides find themselves in. The line of succession for both sides is a key theme in this episode as it has been throughout the season.
While the action of the previous episode will have thrilled viewers, where the show excels much like its predecessor is the quieter moments that set the tone and facilitate the wider conflicts. Whether its Alicent, Aemond and Ser Criston arguing over the best course of direction for the Greens after their own losses or Daemon and Ser Simon Strong trying to rally the Riverlands. The juxtaposition between the two sides is always intriguing to follow with both licking their wounds and cautious about what the future may hold both in the immediate and longer term.
With just three episodes to go this season has cleverly built momentum by introducing us to new players and who will be crucial in forming alliances for both sides. Daemon’s attempts to satisfy the feuding Blackwoods and Brackens, surely a crucial factor in the outcome of the war. Daemon’s forays have been largely separate to the central narrative but nonetheless intriguing, will he be able to muster the forces required to turn the tide in the conflict?
There is never a lull in momentum and focusing more on the aftermath of conflict and the grief and remorse felt by both sides makes for compelling viewing, offsetting what we might expect and setting the stage for a grander conflict to come. The feuds within both sides are gradually widening to the point that it feels like neither side is fully in command of their own alliances and for those who have not read the Fire & Blood source material there is still a huge amount of uncertainty as to where this season is heading with an all out conflict moving closer into view.
House of the Dragon’s second season continues to set the stage for a grander conflict, building on the work of its all action fourth episode to lay the groundwork for more alliances and disputes as the end of the season comes into view.
Chris Connor
