Chris Connor reviews the sixth episode of House of the Dragon season 2…
With Princess Rhaenys’ passing and King Aegon’s grave injuries, both sides of House Targaryen are reeling as we head into the final stretch of House of the Dragon’s sophomore season. Daemon continues to be haunted by his past a narrative thread which has taken up much of the season but has not yet become tiresome with a rotating set of familiar faces to plague Matt Smith. This episode sets up plenty of excitement for the final two episodes of the season, with this being a slightly truncated one at eight episodes.
This episode terrifically builds on the sense of discontent in King’s Landing as we have followed its inhabitants throughout this season in a smaller, yet vital arc. This discontent comes to a head as the regent Aemond looks to stamp his authority and there is still clearly not enough food to go around for the residents of the capital. Not divulging key details but it is intriguing how this story intersects with those of Alicent and Rhaenyra in unexpected ways and will continue to be a key thread to follow in the final two episodes and into the third season.
It is surprising perhaps that we have yet to reach an all-out conflict given how perilous several alliances are and the state of both sides, however, it is to the show’s credit it has continue to build on its strengths and the political machinations of both sides with Alicent and others in her court looking to her father Ser Otto for approval and not finding much in the way of a response. Meanwhile, the blacks are searching for potential riders for Vermithor and Silverwing, which would be a crucial asset in their fight against the green dragon Vhagar.
With just two episodes of its second season remaining House of the Dragon continues to up the stakes bringing the people of King’s Landing firmly into the conflict as they make their feelings clear. Some surprise developments look set to reframe the series as both sides search for a winning blow ahead of a spiralling conflict. The performances continue to make this gripping viewing that mostly matches its first season and indeed Game of Thrones.
Exactly how this second season of House of the Dragon will play out remains to be seen; it has not felt rushed despite its shorter runtime, with plenty of drama presumably still to come in the next two episodes.
Chris Connor
