HOUSE OF THE DRAGON SEASON 2 EPISODE 3 REVIEW: OLD FEUDS AND BAD BLOOD

House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 3: The Most Awaited Reunion

The new episode of House of the Dragon aired this Sunday night.

We begin with a fierce battle between the Brackens and the Blackwoods, factions aligned with different claims to the Iron Throne. This confrontation is just the first of many in the looming conflict.

The episode focuses heavily on preparations for the impending war, with Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) striving to prevent it altogether. While Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) are eager for war, Rhaenyra understands the devastating consequences it would bring. She converses with her aunt, Rhaenys Velaryon (Eve Best), who reveals that Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) is also against the war. This revelation leads Rhaenyra to seek a face-to-face meeting with Alicent.

Rhaenyra decides to send her sons away with Daemon’s daughter, Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell), to protect them from the imminent conflict, especially after an attack by Ser Erryk Cargyll (Elliot Tittensor). Although Rhaena is disappointed to be tasked with safeguarding the queen's children instead of participating in the war, she accepts her duty.

Notably, Rhaenyra maintains a calm demeanor throughout the episode, particularly when advised to execute Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). Her decision to avoid unnecessary bloodshed underscores her desire for a peaceful resolution.

Meanwhile, Aegon II indulges in his usual revelries among the smallfolk, seeking booze and engaging in typical teenage antics.

Rhaenyra and Alicent finally have a significant confrontation following King Viserys I’s death. Rhaenyra accuses Alicent of lying about the king’s final words, asserting that Viserys loved and supported her until the end. Alicent counters that she genuinely heard Viserys name Aegon as his successor, leading Rhaenyra to speculate that Viserys might have been referring to Aegon the Conqueror, the prophesied savior, rather than Alicent’s son. However, Alicent remains resolute and asks Rhaenyra to leave.

Daemon Targaryen's brief appearance reveals his actions at Harrenhal, where he demands Ser Simon Strong (Dylan Fitzmaurice Brady) rebuild the fortress and raise an army. The Riverlands emerge as a crucial strategic region, with both factions, the Greens and the Blacks, vying for the loyalty of its lords.

The episode also includes touching moments between Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban) and Alicent, where Helaena forgives her mother. Overall, the episode effectively advances the plot and deepens the characters' motivations and relationships.

Images: HBO