Episode Two Recap
Spoilers Ahead
Last week we saw the pilot episode of House of the Dragon, HBO’s next big production in George R.R Martin’s universe. The new show focuses on an era 172 years before the birth of a certain white-haired, title-touting Targaryen. Despite the bitterness surrounding its predecessor, the show has been off to a good start, with a fresh cast that seems to have already settled comfortably in their roles, some token GoT violence and gore (*cough* the birth scene *cough*), and the intrigue that comes with clashing political interests. Thus far, it seems we are in for an exciting season.
Last week’s episode left us uncertain of what would happen to the line of succession after the passing of Aemma and baby. In this episode, we see the council pleading with Viserys to seek out a new wife who will ensure the future line. While a conflict with the Crabfeeder (Daniel Scott-Smith) at the Stepstones creates tension amongst the council. In his passiveness, and to the detriment of the kingdom, Viserys (Paddy Considine) attempts to skirt war. It is interesting to note how Viserys, despite being a man, and therefore a person with the right and ability to hold power, does little to establish himself as a leader with tactical strategy and boldness. Meanwhile, his daughter, Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock), asserts her power in choosing a Commander of the Kingsguard. Though she has significantly less influence, she is still eager to command what little she does have, a quality that endears her to the viewers and makes an even greater case against the world’s archaic and stiff gender roles.
Conversely, we see power asserted by women in another manner as, unbeknownst to Rhaenyra, her friend, Alicent (Emily Carey), is getting quite cosy with Viserys. In contrast to Rhaenyra’s overt play at power, Alicent’s moves are more complicated as her play for power (or that of her father) seems to box her in even more. While she becomes closer to the king, supposedly lifting herself in his regard, she is also reduced to a pawn and risks losing her one true friend.
It would also seem her efforts are being challenged, as Lord Corlys (Steve Toussaint) proposes marriage to his daughter, Lady Laena of House Velaryon (Nova Foueillis-Mosé). While Viserys is concerned over his daughter’s opinion in the matter, we also find out Lady Laena is merely a child—a reality that is sickening and yet entirely feasible in a world that seems to take place in mediaeval times. When Lady Laena makes a shy speech about the honour of uniting their houses, Viserys questions whether her father Lord Corlys instructed her to say that, and she admits that her mother advised her that she would not have to bed him until she turned 14. Ick.
The unfairness of the world is very poignant here, especially when highlighted by a conversation between Rhaenyra and Rhaenys (Eve Best). Rhaenys points out the kingdom would never suffer a woman as their leader, but it seems Rhaenyra’s resolve is firm as she points out that they didn’t want Rhaenys as a queen and yet bent the knee to herself. Here there is a hopefulness that Rhaenyra may yet ascend the throne. However, the efforts to find Viserys a wife, combined with the sentiments of the people, seem to squander this possibility more and more.
While Viserys is setting out to find himself a wife, Daemon (Matt Smith) seems to be searching for anything that might provoke the King, including staging a fake marriage to his “pregnant” mistress and scheming to take a dragon egg from Dreamfyre for his child. An envoy including Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) and Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), is sent to Dragonstone to retrieve the egg and ensure Daemon knows his scheming is treason.
After a hostile exchange, it seems the discussion will lead to bloodshed and certain fiery death for the King’s men when another dragon appears just in time–its rider, Rhaenyra. Putting Daemon in his place, she manages to get the egg back and discovers that Daemon’s mistress is not with child at all. Big surprise: Daemon is petulant as ever.
I do think there is potential for Daemon’s character to be more threatening than he is. For all his show, thus far, he has not presented any real threat to any of the Targaryens, which leads me to wonder if he is less of a villain than simply a morally grey character. Perhaps we will see more of his villainous side as the season continues, but it is hard to say at this point what his arc will be (unless you read the Fire & Blood).
Regardless of Daemon’s true motivations, it seems Rhaenyra’s tactics are more effective than that of the king and his council. This episode really demonstrates Rhaenyra beginning to take strides to show that she is worthy of the honour her father has bestowed upon her in naming her next in line.
Returning to the other major plot line of the episode, Viserys’ future wife, it is clear there are advantages to uniting the Velaryon houses: patching the rift that started with Rhaenys being deprived of the throne, ensuring the strength of the Velaryon bloodline, and strategically keeping Lord Corlys’ navy loyal to the Targaryens. Yet despite the most obvious advantages to the match, Viserys instead chooses to pursue another wife: Alicent Hightower.
I (and presumably many fans) can’t help feeling this will come back to bite Viserys in the ass, especially with the following scene, showing Lord Corlys talking to Daemon. However, it seems better than it looks: Corlys is conspiring to take on the Crabfeeder in the Stepstones, a move that would ensure glory for both if won and would actually help the kingdom.
I wonder if I am the only one who felt disappointed that they weren’t planning a classic GoT stab-in-the-back coup for the throne or something more dramatic (Red Wedding, anyone?) Though undoubtedly, knowing George R.R Martin, I will wish I hadn’t said those words when a fan favourite is mercilessly killed off, or worse, banished beyond the wall Jon Snow-style.
I guess we will have to see next week!
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