Written by Gabe Fonseca And Ryan Condal
Directed by Greg Yaitanes
Rhaenyra: "I do not wish to get married."
Viserys: "Even I do not exist above tradition and duty, Rhaenyra."
Yup, time really keeps moving rather fast for this show. At the end of the previous episode, Daemon and Corlys had joined forces to take out the Crabfeeder (Daniel Scott-Smith) and Viserys royally pissed Rhaenyra by taking Alicent for his wife. Time might have passed but those two developments remain very relevant to the goings in here.
First of all, not only did Viserys get his male heir, Prince Aegon II but the boy has turned two and his name day culminated in a hunting session where many issues with his firstborn reared their ugly head as Alicent was also pregnant yet again with baby number two. If you read the book, you already know that.
Paddy Considine has done a terrific job with Viserys so far this season and we're only three episodes in. On one hand, I genuinely believe that he loves Rhaenyra and have to praise him for not succumbing to the plethora of people telling him to make Aegon II his heir but on the other hand, he certainly has done a lot to widen the division between him and his first born.
This episode alone largely had Viserys pressuring Rhaenyra into getting married and providing him with grandchildren. His choice of suitor for Rhaenyra was the rather boorish Lord Jason Lannister (Jefferson Hall), who Rhaenyra straight up rejected. Her rejection turned out to be pretty justified considering that Jason would later put his foot in it with Viserys and the latter gave his daughter the sound advice of choosing her own suitor.
But who will that suitor be? Well, we can rule out Jason Lannister for starters. If he wasn't lowborn, then Ser Criston would be perfect for Rhaenyra. This episode alone saw the two of them connect more with each other while hunting for a White Hart. They ended up not killing the majestic creature but a warthog that attacked the pair didn't fare as lucky. The only other option of for Rhaenyra would be Corlys's son, Laenor (Theo Nate) as suggested by Lyonel Strong (Gavin Spokes) who would be a better hand for Viserys than Otto has been.
Speaking of which, if last episode gave a bit of focus to Laena, this episode pivoted things around Corly's son, Laenor who proved to be very handy to have in battle. Especially when he also had his own dragon, Seasmoke ready to take out most of the Crabfeeeder's men. Laenor would undoubtedly make for a good husband for Rhaenyra. Except for one thing, which will likely materialise the next time we see him on the show.
As for Daemon, he started the episode with Caraxes laying waste to some of the Triarchy's men and ended the episode with tearing the Crabfeeder (surprisingly off screen) in half. He also wasn't best pleased with Viserys's show of support but without it, he might not have had the full advantage he did during the last few minutes here. I'm a little surprised the Crabfeeder story came to an end with this episode but given the pace with this show, I shouldn't be.
- Not only is Jefferson Hall playing Lord Jason Lannister, but he's also playing the latter's twin, Ser Tyland Lannister who warned Viserys to take action over the Stepstones situation.
- Viserys has lost two of his fingers and seems to be balding. He was also rightfully disgusted with Otto's suggestion of Rhaenyra and Aegon II marrying.
- We met Otto's brother, Hobert (Steffan Rhodri), Larys Strong (Matthew Needham), Ser Vaemond Velaryon (Wil Johnson) and Ser Joffrey Lonmouth (Solly McLeod). The latter's relationship with Laenor to say the least.
- Alicent to her credit for now has tried to make amends with Rhaenyra and even disagreed with Otto's stance on getting Aegon II to replace his sister as heir. She even made the suggestion to Viserys to help out Daemon and Corlys.
- I'm curious as to why Lyonel didn't suggest his other son, Ser Harwan (Ryan Corr) for Rhaenyra. He does seem to be pushing for a Velaryon marriage these past two episodes.
- Chronology: Three years since the events of the previous episode.
Second Of His Name really did deliver with the family drama between Rhaenyra and Viserys while the battle at the Stepstones had it's own spectacle to boast. This show has quickly found it's footing in these three episodes and continues to be appointment television.
Rating: 8 out of 10
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