Written by Sara Hess
Directed by Clare Killer
Rhaenyra (to Daemon): "Do you accept me as your Queen and ruler or do you cling even now to what you think you've lost?"
You got to hand it to Daemon. He took an unfortunate situation and made it ten times worse by hiring two of the most idiotic would be assassins in all of Westeros. Not only did he manage to make the Greens look sympathetic but he also really fucked Rhaenyra over too.
Both things that Rhaenyra was aware of and both she had no problem rubbing in Daemon's face. Don't get me wrong, during their heated row this week where Daemon managed to control his violent impulses, Rhaenyra was absolutely right in calling him out on his bullshit. She even felt somewhat remorseful that Jaehaerys had been slain instead of Aemond.
Of course with the divide between Rhaenyra and Daemon growing, the latter went off to Harrenhal while the former had a rather illuminating conversation with Mysaria. It took a bit for Rhaenyra to recognise her husband's former lover but Mysaria had managed to earn her freedom and then abandoned it to help Rhaenyra once again.
The would be assassination attempt by Ser Arryk Cargyll by posing as his twin Erryk certainly came earlier than expected, largely down to Criston trying to divert his own guilt. Needless to say that, both twins ended up dying and Rhaenyra came out of the whole thing largely unharmed. I liked the twins but that was a good dramatic exit for both.
As for the Greens side this week, I hate to admit it but I liked Aegon II in this episode. He was genuinely distraught over losing Jaehaerys and while his actions weren't necessarily smart, they were at least believable. At least both Blood and Cheese were swiftly dealt with. Not only that but a character who desperately needed a comeuppance finally got one.
I've always been a firm hater of Otto Hightower like I was with Littlefinger back in the day and while I don't strictly approve of Criston being Aegon II's hand, Otto had that coming. For a man who thinks he's the cleverest one in the room, Otto has repeatedly proved that he doesn't know how to read a room. Also fuck that guy for using his great grandchild's death to tarnish Rhaenyra among the small folk.
Otto convinced himself that he could control Aegon II and likewise, Alicent is making the same mistake. It's clear as day that while Aegon II might be ill equipped to be King, he's not the pushover his overambitious mother and grandfather want him to be. For now, Alicent will have to make do with having sex with Criston. At least until something or someone spoils that for her.
As for Helaena, I really felt bad for her. After all, she's the only sympathetic member of the Greens and her struggle to deal with her son's death and the farce of a funeral that Otto arranged affected her big time. It doesn't help that no one was really there for her either. Even Alicent barely tried to comfort her.
- We met Alyn's younger brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty) and the latter spotted a dragon in the air.
- Daeron exists and is currently located in Old Town. Unfortunately, it seems like he's someone whom Otto can control.
- Some nice character scenes with Rhaenyra looking after Aegon III and Viserys II, Jace and Baela talking about Luke and a post sex scene with Rhaenys and Corlys.
- Despite being kicked by Cheese, that poor dog from last episode actually seemed sad by his former owner's death.
- There was a bit more on Hugh Hammer and his wife, Kat (Ellora Torchia) while Aemond confessed to his brothel madam lover that he regretted his part in Luke's death.
- Chronology: From where the previous episode left off.
I found there was some great moments in Rhaenyra The Cruel. Both sides are getting more fleshed out but the show does feel it's definitely more Team Black than Team Green as am I. Saying that, Aegon II was surprisingly the highlight of this episode with Tom Glynn-Carney delivering the performance of the night.
Rating: 8 out of 10
No comments:
Post a Comment