Written by David Hancock
Directed by Geeta Vasant Patel
Rhaenyra: "He spoke to you of the song of ice and fire? It's a story he once told about Aegon the Conqueror."
Alicent: "The Conqueror?"
And just like that, this show really has decided to deviate further from the source material than ever before. That last act. A mixture of two characters that needed to have a scene together, even if from a logical point of view, it was unwise.
Yes, Rhaenyra went from being smart about securing the safety of her younger children by sending them away with Rhaena (who wasn't best pleased about being taken out of the equation) to Pentos to being completely reckless with her own trip to the Red Keep. The ways in which this could've gone wrong for her had Alicent not shown her own mercy.
Now, here's the thing. I loved the final scene with Rhaenyra and Alicent and the more screen time that Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke have the better, but Rhaenyra literally put herself in harm's way and only was half successful in het actual goal. Reasoning with Alicent was a lost cause but at least she had proof that Viserys hadn't changed his mind about being his heir.
Unfortunately for Alicent, she now knows for sure that she misinterpreted Viserys's final words and her undeserving son shouldn't be King. Of course Alicent would double down to the massive blunder she made. At this point, she almost doesn't have a choice. She has no allies within the Greens and war is about to properly break out. Alicent really has to own up to her role but likely won't for the time being.
Sticking with the Greens, Aegon saw the slaughter between the Brackens and Blackwoods as a good thing and even Criston got cocky this week with his foolhardy plan to take control of Riverrun/Harrenhal. However having to deal with Alicent's brother, Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) wasn't something he was expecting. Gwayne made an amusing annoyance for Criston.
Going back to the Blacks though, was Daemon's words about Rhaenyra not wanting to shed blood too on point? Even this week, the other Lords started to question her reluctance to go fully into war but after the end of this one, they're about to get their wish. Rhaenyra might have wanted to avoid war but now she has no choice but to embrace it.
As for Daemon, his side quest to Harrenhal certainly had it's moments. His clear annoyance over Larys's uncle, Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale) easily pledging allegiance to the Blacks made me laugh. Daemon desperately wanted to kill someone but the lack of conflict hindered his bloodlust. Daemon really having fun unless he's deep in a fight.
For those who have wanted the show to explore the supernatural side of things, you're in luck with this episode. Not only did Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) make a cryptic introduction but we also got to see Daemon hallucinate seeing the younger Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) tending to Jaehaerys. Talk about a pleasant surprise. I was happy seeing Milly Alcock back on the show.
- This episode properly introduced Ulf White (Tom Bennett), who foolishly claimed to be a half brother of Daemon and Viserys.
- Aegon humiliated Aemond at the brothel while Helaena told Alicent that she forgave her. Helaena also showed empathy for small folk who've lost children.
- Mysaria became Rhaenyra's Mistress of Whispers while Larys became Aegon's Master of Whispers. Rhaenyra also talked of Seasmoke being restless.
- Rhaenys wanted Rhaena to get Corlys to be his heir. Corlys would prefer Jeffrey, which is telling.
- Four dragon eggs while Lady Jeyne Arryn was also promised a dragon. We should be meeting her soon.
- Chronology: Not long from where the last episode left off. Rhaenyra also got into the Red Keep in record time.
I think I enjoyed The Burning Mill the best so far this season. The last scene did defy logic a bit but I can't begrudge the writers wanting audiences to get a new scene between Rhaenyra and Alicent. That cameo, plus the new characters introduced and this one had a lot to offer.
Rating: 9 out of 10
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