My Review of House Of The Dragon: "The Dragon In Winter"

 

Written by Philippa Goslett And Zenzele Price

Directed by Nina Lopez-Corrado

Rhaenyra: "Do you think I'm worthy?"

Mysaria: "In this moment, my Queen Rhaenyra, I have never been more certain."

This was such an odd episode. If anything, despite Mysaria's insistence, it's really not looking good for Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne. I'll keep book talk out of it but yeah, Rhaenyra might need to watch her back because she's been making so many bad decisions since assuming the throne.

Not wanting to listen to her small folk voice their concerns and relegating that to Mysaria was such a dumb thing to do. I'm actually glad that Sylvi somewhat called Mysaria out on it as well. I'm also glad that Rhaenyra also called out Mysaria for stirring the pot between her and Daemon.

Saying that, Rhaenyra and Mysaria actually having sex with each other seems to have made a lot of people angry online. I sort of get it to be honest. A lot of people actually like Rhaenyra and Daemon as a couple and these last two seasons have not been great on that front for them. Rhaenyra even found out about Daemon covering for Rhaena and Sheepstealer and that was another source of conflict.

I really didn't like the scene of Sheepstealer being nearly mauled to death by Syrax, Seasmoke and Caraxes. It bothered me a lot more than it probably should've done. It also seemed incredibly short-sighted of Rhaenyra to want Sheepstealer killed when she needs all the dragons she can get. I felt really bad for poor Sheepstealer. They got nearly killed and abandoned by Rhaena. 

However I think Rhaenyra's worst scenes were actually with Helaena this week. She was actually quite cruel to Helaena in the scene they shared together and I don't blame the latter at all. Rhaenyra's really doing a lot to instill a lot of doubt in her reign these last few episodes.

As for Team Green, they were mostly having a better time. Ormund had Corlys as a prisoner and was able to get Ulf on side. It really didn't take much for the latter to switch sides. Ormund really has emerged as a proper threat to Team Black this season.

Then there's Aegon II. He managed to get his groove back and realised that he wanted to be King after all. It also helped that Sunfyre managed to be alive and appeared at the right moment to back Aegon up. I still don't want Aegon as ruler but this was a good episode for him.

Last but not least, there's the Harrenhal stuff. By far, the worst element with more unnecessary incestrous undertones between Aemond and Alicent. The latter's attempts to also kill her own son was foiled by Alys. Never send Alicent to do anything. That woman's propensity to make things worse continues.

- Helaena dreamed of winter, of her children and chickens and taking control of Dreamfyre.

- Alas poor Ser Adrian Redfort (Barry Sloane). We didn't get the chance to know the guy before Aemond decided to kill him.

- Baela seems to have gotten herself into a love triangle with Alyn and Addam. She was a lot kinder to Rhaena as well after the Sheepstealer debacle.

- Both Gwayne and Daeron were plotting against Ormund in this episode while being out of the loop on the latter's plans.

- I appreciated this episode having Daemon actually admit to failing Rhaena and having him try to amend that. 

- Chronology: Not long from where the previous episode left off.

The Dragon In Winter isn't the strongest penultimate episode and there's certainly some strange choices being made with the source material. Rhaenyra's quickly losing allies and the Greens are definitely gaining the upper hand.

Rating: 7 out of 10 

My Review of House Of The Dragon: "Faceless Men"

 

Written by David Hancock And Shyam Popat

Directed by Loni Peristere 

Oscar: "I made a promise to the dead, Cole. I promised I'd build a sept out of traitors bones. I don't have near enough bones yet."

Much as I do think Fabien Frankel has done a great job with Criston Cole as a character, I've been looking forward to the character's demise. Instead of a heroic blaze of glory, Criston went out in a rather anticlimactic way.

It even happened at the start of the episode. He was surrounded, had Oscar Tully talk about making his bones into a sept while Alysanne Blackwood (Annie Shapero) was the one to kill Criston from afar with arrows. Not exactly the glorious deaths that Criston was hoping for. 

Of course with Criston out of the way, there was more screen time for the rest of the Greens. First of all, I am loving the dynamic that's with Ormund, Daeron and Gwayne. I love that Daeron wants to be a decent person and his conversation with Gwayne reinforced that. Daeron seriously needs to stand up to Ormund.

Then there's Ormund himself. He's certainly threatened by Gwayne's influence on Daeron but had it not been for Gwayne's smart, Ormund would've been a dead man in this episode. Ormund might not like Gwayne but right now, he can't afford to lose him either.

As for the other brothers - I'm also really loving the bond that Aemond has developed with Alys. It's pretty clear that it's going to turn romantic within the last two episodes. Alys absolutely feeds into Aemond's ego and he's letting her do so.

Aegon II on the other hand decided that Essos would be his best bet. It's not something that Tyland agreed with but both him and Larys ended up going along with the idea. This story felt like a means to put Aegon II on pause until next season. Right now, he's the least of Rhaenyra's problems.

The problems kept piling up for Rhaenyra this episode. She had to get stricter with both Alicent and Helaena before sending the former to Harrenhal. On top of that, she was showing herself to be unsympathetic to the small folk. In fact, a certain moment also happened that was expected a few episodes ago.

As for Daemon, he's certainly dealing with the Gold Cloaks problem in the way he best could. I was impressed with the undercover job he did and it was nearly successful until Ulf had to open his big mouth. That's both Rhaenyra and Daemon that Ulf has pissed off these last two episodes.

- Lady Jeyne went that step too far by slapping Rhaena. Why is the latter getting the Meg Griffin treatment this season?

- Baela seemed to be getting close to Addam last episode but closer to Alyn this episode. Alyn gets points for calling out Corlys's hypocrisy.

- Mysaria lied about not knowing of Helaena's pregnancy. I think Rhaenyra picked up on that when she wasn't getting cut by the Iron Throne.

- Alys showed Aemond a batch of dragon eggs while talking of their future prospects. Hugh couldn't get through to Kat and there was a sweet moment between Vermithor and Silverwing.

- The episode ended with Corlys being captured by Jon Roxton. Ormund puked over the sight of blood and practically revealed that Gwayne might be gay.

- Chronology: Not long from where the previous episode left off.

Faceless Men started off a little sluggish but got better as it went along. Criston's death was anticlimactic but made thematic sense and the downfall of Rhaenyra's rule kicked off with this episode. 

Rating: 7 out of 10 

My Review of House Of The Dragon: "Unbowed And Unbent"

 

Written by Philippa Goslett

Directed by Nina Lopez-Corrado

Helaena (to Alicent): "You look away when you lie."

Okay, this might a very Greens centred episode but make no mistake that the Blacks also had plenty to do. Both sides were winning and losing respectively.

Focusing on Team Green first. Alicent spent most of the episode trying to get Helaena to have an abortion with the latter rightly refusing her mother. It also didn't help that Mysaria became privy to Helaena being in the family way. Alicent and Helaena trying to escape King's Landing also didn't pan out for them.

Then there's Ormund and Daeron. The former spent the episode proclaiming the latter as King (which got back to Rhaenyra). Ormund also didn't seem particularly pleased when Daeron beat him in that one game but he was more concerned with discrediting Rhaenyra to be too mad at Daeron.

Then there's the two brothers that Ormund hates. Yup, I'm talking about Aegon II and Aemond of course. The former's pity party came to an abrupt ending thanks to Larys dropping truth bombs and Tyland Lannister turning out to be alive after all. Also getting to kill certainly did a lot to boost Aegon's confidence. 

Aemond on the other hand wasn't enjoying the nightmares of Harrenhal but he's found an ally in Alys. I'm really fascinated by their relationship. Slightly icked by the fact that he might also see her as a mother figure of sorts. Either way, I'm intrigued.

Then there's Gwayne and Criston. I found it amusing that the latter being on an almighty suicide mission was enough to get Gwayne to walk away. Personally, I would've abandoned Criston ages ago but Gwayne had a lot more patience with him than deserved. Surely, Criston's not much longer for this whole.

As for Team Black, Rhaenyra still needs to get great Council in order and she's got to be clever about Ormund as well. That guy's running rings around her as of now. It would help if her and Daemon could be on the same page as well.

Daemon had his own problems this week. Gold Cloaks were getting slaughtered throughout the episode, including Ser Luthor Largent. We barely knew the guy and he died horribly. I might have also turned away when Daemon started eye gouging as well.

- Alicent knew a lot about Mysaria's past and wasn't above using it as a bargaining chip. She also sold her pendant to get safe passage.

- Helaena seemed to confirm that she was expecting a boy. She also warned Jaehaera about poisonous plants.

- I like the potential couple of Baela and Addam. They're cute together. 

- Ormund told Daeron the story of Meria Martell. Of course it was to make a point that Daeron seemed to get.

- Alys summoning bats to attack intruders was a nice display of power. 

- Chronology: Not long from where the previous episode left off.

Unbowed And Unbent was a bit slow moving compared to the previous episode. Criston's speech didn't land the way it should've but it's a good episode for Team Green. Maybe their strongest one since the first season.

Rating: 7 out of 10 

My Review of House Of The Dragon: "Tumbleton"

 

Written by David Hancock 

Directed by Clare Kilner 

Ormund (to Daeron): "Now, you must be king."

And just like that, James Norton became the MVP of Season 3. I both love and hate Ormund Hightower in equal measures. He's a breath of fresh air and he's also a toxic menace. The influence he's got on Daeron was staggering to watch.

In his own twisted way, I don't doubt that he might love Daeron but Ormund made it abundantly clear that he's got a deep hatred for the Targaryan bloodline. The way he talked about Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne was one thing but he wanted Daeron to usurp both Aegon II and Aemond as well.

He didn't hold back with testing Daeron by having the poor lad murder Hugh's brother in law. Oh, the brother in law by the way committed the crime of protecting his sister from Ormund's rapist soldier. Sadly, Daeron did exactly what Ormund wanted and just like that, both Aegon II and Aemond are no longer Rhaenyra's biggest threats.

Speaking of Aegon II, he's not having the best time. Both him and Larys have become latrine cleaners and Aegon's reunion with Sunfyre had Larys dismissing the possibility of the poor dragon still being alive. I hate that I actually feel a little bad for Aegon II this season.

As for Aemond, he's still not around but Criston got to have a delightful conversation with Alys where the latter made it clear not to mess with her. Criston's encounter with her certainly spooked him and also forced both him and Gwayne to get along and ditch Harrenhal for Tumbleton. 

Back to King's Landing, it was nice to see Rhaenyra find some common ground with Alyn, put Ulf in his place, appoint a Master of Coin on Mysaria's advice, get some useful information on Ormund from Alicent but once again, it seemed like there will be more tension between her and Daemon. Rhaenyra did a lot this episode, including trying to get the upper hand on her latest threat.

Speaking of Daemon, he didn't exactly have the greatest of meetings with Lady Jeyne but he did get some gold. Daemon also discovered that Rhaena was responsible for Jace's death and his attempts to remedy things will only make things worse. As for Rhaena, she's just taking herself out of the equation.

- Ormund certainly had a temper that Daeron was too aware of. Ormund's also sensitive to smells.

- Helaena is pregnant, which so far only Alicent is aware of. It doesn't seem she's too far along either.

- Torrhen Manderly was appointed Master of Coin. Orwyle was allowed to keep his position but has to work with Mysaria. Daemon's mistrust for the latter keeps growing.

- Ormund's view on sexual assault leave a lot to be desired, even if he did geld that soldier of his. He's also not a fan of dragons or incest.

- Corlys was still pissed at Rhaenyra that he went off to fight more Triarchy remnants. 

- Chronology: Not long from where the previous episode left off.

Tumbleton might be the weakest compared to the first three episodes but it's a great showcase for both James Norton and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth. The Ormund/Daeron dynamic might be toxic but it's fascinating to watch.

Rating: 7 out of 10 

My Review of House Of The Dragon: "Rhaenyra Triumphant"

 

Written by Sara Hess 

Directed by Clare Kilner 

Alicent: "There is in you a door that must shut. You will do things that your heart will recoil from before you came to the throne."

Rhaenyra: "I acknowledge the struggle but I dispute that I must become what I am not."

Alicent: "Time will tell."

After last week's "victory", the reality of actually having the one thing she's wanted now hit Rhaenyra like a tonne of bricks. She really must prove herself and she's got too many offering opinions but not enough long term solutions.

Let's talk about the small folk first. Robbing the food supply from her Lords and Ladies and distributing it to her citizens might have seemed like a benevolent act on Rhaenyra's part but Torrhen Manderly (Dan Fogler) wasn't wrong in pointing out Rhaenyra's role in the small folk being hungry. 

The biggest problem - there's no freaking gold and Alicent was almost a bit too happy to point that Otto knew where it was. Alicent was a little too happy to point out a lot of things. Anyone else would've had Alicent killed on the spot. This show will not allow Rhaenyra put her childhood friend to death, even if it would make more sense to do.

Alicent will continue to fascinate and frustrated in equal measures. For someone who'll chastise Rhaenyra for their entitlement, Alicent refuses to acknowledge her own. She's damn lucky that Rhaenyra hasn't had her, Helaena and Jaehaera killed. Daemon certainly would've. Saying that, Alicent did give Rhaenyra some sound advice the latter should take on board.

Keeping with Alicent, she should've been more gracious about Daeron being sent to the Wall than being killed, the fate that will befall both Aegon II and Aemond if they're caught. Saying that, I loved that the fake Daeron plot got so quickly revealed here.

Ormund really thought he was going to get one up on the Blacks and in a way he did. He managed to capture Tumbleton and a young dragon but I'm sure he didn't expect Fake Daeron would be outed so quickly. I also loved that Rhaenyra just burned all Greens memorabilia in an act of pure pettiness. 

As for the rest of the episode, Corlys was right to call Rhaenyra out on her hypocrisy when she refused to acknowledge Addam and Alyn but at the same time, he probably should've raised the issue privately as well. I do get his frustration but there's a time and a place, Corlys.

- Mysaria proved to give Rhaenyra a solution by encouraging her to appoint a new Master of Coin. Daemon clearly views her as a threat. Daemon also wanted to sack other cities.

- While Jason is definitely dead, Tyland might not be. Can't imagine he's that much of a threat either way.

- Alicent was pretty scathing about Viserys this episode. Helaena also got in that jab about Jace to Rhaenyra.

- Rhaenyra served rats to the Lords and Ladies, was refused by the Septon when she wanted to declare Aegon II dead, had bad cramps/bleeding and hallucinated a serving boy as Jace.

- Hugh Hammer, Ulf White and Addam of Hull became proper knights. 

- Chronology: Not long from where the previous episode left off.

Rhaenyra Triumphant kept the pace of the previous two episodes and arguably, it's the true season opener here. I like that Rhaenyra's a bit out of her depth here with only Mysaria and Alicent giving her practical advice so far. Ormund also is shaping up to be an interesting threat too.

Rating: 8 out of 10 

My Review of House Of The Dragon: "Queen's Landing"

 

Written by Sara Hess

Directed by Clare Kilner 

Daemon (to Rhaenyra): "In this moment, you will become queen."

I thought last week's opening episode should've been the finale for last season but actually, it's this episode that should've ended the second season. What an episode.

In those last moments, Rhaenyra finally became Queen after over twenty years of being promised the crown. It should've been a moment of joy for Rhaenyra but it's clear as day that it wasn't the victory she had hoped for. How could it have been?

In such a short space of time, Rhaenyra lost three of her six children and she was struggling big time with Jace's death throughout this episode. Daemon practically had to push Rhaenyra into asserting herself as Queen. Rhaenyra's first act - why killing Otto of course.

I've disliked Otto Hightower from the very first episode and his death was totally on him. Otto's scheming and overreaching finally came to roost and I liked that Rhaenyra was the one to do it. Otto absolutely had it coming and there was no way that he could've been kept alive. Alicent might have looked shocked but surely, she should've expected it.

Speaking of Alicent, she maintained her word in helping Rhaenyra seize King's Landing while trying to protect Helaena. It almost went spectacularly wrong for her when Jasper attempted to rape her until Orwyle stepped in. Jasper got his just desserts and now Alicent and Helaena are at Rhaenyra's mercy. Going by next week's trailer, Alicent will be fine.

As for her feckless sons, Aegon managed to escape reuniting with his sister while still being rather mad at Larys for outing his identity. Aemond stormed Harrenhal, killed the Strong clan, bled a lot and found himself at the mercy of Alys. 

Last but not least, Corlys survived the events of the Gullet and had some choice scenes with both Baela and Alyn. Rhaena on the other hand found herself at odds with Lady Jeyne and she can't go back to her family. Yeah, Rhaena really got the crap end of the stick this week. 

- The episode introduced Ser Luthor Largent (Tom Cullen). He went along with Alicent's plan and remembered his past with Daemon.

- Orwyle clearly believed Jasper when the latter revealed Alicent's plan. He also quickly swore fealty to Rhaenyra.

- That's two episodes in a row that Alicent has been a victim of sexual assault. It's not a great pattern. 

- Daemon might have set Hugh and Uluf to eventually betray Rhaenyra. I liked his scene with Mysaria in this episode too.

- Harry Collett had his name in the credits as well saw Rhaenyra grieve over Jace's corpse early in the episode.

- Chronology: From where the previous episode left off.

Queen's Landing felt like a finale for the previous and now that Rhaenyra has the very thing she's clamouring for, it's come at a horrible price for her. By far, the best episode so far from the show.

Rating: 9 out of 10 

My Review of House Of The Dragon: "Salt And Sea, Fire And Blood"

 

Written by Ryan Condal

Directed by Loni Peristere

Jacaerys: "If you die."

Rhaenyra: "Then you will at last be king."

Oh, those words didn't age well at all. I knew going into this episode that Jacaerys wasn't long for the world and of course this was going to be the infamous Battle Of The Gullet. It's just that I found his death a little underwhelming.

For an opening episode, it's probably the weakest we've had of the three so far but there was still plenty to mull over nonetheless. Circling back to Jace, he was absolutely right in being sceptical about Alicent wanting to help Rhaenyra reclaim King's Landing. I wouldn't trust Alicent as far as I could throw her but unfortunately for Jace, his mistrust of her was unfounded. Oh boy.

Jace locking Rhaenyra in her chambers might have spared her life but it put him and Vermax in danger as well as Baela and Moondancer. The presence of Rhaena and her newly acquired dragon, Sheepstealer also made the situation even more of a disaster than expected. I'm not as mad at Rhaena as everyone else online seems to be but talk about a terrible first outing for both Rhaena and Sheepstealer.

The Battle of the Gullet definitely felt like it should've been the previous season finale. It's well executed and provided an opportunity for Lohar and Corlys to do battle with one another. I did find it oddly humourous that Lohar was quick to abandon the Greens, her own shipmates just to get some petty revenge. It did not end well for her by the way.

Focusing on Team Green, what a splintered they've become. Both Aegon and Larys ended up being captured by supporters of Team Black. I laughed when Larys ratted out their identities. That man's survival instincts were on point. In that particular scenario, Larys made the right call.

Then there was Aemond. He quickly took over the throne and in a stomach churning scene, kissed his own mother. Alicent had the decency to at least look disgusted, while quietly undermining her psychotic son and keeping her treachery under wraps. Even when Alicent was doing the right thing, she still created more carnage in her wake.

Continuing with the Greens, there was a new player introduced in the form of Ormond Hightower (James Norton). He's like a more tactical and competent version of Ser Criston, leaving Gwayne yet again as the only decent Hightower in the mix. I'm rooting for Gwayne to come out of this mess unscathed. Unfortunately, I very much doubt he will.

Back to the Blacks though, at least Daemon was able to take out some enemies and even gained new allies with the Winter Wolves, who are led by Roderick Dustin (Tommy Flanagan). The Blacks need all the help they can get and the Greens need to start losing some players.

- The title sequence has been updated with new aspects of the tapestry and new cast members of course.

- Alys had little screen time but she managed to make her presence known to the likes of Addam, Hugh and Ulf. We also saw a Green Man very briefly.

- Benjamin Evan Ainsworth appeared but is his playing the real Daeron Targaryan or a fake? His hair is more Hightower though.

- The circumstances behind Jack's death in the book are different from what the episode did. I don't mind the change too much.

- Are both Lannister twins dead now? Good on Gwayne for opposing the knight assaulting women. Typical that Criston didn't care.

- Chronology: Not long from the events of the previous season.

Salt And Sea, Fire And Blood felt like it was absolutely meant to be the finale to the previous season rather than the opening to this one. It plodded a little in the first half before it blew up big time during the actual battle itself. On reflection, I did like it a bit more than when I first watched it.

Rating: 8 out of 10 

My Review of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: "The Morrow"

 

Written by Ira Parker And Ti Mikkel

Directed by Sarah Adina Smith 

Ser Dunk (to Maekar): "I think I'm done with princes."

And so endeth our first season. It's been a short six weeks but not boring. If there was a show that truly proved that "less is more" can work as an approach, it's this show.

Time moved on since the events of Baelor's death. In fact we got his funeral and a guilt stricken Duncan attended. This led to some choice words from Prince Valarr. Needless to say that Valarr wasn't happy about Dunk surviving over his own father. 

Dunk in general just wasn't happy at all. The Trial had really knocked his confidence and he bluntly told Maekar that he was done serving princes after the latter wanted Dunk to continue to squire Egg. Was the great TV partnership about to end after only six episodes? Of course not.

Egg wasn't going to give up on being a squire. In fact, not only was he determined to be one but by the end of this episode, he abandoned his own family in order to continue being a squire fot Ser Duncan. Given the state of his family, you can hardly blame him.

Looking at the Targaryens so to speak, Egg's hatred for Aerion intensified to the point where Maekar had to stop Egg from killing his older brother. Daeron's a little bit better but even he knew that Egg would be better with Dunk than remaining with the family. It really did say a lot about the Targaryens as a unit.

Last but not least, there was Raymun. He's been the closest to a friend that Dunk's had in the show and he was genuinely touched upon being given one of Dunk's horses to keep. Raymun's also cut out toxic family members and was about to start a family of his own with Rowan. I hope we see him again.

- Egg pointed out to Ser Duncan that there was nine kingdoms and then the title card changed accordingly.

- More flashbacks had Set Arlan failing to tell Dunk about never being knighted. Dunk revisited the tree from that flashback.

- Egg's hair was growing back before his failed attempt to kill Aerion. Dunk refused Lyonel's offer to go to Storm's End.

- Chronology: By the end of this episode Aerion was heading to the Free Cities and Dunk and Egg were heading to Dorne.

The Morrow made for a short, sweet and satisfying finale. This show had modest expectations that it managed to surpass rather well. I liked this show a lot and I'm looking forward to the second season.

Rating: 8 out of 10 

My Review of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: "In The Name Of The Mother"

 

Written by Hiram Martinez And Ti Mikkel And Ira Parker

Directed by Owen Harris 

Baelor: "Be vigilant. Don't die."

That's perfectly sound advice. Then again, when you're taking part in a Trial by Seven, it's also advice that's hard to take. Oh and as it's a penultimate episode, a sympathetic character had to die. Baelor, we barely knew you.

The consequences of Baelor choosing Team Dunk meant that his own brother inadvertently killed him. Maekar struck a fatal blow and Baelor made a point of telling Dunk that the realm needed good men. Bertie Carvel might not have had a lot of screen time this season but he made the most of what he was given.

As for the battle itself, I love how green Dunk truly was as a wannabe knight. He looked completely out of his depth and it took very little for Aerion to actually incapacitate him. It also led to the majority of this episode being rather flashback heavy for Dunk.

In flashbacks we saw a younger Dunk (Bamber Todd) and his friend Rafe (Chloe Lea) trying their best to get out of Flea Bottom. This meant stealing from dead nobles but it also resulted in getting on the wrong side of Alester (Edward Davis), resulting in the death of Rafe and Dunk going with Ser Arlan.

As flashbacks, they're good and did add a bit more to Dunk's backstory. In the present though, things got even more vicious between Dunk and Aerion with the former forcing the latter to yield. I can't see Aerion letting that public humiliation slide in the future.

Last but not least, there was also Egg. His role was smaller in this episode but Dunk kept him on as a squire and Egg panicked when he thought Dunk was dying. Egg also was clearly upset when he realised that Baelor had also died by the end of this one.

- A few moments where characters were sick in this one to add to the bodily fluids list for this season.

- Beesbury and Hardyng seemed to be the other deaths of the episode, though Raymun took a battering as well.

- Aerion's dragon armour looked fantastic on the battlefield. It really did say a lot about his character.

- Chronology: The flashbacks said it was after Daemon's rebellion. 

In The Name Of The Mother was another triumph as an episode. Great use of flashbacks, brilliant battle moments and a death that genuinely impacted in spite of being telegraphed. I really hope the finale sticks the landing.

Rating: 9 out of 10 

My Review of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: "Seven"

 

Written by Aziza Barnes And Annie Julia Wyman And Ira Parker

Directed by Sarah Adina Smith

Ser Duncan: "Who will stand and fight with me? Has courage deserted the nobles houses of Westeros? Are there no true knights among you?"

Ah, Ser Dunk. Talk about being damned either way. He went from punching out a spoiled Prince to fighting out that his squire was another prince and his life was also on the line. It was not his day/night throughout this episode.

Looking into the Egg or shall Prince Aegon Targaryen reveal. I can't say that I blame Dunk for taking it badly. I also don't blame him for accusing Egg of trying to make fun of him, even though the latter made it clear that he didn't intend any malice. Egg just really wanted to get away from his own family.

Egg's hatred for Aerion was made very apparent in this episode. He genuinely wanted to see his older brother dead and didn't care if Baelor disapproved of him saying it aloud. I also liked that when the chips were down, Egg maintained being Dunk's squire. Dunk kind of had no choice but to let him.

This episode further cemented how cruel and petty Aerion could be as a character. He couldn't simply let Dunk do trial by combat but insisted upon the trial by seven. He even managed to undermine Dunk's attempts to save himself by getting to Steffon. To be fair, I don't think it would've taken much to get Steffon to switch sides.

I guess what really elevated the episode was of course Baelor himself. Baelor has proven to be receptive to Dunk on the show and having him step in at the last minute to give Dunk the team he needed was a nice moment to cheer things on. I don't think Aerion will be pleased with more family members making their hatred for him publicly known.

As for Daeron, I think this episode made him a bit more tragic. Like other Targaryens, Daeron admitted to having prophetic dreams and even apologised for making things worse for Dunk. In a few scenes, I've grown to like his character.

- Aerion genuinely believes that he's a dragon in human form and he killed Egg's cat while threatening to castrate him. 

- Tanselle fled the scene  while Lyonel knighted Raymun to replace Steffon. I like that Raymun has become a good friend of Dunk's.

- This episode along with the latest one from Industry were released on HBO Max due to tonight's Super Bowl.

- Chronology: From where the previous episode left off.

Seven was easily the best episode so far. A fantastic character study into everyone, but especially Dunk. A fantastic use of the Game Of Thrones/House Of The Dragon theme music and those last few minutes were sublime. This show really found it's groove.

Rating: 9 out of 10 

My Review of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: "The Squire"

 

Written by Hiram Martinez And Annie Julia Wyman And Ira Parker 

Directed by Sarah Adina Smith

Prince Aerion (to Dunk, re Tanselle): "Why did you throw away your life for this whore?"

Well, well, what did we have here? First of all after hints of Prince Aerion being a right little scumbag, this episode really went above and beyond to demonstrate that. Like Joffrey Baratheon and Ramsay Bolton after him, Aerion isn't a man who took a slight lying down.

That's in spite of the fact that his horrible reputation was completely of his own making and the mocking brought upon him by Tanselle was also on him. Personally, I think she went easy on the miserable sod but Aerion retaliated in kind by snapping her finger in front of everyone.

Aerion's attack on Tanselle brought out Dunk's violently protective side. Dunk hasn't been subtle in how he's attracted to Tanselle to the point where Egg teased him for it. It was Egg who also alerted Dunk about Aerion going after Tanselle. Dunk didn't hold back with the punch. Aerion also didn't hold back with trying to punish Dunk either.

Book fans knew the Egg reveal. Yes, he's Aerion's younger brother, Aegon. Yup, the great grandfather of Daenerys Targaryen but that's a long way off. Needless to say, Dunk looked pretty shocked when he realised who Egg really was. Aerion on the other was more annoyed with being reunited with his younger brother.

Dunk and Egg's banter was on absolutely fine form with this episode. They had formed a brotherly bond of sorts and enjoyed mocking one another while enjoying the tournament. That was before everything went shit and Egg's real identity came to the forefront.

I'm actually shocked they didn't leave it until the finale but this midway reveal might actually work better for the show. So far, it's been relatively tame but this reveal was absolutely the best thing that could've happened to the show. Just how will Dunk and Egg's relationship change after this?

- Plummer wanted Dunk to take part in a rigged joust against Lord Ashford's son Ser Androw. Egg also bonded more with the horse Thunder and learned of his future fate.

- Did Dunk and Egg invent the breakfast sandwich? It looked really nice. 

- The next episode will be released on HBO Max on Friday due to the Super Bowl on Sunday.

- Chronology: We've been in the same place for the first half of the season. 

The Squire was by far the best episode so far. Devoid of unnecessary bowel movements, genuinely fun banter with our leads and that reveal at the end. This was the shot in the arm the show needed and it came at the right time as well.

Rating: 8 out of 10 

My Review of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: "Hard Salt Beef"

 

Written by Aziza Barnes And Ira Parker 

Directed by Owen Harris

Tanselle (to Dunk): "All men are stupid. All men are Knights."

That might be a tad harsh there, Tanselle. Saying that, she might not be entirely wrong with that statement. This episode may have made too fine a point about the perception of Dunk's general intelligence.

I don't think Dunk might be the sort of person who's well read but he does seem to have a practicality about him and this week, he seemed to be getting closer to being a Knight. While unaware of Egg's true identity, he did meet some of the latter's family throughout the episode.

Yup, this episode was overloaded with the presence of House Targaryen. In the space of thirty one minutes we were introduced to Egg's father, Prince Maekar (Sam Spruell), brother Prince Aerion (Finn Bennett) and uncle Prince Baelor (Bertie Carvel). Out of the three, Baelor taking an interest in Dunk made him the most likable of the pair.

Even when Baelor was correcting Dunk on Ser Arlan of Pennytre's true achievements, he was surprisingly considerate to Dunk's feelings. By contrast, both Maekar and Aerion in their most fleeting interactions were both condescending, rude and disdainful towards Dunk.

Circling in on the strength of the show so far, I really do love the rapport between Dunk and Egg. They're a fun duo to watch and while Egg was desperate to avoid being spotted during a night just, Dunk was more than happy to talk more about his relationship with Ser Arlan. Yup, there's more flashbacks with the latter to start and end the episode.

As for the only woman on the show so far, I'm really liking Tanselle as a character. Her interactions with Dunk are endearing and both being tall was something they could bond over. I don't know if a romance can work long term but their scenes are sweet together.

- Another Targaryen we met was Prince Valarr (Oscar Morgan). He's the son of Baelor. We also met Ser Roland Crakehall (Wade Briggs), Ser Donnel of Duskendale (Bill Ward), Lord Ashford (Paul Hunter) and his daughter, Gwin (Cara Harris).

- Did we need to see all of Ser Arlan in that regard? This show might be giving audiences the type of nudity they don't want to watch.

- Ser Dunk wanted a signal of an elm tree and stars. Tanselle was tasked with that due to her puppeteering expertise.

- Chronology: Not long from where the first episode left off.

Hard Salt Beef felt a bit more of the same as the first episode. I get this will be more of a smaller scale story compared to the other shows and I did like the jousting bits but will it retain it's audience? I guess we'll see but no more gross nudity wouldn't go amiss.

Rating: 7 out of 10 

My Review of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: "The Hedge Knight"

Written by Ira Parker

Directed by Owen Harris

Egg (to Dunk): "Every knight needs a squire and you look like you need one more than most."

We go a year without a Game Of Thrones prequel show to enjoy and 2026 we get two of them. While the third season of House Of The Dragon won't air on HBO until the summer, this somewhat lighter show finally made it's modest debut.

Based on George R.R. Martin's Tales Of Dunk And Egg series, this opened with Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) burying his master, Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb) while also claiming three horses as well. Oh and he really wanted to be a Knight.

That's pretty much the premise of this opening episode. Dunk was determined to get into a tourney and that meant encountering several characters along the way. The most important character being Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). Every knight needs a squire after all.

Egg's determination to become Dunk's squire, I'll admit it's admirable. He didn't give up until Dunk agreed and considering how nearly every other character was more dismissive of Dunk, I can see why the latter relented and agreed. Already on this episode, the dynamic between Dunk and Egg seemed spot on.

As for the rest of the characters, there was Plummer (Tom Vaughn-Lawlor). He thought of Dunk as a farmer but pointed him to Ser Manfred Dondarrion (Daniel Monks). The latter wouldn't vouch for him but that didn't seem to deter Dunk.

There's some better scenes with Dunk's interactions with Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford) but his scenes with Ser Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings) were also a highlight in this opening episode. Lyonel seemed a little similar to a certain character who made it out of the main show alive. I'll let you guess which one.

- There was no title sequence for this episode and it's the longest one we'll get in this series. The rest will be shorter.

- We were also introduced to Ser Steffon Fosdoway (Edward Ashley) and his cousin Raymun (Shaun Thomas). Oh and we also saw Prince Daeron Targaryen (Henry Ashton) upon meeting Egg.

- I definitely could've done without seeing Dunk actually doing his business so graphically tbh. I'm guessing the flashbacks to his younger self and Ser Arlan will be a weekly thing.

- Dunk earned his nickname because of Tanselle and her friend. We also got a dragon puppet show.

- Peter Claffey is a Galway man. It's nice to see someone from my county in this franchise.

- Chronology: 209 AC. It's after the events of House Of The Dragon and before the events of Game Of Thrones.

The Hedge Knight made for a decent opening episode. It's definitely a lighter show compared to what's come before and the comedic scenes definitely feel broader as well. It's not as strong as either of the first episodes of the shows but there's potential here.

Rating: 7 out of 10 

My Review of House Of The Dragon: "The Queen Who Ever Was"

 

Written by Sara Hess 

Directed by Geeta Vasant Patel 

Daemon (to Rhaenyra): "Winter is coming."

For those of you expecting the Gullett battle in this finale, heads up but you are going to be very disappointed. There's certainly plenty of build up to the event but perhaps the consequences of the episode reduction meant having it not make it into the finale.

Instead it should be the start of next season in 2026 but does the lack of battle means that the finale itself lacked? I'm not convinced it does but a lot do seem annoyed by this one not being the dragon fest they were hoping for. A bit of action aside from one particular might not have been a bad thing. Saying that, don't write off the episode just yet.

Daemon's antics in Harrenhal have certainly eaten up too much screen time for the character but it's also allowed returns for a younger Rhaenyra as well as Laena and Viserys. Alys however clearly saved the best stuff for last as Daemon shared a trippy sequence with Helaena and even got to see future events such as the Night King and descendant, Daenerys Targaryen. I'll give the show it's due, it's certainly been able to keep it's spoilers intact even when their finales leak.

Anyways the upshot being that Daemon now believed in the Song Of Ice And Fire and swore his allegiance to Rhaenyra very publicly when she ended up in Harrenhal herself. That reunion certainly was tense to watch, especially given that Daemon had been tempted to get the throne himself this season but at least Rhaenyra has gained momentum these last few episodes.

Between getting Daemon back on side, more Houses swearing fealty to her, getting new dragonriders, there was still the dilemma of the actual war itself and the casualties that would come with it. In another move, deviating from the source material, Alicent might have offered Rhaenyra a solution that even I never thought the latter would do. Saying that, she might have offered up the wrong son.

I genuinely didn't think this season would actually make Aegon II into a more sympathetic but between an initial desire to be a good ruler, grief over losing Jaehaerys and being burned to bits by Aemond's action, he's become the lesser of two brother evils. He was also smart enough to follow Larys's advice and get the hell out of King's Landing. 

Then there's Aemond. The guy's become mad with power to the point where both Alicent and Helaena turned on him. Not only that but the latter even told him of his impending doom, which Aemond didn't take particularly well. I'm surprised he didn't even try to kill Helaena during that scene.

Last but not least, did Criston have his own epiphany about the futility of this war? His scenes with Gwayne certainly pointed that way but it's definitely a case of too little and too late, as it was with Alicent's moment of clarity. Either way, war has properly kicked off for both sides.

- Tyland not only managed to win the Triarchy onto Team Green but Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn) wanted him to have children with her wives.

- Rhaena finally met Sheepstealer at the end of the episode while Tessarion and Daeron flew for the Greens. Otto's locked up somewhere.

- While Jace's sulking over other bastards being dragonriders does make him look hypocritical, his mistrust of Ulf White's definitely justified. 

- Addam does seem to be Rhaenyra's preferred dragonrider, Alyn rejected Corlys and the latter named his boat after Rhaenys.

- Clips from this episode leaked online while HBO released a trailer of upcoming shows, including sequel series, A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms. The show will air on Max and HBO in 2025.

- Chronology: From where the last episode left off.

I thought The Queen Who Ever Was was a good ending for the season. Yes, I would've liked the battle of the Gullett but all the character bits and links to Game Of Thrones were great to watch. Saying that, a bit more action next season wouldn't go amiss. Other than that, a great second season for this prequel series.

Rating: 8 out of 10 

My Review of House Of The Dragon: "The Red Sowing"

 

Written by David Hancock 

Directed Loni Peristere

Rhaenyra: "With these dragons, peace will be restored."

You get a dragon and you get a dragon and the rest of you get barbequed by a dragon. In general, that's pretty much the main plot of this episode. Oh boy, did this one really have fun with the dragons in this episode.

Last week we had Seasmoke taking the initiative and claiming the lovely Addam as his dragon rider. Rhaenyra wasn't initially pleased with this development until Addam made it abundantly clear that he intended to serve her cause. Then she was very happy with the idea and it was Jace who had misgivings.

To be fair to Jace, it's not like his misgivings were totally unjustified. While Addam established himself quickly as an ally to Rhaenyra, can the same be applied to both Hugh Hammer and Ulf White? Both men do seem more interested in self service than anything else. Saying that, the former claimed Vermithor and the latter got claimed by Silverwing.

The auditions to be a dragon rider certainly brought out desperation on both parts, but only casualties on one side of the thing. Rhaenyra's plan just about managed to work and there was something genuinely gratifying in Aemond's realisation that the Blacks now had an advantage over the Greens. He was more than quick to get himself and Vhagar out of dodge, pretty fast.

Going to the Greens this week, Aemond not only had to deal with the opposite building up their dragon riders but Otto still hadn't materialised back at the Red Keep and Larys was working behind his back to speed up Aegon's recovery. For once, Larys did the right thing. Aemond's a tyrant in the making and Aegon now seems like the lesser of two evils. It's funny how this season has turned out for these two brothers.

As for Alicent, well this wasn't an episode where she did a lot. In fact, now that she has absolutely no influence among her own family, she went to the woods to have a swim and clear her head. I want to feel bad for her, but she's brought about her own misery, so nope.  She's own her worst enemy.

Speaking of characters who continue to ruin it for themselves, that's also been Daemon's lot this season as well. Aside from another Viserys hallucination, Daemon really suffered the consequences of being a condescending berk to the newly in power Oscar Tully. The latter certainly made him pay for it by forcing Daemon's hand in cleaning up his mess with the Brackens and Blackwoods. Daemon did have it coming though.

- Jace made his disapproval of Mysaria fairly clear in this episode. We didn't get any further Rhaenyra/Mysaria either.

- Rhaena definitely has abandoned The Gay Abandon (very clever, Lady Jeyne) in order to claim her own dragon.

- Speaking of dragons, we learned that Tessarion has taken towing so we're getting closer to meeting Daeron. 

- Bit of a strange alliance formed between Larys and Jasper in this episode. Both of them recognise Aemond is a problem for them.

- Corlys was not only proud of the fact that Addam became a dragonrider but he also promoted Alyn as well. About time he acknowledged them.

- Chronology: Exactly from where the previous episode left off.

The Red Sowing was brilliant with it's main dragon plot, culminating in that fantastic final scene. Saying that, both the Daemon and Alicent scenes were the weakest of the bunch and the former especially has lost their mojo this season. Now, onto the finale. 

Rating: 8 out of 10 

My Review of House Of The Dragon: "Smallfolk"

 

Written by Eileen Shim

Directed by Andrij Parekh

Rhaenyra: "It is my fault, I think, that you forgotten to fear me."

I've got to say, we should all be thanking Mysaria. In the absence of Rhaenys and apart from Jace and Baela, she's really proven her worth as Rhaenyra's Mistress of Whispers. She knows how to get things done and she outdid herself this week.

Mysaria's scheme of sowing dissent amongst the smallfolk against the Greens, coupled with Rhaenyra generously giving supplies of food worked an absolute treat this episode. Not only are they starting to think the Blacks are better but both Alicent and Helaena got a very public dressing down of the very folk that current Regent Aemond has no concern for.

Rhaenyra this week certainly had her mixed successes. Mysaria's plan might have worked beautifully in giving her an advantage but Jace's one certainly needed work. All I can say is that Steffon Darklyn didn't deserve to get incinerated by Seasmoke but alas, he did. Saying that, Rhaenyra and Mysaria getting more intimately acquainted was a turn up for the books (also not in the actual source material).

Getting back to Seasmoke though, he wanted to choose his own rider and the lovely Addam found himself gaining a dragon without even having to do anything for it. I love that Seasmoke actively pursued Addam and wouldn't take no for an answer in this instance. Rhaenyra, you just got yourself a worthy ally. Just go with it.

Back at the Red Keep, when she wasn't getting fish flung at her by the smallfolk, Alicent got another reminder of how her crappy parenting became her undoing. Aemond had absolutely no problem removing her from the small council and he's become an even bigger bastard since being named Regent that Aegon II has suddenly looked like a better alternative.

It's tremendously hard to sympathise with Alicent when her brazen stupidity has brought about her own downfall. I did feel a bit bad when she had to listen to Gwayne tell her how kind Daeron was compared to her other sons. The show's really trying to set Daeron up as an ace for the Greens sleeve next season, aren't they?

Going back to Aemond for a bit, how this season has made him viler than Aegon II took some doing. He's definitely going to do something reckless in the last two episodes that will backfire on the Greens and no-one, including Alicent or Criston can rein him in. He also didn't appear happy when it was revealed that Aegon would recover as well.

Last but not least, it's really time to get Daemon out of Harrenhal and that's in spite of my enjoyment of characters like Alys and Simon Strong. The hallucinations this week included Viserys, which I liked, especially when Daemon did something he should've done during the first episode. Also, how could I not love seeing Matt Smith and Paddy Considine giving such brilliant performances.

I guess the plus side of this Harrenhal escapade this week was the fact that not only did Daemon get his wish with Grover Tully finally dying (no doubt by Alys's hand) but the Greens are also about to head there. If that doesn't liven up this strand in the last two episodes, nothing will.

- Corlys appointed Alyn as his ship's first mate. Alyn keeps cutting his hair to hide his true lineage. At this point, he needn't bother.

- Gotta love Rhaenyra finally slapping one of her council members. It's about time they were reminded who was boss.

- Yes, the dog appeared again in the episode as did the likes of Hugh, Kat and Ulf White.

- Looks like Rhaena will be getting herself a dragon in the form of Sheepstealer. Originally it was Nettles in the book but we're not getting the character for the show.

- Other stuff that happened in the episode included Alicent nearly being married to the Greyjoys, the Beesburys plotting revenge, Aemond wanting to align with the Triarchy as well as the return of Jason Lannister.

- Chronology: Not long from where the last episode left off.

Smallfolk was a stronger episode, compared to last week and one with plenty going on for the Black and the Greens. Even Daemon's story in spite of being the weakest gained some momentum here but it was the Rhaenyra/Mysaria scenes that were the highlight along Seasmoke and Addam.

Rating: 8 out of 10 

My Review of House Of The Dragon: "Regent"

 

Written by Ti Mikkel

Directed by Clare Kilner 

Helaena (to Aemond): "Was the price worth it?"

From Aemond's standpoint, so far it appears that the price very much has been worth it. Criston might have stopped him in killing Aegon II at the end of the last episode but that was only a minor setback. Aegon II might be alive but he's in no condition to rule.

I mean, the guy got burned to a crisp and now will be bedridden until the plot needs him to get better but for now, it's a dose of milk of the poppy and none of his family bothering to comfort him in the slightest. In fact both Alicent and Aemond were desperate to rule in his stead. Guess which one of them actually succeeded in that regard?

Well, it certainly wasn't Alicent, who got called out on her hypocrisy by everyone in the Green Council before unanimously handing the job to Aemond. Yup, even Criston and Larys had no problem with picking Aemond over Alicent and given the crap she's pulled, this was just desserts for Alicent.

Of course things aren't very rosy for the Greens. Criston's great idea of parading Meleys's head to the smallfolk had the opposite reaction of what the idiotic Hand intended and with Aemond's great plan to basically trap everyone in King's Landing, there's going to be a riot on their hands. These turns of events have also presented an opportunity for Team Black.

Rhaenyra's council might be made up of idiotic and reckless men (not you, Jace) but it's women are far smarter. Rhaenys might not longer be with us but thanks to Baela, Jace went from being resentful of being held back to coming up with a good strategy by the end of the episode. Oh and Baela managed to also get Corlys back on side with Rhaenyra making the latter her new Hand. Baela certainly inherited Rhaenys's savvy.

Then there was Mysaria too. She's certainly proved to be an asset to the Blacks and here she managed to enlist serving Elinda to take a trip to King's Landing to sow some further dissent. At this point, the Greens really are going to get undone before we get to the finale.

As for Daemon, if Baela, Jace and Mysaria were doing their best to help Rhaenyra, he was doing the exact opposite. In fact, his delusional behaviour of wanting to be King grated throughout the episode and his recklessness with the Brackens and Blackwoods caused more damage for Rhaenyra's cause. Can we just get him out of Harrenhal before he fucks up even more? I'm still enjoying the likes of Simon Strong and Alys Rivers and their scenes with Daemon.

Last but not least, Jace really did come up with a great plan. It was about time someone decided to be assertive in finding riders for the unclaimed dragons and while Rhaenyra didn't seem sure to begin with, she did come around to the idea. Between this and getting the North, the Vale and and the Twins to bend the knee, Jace really stepped up for the Blacks this week.

- Rhaena and Lady Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin) seem to have a bit of tension with each other. Jeyne basically got baby dragons.

- Rhaenyra has spent the last few episodes being at odds with Alfred Broome (Jamie Kenna). Instead of getting rid of him, she gave him a mission. She was also reading up on Visenya.

- Aemond had the sense to get the ratcatchers cut down and we got to see that dog again. Elinda should bring him back to Dragonstone if she gets out of King's Landing alive.

- Daemon imagined having sex with his mother, Alyssa (Emeline Lambert). He also saw Laena again. It does seem like Alys is intentionally driving him mad.

- Showing Meleys's head like that seemed to be indicative of a curse. The smallfolk sensed that and so did Rhaenyra. Even Gwayne wasn't fond of the idea. 

- Chronology: Not long from where the previous episode left off.

I'll admit that I didn't enjoy Regent as much as the last two episodes but mulling over it again, there was a fair amount in it's favour. Saying that though, Daemon has certainly lost his mojo this season while everyone else has started to step up in the Blacks.

Rating: 7 out of 10 

My Review of House Of The Dragon: "The Red Dragon And The Gold"

 

Written by Ryan Condal

Directed by Alan Taylor

Aegon II: "What would you have me do, mother?"

Alicent : "Do simply what is needed of you. Nothing."

Going into this episode, I knew exactly what to expect with this one. Well, at least the very last scene. Boy, did that scene hurt. There are plenty of standout performances here, but without a shadow of a doubt, the best came from Eve Best. 

When it came to Team Black, Rhaenys was always the smartest woman in the room and this episode, she wisely summised that Rhaenyra couldn't go into the battle at Rook's Rest. Rhaenys decided that she would go into the battle instead and yes, it really ended as badly as it could've done. It was brave for Rhaenys to step in but it cost both her and Meleys their lives.

If it had just been Aegon II and Sunfyre, Rhaenys might have made it out of the episode alive but of course that little shit Aemond had to show up with Vhagar and pull the same dirty tactics that he did with Luke last season. Aemond's shaping up to be my second favourite member of the Greens. I need that guy to get some form of comeuppance for Rhaenys.

At least when it came to Rhaenys, she went out like a total badass. It sucks losing the character but her death will have certainly galvanised this war between the Blacks and the Greens and it's not like the latter came out of this battle totally victorious either.

Criston might have used the fairly modest Rook's Rest to smoke out a dragon but damage was done to the Greens. Not just by Rhaenys and Meleys but also down to Aemond getting his own back at Aegon at precisely the worst time for the latter. This episode weirdly drew sympathy for Aegon. Between Aemond trying to murder him and Alicent berating him to do nothing, the guy has no one in his corner.

Alicent's continued crappy parenting also served as a contrast to Rhaenyra and Jace this week too. Jace might have been mad at his mother taking a trip to King's Landing but when the chips are down, he has Rhaenyra's back. Rhaenyra even told Jace about the song of Ice and Fire. The very thing Alicent won't tell Aegon about.

Back to Team Black, Rhaenyra does need to get better control over her council as this week, it felt like they were all going to up and leave due to their impatience of Rhaenyra's softly approach. They certainly approved of her finally wanting to go into battle. Rhaenyra now knows that she cannot avoid bloodshed.

As for Daemon, well Harrenhal has been a trippy experience for him and mostly down to Alys Rivers. I am loving that character and her interactions with Daemon have been a delight. We can also thank Alys for more hallucinations of young Rhaenyra, Aemond and now Laena (Nanna Blondell). I don't trust Alys in the slightest but I certainly am enjoying her presence.

- Ser Simon Strong helped Daemon meet up with Ser Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes) and Ser Willem Blackwood (Jack Parry-Jones) to build support for the Blacks.

- Criston's misogyny towards Rhaenyra reared it's ugly head too when killing one of her supporters. I do love that Gwayne Hightower hates his guts.

- Alicent got herself some Moon Tea and Larys spotted it. How has she not found a way to get rid of him or at least under her control by now?

- Rhaenys made it clear to Corlys that she knew exactly who Alyn of Hull was to the latter. Even without book knowledge, most viewers would've guessed by now.

- Aegon II embarrassed himself by mixing up his Valyrian words, which Aemond took great pleasure in. Aegon also got rid of Viserys's history books.

- Chronology: A few days since the events of the last episode. 

There was a ridiculous amount of hype for The Red Dragon And The Gold and it certainly delivered. I absolutely loved this episode. The dragon battles were brutal and Rhaenys got one hell of an exit. Eve Best deserves all the praise here.

Rating: 9 out of 10 

My Review of House Of The Dragon: "The Burning Mill"

 

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