WARNING: Spoilers for the fifth episode of House of the Dragon.
“There is more than one way to fight a war.”
Strange Victory
After the battle at Rook’s Rest, Ser Criston Cole parades the head of Meleys through King’s Landing to showcase a victory to conceal the battle-burned body of Aegon. However, the people of King’s Landing found this to be a sign of bad omens to come. This episode of House of the Dragon focused largely on the ramifications and consequences of the previous battle. While entirely expositional, the exceptional performances, persuasive conversations, and dragon presence made up for the lack of action. With Corlys reflecting on losing Rhaenys, Alicent being terrified for Aegon’s life, and Rhaenrya’s inner conflict on how to lead the elucidation this episode provides moves the story forward in a substantial direction.
Scarred Son
Aegon’s return to King’s Landing is not without plight. After being severely injured after the dragon battle, the fight for his life begins in the chamber where Viserys died. The visual homages of Aegon’s damaged body are heavily reminiscent of Visery’s last days. Ultimately, this leads Alicent to two questions two things: How did Aegon suffer such an injury & who will rule while he recovers? Tom Glynn-Carney also sheds light on his performance in this episode and the aftermath of what could happen to the King’s Landing in an interview with Variety. Alicent finds herself in a raw, vulnerable position in the wake of her son’s damaged body. Cole cannot answer to Aegon’s trauma & Aemond is silent. Only when Aegon is brought in to heal, that Aemond claims “Someone will have to rule in his stead.”
Prince Regent
Aemond is named Prince Regent, effectively making him the current ruler of King’s Landing while Aegon remains on the mend. Despite Alicent’s efforts to take control, she was not named Queen Regent. Putting a woman on the iron throne would go against everything the Greens are attempting to avoid. From a political standpoint, it would not be a good look. Alicent is outvoted by the Green Council and remains visibly frustrated by the choice. Aemond begins his reign by having all the rat catchers cut down, and sealing off the city. This doesn’t go over well with the locals. Unsurprisingly, Helaena is the only one brave enough to ask Aemond if it was all worth it. Aemond Targaryen is a very complex character, with immense calculation. His tenure on the Iron Throne is bound to be surprising to fans and audiences alike.
Doubt and Virtue
Back in Dragonstone, Rhaenrya faces difficulties with her council. In the wake of Rook’s Rest, Rhaenrya struggles to maintain a sense of command among the men primarily focused on war. Losing Rhaenys was a devastating blow to the council, however, this also leads Rhaenrya to doubt her place on the throne. Conflicted and confused over what to do, she does gain insight from Mysaria – “There is more than one way to fight a war.”
Daemon’s Court
in the Roverlands, Daemon continues to try and raise an army in the Riverlands to defend Harrenhal. However, Daemon didn’t expect to see the Brackens wish to be torched as opposed to bending the knee. This causes some turmoil, and likely further throws his madness into a bit of an overdrive. So much so, he envisions a moment with his late mother, while trying to eat at the table. In all of Daemon’s strange visions in Harrenhal, this one feels out of place. However, it does show that his issues with the throne are seeded by being the second son. Ultimately, Daemon will have to win over house Bracken with more than force. This however does not stop him from having the Blackwoods march on Bracken territory blatantly pillaging. Other members of the Blackwood come to Harrenhal to warn Daemon that they will not bend the knee to a Tyrant.
The Queen’s Hand
Corlys has experienced some losses throughout House of the Dragon. Losing Rhaenys was arguably, the biggest loss to date. Wandering Driftmark, the evident sadness displayed by Steve Toussaint is remarkable. The single shot of Corlys shedding a tear for his late wife is pure gut-wrenching. When Baela approaches Corlys, she offers Rhaenrya’s request: To be the Hand of her Queen. With nothing more to lose, and only to gain, Corlys accepts. Rhaenrya is going to need all the support for this coming war, and making Corlys the Hand was not only the smart move but the right one.
More Dragons
By the end of the episode, Rhaenrya realizes to win the war, they will need more dragon riders. However, there are none present to tame Vermithor and Silverwing. Jace suggests that they should look outside to other Valyrian bloodlines for potential riders. Earlier on in the episode, Jace proves himself to Rhaenrya by flying to the Frey’s to gain allegiance and continues to demonstrate that he can be helpful in this war. This relationship is contrasted with the way Alicent looks to her children. While Team Green utilizes the strengths of the Targaryen apart in specific situations, Rhaenrya actively has Jace there to help and realizes once again: “There is more than one way to fight a war.” The parent/child relationships in this show are important & ground the storytelling into a layer of reality. While the episode didn’t have much spectacle, the real heart lies in the presentation and execution.
New episodes of House of the Dragon air on Sundays on HBO.