The second season of House of the Dragon has been building towards open warfare, and while we haven’t yet witnessed large-scale battles, the stage is set for a dramatic escalation. The season finale leaves us on the brink of conflict, with all the major Houses of Westeros choosing sides and one of our main characters facing a significant and heartbreaking decision.
Diplomatic Maneuvers and New Alliances- House of the Dragon
The episode opens with Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall) embarking on a diplomatic mission to the Free Cities. His goal is to enlist the Triarchy’s help in breaking the trade blockade against King’s Landing. This introduces us to a new location rich with exotic imagery, filled with patterned rugs and palm trees. Tyland’s negotiation is marked by a memorable encounter with Shararo Lohar (Abigail Thorn), the formidable admiral of the Free Cities’ fleet. After a bout of mud wrestling, Tyland secures a fleet and a reward in the form of Lohar’s harem of wives, marking a rare victory for his character.
Meanwhile, Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) visits a recovering Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) to issue a dire warning: Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) is poised to seize power, and Aegon’s best chance of survival is to flee King’s Landing. Larys suggests that Aegon could return once the war has exhausted both sides, hoping to reclaim the throne without bloodshed. However, the situation is far from simple.
Rhaenyra’s Dilemma and Military Strategy
Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) struggles with the growing pressure to act decisively. Despite her hopes of avoiding conflict through strength in dragons, she knows the Greens are eager for battle. Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) urges her to make a show of force, suggesting that a decisive strike against the Lannister and Hightower armies could turn the tide in her favor. Rhaenyra’s new dragon riders, Addam (Clinton Liberty), Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew), and Ulf (Tom Benett), add tension to the mix as they navigate their newfound status and Jacaerys’ (Harry Collett) concerns about his position.
The episode also sees Daemon (Matt Smith) grappling with his visions and the weight of his ambitions. After an encounter with Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) at Harrenhal, Daemon is confronted with the entirety of Game of Thrones in a visionary flash. This experience forces him to reconsider his priorities. Rhaenyra arrives on dragonback, prompting Daemon to finally bend the knee, thanks in part to Simon Strong’s (Simon Russell Beale) intervention.
Tensions and Revelations
Criston Cole (Fabian Frankel) delivers some of the episode’s most memorable dialogue, reflecting on the futility of war and the power dynamics at play: “The dragons dance and men are like dust under their feet, and all our fine thoughts, all our endeavors, are as nothing.” His conversation with Gwayne (Freddie Fox) underscores the tension between personal loyalty and the larger political machinations.
Aemond attempts to coerce Helaena (Phia Saban) into joining the fight with her dragon, Dreamfyre, but she resists. Alicent (Olivia Cooke) sees the writing on the wall and decides to leave King’s Landing, seeking refuge on Dragonstone. She confesses to Rhaenyra her desire to step away from the throne, revealing long-held feelings of envy and admiration.
A Pivotal Choice
Rhaenyra faces a pivotal choice: to win the war, she believes Aegon must die. Alicent, desperate to protect her children, bargains for Aegon’s life in exchange for Helaena’s safety. The scene is a poignant callback to their first encounter in the series, highlighting how far they’ve come and the irreversible path they’re on.
Final Montage: The Calm Before the Storm
The episode closes with a dramatic montage setting the stage for the upcoming conflict. The Hightowers prepare for battle with Prince Daeron riding Tessarion. The Lannisters march towards Harrenhal, while Tyland and Lohar sail across the Narrow Sea. The Starks move through the Twins, and Corlys and Alyn board the flagship The Queen Who Never Was. Meanwhile, Larys and Aegon flee the city, and Otto Hightower finds himself imprisoned.
Rhaenyra and Alicent share a final moment, gazing at the sunset as the Dance of the Dragons begins. The season finale leaves us on the precipice of war, promising a thrilling and bloody continuation in the next chapter of this epic saga.
