July 1, 2024
Courtesy: HBO
Alicent (Olivia Cooke) finally learns the truth, but it makes no difference. In episode 3, "The Burning Mill," it's full speed ahead in all-out Targaryen war.
Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) wants to avoid war after witnessing the bloodshed and carnage in the Riverlands between the Houses of the Brackens and Blackwoods, who have declared their allegiance to the Greens and the Blacks, respectively.
Rhaenys (Eve Best) tells Rhaenyra that Alicent can be persuaded to avoid going to war and surmises Otto Hightower would not have allowed it to happen. Despite Rhaenyra's doubts, she decides to sneak into King's Landing disguised as a Septa, hoping to speak with Alicent from information provided by Mysaria in one last effort to make Alicent see reason. In return, Mysaria wants Rhaenyra to reward her by keeping her in court. It's interesting watching their dynamic unfold. Mysaria, in her advisory role, is ten times better than the men in Rhaenyra's council.
We have to give kudos to Rhaenyra, who does not want this war, especially on her behalf, knowing that thousands of lives will be lost. We see a clear contrast between her and Alicent.
Criston (Fabien Frankel) initiates a plan at the council meeting with Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) to conquer Harrenhal, but Daemon also wants Harrenhal for strategic purposes. Daemon arrives first with Caraxes and quickly obtains control of the ghastly castle after Ser Simon Strong, and what's left of the House Strong inhabitants, quickly concede their allegiance to Rhaenyra. The castle is so dark, gloomy, and depressing all it needs is a neon sign that screams STAY OUT! but it's the largest castle in Westeros, and because of its location, it's a great asset to have in the fight in the war. The castle is also cursed - or at least - has a reputation for being cursed, so when Daemon has a vision? Dream? Nightmare? of a young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock’s cameo) sewing Jaehaerys' head onto his body, he wakes and stands in front of creepy surroundings where an ominous woman predicts he will die in the castle.
Courtesy: HBO
At the council meeting, Aegon wants to go to war because he's... well, Aegon. Whatever goodwill was shown to Aegon with his earnest attempts at being a good king was quickly erased as he insolently flexed his power as king. Alicent balks at the idea; however, Aemond, ever calculated and astute, reminds him of his position and that he should stay behind.
Later, Layrs (Matthew Needham), who is always causing trouble and sowing seeds of doubt, tells Aegon that there are murmurings among the people and that Alicent wants to rule with Aemond at her side. We doubt it's true, but Aegon thanks him for the intel, names him Master of Whisperers, and decides he will stay back. Layrs is always the sneaky, slimy salesman who we suspect wants the position of Hand of the King for himself.
Rhaenyra summons Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) and sends her, Joffrey, her younger children, and dragon eggs to The Vale for their protection and to continue House Targaryen should they fail. We really feel for Rhaena because she's generally treated as an afterthought, and when she is shown, she becomes a glorified babysitter. However, with the possession of the dragon eggs, we know that Rhaenyra does not view her as such. It's always great seeing her and her sister Baela (Bethany Antonia) on screen.
Courtesy: HBO
At a brothel, a man,Ulf the White (Tom Bennett), claims to be the bastard half-brother of King Viserys and Prince Daemon. Aegon and his comically inept new Kingsguard knights arrive and find Aemond naked with his brothel companion in a moment of vulnerability. Aegon begins to cruelly taunt him, and we get full frontal nudity of Ewan Mitchell, who portrays Aemond, as he quickly leaves, not before saying they can all have her.
Gwayne Hightower (Alicent's brother) returns and notes Criston and Alicent's interaction. He does not think much of Criston, but Alicent insists he joins them to scout Harrenhal. Baela, patrolling on Moondancer, spots Criston and his entourage and tries taunting them with her dragon; however, they escape and hide between the trees. Baela reports back to Dragonstone, and Rhaenyra's advisors insist on going to war with the dragons.
Rhaenyra sneaks into King's Landing and tries to reason with Alicent, who claims war cannot be avoided and insists that Viserys changed his mind at the last minute. Emma D'arcy continues to be excellent in portraying Rhaenyra as she contemplates that Alicent may be telling the truth. Her heartbreak is visceral but does not last long as she quickly realizes Alicent misunderstood Viserys' dying words as the storied prophecy about Aegon the Conqueror. With this newfound knowledge, one would think that Alicent would finally concede the truth, but that would be too easy. With steely resolve, she claims it's too late and runs off. Alicent Cook, who portrays Alicent, is also excellent in this scene as you see the ramifications of her mistake displayed on her face.
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Next week's previews show that the civil war between the Houses has begun, and we can't wait!
Watch the trailer below:
House of The Dragon airs on HBO and streams on Max Sundays at 9 EST.
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