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House of the Dragon S2 Ep 7 Review

I’ve been waiting for three moments to happen in season two of House of the Dragon: Blood and Cheese, the Battle at Rook’s Rest, and the Red Sowing. AKA the moment when the Dragonseeds claim their dragons for the Blacks. Or rather, when the dragons claim their riders, because, as the last episode made all too clear, the idea that a rider can claim their dragon is a lie. The dragons choose their rider, regardless of who they are or where they come from. But while letting Valryian bastards claim dragons might seem like a good idea on Rhaenyra’s part, is it worth it? The events of the Red Sowing put that into question before it’s even done.

Firstly, though, let’s go over the other plots in the episode.

Oscar Tully Goes Full Gangsta on Daemon

Daemon Targaryen might be one of the best characters in House of the Dragon, but his time at Harrenhal has not done his character justice. For weeks now, Daemon’s time onscreen has either been about him trying to raise an army or being haunted by visions of his regrets and misdeeds. At first, it was interesting to see Harrenhal mess with Daemon like that, but it quickly got old. It feels like a waste of Matt Smith’s acting abilities; he was my second favorite Doctor!

Fortunately, it would seem that Daemon’s time at Harrenhal is coming to an end. Now that the old Tully lord is dead, his grandson, Oscar Tully, is Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. And, unlike his first appearance, Oscar has taken a level in badass. He’s much more willing to sass the adults in the room. Firstly, he takes jabs at Daemon for being just a Prince and for having the Blackwoods commit war crimes. Then, he throws shade at the Riverlords when they question him because he’s a child. Oscar’s less an Edmure and more like a young Brynden the Blackfish!

Oscar does agree to honor his oath to Rhaenyra, but there’s a catch: the Riverlords want justice for what the Blackwoods did. And, despite being the one who gave Willem Blackwood leave to commit said war crimes, Daemon doesn’t hesitate to turn his sword on him. It’s not made clear if Willem is dead, but I just looked it online, and he’s not a character from the books. Thus, he’s likely dead. I’m only bringing that up because the fact that Daemon was willing to betray someone who followed his orders could hurt him in the long.

Alicent’s Woes and Aegon’s Physical Therapy

On the Greens’ side of things, the episode focuses mainly on two characters, Alicent and Aegon. Both have endured great pain throughout the series thus far, each in their own ways, and it feels like the episode puts great emphasis on what they have to go through. And despite giving fans plenty of reasons to hate them, I still couldn’t help but feel pity for the mother and son.

Alicent has lost almost everything she had and is deeply depressed over it. That prompts her to leave the Red Keep with her sworn sword for the isolation of the Kingswood, and there’s one scene where she strips down to her undershirt and starts swimming in a lake as a bird flies overhead. Since they can fly, many people see birds as a symbol of freedom. For Alicent, they’re a symbol of the freedom that she’s never had. All her life, she tried to follow the rules and act like how the men expected a woman to act. Alicent has realized that she should’ve followed Rhaenyra’s example and played the game by her own rules, which is the most tragic aspect of her character.

Then we have Aegon. I’ve made it no secret that I think he’s a loser and a terrible excuse for a person. But even I can’t help but feel bad seeing him try to walk across his bedroom in excruciating pain. He knew he wasn’t worthy of the Throne, but he let himself buy into the hype, and now he’ll remain like this for the rest of his life. Aegon may be a sad excuse for a man, but no one should have to experience this.

How Can a Commoner Claim a Dragon?

Now we have the best part of the episode: watching the Dragonseeds claim their dragons in the Red Sowing. And long-time fans know that any event in the franchise that starts with the word “Red” is bad news, and the Red Sowing lived up to this. But before that, there’s the event that gives birth to the idea.

After Rhaenyra confronts Addam and Seasmoke and they pledge their loyalty to her, the Queen and Mysaria go on a recruitment spree. They invite dozens of lowborn Targaryen bastards to Dragonstone like it’s an audition for Westerosi Idol. But while Rhaenyra sees this as a great idea, others either scoff at it or flat out refuse to accept it. While the Dragonkeepers refuse to help her, Jace argues that letting commoners claim dragons breaks the myth that the Targaryens are these godlike people. He’s right, but his argument stems from him fearing letting others claim dragons robs him of his greatest claim to the Iron Throne since he’s also a bastard. He might be right, but for the wrong reasons.

The Red Sowing Was Worth the Wait

Then we have the Red Sowing itself. Rhaenyra has all the Dragonseeds audition for King Jahaerys’ dragon, Vermithor, at once. And I don’t understand that for the life of me. Rhaenyra saw what Seasmoke did to a smaller group of people, so imagine what the second-largest dragon in Westeros would do?

The Red Sowing is as horrific as you expect. The show does a good job of using camera’s and special affects to play up Vermithor’s slaughter of most of the Dragonseeds. All of that leads to Hugh Hammer, the blacksmith of King’s Landing, claiming Vermithor. I really liked this moment. The fact that Hugh chooses to stare down Vermithor while trying to save another Dragonseed speaks a lot about his character up to this point. And unlike the others, Hugh faces Vermithor without any fear or arrogance, neither of which the dragons seem to like. And it seems to seal the deal for Vermithor.

As for Ulf, he flees from Vermithor, only to run into the nest of his mate, Silverwing. Luckily for him, Silverwing chooses him as her new rider. Silverwing was also pretty friendly with other humans. The entire scene is pretty funny, as is the reveal of what Ulf does next. He proceeds to fly Silverwing to King’s Landing, scaring everyone below and likely impressing Ulf’s fellow barflies. And with the three dragons, Aemond is forced to retreat from Dragonstone when he tries to pursue Ulf.

There’s also more hints about the dragon in the Vale that Rhaena is looking for, but nothing comes of it…yet.

What’s in Store for the Finale

And thus, the Red Sowing comes to an end. And with how bloody it was, it seems like Rhaenrya starts to question whether or not this was worth it in the end. However, that doubt seems to have evaporated with the sight of Aemond and Vhagar. Or I might just be reading too much into her actions. Either way, Rhaenyra now has the advantage against the Greens in terms of dragons as we head into the season finale.

Yes, the show ends its second season, but the preview seems to be promising. I don’t want to spoil what might happen, but we might get a battle that’s on-par with the one we got at Rook’s Rest. Until then, though, I’m going to look back on the Red Sowing with morbid fondness. The one complaint that I might have, though, is the fact that a few dragons from the books have not been introduced. And I’m not just talking about the one in the Vale, but two other dragons.

I Give “The Red Sowing” a 4.5/5

House of the Dragon S2 Ep 6 Review

After spending most of the season dragging its feet on the matter, HoTD is finally getting somewhere with the Dragonseeds. In the books and the show’s universes, the Dragonseeds are Targaryen and Velaryon bastards with the potential to become dragon riders. While that makes them a very hot commodity in the Dance of Dragons, what interests me is how most of the named seeds come from the smallfolk. By its nature as a medieval fantasy, the smallfolk are often out of focus in the Ice and Fire franchise. Smallfolk have been essential characters, but they mainly exist on the sidelines, with most of the elites not thinking about them. However, if you’ve seen Game of Thrones, or read your history, then you should know how looking down on the smallfolk can be a terrible idea. Especially when said smallfolk could potentially bond with dragons!

Also, the title sequence starts getting updated again. It now includes the Battle at Rook’s Rest.

Don’t Underestimate the Smallfolk

As the title of the episode suggests, a good part of the episode focuses on the smallfolk. Besides scenes that focus on specific members of the smallfolk in the form of the Dragonseeds, the episode touches on how they perceive their lords and ladies. While the Great Houses make their moves in the growing civil war, the smallfolk of King’s Landing end up suffering. They’re running out of food and can’t leave the city thanks to Aemond barring the gates, and the while, they have to watch as meat gets carted off to the Red Keep and the Dragon Pit. And while the Greens are too busy fighting their war to care about them, the Blacks show us why it’s important to have the people on your side.

First, Msyaria has her spies stir up discontent among the people. Then she and Rhaenyra smuggle boats of food across the Blackwater for the people of King’s Landing.

This was a master stroke of good PR on Rhaenyra and Mysaria’s part. While Rhaenyra doesn’t wholly understand their plight, she’s pragmatic enough to recognize that having the smallfolk side with her makes her job much easier. Their plan works even better than they hoped: not only do the smallfolk of King’s Landing start Rhaenyra’s name, but the rush for food erupts into a full-blown riot that nearly kills Alicent and Helaena.

I should also point out that several scenes are focused on two smallfolk characters: Ulf the White and Hugh Hammer. Both of them have Valyrian ancestry and want to make a better life for themselves, and if the show continues following the books, they will have roles to play.

The Hulls Are Gonna Move Up in the World

Meanwhile, across the Blackwater, we have two more Dragonseeds in the form of Alyn and Addam of Hull. By now, people watching should know they’re the illegitimate sons of Corlys Velaryon. However, what sets them apart is how they each handle that. Alyn is far more guarded about that fact, believing it isn’t his place to claim his family ties and cause Corlys problems. Despite the fact that he’s not only a capable sailor, but saved Corlys’ life. In contrast, we have Addam, who wants nothing more than to move up in the world and doesn’t get why his brother isn’t taking this opportunity. He would do anything to get the chance Alyn has.

Thankfully, he does.

Seasmoke: “And THAT is how I Adopted Addam”

I can’t lie: my favorite part of the episode was the plot with Rhaenyra trying to find more dragon riders. Her plan to find descendants of the Targaryens and Velaryons in the other Houses seems solid…but the results prove otherwise. RIP to Ser Steffon Darklyn and that dragon keeper.

The sight of Seasmoke rejecting Ser Steffon symbolically represents how the Targaryens don’t have full control of the dragons and never have. The dragons are their own beings and follow their own rules, and if they don’t like someone, they will make it known. It did feel like a waste for the show not to change things up by acknowledging that in this version, Laenor’s still alive. But what happens next more than makes up for it.

As dark as it was to see Seasmoke burn two people, I thought his actions the rest of the episode were pretty funny. He basically decided “Screw this! I’m going to go pick my own rider.” He then proceeded to fly to Driftmark, single out Addam as Laenor’s half-brother, chase him down, and corner him in the forest while the man’s scared out of his mind. It reminded me of videos I’ve seen of cats running up to humans and adopting them. Because humans don’t adopt cats; cats adopt humans. It’s funny.

I Didn’t Think We’d See Paddy Again

There were plenty of other moments from the episode that I liked beyond the stuff with the smallfolk, but the best, ironically, came from the plot line that has been the season’s weakest: Dameon. This week, Daemon’s Harrenhal induced dreams revolve around his relationship with his brother and the deep-seated regret he feels. I did not expect Paddy Considine to return as Viserys, but seeing him and Matt Smith play off each other again was immensely satisfying. For all of his bluster and bad boy behavior, Daemon did care about his brother, and a part of him always regretted not being there for him when Aemma died.

The storyline culminates in an entirely new scene, where Daemon dreams of what he should’ve done. Instead of partying at a brothel, he chooses to comfort his brother as he grieves the loss of his wife and son. Had he done that, the Dance of Dragons may never have happened.

This Next Episode Could Cook

Sadly, the episode ends on the disappointing note of Rhaenyra riding out on Syrax to find Seasmoke’s new rider. However, the ending gets counter-balanced by how much “Smallfolk” set in motion. The Dragonseeds begin to enter the game, Daemon deals with his inner demons, and in the Vale, we get our first hint about the dragon that I’ve been wanting to see more than any of them. And he’s a real…sheepstealer. If you know, you know.

Also, who’s hearts melted when they saw Rhaenyra’s kids playing alongside the baby dragon?

I Give “Smallfolk” a 4/5

House of the Dragon S2 Ep 5 Review

When I watched Aemond burn Rhaenys and Aegon with Vhagar at the Battle of Rook’s Rest, a thought crossed my mind: this reminded me of The Lion King. To be more precise, it reminded me of the moment when Scar let Mufasa fall to his death so he could become King. The look on Aemond’s face, as he ordered Vhagar to attack Rhaenys, Aegon, and their dragons, screamed, “Long live the king,” to me! And while Aegon, unlike Mufasa, remains alive, the result is the same. Aemond is now King in all but name, and both sides are left to deal with the fallout of this and Rhaenys’ death. And it’s not pretty!

Parading Meleys Around Was the Stupidest Thing the Greens Could Do

After a quick stop at Driftmark, the episode shifts to King’s Landing, with the Greens having yet another procession. Whereas the previous one was meant to show off the murdered Prince Jahaerys and discredit Rhaenyra, this time, it’s meant to celebrate the Greens’ “victory” at Rooks Rest. The centerpiece is the severed head of the slain Meleys, claimed to have been slain by Aegon himself. But if Ser Criston and Aemond hoped to hype up their side, they fail. Miserably.

The Battle of Rooks Rest was hardly a victory, and everyone who took part knows it. In a later conversation, Criston Cole shows signs of PTSD, haunted by the burning bodies consumed by dragonfire. To make matters worse, the smallfolk take one look at Meleys’ severed head and realize that when Rhaenyra comes for King’s Landing, she’ll be low on mercy. However, what I consider a bigger problem is how this act of showing off the head of Meleys destroys the mystique of House Targaryen.

A comment from one of the smallfolk reminds us of Viserys and Rhaenyra’s conversation from the pilot. The people of Westeros see dragons as gods, and their Valyrian riders thus closer to gods than mortals. By showing off the head of a dead dragon, the Greens are letting everyone know that dragons aren’t invincible gods. They can be killed, even if by other dragons. That thought will stay in the minds of everyone in King’s Landing, and thus have serious consequences for House Targaryen in the long run.

Aegon’s In a Coma. Aemond is In Charge Now

The more immediate consequences are shown once we see the state Aegon’s in…or what’s left of him.

I’ll be honest: as bad as Aegon looks, this isn’t the worst I’ve seen someone get burned alive. That honor falls to Anakin Skywalker being set alight by lava in Revenge of the Sith. That being said, the sight of Aegon having compound fractures and having his valyrian steel armor peeled off is a close second. As bad as Aegon is, seeing him cry out weakly for his mother is still hard to look at. All he wanted to do was prove he wasn’t a failure, and this is what happened to him.

As for Aemond? He doesn’t even care.

At the next meeting of the small council, the question arises as to who will rule in Aegon’s stead. Alicent, having done so for Viserys for years, tries to put her name forward. And, in hindsight, this might have been subtly influenced by her realizing she helped started this because of a misunderstanding. However, it’s like she told Rhaenyra: there’s no stopping what’s happening. So it is no surprise that the small council chooses Aemond. And with that, Westeros’s second most dangerous man is King in all but name. And knowing him, I expect Aemond plans to stay there for as long as possible.

The Blacks Mourn Rhaenys’ Passing

And while the Greens deal with this shift in power, the Blacks reel from the death of Rhaenys and Meleys, with everyone dealing with it in different ways.

Rhaenyra is devastated to lose her biggest supporter and her side’s strongest dragon in one fell swoop. And that’s on top of everything else she’s dealing with. Her husband won’t listen to her; her council can’t agree on anything, and she can’t go charging into battle on Syrax despite wanting to do just that. At one point when she’s talking to Jacaerys, you can feel her frustration.

Speaking of Jace, the young heir to Rhaenyra also wants to fly out into battle, but is continually frustrated by his Mom’s unwillingness to let him do so. That reaches a breaking point here when, at Baela’s advice, he sneaks out of Dragonstone and manages to talk the Freys into siding with his Mom. I liked this, as it shows that Jace can step up and be a leader, even if that means putting him at risk of being attacked by Aemond and Vhagar. Plus, when Rhaenyra bemoans not having dragon riders for her many dragons, it’s Jace who comes up with the idea of seeking out Taragaryen and Velaryon bastards. Which is going to play a huge role in events to come!

Corlys is a Just a Broken Man Now

The one who’s taking Rhaenys’ death the hardest, though, is her husband, Corlys, and it’s not hard to see why. Compare him to the start of the series. In another life, he could’ve been the King’s consort, which led him to make a play for the Iron Throne through his daughter. Now, that very same Throne has cost him his wife, his children, and one of his grandchildren. He’s had enough of the game and just wants to save what he has left. Yet the game won’t let him, with Rhaenyra offering to make him Hand, and Baela intending to keep fighting for her. Time will tell if takes up that offer, though.

Can We Please Get out of Harrenhal Now?

Then, we have the weakest part of the episode, and this season as a whole: Daemon at Harrenhal. If it seems like I haven’t talked about that as much, there’s a reason for it: I don’t know where to include it. As interesting as Harrenhal was initially, it’s already started to wear out its welcome. What’s worse, I feel like Matt Smith is being wasted as Daemon in these moments as the castle (which may actually be haunted) is getting to him. In one of the series creepiest moments yet, we get Daemon making out with a beautiful woman…only to learn its his mother. Not. Cool.

Daemon’s behavior isn’t winning him any fans, either. Getting involved in the Blackwood-Bracken feud, he discreetly lets the Blackwoods commit war crimes on the Brackens. Instead of cowing the Riverlands, they’re so disgusted they tell him to his face that they won’t follow him. So, good going, Daemon.

Let the Dragonseeds Come!

This episode might seem weak compared to the aboslute banger we had before. However, like the season premiere, “Regent” deals with the aftermath of a major watershed moment in Westerosi history. I hope things start to pick up once more before the season ends, and the next episode already looks promising. After building them up throughout the season, the Dragonseeds might start to play a role in the Dance of the Dragons. Until then, though, we must deal with the fact that Aemond the Kinslayer is the King of Westeros.

I Give “Regent” a 3.5/5