In previous reviews I pointed out how I feared this season of House of the Dragon may be entering a funk. There needs to be a balance of dialogue to action for sure and now that we have reached the penultimate episode I wanted well-composed dialogue scenes as they can be the heart of a narrative, providing emotional depth and insight into characters' motivations.
I got my wish with tonight’s episode. Rhaenyra meets with Addam and Addam declares his allegiance to her - prompting her to go forward with her plans to bring in more dragonriders. Of course with a push from Lady Mysaria she decides to broaden her search to the bastard children of House Targaryen. I was glad to see Jace finally confront his mother about his parentage and what this plan could mean for him as her heir. Will anyone with silver hair decide they have a claim to the throne now that she has welcomed bastards to Court? Jace makes a great point.
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| "The Red Sowing” – HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, Pictured: Emma D'Arcy as Queen Rhaenyra. Photo: Theo Whiteman/HBO ©2024. All Rights Reserved |
When Addam is confronted by Lord Corlys, he is the most fatherly he has ever been. Allowing him to take leave and giving him a “well done” before making a swift exit. I do hope they bond more but he should want to know his son not just because he is a dragon rider now. Addam is getting what he wants but his brother may end up resenting him for it.
We caught a quick glimpse of Aegon who is looking more and more like his father as he recovers from his injuries. However the more interesting Green story this week was Alicent who decided to take a little spiritual retreat in the woods after being attacked by the smallfolk. Perhaps she is seeking some type of redemption. I am not sure how a redemption arc would work for her but I am interested in seeing where her story leads.
Back at Harrenhal, Dameon finally has made some headway toward his goal - which has gotten lost in translation this season. Oscar Tully has agreed to give Daemon use of the Rivermen but forces Daemon to kill Blackwood who helped him. The little boy that he dismissed put Daemon in his place so badly we did not see him again for the rest of the episode. While it is nice to see characters from last season, I am very much over his storyline at Harrenhal.
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"The Red Sowing” – HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, Pictured: Archie Barnes as Oscar Tully. Photo: Ollie Upton/HBO ©2024. All Rights Reserved |
When we return to Dragonstone, a small army of bastard Targaryens, men and women (including Ulf and Hugh) show up after Rhaenyra put out the call to them via her handmaiden. The Order that cares for the Dragons tell Rhaenyra they will take no part in what she is doing. I loved hearing them speak High Velaryon. When Rhaenyra calls up the dragon Vermithor, after giving a rousing speech and calming Vermithor showing her strength, the bastards approach him and he has a feast as expected. Hugh stands up to Vermithor and claims him while an escaping Ulf accidentally claims his dragon.
While riding his dragon to Kings Landing, Aemond follows him back to Dragonstone and sees Rhaenyra standing with her dragons and new dragonriders. Aemond flees back to Kings Landing and we see an angry and defiant Rhaenyra stare him down - ready finally for a war.
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| "The Red Sowing” – HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, Pictured: Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond. Photo: Ollie Upton/HBO ©2024. All Rights Reserved |
Overall, I enjoyed this episode more than the last few episodes following Rhaenys’ death. I do not blame Rhaenyra for the deaths of her low born relatives. She warned them what could happen and they knew the risks. It was a little predictable that Ulf and Hugh would end up dragonriders however. Also Lord Jasper knowing about Seasmoke being seen with a rider but not telling him per the advice of Lord Larys may come back to bite him. I was disappointed we did not get a follow up to Mysaria and Rhaenyra’s kiss last week but I guess we have no time for romance.
What did you think of the episode? Drop a comment and remember to connect with me on X @jereereviews for more discussion.
