Well the season is over. Those eight episodes really did fly by. While it seems like a lot happened this season, it also feels like we haven't gotten anywhere in this war. I for sure thought the season finale would give us a great payoff. I may have been too hopeful.
The episode started off with Tyland Lannister trying to barter to end the blockade and bring the pirates to his side. A lot of the episode was actually wasted on him and his back and forth with Admiral Lohar. While the scenes were comedic and he ultimately succeeded in his goal apparently, this could've been resolved in one or two scenes.
The shot with Aemond on the back of Vhagar after she burned down Sharp Point was actually really beautiful. The moment didn’t last as we see Aemond in bed sulking and begging for alcohol. I almost feel bad for him. One of the characters that I love is Orwyle; he truly just does his job and leaves. Larys tells Aegon that they must leave King’s Landing. He has arranged everything and that when he returns he will be regarded as a hero for ending the war. Aegon wants to know why he should leave and Larys tells him bluntly - Aemond will kill him and Aegon and Larys do set out to live in obscurity until one side wins.
Rhaena traveled the plains until she found the dragon. I am not sure why this couldn’t happen earlier in the season and she could’ve joined her family back at Dragonstone where she is needed because Ulf is acting like an idiot. His disrespect of Jace was comical but I felt bad for Jace who is already questioning his place. At least Baela told him off a bit. I feel like Addam’s coward comment will come into play next season.
Corlys gave Rhaenyra sound advice but his son Alyn told him off which was much needed. Now he wants to be present in his life but left him to starve. Meanwhile for some reason Criston had a scene and I am not sure the point of it. He seems to be welcoming death but now we know that everyone knows about him and Alicent.
 |
| "The Queen Who Ever Was” – HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, Pictured: Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon. Photo: Ollie Upton/HBO ©2024 All Rights Reserved |
Speaking of Alicent, she finally stood up to Aegon when he tried to bully Helaena into flying her dragon. However, the most shocking scene came when she visited Rhaenyra and offered a way to the throne for her. Once Aemond leaves to join Criston, she will have the guards surrender and let Rhaenyra take the throne. The conversation was everything I needed to hear from Alicent and she finally admitted her faults. It remains to be seen if their plan will work but the call back to "a son for a son" was epic.
 |
| "The Queen Who Ever Was” – HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, Pictured: Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond as Olivia Cooke as Queen Alicent. Photo: Theo Whiteman/HBO ©2024 All Rights Reserved |
Daemon’s time at Harrenhal has finally paid off. He sees the vision from the three eyed raven and I it was revealed to be Helaena who shows him a vision of Daenerys when the dragons hatch along with the Night King. Ser Alfred finally made it to Harrenhal implying he would switch sides to Daemon should he declare himself King and Lord Strong sends word to Rhaenyra. She confronts Daemon herself and shockingly due to the visions, Daemon bends the knee and so does his army. I love when they speak in High Valyrian.
 |
"The Queen Who Ever Was” – HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, Pictured: Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen. Photo: Ollie Upton/HBO ©2024 All Rights Reserved |
The ending montage shows everyone preparing for war and Otto Hightower appears to be locked up. While there were great moments here and there, the finale seemed a bit underwhelming leaving us to wait until next season for a real war. The season overall was a bit shaky and I rate it a 7/10.
What did you think of the season finale and season 2 overall? Drop a comment and remember to connect with me on X @jereereviews to discuss more.
