House of the Dragon Episode 3 Review
by Chelsea House “Targaryen,” GGR Chief Media Correspondent
Hello all and welcome back to another episode review of House of the Dragon. Episode 2 did a great job of bringing me back into the world so much so that I don’t even much to say about episode 3. Let’s dive right in!
WARNING! SPOILERS!
In our opening scene there are Valerian ships on fire and the Crabfeeder is hovering over a soldier. As he’s being nailed to a piece of wood, he screams that the Crabfeeder will be defeated. Drahar, or Crabfeeder, hears a crackling screech and turns to see dragon fire pour from Coraxes’ mouth. Daemon – fully armored – rides his back sending the enemy fleeing only to land right on the soldier. Whoops! Daemon calls for Drahar, his dragon slinking through the wreckage, and is only stopped when a flaming arrow lands in his chest. It’s in this scene that we know the Step Stones are not going well. It’s also in this scene that you wonder how that’s possible when you have a dragon, ships, and a well-trained army.
We just to the next scene: it’s a party! The King is standing over his son, Aegon, on his second name day, doting over how he looks just like him. It’s been three years past (And we will see this by how everyone’s hair has grown so long). Alicent is heavily pregnant with their second child, and all is well with the Kingdom. Lord Otto is already scheming to get Aegon named as the heir, pushing Rhaenyra aside, and a soldier approaches Viserys confirming our previous thoughts – things ARE bad at the Step Stones, and they need help. The King, ever wanting to push away a war, tries to ignore this guy. There’s a tangled web of conversation –
Soldier: Stepstones need help
King:Where’s my daughter?
Soldier: It would be really cool if you sent people?
King Where the heck is Rhaenyra?
Soldier: Please?
King: Alllllvviinnn!! I mean Rhaenyra!!
This leads to the most Jaskier and Geralt of scenes that I will ever get from the Game of Thrones universe. The Princess is sitting at the base of the Gods wood with a bard playing sweet Targaryen tunes to her while she reads. She seems completely indifferent to her brother’s birthday or the fact that there is a Hunt that they’re all supposed to attend. Alicent strolls in and there’s a power play by both ladies over the poor bard – who eventually, and wisely, listens to the Queen. It’s the first time we officially hear Alicent called Queen, and honestly it feels weird, but I think only because or Rhaenyra. She begs the Princess to join the Hunt before the Princess asks if it’s her father’s command. The Queen confirms which pisses Rhaenyra off and we get to see the dynamic between these two has changed drastically. Alicent even says “It doesn’t have to be this way” as the Princess storms past her, and we’re reminded that just three years ago, Rhaenyra was laying her head in the lap of Alicent as they read together under this very tree. My how time changes things.
In the carriage on the way to the Hunt and Second Name’s Day celebration, there is talk of children. Viserys looks at his daughter and says soon enough she will be surrounded by children. Alicent, unwisely, and perhaps unintentionally (??), says that it wasn’t that bad and makes a rather insensitive remark that Aegon came quickly and easily. Rhaenyra, the maid, and Viserys exchange looks. This is also the second time we see friction between the King and his heir as they argue about duties and her lack of attending to them. She’s basically not pulling her weight, and as we know from previous episodes, this has to be out of choice and not lack of capability. He wants her apart of the celebration, she knows that no one is there for her. Like a good sulky teen, she stays in the carriage while everyone cheers on the King, Queen, and their son. In this moment, there has to be a lot going on through her head. Will she be replaced as the heir, being the main one? I’m sure there’s some pain at the fact that her mother died trying to give Viserys a son, and now her best friend is the one proudly walking around with the boy. She’s also been an only child most of her life, and the thought of sharing parental attention is hard on a person, no matter their age. It’s always a huge change in a family.
As she walks around the party, there is this sense that she feels out of place, maybe floating in the air just trying to find her ground and what that means for her. You also get this feeling from Viserys as he watches her from a distance. You know he loves her but is just lost and unsure of what to do with her exactly. Where does the line of King and father get drawn? She wanders over to a group of gossiping ladies. Larys Strong, who has a twisted foot, asks if he can sit with them. They put the Princess on the spot when asking her about the Step Stones and her uncle. She states she hasn’t spoken to him in several years. One lady quips since he was supplanted as heir. Alicent defends Rhaenyra stating that she is better suited for the throne. Lady Redwyne says that the crown is at war whether they want to admit it or not and that basically it’s all Daemon and Corlys’s fault. Rhaenyra, ever the clever one, says while casually glancing at her nails “And how have you saved the realm as of late, Lady Redwyne, by eating cake?” And walks off. I want to side note here, Alicent defends Rhaenyra as heir, even knowing that her son has a stronger claim. And the Princess shows that she is tactical, clever, and witty, but not a politician. Both of these are worth remembering.
Outside there’s a huge feast being prepared. Flowers, tables, music, the whole shebang. Lord Jason Lannister approaches the Princess and introduces himself. Apparently, Tyland is his twin. He brags to her about Casterly Rock and all of its beauties and makes a comment about a dragon pit which puts the Princess on alert. “Why would you need a dragon pit?” She asks. “To house dragons, of course. I’d do anything for my Queen... or... lady wife.” And he gives this really weird, satisfied smile. The pickup line hits Rhaenyra as well as it hits us, and she gives him back his wine glass and marches straight to her father to confront him. In front of the crowd, she and Viserys have an argument about marriage. Lannister is a good match, but she doesn’t want anything to do with him. She must get married, he’s been drowning in marriage proposals that she refuses to come look over with him, but ever the angsty princess, she doesn’t wish to marry. Viserys shouts “Even I do not exist above tradition and duty, Rhaenyra!” And Lord Otto saves them both from causing even more of a scene. A side note on this scene. Even though it’s not uncommon for a woman of royalty to fight her duties, this feels out of place for Rhaenyra, and out of character. Just the previous episode we saw her, and her father discuss his need to remarry, and she stated “You are the King, your first duty is to the realm. Mother would have understood this. Just as I do.” She is well versed in what is expected of the royal family, especially those in line of succession. You would almost feel like she would approach something like this in a calculated way versus a passionate and heartfelt way.
Ser Otto expresses that there has been a White Hart sighted, and it is the King of the Kingswood, which is a great omen for Aegon and the King. Rhaenyra disappears and Viserys struggles with switching from the intensity of one conversation to smiling and nodding about the White Hart.
Ser Criston sees the Princess grab a horse and ride off and follows her. He finally manages to stop her and then asks what happened. She complains of the betrothal to Lannister and vents a bit to the knight before he asks for them to return. She declines. It’s a beautiful day after all.
Viserys is drowning his stress in a glass of wine, or two, or three. He is seated alone on his throne, gazing over all the guests. His eyes linger on his son and Alicent. He’s pulled away from it, though, after Jason Lannister appears. He has brought a gift, a beautifully crafted spear that he hopes will land the blow to the White Hart. He says that he would be proud to be the Princess’s husband and that he would give her a good seat at Casterly Rock which she would hold no shame. The King is confused, shame of what? Jason states her loss of station. The King at this point assures Jason rather sternly that he is not replacing Rhaenyra as heir – he did not take the decision lightly – and any suggestion of it would be considered rebellion. Lannister walks off and enters Lord Otto. He asks how the King feels about Jason. The King doesn’t have high opinions, apparently. Lord Otto says he has another idea – the King is listening. Why doesn’t Rhaenyra just marry... drumroll please... Aegon? Viserys, probably a little buzzed at this point, gives him an appropriately disgusted look and states that he’s only two. Otto states that it would end all the squabbling over her hand – and conveniently leaves out that it would also make Aegon King one way or another. Viserys laughs and then snaps at Otto that he’s just here for a freaking hunt, not all this political nonsense. After a few more drinks, Lord Lyonel approaches to talk with the King and then asks if he would like to hear his opinion. The King, a little cruelly, guesses that Lyonel wants her to marry his son “Breakbones”. Lyonel, having grace with the drunk King, kindly declines and states that for the same reasons he should have married Laena Valaryon, Rhaenyra should marry Laenor Valaryon. Although he doesn’t decline it, after Lord Lyonel throws in a comment about Laenor having to survive the Step Stones, Viserys slowly stands from the throne and wobbles past Lyonel, only briefly placing his hand on his shoulder as an answer. I’ve really appreciated the way that this series displays the exhaustion of being a ruler. It does feel like Viserys can barely take a piss without someone suggesting something to him or trying to manipulate him. I also really appreciate how Paddy Considine portrays the unwanted weight of it. Even George R. R. Martin has stated that he rarely likes the book to screen adaptations but has praised the way Paddy portrays Viserys.
At a campfire, Rhaenyra and Ser Criston Cole sit chatting it up. Their relationship has for sure blossomed into something more intimate. I don’t know if I would say romantic, but definitely intimate. She asks if the realm will ever accept her as Queen. After a long pause he responds that they will have to. We don’t get to see what Rhaenyra will say in response because a boar shows up, pushes past Ser Criston and jumps on top of the Princess trying to attack her. Criston’s sword pierces it’s head and it rolls to the side. When it pops back up, however, Rhaenyra takes a dagger and stabs the living crap out of it. All her pent-up frustration and anger is taken out on that beast until it is absolutely no more and then some.
Meanwhile, Alicent meets her husband as he stands staring into the fire. He voices his concerns to her of naming Rhaenyra as heir. He says he did it to protect the realm from Daemon, and out of love for her, and because he had finally given up on the dream, he had of a male heir wearing the crown. He believed in it so much that it drove Aemma to her death, he believes. Now that he does have a son, Aegon, he is wondering if he made the wrong choice. He looks pleadingly at Alicent, but she says nothing, which honestly, is saying a lot. Their conversation is interrupted by a horn blowing, Viserys tossing the rest of his wine into the fire, and then placing a hand on Alicent’s very swollen belly. The hunters have caught the stag. We learned it’s importance is due to the fact that before the Targaryen’s came to Westeros – The White Hart was a symbol of Kings. The appearance of this beast on Aegon’s name day seems to have fueled Viserys’s doubt about Rhaenyra. When he sees that the stag they caught is not the White Hart, but a large regular stag, there’s a mix of relief and sadness in the King’s eyes. Jason gives him the spear to kill it, and as the hunters hold the majestic beast back, Viserys takes two blows to kill the poor thing. He is still pretty drunk to be fair.
Rhaenyra, with her blood caked hair and face, and Criston Cole, sit on a ledge staring at the sunrise. The boar is bound to a gurney behind the horses. The White Hart approaches in the distance, large, majestic, and symbolic. It stares at Rhaenyra who whispers “no” to Criston Cole when he draws his sword. The stag gazes a moment longer, and then turns and walks off. They drag the boar back to the camp as everyone stares at the two with a sea of mixed emotions. It is satisfying to see.
Back at the Red Keep, Otto comes and visits the Queen to convince her to talk to the King about making Aegon the heir. She seems conflicted on the matter but does end up going to her husband’s chambers to sit with him by the fire. They joke for a moment before she says she wants to speak with him about something. He brings up Rhaenyra and Jason, and how she is cross with him now. Alicent gives a knowing smile and says, “I warned you that she would be”. He states that she has come of age, and so she must marry. She says that she will, but she must believe it’s her own choice. He nods knowingly. Alicent sees the letter on the table and asks the King if she can see it. When she notices it’s a plea for help, she gets frustrated that he hasn’t sent any. They go back and forth for a moment until she judiciously asks him, “Is it better for realm if the Crabfeeder thrives, or is vanquished?” Fair. Super fair. Viserys has lost two fingers.
Rhaenyra meets Viserys in the council chamber. He is going to send aid. She does not seem to agree. When he asks her what she thinks, she gives a snide remark that it doesn’t matter. He asks why she is being so difficult, and she finally confesses that it’s because he’s trying to replace her. He looks genuinely hurt by this comment. He explains that she has been so lonely and angry these past years. That he wants her to marry, because he wants her to strengthen her claim and hopefully find happiness in her own family. He will not be around forever. He says that he does not want to replace her as heir and never will. He swears it on her mother’s grave. Rhaenyra doesn’t know what to say, but she seems to feel peace as she walks away.
Finally, back at the Step Stones, Lord Corlys, Leanor Valaryon, and Vaemond strategize for their next move. The reason the dragons aren’t as affective as hoped is because of the caves that the Crabfeeder and his men keep retreating to. Plus there are archers perched around the top. Their plan? Send in bait to get them all to come out while they perform a sneak attack by air and land. Who would the bait be? Daemon is the suggestion. Vaemond states that he is the reason their losing. We heard earlier he was driving the soldiers too hard. Vaemond is obviously over it until Lord Corlys stops him warning of a mutiny. In seafaring terms, mutinies never go well. So, its well understood. Daemon dismounts his dragon and walks to the table, a letter is delivered. He calmly reads it, nods, and then beats the crap out of the messenger. Why? Because he wasn’t the one the sent the letter. Another reason - because he doesn’t want his brother to swoop in and save the day. Daemon realizes he’s out of options and can no longer fail or he will never be able to prove himself. He apparently agrees to be bait because we next see him row out to the island, grab a white flag, climb a hill and wave it. Once he sees Drahar and his men coming out, he holds out his sword Dark Sister in a sign of surrender.
Men approach him slowly with Crabfeeder looking on warily. Archers above are told to nock their arrows. As soon as one of the soldiers grabs Dark Sister, Daemon grabs a dagger and slices his leg. The Prince is then in complete beast mode as he single-handedly takes out dozens of soldiers while dodging flying arrows. You can see the anger and desperation that fuels him on. He eventually gets hit by two arrows and retreats beneath the hull of a wrecked ship. Drahar’s army circles him, he shakily grabs his sword – he is obviously hurting. You’re not sure what’s going to happen until you see the silver dreads of Corlys and his men appear out the fog. And suddenly, dragon fire! Leanor riding his mount Seasmoke, (A new dragon!!) who is known for his ability to hide in the mists and clouds. Daemon runs after Crabfeeder into his cave and dragon fire and swords are everywhere. It’s an awesome battle scene, and it’s so amazing to get to see dragon riders in action along with the skills of foot soldiers.
We see the war has been won with Daemon dragging half of Drahar’s body out of the cave and into plain site. They won. And they did it without the King.
Throughout this episode there seems to be incredible internal conflict with our three main characters. Viserys struggles even more with the weight of being King, his role as a father, and whether he made the right decision for his heir. Daemon struggles to prove himself to the world without being in the shadow of his brother. There is still a struggle for identity within him after being replaced by Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra is struggling with a sense of duty and responsibility. She struggles with her feelings about Alicent and Aegon and truly understanding where she lies with her father. By the time the episode has ended, each character seems to be that much more rounded out. Because of the time lapses with each episode, it’s almost a coming of age story as well as the story of House Targaryen. The actors each do a brilliant job of allowing viewers to decide for themselves and read between the lines. Each facial expression is so deliberate. You can watch each episode multiple times and get something new each time. Although this particular episode felt slower than others, it was still packed with so much meaning. Until next episode!