House of the Dragon Episode 6 Review
by Chelsea House “Targaryen,” GGR Chief Media Correspondent
Time jump! 10 years to be exact. I was a little anxious at how Houst of the Dragon would approach such a drastic change. One of my biggest complaints thus far is that the series does dangerously teeter on the edge of rushing things. We’ve already known that this time jump would occur, so it wasn’t shocking, but would the important character building and relationships be glossed over for the sake of just getting to the war? I did certainly relish the watching experience of episode 6 just as much as the others, but I did feel the aforementioned was like a rain cloud threatening a sunny day.
Let’s start with the best place – the first scene. Rhaenyra (Emma D’arcy) is giving birth to her third child, complete with gushing noises and all. As she swaddles her baby boy, grinning and cooing, there already seems to be a distinct difference in how she embraces her children. It was almost impossible for me to not think of Alicent’s hollow, young eyes. Which brings us to the Queen - she demands that the baby be brought to her right way. There’s a look between the princess and her nurse maids before she says she’ll do it herself. Showing that she still possesses the grit of her youth, she stands, gets wiped down and dressed all while passing her afterbirth. In the next she is crouched in discomfort and pain showing exactly how ruthless she is in pushing through because, as she tells Laenor (John MacMillon) when he meets her and asks to escort her – she isn’t going to give Alicent the satisfaction of not being there.
From when he meets her in the corridor to when they reach Alicent’s chambers, we get a glimpse of the relationship between the two. Leanor does seem tender and kind, Rhaenyra acts comfortable around him, but she doesn’t seem as willing to let him dote on his newborn as you would think. He does voice that he “thought we were past this?” and how ridiculous it was that the Queen was requesting the baby be brought. So, this has been done before.
Ser Cristen Cole meets them at the door and his icy look shows he’s still not over Rhaenyra turning him down. They do say that the first cut’s the deepest, I guess? He lets them into the room where Alicent (Olivia Cooke) is majestically getting fitted for a gown, and honestly, it’s the perfect way to reintroduce her because you can tell she’s grown quite comfortable with her role. The Queen is shocked that Rhaenyra came herself and turns into the doting mother, requesting a cushion brought, etc. You can’t really tell if it’s genuine or not – which also shows us that Alicent has learned how to be more sly over the years. Viserys comes in and dotes on his new grandson and his daughter, Laenor announces the baby’s name is Joffrey. Alicent takes the baby to immediately peek under the blanket to see his hair color. She positively glides over to Leanor and says, “Do keep trying, sooner or later you may get one that looks like you.” She gives him an intentional look and glides back over to Viserys. The Queen also notes that Joffrey is an odd name for a Velaryon.
All the implications are making my pits itch, and obviously the same for the Princess who just wants out of the room.
Rhaenyra leaves a trail of blood behind her as she limps back to her bedchambers, scolding Laenor for naming her child without consulting her first. When he argues that he’s his child as well, she states that he hasn’t been super interested in family affairs as of late. Trouble in paradise, I suppose. In the next room two more dark-haired boys show the Princess the egg they have picked for their new brother and Harwin Strong is standing with a large smile on his face. He asks to hold Joffrey. I can’t help but notice how Laenor and Harwin both act fatherly as they usher the other two boys out and it gives me a sister wives feel for the three. Harwin rocks the babe gently, smiling warmly down at him, and Rhaenyra smiles tenderly when no one else is present. There’s a glaring difference in how she handles the two men in concerns to the babe.
In the dragon pit, four of the boys stand with dragon trainers as Jacaerys (Leo Hart) waits for his dragon, Vermax, to be brought to him. A grown Aegon (Ty Tennant) yawns. Aemond (Leo Ashton) is unreadable, while young Lucerys (Harvey Sadler) stands stoically. There’s a striking difference between Rhaenyra and Alicent’s children: silver hair, pale skin, and dark hair. It’s like Ned Stark researching the Lannisters all over again. Vermax is brought hissing, looking every bit the adolescent dragon with his sharp eyes, thin limbs, and lithe body. There’s a struggle for Jacaerys to get control of the dragon with his words, the trainers chastise him saying he has to demand respect from the dragon, and if you’re not paying attention – you miss the comment that Aegon has control of his dragon. Another comparison for the two eldest boys.
The boys rudely pick on Aemond not having a dragon and bring a pig dressed up as one. Rude. He’s over their laughter and condescension. His solution? To wander deeper into the dragon pit and almost get burned to a crisp by a fully grown dragon. (Side Note: I really like the tension between the princes and the dragons. It shows how – even for Targaryens – dragons are dangerous and startling.) He then goes and basically tattles to his mother about it. Alicent has been sitting with her daughter Helaena (Evie Allen) while she is studying a millipede. An important thing she mutters as Alicent lectures her son to get over his obsession with dragons is, “He’ll have to close one eye.” She’s speaking of Aemon while staring intently at the bug. (SPOILER) Those of us who have read the books what that alludes to, and I’m loving the foreshadowing.
Alicent goes to the King, trying to blame Rhaenyra’s boys for egging Aemond on, while Viserys seems more than aware that Aegon had something to do with it. This opens the door for her to try and convince the king that the Velaryons are bastards. The King shuts her down by saying that the weight of her allegations are dire, and he wants her to stop talking about it. Again, Viserys has a way of being so blatantly aware of all things while also being able to downplay them or sweep them away for the sake of peace. He also has such an obvious favoritism towards his eldest daughter.
Alicent complains to Ser Criston Cole that she feels like she’s going crazy. Criston agrees that Rhaenyra is a spoiled... brat. The Queen then goes on a rant about how decency must prevail and what-not. It’s a massive eye roll and you get a super “Karen” feel from her in this scene. Also, Cole is incredibly annoying as well. It’s been ten years, bro. You asked her to let go of the throne and her birthright for you. She rightfully said no, and you’re still holding a grudge. The only thing missing from this scene is cheer squad uniforms, lockers, and a few “as if's!”
In a scene that has created so much great internet fodder, Aegon stands in a window...naked. Just enjoying the breeze. Alicent barges in and – completely unfazed by his teenage tendencies – drills into him about how he needs to stop picking on Aemond: family should be first because his very existence is a threat once Rhaenyra ascends to the throne. She says everyone knows Aegon should be the King. She then leaves the room after telling him to get dressed. Who needs cold showers?
Daemon rides Caraxes and is joined by his breath-taking wife, Laena (Savannah Steyn) who is riding none other than Vhagar! The largest dragon alive! The comparison between her and Caraxes is startling. A group cheers gleefully as they watch the air show. At a feast with the Lords of Pentos, Daemon and Laena are offered riches, land, and luxury in exchange for dragon protection. The Lord indicates that they have three dragons now, possibly four, and indicates Laena’s swollen belly, and Baela (Shani Smethurst) – completely missing Rhaena (Eva Ossei-Gerhing). Daemon is enticed - Laena is not. And as we learn later, she is homesick. She wants her child to be born at Driftmark. She feels they have outworn their welcome. Daemon wants comfort and freedom – a world away from politics...And possibly also a certain someone he couldn’t win over.
Back at the Red Keep, the boys are all practicing swords with Viserys, and Lyonel watches from a balcony while Ser Criston Cole stands as trainer. Viserys, ever the optimist, tells Lyonel with an adorable smile, that this is the stuff! Train together, stay together! Cole calls Aegon and Aemond to come spar with him. Harwin comes out of the shadows and makes a comment about Cole showing favorites – to which those of us watching all groan. Like, you had one job, sir. Just freaking shut your mouth. But nope – here we are, now forced to watch this disaster unfold. Annnyway, Cole, who is now even more of a cocky diva, decides that he will have Jacaerys and Aegon fight – which is totally unfair and Harwin says so. Cole says that is pretty much sword fighting – so get over it. The boys fight and Jacaerys puts up a good fight. But Aegon – being older and assisted by Cole shouting out dirty tricks – ends up knocking him to the ground until Harwin comes to the rescue. Cole taunts Harwin saying it’s odd that he’s so interested in the Velaryon’s training and insinuates that he’s their father. Harwin responds so wisely by beating the crap out of Cole while Viserys and Lyonel both share an “uh oh” look. I mean, be more like Jaimie Lannister, Harwin!
Rhaenyra is informed that there has been an incident and immediately escapes through the secret door that Daemon showed her. She eavesdrops on Harwin and his father, Lyonel, arguing about what accusations Harwin’s little act just opened them up to. Neither will fully admit the parentage of the children, but they both know. Lyonel says that the king is willfully blind, and you can see how this affects Rhaenyra. She doesn’t want to hurt her father. She heads back to her room and the nursemaid gives her a rag of some kind to help with drying up her milk. Her husband busts in with his friend Qarl singing quite merrily and holding cups of wine. Rhaenyra asks Qarl to leave, Laenor explains there’s war in the Stepstones due to an alliance with Dorne, and his friend has been fighting there. He sighs and daydreams about the opportunity to gallivant about the battlefield again. The Princess is irritated that he has not heard the news of Harwin and the accusations. She doesn’t want him leaving during the storm to which he remarks that a wise sailor avoids the storm. He says he’s done his part dutifully and she owes him. She rebuts that she owes him nothing. He’s been able to indulge in the best wine, the finest horses, and the “lustiest” of men. She says that she does not begrudge him because this was their agreement, but you can tell that she also feels abandoned. When he still doesn’t agree to stay, she pulls her “heir” card and demands him to; we see yet another layer to their marriage dynamic.
Back in Pentos, Rhaena sits humming to her dragon egg while warming it by the fire. Laena walks in and says it’s been eight years. She explains only half of the eggs hatch. When the girl seems heartbroken, she explains that she didn’t get a dragon until she was thirteen years old, and now she rides Vhagar! The biggest around! She tells her precious girl that there are other ways to be a rider, she just must earn it, and her father would tell her the same. Rhaena says that her father ignores her. Laena, who seems to know Daemon so very well, holds her daughter close to her and says, “he’s doing his best.” She meets her husband on a roof and tells him that her brother had written saying Rhaenyra gave birth to another son. Daemon asks if it mentions anything about the babe's appearance being like the commander of the city watch. Laena eyes her husband and says no. She talks about longing for home and when the Prince says he never does, she tells him she knows of his library visits where he reads all about his ancestry, and how he never sleeps, and drinks all the time. She knows that he’s not happy, that this isn’t the life he may have wanted, and she isn’t the wife that he really wanted, but he’s so much better than what he’s being now. She lovingly embraces him and kisses his back, and we are well aware that Daemon doesn’t deserve her. Regardless of him “doing his best.”
Council meeting time! There’s obvious tension between Rhaenyra and Alicent as they go back and forth on issues regarding lords and the Step Stones. They both see so differently, and yet you know they would work so well together if they could just let things go. Alicent, finally frustrated, decides to conclude the meeting. Rhaenyra states that she wants to announce something. She apologizes for the tensions between the two, which feels a little ingenuine after their previous debates, and then proposes a betrothal to Halaena and Jacaerys so they can rule together in the future. She even offers Aemond to have first pick of any future clutches that Syrax lays. Alicent doesn’t answer, but points out that the Princess is leaking – I've totally been there before and it’s legit embarrassing. She then excuses herself and the King saying that he needs his rest. On the way to their bed chambers Alicent makes a comment that Rhaenyra is a fox while Viserys states that the union would be good for the families. They need to put aside all of their childish quarrels. The Queen maturely remarks – over her dead body.
Lyonel meets the King while Alicent unnecessarily fusses over her husband. He wants to step down as the Hand due to Harwin’s actions. Viserys won’t let him because of his valuable advice and unbiased opinions. When Lyonel seems hesitant, the King demands him to name the “shadow” that looms over the Strong household. Alicent seems eager for him to also speak it aloud. Lyonel knows better and refuses. The King and the Hand agree that Lyonel can escort the demoted Harwin back to his birthright home of Harrenhal, and then Lyonel will return. Alicent is angry and storms off to her bedchamber where Larys is waiting at a table with dinner for them both. She tells him of the meeting between Larys’s father and the King, to which both are annoyed because they know Harwin is the father of Rhaenyra’s children. He says due to that – Lyonel will no longer be able to be impartial when giving advice. Alicent remarks that her father would be impartial. When Larys states that he really wouldn’t be, she slams her hands down and says that he would at least be partial to her. She further says she doesn’t feel like anyone at Kings Landing looks out for her best interests. I really can’t help but be annoyed with her this episode.
Back in Pentos, Laena is struggling to give birth. The baby isn’t coming and she is exhausted. Daemon gets the same explanation from their maester / doctor (I’m not sure what to call him because he doesn’t have a chain) that Viserys did back in episode one. He can cut the baby out, but there’s no guarantee either will live. Before Daemon can even answer, Laena – knowing her future – decides to take fate into her own hands. She limps out to her dragon, falls on her knees, and begs Vhagar to envelope her in flames. There’s so much wisdom in the old dragon’s eyes, and almost a motherly kindness as she resists the request. Finally, when Laena seems to truly embrace her death, Vhagar opens her mouth and blankets the woman in flames. Daemon comes out just in time to see this and his face seems shocked, but also emotionless. This continues into him “comforting” his daughters on the same rooftop that he and his wife were speaking on not long ago. I know Daemon is... well... Daemon, but he just seems so cold in these scenes and it’s kind of hard to stomach.
Back at the Keep, Harwin is saying goodbye to Rhaenyra and the boys, although a little tenderly, because as he walks out, Jacaerys asks if Harwin is his father. The Princess doesn’t answer directly, she simply says he’s a Targaryen and that’s all that matters, which perhaps is not the wisest thing given their situation. This leads her to tell Laenor that they’re leaving for Dragonstone. She says it’s due to the court laughing at her marriage proposal, I think it’s because she wants to distance herself from the inevitable discovery of her children’s true lineage. He agrees and they set off at once. Viserys shows a moment of deep heartbreak as he tenderly kisses his dead wife Aemma’s ring in his room. Rhaenyra was the last thing he had tying him to her, and I’m sure her leaving has left him feeling that gaping hole. I would also say that even though she was a pain in his royal behind, she was his biggest ally – leaving him feeling so deeply alone on all sides. He peeks up at his mantle as a rat scurries across and there’s an odd expression on his face that maybe only I find interesting? It just felt too intentional to ignore.
After their conversation, Larys heads down to the dungeon and plucks a few prisoners free for the price of a cut out tongue. Their mission we soon discover when Harrenhal is engulfed in flames with both Harwin and Lyonel inside. The following morning’s pile of charred bodies and damaged stones shows that their survival was impossible. As Larys explains this, in so many words, to Alicent, she acts shocked and surprised that he would do such a thing. I’m not really sure how to feel about this scene because although she’s been a huge whiner this whole episode – she has tried to preach the whole “decency” thing. In this particular scene, I think she was expecting something but was genuinely shocked by the distance Larys was willing to go. I mean, those were his brother and father. Sheesh. As he asks her if he should send for her father and explains that she will reward him when the time is right – there's an understanding between the two that there isn’t any going back now.
This episode was quite the doozy. It was littered with comparisons between the children and their parents. It also made me want to connect with Harwin and Laena, but feel so bummed at all of the character and relationship building that would have made us feel so much more impacted by both of their deaths. I have enjoyed this series immensely and will continue to do so, however, it still feels like a missed opportunity on the show. Dropping Daemon with two daughters feels weird after we’ve seen how cold and chaotic he has been. Also his random marriage to Laena isn’t really explained. She does flirt with him at the banquet - but Daemon was hot and heavy over Rhaenyra. So how the heck did that happen? Book readers may also be disappointed in his attitude towards her and his daughters. It’s the same between Rhaenyra and Harwin. They showed no romantic interest towards each other - and now we’re expected to be invested in him as her lover and the father of her children. It just feels a little jolting. It was also hard to go from empathizing with Alicent to suddenly feeling so bothered by her. It’s almost unfair to base all of her grudges off of what happened ten years ago without showing the relationship between her and Rhaenyra over the years. Like I said, it doesn’t ruin the watchability for me - it just leaves me wanting. Until next episode!