Sunday HBO delivered the season two finale of House of the Dragon to much disdain. While many viewers felt the shortened season failed to move the needle narratively, our familial characters finally seemed poised for war. “The Queen Who Ever Was” set in motion the bloodshed promised.
The episode highlights as many players as possible, giving viewers a larger scope of the gameboard. The episode opens with Tyland Lannister in Essos, trying to gain the Triarchy’s allegiance to Prince Aemond. They promise to raise their banners in exchange for The Stepping Stones. Plus Tyland must impress their admiral, Lohar, a bold woman who takes a liking to the Lannister. After winning his trust, she requests he father many children with her wives.
Meanwhile, in another land far from King’s Landing, Lady Rhaena struggles to find this elusive dragon. After days alone in the wilderness, a rugged and distraught Rhaena finds the wild creature, allegedly known as Sheep-Stealer.
As Rhaena cherishes this secret victory, Ser Gwayne Hightower and Ser Criston Cole solemnly stare their fate in the face. Criston has become despondent, even depressed, at the truth of their situation. Still shaken by the destruction the dragons wrought on their men days prior, Cole admits all he has is his sword. However distraught, he still manages to blame Rhaenyra for his misfortune.
In King’s Landing, Aemond has grown desperate at the news of Rhaenyra’s accumulation of dragons. Seeing himself outnumbered, he seeks to recruit his sister Helaena and her dragon, Dreamfyre, for the war. Alicent strongly opposes pitting her daughter in the conflict, finally taking a stand against the prince. She even suggests that she and Helaena leave this place. Later, Aemond attempts to coerce his sister again. She refuses, telling him she knows what he did to Aegon, and that their brother will rule again despite Aemond’s best efforts. While Aemond learns of his eventual fate, Aegon and Lord Larys plan an escape to Essos. Larys promises the king can return once Aemond’s treachery ends. He will be viewed as the people’s savior; Aegon the Realm’s Delight.
At Dragonstone, patience with Rhaenyra’s experiment is running thin. Jace is not impressed with the new dragon riders, especially Ulf, who manages to disrespect him and the station in mere minutes. As Jace’s biggest fears come true, Baela reminds him that his lineage and status are secure because his mother, Rhaenyra, is the queen. Elsewhere, Corlys reminds Rhaenyra that it is time to show force with her new fleet. Aemond and Vhagar attacked the village of Sharp Point unannounced. He advises her that they must reply similarly, regardless of the innocent lives that will be lost.
In Harrenhal, Ser Alfred, who was sent to check on Daemon, is prepared to turncoat thinking a woman is not equipped to lead in war. Ser Simon Strong sniffs a whiff of the conspiracy and sends a raven to his queen. Meanwhile, Daemon has a final meeting with Alys Rivers, who reveals that he is nothing more than a piece on the board. In a miraculous scene, Daemon witnesses years into the future via a three-eyed raven, seeing the prophecy of the Song of Ice and Fire. Upon Rhaenyra’s arrival at the castle, Daemon finally bends the knee.
The episode closes with a reversal of a scene earlier in the season. Queen Alicent secretly arrives at Dragonstone, asking Rhaenyra for a truce. Rhaenyra mocks Alicent for her virtue signaling that kept her from revealing the truth of Viserys’ final moments. Alicent suggests they plot a coup with Aegon relinquishing the throne to the just queen. Rhaenyra will only agree once Aegon justly pays for his act of treason with his life. In a twist of fate, Alicent agrees.
Yes, the finale was without a single dragon fire or sword drawn, but that isn’t what makes this series or franchise great. Game of Thrones has always found its strength in the dialogue of whispers and closed-door alliances. The episode delivered in this regard, especially in the final scene between frenemies, Rhaenyra and Alicent. One can assume Alicent’s plan will not go according to plan as Aegon will be absent. And what treachery has befallen Lord Otto Hightower? Will Rhaena finally conquer the skies and join the bastard army? These questions and more will be foretold when season three of House of the Dragon premieres in 2026.
Rating: 8/10