How do you stop a war that’s already begun?
Rhaenyra endeavors to find out on House of the Dragon season 2 episode 3.
ThisHouse of the Dragonreview contains spoilers.
If that didnt officially kick off the war then surelyBlood and Cheesehad to do it, right?
Historians will call this skirmish The Battle of the Burning Mill.
You know: typical Blackwood and Bracken stuff.
The ancient beef between the two Riverland families is much more than just George R.R.
One moment youre claiming your sheep has grazing rights beyond those stones.
The next moment youre marinating The Trident with your rancid corpse.
Hotter blood has prevailed.
Soon they will not even remember what started the war in the first place.
Sin begets sin begets sin.
Their wisdom informs the rest of this episode beautifully.
Initially, I did not care for the ending ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2 episode 3.
Now, Rhaenyra throws on a Silent Sisters robe and makes it into the belly of the beast again?
At this point, just keep sneaking in and assassinating people until the war is over.
More importantly: its an emotionally sound one for the two women involved.
MartinsFire & Bloodsource material.
*Friendship being a light term here.
Not even his ineptitude leading to the death of her grandson was enough to stop before then.
Its also led to some unavoidable narrative headaches.
But Rhaenyra and Alicent, the two girls who liked to read under the weirwood tree, would.
But even beyond that, there really is a ton going on here.
Despite being a few minutes shorter than last weeks installment, this week finds ample time for everyone.
Always coming and going arent you?
Daemons Harrenhal nightmares work surprisingly well, however.
But most of the credit must go to Smith.
Similarly effective this week is the depiction of Aegons continued disintegration.
These tendencies are reflected in his hilariously ineffective selections for new Kingsguard knights following the death of Ser Erryk.
Criston, meanwhile, is already proving to be a terrible Hand of the King.
Any pattern-recognizing brain can discern that something is going on here.
House of the Dragonseason 2 episode 3 is a narratively chaotic installment that features a logistically challenging ending.
Thankfully, The Battle of The Burning Mill at episodes beginning keeps everything on a strong thematic track.
New episodes of House of the Dragon season 2 premiere Sundays at 9 p.m.
Learn more about Den of Geeks review process and why it’s possible for you to trust our recommendationshere.
Rating:
4 out of 5
