ThisHOUSE OF THE DRAGONreview contains spoilers.
That installments awe-inspiring aerial battle presented the kind of glorious spectacle that only the combined forces of George R.R.
Martins imagination and HBOs budget are capable of.
Thats because,as internet poet dril might say, this whole thing smacks of gender.
The sight of Aegons charred body is another win for theHouse of the DragonVFX and makeup departments.
Instead, theres work to be done, as there always seems to be.
But really, there is no debate.
It has to be Aemond (Ewan Mitchell).
This entire war is being fought on the theory that mens voices matter more.
Making Alicent regent now would only concede legitimacy to Rhaenyras claim.
Through four episodes this season, Alicent has endured unimaginable trauma.
Just weeks ago,her eldest grandson was literally beheaded!
She was then compelled to ride through the rickety streets of Kings Landing alongside his hastily stitched-together corpse.
And yet,thisis the thing that necessitates the PTSD zoom-in filter on director Clare Kilners camera.
But of course, why wouldnt it be?
This isnt just a matter of life and death to Alicent.
Its something far more important: its a matter ofAlicentto Alicent.
Over on Dragonstone, Rhaenyra (Emma DArcy) is encountering similar sexist frustrations.
That is to say none.
The realm inherited years of peace from King Jaehaerys I and then King Viserys I.
And yet, Ser Alfred can almost be forgiven for misremembering otherwise.
Why do men carry these swords around if its not to eventually unsheath them?
War is a mans job, or so they say, even if theyve not worked in years.
Corlys proves that hes the right man for the job when he offers to name Baela his new heir.
She turns it down as a true Targaryen, saying I am blood and fire.
Driftmark must pass to salt and sea.
Now if only Corlys knew where to find a salt and sea heir.
Instead of a sword, she got a cup to bear.
And bless her, Rhaenyra seems to be figuring that out.
Its hard to overstate the level to which the Greens are fucking up in Kings Landing right now.
The legitimacy of House Targaryen relies on their mastery of these otherworldly creatures.
The smallfolk not getting paid for their work (like Hugh still hasnt) is problematic, but expected.
Theyre all used to be being exploited by royalty at this point.
The episodes tight focus on sex and gender even extend to the goings-on in Harrenhal.
On paper, Daemon is doing what one would expect from a king in a fantasy novel.
But regardless of what he says, he is no king.
Hes merely a damaged man wandering around the halls of an equally damaged castle.
Naturally, Daemon has graphic sex with this hallucination, because hes Daemon.
But the moment goes far beyond nightmare Freudian psychology.
Daemon doesnt just want Rhaenyra, Laena, Aemma, or even mothers love.
Daemon quite simply wantseverything…because he was told he could have it.
That gods damned iron chair is right there, tantalizingly out of his reach.
This is not war.
This war already has plenty of dragons on both sides.
What it needs is some more good ideas and some more good people.
Are you suggesting we put a Mallister on a dragon?
Rhaenyra asks.Its better than death and defeat, Jace responds.
Rhaenyra begins this episode concerned with her ability to project power.
Would a king have ever come to this realization?
Its impossible to say.
All we know is that five consecutive Targaryen kings didnt and this Targaryen queen did.
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:
5 out of 5
