While there have been bellows of rage (quite like Vhagar) over the finale of Season 2 of “House of the Dragon” being perceived as anticlimactic, with fans lamenting the long wait for Season 3 and its anticipated epic battles, ‘The Queen Who Ever Was,’ the eighth episode of the highly popular fantasy series, still offers much to enjoy and discuss.
The show, based on George R.R. Martin’s novel “Fire & Blood,” serves as a prequel to the acclaimed “Game of Thrones” series and details the beginning of the Targaryen dynasty’s decline. The much-discussed episode opens in Tyrosh with Tyland Lannister (portrayed by Jefferson Hall) in negotiations with the Triarchy to break a blockade. The negotiations are tough, involving a scene where Tyland must engage in mud wrestling with Admiral Lohar (Abigail Thorn).
Simultaneously, in King’s Landing, Aemond (played by Ewan Mitchell) is enraged by Rhaenyra’s (Emma D’Arcy) actions of allowing common folk to ride dragons. He expresses his fury by devastating an entire city. Jacaerys (Harry Collett), Rhaenyra’s son, is similarly displeased with the notion of illegitimate Targaryens riding dragons. Ulf (Tom Bennett), a newly appointed dragon rider, worsens his situation by being disrespectful towards Jacaerys. Meanwhile, the badly burnt Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is persuaded by Larys (Matthew Needham) to abandon King’s Landing and live to fight another day.
The episode also takes a poignant turn with Corlys (Steve Toussaint) naming his ship “The Queen Who Ever Was” in honor of his deceased wife, Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best). His confrontation with his illegitimate son, Alyn (Abubakar Salim), reveals harsh truths about himself, adding depth to his character.
Two notable character arcs reach satisfying conclusions. First, Daemon (Matt Smith), who starts the season with a vengeful cry of “A son for a son,” leaves Dragonstone for Harrenhal, where he experiences disturbing visions.
. By the episode’s end, he understands his role within the grander narrative, hinting at future events involving Daenerys and the three dragon eggs. Daemon’s act of kneeling before his queen signifies a meaningful closure for his character.
A still from ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 | Photo Credit: HBO
Alicent (Olivia Cooke) undergoes significant personal growth, realizing the futility of political machinations and deciding to liberate herself from the burdens of others’ expectations. Her clandestine meeting with Rhaenyra adds an emotional layer, highlighted by Rhaenyra’s stark demand of “a son for a son.” The complex blend of warmth, affection, hurt, grief, and anger between these erstwhile friends-turned-enemies is masterfully portrayed.
The episode further showcases Queen Helaena (Phia Saban), who, when coerced by Aemond to ride a dragon, envisions a grim future for the impulsive, wrathful Prince Regent. The episode concludes with a montage: Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) discovering a wild dragon, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) waking up trapped in a cage, and hosts from various kingdoms gearing up for battle.
The production values remain exceptional. The dragons are portrayed in all their sublime glory, the sets are lush and immersive, the lighting adds an ethereal quality, and the costumes are intricately detailed. Ramin Djawadi’s music evokes the perfect blend of rousing and somber tones, and the acting, particularly by Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith, and Ewan Mitchell, is of the highest calibre.
A still from ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 | Photo Credit: HBO
Though there have been murmurs suggesting that ‘The Queen Who Ever Was’ might have worked better as a penultimate episode rather than a series finale, it unquestionably whets the audience’s appetite for the forthcoming Season 3. While it may lack the shocking punch of the Season 1 finale, it remains engaging and thought-provoking. Patience, as the saying goes, is indeed a virtue.
All episodes of “House of the Dragon” are currently available for streaming on JioCinema.
