In true House of the Dragon fashion, Episode 2 of Season 2 continues with its signature blend of political manoeuvring and sudden, brutal violence. While last week’s premiere left us reeling from a particularly harrowing scene, this episode offers a different kind of tension with a gripping fight between two knights.
There are spoilers for “Rhaenyra the Cruel.” You’ve been warned.
Twin Against Twin
Let’s start with the climax of this episode, as it’s sure to be the most talked-about moment. The Cargyll twins, Arryk and Erryk, portrayed by real-life twins Luke and Elliot Tittensor, engage in a dramatic fight to the death. Their conflict stems from their loyalties to different queens, with Erryk aligning himself with Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Arryk remaining loyal to Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney). This fight is not only a showcase of superb casting but also a heart-wrenching depiction of divided loyalties and the personal costs of war.
The twins were once Kingsguard knights under King Viserys I (Paddy Considine). However, the coup at the end of last season split them apart. Disgusted by Aegon’s debauchery, Erryk pledges allegiance to Rhaenyra, while Arryk remains steadfast in his oath to protect the throne, regardless of the king’s flaws.
Lord Commander Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) is frustrated with himself for the fact that the young prince Jaehaerys was murdered under his watch and takes out his pettiness on Arryk, ordering him on a suicide mission to sneak into Dragonstone, impersonate his twin, and assassinate Rhaenyra. Arryk doesn’t want to go on the mission, recognizing it for the misstep it is, but Cole sends him anyway without consulting Aegon or the Hand of the King, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans).
Arryk might have been successful if it wasn’t for the White Worm, Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) as she passes, noticing him. It’s not called out on screen, but I have to think she sounded the alarm.
While Arryk makes it to Rhaenyra’s bedchambers, he’s interrupted in his advance on the Queen by his twin. As the twin fight, it’s almost impossible to tell which twin is which, leaving those who rush in to help Rhaenyra unable to tell who they should assist. In the end, both brothers fall, with the latter asking for Rhaenyra’s forgiveness before falling on his sword. Watchers are still left wondering if it was Erryk asking for forgiveness for failing to protect his Queen or Arryk grieving the death of his brother.
Political Machinations and Personal Strife
The episode also delves into the ongoing political machinations in King’s Landing. Otto Hightower attempts to garner public sympathy and anger towards Rhaenyra by parading the body of the murdered prince Jaehaerys. His plan nearly succeeds until Aegon’s rash decision to execute the castle’s ratcatchers, including the notorious Cheese, undermines Otto’s efforts. This act of brutality sparks outrage and further complicates the political landscape.
In Dragonstone, tensions run high as Rhaenyra and Daemon (Matt Smith) grapple with their grief and anger. Rhaenyra is furious with Daemon for his involvement in the prince’s death, leading to a heated argument that highlights the strain on their relationship. Despite Daemon’s claim that it was a mistake and he did not call for the young boy’s death, Rhaenyra doesn’t trust him. Daemon’s subsequent departure to Harrenhal to raise an army sets the stage for further conflict.
New Faces and Ongoing Conflicts
Outside the royal courts, the episode introduces new characters and deepens the stories of existing ones. We see more of Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) and his brother Addam (Clinton Liberty), as well as the struggles of blacksmith Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew), who is facing dire straits with a sickly daughter. While it’s not clear exactly what roles these characters will play, I’m excited to see their part in the Dance of Dragons.
Until Next Week
In conclusion, Episode 2 of House of the Dragon Season 2 continues to build on the series’ strong foundation. While the characters may not evoke the same affection as those in Game of Thrones (bring back Tyrion), the show’s rich narrative and dramatic tension ensure it remains a compelling watch.
Random Thoughts
- Harrenhal is spooky already and really plays into the rumours we heard about it in Game Of Thrones.
- Otto Hightower always looks like he’s surrounded by a sea of idiots.
- Daemon feels a little one-sided this season and I wish they’d add more of the depth of his character (particularly his grey nature) to the show.
