With Sunday night’s episode of House of the Dragon, fans got their first real dragon battle of the Dance of Dragons—we’re not counting the tragic finale of Season 1 since that could never be considered a battle. This time, Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) and his formidable dragon, Vhagar, take center stage once again, unleashing chaos and death in a scene that both aligns with and diverges from George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood.
Spoilers Ahead
The episode opens with tensions running high in King’s Landing, particularly for King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney). During a Small Council meeting, Aegon is shocked to discover that Aemond and Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) have been orchestrating the war efforts behind his back. Enraged by this betrayal, Aegon attempts to assert his authority by ordering them to halt their plans to attack Rook’s Rest, preferring instead to focus on capturing Harrenhal.
However, Aemond dismisses his brother’s commands, informing him that the attack on Rook’s Rest is already underway. Speaking in Valyrian, Aemond’s fluency starkly contrasts with Aegon’s broken responses, highlighting the growing rift between the brothers.
Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) must deal with her own irritable council when she returns to Dragonstone. It seems everyone is angry with her unexplained absence, even more so when she tells them she went to King’s Landing.
Frustrated and humiliated, Aegon seeks solace from his mother, Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke). Instead of comforting him, Alicent delivers a harsh dose of reality, questioning his capability to rule. Her words cut deep, and Aegon is left to stew in his indignation. Despite his mother’s advice to do nothing, Aegon decides to take matters into his own hands, mounting his dragon Sunfyre and flying to Rook’s Rest to join the battle.
The Battle at Rook’s Rest
The highlight of the episode is undoubtedly the dragon battle at Rook’s Rest. Unlike the tragic death of Lucerys in Season 1, this scene is both epic and harrowing, staying true to Martin’s narrative while adding its own twists. Aegon, unaware of the trap laid by Aemond and Cole, arrives at the seaside keep, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
Rhaenys (Eve Best) arrives with her dragon Meleys, after volunteering to fight in the battle in the wake of learning of her husband’s bastard sons. Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) is devastated at the thought, but, with no other choices, allows her to go.
The battle is visually stunning, with Meleys and Sunfyre clashing in a fiery spectacle that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. With the appearance of his brother Aemond, Aegon briefly looks like he thinks he’ll win. That is until Aemond turns Vhagar on his own brother, mortally wounding Sunfyre and causing both dragon and rider to fall from the sky.
On the ground, Cole panics in seeing his King fall from the sky while realizing his plan to lure a dragon in to the battle and take it out with a waiting Vhagar might have backfired on him.
Meanwhile, Rhaenys flies away. Then, by whatever madness drove her, she turns back into the fray. Meleys and Vhagar grapple, but Aemond ambushes Rhaenys, killing Meleys and causing them both to crash into the castle below.
Other Happenings
There were two other things that happened in this episode that can’t be ignored. First, Rhaenyra tells her son and heir, Jace, about the Song of Ice and Fire. Meanwhile, Daemon (Matt Smith) continues to be absorbed by visions at Harrenhal. The only question is if these visions will help or harm him.
Conclusion
Episode 4 of House of the Dragon delivers a compelling mix of political intrigue and explosive action. The rift between Aegon and Aemond deepens, setting the stage for further conflict within the Targaryen family. The battle at Rook’s Rest is a standout moment, showcasing the show’s ability to balance epic fantasy with deeply personal stakes. As the season progresses, the Dance of the Dragons promises to become even more intense and unpredictable.
Scattered Thoughts:
- The exchange between Aegon and Alicent highlights the difference in parenting techniques between the once friend Alicent and Rhaenyra.
- Alicent’s abortion of what is assumed to be Criston Cole’s child is a stark reminder of her attacks on Rhaenyra’s children.
