House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5 Recap

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5 Recap

Highlights

  • House of the Dragon season 2 dives deep into political turmoil and power struggles post-tragic events, setting the stage for escalating tensions.
  • Alicent’s failed bid for the throne highlights gender bias and the dark humor of political betrayal, as Aemond takes power amid chaos.
  • Rhaenyra’s evolving strategy includes recruiting new dragon riders and sparking unrest, as Daemon’s campaign faces obstacles at Harrenhal.

As a seasoned advisor to several rulers throughout the Realm, I’ve seen it all – the power plays, the betrayals, and the endless quest for the Iron Throne. Yet, nothing quite compares to the tumultuous situation unfolding in King’s Landing right now.


As a passionate fan, I’ve been following the thrilling journey of “House of the Dragon” through its tumultuous events. After witnessing the heart-wrenching demise of a beloved character like Rhaenys and the severe maiming of another questionable figure in Aegon, many fans, including myself, hoped to see Aemond Targaryen step down from his power. Alas, the one-eyed wonder defied our expectations and seized the throne instead. Westeros is known for the corrupting influence of power, but some characters seem to come prepared with their own brand of corruption.

Claire Kilner, the director, returns following her work on the second episode. For the writing duties of “Regent,” there’s a fresh face in Ti Mikkel. Based on Mikkel’s IMDb profile, she has previously served as an assistant to Vince Gerardis, a producer on “Game of Thrones.” Mikkel holds credits such as “Additional Crew” or “consultant” for all episodes in the first season of “House of the Dragon.” Moreover, she is recognized as a story editor for each episode of the second season up to this point.

Is Aegon alive after Rook’s Rest?

Title

“Regent”

Director

Claire Kilner

Writer

Ti Mikkel

Release Date

July 14, 2024

As a dedicated fan, I’d put it this way: I wasn’t at all shocked to discover that Aegon II Targaryen is still alive. Sadly, Rhaenys Targaryen has met her end. The majority of “Regent” revolves around grieving the demise of the Queen Who Never Was and managing the chaos following the king’s severe injury. Rhaenyra, Corlys, and Baela each take their turn to mourn their loss. Meanwhile, Cole leads a triumphant procession through King’s Landing, brandishing Meleys’s grisly head as a grisly trophy. The common folk react with terror instead of jubilation, while Alicent watches disapprovingly, casting sidelong glances at Aemond. Aemond refuses to confess his role in the events, and Cole remains tight-lipped. This creates an ironic situation as the show portrays the leaders of both factions.

Aegon is severely burnt, his Valyrian steel armor adhered to his charred flesh. The Maesters work diligently, yet it’s uncertain when, or if, the king will regain consciousness. In the meantime, potential successors eagerly present their cases for the throne, leaving a power vacuum. At Dragonstone, Rhaenyra has spent weeks locked in discussions with lords pledging allegiance to the crown while expressing discontent with its female occupant. Rhaenys’ absence is palpable as she would have been a vocal advocate in these debates. Rhaenyra retorts wittily when Alfred Broome questions her military expertise, reminding him that her father fostered generations of peace, resulting in neither Broome nor any lady having more battle experience than Rhaenyra herself. Alicent remained aloof from the debate until she became embroiled in the issue.

The “Leopards Eat People’s Faces Party” meme originated from a popular 2015 tweet by Adrian Bott. The humor lies in the fact that the post’s focal character believed she could join this absurdly named political group without any harm coming to her personally. Alicent Hightower manages to retain her face for now, but she has unwittingly become a target of this meme. Alicent positions herself as an interim ruler in place of her son, yet most voices in the room vehemently object to the idea of a woman ascending the Iron Throne. It seems Alicent had forgotten that the primary reason people back her son’s claim to the throne is due to his gender. Just as predicted, Aemond assumes the throne with widespread approval, despite his evident cruelty and tendency to betray others.

How is Daemon’s campaign at Harrenhal going?

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5 Recap

I’m a big fan of Daemon Targaryen’s bold strategies, but even I have to admit that his current predicament is causing him some distress. With House Blackwood’s forces under his command, he longs for the allegiance of the Brackens as well. Yet, rest and sound judgment continue to elude him, with Harrenhal’s ominous presence taking a toll on his mental health. I can’t help but shudder at the bizarre thoughts that cross his mind during dinner, like imagining inappropriate scenarios involving his own mother.

Jacearys has been imploring for an opportunity to showcase his abilities for quite some time. However, instead of continuously asking, he decides to take matters into his own hands. Jace embarks on a journey to the Twins, aiming to form an alliance with House Frey. The negotiations prove challenging, but Jace is determined and clear about his objectives. All he requires from the Freys is a clear path for Cregan Stark’s northern army to reach the Riverlands. In doing so, Jace would outmaneuver Daemon and secure a formidable ground force for his mother. The Freys put up a strong resistance, insisting on Harrenhal as compensation. Jace consents, obtaining their pledge of allegiance in return. Jace has achieved a significantly more favorable outcome with just a day’s journey compared to what his uncle/stepfather managed during the entire season thus far.

How has Rhaenyra’s strategy evolved?

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5 Recap

In King’s Landing, chaos reigns as Aemond shuts the city gates against his people, inciting riots among the common folk. This tumultuous situation presents an opportunity for action that may not come again. Rhaenyra faces resistance from her small council as they disregard her suggestions and propose ill-conceived plans. Desperate to take matters into her own hands, she longs to lead her dragon into battle and end the conflict single-handedly. However, her advisors caution against putting their queen in harm’s way. Mysaria proposes a plan: with Rhaenyra’s approval, she sends one of Rhaenyra’s handmaidens to King’s Landing to fan the flames of rebellion and amplify unrest within the capital. Seeking fresh perspective for her council, Rhaenyra makes an unexpected appointment, offering Corlys Velaryon the title of Hand of the Queen. Though hesitant, a conversation with Baela appears to sway him in favor of accepting the position. In response to the challenges in her marriage and the need to keep Daemon in line, Rhaenyra sends Alfred Broome to Harrenhal to monitor and report on the rogue prince. It’s high time that Daemon is reined in.

Lastly, Rhaenyra converses with Jace upon his return home. She expresses her pride in their son, yet laments her own timidness in comparison. Feeling confined, she voices concern over their dragonless state hindering their path to triumph. Jace counters by reminding her of the dragons they do possess but lack riders. Through a brief exchange, it becomes clear that numerous unnamed Targaryen descendants reside throughout the Seven Kingdoms. If just a few of these potential heirs form a bond with Rhaenyra’s dragons, their military strength amplifies significantly. It’s now crucial to incorporate the Dragonseed lineage into the ongoing “Dance of the Dragons.”

After the events of “The Red Dragon and the Gold,” a power struggle known as “Regent” ensued. This political battle shifted the positions of all characters in unexpected ways. The first five episodes have set the stage for significant developments in the final three. With Aemond now on the throne and Rhaenyra searching for new dragon riders, the Dance of the Dragons is poised to intensify once more.

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2024-07-15 17:04