House of the Dragon 2×07: A Litmus Test for the Targaryens

The penultimate episode of the second season of the series. House of the Dragon makes one thing clear: the need to find a strategic focal point for the battle, where neither side of the Targaryens has an advantage. At the moment, everything seems to be about the emergence of a power that transcends the factions and resides in the dragons.

In fact, with Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) falling flat on his back, the series seems particularly interested in revealing that power depends on chance, bad decisions and, especially, the inability of the combatants to act. understand the dangers they will have to face.

But this time the dispute touched on an even more complex issue. Episode Seven House of the Dragon began with Addam di Hall (Clinton Liberty) at the feet of Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Darcy), not only offering his sincere devotion, but also confirming that all dragon power—at least in the character’s mind—flows through Dragonstone. It’s a simple but powerful resource that allows us to understand the central plot of the chapter.

Fire as currency

This time, all the warring factions need is to make sure the firepower is on their side. This is not a simple matter, however. To the Black Queen, Addam’s very existence (and the fact that he was chosen by the Mist) shows that, beyond the nobles associated with House Targaryen, a dragon rider could come from anywhere.

This is at odds with Dragonstone’s stance of parading Meleys’ head around King’s Landing. If someone can ride mythical beasts, are they really gods? More dangerously, are the Targaryens invincible? For now, however, the Queen seems to be avoiding such niceties. This is because his primary goal It becomes stronger in the midst of a series of situations that are not favorable to it.

In a tactical error, Rhaenyra decides that the search for dragon seeds will henceforth take place between the city of King’s Landing and its outskirts. Inspired by the advice of Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno), the queen almost unknowingly shakes the bastions of power in House of the Dragon. Much more so when the big question everyone is asking is whether he can do it faced with a war that had so far seen several clear setbacks.

Perhaps for this reason, a significant part of the new episode House of the Dragon“, written by David Hancock and directed by Loni Perister, shows this telluric upheaval of what the series assumes to be agency. Gradually, Rhaenyra’s decision reveals the gulf separating her from those around her. Jace (Harry Collette) speaks out loud for the first time about his status as a bastard. Worse: He makes it clear that his place as a prince is tied to his ability to ride a dragon. Which, again, represents a crossroads. If someone can ride a dragon, what makes a Targaryen any better?

The episode oscillates between questions like these, which are essential to understanding the story’s progression, and Rhaenyra’s decision to “raise an army of bastards.” The plan is, of course, fraught with flaws. According to Mysaria, the Targaryens are raising bastards by the dozen in King’s Landing. But none of them belong to known or suspected lovers, but to pleasure houses. How to confirm their identities? Rhaenyra once again shows herself to be ambitious rather than cautious, and, whatever that means, He calls upon anyone whose blood can be connected to his blood.

Deadly Deal

Thus, House of the Dragon explores characters that will be of interest in the season two finale, as well as in season three: Ulf (Tom Bennett) and Hugh (Kieran Bew), who has already shown interest in a better life. However, it is the latter that becomes the plot’s element of interest. The bastard son of Princess Saera, daughter of King Jaehaerys I, he has every chance of finding a place for himself on Dragonstone.

The Queen’s cure is simple. Those who wish to die – on their terms, rather than at the hands of the Greens – may try their luck in the abyss of Dragonstone. This decision pits the Black Queen against the Dragon Keepers. who stand on the sidelines in the middle of the situation, shocked at what this could mean.

So it is Rainer who finally summons the giant Vermithor. On this occasion, House of the Dragon shows the second oldest beast in Westeros as a mythical creature superior to any other dragon shown so far. And he is cruel and ruthless enough to breathe fire without the slightest provocation.

In the end, the truth is undeniable. Vermithor chooses Hugh as his rider in honor of his family line, and demonstrates that the former grandson of King Jaehaerys Ie just became part of the force that needs to be taken into account.

Fear and Mistakes at Harrenhal

Again, the weakest element of this compact chapter House of the Dragon — is a twist detailing Damon’s (Matt Smith) actions at ancient Harrenhal. On this occasion, with the support of Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes), the king’s wife gets a reality check. On the one hand, no matter how many attempts she makes to establish herself in the sphere of power, The people’s loyalty is on Rhaenyra’s side.

The other extreme is that you must admit your mistakes. Including killing Lord Blackwood (Jack Parry-Jones) as a test of loyalty and respect. To not change, House of the Dragon gave another vision to the DemonThis time he could see Viserys (Paddy Considine) on the brink of death. Power tempts him, his hands are outstretched, and the old king is about to give in. A word on what’s in store for the season finale? We’ll just have to wait.