The conclusion of the first episode of House of the Dragon season 2 is undeniably its most intense, setting the stage for significant repercussions that will reverberate throughout the rest of the series. Overall, the episode delivers exactly what viewers anticipated.
Continuing directly from the conclusion of season 1 of House of the Dragon, it closely mirrors the format of many previous Game of Thrones episode 1s by establishing the groundwork for the unfolding events that will gradually be revealed in the upcoming episodes.
1. How does Episode 1 End?
In the end, Daemon Targaryen makes a deal with two unidentified men who are employed at the Red Keep (known as Blood and Cheese in the book) to assassinate Prince Aemond Targaryen.
However, they mistakenly target the wrong Targaryen prince, resulting in the murder of Aegon and Helaena’s son, Jaehaerys, ultimately leading to the brutal and unstoppable Dance of the Dragons.
Did Blood & Cheese Kill Jaehaerys Under Daemon’s Orders?
Daemon’s directive to Blood and Cheese is unambiguous: Eliminate Aemond Targaryen.
Despite the imminent danger presented by The Dance of Dragons, the series intriguingly poses one unanswered question: What if they are unable to locate him?
The focus shifts to Daemon in the present. While Cheese may have implied that their task was to “produce a son for a son,”this statement allows for doubt and speculation regarding Daemon’s true motives and the possibility that it was not his direct command.
In the novel, Daemon’s character assumes a different role. He does not travel to King’s Landing, and instead, Mysaria carries out the events according to his guidance.
The intended target is not Aemond, but one of Aegon’s sons. This deviation from the original material allows viewers to form their own interpretations, which appears to be the show’s deliberate choice.
3. Why did Helaena choose Jaehaerys to die?
In the book Fire & Blood, Helaena is faced with the difficult decision of choosing one of her sons to be killed by Blood and Cheese. Ultimately, she decides on her youngest son, Prince Maelor.
Although he is not seen in this particular point in the TV series, Helaena still has the opportunity to make her decision when she points to which of the twins is the boy. And, as it is later discovered, her claim was accurate as Cheese had suspected: “They murdered the boy.”
Despite everything else, it is clear that Aegon is most interested in Jaehaerys during the premiere. He expects his son to fulfill his role as heir and attend Small Council meetings, but Helaena questions whether Jaehaerys truly desires to become king.
Jaehaerys will inevitably have no other option. As Aegon’s eldest son, he is entitled to inherit the Iron Throne and all its accompanying responsibilities, much to the dismay of Helaena.
It’s significant that she opted to rescue the girl, a decision that goes against what Aegon would likely have done in the same circumstance. Despite the difficult decision, Helaena chooses what she believes is right, rather than following in Aegon’s footsteps; she refuses to sacrifice another woman to ensure a male’s victory.
Despite the horror present, the decision to make it a clear binary choice between a boy and girl in the series may be more in line with the show’s themes, which is why it cannot be ignored. This differs from the book’s portrayal of the situation.
4. What is the significance of Prince Jaehaerys’ death?
While Jaehaerys’s death may not seem significant in the grand scheme of things, it holds a symbolic weight similar to that of Lucerys’s death. It serves as a stark reminder that the Dance of the Dragons has reached a point of no return, and that civil war is inevitable. Just like Lucerys’s murder, Jaehaerys’s death signifies the irreversible path that the kingdom is now on.
That may have been an accepted truth for some, but this solidifies it beyond doubt. Aegon will be forced to retaliate with even greater force, and in turn, Rhaenyra will be obliged to respond in kind. Both will have no option but to release their dragons, scorch everything in their path, and eliminate as many enemies as they can.
Those directly involved will also face the consequences. Up until this point, Aegon has not been a competent ruler, but that will change as he is determined to seek vengeance.
If the events in the book were to occur, Helaena would undoubtedly be overwhelmed with sorrow. As previously mentioned, Alicent would also be plagued with remorse. Rhaenyra, of course, would become aware of the situation, potentially causing further strain between her and Daemon. This could lead to even greater divisions and fractures among loyalties, despite the war only just beginning.
5. How will Blood & Cheese change Rhaenyra’s revenge plan?
Rhaenyra’s words were the catalyst for Daemon’s swift response: “I must have Aemond Targaryen.”She was unaware of the measures he would take to fulfill her request and the potential chaos it would create.
Although he may have intended to secure her a triumph, the current outcome is likely to be viewed as a defeat for her. The death of Jaehaerys will be attributed to Rhaenyra, which will significantly hinder her efforts to gain support among the people of Westeros.
At the very least, anticipate Rhaenyra’s efforts to discover an alternative solution to end the war without the use of dragons, as she is fully aware of the heinousness of the crime that has been committed.
6. Importance of Alicent Lighting a Candle for Alerle Florent and Lucerys Velaryon
Before all the chaos, Alicent takes a moment to light candles in remembrance of loved ones she has lost. Among them are Alerie Florent, her mother; Viserys Targaryen, her husband; and Lucerys Velaryon, her grandson-in-law. While the significance of Viserys may be obvious, the inclusion of the other two names is intriguing.
This is the first time in history that the name and house of Alicent’s mother have been officially confirmed, making it an exciting reveal. Furthermore, there is intriguing context surrounding this revelation.
The symbol of House Florent is a fox surrounded by a ring of blue flowers. This is reminiscent of Alicent’s wardrobe in the first episodes of House of the Dragon season 1, as she often wore blue dresses that perfectly complemented her red hair, representing the colors of the house.
This implied that she was more of a Florent than a Hightower, as seen in episode 5 when she dramatically shifted to the green flame of the latter. This was when the true divisions between the two were revealed.
In the meantime, choosing to name Lucerys reveals Alicent’s remorse for his passing. It did not suggest that she had a strong bond with the boy, but rather that his death marked the end of her friendship with Rhaenyra.
This demonstrates that while she still has some respect for her former companion, it remains uncertain if this sentiment will be acknowledged or permitted in the future of House of the Dragon.
About House Of The Dragon
The prequel series, House of the Dragon, is based on George R. R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood and serves as a continuation of the hugely popular Game of Thrones on HBO.
Taking place three hundred years prior to the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon will depict the Targaryen family’s reign over Westeros before the extinction of their dragons. The series will focus on the infamous Dance of the Dragons, a civil war between siblings Aegon II and Rhaenyra, vying for the throne following the passing of their father, Viserys I.
The show, directed by Ryan Condall and Miguel Sapochnik, features an all-star cast including Paddy Considine as Viserys I Targaryen, Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, Tom Glynn-Craney as Aegon II Targaryen, Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon, Eve Best as Rhaenys Velaryon, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria, Fabien Frankel as Criston Cole, and Graham McTavish.
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