House of the Dragon Season 2 Episodes 3 and 4 Review

Daemon wakes up with blood on his hands.

Source: HBO

Overall 7.4/10

Story 7.3/10

Rhaenyra meets with Alicent, in an effort, to keep the peace. Alicent discovers that she was mistaken about Viserys’ wishes. But at this point, it doesn’t matter. Too much blood has already been spilled. 

Meanwhile, Daemon continues to hurt Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne. Criston Cole and Aemond plot behind Aegon's back. Aegon puts himself in harm’s way to prove he is worthy to be king. And Rhaenyra fully commits to the war for the Iron Throne.

The writers provide the audience with wonderful foreshadowing, in these two episodes, through symbolism. But the characters are either too blind to see what the symbols portend or are powerless to stop the momentum of the dread to come.

Aegon hides behind his chair, as he addresses the small council.

Source: HBO

Character 7.5/10

Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma Darcy) wants to maintain peace, but she wants her throne. She finally realizes that she’ll have to sacrifice one for the other. 

Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) is traitorous trash. He is a selfish waste of space. Daemon is an untrustworthy villain.

Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) has always been about family, duty and making the right decisions. But this viewer wishes she would’ve chosen differently this time. 

Lord Corlys Velaryen (Steve Toussaint) is in no hurry to name a new Lord of the Tides. The reasoning is incomprehensible with the war looming on the horizon. Could he be keeping the position vacant for his illegitimate son?

Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cook), ever the hypocrite, has finally come to the terrible realization of what she may have set in motion. Now she reads the histories in search of absolution. The viewer predicts that she will only find that all this terrible chaos and bloodshed is her fault. 

Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glenn-Carney) is arrogant and foolish. He thinks people should respect him just because he wears the crown. But he has no respect for the crown himself. In fairness, he never wanted to be king. He prefers to spend his time in brothels rather than in libraries learning things beneficial to his rule. 

Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) has suffered slights at the hands of others—particularly his brother, who is not fit to be king. Aemond has had his fill. He's always wanted to be king. And when he has his chance, he takes it.

Rhaenys takes a moment with her dragon, Meleys, before battle.

Source: HBO

Final Thoughts

The die has been cast. House Targaryen will burn. And the writers have set a splendid fire.