I absolutely loved everything about this episode and despite it being so early in the season, I am naming it as my favorite right now.

The themes of grief and usage of symbolism throughout the episode felt like old school Game of Thrones with its show, not tell style of narrative storytelling.

Symbolism of The Greens Destroying House Targaryen

Again, it was absolutely amazing to see the subtle touches of foreshadowing and introspection into characters based on the set dress of certain scenes alone.

We know that Alicent and Criston got it on in Rhaenyra’s old bedroom based on the Inside the Episode segment, and I found it interesting that Aegon II’s destruction of Viserys’ Old Valyria diorama and the firing of Otto Hightower as Hand took place in the same room. There was even this nice touch of the servants cleaning up the last remnant of a shattered tower or home just as Otto enters the room, moments later realizing he was wrong to let Aegon ascend to the throne.

In those moments, the utter deference of Otto seemingly reminiscing about how good of a man (and how “pliable”) King Viserys was juxtaposed with Aegon parroting Larys’ words was almost jarring to see. Otto speaking of dignity certainly evoked the level of respect Viserys gave Otto despite his many transgressions against himself and his brother – as we all know the King drew the line at his daughter (and heir) – Rhaenyra.

Otto throwing the pin on the floor and it landing in front of Ser Criston is essentially foreshadowing for his time served as Hand.  Very much differing from Viserys gently removing the hand pin from Otto’s lapel as he sternly thanked him for his service to the realm. (Or even Rhaenyra taking the pin and tossing it aside from Otto when he showed up at Dragonstone last season.)

The Doom of Valyria Painting

I noticed this last week, but since it was highlighted this episode can we talk about how Blood and Cheese passed both the watchful gaze of Viserys’ statue in the throne room and the Doom of Valyria tapestry before going to commit their heinous crime?

Or that Aemond astutely read the room, noticed the missing coin, and then later shared regret over killing Lucerys while at a brothel? Which by the way, isn’t that the lady who tried to approach Aemond when he was with one of the twins during the season one hunt for Aegon just before his coronation?

I am somewhat surprised Aemond went to find a whore (he didn’t really seem to like) after the business with Ser Criston and Otto, but judging by his reaction when she tried kissing him in public, it seems like Aemond really went to satisfy his emotional needs. He even exposed his sapphire eye, which from my understanding from the books he only does in privacy as to not offend the Highborn ladies at court.

Alyn and Addam of Hull

Lord Corlys’ bastard sons Alyn and Addam of Hull were shown again this episode.

Despite Alyn saving Lord Corlys’ life while at sea fighting the Triarchy, he doesn’t seem to want to curry favor with his lord father. On the other hand, Addam seems to be chomping at the bit at the chance to prove himself,  and get closer to the most wealthy family in Westeros that holds the most power after House Targaryen.

I know I said this before, but Laenor is so dumb for simply running away to be a nobody in Essos with his boyfriend. I get not wanting to hide your identity and play a role anymore ( although it could be considered a simple formality at that point because like Loras Tyrell, everybody knew Laenor was a “sword-swallower” through and through. It was an open secret nobody dared to speak aloud to his powerful lord father.

But what is Laenor going to do when he encounters people not as supportive of his lifestyle in Essos? I know he is relatively safe (aside from the occupational hazzard of being a sell-sword) as Essos is a pretty liberal place compared to Westeros (minus the occasional slavery) but Laenor really threw away one day ruling as King Consort alongside his amicable and comely cousin Rhaenyra, inheriting all of the vast wealth and military prestige his father collected with the Velaryon fleet, and having his fill of whatever pleased him within the 6 kingdoms to go live as another nameless Valyrian nobody in Essos while eating oranges, to boot.

I just find that incredibly lame.

In any case, Addam seems like an astute sailor (who would do his duty) in the future when eventually called upon by Lord Corlys to lead their house and instill a proper legacy – I atleast know the ghost of Vaemond would approve.

I think Addam has something to prove, and would also do well as the “heir” of House Velaryon. When he was down by the ocean gathering ingredients for he and Alyn’s stew he saw Baela fly by on her Dragon on the way to patrol the Green’s movements in King’s Landing as commanded by Queen Rhaenyra. 

(Or, this was apparently Sea Smoke acting erratically and I can’t tell the two dragons apart.)

Addam really seems to want the birthright he believes Lord Corlys “owes” them – and I can’t really blame him.

Corlys has no other heirs but his trueborn Targaryen grand-daughters right now, and they are currently in a high profile war with dragons. All of that aside, it is an amazing opportunity for somebody to make their fortune as Addam stated, and ultimately change their life.

Otto Hightower is Fired (again)

Speaking of changing lives,  I cannot endeavor to forget to mention Lord Otto Hightower or his trifling grandson, Aegon Targaryen.  Like a true kingmaker, Otto eventually lost control of his ungrateful grandson, much like his spiritual successor Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones.

What I actually can’t get over is the fact that Otto Hightower – who rise to power in 5 days and served 3 Targaryen kings – is actually turning tail and returning to Old Town?

I guess he feels the need for safety surrounded by his family and their supporters, and has a new mind to mold and sees opportunity in Daeron but, wow.

But, tell me your thoughts.

Are you surprised Otto gave up so easily? What do you think of Alyn and Addam of Hull? Why does Rhaenyra always get blamed for things Daemon does?

Let me know your thoughts, leave them in the comment section below! And follow us for more House of the Dragon Season 2 Reviews.

Until next time : ~

“This world is a shadow of the real one”.

❂ Stories From the New World

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