Westeros digs its foundation for war deeper, storing up potential energy by piling on more murders within the royal families. In the last episode, we saw the killing of Helena’s son Jaehaerys by an assassin, after Daemon had ordered it. Everyone was puzzled as it seemed Daemon had ordered the killing of Aemond.
So, what went wrong and what are the consequences of this action? Let’s dive straight into House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2! Catch our recap and review on Season 2 Episode 1 of House of the Dragon HERE.
House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Recap
Chaos In King’s Landing
Episode 2 of House of the Dragon opens with panic and chaos engulfing the castle. Knights are running helter-skelter, gathering the servants. King Aegon himself loses his mind, destroying the Cityscape model his father had built. Soon, a culprit is caught fleeing the castle whom Aegon impatiently wants to kill. On Otto’s demands, they’re able to extract information revealing that Daemon had paid him for the assassination.
Jaehaerys’ Funeral
Otto Hightower also pushes for a public funeral to strengthen their standing amidst the powerful houses and amass their support in the war. He intends to proceed publicly as it can taint Rhaenyra’s reputation and give them a better standing among the powerful houses. This will require Alicent and Queen Helena to participate in the procession.
Princess Rhaenyra Banishes Daemon
Princess Rhaenyra gets news of Jaehaerys’ death and that she has been blamed for his assassination. She soon realizes Daemon’s hand in the murder and confronts him. Daemon defends himself, claiming he had ordered the assassination of Aemond and not Jaehaerys. The discussion ends with Daemon getting cast out.
Ser Criston Sends Ser Arryk To Assassinate Princess Rhaenyra
Ser Criston Cole confronts Ser Arryk about his whereabouts on the night of the assassination, questioning his loyalty. He then uses it to pressure him into assassinating Rhaenyra by pretending to be his twin brother Ser Erryk.
Otto Hightower Confronts Aegon
The Ratcatchers are hung dead for the people to see. Otto Hightower confronts Aegon about the innocents who have been killed and how this drops their standing among the powerful houses in the realm. Aegon shows no remorse and also tells Otto about Ser Criston’s act of sending Arryk to assassinate Rhaenyra. Aegon dismisses Otto from his position as Hand and gives it to Ser Criston instead.
The Scuffle To Assassinate Princess Rhaenyra
Ser Arryk enters Dragonstone through the sea along with others entering the castle and seeks Rhaenyra, deceiving the guards. Just as he approaches Rhaenyra, Ser Erryk arrives, and they engage in a sword fight. While the two men duel, the servant calls Ser Lorent for help. One of them kills the other before taking his own life.
House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Review
While the ending of Season 1 did have many crucial moments, it certainly lacked in portraying the intense fervor in the struggle for the crown. This was obviously because there wasn’t much to fight for. But this allowed Season 2 to open with a bang. Assassination after assassination, this season has been accumulating potential energy, with both sides now having sufficient vengeance to seek.
Jaehaerys’ Assasination Was An Accident
The previous episode left us all confused as to why Blood and Cheese assassinated Jaehaerys. Daemon had clearly ordered Blood and Cheese to assassinate Aemon, going as far as to describe him as one-eyed. However, in Rhaenyra’s eyes, he is now responsible for the death of a child. This is an interesting way for the series to defend its main characters while further twisting the relations between the two sides.
The Wise Hand And The Foolish King
Otto Hightower once again makes a display of his high intellect and integrity while advising King Aegon, and this somehow makes Aegon look even worse. It’s difficult to support a king who is such a buffoon and yet so arrogant. We’re not with Rhaenyra because of how virtuous she is, but rather because of how despicable her foe is.
Ser Erryk Fights Ser Arryk
And whoa, what a scene it is to talk about! Ser Erryk fights Ser Arryk while Rhaenyra sits frightened for her life. After analyzing it, it appears that Ser Erryk won the duel. This is because one of them says, “You parted us, brother,” which only makes sense for Arryk to say to Erryk.
Following that, Arryk falls to the ground, and before he can attack Erryk, Erryk drives the sword through Arryk. Erryk couldn’t bear what the war he didn’t ask for took from him and killed himself too before addressing Rhaenyra as “Your Grace.” Side note: Ser Criston Cole seemed to be a man of honor earlier, despite his affair with Rhaenyra and Alicent, but this really stains his decision-making abilities in sending Arryk on a mission impossible. Not everyone’s Tom Cruise!
What’s going to be the aftermath of Aegon’s immature actions? Do you still side with the crown? What did you think of our article “House of the Dragon: Season 2 Episode 2 Recap & Review”? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
