Sunday, December 22, 2024

Home of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6 Evaluation: A Burden to Bear

Critic’s Ranking: 4 / 5.0

4

There was a ton of recommendation flying round Westeros this week.

We’re now three-quarters of the best way by the season. Home of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6 was stuffed with technique, counsel, and risk-taking.

One can solely assume everybody on either side of this battle is gearing up for an epic finish to the hit present’s sophomore season.

Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen, currently serving in his brother's place.Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen, currently serving in his brother's place.
(Ollie Upton/HBO)

Earlier than I can get into this episode, although, I’ve to handle the elephant within the room.

Why Is It All the time Mommy Points?

Final week in my assessment of Home of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5, I requested a query a few character who appeared in considered one of Daemon’s cursed Harrenhal visions.

Effectively, of us, I’ve discovered who the lady from the intercourse scene with Daemon was, and it’s data I want I might un-know.

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Most of you’ve got most likely figured it out by now, too, however for anybody nonetheless at nighttime: the lady together with her legs wrapped round Daemon’s face final week was his mom.

And look, don’t come for me about how they’re Targaryens and that is regular for this present.

Nothing about trying down on the man between your legs and calling him your “favourite son” is regular, and I’ll die on that hill.

Matt Smith as Daemon TargaryenMatt Smith as Daemon Targaryen
(Liam Daniel/HBO)

Now that we’re all sufficiently disturbed, we are able to transfer on to the newest installment of “Daemon’s Aspect Quest in a Haunted Fortress”, as I wish to name his scenes.

Daemon’s Visions

We received extra visions in Home of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6, however Daemon doesn’t appear to have any pent up sexual fantasies about his late brother, Viserys.

As a substitute, it was a glimpse into his relationship with the late king, their energy imbalance, and Daemon’s lifelong insecurities.

Alys Rivers will certainly be revealed to be the particular person behind Daemon’s psychological collapse, proper? He accused Lord Sturdy of poisoning him, but it surely appears Alys is the plain suspect.

She’s the one with the data and the entry, in spite of everything. The thought hasn’t occurred to Daemon, although, who went out of his strategy to ask for Alys’s recommendation.

Sure, that’s out of character for him, which Alys acknowledged. But it surely additionally reveals that he’s much less certain than ever about how he’s going to maneuver ahead on this battle.

Gayle Rankin as Alys Rivers holding an owl.Gayle Rankin as Alys Rivers holding an owl.
(Liam Daniel/HBO)

I actually don’t know what Alys’s motive right here is, however she’s sinister.

She jogs my memory a whole lot of Sport of Thrones‘ Melisandre, the priestess who suggested Stannis Baratheon on his quest to succeed his brother’s throne.

At this level, with Daemon stuffed with twisted ideas and off his recreation, my guess is that Alys goes to have the ability to use him nonetheless she needs to get no matter she needs.

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Talking of recommendation, we actually did see it all around the map on this episode.

There’s Rhaenyra, who’s taking concepts from Jacaerys and Mysaria. Then we’ve Aegon, who’s leaning on Larys for assist.

Misogyny Rears Its Ugly Head in Home of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6

And, in fact, we are able to’t overlook about Aemond, who was so unimpressed along with his mom’s recommendation that he unceremoniously fired Alicent from her seat on his council.

Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower and Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole.Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower and Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole.
(Theo Whiteman/HBO)

“Fired” might be a form phrase for what Aemond did to Alicent.

Primarily, he advised her that she’s accomplished taking part in politics, and that she must get again within the kitchen the place she belongs.

For a lady as proud as Alicent — who, to be truthful, does have fairly a little bit of expertise in management at this level — this was humiliating.

It will have sucked to listen to from anybody, however being dismissed in such a misogynistic and disrespectful means by your personal son will need to have been an actual kick within the pants.

However Alicent has by no means been the warmest mom, nor has she proven one of the best maternal instincts.

It’s been juxtaposed towards Rhaenyra’s timeless dedication to her youngsters, making Alicent’s coldness towards her youngsters much more placing.

Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower and Freddie Fox as Gawain Hightower.Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower and Freddie Fox as Gawain Hightower.
(Ollie Upton/HBO)

To Alicent’s credit score, she’s fairly self-aware about all of it. Her dialog with Gawain made it clear that she is aware of she’s by no means been one of the best mother on the town.

However nonetheless. Ouch.

What’s New with the Dragons in Home of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6?

Over at Dragonstone, issues are heating up (actually) as a result of Rhaenyra took Jace’s recommendation to seek for dragonlord bastards.

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The hope is that dragons shall be keen to bond with a few of them in order that Rhaenyra can bolster her military.

Sadly, the primary try was an enormous failure. Let’s be sincere, although — did anybody truly count on that to work the primary time?

This man was means too desperate to die, in case you ask me.

Emma D'Arcy as Queen Rhaenyra TargaryenEmma D'Arcy as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen
(Theo Whiteman/HBO)

Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown

Poor Rhaenyra is itching to get on the market and combat her personal battles, however nobody will let her. In fact, I get why, however her cabin fever is contagious.

She lastly put one of many back-talking council members in his place with a swift slap, although.

I’m not one to condone hitting folks to point out your energy. That stated, it’s about time Rhaenyra stopped letting her council deal with her like a toddler.

Final week, considered one of them steered that, as a lady, she was too delicate to deal with battle. She verbally smote him, too, reminding him that he’s by no means been to battle both. A queen.

However the re-enactment of Will Smith and Chris Rock on the Oscars was her means of letting this man know that she’s now not going to tolerate their disrespect. I’m right here for it.

You understand what else I’m right here for?

Emma D'Arcy asEmma D'Arcy as
(Theo Whiteman/HBO)

Rhaenyra and Mysaria’s second of ardour was a welcome second of LGBTQ+ illustration in Home of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6.

It was additionally a short respite from the terrible and tragic description of Mysaria’s childhood trauma.

I do know numerous followers are nonetheless not sure concerning the White Worm and whether or not she may be trusted. Nonetheless, I’m hoping she’s received Rhaenyra’s again.

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Methods that Paid Off in Home of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6

Mysaria’s concept to ship meals to King’s Touchdown for Aemond’s ravenous topics was clearly sensible. No notes.

We’ve already seen a riot start, and albeit, I don’t perceive how Alicent and Helaena escaped.

Hugh, the thriller man with the sick daughter we’ve seen just a few instances this season, seems to be prepared to arrange. There’s a superb probability the person claiming to be Viserys and Daemon’s bastard brother will be a part of him.

Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys VelaryonSteve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon
(Ollie Upton/HBO)

A Dragon-Sized Reveal

Absolutely the shock of the hour was the reveal that Seasmoke had chosen a brand new rider.

Whereas we didn’t get to see Allyn truly trip Seasmoke but, rumor has it that he has.

Rhaenyra naturally took off instantly to see for herself, so subsequent week ought to convey some pleasure on the dragonlord entrance.

Brotherly Feuds Run within the Household

Again in King’s Touchdown, Aegon is awake, which is an affliction Aemond apparently needs to treatment.

Even higher, Aegon remembers that Aemond tried to kill him. However don’t fear, Larys goes to assist Aegon keep away from his brother’s wrath!

Of all folks, Larys is the final particular person I might belief with my life, however you do you, Aegon.

Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon Targaryen and Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen.Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon Targaryen and Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen.
(Ollie Upton/HBO)

It was, general, an excellent episode. There wasn’t a lot motion, however that’s as a result of everyone seems to be strategizing and making ready for, nicely, hearth and blood.

The episode truly drove dwelling the explanation that I’m Group Black, although.

The present Rhaenyra despatched to the folks of King’s Touchdown was politically motivated. We all know that.

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However she additionally doesn’t need to see anybody starve, and the folks know that about her.

Additionally they know Viserys would by no means have feasted the best way the Hightowers are actually whereas their topics go hungry. They see that in Rhaenyra, too, now greater than ever.

Because the season wraps up, there’s no telling how far into the story we’ll get. It appears probably that there shall be extra tragic deaths to observe the lack of Rhaenys in Home of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4.

Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon Targaryen and Matthew Needham as Larys Strong.Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon Targaryen and Matthew Needham as Larys Strong.
(Theo Whiteman/HBO)

Gearing up for the upcoming penultimate episode of the season, we need to hear your theories and your ideas.

Within the feedback, inform us your predictions (no spoilers from the e-book, please!) and what you hope to see because the season wraps up.

For now, head to HBO to stream earlier episodes to atone for something you’ve missed.

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