‘House of the Dragon’: As Rhaenys battled, Eve Best channeled Hillary Clinton

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As a seasoned actress with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but see parallels between my own journey and that of the enigmatic Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. Like her, I have faced adversity and discrimination based on my gender, yet I have always risen above it, drawing upon my inner wisdom and strength to navigate the complexities of life and love.

As a dedicated fan of “Game of Thrones” and now its prequel, “House of the Dragon,” I’ve made it a point to avoid spoilers at all costs before each episode release. But with the hype surrounding the latest installment, I couldn’t resist diving into Season 2, Episode 4, “The Red Dragon and the Gold.”

The Queen Who Never Was is no more.

In the latest episode of “House of the Dragon,” titled “The Red Dragon and the Gold,” on Sunday, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) bravely decides to join the fight at Rook’s Rest, a fortress under siege by the Greens’ army, with her dragon, Meleys, by her side. This is led by Ser Criston Cole.

Rhaenys faces two other dragon riders, Aegon and Sunfyre, as well as Aemond and the powerful Vhagar. The former pair are swiftly defeated. However, Vhagar proves to be a formidable adversary. In a tragic turn of events, she slays Meleys, causing him to plummet from the sky. With a serene expression, Rhaenys follows suit, meeting her demise.

The course of events, with uncertainty surrounding Aegon’s destiny, is likely to intensify the ongoing Targaryen family conflict, infamously referred to as the Dance of the Dragons. Rhaenys, who was overlooked for the throne due to her gender and witnessed King Viserys (Paddy Considine) designating his daughter Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) as his successor instead, has been a noteworthy advocate for calmness and prudence in the tumultuous land of Westeros. She has only unleashed her dragons when strictly required.

As a movie critic, I’m sad to report that Rhaenys’ departure in “House of the Dragon” means we’ll miss out on the captivating performance of Best. Her portrayal of the character was marked by regal grace and quiet insight. With a resume that includes roles as Carole Middleton in “The Crown” and Wallis Simpson in “The King’s Speech,” Best has proven herself adept at bringing complex women close to power to life.

Most likely, you anticipated that Rhaenys’ story would conclude in this manner. Yet, what were your emotions upon discovering the details in the script?

If you’re involved with “Game of Throns,” expect the inevitable unfortunate outcome at some point. I was aware that [Rhaenys would meet her end], I simply didn’t know when that would happen.

I was heartbroken seeing her go through such hardship. I adore her character and find her truly captivating, much like the strong samurai leader in “The Last Samurai.” During our conversation with Ryan at the end of last season, I expressed my desire for Rhaenys to fully embrace her warrior side when the action intensifies. Up until then, she had navigated through challenges carefully, almost treading on eggshells.

When observing these admirable figures, these brave champions upholding truth and righteousness, losing their lives is heart-wrenching. In this realm, such losses are immense and significant. In Westeros, similar to our world, strong female role models who embody enlightenment are essential. She embodies this function, particularly during Season 2, acting as a guiding light for Rhaenyra. This is how a just ruler behaves. This is the art of leadership.The intrigue of this narrative lies in the core theme of women navigating a chaotic patriarchal system.

Rhaenys embodies the essence of an individual holding supreme power, knowledge, and empathy. With unwavering wisdom and intelligence, she excels in politics and possesses immense compassion, always prioritizing unity over destruction. Her rule is characterized by a deep awareness of the importance of cooperation and love.

Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon in “House of the Dragon.”
(Ollie Upton / HBO)

Have you pondered over any actual individuals, be they historical or present-day, who bear resemblance to this character in your mind? Many women share similarities with Rhaenys.

As a movie critic, I’ve seen many powerful female characters throughout my film-watching journey, and I can confidently say that Rhaenys from the show embodies so much of what great women in history represent. Sara Hess, one of the executive producers and lead writers, made it clear to me on set that there are striking similarities between Rhaenys and figures like Hillary Clinton. While it’s not fair to draw comparisons between Viserys and certain political figures, the parallels are undeniable – the unwavering determination and strength of character that drive these women to excel despite facing adversity due to their gender. They may be sidelined or underestimated, but their resolve shines through as they find their path to power and influence.

After the 2016 election, I had immense admiration for Hillary Clinton as she gracefully handled her position, or lack thereof, with poise, preserving her dignity, self-respect, and leadership qualities – a trait reminiscent of Rhaenys’ composure.

Awareness of the great challenge hit me strongly, that intricate dance between Rhaenyra and Alicent: preventing human disappointments from spiraling into destructive emotions such as revenge, resentment, and blame. It’s clear these feelings are starting to influence their decision-making. Both women seem to be falling into dangerous patterns due to their unique circumstances. Remarkably, Rhaenys maintains her composure amidst the relentless assaults. Her poignant exit atop her dragon, ascending into eternity, adds a beautiful touch to the story.

From my perspective, having closely followed Rhaenys Targaryen’s journey through the tumultuous events of the House of the Dragon, I believe her decision to align herself with Rhaenyra and Daemon was not an easy one. Her loyalty to her children, Jace and Lucerys, was unwavering, but their actions had dire consequences that ultimately put Rhaenys’ claim to the throne at risk.

I’ve been through tough decisions before, and this one is no exception. It’s a heavy burden to bear, knowing that aligning myself with them goes against my principles, but I can’t ignore the bigger picture. Rhaenyra is destined for the throne, it’s in her blood. But there’s a part of me that just can’t let go of the past. I’ve seen this story play out before, and I don’t want history to repeat itself. I have lived long enough to know that sometimes, drastic measures are necessary to prevent a catastrophe. And so, I make this vow: This will not happen again, not on my watch. I am prepared to put everything on the line to ensure that the future is different from the past. Literally, over my dead body.

Rhaenyra’s wise and rational decision trumps Aegon’s in every aspect. It’s the most appropriate course of action. Her ability to set aside personal feelings is remarkable, as it’s so challenging to do so. The allure to retreat to Driftmark with Corlys and escape from it all can be quite compelling.

As a movie goer, I’ve watched Rhaenys plead for restraint numerous times in various scenes. Yet, why does she choose to employ lethal force this moment?

The time has come for action rather than words. There’s no going back now. She’s exhausted all other options, pleading for patience, teamwork, and dialogue. She urged Rhaenyra to speak with Alicent, their shared sisterhood offering a chance for reconciliation between these two powerful women.

The Black Council ponders heavily over the decision to summon dragons. During our practice session, I questioned, “What’s the background here? How do we connect?” Ryan swiftly responded, “Imagine it’s a nuclear war situation.” In this universe, a nuclear war is imminent, and she acknowledges that she’s the only mature adult left, capable of making that call.

At the eleventh hour, “Send me” was replaced with “You must send me.” Sara Hess proposed this modification, and it’s quite ingenious since it comes across as a command, almost like her final directive. Aware of the consequences, she is willing to take the lead, understanding that this might be a perilous undertaking, not only in terms of her physical abilities but also emotionally. She seems to recognize the gravity of the situation and may even be underplaying its risks.

Tell me about shooting the battle sequence. What’s the hardest part of riding a dragon?

In simpler terms, this task was extremely taxing both physically and emotionally for me. I couldn’t help but feel my age during those two grueling weeks. The mornings, afternoons, and evenings were filled with strenuous activities. However, the emotional aspect proved to be even more daunting. The heart-wrenching climax was just before the final scene, and the lead-up was emotionally draining. I felt immense pressure to portray a believable and poignant death for the character.

As a movie lover, I can tell you that during filming, Ryan approached with a gentle demeanor and delivered a heartfelt farewell speech that made the moment even more poignant for me. The intense focus under the spotlight grew increasingly uncomfortable, making it challenging to capture the perfect angles and prepare for the scene. Standing by, I could feel my anxiety building as we drew closer to the moment. By the time we reached it, I was a pressure cooker waiting to explode. With a deep breath, I strapped myself in and it was all over in an instant. We managed to get through two takes before moving on, which was just what was needed. What mattered most for her in that moment was the release and acceptance that comes with acting. It’s a crucial part of the process: ultimately, you have to let go and accept because you have no control over the outcome.

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2024-07-18 19:33