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House of the Dragon director breaks down themes of misogyny and patriarchy in new episode

BBG News

As a dedicated gamer and fan of House of the Dragon, I was both intrigued and somewhat disappointed by the latest episode, “Regent.” On one hand, I appreciated the exploration of gender dynamics and power struggles at the Small Council meetings. The subtle yet impactful way the camera focused on Alicent’s (Emma D’Arcy) and Rhaenyra’s (Milly Alcock) reactions as they were overlooked by their male counterparts was both thought-provoking and frustratingly familiar.

In the latest installment of “House of the Dragon,” titled “Regent,” not much progress was made with the storyline. However, there were some intriguing themes explored. Two notable scenes took place during Small Council meetings. At Dragonstone, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) was talked over by her male council members. Meanwhile, in the Red Keep of King’s Landing, Alicent’s proposal to lead the war effort while her injured son, Aegon, recuperated, was rejected.

In both situations, men dominated women with valuable contributions through silent and subtle manipulation. Director Clare Kilner kept the camera focused on Alicent’s expression as men spoke over her, allowing viewers to observe the mounting worry in her eyes.

When I initially reviewed the eight scripts together, my thoughts were drawn to the women who were confined in their castles for an extended period, as recounted to TheWrap by Kilner. Their emotions of yearning for tranquility, retaliation, or finding a means to put an end to this situation continued to intensify as the conditions worsened.

I think it’s very much about rage that’s sort of building inside them because they have their hands tied behind their back. They can’t go out and do what everyone else is doing. They feel muffled…[B]ut rage can be fire and fuel for change. They aren’t really even allowed to show that or demonstrate that as much as the men are. The grief and sadness is building fuel to try to look at their world and find a different way to change their mindset and think outside the box.

The show effectively allowed these themes to develop naturally without being overly forceful or heavy-handed. While Rhaenyra and Alicent’s characters may not yet stand out prominently, another female figure is gaining significance.

Baela Targaryen grows up in the newest episode of House of the Dragon

In the latest episode, one noteworthy scene unfolds around the midpoint when Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia) pays a visit to her grandfather Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) on Driftmark Island. She proposes that he take up the role of Hand of the Queen for Rhaenyra. However, Corlys is still mourning the passing of his wife Rhaenys (Eve Best), and he’s hesitant about accepting the position. Rhaenys, who was known for her fiery temperament, just like the Targaryens, encourages him to support Rhaenyra as a means to uphold Rhaenys’ memory. Eventually, Corlys is convinced.

In this conversation between Bethany and Kilner, they identified a significant opportunity for Baela’s character development during a particular scene. They felt that Baela needed to mature and take on a more responsible role for Rhaenys. Often, individuals find it simpler to grow up when doing so benefits someone else rather than themselves. Baela delivered an impactful performance in this scene, bringing depth and emotion that truly resonated.

On the next Sunday evening, you’ll have the opportunity to watch returning characters like Alicent, Rhaenyra, Baela, Corlys, and more in the second installment of “House of the Dragon” exclusively on HBO and Max.

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2024-07-15 20:42

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