House of the Dragon season 2 episode 5 recap and review: A regent steps in as Rhaenyra makes moves

As a proud and loyal follower of House Targaryen, I’ve seen my fair share of battles and political maneuvers. And let me tell you, this latest turn of events has left me reeling. Rhaenyra, our rightful queen, is facing challenges on all sides. Corlys Velaryon, a dear friend and advisor, is struggling with his loyalty to her, while Daemon Targaryen, a wayward relative, seems determined to claim the throne for himself.

As a dedicated fan, I’m excitedly anticipating the second half of House of the Dragon season 2 this week. Following the intense Battle at Rook’s Rest, we experienced a heart-wrenching loss last week: Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys were no more. Devastated, Rhaenys pursued Criston’s army, with Aegon on Sunfyre and Aemond on Vhagar in tow. It was an agonizingly brave act, but ultimately, we had to bid farewell to this noble character. As episode 5 begins, I can only imagine the depth of Corlys’ grief.

As a gamer, I’ve seen both teams, black and green, suffer significant setbacks. But we can’t afford to give up yet. The battle is far from over!

WARNING: MAJOR spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2 episode 5 are below.

At King’s Landing, as Rhaenyra and Corlys grieve the demise of Rhaenys, the Greens rejoice in the downfall of Meleys. They triumphantly display her head throughout the city, attributing her death to Aegon. Yet Criston appears content with the battle’s outcome, while Gwayne expresses skepticism, labeling it an “odd victory” given Aegon’s brush with death. The common folk react in stark contrast to Criston’s expectations; they denounce the parade as a “despicable act,” and some view it as a sinister omen.

Aemond is ready to step in for Aegon

As I enter the castle, I see Aegon being carried inside on a stretcher. His body is badly burned and broken. The maesters rush past me to tend to him, and I follow closely behind, my heart pounding with fear for his life. The sight of his charred skin and shattered bones leaves me trembling. The maesters work quickly, removing his armor to assess the full extent of his injuries. Alicent looks just as worried as I am; they tell us that the next few hours will determine if he’ll make it. Suddenly, Aemond appears at the door, his expression cold and determined. “Someone must rule in Aegon’s place,” he declares, leaving me stunned by his words.

At Dragonstone, Rhaenyra’s advisors ponder their next course of action. A proposal is made to attack King’s Landing immediately, as Vhagar may be weary and Aegon could possibly be deceased. However, when Rhaenyra expresses her willingness to lead the charge, her council strongly advises against it. In this episode, we witness Rhaenyra’s confusion in wartime, having been untrained for such events and unsure of her role. She grows restless at Dragonstone, longing for action, but is simultaneously instructed to remain there.

In their talk with Mysaria, Rhaenyra reveals her struggles. Mysaria wisely responds, “Not all battles are won through direct action, Rhaenyra.” She encourages Rhaenyra to delegate tasks she cannot handle herself. Following this advice, Rhaenyra assigns Elinda a mission.

I, Jacaerys, grow restless at Dragonstone and feel compelled to act. I decide to pay a visit to the Freys at the Twins without informing Rhaenyra first. In the Riverlands, I team up with Willem Blackwood and approach the Brackens on Caraxes. We demand their allegiance, but they remain loyal to Aegon. They prefer death by dragonfire over joining our cause.

Daemon chooses to spare their lives instead, a decision requiring great self-control. He then conveys to Willem that the living are more valuable to them since they’re building an army. Therefore, Willem is assigned the gritty role of recruiting soldiers.

At the Vale, Rhaena meets Jeyne Erryn who expresses her disappointment that a grown dragon wasn’t sent by Rhaenyra. Her frustration is evident, but she remains welcoming towards Rhaena. In an unexpected turn of events, Jeyne offers her sympathies for Rhaena’s loss – news which Rhaena hadn’t received yet about the demise of Rhaenys.

Daemon has a mom sex dream… yes, you read that right

At Harrenhal, Daemon experiences another odd vision. In this vision, he engages in a conversation with a blonde woman who praises him as a “valiant dragon rider.” The interaction between them escalates into an intimate moment. However, the shocking revelation comes when Daemon sees blood on the bed and realizes the woman is none other than his mother, Alyssa Targaryen, in her youthful form. Upon regaining consciousness, he finds himself seated at the dinner table with everyone present, and Alys fixates her gaze upon him.

As I gaze at Daemon, his eyes glazed over and mind seemingly elsewhere, he shares with me his intentions. Willem will be leading the Brackens here, and we’ll need to prepare the castle for a large army. I bring up our financial predicament, suggesting we might ask Rhaenyra for some help. But Daemon bristles at the idea, insisting I address him as “my king.” Though I remind him of my title as “king consort,” he dismisses the last part of it.

During a Small Council gathering at the Green camp, the maester shares uncertain news about Aegon’s survival. With a heavy heart, he admits, “The Gods hold his fate in their hands.” Since Aegon’s condition leaves a vacancy for rule, suggestions for a regent emerge. Alicent bravely steps forward to serve as a regent while her son recovers. However, the men in the council are hesitant and propose young Aemond for the position instead. Before Aegon, Alicent voices her concern, “Aemond is too green for such a role and lacks the necessary restraint.”

Alicent’s power is challenged

In the end, the council doesn’t delay for long before choosing Aemond as the temporary ruler. Alicent looks displeased as Aemond assumes control, announcing that no one will be allowed to enter or exit King’s Landing.

In this episode, I observe once again the plight of Hugh Hammer and his loved ones at King’s Landing. The smallfolk are suffering terribly, scarcely able to put food on the table or afford the essentials. His wife, Kat, urges us to leave, fearful for our future. I am hesitant, clinging to the hope that Aegon will keep his promise and compensate us. However, Kat remains skeptical.

Following the meeting, Alicent accuses Criston of voting for Aemond out of desire for her, implying their relationship is solely physical. Criston retorts, maintaining they’ve handed over the war to the dragons and shielding Alicent from responsibility. He intends to protect her, but she wishes otherwise. As Hugh and his loved ones endeavor to depart King’s Landing, they’re barred from leaving. The populace soon grows agitated and fearful, with the Gold Cloaks enforcing “Prince Aemond’s decree,” mandating their confinement at home.

When Jace reaches the Riverlands, he discusses the Crossing matter with House Frey. They express their apprehensions towards Aegon but acknowledge Vhagar’s strength. Jace proposes safeguarding them, yet they worry about the whereabouts of the greens’ dragons. Negotiations ensue, with the Freys aiming for Harrenhal and Jace seeking their allegiance for Rhaenyra and the Twins.

I’m thrilled to see Daemon making a difference in Westeros by taking the lead in repairing the castle during a special edition of “Fixer Upper.” With the limited funds available, it’s up to him to mend the damages. As Alys examines his wounded hands, Daemon finally reveals his true intentions. He’s been harboring desires for the Iron Throne since leaving Dragonstone, and now he openly expresses this to her. He believes that when he captures King’s Landing, Rhaenyra will need to follow suit and take a subordinate role. Wow, talk about power plays!

Corlys struggles with his loyalty to Rhaenyra

Baela engages in a conversation with Corlys during which she reveals that Rhaenyra intends to name him as her Hand. However, Corlys is still harboring resentment over the death of Rhaenys. Baela acknowledges his anger towards Rhaenyra but makes it clear that she won’t be joining forces with Aegon.

Rhaenrya chooses to dispatch one of her knights, Alfred, to Harrenhal since she’s aware they lack an army in Daemon’s absence and can’t reach him. She instructs Alfred to confer with Daemon about his plans, suspecting he may be pursuing a separate agenda. When Alfred queries if there’s a message for Daemon, Rhaenyra requests that he help resolve their last unfinished discussion.

At Harrenhal, discontented folks from the Riverlands clamor for an audience with Daemon. Willem manages to reach the Brackens, but not through honorable means. The Riverlanders refuse to pledge allegiance to “a despot,” signaling another failed attempt at Daemon’s strategy. No matter how many captives you take or lives you end, people won’t willingly join your cause if they view you as a tyrant. Daemon still has a long way to go in learning the art of ruling effectively.

At King’s Landing, Elinda deceitfully gains entry and encounters Dyana. What schemes could Rhaenyra be cooking up in this encounter? Simultaneously, Corlys ponders over his new duties as Hand while examining the pin. Interrupted by Helaena, Aemond gazes at the Iron Throne, and she queries, “Was it all worth the cost?” Lastly, Alicent pays a visit to Aegon’s chambers, and on her departure, he softly calls out, “Mommy.”

Rhaenyra and Jacaerys plot their next move

In the climax of the episode, Jacaerys makes a thrilling appearance at Dragonstone, where he engages in a conversation with Rhaenyra. Contrary to expectations, she doesn’t appear angry over his unauthorized departure, instead expressing her pride in him. She shares her own feelings of confinement and frustration, prompting Jacaerys to inquire about Daemon. However, Rhaenyra rules out the possibility of involving Daemon at present. She is resolute in her decision to take up arms herself, acknowledging that Syrax is quicker than Vhagar in battle. They require additional dragonriders to strengthen their forces, as Vermithor and Silverwing are currently incapable of contributing due to the absence of riders.

Jace gently brings up to his mother’s attention that there are other individuals related to them through their ancestry whom they haven’t taken into consideration yet. This realization sparks excitement among the blacks – they plan to recruit more dragonriders. If you’ve read “Fire & Blood,” you’ll anticipate the major plotline of the dragonseed saga, an exciting addition with new dragons and characters joining the fray in the upcoming war. So, get ready for the ride!

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2024-07-15 05:28