House of the Dragon season 2 episode 5 slays a dragon it shouldn’t have

As a long-time fan of George R.R. Martin’s intricately woven tales of power and politics, I have grown accustomed to the moral gray areas that define the characters in Westeros. The complexities of these stories have always left me pondering which side to root for, as every character seems to possess both good and bad traits.

In the ongoing debates about “House of the Dragon” and previously “Game of Thrones,” morality is a frequent topic. With George R.R. Martin’s stories being so darkly amoral, it seems nearly every character has questionable actions. Amidst this moral complexity, who should we support?

In simpler terms, this line of thought oversimplifies the issue and doesn’t yield much depth or insight. The Westeros universe is rich with intricate characters who challenge us to ponder if someone’s actions define their essence as good or bad. At its best, the narrative provides intriguing and multifaceted answers, leaving room for diverse interpretations. Not everyone may share the same disdain for a particular character, and those who do might have varying motivations.

House of the Dragon is a more specific show than Game of Thrones, however, and it’s about a narrower spectrum of people. It is almost exclusively about the ruling class. This changes the array of lenses available for viewing the characters. It surrounds the show’s drama with a different context. It fills every single scene with a massive elephant filling the corner of each frame: the public.

In “House of the Dragon,” the common folk of King’s Landing are rarely depicted in the show, as it focuses primarily on the power struggles and disputes among the privileged. However, the fifth episode offers a glimpse into the writers’ consideration of the public’s role in this grand saga. Their presence and potential impact may become more significant in the storyline ahead.

In every episode this season, events begin with a chilling scene: Ser Criston Cole’s decision to publicly display Rhaenys’ dragon Meleys’ head draws an unexpected response. Instead of jubilant applause, the crowd falls into stunned silence. One bystander voiced the collective thoughts of Westeros, viewing dragons as divine beings. However, Criston’s act reveals a stark contrast – dragons are merely living creatures, no different from any other being. The question that follows is thought-provoking and unsettling: What does this reveal about those who wield dragons to assert their power and rule?

The public may find attempts to appease them insufficient and too late following Aemond’s first action as king-regent: ordering the execution of the ratcatchers who had been hanging in the rafters since his nephew’s assassination. This act serves as a symbol of Aegon’s reign so far. However, despite this attempt to improve public perception, Aemond’s primary focus is on war. The crowd soon discovers their new ruler and their new status as prisoners in their own city, prevented from leaving to find food or better opportunities. To the ruling powers, they are now valuable at home, paying taxes and keeping the external world uninformed about the impact of the blockades.

Rhaenyra’s initiatives on Dragonstone Island align with this predicament. Disappointed that her soldiers refuse to follow a woman’s command, she seeks advice from Mysaria again. Mysaria proposes alternative ways for Rhaenyra to wage war. The tension in King’s Landing is palpable as the populace, accustomed to peace, starts to assign blame for the ongoing conflict. Will they empathize with Rhaenyra despite her blockade? Or will they despise the warmongers and those responsible for the “ratcatcher-killings” more? Or perhaps Otto’s public display of a prince’s dead body was enough to label Rhaenyra, the unseen queen, as a fearsome enemy worth avoiding.

In “House of the Dragon,” it is evident that there exists a distinct philosophical divide among its ruling characters, irrespective of our feelings towards them: Some believe in acknowledging and catering to their subjects’ desires, while others view such autonomy as an obstacle to be suppressed. Regardless, the populace serves as yet another tool for those in power to manipulate in their quest to maintain control. However, in a story filled with courtly machinations and political turmoil, the common folk possess significant influence. Heed this warning: Those who underestimate it do so at their own peril.

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2024-07-15 16:18