• Was it Worth it? House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5 Review – Regent - Recap & Record Podcast

  • Jul 16 2024
  • Length: 57 mins
  • Podcast

Was it Worth it? House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5 Review – Regent - Recap & Record Podcast

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  • Welcome back to Recap & Record, where we dive deep into the latest episode of "House of the Dragon." This week’s episode, though less action-packed than last week’s dragon warfare, brings significant political developments and emotional depth. Let's break it down. In his epic fantasy novels, George R.R. Martin is known for embedding playful references. For instance, he based a trio of men-at-arms on the Three Stooges and used superheroes like Blue Beetle and Green Arrow for noble house sigils. In "House of the Dragon," the important House Tully features leaders named Grover, Elmo, and Kermit, with a Ser Oscar, reminiscent of "Sesame Street." This week's episode appears to reflect another of Martin’s clever touches: the saying “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king,” with Prince Aemond Targaryen taking control of Westeros. Aemond One-Eye’s rise to regency, as his brother Aegon remains comatose and gravely injured, is a critical development. With Vhagar, the deadliest dragon of the Targaryen civil war, under his command, Aemond now possesses both immense firepower and political authority. This consolidation of control raises concerns among the small council, especially for the increasingly marginalized dowager Queen Alicent, Aemond and Aegon’s mother. Even Aemond’s nominal supporters are uneasy about their choice of regent. Ser Criston Cole, who witnessed Aemond’s attempt to kill his brother, chooses to support Aemond’s rise, believing that a dragon rider must lead the war. He tells none of this to Alicent. Ser Larys Strong, on the other hand, argues from a political standpoint, suggesting that raising Alicent as Queen Regent after rejecting Rhaenyra’s claim on the basis of her sex would create legal and sociopolitical confusion, risking their support. The men of the council, except for the habitual voice of reason, Grandmaester Orwyle, back the male candidate over the female. The episode's director, Clare Kilner, effectively captures Queen Alicent’s emotional struggle. As the camera lingers on Olivia Cooke, portraying Alicent, the music by composer Ramin Djawadi adds to the tension. The camera draws closer to Alicent’s face, revealing her anger, embarrassment, fear, and pain over her abandonment by both her lover and her son. These emotions are vividly conveyed through Cooke’s expressive eyes. As Aemond’s political power grows, the episode sets the stage for further turmoil in Westeros. The implications of these developments will undoubtedly unfold in the coming episodes, promising more intense and dramatic moments. Stay tuned as we continue to follow the intricate power struggles and emotional battles in "House of the Dragon."
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