House of the Dragon Episode 6 reintroduced Alicent and Rhaenyra in the series, and we have jotted down a detailed review of the EP for you.
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| House of the Dragon Episode 6 review |
House of the Dragon is a TV Series that tells us the story 200 years before the super-duper famous Game of the Thrones series takes place. Already it’s on its sixth episode and has quickly become a fan favorite. The show has cast Milly Alcock as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Emily Carey as Alicent Hightower. These guys are friends, at the beginning of the show at least. Both of them fear the Red Keep and the constant threat of its poisoning them.
But we suppose it was written (in the book!), Alicent and Rhaenyra have been drawn apart from each other as that series progressed. The reason for this could have been several things, like Alicent’s marriage to her father, King Viseryd I (played by Paddy Considine), or the whispered behavior of Rhaenyra with Daemon (played by Matt Smith).
Many fans were afraid that these characters would be recast. But we know now that it would not be easy to find another set of actors to replace Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, given their stellar performances in the recently filmed and aired Episode 6 of House of the Dragon.
In this post, we are going to be reviewing Episode 6 of House of the Dragon.
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House of the Dragon Episode 6: Rhaenyra’s boy child review
Let’s first discuss the ending of Episode 5. Another Westeros wedding has been ruined, this time of Rhaenyra (played by D’Arcy) and Laenor (played by Theo Nate before, and now by John Macmillan). Still, these two went ahead with the wedding. Alicent (played by Cooke)’s lover Ser Criston Cole (played by Fabien Frankel) killed Joffrey Lonmouth because of a combination of lovesickness and jealousy.
There has been a time jump around Episode 6. And much has changed due to it. A third child has been born to Laenor, whose name is Joffrey. Daemon is staying in Pentos with Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell) with their twin daughters, Baela and Rhaena (played by Shani Smethurst and Eva Ossei-Gerning respectively). Because of his leprosy, Viseyrs has lost a forearm. He is now older and more senile and is more a corpse than a living thing in the Keep.
After Joffrey is born, no rest is given to Rhaenyra and the child is brought before the Queen. There’s a one-shot scene that shows us Rhaenyra’s struggle and strength as she becomes accustomed to the afterbirth. With a slow gait, more out of necessity than purpose, Rhaeryna strides through the Keep, arm-in-arm with Laenor. She stops right before Alicent.
Alicent herself is concerned about Rhaenyra, but doesn’t show it outwardly – she knows Rhaenyra and that she would not have it any other way.
Viserys soon come onto the scene. You’d remember his trauma with Aemma. Therefore, he is happy to have a boy in the Targaryen family. The birth name of the child is Joffrey Velaryon, but he’d be given the surname Targaryen should he sit on the Throne. “Keep trying Ser Laenor, soon you might get one who looks like you,” is the cold response of Alicent to the couple. Viseyrs notices that the child’s nose is like Laenor’s.
House of the Dragon Episode 6: Rumors about Rhaenyra and Harwin
People have begun to suspect a secret relationship between Rhaenyra and Ser Harwin Strong (played by Ryan Corr), who is the Commander of the Citywatch now. The former is the mother of three children with Laenor, the relationship with whom remains pleasant by the way – Joffrey, Jacaerys Velaryon (Leo Hart), and Lucerys Velaryon. It’s obvious to people that the true father of these children is Harwin, especially to Alicent and Criston.
Jacaerys and Lucerys have started to control dragons in the pit with Aegon II (played by Ty Tennat) and Aemond (Leo Ashton). As to the dragon, we don’t have a clear idea of what it is. Aemond has the experience of confronting a bigger dragon in the pit and narrowly escaping.
House of the Dragon Episode 6: Alicent–Criston doubles team
Alicent and Criston are shown having an argument over Rhaenyra’s “flaunting of her inheritance.” They decide, however, that arguing is no good in the end. Then there’s the almost-normalized type of sexual scene. Alicent finds Aegon masturbating out his window. She tells her to get his act together before Rhaenyra kills him.
In Pentos, there’s nothing of this mindless struggle for power. Daemon and Laena have quiet life flying on their Dragons. The score by Ramin Djawadi here is unimitable. The couple is offered the choice of permanent residence in Pentos, on a condition, of course – pay tributes to the new Targaryen lord. Laena is not into this idea, while Daemon seems to entertain it.
House of the Dragon Episode 6: Harwin and Criston Cole have a fight
Exasperated by Criston’s lack of attention towards Jacaeyrs and Lucerys in comparison to Aegon, Harwin pits together his children with Aegon, with the latter emerging as the victor. Criston remarks that Harwin’s unusual concern for Jacaerys seems to imply more than a friendly relationship with Rhaenyra. At this, Harwin punches Criston.
The King’s Hand and Harwin’s father, Lyonel Strong (played by Gavin Spokes) pulls apart the sprawling duo and says to his son that he has “laid them open to accusations of an uglier treachery.” Lyonel tries to resign but Viserys refuses. He lets Lyonel take Harwin to Harrenhal, however.
House of the Dragon Episode 6: Larys the Generous
Rhaenyra apologizes to Alicent in a small council meeting for any offense caused, offering a dragon egg in a truce. The offer of betrothing Jacaerys and Halaena, Aemond’s daughter, appears to be a “judicious” one for Viserys. Alicent, however, is not convinced by this sweet talk. Larys Strong (played by Matthew Needham) gives counsel to Alicent, agreeing that his father is not fit as Hand.
Later, Larys offers freedom to three sentenced-to-death prisoners, but for a price. A blade pierces the prisoners’ tongues, leaving them impaired for life.
House of the Dragon Episode 6: Is there peace in Harwin’s life?
Another terrible birth scene follows, this time of Laena, who unfortunately doesn’t live to see her child. She orders Vhagar to burn her alive due to her grief. Daemon’s stand is unsure.
Back at the Keep, Harwin leaves. He and Lyonel arrive at Harrenhal to meet a disaster shortly. The castle is burnt to a crisp and both Harwin and Lyonel are trapped. The perpetrators are those hole-in-their-tongues prisoners of Larys.
The chemistry between the actors in Episode 6 is awesome. The earlier cast was great as well, but the ones right now are more seasoned actors, more aware of their roles. That adds a certain sincerity to the characters. Make sure you catch the next episode of House of the Dragon.
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