HBO’s House of the Dragon season two wrapped up with armies on the march, ships sailing into battle, and Ulf and Hugh learning how to handle their dragons. Season two episode eight was more about gathering allies than facing enemies, although two queens engaged in a verbal joust. Daemon finally understands his place in history, Rhaena edges closer to obtaining a dragon, and a nudge from Larys sends King Aegon’s fight vs flight dial spinning toward flight.
And now on with the full, lengthy, spoiler-filled episode eight recap:
Ser Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall) treats with the Triarchy and is asked for the Stepstones in exchange for their ships and men. Lannister doesn’t score any points when he calls them pirates in an insulting tone, and it’s obvious he needs them more than they need him. He’s forced into agreeing, even though he knows he’ll face Aemond’s wrath for agreeing to their terms.
There’s a flicker of light in his eyes when he’s told the fleet they’ll supply would allow him to take the Iron Throne for himself. But there’s one additional issue. Their commander, Admiral Sharako Lohar, also has to agree to go with him, and convincing Lohar won’t be easy.
Admiral Lohar (Abigail Thorn) is a fierce leader who warns him she won’t sail with a man who can’t best her. That forces Tyland into agreeing to mud wrestle. The men cheer as their leader repeatedly gets the upper hand, yet Lannister refuses to give up. He lands a few blows after it appears he’s down, and Lohar admits she’s inspired. After a running joke of referring to him by the wrong name, and asking if he’s a cannibal, she invites him to dine with her men.
Lannister sings a little sea ditty and earns a round of applause. Lohar agrees to sail at his side with her men and leads a toast to “the Gullet on the morrow.” The men are eager to battle the Sea Snake again. Before Lannister heads to bed, Lohar requests that he impregnate her wives.
King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) continues to recuperate and is now understandable when he speaks. Nonetheless, Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) believes they need to flee King’s Landing immediately. Rhaenyra added three dragonriders, and even Aemond fled in terror when he went to verify the news himself. Prince Regent Aemond reacted by taking Vhagar and burning the town of Sharp Point to the ground.
Larys thinks Aemond’s so angry and frustrated that his next step will be to kill Aegon. Larys wants to flee while Aemond’s still out, but Aegon suggests they could stay and just push him out of power. He’ll return to the throne and have Aemond taken prisoner. Which would work, but briefly, according to Larys. The sleazy snake reminds his king that Rhaenyra and her seven dragons won’t let him live, even if Aemond is locked up.
Larys moved Harrenhal’s gold to the Iron Bank in Braavos; they have enough to live well until the war is over. Aegon’s not keen on the idea and insults the people of Essos. Larys attempts to point out that at least he’d be alive, but Aegon doesn’t want to live in this condition. His penis is destroyed, and his dragon is dead, yet Larys insists better days are ahead if they’re patient. Aegon appears stuck on the loss of his penis and only abandons that subject when Larys comes up with new titles he’ll assume upon his triumphant return. Aegon steals Rhaenyra’s title and calls himself “Aegon the Realm’s Delight.”
Prince Jacaerys (Harry Collett) comes upon Ulf and Hugh eating and just hanging around and demands to know what they’re doing. Ulf (Tom Bennett) is his usual disrespectful self, but Hugh (Kieran Bow) immediately recognizes Jace and apologizes. Instead of the apology he demands, Ulf pulls Jace in for a hug. Jace is stunned but continues to demand respect, while Ulf seems to think they’re on equal ground now, class-wise, as they’re all dragonriders.
Hank apologizes again for Ulf’s rude behavior, but Jace is furious. He informs them that while they ate, Sharp Point was reduced to rubble. Thousands are dead, and yet Ulf isn’t making himself ready for battle. Ulf finally appears contrite and sincerely apologizes.
Later, Lady Baela (Bethany Antonia) suggests that Jace stop pouting and that he needs to get over himself. She reminds him of his position and that just because there are other dragonriders, it doesn’t make him any less the heir to the throne. Baela points out there are lots of bastards running around, but Jace is still stung by the whispers he’s heard his entire life.
Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) speaks with her Hand, Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), about the new dragonriders. She’s still unsure if she can trust them, but at least Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty) is known to him. However, Corlys downplays his knowledge of the young man and remains tightlipped about the truth to their relationship. Corlys believes they should strike now while they have the advantage and Aemond isn’t prepared, but Rhaenyra remains determined to limit civilian damage. Corlys reminds her that Aemond also has a couple of dragons. Rhaenyra doesn’t see Helaena as a threat, even though Dreamfyre is formidable. And Alicent’s other son’s dragon is young and untested.
Corlys knows Aemond is desperate and will take drastic measures to fight back. Rhaenyra reluctantly agrees and then asks about his ship. Corlys has changed her name from Sea Snake to The Queen Who Never Was, in honor of his beloved wife. He and his men are ready to battle Greyjoys, Lannisters, or whoever the usurpers send to break the blockade.
Lord Corlys assures Rhaenyra she is ready but needs to consider the armies currently marching against her. The sooner she crushes them, the better.
Corlys mentions Daemon (Matt Smith) and the scene cuts to the renegade prince at Harrenhal. He’s informed the men will be ready to march in two days and chuckles when he learns Ser Alfred Broome (Jamie Kenna) has arrived to see him. Broome explains he’s there to find out his intentions and Daemon confirms he plans on marching on King’s Landing before the Lannister army arrives at Harrenhal.
While speaking privately, Ser Broome catches the word “traitor” in the air as he admits his preference for King Daemon over Queen Rhaenyra. Broome believes the men will follow his lead and that although Rhaenyra has good intentions, she cannot lead an army. Daemon walks away without responding. Neither man is aware that Ser Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale) has been eavesdropping.
Prince Regent Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) learns smallfolk who might have Targaryen blood were taken to Dragonstone by boat. He orders every boat coming or going from the harbor to be inspected, despite the fact it will place a hardship on the fishermen.
Queen Dowager Alicent (Olivia Cooke) speaks with Helaena (Phia Saban) who’s confused as to why people hate them. Helaena’s unhappy and Alicent suggests that they leave. Their conversation is cut short when Aemond interrupts to ask Helaena to take Dreamfyre into battle. Helaena resists and refuses to burn anyone, which enrages Aemond. He grabs his sister and tries to pull her from the room, but Alicent intercedes. Aemond believes they’re in peril because of his mother’s weakness. Alicent counters, reminding him that when he’s insulted, he acts out dangerously and without thinking of the repercussions.
They argue over Helaena’s place in the war, and for once, Alicent emerges victorious. After Aemond leaves in a huff, Alicent asks Grand Maester Orwyle (Kurt Egyiawan) for passage and for his discretion.
Meanwhile, Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) confronts Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) about his affair with his sister, Alicent. Criston doesn’t deny it and credits Alicent with saving his life twice. But none of this actually matters, according to Criston. They’re all going to die anyway now that the dragons have entered the war. “The dragons dance and men are like dust under their feet,” says Criston. “We march now toward our annihilation.”
Criston confesses death will be a relief. (Social media posts indicate viewers are also wishing Criston would just die!)
Ulf continues to be a rude idiot at dinner as Queen Rhaenyra rises for a toast to their new riders. They accomplished something special, and they’ve been given a power few have known. If they serve her well, she’ll make Ulf, Hugh, and Addam knights of the realm. She announces they need to strike in two days, with their targets being Oldtown and Lannisport. That means their training must speed up, so they’ll be ready to take a dragon into battle.
Lady Baela and Hugh question why they need to kill so many innocent people. Jace thinks it can’t be helped, and Rhaenyra knows they need to break the will of their enemy. It’s the only way to stop more bloodshed.
Addam asks about Vhagar and Rhaenyra confirms she’s a terror in the skies. But she can’t be everywhere at once. Ulf claims he and Silverwing will take on Vhagar themselves. He can’t help himself and acts like a mannerless brute again, and both Jace and Rhaenyra remind him of his place at their table.
Rhaenyra receives a message from Ser Strong informing her Daemon raised “his” army and Strong believes treachery is afoot. She orders Addam to accompany her to Harrenhal.
Daemon wakes and follows Alys (Gayle Rankin) out to the godswood. She believes Daemon’s finally learned this world will not be governed. It’s time for him to discover the truth about his future, and the future of the Seven Kingdoms. He’s ready to learn The Song of Ice and Fire.
Daemon places his hand on the weirwood tree and sees the three-eyed raven; the Night King, and white walkers; a battlefield with dead bodies and dead dragons; three dragon eggs engulfed in flames; Daenerys’ back and her three baby dragons; and Queen Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne. The vision ends with Helaena telling him, “It’s all a story, and you’re but one part in it. You know your part. You know what you must do.”
The scene switches to Helaena on a balcony, her mouth closing as if she had just finished speaking to Daemon in his vision. Aemond joins her and asks his sister to come to Harrenhal to destroy Daemon and his army. Helaena wonders what happens if she says no, and reveals she knows he burned Aegon. She saw him do it and knows he watched as her husband/their brother fell from the sky. Aemond won’t admit it, and Helaena unleashes the truth. Aegon will return to the throne and Aemond will be dead when he does. “You were swallowed up in the God’s Eye and you were never seen again.”
Aemond threatens to have her killed. Helaena brushes off the threat. Nothing he says will change anything.
Queen Rhaenyra and Addam of Hull soar over the army camped outside Harrenhal. Ser Strong greets Rhaenyra at the gates and acknowledges circumstances have changed since he sent a raven. Rhaenyra enters the castle and it’s filled with soldiers who fall silent when they realize who has joined them. Syrax lands on a ledge above, waiting for any sign that Rhaenyra’s in trouble.
Daemon makes his way through the men, stopping in front of his niece/wife. Rhaenyra is on guard and takes a few steps back when Daemon says the men are sworn to him. She demands to know who he’s sworn to, and Daemon pauses for a moment and then moves closer, speaking in High Valyrian. His vision has led him to believe this war is just the beginning. Winter is coming.
Rhaenyra knows the story well, and Daemon confesses he saw it play out. He believes, just like her father, that the only hope for the realm is a leader who can unite it. She is that leader. He bends the knee and calls her the true queen – First of Her Name, Protector of the Realm. He and his men are meant to serve her to death … “or the end of our story.”
Behind him, the men also take a knee. Even Ser Broome, although he looks uneasy. Rhaenyra takes Daemon’s hand and warns him not to leave her again. Daemon smiles and confesses he’s tried but cannot. They present a united front to the men as Daemon proclaims there will be no mercy. They will fight for Queen Rhaenyra. The men rise and cheer.
Back at the docks, Lord Corlys sends for his first mate, Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim), and they discuss the weather. Small talk over, Corlys attempts to break through the wall his son built around himself. Finally, Alyn’s heard enough. He’s held his tongue since he was a child but now, he lays into his absentee father. It’s only after Corlys has lost his son, his daughter, and Lucerys that he pretends to care about the boys he abandoned as children. Now that he’s a man, he’ll refuse any offers of help from Corlys.
Over at the Vale, Lady Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) is exhausted and thirsty but refuses to give up her search for the wild dragon. She spends a freezing night on the ground, shivering, and the following day spots the dragon overhead and chases after it. (This dragon is Sheepstealer.)
Meanwhile at Dragonstone, Queen Rhaenyra and Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) watch as Ulf and Hugh practice on their dragons. Mysaria believes the gods have favored Rhaenyra, but Rhaenyra is still torn over having to kill thousands of innocent people. Mysaria reminds her she is just while her foes are power-hungry.
That night, Queen Rhaenyra is awakened by the arrival of an unexpected visitor. Alicent confirms no one knows she’s there except her protector, and confesses she’s been mistaken. Alicent describes her life and admits she’s lost her way. When she speaks about taking a lover, Rhaenyra points out that she’s a hypocrite who’s made virtue her banner. Alicent doesn’t disagree and has come to the decision she needs to leave all of this behind. She wants to flee King’s Landing with Helaena, but Rhaenyra reminds her it’s too late. Cities have been destroyed and people are dead, all because of Alicent’s actions. Rhaenyra places the blame solely at Alicent’s feet. Alicent claims she only did what she thought King Viserys wanted.
Rhaenyra tells her to leave since that’s what she wants. None of this has anything to do with her. Alicent remains silent and then reveals that Viserys never stopped loving Rhaenyra’s mom. It was her memory that kept him resolute in naming Rhaenyra his heir. Rhaenyra wonders why, if that’s true, Alicent thought he changed his mind at the end. Alicent doesn’t have an answer.
Alicent finally comes clean. When Aemond leaves for battle, Queen Helaena will be in charge. Alicent will have the guards let Queen Rhaenyra in and she can assume the Iron Throne without any blood being shed. The war will end.
When asked about King Aegon, Alicent says he’s broken but will listen to her and bend the knee if she asks. Rhaenyra is shocked. How can Alicent possibly believe that Aegon can live after what’s happened? Rhaenyra will be forced to take Aegon’s head—in public—if she takes the throne. There’s no other option, and Alicent knows this. Alicent must choose. “Will you shrink from what you set out to do or will you see it through and make your sacrifice,” asks Rhaenyra. “A son for a son.”
Alicent takes a few deep breaths and agrees. In three days, Rhaenyra can take the throne—if she believes Alicent. Alicent is at the mercy of a woman she once called her friend. She’ll be painted as a villain who grasped for power and lost, but Alicent does not care. She just wants to be free of all of it and die in peace. Alicent invites Rhaenyra to join her, but Rhaenyra has a different path to walk and cannot.
What for a moment sounds like “Tubular Bells” plays as Hugh, Ulf, and Addam don their new armor. The montage also shows Lady Rhaena running toward the wild dragon, and Vhagar soaring over the Hightower army as it marches. House Stark’s army is given access to cross over the Green Fork, and we’re shown Lord Jason Lannister riding in front of his men (and lions) as they move toward Harrenhal.
The clips continue with Daemon looking at his men camped outside Harrenhal, while Ser Tyland Lannister and Admiral Lohar sail toward the blockade. Lord Corlys and Alyn row to The Queen Who Never Was in uncomfortable silence. Our final season two trip to the Vale shows Lady Rhaena near the wild dragon that’s eating a fresh kill. She stops in her tracks and it snarls in her direction.
Season two ends with Ser Otto Hightower behind bars, looking worse for wear. His daughter, Alicent, arrives back at King’s Landing only to discover her plans have been thwarted. Lord Larys has whisked King Aegon away.
- House of the Dragon Season 2 Character Descriptions
- Showrunner Ryan Condal Talks Dragons and George R.R. Martin’s Fantasy World
- House of the Dragon Season 2: Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith and Harry Collett Interview
- House of the Dragon Season 2: Olivia Cooke, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Fabien Frankel Interview
- House of the Dragon Season 2: Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, and Bethany Antonia Interview
- House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 10: “The Black Queen” Finale
- House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 1 “A Son for a Son” Recap
- House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 “Rhaenyra the Cruel” Recap
- House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 3 “The Burning Mill” Recap
- House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4 “The Red Dragon and the Gold” Recap
- House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5 “Regent” Recap
- House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6 “Smallfolk” Recap
- House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 “The Red Sowing” Recap
The post House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 8 Finale Recap: The March Toward War Continues appeared first on ShowbizJunkies.
0 Comments