House of the Dragon: Smallfolk

This episode reminded me of the conversations between Varys and Tyrion regarding power. The nobles have the power because the smallfolk allow it. But if you push them and abuse that power, the smallfolk can become a force. We see this in the episode when the smallfolk are starving in the streets, and the stories of Aemond feasting every night begin to spread (rumors started by Mysaria), then we see the sheep brought in to feed Vhagar. Yeah, that does not look good. Rhaenyra sends food to the starving masses, and they quickly turn on the Greens. Attacking Queens Alicent and Helaena. Alicent recognizes the problem and orders her Kingsguard to sheath their swords (the opposite of Joffrey who ordered his men to kill everyone). A guy does lose an arm though, but Alicent was smart in not provoking the crowd more.

The most thrilling part of the episode though was the Dragonseeds. First we have Ser Steffon Darklyn, who tries to become a Dragonrider, but ends up being roasted alive by the fire. But there is good news, Addam of Hull, who is chased around by Seasmoke, ends up confronting and bonding with the dragon. Rhaenyra heads out on her dragon to find out who is riding another dragon (she fears the Greens have found a way). Also, Rhaena may finally get a dragon of her own if she sticks around in the Vale. 

I am tired of Daemon’s story. Although it is fun getting to see more of Paddy Considine. Is Alys Rivers helping Daemon or is she just trying to stir shit up? I also wonder if the show will introduce Nettles, and if so how they will treat her. I got the idea in the book that was definitely very young (I am sure the show would age her up), or will the show use Rhaena in Nettle’s place? It would probably make sense (in the book, Nettles is a common girl, who is very young, Daemon is said to either take her as a lover OR treat her like a daughter). So I could see the show using Rhaena, his actual daughter, in that spot. Maybe his nightmares in Harrenhal will teach him something, maybe he will understand the importance of family and legacy. Who knows though…

Aemond does a fantastic job of being a prick to everyone. Threatening the Lannisters, mocking Larys for thinking he was going to be named Hand, removing his mother from the Small Council. Also, can someone explain why the Lannisters have brought an actual lion to the battle? Is it just a way to show how impressive they are, or will they release that thing hoping it will fight? I mean, it would probably cause some chaos for a bit, but it would also make a fine snack for a dragon. 

My favorite scene was probably between Alicent and her brother. The dude seems so weary of fighting beside Ser Criston Cole. Like he is a skilled warrior, but he knows crazy, and he recognizes that Cole is unhinged. Also, he saw what dragons do, he does not seem thrilled about heading back into that craziness. But I love that he tells her about Daeron, you know, her youngest son, who is now 16 and back in Oldtown. He said the boy loves to play the lute, and is a fine fighter, but that he is also nice. Alicent realizes her other kids are kind of fucked up, and Gwayne says that it was probably growing up in the Red Keep that did it, not her terrible mothering. Not the best endorsement from your brother, haha.