House of the Dragon Puts Tragedy Through the Political Spin Cycle
The first episode of House of the Dragon Season 2 ended with a brutal and shocking assassination, leaving viewers reeling. But the second episode, “Rhaenyra the Cruel,” quickly shifts gears, showcasing how the powers that be weaponize tragedy to further their own agendas. In a realm where power is everything, even the demise of an innocent child is manipulated for political gain.
The episode opens with the aftermath of the assassination of young Prince Jaehaerys, the son of Queen Alicent Hightower and King Aegon II. We see King Aegon spiraling in grief, smashing up his late father’s prized model of King’s Landing. While he mourns his son, he already begins to view the situation through a lens of war, declaring, "I declare war!"
The episode’s key player in the spin machine is Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King. "They will pay for this," he assures his daughter Alicent. He clearly intends to use the tragedy to solidify Aegon’s claim and weaken Rhaenyra’s position.
Otto sees the potential to shift public opinion with a little bit of manipulation. He explains to Alicent, “Some good may come of this. Jaehaerys will do more for us now than a thousand knights in battle.” Otto orchestrates the public funeral procession, showcasing the child’s mutilated corpse to elicit sympathy for Aegon and Team Green.
While Alicent struggles with guilt over her own actions and contemplates the moral implications of using her son’s death for political gain, Otto doesn’t hesitate to exploit the tragedy. "The realm must see the sorrow of the crown," he insists, forcing Alicent and Queen Heleana to participate in the procession.
The episode also delves into the motives behind the assassination, revealing that Daemon Targaryen orchestrated it, although, in his characteristically erratic fashion, the assassination went awry. Initially, Daemon sent assassins to kill Aemond Targaryen, the son of King Aegon and Alicent, but the assassins, confused by the children’s similar appearances, targeted Jaehaerys instead.
Rhaenyra, back on Dragonstone, struggles to process the news of Jaehaerys’ death and the ensuing propaganda campaign. As a mother who has recently lost her own son, she’s saddened but also wary of the growing propaganda war fueled by her enemies.
The episode highlights the complex relationship between Rhaenyra and Daemon, and their contrasting approaches to power. While Rhaenyra seems to be struggling with the moral implications of the war, Daemon sees every situation as an opportunity to further his own ambitions. As Rhaenyra expresses her distrust, telling Daemon, “You’ve used me as a tool with which to grasp at your own stolen inheritance,” their uneasy alliance seems doomed.
This episode also introduces new storylines and characters. We meet Hugh, an iron worker who petitioned King Aegon for his long-overdue pay, highlighting the growing economic strain on the smallfolk. His wife, struggling to provide for their sick child, worries about the future of their family and the increasing instability of the realm.
The episode also focuses on the House Velaryon, with brothers Addam and Alyn Velaryon reunited. While Addam encourages Alyn to benefit from Lord Corlys’ generosity, Alyn remains preoccupied with the upcoming war. The scene with Addam on the beach, looking up at a passing dragon, hints at potential danger and possible involvement in the coming conflicts.
Rhaenys continues to be a wise and insightful voice, guiding her son’s choices and strategizing with Corlys, who still seems uneasy about Daemon’s intentions. She advises them, "We will not let the Queen falter," demonstrating her unwavering commitment to Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne.
The episode concludes with a series of dramatic storylines that intensify the conflict. Otto, disgraced by Aegon’s irrational decisions, leaves King’s Landing, vowing to regain his influence and ensure stability in Westeros. Meanwhile, Alicent, burdened by guilt and the weight of the crown, continues her secret affair with Cole, a man who is now Hand of the King.
The episode leaves us with a sense of impending doom, as the conflict escalates and the realm teeters on the edge of a bloody civil war. The tragedy of Jaehaerys’ death underscores the cruelty of the Targaryen dynasty’s internal power struggle and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition, where even the smallfolk experience the brunt of the conflict.
House of the Dragon continues to explore the complex dynamics of power, loyalty, and betrayal, highlighting the human cost of political machinations. It reminds us that even in a realm of dragons and magic, it’s the human element that truly drives the narrative.
