A Game of Thrones, But a Different Kind in ‘House of the Dragon’ Episode 9: Alicent’s Blind Ambition and a Bloodless Transition That Isn’t
House of the Dragon episode 9, titled "The Green Council," takes a different approach than the penultimate episodes of its predecessor, "Game of Thrones." Instead of culminating in a grand battle or resolving lingering storylines, this episode focuses on the immediate aftermath of King Viserys’ death. The episode showcases the intense power struggle that erupts as Alicent Hightower, the queen, and her father, Otto, attempt to secure the throne for her son Aegon. Their strategy involves a carefully orchestrated deception—a plan that hinges on Alicent’s perception of Viserys’ dying wish and her unwavering belief in Aegon’s rightful claim.
As the ripple effects of Viserys’ death spread through the court, “House of the Dragon” skillfully uses this pivotal moment to expose the true nature of the characters and their motivations. The episode is filled with tension, intrigue, and a subtle yet chilling sense of impending war.
A Dance of Deception: Otto and Alicent’s Game
We are thrown into the immediate aftermath of Viserys’ death where Alicent and Otto, driven by ambition, decide to exploit the situation to fulfill their desires. Otto, motivated largely by a personal vendetta against the Targaryens, seeks to seize this opportunity to bring Aegon to the throne – a move that would restore his former position of Hand of the King. His machinations play out as he calls for a meeting of the small council, framing the circumstances as an urgent call to convene and solidify Aegon’s claim.
Alicent’s motivations, though more complex, are ultimately driven by a similar ambition. She believes that Viserys’ dying wish was for Aegon to be king, but the reality is far more nuanced. The episode highlights how Alicent has been blinded by her love for her children and her desire to protect them from the power struggles of the throne. In her quest, she overlooks the fact that Viserys, in his final moments, was attempting to reaffirm Rhaenyra as his heir – a reality he revealed to his daughter in a heartbreaking conversation.
Ser Harrold Westerling : A Beacon of Honor in a World of Shadow
Ser Harrold Westerling, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, becomes a figure of integrity amidst the court’s swirling scheming. He is asked to travel to Dragonstone to kill Rhaenyra, a task he refuses, choosing instead to resign from his post. His refusal is a stark reminder that even in a realm where morals are often blurred, there still exist those who hold onto their principles. Westerling’s actions stand in stark contrast to those like Ser Criston Cole, who has abandoned his honor for the sake of personal ambition.
Mysaria’s Return to Power
Mysaria, the former confidante of Rhaenyra and Daemon, takes a more active role in the episode. She uses her knowledge of Aegon’s whereabouts as a bargaining chip, leveraging her experience and cunning to regain influence. Her emergence from the shadows highlights the unpredictable nature of the power dynamics in this world and the potential for marginalized figures to rise again.
Aegon, a Reluctant King
Aegon, the intended heir, is presented as a deeply flawed character, not cut out for the responsibilities of the throne. He demonstrates a lack of maturity, indulging in debauchery and avoiding the responsibility of leadership. His reluctance to embrace his crown symbolizes the instability of the situation and casts a shadow over the legitimacy of his claim.
Rhaenys Targaryen and the Iron Throne
Rhaenys Targaryen, the Queen Who Never Was, is presented as a figure of both strength and pragmatism. Despite being shut away for years, she still possesses a cunning political mind and possesses a stark understanding of the reality of power in Westeros. Her interactions with Alicent underscore her own ambitions, which are nuanced and guided by a deep sense of survival.
Alicent’s Blindness: A Dangerous Game
While she claims to want a peaceful transition to power, her actions betray her true intentions. Alicent’s relentless pursuit to crown Aegon, even against his own wishes, suggests a willingness to risk war and bloodshed. Alicent’s blind faith in her father’s motivations and her misguided interpretation of Viserys’ final words reveals a worrying level of naivety. This naivety may signal her downfall as she finds herself caught between fulfilling her father’s ambition and her own desire to protect her children.
The Seeds of a Civil War Are Sown
The episode ends with the seeds for a potential war sown – Alicent’s decision to move forward with Aegon’s coronation, ignoring the possibility of a peaceful resolution with Rhaenyra, sets the stage for a violent clash. This episode has shown the court at its most chaotic with the players struggling to maintain control. The impending civil war looms over the next episode, promising a dramatic and dangerous turn of events.
In conclusion, "House of the Dragon" episode 9 offers an intense and thought-provoking look into a world consumed by ambition, deception, and the pursuit of power. The episode sets the stage for a conflict that will determine the fate of the Targaryen dynasty and the future of Westeros. The seeds of war have been planted, and we will soon see if they will blossom into a full-blown Dance of the Dragons.
