House of the Dragon The Red Dragon and the Gold Review: The Dance of Dragons begins

War officially begins, and within moments, tragedy seemingly results in losses on both sides in The Red Dragon and the Gold.

For most of the episode, The Red Dragon and the Gold, written by showrunner Ryan Condal and directed by Game of Thrones veteran Alan Taylor, further develops established storylines. Daemon (Matt Smith) is battling inner and outer demons in Harrenhal. Alicent (Olivia Cooke) revisits the past but offers nothing to change the future. Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), Rhaenys (Eve Best) and Corlys (Steve Toussaint) try to rein in a war-hungry small council. Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) grows restless.

Outside of war officially beginning the most significant development is Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) becoming the Daemon of House Green. His military intellect and thirst for power come before all, even his family and his machinations could prove to be House Black’s undoing.

Everything builds to a big battle at Rook’s Rest where three dragons and their riders fight in the skies above while the armies of Rook’s Rest and King’s Guard helplessly look on.

My only criticism is that there should be more between Aegon and Aemond this season. Their main interactions were in the last episode. Last season, there was no shortage of scenes between Viserys and his brother Daemon. Those scenes helped the relationship grow more profound than just jealousy of power. With Aegon and Aemond, it’s clear Aemond is more capable of ruling than Aegon, but nothing more than that.

Overall, with a breathtaking salvo, great directing, and sharp dialogue, House of the Dragon continues to be the best show of 2024.

After the overview and ranking The Red Dragon and The Gold 9 out of 10 (Outstanding), let’s dive deeper into the respective fights against history, Aemond’s calculations and the beginning of war. House of the Dragon is streaming on Max.

Captains of Rutterless Ships

Alicent and Rhaenyra are cast into an inevitable conflict that devastates both sides.

Rhaenys is trying to maintain order in Dragonstone while Rhaenyra is away in King’s Landing. She receives backup from Corlys, which calms the situation. When Rhaenyra returns, she explains her disappearance. Rhaenyra hears a report on Criston Cole’s decision to attack Rook’s Rest.

She finally agrees to send a dragon. Rhaenyra volunteers first, and then her son offers. Rhaenyra turns it down citing his lack of experience. Rhaenys offers to go and Rhaenyra accepts.

Meanwhile, in King’s Landing, Alicent is brushing up on the histories of Westeros. A conversation with Lord Larys Strong shows that the situation is fraught. Whatever was Viserys’ intent died with him.

Later, Aegon vents to his mother Alicent. He’s frustrated over the last respect from Aemond and the rest of the council. Alicent clarifies that Aegon should be grateful and do as Alicent and Otto asked. Aegon asks Aliicent what he should do, and Aliicent responds, “Nothing.”

Aegon, an impulsive fool, doesn’t heed her advice and heads out to aid Cole in invading Rook’s Rest. His decision allows Aemon’s plans to come into better focus.

Aemond and Daemon forge ahead in The Red Dragon and the Gold

For most of season 2, Aemond has stayed in the background. His disposition in private seems to show remorse. In The Red Dragon and the Gold, Aemond becomes a central figure and single-handedly turns the tide of the war.

Aemond’s impact goes beyond his actions in Rook’s Rest. During a council meeting, Aemond reveals he’s been strategizing with Cole. Aegon is aghast that the duo made a plan without his consent.

When Aegon flies off to Rook’s Rest, Aemond’s dragon, Vhagar, wants to pursue them. However, Aemond tells Vhagar to wait.

In Harranhal, the territory Aegon wants to claim over Rook’s Rest, Daemon continues his psychological battle. He continues to see horrifying images of young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock). Daemon finally speaks with Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin). She explains that Harrenhal is haunted. While the torment continues, Daemon tries to find allies for Rhaenyra’s cause.

Battle of Rook’s Rest

Rhaenys arrives at Rook’s Rest but is soon met by Aegon and his dragon. Rhaenys’ dragon, Meraxes, is more potent than Sunfyre. Suddenly, Aemond arrives with Vhagar and Aegon feels he has the advantage.

However, Aemond utters the word “Dracarys,” and Vhagar incinerates Sunfyre. Aegon tumbles to the ground, seemingly dead at the hands of his brother.

A battle rages in the skies above between Rhaenys and Aemond. Meraxes seems to get the better of Vhagar, but Vhagar attacks from below and kills Meraxes leaving Rhaenys to fall to her death.

Meanwhile, Cole plays the role of a spectator when he’s not unconscious. Cole’s plan involved Aemond joining the battle. When Aegon surprisingly shows up, Cole orders his men to attack. Cole is knocked out during Rhaenys and Aemond’s skirmish but does witness Aemond’s dragon incinerate Aegon. When Cole awakes, he stumbles to Sunfyre and looks at what appears to be a lifeless Aegon with Aemond standing over them. Aemond walks away while Cole looks on in horror.

A truly outstanding ending with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Both sides are dealt severe blows at the hands of Aemond. The fallout will be interesting. Will Corlys continue to support Rhaenyra’s claim? Who will rule King’s Landing? How quickly with Cole change his allegiance to Aemond?

The Red Dragon and the Gold Final Thoughts

The episode’s final sequence is as harrowing as any in the Game of Thrones franchise. The devastation of the final scene reiterates why Rhaenyra was cautious about going to war. Once dragons are involved there’s no putting the cap back on the bottle. War is upon Westeros and Aemond is the most dangerous person in the Seven Kingdoms.