House of the Dragon delivers another episode full of shifting alliances and sparse action in Smallfolk.
Following episode 5, everyone is stuck. Alicent’s (Olivia Cooke) control is floundering under her son Aemond’s (Ewan Mitchell) rule. Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) is trying to find alternative dragon riders since she must remain safe behind the castle wall. Daemon (Matt Smith) continues to be plagued by visions. This time, his brother, Viserys (Paddy Considine) haunts him. Corlys’s bastard sons are forced to live without their father’s acknowledgment.
In addition to restless characters, new allegiances are forged or moved forward. An emasculated Larys Strong turns to Aegon. Rhaenyra plots with Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) to turn the tide of public opinion in King’s Landing. Mysaria’s commitment to Rhaenyra takes a romantic turn as well.
Smallfolk also highlights how those not of royal blood are being used. In Dragonstone, Rhaenyra turns to a member of the King’s Guard as a potential dragon rider. Rhaenyra loses confidence as she makes her pitch but goes through with it after the guard’s steadfast commitment. The bonding ceremony with the dragon ends in Game of Thrones fashion. In addition to sowing discord among the residents of King’s Landing via Mysaria’s spies, Rhaenyra also sends food to King’s Landing.
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Cooke, D’Arcy, Mizuno, and Mitchell’s performances are terrific. Eileen Shim‘s screenplay provides furtive ground for these stellar performances. Unfortunately, Smallfolk continues to relegate Daemond to the horrors of his mind. However, the deepening connection between Mysaria and Rhaenyra and the terror in King’s Landing aimed at Alicent raise Smallfolk above last week’s episode.
After the overview and ranking of Smallfok 8.5 out of 10 (Great), let’s dive deeper into Aemond’s reign, a restless Rhaenyra, and bastards of Corlys. House of the Dragon is streaming on Max.
Aemond’s Reign, Alicent’s Ruin
Aemond is more confident and fit to rule than his brother Aegon. However, his impetuous decisions and need for authentic praise hold him back.
Aemond wants to work with the free cities, a practice other council members frown upon. Alicent voices the loudest objection drawing Aemond’s ire. After adjourning the council meeting, he takes Alicent aside and removes her from the council. Later, during another council session, Larys tries to worm his way into being the hand of the king. Aemond sees right through this attempt. He agrees with Larys’ sentiment and order for Otto Hightower’s return.
Alicent’s time in King’s Landing gets worse. She’s scrambling for allies. First, Alicent turns to her brother Gwayne (Freddie Fox). She inquires about her other son, a well-behaved young man, while her sons in King’s Landing are deplorable. A riot in King’s Landing forces Alicent and Helaena to flee.
Aemond’s machinations don’t stop with Alicent. Aegon is still in rough shape, drifting in and out of consciousness. Aemond threatens him to keep quiet. Meanwhile, Aemond may have taken satisfaction in belittling Larys. However, Larys, the master of changing allegiances, encourages Aegon to sharpen his mind.
Cooke and Mitchell are terrific. Mitchell’s almost whisper-like delivery exudes Aemond’s snake-like demeanor. Alicent’s realization she no longer has any allies brings out one of Cook’s best performances.
Restless Rhaenyra Aids Smallfolk
Rhaenyra may be queen, but she feels as powerless as Alicent.
Following her son Jace’s idea from the end of Regent, Rhaenyra presents her plan to find more dragon riders to the small council. A member of the Queen’s Guard takes on the role. After courageously revealing her plan, Rhaenyra’s confidence diminishes as she talks to Steffon Darklyn . D’Arcy is terrific once again. In a show full of powerhouse performances, D’Arcy stands at the top.
Steffon approaches, but as the dragon appears to accept him as a rider, hubris takes over. Steffen relishes his success and is incinerated.
Rhaenyra’s dragon plan may have gone up in flames, but her and Mysaria’s other plan is beginning to pay off. The whispers in King’s Landing, courtesy of Mysaria’s network, are working. Following the dragon’s failure, they launch the next phase of the plan. They send food and drink to King’s Landing to show the common folk Rhaenyra is benevolent.
Mysaria also reveals to Rhaenyra the familial abuse she endured and how it broke her ability to trust others. Rhaenyra embraces Mysaria and the swell of emotion leads to a passionate kiss, which is interrupted.
Bastards of Corlys
Corlys spends most of the episode in the background. He silently watches the small council session and promotes his unacknowledged son Alyn to 2nd in command.
Alyn isn’t Corlys’ only son. Smallfolk introduces Alyn’s brother Addam. Alyn works hard to keep his white Velaryon hair a secret by shaving it. Addam encourages his brother to use the family connection to his advantage.
Later, one of the dragons, Seasmoke, appears to attack Addam. The dragon submits to Addam as a new rider. The romance between Rhaenyra and Mysaria is broken up by a member of the King’s Guard. He explains there are reports of a dragon on Seasmoke. Rhaenyra races out on Dragonback to meet the rider, who she assumes is an enemy to end the episode.
Smallfolk Final Thoughts
Overall, the message of two of Westeros’s most powerful women feeling trapped by their surroundings continues to shine. With the upcoming penultimate episode, Smallfolk is a necessary building block to what should be a monumental House of the Dragon episode.
The Review
House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6
PROS
- Rhaenyra-Mysaria relationship is terrific and could go many different ways.
- Aemond's disposition as a king is thrilling.
- Alicent being forced to scramble for allies and later to save her life brings out one of Olivia Cook's best performances.
CONS
- Daemon's continues to feel isolated from the rest of the show with little movement forward.
