Westeros inches closer to war in the House of the Dragon Season 2 finale. However, the shot heard around the world doesn’t go off.
The House of the Dragon Season 2 Finale is a confounding episode. Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke and the rest of the ensemble deliver stellar performances bolstered by Sara Hess’s dialogue. The last two were also setup-type episodes, with both sides getting into position, seemingly hinting at significant consequences in the finale. Those repercussions don’t materialize in the finale. Characters like Daemon and Alicent make decisions but the results of their choices are left up in the air by season 2’s conclusion.
Aemond responds poorly to Raenyra’s show of force glimpsed at the end of the penultimate episode. He burns a city to ash. His outburst leaves his dragon Vhagar out of steam. He tries to even the number of dragons on both sides by ordering Helaena into the fight. She refuses, but for Alicent, Aemond forces her daughter, and his sister pushes her to a breaking point. Alicent takes a significant risk to save Helaena and Alicent’s grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Jace isn’t getting along well with new Dragonriders Ulf, Hugh, and Adam of Hull. Simon Strong sends word to Rhaenyra about Daemon’s possible wavering support. She races off to confront Daemon in Harrenhal. Daemon has a change of heart after receiving a final vision. Alan finally levels with Corlys over the latter’s lack of acknowledgment.
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There’s nothing wrong with any of these storylines, as they all bring the characters to where they need to be. Unfortunately, these positions require a more immediate payoff, not a long, possibly two-year hiatus waiting to see the fireworks.
Despite the unsatisfying conclusion, House of the Dragon is my favorite series of 2024 so far.
After the overview and ranking of House of the Dragon Season 2 finale 7.5 out of 10 (Very Good), let’s dive deeper into Helaena vs Aemond, husband-wife reunion and Alicent’s gambit. House of the Dragon is streaming on Max.
House Green Crumbles Under Aemond’s Thumb
Aemond responds to Rhaenyra’s show of force by losing his temper and burning a city to the ground. Rhaenyra declares war. Aemond recognizes his disadvantage. He orders his sister Helaena to mount her dragon and join the fight. Alicent is mortified at he son’s request and turns it down as does Helaena.
Later, Aemond approaches Helaena again. She refuses and reveals her knowledge about Aemond attacking Aegon. Then, Helaena uses her premonition abilities to tell Aemond his fate.
Aegon and Ser Criston Cole join Alicent’s state from the last episode. They both are contemplating the uselessnes of their existence. Aegon feels like less of a man due to his injuries. Larys comes up with a bold strategy for Aegon and him to go to Braavos and then reclaim the throne after the war. Cole admits his affair to Alicent’s brother, Gwayne. Cole’s pitiful mindset throws Gwayne off. Due to the presence of the dragon, Cole regrets the war. Humans are nothing compared to these God-like beasts.
Daemon bends the knee in House of the Dragon Season 2 Finale
Aemond is also the recipient of Helaena’s foresight. The House of the Dragon Season 2 Finale reveals that Helaena is part of Daemon’s nightmares. Alys leads Daemon to a bleeding tree that triggers another vision. Daemon sees the future, which includes white walkers, Daenerys Targaryen from the back holding a dragon egg, and, most importantly, Rhaenyra on the throne.
Rhaenyra’s misogynistic messenger from her small council arrives in Harrenhal. He immediately suggests Dameon should be king. Simon Strong sends a message to Rhaenyra about Daemon’s possible traitorous intent. Rhaenyra bravely flies to Harrenhal to confront Dameon.
Rhaenyra is surrounded by a group of men who she doesn’t know can be trusted and that includes her husband Daemon. However, Rhaenyra and Daemon converse in Valyeron. He pledges fealty to Rhaenyra and promises not to leave her side again.
Green Turns Black
After confronting Daemon, Rhaenyra returns to Dragonstone. Out of the shadow comes a familiar figure Alicent. In a reversal of roles, Alicent is trying to avoid the war. Rhaenyra believes it’s too late.
This reunion allows them to delve deeper into the issue between these two friends who still love each other. Alicent reveals she had a lover among her many truths. After admitting she was wrong for hearing what she wanted to hear when Viserys was on death’s door, Alicent reveals what she wants at Rhaenyra’s urging.
Alicent wants to disappear with Helaena and her grandchildren. She tells Rhaenyra that Aemond is about to attack Harrenhal, leaving the throne in King’s Landing vacant. At first, Alicent tries to convince Rhaenyra to spare Aegon. In a nice confirmation of what Otto Hightower told Alicent would happen if Rhaenyra takes the throne, Rhaenyra tells Alicent that Aegon must die to confirm her claim to the Iron Throne.
Alicent eventually agrees. Rhaenyra reminds her that her history won’t look kindly on her actions, but Alicent remains resolute in her decision.
There needs to be more Cooke-D’Arcy scenes next season.
House of the Dragon Season 2 Finale Final Thoughts
The season finale is a mixed-bag ending to an otherwise excellent television season. Performances and writing result in an almost hypnotic quality that’s impossible to resist. Unfortunately, the lack of action saps the episode of momentum necessary for building up the following season. Also, too many characters, namely Daemon and Rhaena, spend far too much time wandering through their journeys.
Despite those issues, Season 2 of House of the Dragon is a massive improvement over Season 1. With this cast, there’s no reason House of the Dragon won’t retain its quality when season 3 debuts.
The Review
House of the Dragon Season 2 Finale
PROS
- Olivia Cooke and Emma D'Arcy are terrific.
- Great dialogue.
- Criston Cole's realization is a perfectly somber encapsulation of this war.
- The rise of Heleana.
CONS
- The seasons started on the precipice of war and ends the some way.
- Rhaena and Daemon spent far too long stranded away from Dragonstone.
