This article from the HBO series House of the Dragon (2024) Season 2 Episode 2 contains significant spoilers.
The return of House of the Dragon last week with the first episode of season 2 was EXPLOSIVE. With Queen Rhaenyra grieving the loss of her son, Prince Daemon found himself wanting revenge. He enlisted Blood and Cheese to hunt down Prince Aemon and kill them. However, the duo couldn’t find him and settled for taking the life of Jaehaerys, the son of King Aegon II. This week deals with the aftermath of the murder along with the surprise banishment of the King’s Hand.
House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Recap and Spoiler Review
The episode begins with the house in shambles as King Aegon II freaks out over his son’s death. He screams, “I declare war.” Otto Hightower is talking with his daughter, Alicent, about how they can’t overreact to what transpired, but she breaks down knowing her daughter is hurt. He promises her that they will pay for their actions.
Queen Alicent approaches her daughter to inform her that they must ride in a wagon behind Jaehaerys for his funeral. Queen Helaena doesn’t want to do it, but her mother tells her she has no choice and that this is how things go. Alicent attempts to speak with her about what she walked in on with her and Criston but cuts her off before she can explain.
At Dragonstone, Queen Rhaenyra is informed that King Aegon II and everyone at King’s Landing believe that she was the one who had Jaehaerys killed. Puzzled at the idea, Rhaenyra looks over at Prince Daemon and realizes that he was the one who ordered the hit. Daemon said he ordered them to kill Prince Aemond and not the son, but she doesn’t believe him, causing a rift between them. The two share disparaging remarks at one another, leading to him leaving.
Who does Criston Cole order the Erryk Carygll to murder?
Criston questions Erryk about his whereabouts the night that Jaehaerys was murdered. He also mentions that his brother is the one who wreaked havoc on this house, killing the King’s son, and he must restore it. He orders Erryk to head to Dragonstone and kill Queen Rhaenyra.
Because he couldn’t figure out which of the Rat Catchers helped Blood and Cheese, King Aegon had all of them hung within the city. Otto Hightower storms into his quarters and questions him about killing so many innocent people. The two argue about how they are handling things, and the King wants to put pressure on them instead of waiting around.
Who becomes the new Hand of King Aegon?
King Aegon stated he wanted to act like Criston Cole did. He informs Otto that Cole had sent Erryk to slay Queen Rhaenyra, which makes him mad because he didn’t consult him. Because he didn’t like how he talked to him or how he handled the situation, King Aegon strips Otto from being his Hand. In the same breath, King Aegon announces that Criston Cole will be his new Hand.
HBO’s House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Ending Explained: Does Erryk kill Queen Rhaenyra?
Although Queen Rhaenyra wasn’t sure she could trust Mysaria, she honored the word of Prince Daemon and allowed her to leave Dragonstone. However, as she was heading to the ship, she recognized that Erryk Carygll’s twin was heading into the castle. We see Erryk storm into Rhaenyra’s room and try to attack her but is met with his twin fighting him off. This leads to them fighting, and Erryk kills his twin (the one trying to kill the Queen) and takes his own life shortly after.
House of the Dragon continues to up the ante, with each house trying to make the other pay for its actions. We know that a massive war is inevitable, but the writers’ building towards it makes every scene feel more important than the last. It’s another brilliant episode.
What did you think of House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2? Comment below.
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