The Dragon Queen Claims the Iron Throne in Ep. 2 and My Knee is BENT

By: Krista Perez

Emma D'Arcy just gave us a masterclass in acting. They deserve all the awards for that hour-long emotional performance.

Episode 2 of HOTD gave you little emotional reprieve from start to finish. There was a lot that happened, so here's the rundown.

Rhaenyra is FINALLY on the throne and it was the most satisfying moment. No, I will not be watching further. For my mental health, Season 3 is only two episodes long and nothing bad ever happens again and the dragons can live freely and get all the treats.

The actual scenes leading up to her sitting the throne had me on edge, but watching Daemon not let Rhaenyra lift a finger to get to the throne room made my romantasy lover's heart flutter. Otto’s execution made me almost as happy as Daemon bc he was the cause for all of it, and I liked that, though Rhaenyra ultimately does it, seeing her struggle with the decision shows her humanity and good nature.

Heavy is the crown, though.

Jace’s body is recovered from sea and Rhaenyra, naturally, refuses to accept he’s dead. This is where Emma D’Arcy’s performance really took off, and I’m going to say it...I think they are one of the best actors of our generation. The shifts from anger to absolute devastation was seamless. Harry Collette gave an interview revealing that they were on set for 12-ish hours shooting this scene and not once did Emma D’Arcy’s performance waver. That's incredibly impressive. They deserve every bit of love and kudos they receive.

Rhaena flees from the battle and seeks asylum in the Vale with Sheepstealer. It’s granted, but I cannot imagine the Blacks will let that go. Only time will tell what happens to Rhaena because from what I hear the writers deviated far from her story in the books. All I know is I love Sheepstealer and whatever is wrong with that feral baby.

In the Riverlands, Daemon, with the help of the Starks and the other Riverland houses, defeats the Lannister army. During the celebration, he receives word about Jace and flies to Rhaenyra’s side. I have to say watching Caraxes be a cutie patootie drinking water to stay hydrated was one of the highlights of this episode. Give me a show about  dragons just doing dragon things.

Alicent works tirelessly to ensure Rhaenyra has little to no resistance when she finally takes King’s Landing. She instructs Helaena to use her power as queen to stand down the guards. Watching Helaena give commands and smile at her mom after was another cute moment and drives home that she is the only Green that does not deserve anything that has happened to her.

Let’s talk about what I didn't like about the episode… Alicent’s assault by someone who is so unimportant I don't even remember his name. It felt unnecessary. I actually hate that that is the default scenario for female character growth or putting a woman in her place. She was already excused from council and really had no place in court anymore. You see women get this kind of treatment a lot in books written by men.

This show is running up my blood pressure, and as much as I want to believe Rhaenyra sits the Iron Throne and rules well into old age and none of the dragons are killed, thats just not how this universe works.

I love HOTD so much and I cannot wait for the next episode.