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Lead Critic for the site, as well as serving as an editor when needed.
Following last week’s gains and losses, this week’s episode of HBO’s House of the Dragon prepares its characters for the next stages of war. Meanwhile, King Consort Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) seems to have finally fulfilled his purpose at Harrenhal.
“The Red Sowing” is written by co-executive producer David Hancock (The Crown) and directed by executive producer Loni Peristere (Banshee, Outcast, American Horror Story, Warrior, American Horror Stories, The Witcher). The penultimate episode of Season 2 begins immediately where the prior episode left off. Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and her dragon Syrax confront bastard, Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty), who just claimed Seasmoke. At Harrenhal, Daemon tastes much-needed humility from fourteen-year-old Lord Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes). Meanwhile, in King’s Landing, matters start shifting almost drastically in the Black’s favor.
Housekeeping in King’s Landing
In King’s Landing, Lord Larys “Clubfoot” Strong (Matthew Needham) and Lord Jasper “Ironrod” Wylde (Paul Kennedy) discuss Seasmoke having been claimed by Addam. The only advantage of this news is that the Greens do not truly know who claimed Seasmoke. Oddly enough, they decide to keep this news to themselves, as it’s a “[a whisper] best left to the wind”. This is just another example of Small Council members making their own moves. However, they both know that King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) is much easier to persuade than Prince Regent Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell). Aemond can actually think for himself.
In a forwarding moment, Grand Maester Orwyle (Kurt Egyiawan) is shown helping the King gain some momentum through walking but collapses as Lord Larys comes in. Larys continues insisting upon the importance of Aegon regaining what strength he can, as everyone begins to see how dangerous Aemond could potentially become. Larys also informs Orwyle separately that they really cannot let Aegon rest much. This is funnier than anything because it just reinforces their need to somehow control much of the ruler’s actions. They also seek to move the land in their own way as usual.
Meanwhile, Queen Dowager Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) makes her way out of King’s Landing with her protector, Ser Rickard Thorne (Vincent Regan). Feeling almost nothing but immense guilt, she moves to contemplate suicide. This is a far cry from where she began in this season of House of the Dragon and is also baffling to see her even consider. Thorne is seemingly puzzled by everything she is doing. However, within the source material, this is not how she dies. It will be most interesting to see where she ends the season next weekend.
Bastards Galore
The Black Council discuss the news of Addam and Seasmoke, continuing to attempt some type of movement without the Queen. The best part of these scenes remains the Hand of the Queen Lord Corlys Velayron’s (Steve Toussaint) dedication to Rhaenyra, reeling the Council back in. While Corlys and Addam have a small moment together, the latter character gets the most minuscule amount of reinforcement from his true father. It will take more than Corlys telling him “well done” to fix the issues at hand. Yet, it is good to see this plot move along overall.
Further, Corlys later gives a mission to Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim), which he delivers to King’s Landing for the Queen. It’s great to see these two characters begin to play their part in the war, and Alyn reaffirms to his father that he is “of salt and sea.” This could imply that he is just fine without a dragon, willing to play his part in the naval campaigns. “Salt and Sea” is one of the mottos of House Velayron, so the usage in that scene is also significant for Corlys.
How to Claim Your Dragon
Lady Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) further reinforces the bastard claim to the Queen. The message Alyn delivers to King’s Landing makes its way to Elinda Massey (Jordon Stevens). In a rather quick montage, Elinda gives the word around King’s Landing that any bastard who believes they are of Targaryen descent must make their way to Dragonstone to claim a dragon. As such, Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) and Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew) are among the bastards who make the journey. Hugh believes he is Daemon and Viserys’s cousin, which is weak reasoning for his wife, Kat (Ellora Torchia). They seemingly lost their daughter between the last few episodes and now, as she succumbed to her illness. Ulf believes he is Daemon and Viserys’s brother.
Prince Jacaerys “Jace” Velayron (Harry Collett) laments to his mother about his own status as a true-born bastard. He looks more like his father, Harwin Strong, than any Targaryen or Velayron, but his status remains the same. However, he wants his claim to the heir of the Iron Throne to remain because now he feels like any random Targaryen bastard can make the same claim he does. This is true in some way, but he is the son of the Queen, and she does her best to reinforce his feelings against the matter, but to no avail. Still, it’s great to see him finally confront his mother on something and make her think long-term too. Moreover, surely nothing will come of his fears anyway.
Simply put, Jace feels everything that once made him special is in some ways retroactive now that any random Targaryen bastard can potentially claim a dragon. Particularly, Collett stands out in this scene, matching D’Arcy’s energy as Rhaenyra on another level.
The Riverlands
Oscar Tully finally becomes Liege Lord & Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, as his grandsire Grover Tully died in the last episode. Although he is only fourteen, the Young Lord knows the bonds of honor within the land. As Daemon also says, even within the “deepest darkness comes the dawn.” This is a perfect metaphor for his entire time in Harrenhal. Yet, the main point of this rather long albeit epic scene is that Oscar Tully essentially gives the rest of the Riverlords a piece of mind while demonstrating great leadership.
A couple of episodes back, Daemon told Ser Willem Blackwood (Jack Parry-Jones), to essentially commit war crimes to make the Brakens heel. In order to make the Riverlords pledge their allegiance to him, their Liege Lord, Oscar, tells Daemon to execute Willem for these events. Oscar also reminds Daemon that he needs his army, not the other way around. Daemon obliges, though, seemingly moving the bricks along. It was nonetheless comical to see a fourteen-year-old bow up to Daemon. Oscar honors his people and the oaths his forebearers made as well. Daemon is a little more humble afterwards.
Daemon is forced to bear another vision of his past as well. An old Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) insists upon Daemon the burden of the Crown. Even after being asked if he truly still wants that burden, Daemon cannot help but lose his composure. It’s always welcoming to see Considine back in the HBO show, as he was one of the best parts of House of the Dragon Season 1. He continues to maintain the perfect vulnerability as Viserys. Smith and Considine are also great scene partners, and the former continues to show new sides to Daemon, which is much needed from a character standpoint.
A Ripple in the Waves
Proceeding with the true introduction of the dragon, Vermithor, D’Arcy gives a fantastic monologue to the Targaryen bastards. The monologues in the HBO series usually remind the audience of the character’s strength, but the dialogue itself is so motivating, especially in this scene. Rhaenyra directs the group to the dragon pits and calls The Bronze Fury. The framing gives way to a powerful image of the Dragon Queen. It’s almost like Rhaenyra could have claimed Vermithor for herself. However, after he burns most of the group, Hugh claims Vermithor, in a show of courage. Vermithor is the second largest dragon in the realm, after Aemond’s dragon Vhagar.
Ulf manages to run away deeper into the dragon pits, encountering Silverwing. Similarly, Silverwing bows to Ulf, and almost, like a damn cat, nudges him to mount her. Now, Rhaenyra does what any leader would do in this position and performs an epic show of force to the Greens. Ulf screams in on Silverwing to King’s Landing and draws Aemond out on Vhagar. However, Aemond senses Vhagar’s behavior and notices that he is clearly outnumbered. As Aemond turns Vhagar around, Silverwing lands behind Vermithor and Syrax, granting easily one of the best framing shots ever. Visually, watching Rhaenyra stand in front of her soldiers and each of their dragons as they keep watch is just so damn awesome.
In an earlier scene in the Vale, Lady Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell) goes off in search of the wild dragon there, presumably Sheepstealer. It could be implied that she will mount Sheepstealer, however, that is yet to be truly seen. Within the source material, she does eventually gain a dragon. Of course, it will also be great to see her finally have one in House of the Dragon. Further, the more dragons the better, and she is the only adult Targaryen on Team Black without a dragon.
Technical Details
“The Red Sowing” is truly one of the best episodes of the series. Music composer Ramin Djawadi’s score remains powerful, helping illustrate the strength among the characters. The moments when it grows during some scenes are great as well. Vanja Černjul’s cinematography is some of the best in the series. Černjul and Peristere’s framing is just so tight and epic. Hancock’s screenwriting this week is superb, and the effects of the dragons remain amazing. It seems they have seemingly figured out the best way to make the dragons come to life.
This episode of House of the Dragon features some of the best shots within the entire Game of Thrones universe. Alicent drifting through the lake in contemplation of her life’s choices is a great juxtaposition character-wise from Season 1. It’s almost as if the angle of the shot is her making a choice; it’s oddly calming. The episode’s first and final shots feature some of the best framing of dragons ever. To see Syrax and Rhaenyra confront Seasmoke and Addam was stellar. Watching them walk is so cool. Their dedication to their rider is also nice to see each week, as it always reinforces how strong their bond is. Syrax was prepared to fight for Rhaenyra, even though Addam immediately kneeled. Hugh and Ulf finally claim their dragons in this episode as well.
Final Thoughts on HBO’s House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7
The final moments of this episode were so visually enthralling. The episode led to some of the most wild moments thus far. This week led to key wins for Rhaenyra, and the Greens seem to finally sense what they could be up against. Each introduction of a dragon is great in its own way. The final episode of House of the Dragon Season 2 should leave matters in an off-the-wall way as they come to an end this season. The season has also led to drastic changes for the main characters. It was also refreshing to see Paddy Considine and Milly Alcock return in guest roles. Moreover, many of the younger characters are now growing up in this war, and their lives will be changed forever. Particularly, the season’s themes have surely been amplified.
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Lead Critic for the site, as well as serving as an editor when needed.
This article was edited by John Tangalin.