Courtesy of HBO
Episode 8 of House of the Dragon takes place 6 years after episode 7. The kids have now grown up and are taking their roles in the realm. This creates an interesting dynamic and ensures the future of this show. King Viscerys is still alive even though he looks like a skeleton you would see in science class. Viscerys is one yard away from death and looks like he needs to be put out of his misery. After episode 7 being the greatest episode of the series, does episode 8 continue the momentum? Let's break it down.
Episode 8 starts with Rhaenys and Corlys' brother Ser Vaemond talking about Corlys. Corlys has not been seen by his wife for 6 years and has suffered injuries that can kill him. Ser Vaemond makes claim to be the new Lord of Driftmark. Rhaenys does not seem to want Ser Vaemond to be the new Lord of Driftmark. She hopes her husband can come back and not die from his injuries. News of Corlys' injuries and Ser Vaemond's challenging of the Driftmark throne gets to Daemon and Rhaenyra. They find out Vaemond is going to petition his right to the throne. This will in turn question Rhaenyra's children legitimacy as Velaryons.
This causes Rhaenyra, Daemon, and their family to travel to King's Landing. They see Viscerys who is looking in rough shape. They introduce him to their two new sons: Aegon and Viscerys. He is happy to see them but scares them off with his disfigured appearance. Daemon gets straight to business and tells about the upcoming petition from Ser Vaemond. This pays off later in the episode.
Alicent is aware of Rhaenyra and Daemon's arrival in King's Landing but gets distracted when someone tells her about Aegon and a maid. It seems that Aegon has raped a maid named Dyana. Dyana is hyperventilating and struggling to get the words out when talking with Alicent. Alicent says she believes her but everyone else might not since she was alone with the prince. Alicent gives her a mysterious drink and she disappears from the episode. This could mean the drink was poisnous or it was simply a drink to prevent a pregnancy.
Alicent confronts Aegon about this and slaps him for his wrong-doing. Aegon states that he has a lot of pressure on him and that everything he does is not good enough for his parents. While Aegon seems to be floundering, Aemond seems to be flourishing. He has a badass eye patch and looks considerably older and more strong than his brother. He still trains with Criston Cole and his skills have improved. Aemond seems to be more worthy of the throne than his brother.
Everyone is in the throne room to hear of the petitions. Ser Vaemond goes first and says she should be the new Lord of Driftmark. Rhaenyra quickly chimes in and says Luke is the rightful heir to Driftmark. As Rhaenyra talks, Viscerys makes a grand entrance. He can barely move but makes his way to the throne with the help of Daemon in an emotional moment. Viscerys says the only thing that matters is Rhaenys' opinion. Rhaenys says she wants Luke to be Lord of Driftmark and that she and Rhaenyra have made a deal to align houses with the marriages of her granddaughters and Rhaenyra's sons.
Vaemond keeps mouthing off calling Rhaenyra's kids bastards and her a whore. This sets Viscerys over the edge. He grabs a knife and demands Vaemond's tongue cut off. Before that can happen, Daemon chops off Vaemond's head. Watching this was amazing and definitely a kill you will only see in a Thrones show. Viscerys ends the meeting with Luke becoming the new Lord of Driftmark.
They celebrate this occasion with a nice family dinner. It seems to be going well with both Rhaenyra and Alicent praising each other. Even Jace praises his uncles after a couple of remarks made to him and Luke. Viscerys seems to be happy for the first time in a long time. Viscerys goes off to rest. Aemond then makes a remark to both Jace and Luke. He says they are both strong boys. Jace takes offense to this and punches Aemond in his face. Rhaenyra and Alicent both scold their children for their behavior and send them back to their rooms.
Alicent goes to see Viscerys for the final time. Viscerys mistakes Alicent for Rhaenyra and talks about the Song of Ice and Fire. Viscerys says he does not believe in the prophecy and that Rhaenyra needs to be the one on the throne. Alicent mistakes this for Viscerys saying that he wants Aegon on the throne. The episode ends with Viscerys drawing his last breath.
Although this episode wasn't better than episode 7, House of the Dragon keeps the momentum going. Now with the death of King Viscerys and Alicent mistaking Viscerys' wishes, the throne is now up for grabs now more than ever. Will Queen Rhaenyra reign? Or will Prince Aegon take his place on the throne? It should be an interesting couple of episodes as the season is ending.
Grade: A-
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