In the latest episode of “House of the Dragon,” titled “An Army of Bastards,” the stakes have never been higher as the series dives deeper into the chaos of war and the quest for power. This episode, the seventh of Season 2, is a thrilling ride filled with unexpected alliances, dragon confrontations, and the emergence of new players in the ongoing Targaryen conflict.
The episode opens with a dramatic showdown between two dragons, Seasmoke and Syrax, as their riders, Rhaenyra and Addam of Hull, face off on a desolate beach. Rhaenyra, the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, is bewildered by Addam’s sudden appearance and his claim to a dragon. The tension is palpable as she questions how he managed to tame Seasmoke, a feat that seems almost impossible. Addam, eager to pledge his loyalty, appears just as confused, setting the stage for a complex web of loyalties and betrayals.
Mysaria, Rhaenyra’s confidante, quickly realizes the potential of recruiting Targaryen bastards to ride the dragons. She sends out word through the pleasure houses of King’s Landing, seeking those with dragon blood to bolster Rhaenyra’s forces. This leads to a flurry of activity as Corlys Velaryon dispatches fishing boats to bring these bastards to Dragonstone, where they will either find glory or meet their demise.
Jacaerys, Rhaenyra’s son, initially supports the idea of finding new dragon riders but soon expresses doubts about the method. He envisions high-born Targaryens who are already familiar with dragon lore, rather than the lowborn bastards his mother is seeking. This internal conflict highlights the complexities of identity and legitimacy within the Targaryen family, as Jace grapples with his own status as a bastard.
As the episode progresses, we see the dynamics shift within King’s Landing. Alicent, feeling unneeded in the political machinations of the court, takes a break from her responsibilities and heads to the Kingswood for some much-needed respite. Meanwhile, Corlys begins to acknowledge his bastard children, albeit reluctantly, as he grapples with his own feelings of honor and duty.
The narrative then shifts to Harrenhal, where Daemon Targaryen continues to wrestle with his ambitions and the ghosts of his past. His interactions with Oscar Tully, who has grown bolder and more assertive, reveal the shifting allegiances among the River lords. Oscar’s decision to confront Daemon about his actions signifies a turning point, as he seeks to establish himself as a leader among the lords of the Riverlands.
Back on Dragonstone, Rhaenyra’s plan to recruit dragon riders culminates in a chaotic and explosive scene. The bastards gather to prove their worth, but the first attempt to tame Vermithor, one of the fiercest dragons, ends in disaster. Vermithor unleashes his fury, incinerating several hopefuls in a fiery display of power. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with dragon riding and the high stakes of the Targaryen legacy.
Amidst the chaos, Hugh Hammer, a blacksmith and one of the bastards, rises to the occasion. His bravery in the face of Vermithor’s wrath earns him the dragon’s respect, and he successfully claims the beast as his own. This pivotal moment not only showcases Hugh’s character but also sets the stage for his future role in the conflict.
Ulf, another bastard, finds himself in a similar predicament as he encounters Silverwing. His journey from a drunken reveler to a dragon rider is both humorous and poignant, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Targaryen bloodline. The episode cleverly juxtaposes the absurdity of the situation with the gravity of the impending war, creating a unique blend of drama and dark humor.
As the episode draws to a close, Rhaenyra stands resolute, flanked by her newly acquired dragons. Her determination to raise an army of bastards is both a strategic move and a personal vendetta against those who have wronged her. The final image of Rhaenyra gazing defiantly towards King’s Landing encapsulates her fierce resolve and the brewing storm of conflict that lies ahead.
“An Army of Bastards” is a masterful blend of character development, political intrigue, and breathtaking dragon action. The episode not only advances the plot but also deepens our understanding of the characters and their motivations. As the season approaches its climax, the tension continues to build, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this epic saga.
Source: HBO
