The characters of House of the Dragon season two are not reliving the past. Aegon's destruction of his late father's cherished Old Valyria model at the commencement of the second episode underscored this point clearly. The mercurial monarch demolishes a tangible portion of the connection between his parents, a link to his family's homeland, and a memory of his father with a few clumsy sword strokes. Perhaps, however, it is for the best, as the second episode of Dragons's second season does seem to represent a significant turning point for the series, as it is finally able to break free of its constraints and soar.

The episode is primarily focused on the repercussions of the Blood and Cheese incident that occurred in the season premiere. Aegon, as one would expect, responds to it with rage, demonstrating his proficiency in both marketing and alliteration by shattering any fragile object in his path ("The Bitch Queen of Bastards," although unquestionably offensive, does have a pleasing ring to it"). He is only disrupted from his maniacal tirade when Larys enters the small council meeting to proclaim that an individual has already been apprehended for Jaehaerys's murder: a gold cloak from the City Watch. Aegon, who is always seeking an opportunity to demonstrate his volatility, declares that he will assassinate the individual. However, Otto intervenes, reminding the monarch that it would be prudent to at least interrogate the individual before permanently suppressing him. The crown will blame Rhaenyra and use the boy's murder as propaganda, regardless of who the gold cloak names as his employer in the Blood and Cheese conspiracy, while the rest of his family was lamenting Jaehaerys. Otto was already considering his next steps.

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While Otto's strategy is commendable, it is also agonizing. Dragon has been facing opposition from the Greens since its inception, with the majority of the fanbase aligning with Team Black. Of course, this is not unexpected, as The Greens's assertion of the throne is founded on misogyny. Nevertheless, it may not be entirely accurate to portray The Greens as unloving and callous. Aegon is indeed insolent and excessively aggressive; however, he is also a father who is lamenting. Then, of course, there is Helaena. The death of her son and her compelled involvement in the affair are sufficient to induce a downward trajectory in anyone; however, Helaena's eccentricities (and potential prophetic nature) add an additional layer of complexity. This incident appears to have the potential to either elevate or undermine the monarch.

Before The Clubfoot can even elevate one of his torture instruments, Larys is bathed in blood in the dungeon. The attack was ordered by Daemon, and he also employed a rodent catcher, as Blood has verified. With the information he has acquired, Aegon can now transition from the destruction of his father's old possessions to the destruction of a man's cranium. Alicent and Helaena are stationed at their posts, riding behind the deceased child, as Jaehaerys's processional commences as it traverses the streets of King's Landing. Otto's strategy appears to be flawless, as the public empathizes with the Targaryens' pain while concurrently rejecting "Rhaenyra the Monstrous." Heleana is evidently uneasy with the attention; however, her sorrow transforms into apprehension when they become ensnared on their journey and the carriage is approached without reservation by the general populace.

While his family mourns in their crashing, scheming manner, Aemond proceeds to a brothel, acutely aware that his life could have been threatened had everything gone according to plan the previous evening (although the notion of the inept Blood and Cheese presenting any threat to Aemond is absurd). The prince confides freely in an elderly woman about his emotions, seeking solace in her embrace. In the castle, he is an accomplished combatant who is riding the largest dragon known to man, and he is menacing. However, in bed, he simply wants to be held. During his time in the woman's embrace, he confesses his remorse for Luke's murder—a sentiment that is commendable, but it is now irrelevant. The unidentified sex worker exploits Aemond's ear. She murmurs, "I would only remind you that when princes lose their temper, it is often others who suffer—the small folk like me." However, similar to Aemond's regret, this advice appears to be too little, too late.

The effectiveness of Otto's propaganda machine is further demonstrated at Dragonstone, where Rhaenrya is informed of Jaehaerys's assassination. She is, however, the last to be informed, as the realm has already been inundated with reports of her purported brutality. Following Emma D'Arcy's profound silence in the season's opening episode, it is refreshing to witness Rhaenyra regain her voice and balance. It is evident, however, that the events of the past few weeks have had an impact on her: she is more hesitant to dispatch Jacaerys on any business and is more circumspect. That Rhaenyra has surrounded herself with some dubious individuals is not conducive to her well-being. Impertinence is brewing in her small council, and Daemon has issued a request for an attack on an infant in her name.

The following are examples of the sharp verbal sparring that is commonly associated with the Game of Thrones universe. The wedded serenity of Daemon and Rhaenyra, if it can be so called, is interrupted by Daemon's actions, and the two instead retreat into the past. They engage in a captivating discourse regarding the topics of trust and the desire for power, occasionally referencing the exploitative and incestuous nature of their relationship. I acknowledge that it may not be significant in the context of Dragon, but to the contemporary ear, it is peculiar to hear a couple discuss an individual who was a father to the wife and a brother to the husband.

I will now return to the subject of the argument. Rhaenyra is incapable of placing her trust in Daemon, and if she is truthful with herself, she certainly never could. As a youth, she perceived it as a challenge; however, it now obstructs her efforts to reclaim the Iron Throne. Cringe. Viserys's marriage to Alicent was preceded by a period in which many believed Daemon to be the legitimate heir to the Throne (again, misogyny), and it is probable that there is a portion of him that has not abandoned this possibility. And even if that were not the case, could a man of Daemon ever relinquish complete control to a woman, let alone his wife and former small niece? It is a question that should be addressed at a later date, as the objective fact remains that Daemon murdered a child, an act for which Rhaenrya manifestly cannot absolve him. Daemon, who is fundamentally a neglectful father, abruptly flees after his wife declares, "You are pathetic."

Speaking of deadbeats, Ser Criston Cole's character trajectory persists as he endeavors to assert his authority through the most straightforward method—bullying. Clearly, Cole has been spending an excessive amount of time with Aegon, as he interrupts Arryk's post-processional meal to inquire about the condition of his white cloak and his whereabouts during Jaehaerys's murder. All will be absolved, however, if Arryk adheres to Cole's new strategy. In an effort to eliminate Rhaenyra, he must travel to Dragonstone and enter the castle as Erryk, his identical twin sibling who is a member of Rhaenyra's Queensguard. Another episode of mischief—and Dragon is becoming increasingly populated with them. This is also an absurd strategy that virtually guarantees Arryk's demise; however, the knight is left with no alternative. His superior is Cole. and he is obligated to comply with the directives.

Unsurprisingly, Aegon is impressed by Cole's initiative; however, Otto is less so. Otto is enraged with his grandson for hanging all the rat catchers in King's Landing when he was unable to determine which one assassinated Jaehaerys. Otto's apprehension regarding Aegon's complete lack of empathy is evident, and it serves as an additional justification for his necessity to maintain a close hold on the king. Disappointingly, Aegon is in disagreement. "He says, 'Fuck decorum,' and that's pretty much it, isn't it? Aegon then promptly removes Otto from the position of Hand and confers the title of Ser Criston upon him. This action completely eliminates any prudence on the part of Team Green, as harsher temperaments have arisen.

Rhaenyra meets with her prisoner, Mysaria, at approximately the same time, as she requests information regarding her involvement in Jaehaerys's murder. Daemon was provided with the identities of individuals who could assist him by The White Worm, but she acknowledges that she did not provide any additional information. Daemon had pledged Mysaria her freedom in exchange for her cooperation. Rhaenyra consents to this request after careful consideration. The timing is advantageous, as Ser Erryk is visible to Mysaria as she departs Dragonstone. But wait, she just departed Ser Erryk. How is that possible? My, the antics.