House of the Dragon Series 2 Episode 4: The Red Dragon and The Gold

[GSherwood99]

WHAT an episode that was!!! From spectral apparition to a shocking double demise, episode 4 stands as the pivotal turning point in the Dance of the Dragons saga. With both the Black and Green factions mobilizing their armies, viewers are treated to exhilarating dragon warfare, brutal casualties and a cliffhanger leaving us with countless unanswered questions.  

Tensions Rise  

As Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) continues to be tormented in Harrenhal, a haunting vision of young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock’s) reappears, taunting him in Valyrian and goading him into a gruesome act of beheading her. Only for her severed head to continue speaking, until he is abruptly awakened by Lord Strong (Gavin Spokes) with an update on their opponents’ movements. Rosby and Stokeworth siding with Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney), and Criston Cole’s (Fabien Frankel) army may be advancing on Harrenhal. Dragonstone pins its hopes on House Tully's support, only to face disappointment when Lord Grover's grandson, Oscar, refuses to fight while his grandfather lies gravely ill. 

In King's Landing, Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) receives a mysterious tea intended to induce an abortion, hinting at the possibility that Criston Cole may have fathered a child during their recent liaison. Disturbed by this revelation, Alicent is also unsettled by her recent confrontation with Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy), which casts doubt on King Visery's (Paddy Considine) dying wishes regarding the succession to the Iron Throne. 

Gathering Forces  

As concern grows over Rhaenyra's absence at Dragonstone, Criston Cole and the Green army compel House Darklyn into pledging allegiance to Aegon (Tom Gylnn-Carney), resorting to beheadings for those who resist. Meanwhile, Cole and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) secretly plan to redirect their forces to Rook's Rest in a bid to isolate Dragonstone by land, unbeknownst to Aegon. 

At Harrenhal, Daemon is plagued by unsettling visions, mistaking a figure resembling Aemond for himself. His troubled sleep and strained relationship with Rhaenyra are laid bare when he encounters the mysterious Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin). Amidst her eerie presence, she offers him a suspicious drink, leading to a sudden shift to a meeting with House Blackwood, who pledge their support contingent on Daemon bringing justice to the Brackens. 

Rhaenyra returns from her covert mission, still in disguise, and reveals to her council that peaceful negotiations with Alicent have failed. She accepts that they must face Cole’s forces on the battlefield at Rook’s Rest. In a dramatic montage, Jacarey's (Harry Collett) steps forward, eager to fight for his mother, ordering her to send him to meet with Cole and burn his lines. However, she denies his request, citing his lack of battlefield experience. Instead, Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best) asserts herself, declaring that she and her dragon, Meleys, renowned as Dragonstone's largest and a veteran of many battles, will lead the charge. 

The Red vs The Golden  

Rhaenys and Meleys arrive over the battlefield, not long after Cole’s assault on the keep begins. Flames erupt from her dragon, scattering men-at-arms in chaotic desperation. Amid the pandemonium, it becomes clear that Cole anticipated this outcome all along. He commands signal arrows to be fired, revealing Aemond and Vhagar lurking nearby in the cover of the trees.  

Within seconds, Aegon and Sunfyre’s appearance leaves Cole speechless and Ser Gwayne Hightower outraged. Meleys and Sunfyre clash in the skies above Rook’s Rest, teeth and flames meeting. It becomes clear very quickly that both the older dragon and rider have the advantage. Aegon cries with joy when the sudden appearance of Aemond and Vhagar join the fray, yet this swiftly turns from relief to horror as he and the princess are immersed in a torrent of flames, directed from his brother's dragon. The golden dragon bearing the worst of it, crashing to the ground alongside the fallen king.  

Rhaenys initially retreats, but an inexplicable fury grips her, she turns back, urging her dragon to attack. Once more, Vhagar and Meleys grapple in the sky, and once more the princess escaped largely unscathed. Aemond seizes the opportunity to ambush her as she tries to withdraw. In a devastating sequence captured in slow-motion, Vhagar’s jaws enclose around Meley’s neck, sending both dragon and rider plummeting to the ground, the massive explosion sealing their fate.  

The Fallen King 

But what of the fallen king? Cole frantically searches the scorched battlefield for Aegon, only to discover Aemond standing over his unconscious brother, sword drawn. The decision to strike or spare hangs in the balance—a moment of tension and uncertainty that leaves us on the edge of our seats. 

Aegon lies motionless beside his dragon, the fate of both shrouded in uncertainty. Is he alive, or has he succumbed to the devastating battle? House of the Dragon has mastered the art of a gripping cliffhanger, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting Episode 5 for answers to these pressing questions.