House of the Dragon Series 2 Episode 8:The Queen Who Never Was - Recap

[FP1997]

In a world where dragons and death usually dominate the screen, Episode 8 of House of the Dragon, "The Queen Who Never Was," instead gifts us with intricate character moments and poignant dialogues. While the general consensus brands the episode as a snooze-fest, I argue it is nothing short of poetic brilliance.

Amidst the chaos and carnage, House of the Dragon finds its heart in the quiet conversations, the whispered confidences, and the haunting prophecies that shape the destiny of queens and kingdoms alike. Perhaps the naysayers are simply unaccustomed to a narrative where women take the reins, revealing how the history of Westeros might have flourished under female leadership.

A New Order of Dragons

We open on a pivotal moment: the integration of bastard dragonriders into Rhaenyra's forces. As Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew), Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty), and Ulf (Tom Bennett) adjust to their newfound roles, the dynamics within Dragonstone shift. Hugh and Addam embrace their responsibilities with varying degrees of grace, while Ulf maintains his reputation as a drunken troublemaker, chucking his muddied boots on the table with all the arrogance of a bang-average man given the power of a podcast.

Jace (Harry Collett), we know, has not been taking this inception well. The mewing Prince of House Velaryon cannot contend with the knowledge that his heritage potentially equals that of his new dragonrider companions; he's not special anymore, his features betray him, he's.... DUN DUN DUN.... normal *shivers*. But he finds an unexpected foil in Baela (Bethany Antonia), whose perceptive observations puncture his melancholy demeanor. She's practical, honest and bang on the money: Jace needs to stop feeling sorry for himself and crack on. Of course, by cracking on, it means accepting his bastard heritage, clambering onto a dragon and killing thousands of innocents. Not quite the coming-of-age we're used to.

 (Emma D'Arcy) is the image of a Queen not yet comfortable in her shoes. Though her commanding presence and swift recognition of Addam's potential with the dragon Seasmoke highlights her ability to forge alliances based on trust and mutual respect, these traits are often overlooked in the male-dominated narratives of Westerosi history. Ulf disrespects her at her own table, brimming with entitlement and a 'keep your hair on' energy that sets my teeth on edge.

Madness and Machination in King's Landing

Aemond's indiscriminate destruction of Sharp Point, seat of House Bar Emmon, sets a grim tone for the episode, as his unchecked fury threatens to engulf both friends and foes alike. The urgency of Aemond's actions reverberates through the halls of power, compelling Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) to navigate treacherous waters in their bid to protect their loved ones.

In the tumultuous aftermath of Aemond's descent into madness and the escalating conflict with Rhaenyra's forces, King Aegon II finds himself increasingly vulnerable. The looming threat posed by Daemon Targaryen's proximity at Harrenhal, the Velaryon blockade of the Gullet, and rumors of another dragonrider among the Blacks sow seeds of doubt in his carefully constructed plans. These variables, unpredictable and potent, threaten to unravel the delicate balance of power that Larys has meticulously orchestrated to safeguard Aegon II's reign. He whisks the King away.

Meanwhile, Alicent's efforts to safeguard her daughter, Princess Helaena (Phia Saban), serve as a poignant counterpoint to the brutality of war. Phia Saban's portrayal of Helaena resonates with ethereal grace and haunting foresight, as her interactions with Aemond unveil layers of vulnerability and resilience rarely seen in female characters of her stature. Her willingness to confront Aemond with stark prophecies of his demise speaks to her role as both witness and catalyst in the unfolding drama of House Targaryen's legacy.

The Enigma of Lohar

Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall), King Aegon's Master of Ships, is tasked with securing the support of the Triarchy. To do so, he must first win over the eccentric Lohar, who commands the fleet. Expecting yet another gruff, male ship captain, Tyland is instead met by Lohar, a tall, imposing woman with long, Targaryen-adjacent hair and a mischievous attitude. Lohar, portrayed by Abigail Thorn, makes quite an impression in the finale, challenging Tyland to a mud wrestling competition.

After Tyland sings a little ditty before their meal, Lohar is clearly infatuated with the Lannister, agreeing to sail with him and fight for Team Green. But war is not the only thing on Lohar's mind. “You are a handsome man and have proven your worth and your virility,” Lohar says to Tyland. “I wish to have children by you.” A confused Tyland asks Lohar to clarify what they mean. Lohar states their intentions plainly: “I want you to fuck my wives.”

A bewildered Tyland, ever the gentleman, asks, “How many?”

The Candle-lit Chamber

Then comes the episode's crowning jewel: the candle-lit reunion between Alicent and Rhaenyra on Dragonstone. Here, the series sheds its usual bombast for a moment of raw, vulnerable humanity. Alicent, weary of the relentless cycle of violence and loss, proposes a radical solution to end the bloodshed. Her plan to leave King’s Landing, along with her daughter Helaena, and allow Rhaenyra’s forces to take the city, signifies a desperate attempt to grasp at a semblance of peace. It is a gesture that acknowledges the futility of their continued conflict and the devastating toll it has taken on both their houses. She even agrees, bitterly, to her son Aegon losing his head.

“History will paint you a villain,” Rhaenyra warns.

“Let them think what they must. I am at last myself with no ambition greater than [t]o die unremarked, unnoticed, and be free,” Alicent responds.

This is not merely a truce; it’s an exploration of what might have been if women were given the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Alicent and Rhaenyra's conversation is a poignant reminder that their war is fought not with fire and blood, but with words, sacrifice, and an unyielding will to protect their own.

Meanwhile, Daemon's (Matt Smith) eerie visions, courtesy of Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), bring a foreboding glimpse of the future. His subsequent decision to bend the knee to Rhaenyra is not about destiny but a desperate grasp at familial approval. The emotional complexity in his interactions, particularly his High Valyrian exchange with Rhaenyra, adds layers to his character far beyond the usual warrior archetype.

“Leave me again at your peril,” Rhaenyra tells Daemon in High Valyrian.

“I could not. I have tried,” he responds with a wry smile.

The Finale

In a series known for its epic battles and brutal betrayals, "The Queen Who Never Was" dares to slow down and delve into the psyches of its characters. This episode may lack the adrenaline-pumping action some crave, but it compensates with rich, character-driven storytelling that elevates the series to new heights.

So, for those dismissing this episode as dull, perhaps it's time to reconsider what makes a story truly compelling. War might be fought with dragons and steel, but it's the quiet moments of vulnerability and the clash of wills between these formidable women that carve the deepest scars on Westeros.