House of the Dragon – Smallfolk – Review: We Are Getting Somewhere

In the endless array of small council meetings on both sides, Aemond’s meeting was more talk of next steps. Everytime Alicent tried to speak she was either cut off or ignored completely. The council only views her as a piece of property again, offering her up for marriage to form an alliance. Her boyfriend does nothing to assist her. At the end of the meeting Aemond coldly dismisses her, telling her she must be eager to return to domestic pleasures. I have to say, I do not feel bad for her. I am not sure why she thought they would treat her any differently than Rhaenyra. 

Speaking of Rhaenyra, her council meeting went a little better with Corlys becoming her hand. However she receives some pushback when she asks Ser Stefan to become a dragonrider. He happily obliges, a decision he probably soon regrets when Seasmoke rejects him, burns him and flees. 

When we see Daemon, he is still having his dreams. While it is nice to see the characters from the first season, this week Viserys, his Harrenhal storyline is running a bit stale. They need to get to the point of it or move on. However, Alys did tell him to wait three days and after three days, Lord Grover died or was killed and Oscar Tully is the new Lord. If anything good comes from this storyline maybe Daemon will make amends as his guilt is certainly starting to show. 

Seasmoke is flying over Spice Town and he has taken a rider – Corlys son Addam. It makes sense as he is a Velaryon. Addam wants his father to acknowledge him like he does Alyn and he may now get his wish. I am glad as we get to see more of him and this helps Rhaenyra’s cause but I am sad as Rhaena still does not have a dragon but she learned that there is a large dragon in Vale, a wild one. Let’s hope she claims it soon. 

Aemond is back at another small council meeting, Lord Larys oversteps thinking he can manipulate him and is quickly gathered, ordered to bring back Otto Hightower as Aemond’s hand. He is also told that Aegon is awake and speaking. When he goes to visit him, he not so subtly threatens him and Aegon says he does not remember – but it is clear he does. 

Rhaenyra and Mysaria move forward with their plans to sway the small folk and sent small ships with food. The plan worked as the people now shout her name in the streets and attack Alicent and Helaena while they are at prayer. When Alicent got smacked in the face with that fish, it was meant to be serious but it was hilarious instead.

I must say Alicent finally showed some more motherly tendencies this episode apologizing to Aegon and asking her brother about her other son no one cares about. She still deserved that fish to the face. 

The biggest shock of this episode comes courtesy of Mysaria and Rhaenyra taking their friendship to the next level and sharing a passionate kiss before being interrupted. I can actually get behind their relationship if I trusted Mysaria.

Overall the episode was more enjoyable than last week with little action but the dialogue moved the story along. Speaking of moving along, that is exactly what I need Daemon to do. Harrenhal was good for a few episodes but it is dragging on now. With the addition of Addam as a dragon rider and the people behind her, things are looking up for Rhaenyra with House Green falling apart with the backstabbing and plotting. 

What did you think of the episode? Leave a comment and remember to connect with me on X @jereereviews for even more discussion.