House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 5 is entertaining, even if it mostly feels like we’re still setting up things. The first two episodes of the season gave us big moments, and since then, the season has more or less just taken the time to establish where the different storylines are going. With three more episodes to go, we’re probably done with the setup now.
But the setup hasn’t felt completely pointless. There are good character moments in this hour, particularly for Rhaneyra and Daemon, but also for Alicent, Cole, and even Daeron. It’s been good to see the progression in Rhaenyra’s thinking, who at times wasn’t sure she wanted to fight for the throne, and now believes being queen is the will of the Gods. It’s also been interesting to see Alicent’s change since she found out Helaena was pregnant. She’s not naïve, she understands what that means and what she’s gotta do.
Perhaps the only character who remains who he has always been is Daemon, and in many ways, that’s also comforting. Sure, he’s got a renewed sense of purpose, but deep down, this is who Daemon Targaryen has always been. Perhaps that’s why it’s so easy to root for him, even when you don’t particularly like what he’s doing.
MORE: Read our review of the fourth episode of Season 3
Did You Think It Would Be Easy?
Daemon is the only one who pushes back against Rhaenyra, and in many ways, he’s the only one who can. It’s not just that, in any normal circumstance, that’s what a King Consort is for; it’s that the relationship between them has always been a little bit of this push and pull. That’s how they relate to each other. Healthy? Not exactly, but it’s the dynamic they understand.
From the beginning of the episode, Daemon understands the threat to the City Watch for what it is when Rhaenyra wants to focus on Aemond, and he ends up being proven right. The end of the episode, with all of Daemon’s men dead, proves that they have all—Daemon included—underestimated Ormund Hightower. It won’t happen again.
But Daemon also seems to understand that this was always going to be the case. Taking the throne was never going to be easy. Rhaenyra, who has become more fanatical, believes being queen is the will of the gods, so things should be, if not easy, easier. Daemon doesn’t, and his warning for her is simple: Don’t sit down and let things happen to you because you think you’re destined for them. Make choices.
MORE: Read our review of Episode 3 of Season 3.
Hello, Butcher’s Ball
The end of Episode 5, with Cole pushing forward with his men and Gwayne Hightower basically peacing out, makes one thing clear. We’re getting the Butcher’s Ball next episode. And if you are not familiar with what that means, let us just say that it’s going to get a little bloody.
We see a Criston Cole who has basically given up in this episode. It’s not about Team Black or Team Green for him; it’s about dying the way he wants to die. It’s about being remembered. If it comes off a bit disingenuous, it’s because loyalty has never been one of his biggest strengths. He fell in love with Rhaenyra and got upset she wouldn’t give up her crown for him, then spent decades acting like a scorned boy.
Perhaps, in the middle of that, he came to care for Alicent. Maybe she even cared for him back. But in the end, Cole was just another man who didn’t care enough for Rhaenyra or Alicent. Instead, he only truly cared about himself. And he deserves this end, alone and marching towards certain death, with even Gwayne Hightower deserting him.
MORE: What did Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith say about preparing for intense scenes?
There’s No Escape
The thing about Alicent is that she’s right. If Helaena hadn’t been pregnant, the two could have just stayed Rhaenrya’s prisoners and trusted that they would not be harmed. The baby changes things because Rhaenyra already has three different challengers to her throne. She cannot afford to add a fourth one.
But Helaena’s stubbornness makes it so their only choice is to run away. It’s just not so easy to do so. In the palace, even the walls have ears, and they all report back to Mysaria. That’s what a good Master of Whispers does.
Ironically, the storyline with Alicent and Helaena, which ends with them trapped and unable to continue with their escape, does more to showcase that Daemon is right about Mysaria than it does to give us any new information about Alicent or Helaena. Sure, Mysaria is loyal right now. She believes herself to be the only one truly loyal. But when push comes to shove, when it’s about putting Rhaenyra’s interests over her own, will she?
The answer is probably no. And that might have dire consequences for Rhaenyra.
MORE: Here’s our review of House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 2
The Most Effective Villain
Ormund Hightower isn’t just one of the creepiest villains this show has ever given us; he’s one of the most effective ones. All the way from Tumbleton, he’s orchestrated things in a way that weakens Team Black and advances Daeron’s cause. And he’s done so without dragons and without using strength. Just cunning.
The problem, of course, is that dragons still exist. So, to win the war, he’s going to have to fight Rhaenyra and her dragons, and it’s unlikely he can win that war. He probably knows this. So, what exactly is his plan now that it seems like Aemond won’t be coming to join him at Tumbleton? He’s gotta have one. You don’t basically declare war on Daemon Targaryen without one. And that’s what he’s done.
Either way, the showdown with Ormund is the big climax of the season. We’re getting the first Battle of Tumbleton, and we’re getting it soon. Butcher’s Ball first, but expect the season to end at Tumbleton. And then, after that, well… we won’t have time for any more new villains.
MORE: Here’s our review of House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 1
Things I think I think:
- Actually really enjoyed Daemon and Rhaneyra’s interactions this episode, particularly because they do a really good job of showcasing that Daemon pushes and pushes, but Rhaneyra is no meek damsel. She pushes right back. That’s part of their relationship.
- Plus, the chemistry between Matt and Emma? A+.
- Still don’t trust Mysaria, what can I say?
- Am I supposed to feel bad for Cole or something? Because I don’t.
- Gwyane Hightower is going to survive this war at this point, right?
- The Aegon and Larys subplot just got a little more interesting with Tyland Lannister.
- Funny how Aegon doesn’t just want to kill his older sister, but his younger brother too!
- The show has made Aemond and Alys about 300% less creepy, and I still think it’s a little weird.
- Ironically, I feel truly bad for Daeron. I always end up thinking about what this family could have been if Viserys hadn’t just hidden his head in the sand. He’s to blame here.
- Ser Luther Largent, we barely knew ye.
- Feels like they’re trying to do something now with Baela and Addam. Weird, all things considered.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 5? Share with us in the comments below!
House of the Dragon airs Sundays at 9/8c on HBO.
