House of the Dragon’s second season delivered many memorable moments but also received significant criticism. The decision to truncate the season by two episodes left some viewers feeling shortchanged, with certain episodes appearing more like filler than essential narrative arcs. Although the finale was a solid episode that set up numerous future plotlines, it lacked the satisfying closure typically expected from a season-ending.
Another point of frustration among fans was the showrunner’s alterations to the two main characters. While adaptations often require changes from their source material, these modifications should enhance the story’s impact. In the cases of Rhaenyra and Alicent, this objective was not fully realized. However, there was another character whose narrative development surprised many viewers: Aegon Targaryen.
The Diminished Agency of Alicent and Rhaenyra
Alicent Hightower Is Reduced to a Misunderstood Victim
The characterization of the two main protagonists, Alicent Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen, feels like a significant misstep. In George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, Alicent is portrayed as an ambitious, politically savvy character who fiercely protects her family, regardless of their actions. Alicent is motivated by a desire to secure power for her family and a sense of entitlement as the queen. Alicent’s character has depth; she is not merely a pawn but a player in her own right.
However, the series often portrays Alicent as a conflicted individual torn between her loyalties to her family and her moral compass. While this could add a layer of complexity, she feels passive in crucial moments. Her character is frequently positioned as a victim of misunderstandings and manipulations. The show leans heavily into her role as a victim of circumstance—her misunderstandings of King Viserys’s last wishes and her constant emotional turmoil dilute her character’s original complexity. Her behavior often seems contradictory. In Season 1, she tells Rhaenyra it’s too late to make peace, yet in the finale of Season 2, she is willing to offer Aegon to be executed, a son she protected from Meleys when she forcefully entered the Sept in Season 1.
Rhaenyra Targaryen Is a One-Dimensional Torn Leader
Book Rhaenyra is complex, bold, cunning, and vengeful after the death of her son. In the series, Rhaenyra is depicted as cautious and reluctant, driven to war primarily by the “The Song of Ice and Fire” prophecy rather than personal ambition. This portrayal undermines the character’s depth. Instead of being a fierce contender for the throne, she appears reluctant to act, and her Small Council doesn’t seem to take her seriously. In Fire & Blood, Rhaenyra is portrayed as politically savvy and capable of forming strategic alliances. Her relationships with various lords are tactical.
The show’s writers seem to have downplayed Rhaenyra’s fierce drive to reclaim her birthright in an attempt to make her more sympathetic. Rhaenyra spends most of her time complaining about her inability to act, and when she does, she often keeps her team in the dark. After Luke’s death, she simply disappears for days, and when she decides to go to King’s Landing to talk to Alicent, she once again leaves without telling anyone, a highly irrational move during wartime. After Rhaenyra finally does take a risk and successfully secures three new dragon riders, she once again hesitates to utilize them. At the docks with Corlys, she speculates if the mere fact of having new dragon riders could be enough to dissuade the Greens from pursuing a war. Later in a conversation with Mysaria, she complains again about the burden of participating in this war.
The Impact of the Patriarchy
While House of the Dragon aims to provide commentary on the oppressive patriarchal structures, the execution falls short. In a world where women are often sidelined, it is essential to showcase those who navigate these challenges with skill and determination. Instead, the show focuses on their struggles without illustrating their agency, which makes for a rather dull narrative. A more proactive approach could have been a powerful exploration of their characters. The series could have delved into how these women adapt to their circumstances, forming alliances or taking calculated risks, highlighting their intelligence and ambition.
In contrast, the strong women of Game of Thrones—like Cersei Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, and Margaery Tyrell—were defined by their flaws and complexities, making them deeply engaging to watch. The attempt to modernize the narrative by presenting Rhaenyra and Alicent solely as victims risks diluting the rich character dynamics that made their book counterparts so compelling.
Aegon Targaryen Emerges As a Compelling Character With a Surprising Journey
Enter Aegon Targaryen, initially portrayed as a drunken, irresponsible teen who embodies the worst traits of privilege. In Season 1, he is little more than a bully with a dismissive attitude toward leadership responsibilities. Young Aegon uses his status to assault young women and visits the jarring children’s fighting pits, in which even his own bastard children participate. However, his arc takes a significant turn in Season 2, as Aegon grapples with the reality of his position and the losses that come with it.
The transformation begins when Aegon ascends to t he throne following King Viserys’s death. Initially reluctant to embrace his role, he finds himself thrust into the chaos of political intrigue and familial strife. Aegon’s character is painted with a palette of vulnerability, recklessness, and the desire to prove himself. The season’s opening episodes show him wrestling with the weight of kingship, particularly after the tragic assassination of his young son, Jaehaerys. The loss ignites a fury within Aegon, and his impulsive decision-making leads to disastrous consequences. His order to hang all ratcatchers reflects his growing frustration and emotional turmoil.
Aegon’s Relationship With His Family
One of the most compelling aspects of Aegon’s character arc is his tumultuous relationship with his mother, Alicent. In their interactions, the audience witnesses a heartbreaking dynamic where love collides with disappointment. Alicent’s dismissive comments about Aegon’s abilities catalyze his inner conflict, pushing him further into a reckless mindset. When Aegon expresses his frustrations over Cole and Aemond’s battle plans without consulting him, Alicent essentially tells him to be a figurehead, which deeply hurts him and leads to the disaster in Rook’s Rest. Tom Glynn-Carney’s performance as Aegon shines during these scenes, as he captures the essence of a young man battling self-doubt and the expectations placed upon him.
Aegon’s relationship with his brother Aemond also takes a dramatic turn. He fails to realize that his brother harbors a deep resentment towards him. After taunting him at a brothel, Aemond embarrasses Aegon at a Small Council meeting. Later on, commands his dragon Vhagar to breathe fire into his brother’s face. Aegon’s relationship with his dragon, Sunfyre, adds another layer to his character. Their bond highlights Aegon’s need for companionship and understanding in a world that often feels isolating. In a touching moment, Sunfyre nudges Aegon, suggesting that this bond is one of the few things Aegon can rely on.
The Human Heart in Conflict With Itself
Martin famously stated that nothing is more interesting than “the human heart in conflict with itself.” Aegon embodies this notion more than any other character in House of the Dragon. His journey from a spoiled prince to a humbled king-in-the-making resonates with viewers, as it mirrors real-life struggles with identity, duty, and the consequences of one’s choices. As Aegon faces the brutal realities of failed leadership, his vulnerability becomes palpable.
With Otto gone after he fired him, Cole collaborating with Aemond, and his mother consumed by worries for Helaena, Aegon finds himself alone while dealing with his disfigurement. Humbled by this experience, he listens to Lord Larys, and while Larys’s motivations are never selfless, he is a good ally for the impulsive Aegon. In the finale of Season 2, Larys successfully sneaks him out of King’s Landing. In doing so, he avoids Rhaenyra’s plan to execute him and embarks on a whole new journey.
Aegon’s Story Has More Depth Than Any of the Lead Characters
In a season characterized by inconsistent storytelling and character development, Aegon Targaryen stands out as a beacon of complexity. His evolution from a careless young man to a struggling leader grappling with grief and responsibility embodies the complexities of the human experience. While Rhaenyra and Alicent may serve as reflections of societal constraints, Aegon’s journey is a powerful testament to the struggles of finding one’s identity. Aegon’s arc was interesting and surprising and Tom Glynn-Carney’s performance as Aegon was fantastic. He brought nuance, vulnerability, and humor to this once hated character, a difficult task given his arc in Season 1.
With Season 3 long in the making, it will be interesting to see where Aegon’s journey will go. Larys wanted to take him to Braavos, but the twosome might not journey there after all. Helena reveals to Aemond that Aegon will be king again, sitting on a “wooden throne.” If Condal follows the book’s storyline, Aegon will actually end up in Dragonstone once everyone has left to fight in the war. He convinces a few Black supporters to defect to the Greens, with Ser Alfred Broome among them. In Fire & Blood, Sunfyre is still alive, and Aegon fights Baela on Moondancer. In this dragon fight, both crash to the ground. Aegon breaks both legs and is unable to walk for the rest of his life. Aegon will return to King’s Landing but won’t reign for long. He is killed by his enemies with poisoned wine.
It seems likely that Condal will modify Aegon’s storyline from the books, as he appears too injured to participate in another dragon fight, even if Sunfyre is still alive. However, Aegon might face an attack of some sort, resulting in more permanent injuries to his legs. The “wooden throne” is likely a reference to a wheelchair. It will be intriguing to see where Aegon’s journey goes next, but hopefully, Tom Glynn-Carney’s portrayal of Aegon will have more chances to shine.