'Smallfolk'
House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6: 'Smallfolk' - Detailed Breakdown
Opening Scene
The episode begins with Lord Jason Lannister leading his army to the Golden Tooth. He orders his vassal, Humfrey Lefford, to send a raven requesting a meeting with Prince Aemond. Aemond refuses the request and instead plans for Tyland Lannister to form an alliance with the Triarchy to break the Velaryon blockade at Gullet.
Aemond's Strategic Moves
Prince Aemond takes decisive action by ordering Ser Criston Cole to accompany the Hightower troops to Harrenhal. In a significant power move, Aemond also dismisses Queen Alicent from the Small Green Council, indicating a shift in the power dynamics within the Greens.
Corlys' New Role and Rhaenyra's Plans
Corlys Velaryon agrees to become the Hand of the King, aligning himself more closely with Rhaenyra Targaryen. Rhaenyra informs Ser Steffon Darklyn about his Targaryen ancestry, encouraging him to claim Seasmoke. Tragically, Seasmoke kills him in the process.
Daemon's Nightmares and Suspicions
Prince Daemon continues to experience unsettling dreams, this time about his deceased brother, King Viserys. His suspicions about Simon Strong's loyalty grow, adding tension to his already strained state of mind.
Court Intrigues and Alliances
Aemond instructs Lord Larys Strong to summon Ser Otto Hightower back to court. Meanwhile, King Aegon II awakens from his unconscious state, claiming to have no memory of the previous battle's events. Ser Gwayne Hightower reassures Queen Alicent about her fourth son, Daeron, emphasizing his kind nature in contrast to his brothers.
Corlys' Fleet and Seasmoke's New Rider
Corlys appoints Allyn as the First Officer of his fleet, strengthening his naval power. Addam Velaryon successfully bonds with Seasmoke after being pursued by the dragon, establishing a new dragonrider for the Blacks.
Mysaria's Espionage and Smallfolk's Revolt
Mysaria's spies spread rumors about the lavish lives of the royalty while the smallfolk suffer in misery. In response, Rhaenyra sends boats with food to King's Landing, earning the people's admiration and sparking a revolt against the Greens. During the chaos, Alicent and Helaena are nearly killed in the streets, highlighting the rising tensions in the capital.
Mysaria's Confession and Rhaenyra's Reaction
Mysaria confides in Rhaenyra about her past experiences of sexual abuse by her father. Moved by her story, Rhaenyra kisses Mysaria, showing a moment of vulnerability and connection between the two women.
Rhaenyra's Departure
Upon learning that Seasmoke has a new rider, Rhaenyra decides to leave for Spicetown, indicating a new strategic move in her campaign against the Greens.
Opening Scene
The episode begins with Lord Jason Lannister leading his army to the Golden Tooth. He orders his vassal, Humfrey Lefford, to send a raven requesting a meeting with Prince Aemond. Aemond refuses the request and instead plans for Tyland Lannister to form an alliance with the Triarchy to break the Velaryon blockade at Gullet.
Aemond's Strategic Moves
Prince Aemond takes decisive action by ordering Ser Criston Cole to accompany the Hightower troops to Harrenhal. In a significant power move, Aemond also dismisses Queen Alicent from the Small Green Council, indicating a shift in the power dynamics within the Greens.
Corlys' New Role and Rhaenyra's Plans
Corlys Velaryon agrees to become the Hand of the King, aligning himself more closely with Rhaenyra Targaryen. Rhaenyra informs Ser Steffon Darklyn about his Targaryen ancestry, encouraging him to claim Seasmoke. Tragically, Seasmoke kills him in the process.
Daemon's Nightmares and Suspicions
Prince Daemon continues to experience unsettling dreams, this time about his deceased brother, King Viserys. His suspicions about Simon Strong's loyalty grow, adding tension to his already strained state of mind.
Court Intrigues and Alliances
Aemond instructs Lord Larys Strong to summon Ser Otto Hightower back to court. Meanwhile, King Aegon II awakens from his unconscious state, claiming to have no memory of the previous battle's events. Ser Gwayne Hightower reassures Queen Alicent about her fourth son, Daeron, emphasizing his kind nature in contrast to his brothers.
Corlys' Fleet and Seasmoke's New Rider
Corlys appoints Allyn as the First Officer of his fleet, strengthening his naval power. Addam Velaryon successfully bonds with Seasmoke after being pursued by the dragon, establishing a new dragonrider for the Blacks.
Mysaria's Espionage and Smallfolk's Revolt
Mysaria's spies spread rumors about the lavish lives of the royalty while the smallfolk suffer in misery. In response, Rhaenyra sends boats with food to King's Landing, earning the people's admiration and sparking a revolt against the Greens. During the chaos, Alicent and Helaena are nearly killed in the streets, highlighting the rising tensions in the capital.
Mysaria's Confession and Rhaenyra's Reaction
Mysaria confides in Rhaenyra about her past experiences of sexual abuse by her father. Moved by her story, Rhaenyra kisses Mysaria, showing a moment of vulnerability and connection between the two women.
Rhaenyra's Departure
Upon learning that Seasmoke has a new rider, Rhaenyra decides to leave for Spicetown, indicating a new strategic move in her campaign against the Greens.
Themes and Character Development
- Prince Aemond Targaryen: His strategic decisions and dismissal of Alicent from the council underscore his increasing authority and control within the Greens.
- Rhaenyra Targaryen: Her compassionate actions towards the smallfolk and her emotional connection with Mysaria highlight her leadership qualities and humanity.
- Daemon Targaryen: His recurring nightmares and growing suspicions add depth to his character, portraying him as a troubled and complex figure.
- Queen Alicent Hightower: Her near-death experience and the information about her son Daeron's nature add layers to her character, showing her vulnerability and maternal concerns.
- Mysaria: Her role as a spy and her personal confession to Rhaenyra provide insight into her character's motivations and backstory.
'Smallfolk' delves into the intricate political maneuvers, personal struggles, and shifting allegiances within the Targaryen civil war, setting the stage for further conflicts and developments as both sides vie for power and influence.
Previous - Season 2 Episode 5: 'Regent'
- Prince Aemond Targaryen: His strategic decisions and dismissal of Alicent from the council underscore his increasing authority and control within the Greens.
- Rhaenyra Targaryen: Her compassionate actions towards the smallfolk and her emotional connection with Mysaria highlight her leadership qualities and humanity.
- Daemon Targaryen: His recurring nightmares and growing suspicions add depth to his character, portraying him as a troubled and complex figure.
- Queen Alicent Hightower: Her near-death experience and the information about her son Daeron's nature add layers to her character, showing her vulnerability and maternal concerns.
- Mysaria: Her role as a spy and her personal confession to Rhaenyra provide insight into her character's motivations and backstory.
'Smallfolk' delves into the intricate political maneuvers, personal struggles, and shifting allegiances within the Targaryen civil war, setting the stage for further conflicts and developments as both sides vie for power and influence.
Previous - Season 2 Episode 5: 'Regent'