House of the Dragon season 2 episode 6 review: “More Questions”

House of the Dragon delivered a 6th week episode in its second season run that has everyone asking more questions than it has left us with answers this season.

After last week’s episode tested audience’s patience and resolve with the Daemon Targaryen story arc at Harrenhal, episode 6 tests us further with the reintroduction of fan favorite; King Viserys I Targaryen as former series regular, Paddy Considine made a cameo appearance to supposedly round up the Daemon subplot.

While fans would be delighted to have the surprise appearance of our beloved King, the episode did nothing to satisfy our curiosity on telling us what is going on in the head of the rogue prince. Is he running mad like it is common amongst Targaryens or is he developing some sort of guilt regarding his actions?

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The character has well been established as a complicated character, with his persona riddled in mystery as to what his goals or missions are, the appearance of King Viserys at Harrenhal in Daemon’s dream unraveled a different side to Daemon that viewers haven’t seen before; a Rogue Prince that for the first time, asks for help.

And that was what this episode was all about in a general view — the characters all need help in this war; the commoners, the nobles and even the Dragons, as funny as that may sound.

The episode of course, begins with our favorite House; the one we all would love to hate, Lannister marching to the Reach in hopes of taking back Harrenhal for the Greens. However, Tyland Lannister needs help, and in true Lannister fashion, does not intend to make the march against Daemon Targaryen until help is assured by the crown.

We also have to question the creator’s decision to have Tywin Lannister’s theme song; ‘Rains of Castamere’ play way before the birth of the ‘Golden Lion’.

The Prince regent Aemond Targaryen does not take kindly to this, as he sniffs an attack on his authority. And talking about Aemond, the character is about to become everyone’s worst enemy this season.

From being presented as a sympathetic character, Aemond has grown in confidence and also in intellect unlike his brother, Aegon. And in a scene that perfectly shows his intelligence, was how he was able to read directly into Larys Strong to see how much of a schemer the cripple is. He pushes his mother aside, leaving Alicent Hightower the now sympathetic character aside Aegon amongst the Greens.

Alicent in this episode of House of the Dragon, needed more help than she could realize. She was losing her grip on everything; her sons, her standing in court, and very nearly her life after protests had broken out in the city.

The House of the Dragon episode really shows how much of a victim the Dowager Queen had now become since going ahead with plans to crown her son, Aegon against her late husband’s wishes. Though she wrestles with those guilt, the one that most stings her in this episode was how much she failed as a Mother.

For Rhaenyra however, it isn’t her failing as a mother she has to worry about, but her capacity to rule that is in question. After a loyal knight in her ranks is led to his death under the notion of being a ripe candidate to ride a dragon, the Black Queen finds herself questioning her own identity. There is also the question surrounding her sexuality now, which goes contrary to the book. Is she lesbian now or has she always fancied women? Or is this just part of an identity crisis that the show is trying to tell us?

Over at Harrenhal, we again see the dynamics between Daemon and Alys Rivers. What is their relationship really all about? What does Alys Rivers really want? Does she want to help Daemon or is she using him?

Towards the end of the episode, we at least got some semblance of an answer on the latter, as it is hinted that Alys may have a hand in quickening the death of Lord Grover Tully. However, it is Daemon’s reaction to the news that leaves more questions to be answered.