Key facts
- Episode title
- The Dragons in Winter
- Season
- Three, penultimate episode
- Key event
- Rhaenyra discovers Daemon's deception
- Aemond's fantasy
- Incestuous scene with Alicent, revealed as fantasy
- Alicent's action
- Poisons Aemond on Rhaenyra's orders
- Aegon's dragon
- Sunfyre recovers and burns the Winter Wolves
Background
House of the Dragon season three has had an explosive start, but the pace had slowed in recent weeks. The penultimate episode, titled 'The Dragons in Winter', has now aired on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW.
The showrunners have used the dragons sparingly, avoiding a CGI mess of mythical creatures battling endlessly. When dragons do appear, the scenes generally live up to expectations, and this episode mirrors that approach with the 'dragons in winter' also reflected in the protagonists.
Current situation
In the episode, Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) struggles to control an increasingly volatile Westeros, while her husband Daemon (Matt Smith) challenges her. She enlists dragonrider Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty) when suspicion gets the better of her, leading to the discovery of Daemon's deception.
The deception is not a challenge to her rule as she had feared. She finds Daemon pleading with Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell), dragonrider of Sheepstealer, who was responsible for Jace's death. A tense standoff follows, with the four dragonriders helpless as the dragons fight viciously. Sheepstealer proves formidable, and Rhaenyra, Rhaena, and Addam barely escape. Daemon and Caraxes are left to deal with Sheepstealer and emerge victorious.
At Harrenhal, Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) has a disturbing fantasy involving his mother Alicent (Olivia Cooke), which is revealed to be nothing more than his imagination. When Alicent actually arrives, she is suspicious and poisons her son on Rhaenyra's orders. Meanwhile, Ormund Hightower (James Norton) plots at Tumbleton, promising Ser Ulf (Tom Bennett) a castle in exchange for betrayal. Ulf promises his enemies 'will burn'.
| Character | Actor | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Rhaenyra Targaryen | Emma D'Arcy | Discovers Daemon's deception, orders Alicent to poison Aemond |
| Daemon Targaryen | Matt Smith | Pleading with Rhaena, fights Sheepstealer with Caraxes |
| Rhaena | Phoebe Campbell | Dragonrider of Sheepstealer, responsible for Jace's death |
| Addam of Hull | Clinton Liberty | Helps Rhaenyra discover Daemon's deception |
| Aemond Targaryen | Ewan Mitchell | Has disturbing fantasy, is poisoned by Alicent |
| Alicent Hightower | Olivia Cooke | Poisons Aemond on Rhaenyra's orders |
| Ormund Hightower | James Norton | Plots at Tumbleton, promises Ulf a castle |
| Ser Ulf | Tom Bennett | Betrays Rhaenyra, promises enemies will burn |
| Aegon Targaryen | Tom Glynn-Carney | Commands Sunfyre to burn the Winter Wolves |
Impacts
The episode's events have significant consequences for the characters. Rhaenyra's relationship with Lady Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) turns romantic after their encounters last season were interrupted. Rhaenyra reluctantly shows mercy to Rhaena, leading to an emotional exchange.
Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) has a standout moment when his dragon Sunfyre, presumed dead, recovers and emerges to save him. He commands 'daracarys', leading to the Winter Wolves suffering an excruciating death in flames. The fates of Ser Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes) and Ser Roderick Dustin (Tommy Flanagan) remain unclear.
Ormund's manipulation of Ulf could lead to further betrayals, as Ulf's promise of burning enemies suggests a violent turn. The episode sets up the season finale, with tensions high among the remaining dragonriders and armies.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
The season finale is set for next week. If the pattern of this episode continues, viewers may see more dragon battles and betrayals. The fates of Oscar and 'Roddy the Ruin' could be revealed, and Aemond's actions after Alicent's poisoning may have repercussions.
Rhaenyra's trust in Daemon may be further tested, and Mysaria's role could expand. Ormund's plot with Ulf might lead to an attack on Rhaenyra's forces, possibly affecting the war's outcome. However, these are speculative possibilities based on the episode's events.
The showrunners have used dragons sparingly, so the finale may not feature excessive CGI battles. Instead, character-driven drama and political maneuvering could dominate, as seen in this episode.
Source: offalyindependent.ie
