Season 2, Episode 2 Ending Explained: That Fight Outcome & Alicent Scene House of the Dragon
While continuing some of the most unexpected character arcs in the show, the ending of House Of The Dragon season 2 elevates the stakes for the Targaryen civil war even more. The second episode mostly responds to Blood and Cheese killing Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen and explores how both sides of the battle handle this. Blood and Cheese both die; Rhaenyra Targaryen is enraged with her husband/uncle, Daemon; Ser Criston Cole orders Ser Arryk Cargyll to slay the Black Queen. War is difficult, and for Aegon and Rhaenyra rule might be even more difficult. With Arryk and Erryk Cargyll both passing at the end of House Of The Dragon Season 2, episode 2, the aftermath from Blood and Cheese simply makes things more chaotic. Scenes of the king in tears follow, and yet another twist to the disastrous romance tale of Alicent Hightower and Criston will have ramifications as the Dance of the Dragons carries on.
The Deaths of Ser Arryk & Erryk explained
The duel of the Cargyll Twins marks the first true action scene in House of the Dragon season 2 when Arryk and Erryk come face to extremely similar face in a tragic, terrible meeting that causes both brothers to die. Though Arryk is the one who claims he still loves his brother, despite separating them, which would make sense, the twist to the conflict is that it is quite difficult to discern which brother is which. The brothers may have cared for one another yet, but it was kill or be killed; Erryk kills Arryk by running through him with a sword, a cruel finish but one that was inevitable. Erryk then falls on his own blade, a more unexpected and sad choice yet one that can be justified.
In Westeros, kinslaying is a horrible deed from which one is cursed by the Gods. Erryk, a knight of honor, would know this and so falls on his own blade in part both because he would not want to live knowing he had killed his own brother, with whom he was once one soul. Kingsguard (or Queensguard) vows last until their death, unless they are relieved of their duties before that, and this, technically, is Erryk choosing to end his service. This may also be why he asks Rhaenyra to forgive him alongside perhaps a perceived failure in allowing the attack to happen in the first place and to forgive his "death".
Why is the relationship between Alicent Hightower & Criston Cole continuing?
Though the couple had kept their distance from one another earlier in the second House of the Dragon episode, Alicent Hightower and Criston Cole's romance continues at the end of the episode. Alicent hears about her father no longer being Hand of the King, the plot to kill Rhaenyra (which came from Cole directly), and sees Aegon in tears - and yet still finds it surprising given she hits him several times in the run-up. It reveals that although they have a significant element of lust between them, neither of them knows how to manage their emotions, so it gets entwined with guilt, shame, anger, loneliness, and grief.
It reveals that although there is a strong element of lust between them, neither knows how to manage their feelings, so it gets mixed with guilt, guilt, melancholy, anger, and loneliness. Their most recent sexual meeting results from this powerful mix. Alicent seems to desire anything - anything - that would help her feel better, but it could also be about her emotions about the sliding mantle of morality. She may love it, part of her may hate it, but being with Criston serves both at once when she wants to be loved and loathes herself.
Why Aegon is crying at the end of Dragon Season 2, Episode 2?
Another shocking scene in House Of The Dragon Season 2, episode 2's ending is one of King Aegon Ii in complete tears, observed by his mother who chooses to overlook him. Although you could contend her decision is based on his need for alone, it is more likely she is upset with him and either knows she cannot assist him or doesn't want to face him in that situation. Aegon shows a lot of feeling throughout the episode, but largely his sadness shows itself as wrath, which feels more worthy of both a man in Westeros and definitely a King (although one who is still a boy). Therefore, it is more potent to see him really crying; while it does not undo the negative things he has done personally or instantly make him a better person, it does make him feel a lot more human.
Though he's not blameless in that, Aegon has lost his son; his marriage is essentially two people living separate lives with no idea how to interact; he does not have the respect of the people around him, including his own family; he is stuck being King when he never wanted to be, yet his power that comes with that position is being undermined by others. Though, Otto's "is that what you think?" in response to Aegon declaring Viserys king, seemed to sting most of all. Like Alicent's other offspring, Aegon never experienced love from Viserys, most definitely not in line with Rhaenyra's experience. It feels like that cuts through to him a bit in this episode, the knowledge that maybe his father didn't really want him to be king, that he is a sham ruler installed as Otto and Alicent's puppet, that he has never felt the love of those who were supposed to love him, and now he is unable of showing that love to others. Aegon breaks down rather naturally given so much grief, wrath, and loneliness; he also makes plenty of contribution to his own circumstances.
Criston Cole As Hand of the King; What Becomes of Otto Hightower?
One that clearly marks a change in the Dance of the Dragons is Aegon substituting Criston Cole for Otto Hightower as Hand of the King. King's Landing's behind closed doors plotting will be less, and more action will be visible outside. From House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3 onward, Cole should be pushing soldiers forward to assemble the Green army, win over others devoted to Rhaenyra's Team Black, and so build the army. Aegon is going to receive his "iron fist," he wants blood. Regarding Otto, there is not much mentioned in Fire & Blood regarding what happens to him following Aegon strips him of the Hand of the King post; indeed, from that moment his name is only mentioned three more times (one of which being his death at the end of the civil war). He says he will go back to Oldtown at the end of this episode, but exactly what comes next is yet unknown.
Given the character's current situation on the program, plenty of blanks will be needed filled in. The book does show that his plotting with the Triarchy paid off; they send 90 worships to destroy the Gullet's blockade, therefore sparking a conflict fit for House of the Dragon season 3. Though he will presumably stick to the throne going ahead and try to change things where he can, it will be intriguing to watch exactly what happens to him as House of the Dragon Season 2 runs on.
Second Season of House of the Dragon: Episode 2: A Review & Synopsis
About 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon chronicles the ascent of the Targaryens, the only family of dragonlords to withstand the Doom of Valyria. Milly Alcock and Emily Carey originally starred Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower before Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke, who play the adult versions of the characters, took front stage. Along with King Viserys Targaryen, Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen) and Paddy Considine as Rhaenyra's father also feature in the show.
Strong second episode of House of the Dragon explores the nuances of the Targaryen Civil War and how it affected the main protagonists. The episode does a good job of highlighting the growing conflict, the emotional upheaval the characters experience, and the ethically dubious choices they must decide upon. While the scenes between Alicent and Aegon provide a window into their inner conflicts and the results of their acts, the terrible destiny of the Cargyll Twins emphasizes the terrible reality of war. House of the Dragon never fails to provide viewers with visually spectacular world, thrilling drama, and interesting people.
