Absence in House of the Dragon: Otto Hightower
Many viewers have felt the first season of House of the Dragon lacking Otto Hightower, a key character. In season 2, episode 3 Aegon II Targaryen dismissed Otto Hightower, Rhys Ifans, as Hand of the King. Particularly for Alicent Hightower, his daughter, who looks to him for direction and stability among the mounting anarchy, his absence leaves King's Landing void.
Otto Hightower's Possible Return as Aemond's Hand
In the most recent House of the Dragon episode, Aemond Targaryen—who now rules the Green faction—asked Otto Hightower to be returned to King's Landing. This surprising change of events begs several issues regarding Otto's present location and his future participation in the developing conflict.
Location of Otto Hightower in Books vs. the Show
Fire & Blood's source material puts Otto Hightower in Oldtown after he was dismissed. The television series could stray from this plot, though. The show has already changed the chronology several times, and the intriguing presence of Rhys Ifans as Otto suggests his continuous participation in the story.
The ramifications of Otto's return
Not present in the books, bringing Otto back as Aemond's Hand is an original addition to the TV adaptation. Otto's impact on the Dance of the Dragons was mostly in the run-up to the conflict, but his comeback adds a lively fresh component to the narrative. Particularly as Aemond tries to offset the increasing threat from Rhaenyra's faction, his presence in King's Landing could give his leadership a strategic edge.
Fate of Otto Hightower in the Show and the Books
Fire & Blood claims Otto Hightower meets his death when Rhaenyra captures King's Landing, executed upon her claiming the Iron Throne. House of the Dragon might, however, change this chronology, so affecting Otto's ultimate destiny.
The Prospective of Previous Events
The story of the show might develop differently than that of the book, maybe shifting events like King's Landing's capture ahead of others. Should Rhaenyra's forces seize King's Landing prior to the Battle of the Gullet, Otto's death might happen early in the series. Alternatively, he might make it through the capital capture and let future episodes decide his fate. The precise chronology of events is still unknown, which gives the developing narrative of Otto Hightower suspense.
At last
Otto Hightower's path in House of the Dragon is an interesting one; the show veers from the original material in interesting directions. Notable is his absence from King's Landing; his possible comeback as Aemond's hand complicates the already complex power struggle. Whether he finally makes it through the Dance of the Dragons is yet unknown, but his character unquestionably shapes the story.
