House of the Dragon S2 Ep6: Dragons Delight, But Food’s a Greater Bite

The latest episode of HBO’s House of the Dragon Season 2, titled “Smallfolk,” begins with a tense scene featuring the Lannister soldiers. Clad in their red and golden lion robes, they are led by Ser Jason Lannister (Jefferson Hall), who is set to meet a group in royal blue cloaks.

“The Golden Tooth is honored to receive you, my Lord Lannister. I have 500 fighting men, armed and full of spirit,” greets a knight from House Lefford, a vassal to the Lannisters.

The Lefford stronghold is near the River Road, bordering the Westerlands and the Riverlands. However, Ser Jason views this less as a welcome and more as a challenge.

“I bring a thousand knights and seven times as many archers and men-at-arms. By the time we are finished with the Riverland scum, the Red Fork will have earned its name,” Jason declares, flexing his power.

The knight responds calmly, noting their readiness to march and suggesting they head to Harrenhal, but Jason orders a raven be sent to King’s Landing. He insists they will move once Prince Aemond joins with Vhagar, planning to enjoy Lefford’s hospitality in the meantime.

At King’s Landing, Prince Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) is furious about Ser Jason’s summoning. “He dares to summon me! Are the Lannisters so diminished that they need an escort from the Tooth to Harrenhal?” he furiously asks the small council.

Ser Tyland Lannister (also played by Hall), Jason’s twin, mentions the presence of a large dragon in the Riverlands, causing the prince to sternly remind the council of his authority and warn his brother of the consequences of delay.

Alicent (Olivia Cooke) tries to soothe Aemond, but he ignores her, focusing instead on forming an alliance with the Triarchy to disrupt the Sea Snake’s blockade. Despite objections about the Triarchy’s mercenary fleet, Aemond insists they need immediate assistance.

Meanwhile, Alicent advises caution. The Triarchy cannot be trusted, she says, echoing her late husband’s sentiments. When asked about seeking assistance from the Greyjoys, the council receives disheartening responses, as Dalton Greyjoy appears to be biding his time for a better advantage.

The suggestion of Alicent marrying Dalton Greyjoy is quickly vetoed by her, especially after a suggestion from Lord Jasper, who cheekily glances at a stoic Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel).

Despite the dangers, Aemond sends Cole to Harrenhal, determined to create a two-front war against Daemon Targaryen. Cole warns of insufficient forces but grudgingly accepts the task, questioning Aemond’s own role in the conflict. Aemond arrogantly replies that he’ll join when the time is ripe, welcoming the challenge against his uncle.

Following the council’s dismissal, Alicent attempts to advise her son again. Aemond dismisses her, stating she is no longer needed in her advisory role, a bitter reminder of the power struggles within their family.

Meanwhile, in Dragonstone, Lord Corlys takes up the role of Hand of the Queen, aligning with Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy). Rhaenyra commands more dragonriders, including Ser Steffon Darklyn (Anthony Flanagan), to claim unbonded dragons like Vermithor and Silverwing. Despite his noble bloodline, Ser Steffon perishes attempting to bond with Seasmoke.

Back at Harrenhal, Daemon is haunted by hallucinations involving his late brother, King Viserys. These reflect his unresolved guilt and simmering internal conflicts, which are inadvertently calmed by Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), who counsels him strategically on dealing with the Riverlords.

Meanwhile, in the Vale, Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) and Joffrey discover signs of a large, dangerous dragon, leading to speculations about The Cannibal. Discussions continue, and alliances shift as characters navigate their complex entanglements.

The episode shifts back to King’s Landing, where the smallfolk, incited by Rhaenyra’s agents, riot against the ruling Greens. Commotion ensues as Alicent and Helaena are targeted, demonstrating Rhaenyra’s rising influence among the populace.

At Driftmark, Corlys offers Alyn (Abubakar Salim) the position of first mate, symbolizing Corlys’ attempt to elevate those loyal to him, while back at the Red Keep, Aemond pressures Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) about his memories of recent battles.

The closing scenes show a troubled Daemon at Harrenhal. The news of Lord Grover Tully’s death signals potentially beneficial shifts for Daemon’s campaigns. Meanwhile, Addam appears to form a bond with Seasmoke, signaling a potential new rider.

In the final moments at Dragonstone, Mysaria’s plan to sow dissent in King’s Landing appears effective as she and Rhaenyra build a stronger alliance, reflecting the intense power struggle within Westeros.

House of the Dragon airs on HBO and streams on Max.

Source: HBO