House of the Dragon Season 2 Explores Misogyny and Power Dynamics

After the downfall of Aegon, a power vacuum emerges, prompting Alicent to petition for the position of Regent. Having previously ruled King’s Landing, she feels confident in her capabilities. However, her proposal is quickly undermined by men who cannot accept a woman as a strong leader. “But the Dowager Queen is a woman,” one of them points out, passing the vote to Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), whose recent actions have been dangerously unpredictable. Despite her efforts, only the Grand Maester supports Alicent, while the rest, including Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), whose deep-seated misogyny is apparent, vote in favor of Aemond.

Alicent is no stranger to the hypocrisy and hunger for power exhibited by these men. She has previously manipulated their biases to weaken Rhaenyra’s standing. Now, she experiences the bitterness of being subjected to the same blatant disregard. Her quiet frustration escalates as the scene shifts focus from Aemond’s war strategies to her internal strife. She is visibly appalled when the Council decides to close the city gates, barring merchants from entering or leaving—a decision made without considering the dire food crisis affecting the common folk. This reckless move demonstrates their arrogance and reliance on gender-based authority.

This entrenched misogyny is unlikely to change any time soon, forcing women into precarious positions. They must navigate within the confines of their limited autonomy, whether by subverting traditional roles or taking power through more direct means. The choice between these paths often depends on the specific circumstances of a time entrenched in all-out war.

Source: HBO