‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Episode 4 Review - Aegon the Incompetent

After a lackluster third episode, House of the Dragon regains vigor in Episode 4. Directed by Alan Taylor, the fourth episode is packed with thrilling, engaging, and satisfying moments that give the impression that you are watching a bloody good fantasy show. Episode 4 is undoubtedly the best episode of this second season so far, and it reminds you why you love these George R. R. Martin adaptations so much. The alluring brew of unpredictability, intrigue, and emotions is so infectious that when served well, it leaves you dizzy as well as exhilarated. These overwhelming feelings capture your senses when you watch Episode 4, and when it ends, you find yourself restlessly waiting for the next episode. A character's expression tells you everything about what will eventually happen during the climax, but this predictability factor only elevates the intensity of our reaction. Good job.

One of the funniest things about this episode is the way Aegon's authority is undermined by his council members. During the meeting, they praise Criston and Aemond, which fills Aegon with bitterness - he feels weak and jealous. Remember how, in the third episode, Aegon interrupted Aemond's, um, quality time with a woman? Well, the latter gets to take his revenge during the council meeting as he, through his schemes, proves himself superior to Aegon. With a pout on his face, the king expresses his pain to Alicent, who, instead of consoling him with hugs or motivational words, tells him to "do simply what is needed of you: Nothing." Ouch.

If Aegon is losing his mind in the King's Landing, Daemon is (too literally) losing his mind in Harrenhal. He sees certain visions that talk about his feelings of resentment. Gwayne also seems tired of Criston - he questions his actions, asking whether he has grown weary of living. "Are you afraid, Ser?" Criston asks. "Worse. I'm rational," Gwayne replies. You need to be more than just rational to win the war. Gwayne looks naive in front of Criston. This new Hand of the King continues to boil your blood. Put his picture alongside that of Joffrey Baratheon's, and you will have an army of fans, with a sword in their hands, running towards the picture to tear it apart to pieces. Hence, you find yourself smiling when Criston's face hits the ground. That's where he actually belongs: Amid mud, dirt, and rocks.

Final Score- [9/10]