‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Episode 7 Review - An Army of Bastards

Just a few episodes ago, Addam of Hull was dreaming about achieving great things. He wanted fame, respect, money. His ambitions were bigger than the ships he built. Now, it seems he has gained what he desired so intensely. A dragon has changed his life - it has put him in the sky. It's appropriate (and almost funny) that a dragon named Seasmoke has suddenly changed the fate of this shipwright. Episode 7 opens with Rhaenyra and Addam, with their dragons, facing one another on a beach. Will Addam swear allegiance to this Queen? Or will we get to witness a dragon fight? Well, Addam doesn't take much time to bend his knee. He is more than happy to work for Rhaenyra, and Rhaenyra is pleased to have him. But Addam has not grown up in the company of kings and queens. He is Lord Corlys Velaryon's bastard child, and as far as Rhaenyra's people are concerned, this shipbuilder, due to his low status, doesn't deserve respect, special status, or a big responsibility. Rhaenyra, too, feels a bit uneasy at first, but then Mysaria reminds her that her own brothers are after her life. You don't necessarily become better if you have "pure, noble blood" in your body.

Rhaenyra's council members - old men who think they know everything - complain about Addam. Even the people who play an important role during the dragon-choosing-its-rider ceremony walk out of the castle during one of the scenes. These characters are rigid - they strictly follow the rules of the society. "Tradition" might as well be a sacred word for them. Some of them have almost reluctantly accepted the fact that Rhaenyra would sit on the throne, and their sexist thoughts come out occasionally, as was evident in Episode 5 when a character mentioned how Rhaenyra belongs to a "gentler sex," which is why she does not have much awareness about strategies of battle and their execution. How can such people instantly accept Addam as a dragon rider? Episode 7, however, is all about breaking archaic notions. New paths are created by embracing unconventional methods. All the Targaryen bastards are summoned to Rhaenyra's castle so that a rider for Vermithor and Silverwing can be chosen. How's that for progressive thinking?

This sentiment can be detected in the conversations between Lord Oscar and Daemon. The latter underestimates the former's power. Daemon talks to Oscar in a tone that suggests he thinks he can control him to make decisions in his favor. Daemon's smile is broad because the person standing before him is still very young and short. Oscar, however, shows Daemon his strength through his bold words and confident demeanor. His every line sounds like an act of defiance. Intimidating Oscar is not child's play. Youngbloods and fresh thoughts can yield success and surprises. This is what Episode 7 basically says to the audience.

Final Score- [7/10]