‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Episode 8 Review - Winter is Coming

You might have liked watching Aemond taking a U-turn with Vhagar after noticing Rhaenyra's dragons, but the Prince Regent has become so embarrassed by the realization that he is prone to defeat that he burns Sharp Point. Blinded by anger, Aemond starts pressuring his sister to ride her dragon alongside him. However, Alicent intervenes forcefully - she is tired of the pointless violence and just wants to live in peace. Maybe her time spent in nature made her realize how much better life is without blood, dragons, and sword fights. Well, it's too little too late. Alicent meets with Rhaenyra in her castle and offers peace. She says, "Aemond will soon fly to join Cole in the Riverlands. When he's gone, Helaena as queen will be the crown's authority. If you come then to King's Landing, I will see to it that our guards throw down their arms, we will open the gates, we will shed no blood." Sounds nice.

Rhaenyra also wants to claim the Iron Throne without unnecessary violence. Aegon, however, comes in between this deal. Alicent reassures Rhaenyra that Aegon won't be an issue ("He lies in the dark, in pain and terror"). But Rhaenyra, the chosen heir to the throne, insists that she will have to eliminate all her opponents to wear the crown. She is determined to take Aegon's head. This is a terrific scene. Notice how Rhaenyra and Alicent are visually separated from each other. Every time the camera gives us a close-up of their sad, troubled faces, their emotions become so intense that they almost feel tangible.

There are no major fights or shocking deaths in the season finale. Instead, it sets the table for the next season. Lord Tyland convinces Lohar to fight for the Prince Regent, and they have a friendly brawl in the mud. He is also offered to have babies with Lohar's wives, but it's not revealed whether he accepts this sexual proposition. Larys, on the other hand, plans to leave King's Landing (temporarily) with Aegon as he has become less confident about Aemond's victory in the upcoming battle due to the Pretender's three dragons. Aegon is advised to let his brother and the Pretender weaken each other. Will such a scheme work? Consider these words from a character, "Aegon will be king again." We also hear about Aemond's fate, which doesn't look...wonderful. In other words, prophecies are introduced into the world of the House of the Dragon. Alys helps Daemon see certain visions. I won't discuss them here. I will just say that those famous words "Winter is Coming" are whispered by Daemon.

These words come out in front of Rhaenyra. Daemon's Harrenhal arc turns out to be all about building his loyalty towards Rhaenyra. After experiencing those visions, he has now completely surrendered himself to Viserys's daughter. He, along with his entire army, bends his knees in front of her. So, Aemond has Lohar's fleet, and Rhaenyra has Daemon's army and three dragons. Now that both sides seem ready for a confrontation let's initiate the bloodbath.

Final Score- [7.5/10]