House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Recap

Last week, House of the Dragon showcased the repercussions of revenge and mistakes, adapting the infamous Blood and Cheese arc from George R.R. Martin’s book.

As Team Green and Team Black grapple with the aftermath, various manipulators behind the scenes attempt to use the tragic event for political gain. Meanwhile, others seek vengeance, leading to more bloodshed.

If you missed House of the Dragon season 2 episode 2, here’s a recap of the major plot points. We also have a similar article covering the first episode, A Son for a Son.

Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 2 below. If you want to avoid spoilers, check out our review of episodes 1 and 2.

King Aegon II declares war

The episode begins with the Red Keep enveloped in darkness as the news of young heir Jaehaerys’s brutal death spreads among the staff, leading to King Aegon’s declaration of war.

Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is devastated, venting his anger by destroying a model city with his sword and vowing to avenge the act. Meanwhile, members of Team Green like Alicent (Olivia Cooke) mourn the loss, while Otto (Rhys Ifans), the Hand of the King, starts investigating the culprits. Aegon’s brother Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) discovers a clue left by Blood on the floor.

An investigation is launched after one of the culprits is apprehended trying to escape with a severed head. Despite evidence pointing elsewhere, King Aegon suspects Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) to be behind the act. Otto suggests a funeral procession with the child’s body to gain public sympathy. Reluctantly, Queen Helaena Targaryen and Alicent agree to the plan, and the city witnesses the tragic procession.

Lord Larys Strong discovers that Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) hired Blood, who confesses under interrogation. However, Aemon kills the assassin in a fit of rage.

Rhaenyra’s party takes a step backwards

In Dragonstone, Rhaenyra confronts Daemon about Jaehaerys’s death, accusing him of undermining her claim to the throne for personal vendetta. Daemon leaves for Harrenhal to gather support, leaving Rhaenyra in a precarious position.

To mitigate the fallout, Rhaenyra interrogates captive Mysaria, forging a bond over Daemon’s actions. She eventually releases Mysaria, a decision that proves critical later on.

Ser Cristen Cole is a not so helpful Hand

Kingsguard member Cristen is exposed for neglecting his duties and engaging in an affair with Alicent. Guilt-ridden, he picks a fight with Ser Arryk Cargyll, leading to a dangerous mission to assassinate Rhaenyra.

As tensions escalate, Aegon’s decisions draw mixed reactions, with consequences that may spark future conflicts.

Stay tuned for the next episode to see how these events unfold and the impact they have on the realm.

Side plots

• A new character, Addam of Hull, hints at potential dragon-riding abilities.
• Aemond Targaryen’s behavior raises concerns among his family members.
• Hugh Hammer’s struggles foreshadow possible unrest among the common folk.

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