Editorial

Biggest moments from House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5: Regent

Surreal encounters, strategic moves, and power shifts.

Published

5 months ago

July 15, 2024

Ved Prabhudesai

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

With the last episode of House of the Dragon ending with such a dramatic twist, Episode 5, “Regent,” explores the aftermath of what occurred. The death of Meleys and Rhaenys caused a massive imbalance in the ongoing war. Adding to the situation is the injury of King Aegon II. This episode gave us some soulful moments and some shocking incidents. Read on to know more.

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Make room for the Deluxe Pop! Ride of Rhaenys Targaryen™ with Meleys™ to land in your House of the Dragon collection. Vinyl figure is approximately 5.35-inches tall.

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Contents

5 Minutes Read

Meleys’ head paraded through King’s Landing

Biggest moments from House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5: Regent

Credits: Theo Whiteman/HBO

After the intense battle at Rook’s Rest, Criston Cole and Gwayne Hightower dramatically return to King’s Landing. They parade the severed head of Meleys, causing a stir among the smallfolk. Along with the head, they bring the injured King Aegon, claiming that he was the one who killed Meleys, despite it being Aemond who did the deed. The smallfolk are left in awe, interpreting it as a dark omen. Some even call it an abomination, predicting a fierce response from Rhaenyra.

Amidst the crowd, Hugh Hammer and a young boy witness the spectacle. The boy is in disbelief, seeing dragons as divine beings, while Hugh dismisses this, stating they are merely meat. Criston Cole is puzzled by the smallfolk’s reaction and questions Gwayne on why they don’t see it as a victory. Gwayne himself seems unsure if it indeed was a victory.

Daemon’s bizarre lovemaking scene

Credits: Max

In the eerie halls of Harrenhal, Daemon Targaryen experiences another haunting hallucination. He finds himself in a lovemaking scene with a silver-haired Targaryen woman who initially appears to be Aemma Arryn, his brother’s wife. However, the woman reveals herself as Alyssa Targaryen, the mother of Daemon and Viserys.

Alyssa, known for being the previous rider of Meleys before Rhaenys, often took her sons on dragon rides during their childhood. Historical accounts highlight that Viserys resembled his father Baelon the Brave, whereas Daemon took after Alyssa. In this hallucination, Alyssa tells Daemon he has always been her favorite son. This scene parallels a moment from season one where Viserys claims to Daemon that their mother always loved him more.

Aemond becomes Regent

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

With King Aegon gravely injured from the battle at Rook’s Rest, Aemond Targaryen is next in line to rule. Showing no remorse, Aemond stands by his brother’s sickbed and discusses the need for a regent. He now possesses Aegon’s Catspaw Dagger, which he took in the previous episode.

During a council meeting, all members agree that Aemond should rule in Aegon’s stead, despite Queen Alicent’s objections. Alicent confronts Criston Cole, questioning his betrayal. Shaken by the horrors witnessed at Rook’s Rest, Cole believes a dragonrider should lead in a war involving dragons. In a dreamlike sequence, Aemond stands before the Iron Throne as Helaena asks if it is worth the price, echoing his sentiment about losing an eye to claim Vhagar.

Jace takes the Twins

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

Jacaerys Velaryon boldly flies to the Twins without Rhaenyra’s permission after discussing the situation with Baela. He realizes that controlling the Crossing will allow Cregan Stark’s Winter Wolves army to pass directly into the Riverlands. The Twins played a crucial role in Robb Stark’s war strategy during Game of Thrones and was the site of the infamous Red Wedding.

At the Twins, Lord Forrest Frey and Lady Sabitha agree to support the Blacks in exchange for Harrenhal, following a tradition of awarding Harrenhal for loyalty, as seen with Littlefinger in Game of Thrones.

The Taking of Stone Hedge

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

The taking of Stone Hedge occurs off-screen. In the book Fire and Blood, Daemon takes Stone Hedge, the seat of House Bracken, with the help of House Blackwood. In the show, Daemon is forced to take it after the Brackens refuse to bend the knee and choose to die by Caraxes’ flames instead.

Daemon decides not to kill them, valuing their loyalty. This contrasts with Daenerys in Game of Thrones, who burned Lord Randyll Tarly for refusing to bend the knee. Later, the Blackwoods raid Bracken lands, fueled by their ancient rivalry, despoiling septs and pillaging lands in the name of the Targaryens. Daemon is distressed by this news, contrasting with his book counterpart’s ruthlessness.

Corlys is named Hand of the Queen

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

With Daemon missing, her council in disarray, and Rhaenys dead, Rhaenyra tasks Baela with contacting Lord Corlys Velaryon and naming him the Hand of the Queen. She consoles Baela about Rhaenys’ death, reminding her of Rhaenys’ fiery spirit and her daring feat of claiming Meleys.

When Baela meets Corlys, he is in deep despair. She mentions his Nine Voyages and the riches he brought back, questioning whether anyone knew he did it all for Rhaenys. Corlys is reluctant to join Rhaenyra’s cause, blaming her for his losses. Baela reminds him that Rhaenys died a dragonrider’s death by her own choice. Corlys then expresses a desire to name Baela his heir to Driftmark, a decision he has pondered since his last discussion with Rhaenys. Baela refuses, saying Driftmark should pass to salt and sea while she is blood and fire, marking her legacy as a Targaryen.

Rhaenyra and Jace discuss the Sowing

Credits: Theo Whiteman/HBO

Jace returns from the Twins to find Rhaenyra looking at a picture of Visenya. They discuss their war strategies and the need for a solution to combat Vhagar after losing Meleys, with Daemon not at hand. Jace suggests they have two more dragons on Dragonstone, Vermithor, and Silverwing, and proposes to find people with Valyrian blood who might tame them. Initially reluctant, Rhaenyra agrees, seeing it as a better idea than losing the war. They plan to search historical records for potential dragonriders with Valyrian blood, beginning the Sowing of the Dragonseeds.

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Related Topics:House of the Dragon House of the Dragon Season 2

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Ved Prabhudesai

Ved Prabhudesai is an avid enthusiast of all things pop culture. He has a special interest in the field of animation and art, with a background in Fine Arts and Digital Media Arts. He has begun his first into the field of Entertainment Journalism with Wiki of Thrones, and has been writing for them since 2023. He also has experience working as a screenplay writer, animator and comic book artist. His hobbies include holding discussions and organising events focused around pop culture, dissecting the importance of media in today's world. He began reading A Song Of Ice And Fire shortly before Game of Thrones debuted on HBO. He has followed the series religiously and has spent hours reading Wikis learning about Targaryen history and possible plot points we will see in the Winds of Winter.