‘House of the Dragon’: 10 scenes that confirm why Emma D’Arcy is perfect as Rhaenyra Targaryen
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 premiered on June 16, 2024, on HBO to much fanfare as the highly anticipated action-adventure series got off to a great start in the second season with Dance of the Dragons ominously looming over the Targaryen House.
Among the many talking points of the show, Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D' Arcy) grief and revenge dominated the discourse as fans gushed over Emma D' Arcy's performance as the leader of the Black faction.
Rhaenyra Targaryen is a complicated character who has positive and negative traits deeply engrained in her and Emma D'Arcy has thoroughly embraced the character and justified every element of her characterization with grace and panache. Here's a look at some scenes from the series that make Emma D' Arcy the perfect choice for playing the Black Queen.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 1: Rhaenyra grieves the death of Lucerys Velaryon
One of the most heartbreaking moments from 'House of the Dragon' came in the second season's first episode where Rhaenyra Targaryen barely speaks a word while grieving her son.
Her son Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault) died in the final moments of the first season and as the second season began, her absence from politics and warfare was noticeable.
She took time away from politics to let her grief settle in and without the use of words and with minimum expressions, Emma D' Arcy gave a performance that conveyed what a thousand words cannot.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 7: Defending Lucerys against an angry Alicent Hightower
An underrated scene in the entire compilation, Rhaenyra faces a tough situation in Episode 7 when her son Lucerys has injured the eye of Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell), and Aemond's mother Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) comes for Lucerys's eye.
Emma's performance is extraordinary as she brings out guilt and defense together in a layered scene. Rhaenyra knows that she would have pretty much acted in the same way if it happened to her son.
The dynamic between Alicent and her as friends turned foes makes it even more special.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 8: Rhaenyra and Alicent come face to face
In a moment that signals a power shift, Rhaenyra knows that for now, Alicent is the one in charge as Viserys Targaryen's (Paddy Considine) wife. She has retained her position as the heir to the throne but has been condemned to Dragonstone.
The moment foreshadows an entire Civil War and Rhaenyra absolutely holds her own through Emma D'Arcy's body language which carries the burden of a relationship that has soured beyond repair now.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 7: Rhaenyra and Daemon get together
While incest isn't uncommon in the Targaryens, the dynamic between Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) evolves over the years as it shifts from a relationship that started between a child and her uncle to two people who are in love.
She embraces the relationship with all its complications and controversy and her chemistry with Daemon is tense yet it is one that has romance written all over it. Emma gives it everything in her intimate scenes with Daemon and creates great chemistry.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 1: Rhaenyra and Jacerys remember Lucerys
Another emotional scene comes between Rhaenyra Targaryen and her son Jacerys Velaryon (Harry Collett). What adds to the dynamic between the mother and son is the fact that they are in the middle of a war and Jacerys is also reporting to her Queen.
Emma delivers a masterclass yet again without words as she and Harry Collett share a beautiful moment where they embrace and let go of their emotions for Lucerys.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 6: Rhaenyra stands firm amidst controversy
Rhaenyra has never done things the conventional way and her marriage with Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan) is the most controversial aspect of her life as she has three children, none of whom are biologically with Laenor.
Emma brings about an air of defiance in her performance as Rhaenyra during this phase of her character as she stands firm in the face of allegations about her relationship with Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr).
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 10: Rhaenyra deals with the loss of her daughter
Rhaenyra faces the greatest setback in her character arc when she loses her stillborn daughter. This is her biggest loss till then as Lucerys is still alive.
Emma brings about layers of maturity to the character who has now truly learned what loss really is. The character now begins to mellow down after this incident.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 10: Final moments with Lucerys
There is something about the final moments between two characters in cinema that gives you a hint about where the characters are going and adds to the threat of losing one of them.
The final moments between Emma's character and Lucerys give an ominous indication of things to come in the next few moments.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 1: Rhaenyra wants revenge
Rhaenyra finally brings an end to her grieving and speaks about wanting revenge. She has pain and anger in her eyes as she calls for an end to Aemond Targaryen.
Arguably Emma's best scene in the series brings out the pain of a mother who has lost her son and a woman who is out for vengeance.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 10: Coronation as the Queen
Emma stands firm as Rhaenyra breaks the shackles of patriarchy and is crowned the Queen for now at Dragonstone. She wears the crown with class and authority.
Emma's stature is befitting of a queen who can rule over the Seven Kingdoms with authority.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 premiered on HBO Max on Sunday, June 16, 2024, with new episodes dropping every Sunday. To watch the series, you will need a Max Subscription.
The streaming platform typically offers three packages that you can choose from depending on your budget.
The low-cost plan that supports advertising costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99 annually.
Meanwhile, the third package, titled Ultimate Ad-Free, costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 premiered on June 16, 2024, on HBO.