'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2 Preview: Helaena at crossroads after son's gruesome death
Contains spoilers and speculation
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 premiered Episode 1 on Sunday, June 16, 2024, on HBO. Fans eagerly awaited this moment for two years, and the premiere episode served as a reminder of why this epic action-adventure series is beloved.
As fans flocked to their TV screens and savored a slow-burning Episode 1 that delved into Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D' Arcy) grief and hinted at her impending revenge, they eagerly await the next episode to see what unfolds next.
Here's all we know about the 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2.
When will 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2 release?
HBO will follow a weekly schedule for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 and as per the schedule, Episode 2 will release on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on Max. The episode is directed by Clare Kilner.
To watch the episode, 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.
What happened in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 1?
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 began with a slow-paced episode, as the creators invested time in establishing the psychology of all the major characters.
The episode depicts Rhaenyra Targaryen grappling with the loss of her son Lucerys Targaryen (Elliot Grihault) and rediscovering her resolve to continue the fight.
Rhaenyra and the Black faction begin to consider war, with Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) spearheading the crusade for revenge.
In King's Landing, Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) displayed unapologetic arrogance as an increasingly unhinged ruler, while Prince Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) grappled with the aftermath of events in the Stormlands.
Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) and Criston Cole (Fabian Frankel) sense the impending war and are making preparations accordingly.
Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) reconciles with her father Otto but views him only as an ally. She is concerned about Aegon and Aemond's eagerness to prove themselves as warriors and seeks to restrain them. Additionally, Alicent's physical relationship with Criston Cole is revealed.
Episode 1 also marked a return to Winterfell, where Prince Jacaerys 'Jace' Velaryon (Harry Collet) travels North to secure an alliance with House Stark, highlighting their pivotal role in the politics of King's Landing once more.
The episode concludes with the introduction of Blood (Sam C Wilson) and Cheese (Mark Stobbart), two hired killers working for Daemon, as they infiltrate the Red Keep through a secret entrance.
They find Helaena Targaryen (Phil Saban), hold her hostage, and following Daemon's orders, kill one of her sons as part of a twisted retribution, seeking 'a son for a son.'
As she runs away with the other child and enters Alicent's son, she finds Alicent making love with Criston Cole.
What to expect in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2?
After setting the stage in Episode 1, anticipate the second episode to be explosive. The conclusion of Episode 1 fulfills Daemon's grim desire with the death of one of Helaena's sons, setting a tense tone for what's to come.
But Blood and Cheese's killing of Aegon's son will have significant consequences, especially with Aegon's eagerness to prove himself and the King's unpredictable anger.
However, Blood and Cheese are tasked with delivering the boy's head to Daemon without getting caught, a task that will prove extraordinarily difficult given the King's determination to apprehend the culprits.
We might learn more about Alicent and Criston Cole's relationship as they reluctantly give in to their feelings for each other after initially deciding against it.
Finally, the gruesome death of her son could break Helaena, and having noticed Alicent's involvement with Cole could further make her a very important character from Episode 2 onwards.
Episode 1 of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is streaming on HBO MAX.