'House of the Dragon' Season 2: Why Alicent and Criston's increasingly toxic relationship needs to stop
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The romantic relationship between Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) stands out as the highlight of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2.
The show, based on George R R Martin's book 'Fire & Blood', serves as a prequel to the famous show 'Game of Thrones', and focuses on the fall of the House of the Dragons, Trageryan.
The first episode of Season 2, which premiered on Sunday, June 16, 2024, features steamy scenes between Alicent and Criston, highlighting how their relationship is nothing more than an epitome of toxicity.
Why does Alicent Hightower and Criston Cole's relationship remain unhealthy in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
Criston Cole and Alicent Hightower's relationship seemed to be at an all-time low point following the event involving Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban) in Episode 1, but for the most part of Episode 2, they conduct themselves professionally.
However, both characters are significantly affected by the episode's ending, especially in light of Cole's audacious choices and promotion to Hand of the King. Alicent violently slaps him, clearly expressing her anger towards Cole for his part in influencing Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) and indirectly arranging Otto Hightower's (Rhys Ifans) removal.
Despite this conflict, they turn to one another for comfort because of their emotional openness. Alicent and Cole's relationship is largely driven by personal needs and insecurities, despite occasional moments of genuine affection.
This highlights a complex dynamic that is rife with internal conflict and external power struggles as Alicent's callousness is emphasized by her choice to turn away from her sobbing son Aegon and spend time with him. Their relationship is characterized by a violent dynamic that is fueled by their uncontrollable emotions, which suggests that things will only get worse for them going forward.
Fans share their apprehensions on Alicent Hightower and Criston Cole's romance in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
Alicent and Criston's relationship is also unimpressive to fans of the show, who describe it as a toxic mess under a Reddit thread.
Sharing their opinion about the same, a fan noted, "I am disgusted in Ser CC and Allicent both Facts are they both waived their "Morality" flags up and down the halls and made grief for everyone over their amazing chastity, #oaths, and lest us not forget about VIRTUE. They are so pathetic. Then to sleep with each other now? Wasn't his whole issue that he "broke his oath," blah, blah, blah and so he knifed Rhaenarys in the back over it. Allicent was the queen all right, the queen of being a c**k tease disguised as the Virgin Mary. Now, STILL under "oath," Ser CC porks away at Allicent without regard, becoming a bigger douche than ever when the Prince is killed because he was rolling around with her instead of guarding the Queen. To top it all off, he had the bazookas to go around accusing others in the guard of not paying attention resulting in the murder of the Prince, when it was not-so-subtlely brought up that Allicent didn't need the Commander of the Kings guard- the King and Queen did. He is a real bag-o-d***s in a cape."
Another added, "Criston is the epitome of a guy who sleeps with a woman and then calls her a s**t for sleeping with him. He wants what he can’t have. And when he has it, it must be on his terms."
While another said, "He's in love with the idea of her he has built in his head, but not in love with the woman herself. He sees her as the anti-Rhaenyra and probably has a pretty defined picture of what she's like that doesn't at all reflect the reality of Alicent (and couldn't, because that picture would never fit an actual human being with all their complexities)."
Noting Criston's obsession with Rhaenyra another added, "I think Criston Cole is in love with whatever passive aggressively hurts Rhaenyra."
Will Alicent Hightower and Criston Cole be the end game?
Without quoting from the book, let's talk about whether Alicent and Criston will end up together based only on the circumstances of the show.
Alicent and Criston's relationship is complicated and essential to the plot, with both harboring a deep animosity for Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy).
Their interactions show that they might play big roles in one another's lives, perhaps altering the course of events in the Seven Kingdoms, it's very improbable that they'll end up together considering that they're just working together to destroy Rhaenyra.
While Alicent is determined to place her son on the iron throne, she has a soft spot for her former best friend. Criston, on the other hand, is like an ex who is still bitter over his rejection by Rhaenyra in the first season and is determined to ruin her. Overall, it's quite improbable that they'll end up together.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
New episodes of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 drop every Sunday on HBO Max. To watch the series, you will need a Max membership which typically comes in three packages.
The affordable option is $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year, and it includes advertising. The second plan costs $15.99 a month or $149.99 a year and does not contain advertising.
The Ultimate Ad-Free membership, on the other hand, costs $19.99 a month or $199.99 a year.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer