'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 3 Preview: Harrenhall offers a second chance, will Daemon Targaryen take it?

'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2 features an assassination attempt on Rhaenyra Targaryen
UPDATED JUL 15, 2024
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2 features a confrontation between Rhaenyra and Daemon (@hbo)
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2 features a confrontation between Rhaenyra and Daemon (@hbo)

Contains spoilers and speculation for 'House of the Dragon'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2 dropped on HBO on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

After a week-long wait, viewers were captivated by this enthralling episode, which set the stage for an epic battle between the Greens and the Blacks.

Episode 2 delved into the interpersonal conflicts between Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) and Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) as they grapple with the aftermath of Prince Jaehaerys's death, while Aegon vows vengeance.

We also witnessed the long-awaited battle between the Cargyll brothers and explored the impact of war on the common people of King's Landing.

After finishing Episode 2, fans have eagerly awaited Episode 3 of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2. Here's a preview of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 3.

When will 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 3 release?

A still from the series 'House of the Dragon' (@hbo)
A still from the series 'House of the Dragon' (@hbo)

HBO will follow a weekly schedule for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 and as per the schedule, Episode 3 will release on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on Max.

The episode is directed by Geeta Vasant Patel. 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 2?

A still from the series 'House of the Dragon' (@hbo)
A still from the series 'House of the Dragon' (@hbo)

The episode kicks off with an enraged Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) swearing vengeance against Rhaenyra Targaryen.

In King's Landing, the small folk sympathizes with Queen Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban) over the loss of her child, branding Rhaenyra as a monster.

Rhaenyra and her council deliberate their next moves while she grapples with the guilt over the child's death.

In the final scene of the episode, Criston Cole (Fabian Frankel) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) grapple with a conflict between duty and desire, ultimately choosing duty over their desires.

Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) has a moment in the episode where he deeply regrets his actions leading to the death of Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault).

We also catch a glimpse of Alyn of Hull (Abubaker Salim) meeting his brother Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty). Viewers are teased about their parentage and their relationship with Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint).

The episode also depicts the harsh realities of war for the smallfolk, with King Aegon executing all the rat-catchers. Additionally, King Aegon dismisses Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) as the Hand of the King due to his perceived inaction.

In a long-awaited showdown, Ser Erryk Cargyll (Elliott Tittensor) and Ser Arryk Cargyll (Luke Tittensor) engage in a sword fight while an assassination attempt against Rhaenyra is plotted. However, both brothers die in the intense battle.  

What to expect from the 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 3?

Daemon Targaryen is an unpredictable character in 'House of the Dragon' (@hbo)
Daemon Targaryen will be tasked to win Harrenhall 'House of the Dragon' (@hbo)

An epic political conflict unfolds between the Greens and the Blacks as they race to seize Harrenhal. The battle for control of Harrenhal castle becomes pivotal in the war, with Rhaneys Targaryen (Eve Best) emphasizing how capturing it could offer Daemon a chance at redemption.

However, Aemond Targaryen also finds himself on the same path to seize Harrenhal, making the challenge even more daunting.

House Strong commands Harrenhal, and with Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) as an ally of the Greens, Aemond enjoys a significant advantage in the battle for control.

According to the book 'Fire and Blood,' Harrenhal falls to Daemon Targaryen, a moment of redemption in the eyes of Rhaenyra, who holds him responsible for Jaehaerys's fate.

This sets the stage for the Battle at Rook's Rest, which will most likely be featured in Episode 4. 

We also see Ser Otto Hightower dismissed by Aegon Targaryen for his inaction. According to the book, Ser Otto Hightower allies with the Triarchy, supporting the Greens in the anticipated Battle of the Gullet, likely to unfold in Season 2.

We will also witness Criston Cole and Alicent Hightower grappling with their desires, potentially leading Alicent to send Cole away.

We will also see how Criston Cole and Alicent Hightower battle their desire. It might be possible that Alicent sends Cole away.

In the Battle of Rook's Rest, Cole emerges as a key strategist, playing a pivotal role in planning the battle.

Episodes 1 and 2 of 'House of the Dragon' Season airs streaming on HBO MAX.

RELATED TOPICS HOUSE OF THE DRAGON (2022)

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