'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 5 Preview: King's fate hangs in balance after brutal battle
Contains spoilers and speculation for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 4 aired on Sunday, July 7, 2024, on HBO. The episode featured an epic amalgamation of storytelling and a brutal battle that is sure to be talked about for ages.
The episode began with both factions preparing for war and culminated in a bloody conflict that resulted in the death of a beloved character and left another decimated.
The episode lived up to its name, 'A Dance of the Dragons', featuring a brutal and gruesome all-out war where dragons clashed with each other.
As the episode concludes, fans are eagerly anticipating what will unfold in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 5.
When will 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 5 release?
HBO will follow a weekly schedule for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 and as per the schedule, Episode 5 will release on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 9 pm ET / 6 pm 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 4?
The episode opens with Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), once again confronted by a vision of a younger Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) sitting on the Iron Throne, taunting him for her father's preference for her over him.
The rogue prince struggles to rally armies at Harrenhal. There, he encounters Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), who provides him with something to help him sleep better.
At the Green Council, Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) faces disrespect from his small council, including his brother Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell).
He learns that Aemond and Criston Cole (Fabian Frankel) have planned the war without consulting him. Meanwhile, Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) is suspected to be pregnant with Criston Cole's child and is taking moon tea.
Criston Cole decides to proceed to Rook's Rest as part of his and Aemond's strategy to cut off the supply line to Dragonstone.
Rhaenyra returns to Dragonstone, where she, along with Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) and Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), assert control over the council. Rhaenys volunteers to take her dragon, Meleys, to Rook's Rest.
Once Rhaenys and Meleys arrive at Rook's Rest, Criston Cole's plan is put into action as he signals Aemond and Vhagar.
Unknown to them, Aegon, eager to prove his worth, arrives at the battlefield with Sunfyre but finds himself easily overwhelmed by Meleys.
Vhagar and Aemond then join the battle, injuring Aegon's dragon, which falls along with the King into the woods.
An epic battle ensues between Vhagar and Meleys, but Vhagar's sheer size and ferocity prove too much for Meleys, resulting in the death of the dragon and along with Rhaenys.
As Rook's Rest is won, the collateral damage includes the fate of the King and his dragon, Sunfyre.
What to expect from the 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 5?
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 5 will likely reveal the extent of Aegon's injuries and explore whether he can continue as King. In the book 'Fire and Blood', Aemond takes over as Prince Regent in his absence.
Aemond will also need to justify his actions in injuring Aegon, although some may argue that Aegon's public shaming of Aemond might have provoked such consequences.
Viewers will also learn whether Aemond did it intentionally or perhaps he wasn't expecting Aegon to be present on the battlefield.
The next episode will also focus on the Blacks strategizing their next move after the devastating loss of Rhaenys. This loss is sure to deeply affect her husband, Corlys, as well as Rhaenyra.
As per the book, their next move involves seeking out Dragonriders as they prepare to reclaim King's Landing.
The loss has severed their supply lines, leaving their military in a precarious position. Acquiring more dragons is crucial for them to mount any effective opposition against the Greens.
Criston Cole's redemption may have been achieved with the victory at Rook's Rest, but Aegon's fate has left the triumph feeling incomplete.
Alicent's possible pregnancy could further complicate matters for her and Cole.
Episodes 1-4 of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 are streaming on HBO Max.