'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 6: Key character's surprise cameo proves pivotal to one major player
Contains spoilers and speculation for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 6 aired on HBO on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
The episode took Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) to new depths of suspense at Harrenhal, intensifying the eerie atmosphere.
Daemon, who arrived at Harrenhal to build an army, is grappling with his inner turmoil. His grief, guilt, and ambitions have manifested as haunting hallucinations, confronting him with his deepest struggles.
The witchy Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) is both aware of and likely responsible for the hallucinations tormenting Daemon.
In this episode, Daemon is visited by a vision of someone he deeply cares for: his brother and former King, Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine), who appears in full health, sitting on the Iron Throne.
King Viserys appears in Daemon Targaryen’s dream in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 6
Daemon may be one of the most unpredictable and at times menacing characters on the show, but his loyalty to his brother is unwavering and undeniable.
Although he may not have been the ideal brother, Daemon never attempted to usurp the throne from his sibling, even with the support of the Gold Cloaks.
However, Daemon did take a jibe at his brother's son, who lived only for a day, referring to him as an 'Heir for a day.'
Viserys condemns Daemon for the jibe, and it seems that Daemon’s regret over the comment has manifested in the form of Viserys.
Later in the episode, Viserys returns, mourning the death of his wife. Daemon, burdened with guilt for not being there for his brother during his time of loss, is both apologetic and remorseful.
The appearance of Viserys may serve as a significant hint to Daemon, suggesting that he should reconsider pursuing the Iron Throne.
Since arriving at Harrenhal, Daemon has harbored ambitions of becoming King. However, as Alys later points out, the crown is more of a burden than a privilege.
Alys becomes an unlikely ally for Daemon in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 6
As Daemon is preparing to leave Harrenhal, Alys convinces him to stay, revealing that the key to ruling the Riverlands lies through the Tullys.
Alys then predicts that the tide will turn in three days, which comes to pass with the death of Grover Tully. Given that Alys was present at when Grover died, she likely played a role in his death.
This development benefits Daemon, as Grover was old and ill, unable to make decisions that could unite the Riverlands.
Oscar Tully (Archie Chambers) will now assume the role of Lord of the Riverlands, allowing Daemon to persuade him to side with the Blacks.
As per 'Fire and Blood,' Alys Rivers will eventually become the lover of Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell), Daemon’s arch-nemesis, and will also bear his child.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' is streaming on HBO. New episodes are scheduled to drop every Sunday till August 4, 2024, for Season 2.
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 is streaming on HBO.