'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 6 Preview: The Hand of the Queen is grieving, and the tears could turn the tide of war

In 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, Rhaenyra Targaryen is facing challenges in managing her council amid the ongoing war
UPDATED JUL 15, 2024
Corlys Velaryon becomes the Hand of the Queen following the death of his wife, Rhaenys Targaryen, in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 (@hbo)
Corlys Velaryon becomes the Hand of the Queen following the death of his wife, Rhaenys Targaryen, in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 (@hbo)

Contains spoilers and speculation for 'House of the Dragon'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 5 aired on HBO on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

The gripping episode explored the aftermath of the gruesome Battle at Rook's Rest, as both the Blacks and Greens regroup and prepare for another impending war.

The Greens swiftly determine their immediate succession, with Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) assuming the role of Prince Regent in place of his injured brother, Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney), who is recovering from injuries sustained during the Battle at Rook's Rest.

Meanwhile, the Blacks council is in disarray as Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) struggles to maintain unity among her allies following the loss of Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best).

Rhaenyra needs someone to manage those affairs for her, and it appears she has found the perfect person for the job.

Corlys Velaryon to be the Hand of the Queen in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 6

Lord Corlys Velaryon's exploits made his Velaryon house the richest house in Westeros (@hbo)
A still from 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 (@hbo)

Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) is grieving the loss of his wife and currently holds Rhaenyra responsible for the death of Rhaenys.

Having been insulted by Targaryens and King's Landing in the past, Lord Corlys Velaryon harbors no affection for either the Blacks or the Greens. Despite this, given their history, he would favor Rhaenyra over the Hightowers any day.

Rhaenyra sends Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia) to convince her grandfather to assume the role of Hand of the Queen, and she adeptly convinces the Lord of the Tides with her arguments.

Baela has emerged as a crucial figure for the Blacks, and Corlys views her as a potential heir to Driftmark.

However, Baela identifies more with 'Blood and Fire' rather than 'Salt and Sea.' She prefers riding her dragon to navigating the seas, emphasizing her Targaryen heritage over her Velaryon lineage.

For Corlys, accepting the role of Hand of the Queen presents an opportunity to seek justice for his wife's death and provides him with a renewed sense of purpose moving forward in life.

Rhaenyra is eager to find a man of Corlys's stature and respect to effectively lead her Council. 

Corlys is instrumental in winning the war for the Blacks in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2

Lord Corlys and his wife Rhaenys discuss the succession to Driftmark's throne in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 3 (@hbo)
A still from 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 (@hbo)

Lord Corlys, as the Lord of the Tides, is renowned for his victories at sea, making him the foremost naval commander.

According to 'Fire and Blood', once he assumes the role of Hand of the King, Lord Corlys plans an assault on King's Landing alongside Jacerys Velaryon (Harry Collett), and Rhaeyra Targaryen. 

He has already established a blockade at the Gullet, effectively cutting off supplies to King's Landing. His pivotal role in the city's eventual fall will secure the throne for Rhaenyra.

However, the blockade at the Gullet will be shattered by the Triarchy and Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), who returns to battle in support of the Greens.

The upcoming battle is anticipated to be one of the fiercest in the history of the Seven Kingdoms, claiming thousands of lives, including Jacerys and his dragon Vermax. Despite this loss, Corlys is poised to lead the Blacks to victory.

When and how to watch 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 6?

Meleys and Rhaenys Targaryen die in the Battle at Rook's Rest (@hbo)
A still from 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 (@hbo)

HBO will follow a weekly schedule for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 and as per the schedule, Episode 6 will release on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT on Max.

The episode is directed by Andrij Parekh. 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.

'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Trailer



 

Episodes 1-5 of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 are streaming on HBO.

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