'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 7: Daemon's decision to kill one player sets up Team Black's dominance
Contains spoilers and speculation for 'House of the Dragon'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 7 aired on HBO on July 28, and the mesmerizing episode had an epic moment of truth for Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) who was confronted with a difficult choice.
Earlier in the season, we saw Daemon ask Ser Willem Blackwood (Jack Parry-Jones) to carry out brutalities against their rivals, House Bracken who are allies of the Greens. The decision did not go down well with the Lords of the Riverlands and when the new Lord Paramount of the Riverlands Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes) took over, he demanded Daemon take corrective action by punishing Willem.
Daemon kills Willem Blackwood to win over Riverlands
Ever since Daemon has been at Harrenhall, he has been forced to relinquish his brutal, unsympathetic, and irreverent persona as he handled his inner demons in a haunted castle that made him confront his guilt, grief, and ambition.
Daemon was finally confronted with a problem that involved humans when Oscar Tully stood up to him and asked him to punish Willem Blackwood. Daemon has been braving the sufferings in Harrenhall because he knows the importance of the Riverlands and how important they are to the war.
Willem Blackwood had been a loyal ally to him but his acts against the Brackens crossed the permissible boundaries of war crimes. Daemon's actions clarify an important dilemma in his head.
Daemon learns how hard decisions come with power
Daemon is a warrior who knows how to use his weapons and Dragon in battle and diplomacy certainly isn't one of his stronger suits. His brother comes as a hallucination to talk to him about the burden of choices.
Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine) fell incredibly ill with the weight of the Throne and the diplomatic decisions he had to make to keep the realm in order. Daemon's decision teaches him how he might be more suited to the battlefield and serving Rhaenrya Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) rather than ruling himself and having to make more diplomatic choices.
Daemon's decision ensures the Riverlands support the Blacks
Riverlands are now under the command of Oscar Tully and with Daemon punishing the miscreant Willem Blackwood, Oscar and the other Lords of Riverlands will now be firm in their support to the Blacks.
This opens up an important gateway for the allies of the Blacks to enter the war as Vale and Winterfell soldiers can now find a passage through to King's Landing.
With Rhaenyra already assured with the Dragons and Navy, Daemon can now give her an army that will eventually win her the war.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 has been streaming on HBO since June 16, 2024, with new episodes dropping every Sunday till August 4, 2024.
The streaming platform typically offers three packages 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