'House of the Dragon' Season 2: Why there's only one character Aemond Targaryen can truly be vulnerable with
Contains Spoilers 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2 premiered on Sunday, June 23, 2024 on HBO.
The episode featured thrilling action sequences, cerebral plot twists, intense arguments, and emotional breakdowns, keeping the audience gripped throughout.
An emotional moment that caught the eye of avid watchers was when Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) shared a poignant scene with Madam Sylvi (Michelle Bonnard) in a brothel.
Aemond Targaryen has been somewhat overshadowed in the early parts of the season, with Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) taking center stage in the Green faction's storyline.
He does have a couple of scenes in the first two episodes though that acquaint the audiences with his exterior and interior as a character.
In the first episode, he comes across as an arrogant but skilled warrior who doesn't hesitate to label his mother, Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), an idiot for sympathizing with Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy).
In the second episode, he finds out that the attack that killed Prince Jaehaerys was planned for him.
Aemond opens up to Madam Sylvi in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
Aemond talks to Madam Sylvi about various topics that reveal new sides of his character. He confesses to feeling different and acknowledges how this has shaped his identity.
He feels guilty about losing his temper and killing Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault) at Storm's End. Aemond likely sees the repercussions of this event and carries the weight of Jaehaerys's death with him as well.
He is aware that Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) sees him as a target, and Aemond takes pride in it, interpreting Daemon's caution as fear of facing him directly in combat.
This could be partially true, especially concerning Daemon's apprehension towards Aemond's dragon, Vhagar. The strange aspect of the entire sequence is that he cannot confide in his mother and instead chooses to visit a brothel.
Alicent Hightower became a mother at a young age and lacks the maturity to fully understand complex situations. Furthermore, their relationship must navigate the intangible barriers imposed by royal decorum.
Uncanny similarities between Daemon Targaryen and Aemond
George RR Martin, who wrote the book 'Fire and Blood' and serves as an executive producer on the show, has included uncanny similarities between the two characters, starting with their names that share the same letters. Daemon and Aemond are both skilled warriors who ride formidable dragons.
One could argue that both Daemon and Aemond are capable rulers, but because they are not the oldest sons, they do not sit on the Iron Throne. They have a preference for Flea Bottom and often seek excuses to escape the confines of royal surroundings.
They have unpredictable natures and do not always have control over their actions. Aemond killed Lucerys directly, and Daemon's actions indirectly led to the death of Jaehaerys, pushing the world to the brink of war.
As Madam Sylvi puts it in the second episode, the smallfolk have to suffer the consequences of princes losing their temper.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 premiered on HBO Max on Sunday, June 16, 2024, with new episodes dropping every Sunday. To watch the series, 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' Trailer
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 premiered on HBO Max on Sunday, June 16, 2024.