'House of the Dragon' Season 2: Why this magnanimous character unexpectedly became everyone's favorite
Contains spoilers and speculation
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 5 aired on HBO on July 14, 2024. The high-octane episode provided a much-awaited update on the health of King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) after he fell along with his dragon in the Battle at Rook's Rest in the previous episode.
In the 'Game of Thrones' universe, we have often seen the most despicable characters become fan favorites as we go further into the series, and the audience is exposed to a more vulnerable side of the character.
For much of the first season, Aegon's despicable acts and his overtly arrogant attitude made him one of the most hated characters of the show. But the second season showed a different side of the character endearing him to the fans.
Fans fall for Aegon II Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
The makers of 'House of the Dragon' seem to have the audience in the palm of their hands, suddenly making Aegon II Targaryen one of the most liked characters.
A Reddit user explained the change by saying, "Unironically, I think it’s the touch of comedy and lightness along with the pathos. GOT had a lot more funny characters. I wouldn’t say Aegon is funny exactly, but he’s the closest thing we have to a comedic character"
Another Reddit user said, "Great actor. Interesting character. Gives us funny moments and serious ones. Also, I think everyone feels sympathetic after watching how the rest of the Greens treat him."
This wasn't the only praise that Tom Glynn-Carney got for the portrayal of Aegon. Another Reddit user said, "I can't emphasize enough how much the actor has brought to the role, it's amazing. Every time the camera closes up on him his face is telling a whole story."
Another Reddit user attributed the popularity to his vulnerability saying, "Audiences (and just generally, people!) are drawn to people who unapologetically and vulnerably remain themselves, warts and all."
Will Aegon II Targaryen survive after the Battle at Rook's Rest?
Episode 5 leaves Aegon's future unknown as he is still very unwell and whether he will recover or not is difficult to predict for the Grand Maesters. A glimmer of hope comes when he says the word 'Mummy' towards the end of the show.
If 'Fire and Blood' is to be believed, Aegon will not only survive but will be back on the throne again later in the series. When King's Landing falls to Rhaenyra Targaryen, Aegon escapes with the help of Larys Strong (Matthew Needham).
He gets his revenge against Rhaenyra by feeding her to the dragon Sunfyre. He will never recover fully though and will continue to survive through all the injuries and return to the Throne after Rhaenyra's death. Aegon will eventually be poisoned by Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) along with other conspirators.
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' Season 2 trailer