'House of the Dragon': Why ticking time-bomb Criston Cole is ultimate scorned lover
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 will stream on HBO on June 16, 2024, and the 'Game of Thrones' prequel is centered around the eventful happenings of House Targaryen. Apart from the wreckage among the Targaryen family members, the series also has some well-sketched-out supporting characters who enhance the plot and make it deeper with countless twists and turns.
One character who has created a unique space for himself among the fans is Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). Criston is a warrior who has defeated the likes of Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) and Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr) in tourneys. But in the first season, his character goes deeper than just a skilled warrior, and his love life makes the most noise.
Ser Criston Cole was initially Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D' Arcy) love interest in the series but things go south between the couple when Cole kills Joffery Lonmouth ( Solly McLeod), Criston Cole then allies with Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) as an advisor and becomes obsessed with exposing Rhaenyra and her sons' parentage.
Internet divided over Ser Criston Cole
The relationship between Ser Criston Cole and Rhaenyra begins with a sexual encounter that was arguably non-consensual and many interpreted it as an abuse of power by Rhaeyra. Fans felt for Criston Cole and the fact that he had no choice but to get into a relationship with Rhaenyra. A Reddit user said, "In the show, I empathize with him. In fact, I don't get those who don't care that Rhaenyra was a position of power. He was putting in the work and he would have never raised because of not being from a High House".
Some fans also thought that he wouldn't have gotten the hate he gets if he was a woman. A Reddit user said, "I think his hatred is justified and that (unfortunately) people would sympathize more with him had their genders been reversed." Another Reddit user commented, "If their genders had been reversed, Rhaenyra would be hated in the ranks of Joffery if not worse," referring to the most hated character in 'Game of Thrones'.
There are those who don't see this as an excuse for his actions though. A Reddit user said, "He has valid reasons to dislike her but he takes it way too far. Holding onto this burning hatred for ten years because an affair with a teenager went sour is insane."
What to expect from Ser Criston Cole in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
Ser Criston Cole is an important member of Team Green and is a key ally to Alicent Hightower. He's the one who's trained Prince Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) to become a skilled swordsman.
As the Targaryen Civil War escalates, Cole will assume a pivotal position as both a warrior and mentor. Serving as a trusted advisor to Alicent, he will also play a crucial role in devising and implementing strategic maneuvers.
With a war imminent and deaths likely to happen, Criston Cole may also come face to face with death in this season.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
'House of the Dragon' is streaming on HBO Max on Sunday, June 16, 2024. 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 at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.
The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99.
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 on June 16, 2024.