After the Battle of the Gullet, the second episode of House of the Dragon Season 3 had everything it needed to be unforgettable. It was emotional, packed with major developments, and finally pushed the story into a new phase of the Dance of the Dragons.
And yet... I didn't connect with it as much as I expected.
That's what makes this episode so strange. I can recognize that it was objectively a great hour of television, but emotionally it never fully landed for me.
Daemon Gets More Screen Time
Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) is back to what he is.
His return to Rhaenyra's side and his willingness to help place her on the Iron Throne finally moved his storyline forward. After everything that happened between them over the last season, it was satisfying to see him commit to her claim.
Whether his motivations are love, destiny, or simply ambition is another discussion, but his presence immediately made the episode more compelling.
Is Rhaenyra Really Meant to Be Queen?
This is where my biggest criticism begins.
I've never fully connected with Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) as a character, but after this episode, I started wondering if that's actually intentional.
Yes, she's endured unimaginable loss. Losing her children is the worst pain any parent could experience, and no one can question her suffering.
But when she finally sat on the Iron Throne...
...I didn't see a queen.
I saw someone broken, exhausted, and uncertain.
The image should have been triumphant, yet it felt strangely hollow. Instead of inspiring confidence, she looked overwhelmed by the weight of the crown.
It made me ask a difficult question:
Why should the lords of Westeros follow her?
Ironically, it feels like many would follow Daemon before they would follow Rhaenyra. He's reckless, violent, and far from a good man—but he projects strength. In a world like Westeros, that matters.
Maybe that's exactly the tragedy the writers are trying to show, but it left me questioning whether Rhaenyra truly has what it takes to rule.
The Episode's Most Powerful Scene
For me, the emotional high point wasn't Rhaenyra reclaiming the Iron Throne.
It was the moment she found Jace's (Harry Collett) body.
That scene carried real grief. Emma D'Arcy delivered one of the strongest performances of the episode, capturing the disbelief of a mother who simply cannot accept what she's seeing.
Ironically, I found that moment far more moving than the coronation itself.
Alicent, Helaena, and a Satisfying Death
I genuinely hope Rhaenyra keeps her promise regarding Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and especially Helaena Targaryen.
Helaena (Phia Saban) remains one of the most sympathetic characters in the series. She's never wanted power or war, and every scene reminds us that she's simply trapped in a conflict created by others.
One moment I absolutely cheered for was the fate of Lord Jasper Wylde (Paul Kennedy), the Master of Laws. After attempting to sexually assault Alicent, seeing him arrested and later executed was completely deserved. It was one of the few moments when justice actually felt immediate.
Rhaena and Sheepstealer
Another storyline I'm very interested in is Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell) and Sheepstealer.
Rhaena, seeking protection while having bonded with one of the wild dragons, opens up fascinating possibilities. I'm especially curious to see how both Rhaenyra and Daemon respond to her new position.
This could become an important storyline moving forward.
And What Happens When Aemond Returns?
While Rhaenyra may have taken King's Landing, we all know the story is far from over.
Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) is still out there, and once he returns to the capital, everything is going to change again.
Knowing Aemond, surrender isn't an option.
The real war is only beginning.
Still Looking For Connection
Overall, this was an excellent episode from a storytelling perspective. Major pieces finally moved into place.
But despite all of that...
I never truly connected with Rhaenyra's victory.
Instead of seeing the rise of a powerful queen, I saw someone who looked overwhelmed by the throne she had fought so hard to claim.
Maybe that's exactly the point. Maybe House of the Dragon is showing us that winning the throne doesn't automatically make someone fit to rule.
For now, though, I'm still waiting for the moment Rhaenyra truly convinces me she deserves it.
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