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House of the Dragon S3 E4: The Storm IS Coming... Soon

 

House of the Dragon S3 E4 - Daeron

After a much-needed break from this show, I'm finally back, and I have to admit it gave me a fresh perspective. I was starting to feel a bit tired of it, so stepping away for a while helped me appreciate this episode much more.

The story picks up where we left off, with Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) trying to hold the realm together while becoming increasingly overwhelmed by the endless problems surrounding her. Fortunately, this episode isn't entirely about her. Instead, it shifts the spotlight to several other characters who desperately needed it.

New Risings

This episode finally introduces us to the real Prince Daeron Targaryen (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth), and the first thing many viewers noticed was his hair.

For a long time, fans have theorized that Daeron could actually be the son of Ser Criston Cole, rather than King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine). Personally, I don't buy that theory. I think his brown hair, rather than indicating his lineage, carries symbolic weight.

Alicent (Olivia Cooke) herself admits that she wanted Daeron to be a Hightower rather than a Targaryen. His appearance may have influenced that desire—as if his unmistakable Hightower features constantly reminded her of the destiny she wished for him.

Beyond that, Daeron seems poised to become one of the most interesting characters in the series. Unlike his brothers, or even his uncle Daemon (Matt Smith), he appears compassionate, thoughtful, and genuinely concerned about the people around him.

...until the very end of the episode.

The brief taste of power seems to awaken something inside him. Was that his own ambition surfacing, or is Ser Ormund Hightower (James Norton) slowly shaping him into the man he wants him to become? Daeron is still young, and that makes his character arc an intriguing storyline to follow.

The Dragons

You simply can't talk about the Targaryens without talking about dragons, and this episode once again reminds us why.

Through both Daeron and Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney), we see that dragons are far more than weapons. They are emotional companions, extensions of their riders, and symbols of identity. 

George R. R. Martin often portrays dragons as reflections of the people who bond with them: magnificent, powerful, but also unpredictable. The bond between dragon and rider isn't merely magical—it's deeply personal, almost spiritual. 

At the same time, dragons also reinforce the dangerous belief that the Targaryens are somehow destined to rule because they alone can command these incredible creatures. That sense of exceptionalism becomes both their greatest strength and one of the roots of their downfall.

Daemon and Rhaena

My favorite scene of the episode was undoubtedly the reunion between Daemon Targaryen and his daughter Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell).

It's a surprisingly emotional conversation that humanizes both characters.

Daemon's initial shock at what happened quickly gives way to genuine concern. Instead of the ruthless warrior we're used to seeing, we witness a father trying to explain why claiming a wild dragon is so incredibly dangerous. He shares hard-earned wisdom while doing something he rarely allows himself to do: openly trying to protect one of his children.

It's a beautiful scene, full of emotion and vulnerability, and I suspect it will have lasting consequences for both characters moving forward. Without question, it was the highlight of the episode for me.

To Be Seen

Overall, this was a solid episode. It may not have featured massive battles or shocking twists, but it carefully laid the groundwork for everything that's coming next. You can feel the tension building beneath the surface.

Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) continues to harbor an almost obsessive hatred toward Rhaenyra, and I have a feeling he will become an even bigger problem as the season progresses.

Is Helaena (Phia Saban) pregnant? If so, what consequences could that have for the future of the war?

And then there's Ser Ormund Hightower. He comes across as manipulative, arrogant, and genuinely dangerous—not only for Rhaenyra's faction but even for Daeron himself. Right now, he seems to see Daeron as a useful piece on the political board. But what happens when he no longer needs him? I have a feeling things are going to become very ugly.

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