Occasionally, we need an episode where the focus is on family dynamics, history, and how these things pose huge implications down the road.
We finally see who Daeron is – Alicent’s son who was sent to Oldtown as a baby – probably one of the best decisions that Alicent ever made at the time, given how she had 3 children in quick succession and wanted to keep her final child out of harm’s way and far from all the back-stabbing that takes place at court. Little does she know her cousin Ormund has turned out to be a power-hungry, boorish bully who has Daeron under his thumb. It’s funny how that works; your ward just happens to be a Prince by birth. Ormund doesn’t want anything in return, no! He’s had Daeron as his ward all these years because he truly cares. NOT.
Gwayne continues to have problems with Cripsin. There’s no point in hanging around Harrenhal, especially when the original plan of meeting with Aemond and Vaghar goes awry…..and they find out that Rhaenyra has taken the Iron Throne. With all the problems that ugly chair has caused, honest to God, who the hell would want it at this point, but I digress. They have an enchanting meeting with Alys Rivers. Yet, no sight of Aemond. Wonder what Alys has up her sleeve.
Ormund has styled himself as a conqueror and has sacked Tumbleton – which is not far from King’s Landing – the people of the town are worried, frightened, and destitute. Imagine having to put up with these knights and their disgusting, dishonorable behaviour. Some of these families don’t have much, so to have to put up soldiers in their homes for who knows how long turns out to be a lesson in 
frustration and anxiety. Especially if you’re a woman – the threat of sexual assault and indecent behaviour runs rampant. Ormund educates Daeron on how men should dislike dragons and that they should rely on their own intellect and strength. Just watching how Daeron comports himself around Ormund is very telling – he’s obviously intimidated by him and doesn’t fully understand quite yet that he is being used by Ormund. Ormund’s disdain for Tessarion is all but open for everyone to see. Though he was successful in duping Rhaenyra with the fake Daeron, Ormund comes off as an entitled bully, full of himself, and thinks he’s God’s gift to military campaigns. I really dislike this man. He’s a religious zealot and fancies himself some sort of savior who will put Daeron on the Iron Throne. You know, because people who sit on that damned thing are just so happy, right?!
Back in King’s Landing, Rhaenyra is still learning what it means to be a monarch. There are countless problems; people are constantly coming with their petitions, and the issue of her small council not being or feeling fully complete lingers. Her own Hand is disgruntled – we can’t really blame him. There’s no money, there are too many rats running around, and she doesn’t have the proper information as to where Aemond or Aegon are, no clue where Vaghar is, and when checking in with Grand Maester Orwelle, any information about the Hightowers and the Faith is hard to come by. You can sense that Rhaenyra is frustrated beyond. Imagine claiming that ugly throne, only to have your problems multiply one hundred times.
Your uncle husband and your Mistress of Whispers don’t get along. You end up getting some money from the Vale as a token of fealty, BUT then you are presented with a skull. The skull is supposedly from the man who murdered Jace (the rider of Sheepstealer, but we know this to be false). Daemon’s time in the Vale was supposed to be an expedient quest, only to have your dragon throw a fit, fly off in the opposite direction, and find two startling things: Rhaena, tattered and emotionally stunted, and Sheepstealer, who is out of control. Daemon realizes the enormity of what Rhaena has done and tries to make amends, but it’s all for naught. Rhaena has exiled herself and wants to be left alone. Probably the best option for everyone involved, and yet, we know this will come back to haunt Daemon.
We also see the disheveled Aegon and Larys, just trying to make it through another day and week on the road and through the forests. Aegon has a bitter reunion with Sunfyre. Sunfyre is dead…. or is he? Really hoping he isn’t – and unfortunately Larys and Aegon must put up and shut up while wandering through the burnt-out remains of Rook’s Rest. People are tired, hungry, and scared. There are some real jackasses stationed at Rook’s Rest, and it’s pretty much the law of the jungle – if you have money and want food or shelter, you must pay for it and earn it. Aegon, being born into privilege and power, gets a bad taste for what it means to be a peasant in medieval times. Frustration at feeling powerless is something very real now to Aegon, who has to be very careful – especially if he wants to gather forces and muster up the strength to take on Rhaenyra for the throne.
This episode is full of a lot of anxiety and stress – especially when dealing with your family members, your council folk, and people that are supposed to be supporting you.
There were a few shocking moments – Ormund dishing out justice to some of his knights, only to end up putting Daeron on the spot by having the young lad kill a citizen – and that citizen just happens to be Hugh the Hammer’s brother-in-law. And someone is having a baby – but has not yet told anyone. Helaena is pregnant, and this is going to be a huge problem. Alicent discovers this, and you can see the fear on her face, given their circumstances.
Really hoping that Cristin Cole gets his comeuppance. Same with Ormund Hightower. These men in power really need to be knocked off their pedestals. The sooner, the better.
