This recap of the latest episode of HBO’s House of the Dragon contains spoilers. The episode opens with Alicent (Olivia Cooke) trying to get Helaena (Phia Saban) to concentrate. Larys and Aegon stand over Sunfyre, Aegon’s dragon, in a shot from the ‘Die, You!’ Tapestry. Sunfyre’s fate remains unclear, with the belief that Sunfyre still lives.
At the Blackwater Rush, Team Black’s riverlords, led by Oscar Tully, camp as they plan to retake Tumbleton from Ormund Hightower’s forces. However, Team Green, led by Criston Cole and Gwayne Hightower, destroys a bridge to block their advance. Nighttime raids continue to impede them.
At Harrenhal, Alys Rivers confronts Team Black thugs, claiming their princess is elsewhere. She then manipulates bats with a rock, reminiscent of Batman’s tech in a medieval setting. Meanwhile, Aemond wakes from nightmares, cared for by Alys. He is haunted by Helaena’s prophecy of his death and seeks comfort.
Another group of Team Black assailants attempts to assault Alys, leading to a confrontation with Aemond, who remains unwell. Moon tea, known as Westerosi Plan B, is smuggled into Alicent and Helaena’s room. Helaena refuses to take it, recognizing a son by Aegon would threaten Joffrey’s claim to the Iron Throne. Joffrey, Rhaenyra’s youngest son, remains next in line. Tensions rise as Rhaenyra deals with political concerns and family dynamics.
Lady Sabitha Frey disputes the failed promise of Harrenhal, while gaining a seat on the Small Council. Her interaction with Torrhen Manderly irritates Daemon. Reports of Vhagar, supposedly ridden by Aemond, in the Riverlands reach the council, though Daemon remains unfazed and focuses on other threats like attacks on City Watch members.
The episode shows Aegon, dodging redemption with an act of violence, stabbing a man and asserting his royal status. Jason Lannister surprisingly returns despite seemingly impossible circumstances. Misarya confronts Alicent, learning that Helaena is pregnant, followed by a nighttime escape attempt thwarted by Mysaria.
Criston Cole’s group encounters caltrops, halting their efforts. Gwayne urges retreat to Tumbleton, but Criston’s stubbornness suggests a deathwish. Daemon uncovers Ormund Hightower’s strategy of deforestation to reinforce his position in Tumbleton, mirroring Saruman’s failed plan.
Ormund presents Daeron as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, while Rhaenyra connects various threats, appearing paranoid to those around her. Daemon bolsters City Watch morale and uncovers Green plans for Daeron as king, resulting in a commemorative coin.
Helaena and Alicent find themselves trapped within the Red Keep’s walls. Daemon discovers a massacre in the City Watch, with victims macabrely displayed. The episode reveals Aegon and Aemond’s mutual envy through their interactions with others.
Tensions and alliances continue to shift, promising further intrigue in the ongoing power struggles within Westeros.