House of the Dragon’s latest Episode 9 just aired on Sunday, October 16. The showis in chaos now that the King is gone. You never knew who might get their head chopped off or be reduced to cinders in the episode titledas “The Green Council,” which was dripping with tension, dread, and unpredictability. As The Green Council decides on some crucial actions, the moment of no return arrives.
King Viserys’ (Paddy Considine) passing prompts the continuation of the episode. Otto Hightower, his former close friend and the Hand of the King, doesn’t waste any time in expressing his sorrow because he has more pressing concerns to attend to, like planning to assassinate Viserys’ daughter Rhaenyra (Emma D’arcy), the heir to the throne, and imprisoning anyone who won’t swear fealty. Ser Criston, who is now a schemer as well, reveals his murderous side when he kills Lord Beesbury in the council. Beesbury is horrified by the plans to usurp the throne and sputters his disgust.
Rhaenyra and Daemon, meanwhile, are eerily missing in this episode, likely in anticipation of the truly bloody fight in the finale. Although Daemon’s icy brutality is much missed, there is still a lot going on in this story as Alicent Hightower searches for her aged and wicked son Aegon to crown him king and tries to prevent her father from butchering her ex-best friend. Aaegon, who has fathered several children throughout the city and oversees an abominable child-fighting ring, is as unlikeable as characters from Game of Thrones can get. Alicient brilliantly leads this episode by stating what we’ve all been thinking: she was a blatant puppet in Otto Hightower’s schemes, which she may be regretting now. When Rhaenys enters with a dragon, Alicent and the rest of the troop quake in fear.
Anything remotely connected to Game of Thrones’ finale episodes is never supposed to be tranquil; after all, humanity’s venom, intrigue, betrayal, and other sinister traits typically spill out like an unbreakable dam. Episode 9 was bursting at the seams with anxiety, fear, and surprise. Everyone is trying to play chess, some shakily and nervously without thinking, some more coolly but with the wrong pieces. This week’s episode is driven by terror and dread, especially thanks to Alicent’s sorrow, anxiety, and resolve to defend her family. However, there is plenty of planning to keep us interested, as well as decisions that will have a significant impact on both the Targaryen family and the rest of Westeros.
