House of the Dragon Season Finale: ‘The Black Queen’ | recap and details on season two
The first season of House of the Dragon came to an end on Sunday night. Here is what you need to know about the episode and what is known about season 2.
I will provide a big ol’ spoiler alert at the top here. Readers beware.
The episode opens as many assumed, at Dragonstone, with Princess Rhaenys telling Princess Rhaenyra that her father King Viserys is dead and that the Hightowers have stolen the throne and installed her half-brother, Aegon Targaryen II as King.
The shock of the news sends the princess into premature labor and she gives birth to a fetus that appears to be covered in Dragon scales.
A short funeral is given for the child, when Sir Erryk Cargyll arrives pledging his fealty to the Queen, which leads all those attending to bend the knee, except Princess Rhaenys.
The allies meet
Then, a large group, headed by Queen Rhaenyra meet around a table and discuss their strategy. Daemon points out to Rhaenyra that they have many more dragons than the Hightowers.
Otto shows up
When Otto shows up, he demands to speak to the princess, who then arrives on Dragon back... blocking the few troops with him from leaving.
He offers terms, that Daemon deems completely unacceptable that would have included a spot for all of their children in King Aegon’s court. Rhaenyra is not so sure, believing that it may be her duty to step aside and avoid war.
To this Daemon replies “The enemy have already declared war, what are you going to do about it?”
Aegon’s Dream
Rhaenyra begins to tell Damon about Aegon’s dream. Daemon begins to choke his wife over his anger and says it was not dreams that won the Iron Throne but dragons. Rhaenyra believes that he is angry because his brother never told him about the dream. This could be true... we do not hear any other conversations on the subject during this episode.
The Sea Snake comes for a visit
Lord Corlys Velaryon begins to question Queen Rhaenyra about her allies and her lack of an army. In the end, however, he and his wife to bend the knee and pledge their navy. Now with the Step Stones captured by the Sea Snake, they will be able to cut off trade to Kings Landing.
Then the Princess Rhaenyra sends her sons and allies off to convince more houses to her cause. The mother of the boys tells them that they are to swear to stay out of any fights. Jacaerys is sent north to visit House Stark, and Luke is sent to visit Lord Barthntheon.
When Luke arrives to see Lord Borros, his uncle has beaten him to it. The lord needs a maester to read him the message from his mother. Lord Borros rejects the message from Queen Rhaenyra.
Prince Aemond, as the young prince is walking out, tells him to poke out one of his own eyes, and then threatens to attack him. Lord Borros interjects and says that he will not see blood shed under his room.
When the young Prince Luke flees, there is a large storm... and all of a sudden... the large shadow of Vhagar, Aemond’s dragon. Prince Luke is pursued and when trying to scape, Vhagar sends the prince and his dragon to their death. After the events, Prince Aemond looks concerned... it appears it may not have been his plan to kill his nephew... an act that would very likely provoke Queen Rhaenyra.
It appears to be Daemon who breaks the news of her sons passing to the Queen. The season ends with the Queen turning around with the pain of loss on her face. It seems clear that after what Aemond has done... Queen Rhaenyra will declare war. All of the drama will have to wait until season two.
What do we know about a season two of House of the Dragon?
Well, we know that there will be a season two, but it may be a while. Fansided has reported that the crew will begin filming in Spain in March 2023 and plans to wrap up in June. Once we account for editing and post-production, it could be early 2024 before we see another season of the new hit.