1. Queen Alicent Hightower Despite the hearing on Driftmark’s throne not going her way, the Hightowers have managed to gain considerable influence over the last few years. With Viserys no longer alive to support Rhaenyra and the impressionable Aegon still the favorite to ascend the throne, Alicent is well-positioned to grow her power. 2. Princess…
Episode Grade: (9.5/10) Six years on from the events of the previous episode, news of Corlys’ grave injury at sea leads everyone to flock towards King’s Landing to petition their claims to the Driftmark throne. Just as it seems as if the Hightowers will place Vaemond on the throne and undermine Rhaenyra in the process,…
1. Queen Alicent Hightower Since the children are still young, their power will be grouped with their mothers. Aemond lost an eye, but he bonded with Vhagar. As Otto crudely points out, this is ultimately a small price to pay. Dragons are the nuclear weapons of the time, and Alicent’s side just acquired the biggest…
Episode Grade: (9.5/10) If you were expecting the family drama to subside out of respect or grief for Laena’s death, you were sorely mistaken. The children have inherited their mothers’ feud and have made it physical. The situation escalated so quickly and so violently to the point where Viserys is beyond helpless. Sensing the danger…
Winners 1. Adar This was a classic case of losing the battle but winning the war. Adar successfully managed to create a land for the orcs that will serve as a capital of evil for many centuries to come. He played a very long and patient strategy that’s finally paid off. 2. The Orcs Many…
Episode Grade: (8.0/10) The battle for the Southlands was finally fought; fortunately, it did not disappoint. The focus remained on the battle over a two-day stretch, and even though the Numenorian arrival was a bit underwhelming, the story played out in an entertaining way. The ending added significant intrigue that was sorely lacking until this…
1. Queen Alicent Hightower Alicent dethrones Viserys for the top spot as her influence has grown in Court significantly over the past 10 tens. She’s calling all the shots at the Small Council meetings and in her marriage. Her position at the top will only be solidified by the impending return of Otto as Hand…
Episode Grade: (9.3/10) The second half of the season kicks off with a 10-year time jump with Rhaenyra, Alicent, and Daemon all parents now. Viserys’ health has seemingly stabilized but his frailty has allowed Alicent to assert herself with more dominance. She’s particularly aggrieved by Viserys’ refusal to hold Rhaenyra accountable for mothering what is…
Winners 1. Adar Adar’s forces march on towards the watchtower in significant numbers. The tunnels are complete, so the only remaining obstacle between Adar and Sauron’s hilt is a group of weak humans in a watchtower led by a single elf. His plan to send Arondir back with a message to the humans worked to…
Episode Grade: (6.5/10) As we enter the second half of the season, there’s no indication that the show’s weaknesses will be dealt with. After setting up an escalation in the Southlands in the previous episode, this one spends an hour going around in circles in an effort to escalate the situation further only to fall…