1. Ser Otto Hightower

Otto acted swiftly and ruthlessly to install his grandson, Aegon, as Viserys’ successor. He was well-prepared and well-supported, so even with Alicent’s resistance, he was still able to get what he wanted. With Aegon so young and foolish, Otto’s position as Hand means he holds the power, for now.

2. Queen Alicent Hightower

With Aegon as King, Alicent holds on to her power near the top of the list. Her reluctance to go after Rhaenyra and her family is no doubt seen as a weakness by the other Lords, and Otto has already tried to undermine her, so her position is shaky to say the least. With that said, she managed to score an early win against Otto and still has a healthy number of allies at court.

3. Prince Aegon Targaryen II

Despite being a foolish and agreeable young man, Aegon is now King with all of the power that comes with that title. If he chooses to wield his power and break from the clutches of Otto and Alicent, he will move further up.

4. Lord Tyland Lannister

Tyland moves into the top five for the first time by virtue of his heavy involvement in Otto’s plan to install Aegon as King. Lannister gold and ships are always handy in times of turmoil.

5. Lord Larys Strong

Larys is uniquely positioned as a sort of bridge between Otto and Alicent. He seems to be on Alicent’s side, for now, but he’s already shown a willingness to join Otto’s side should the right opportunity present itself. He’s solidified his position as the wild card of the show, and that makes him very dangerous.

6. Lord Jasper Wylde

Like Tyland, Jasper has aligned himself with Otto which sees him jump a few places.

7. Ser Criston Cole

Criston’s close relationship with Alicent, coupled with Harrold’s resignation, has earned him a promotion to Lord Commander.

8. Prince Aemond Targaryen

Because Aemond’s power is mostly untethered from politics, he doesn’t benefit from Aegon’s ascension as much as those above him.

9. Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen

Some might say that a drop this is unwarranted given many would still support Rhaenyra’s claim, but the reality is that she’s already on the defensive and she doesn’t even know it. The minimal support she had at court has been brutally terminated, and even Rhaenys didn’t do her any favors when she had the chance. At the moment, Rhaenyra is isolated, weak, oblivious, and certainly in danger. With that said, I expect her to make a comeback, but I suspect it will take some time.

10. Prince Daemon Targaryen

Daemon drops by association to Rhaenyra.

11. Queen Helaena Targaryen

Helaena moves up by association to Aegon, but she really hasn’t given any indication of power thus far.

12. Grand Maester Orwyle

Orwyle wisely aligned himself with Otto.

13. Lucerys Velaryon

Lucerys drops by association.

13. Jacaerys Velaryon

See above.

13. Princess Rhaena Targaryen

See above.

13. Princess Baela Targaryen

See above.

17. Princess Rhaeyns Targaryen

Again Rhaenys had an opportunity to do something meaningful, and again she didn’t. She’s off to warn Rhaenyra but that’s just not enough given the circumstances.

18. Ser Arryk Cargyll

Erryk’s twin is loyal to Otto it seems.

19. Ser Harrold Westerling

Harrold resigned as Lord Commander and has likely gone rogue. Look for him to resurface on Rhaenyra’s side.

19. Ser Erryk Cargyll

Erryk’s also gone rogue. He helped Rhaenys escape and likely went on the run himself. Look for him to resurface on Rhaenyra’s side as well.

21. Lord Corlys Velaryon

Still presumed dead. I still think he’ll live.

21. Mysaria

At one point, it looked like Mysaria might climb the rankings, but she overplayed her hand. As a result, her residence was burned down, but I doubt she died in the fire. I’ll wait for some confirmation or for a few episodes to pass before I put her in the “Dead” column.