House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 Review: Rhaenyra’s Gamble and a Riveting Turn of Tides

In House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7, Rhaenyra attempts to bolster her forces by recruiting Targaryen bastards to tame dragons, leading to a chaotic and deadly encounter with Vermithor. Daemon’s mental state deteriorates at Harrenhal, culminating in a power shift when young Oscar Tully commands him to execute Lord Blackwood. Meanwhile, Corlys Velaryon struggles to accept his bastard children, and tensions rise as King Aegon II’s condition worsens. The episode’s climax sees Ulf accidentally riding Silverwing over King’s Landing, triggering a pursuit by Aemond and positioning Rhaenyra’s faction for a significant advantage heading into the season finale.

– Spoilers Ahead –

House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 Review

The episode kicks off with a significant morale boost for Rhaenyra, as Addam successfully claims Seasmoke. This victory rekindles her hopes after the previous tragedy involving Vermithor. Determined to bolster her forces, Rhaenyra devises a bold plan to enlist more dragon riders from the common folk, particularly focusing on Targaryen bastards. Flyers are distributed throughout King’s Landing, calling for those of Targaryen blood to step forward, no prior dragon-riding experience is needed.

Among those who answer the call are Hugh Hammer and the boisterous Ulf. Their claims to Targaryen heritage add an intriguing layer of uncertainty and potential to Rhaenyra’s cause. This strategy, while risky, underscores her resolve to harness every possible resource to win the impending war.

Meanwhile, Daemon’s prolonged stay at Harrenhal has taken a significant toll on his mental state, pushing him to the edge of madness. His erratic behaviour and violent tendencies have alienated him from allies and adversaries alike. The arrival of young Oscar Tully injects new energy into this stagnant situation. Tully, now more assertive and politically astute, denounces Daemon’s actions and seeks to restore order among the river lords.

In a dramatic power play, Tully orders Daemon to execute Lord Blackwood, who acted under Daemon’s orders. This move serves to appease the river lords and establish Tully’s authority. The interaction between Tully and Daemon is gripping, showcasing the delicate balance of power and the constant threat of betrayal in this treacherous world.

Back at Dragonstone, Corlys Velaryon faces his own internal conflict. He struggles to recognize Addam and Alyn, his bastard children, as his own. This internal strife mirrors the broader theme of legitimacy and belonging that permeates the series. Despite his reservations, Corlys acknowledges Addam’s achievements, albeit reluctantly. Alyn’s decision to remain loyal to the sea rather than seek out a dragon highlights his unique character and sets the stage for future conflicts and alliances.

Rhaenyra’s rallying speech to the gathered bastards is both inspiring and foreboding. She emphasizes the glory and power of taming a dragon, downplaying the immense danger involved. This leads to a tense and harrowing scene where Vermithor, one of the most formidable dragons, wreaks havoc on the hopeful recruits. The ground-level perspective of the dragon’s fury provides a fresh and terrifying view of these mythical beasts’ destructive potential.

Hugh Hammer’s defiant confrontation with Vermithor stands out as a pivotal moment. His raw emotion and desperation resonate with the dragon, allowing him to claim the mighty creature. This unlikely pairing promises significant developments in the episodes to come. Meanwhile, Ulf’s escape and encounter with Silverwing add another layer of suspense, leaving viewers eager to see how these new dragon riders will influence the unfolding conflict.

As the episode progresses, the balance of power tips increasingly in favour of Rhaenyra’s faction. King Aegon II’s deteriorating condition and his reliance on the cunning Larys reveal cracks in Team Green’s facade of strength. The dynamic between Aegon and Larys is intriguing, hinting at potential power plays and manipulations. Meanwhile, Alicent’s retreat to nature offers a brief respite from the relentless tension, though it also foreshadows possible dangers and shifts in her character arc.

The episode’s climax, featuring Ulf’s accidental flight over King’s Landing and the ensuing chaos, ramps up the tension to a fever pitch. Aemond’s pursuit of the rogue dragon rider underscores the precarious balance of power and the looming threat of all-out war. With Rhaenyra’s growing arsenal of dragons, her faction becomes a formidable force, setting the stage for an epic showdown in the season finale.

House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7: Final Thoughts

House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 was far more captivating than the previous two episodes, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the epic dragon battles that define the series. The introduction of new dragon riders propels the Blacks forward in their quest for dominance. This episode heightened the tension surrounding dragon claims and delivered standout action sequences that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Not only does it advance the plot, but it also deepens our understanding of the characters and the perilous world they inhabit, promising an unforgettable conclusion to the season.

Also Read: House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6 Review: Dance of Power and Pathos