House of the Dragon Episode 3 is called Second of His Name. Directed by Greg Yaitanes, the latest episode is written by Gabe Fonseca and Ryan Condal. The series stars Paddy Considine as King Viserys I Targaryen, Milly Alcock as Young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, Emily Carey as young Lady Alicent Hightower, Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower, Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Velaryon, and Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole. Based on George RR Martin’s ‘Fire & Blood’book, the show is a prequel to the Game of Thrones.
The synopsis for the 1-hour episode reads, “Daemon and the Sea Snake battle the Crabfeeder. The realm celebrates Aegon’s second nameday. Rhaenyra faces the prospect of marriage.”
House of the Dragon Episode 3 Recap/Review Contains Spoilers
Disney+ Hotstar’s House of the Dragon Episode 3 takes a 3-year jump. King Viserys I Targaryen is now married to Alicent Hightower and has a son named Aegon Targaryen. It’s Aegon’s second birthday, and Alicent is pregnant with Viserys second child. A royal hunt is organised to celebrate Aegon’s second birthday. But Viserys also wants Princess Rhaenyra to marry Jason Lannister.
Princess Rhaenyra, uncertain of where her place lies in the Seven Kingdoms, refuses to abide by her father’s decision, leaving him fuming. An angry Rhaenyra heads out into the forest, and Ser Criston Cole follows her. Ser Otti Hightower suggests the King should wed his daughter to Aegon Targaryen. “But he’s just two,” says a baffled Viserys. While Rhaenyra is gone, Viserys gets drunk and shares his concern about his daughter and the throne with his pregnant wife, Alicent.
In the forest, Rhaenyaa and Criston indulge in different conversations. Rhaenyra asks Criston if the realm will ever accept her as the Queen. Criston tells them they have to, as they’ll have no choice. Suddenly, a wild boar attacks Rhaenyra and Criston saves her life. On the other hand, Jason Lannister shares his desire to marry Rhaenyra. However, Viserys isn’t impressed with Jason and says his pride also has pride! The other advice the king gets is to marry his daughter to Laenor Velaryon as he’s a pureblood Velaryon.
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The next day, Otto advises his daughter and Queen Alicent to convince Viserys to make Aegon the heir to the throne. On the other hand, Viserys talks to his daughter Princess Rhaenyra about her marriage. He tells Rhaenyra he’s getting old and wants to see her happy. Viserys tells the Princess that she can marry the choice of man she wants. Rhaenyra confronts her father and shares her concern about getting replaced by Aegon. An emotional Viserys assures her that won’t happen.
While all this is happening at King’s Landing, fire, blood, and war are happening on the other side. Daemon Targaryen and Lord Corlys Velaryon/Sea Snake are fighting the Crab Feeder and his army. Viserys sends a letter to Daemon stating that help will come his way as he doesn’t want his brother to die. Daemon is not pleased with his brother’s letter and beats up the messenger.
Daemon Targaryen is on a mission not only to kill the Crab Feeder but also to prove he doesn’t need Viserys’ help. Daemon and his men successfully kill the Crab Feeder in a bloody battle.
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House of the Dragon Episode 3 Review: Final Thoughts
House of the Dragon Episode 3 has a perfect balance of intriguing conversations, action sequences, and bloodshed. A lot of tension grows in King’s Landing, shaping a more solid premise for season 1. The most impressive performances in the latest episode are by Paddy Considine as King Viserys I Targaryen, Milly Alcock as Young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, and Emily Carey as Queen Alicent.
While Rhaenyra has been a feisty princess since the beginning, the most fascinating and mysterious character is Alicent. So far, we know she did what her father Otto had asked her to. But what are her motives? What is she seeking from Viserys and the kingdom? Does it include betraying her friend again? It’s something to look forward to.
The new episode of HoTD now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.