Note: This story contains spoilers from House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 7..
“House of Dragons” In Season 2, Episode 7, after a season of struggle, Rhaenyra and Team Black finally emerged victorious, with star Emma Darcy saying the victory gave the aspiring ruler confidence that they could actually win the war for the Iron Throne.
“Her blood is up and for the first time… I think she thinks she can do it. [win]”One of the few things she feels clear about is not to go to war,” Darcy told TheWrap. [she’s] Obviously you will lose, that is [it] “It’s a completely pointless thing to do, and for the first time, she has what she feels is the ultimate deterrent.”
Following the deaths of Rhaenys and Meleis at Rook’s Rest, the Black Team faces a minority of dragon riders in Sunday’s new episode Sowing The episode ends with Rhaenyra inviting dozens of Targaryen and Velaryon bastards to join her in an attempt to tame dragons. It’s a bloody endeavor, but it also sees the Blacks gain two new dragon riders: Hugh the Hammer, who tamed Vermithor, and the White Wolf, who bonded with Vermithor’s mate, Silverwing. The episode also ends with Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) riding Vargar to Dragonstone, only to turn back when he notices several dragons ahead of him.
“She’s so far outgunned by the Greens that she’s probably counting on them to surrender, and certainly at the end of the episode we’ll see Aemond turn tail and fly away,” Darcy added. “We’ll see what happens in episode eight, but for a moment it feels like her political planning has paid off in a really complicated way, and indeed, as she’s been arguing since the beginning of the series, a further bloody war – a protracted conflict – may be avoided.”
Below, Darcy breaks down why beginning the search for the dragonriders took a legitimate toll on Jace, reveals what Rhaenyra expects from Daemon after being separated for almost the entire season, and teases the return of some “old faces” in the Season 2 finale.
TheWrap: In this episode, Rhaenyra expands her search for dragonriders among the lower classes, which is a somewhat controversial decision in some ranks. Why was it worth it for her to break with tradition?
Emma Darcy: One of Rhaenyra’s core skills is her ability to think outside the box about problems, perhaps because she doesn’t have the formal combat training of her male colleagues. She has no choice but to think laterally. I think after Rhaenys’ death, her desire to find a different way to fight became even more fundamentally important, and in some ways she was able to do that thanks to Rhaenys’ memory.
Rhaenyra’s intensity and fierceness, which manifests itself in demonic aggression and impulsive behavior, comes from her ultimate belief that she should take her father’s throne. I think this borders on a kind of religious fanaticism. We see her becoming more and more attached to and co-opted by her faith. She seeks out the Old Gods (I assume they also mean dragons) as the key to her future. What’s a bit frightening is the religious fanaticism, as if the gods are behind her in this decision.
How did Rhaenyra’s partnership with Mysalia, who represents a minor people, help open her heart?
Before getting to know Misalia, the idea of the common people was somewhat abstract to Rhaenyra. She may be more tolerant than the other royals, but she’s full of privilege. Then suddenly Misalia makes it concrete. Not only in her wisdom and her political instincts to manipulate and steer people’s loyalties, but also when she talks about her experiences, the life she’s lived, and the battles she’s taken on. There’s a very subtle and thorough examination of the propaganda machinery of both sides. It felt like a huge departure from the more straightforward battle plans of many of her male colleagues.
Jace is one of those people who isn’t happy about the opportunity to be a dragon rider opening up. Why do you think he feels so strongly about it?
No wonder Jace is deeply hurt by his mother’s choice. After all, she would choose herself over anyone else. And here she is, choosing herself and her divine right over her son and his legitimacy. I don’t think this is an easy decision. We’ve watched Rhaenyra fight so hard for the legitimacy of her children for so many years. We’ve watched her fight petitions. We’ve watched her put everything on the line to protect those boys. But in this case, she feels she has divine permission. Jace says, and Harry Collett plays this so beautifully in this episode, “All questions about my appearance are silenced by the fact that I am a dragon rider, and you’re willing to give up that permission that I possess.” And he’s right that she won’t silence his argument, and I think that’s the only respect she can show him. Right?
What does it mean to Rhaenyra to have accomplished this feat without Daemon? What does she expect from Daemon at this point? Can Rhaenyra and Daemon ever be together again?
I think the relationship between Rhaenyra and Daemon only really works when they’re both in power. Their erotic energy, their sex, is like all the power. When they’re grieving, when they’re mourning, when their operations are failing, they have a very hard time relating to each other. Obviously, sooner or later, Rhaenyra has to think about dealing with what’s going on at Harrenhal. She has to have the big question of whether he’s on her side or not. But I think now she’s looking forward to that encounter in some way, because I think when she feels reconnected with herself, with her identity, and she feels powerful, she can take on him both as a husband and as a potential enemy.
Your scene with Vermitho is pretty epic. What was it like filming that scene?
It’s really amazing to film. These scenes are really challenging. I don’t think I have any natural talent for the tennis ball world of acting, but Roni Pellister, who directed the episode, spent an enormous amount of time filling in the dragon’s absence with his own voice. He had the microphone in his hands, and I think the value of his efforts sings very loudly in the episode. We shoot these scenes over the course of several days. Keeping an invisible dragon alive is a figment of the imagination, but having someone there to be present makes the task that much easier.
It was the first time I’d ever seen a living human being light a fire on their own. I actually thought it was disgusting. They’re incredibly impressive, very skilled people. It was a special day. There were so many different elements at play, and the size of the machinery, it was exhausting. I was absolutely blown away. Roni did such an incredible job. I know how detailed it was to film that and to see it all pieced together, but to make it feel so fluid and so alive was an absolute credit to him.
I’m looking forward to the final episode next week. Can you tell us anything about what the episode will be about and whether or not there will be a dragon war?
I have to say I haven’t seen it yet, but I plan to watch it with the guys. A lot of old faces, a lot of old relationships, going to bump into each other.
Will we see a reunion between Rhaenyra and Daemon?
No Comment.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
New episodes of “House of the Dragon” air Sundays on HBO and are available to stream on Max.
