We’re onto the second week of House of the Dragon season 3, and major events keep on happening. Though there have been changes from the source material, George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, it’s still been awesome as a book fan to see some of these moments finally play out onscreen. From the Battle of the Gullet to the Fall of King’s Landing, the third season hasn’t been short of action. And for those who had issues with the pacing of season 2—myself included—it’s a big relief.
In the latest episode, we get to see Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) arrive at King’s Landing to take back what’s theirs: the castle, and Rhaenyra’s Iron Throne. Though there are some complications along the way—Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) is gone, for starters—Rhaenyra is finally in power again, and now she must figure out her next move.
Elsewhere in Westeros, Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) arrives at Harrenhal, and he’s not as kind to House Strong as Daemon was in season 2. Though Ser Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale) makes it known he’s not looking for a fight against the prince, Aemond doesn’t care. He’s on a rampage, and he quickly kills not only Simon but his grandsons, too. Though he takes control of Harrenhal just like that, it’s not without one obstacle: he’s stabbed through his armor in the process.
Don’t worry: Aemond does not die in House of the Dragon season 3 episode 2
The last we see of Aemond in season 3 episode 2, he’s on the floor, begging for help from Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin). We don’t see what Alys decides to do, and for the time being, Aemond’s fate is left up in the air. So does he actually die? Is this goodbye for our Aemond One-Eye?
Nope, he does not die! As we’ve seen from the House of the Dragon season 3 trailer, plus the “weeks ahead” preview that was released after episode 1, Aemond will live to see more days, and he’ll be back on our screens (hopefully) soon. We won’t get into major Fire & Blood spoilers here, but we also know from the book that Aemond’s story doesn’t end here. In fact, he has a new storyline brewing between him and another character, which has been described as “juicy.”
It’s likely Alys will agree to nurse Aemond back to health, but I’m wondering how long that’ll take. Aemond’s got other important stuff to get into, and I’m really hoping he’s not at Harrenhal having a season-2-Daemon-experience for the rest of the season. Especially because fans were told Aemond would have an expanded storyline this time around.
Earlier this month, a Deadline interview with showrunner Ryan Condal came out, in which he mentioned Aemond, Helaena Targaryen, and Alyn of Hull as characters who would “come to the fore” in season 3. If Aemond’s whole story this season is having dreams and visions in Harrenhal, I’ll be pretty annoyed—but not necessarily surprised.
Wherever Aemond goes, I’ll follow (for better or worse). Who’s with me?
House of the Dragon season 3 releases new episodes every Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.
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