Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) proved to be the big standout of the most recent House of the Dragon episode, "The Dragon in Winter." His storyline features both a somewhat emotional goodbye and a major reunion that changes the game.
Up to this point in the season, Aegon, after escaping the Red Keep with Larys Strong (Matthew Needham), has been wandering Rook's Rest, trying desperately to stay safe and out of sight. After bumping into Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall), the trio makes their way to a port to try and sail to Essos. However, after learning that the Mooton army approaches, Aegon offers Larys and Tyland an out, which Larys takes. Then, when the Mooton army finds Aegon and Tyland, Aegon receives a surprise visit from an old friend, which proves to be one of the best scenes of the season so far, and plays up an often forgotten strength of HBO's Westeros franchise.
The grand return of Sunfyre
When approached by the Mooton forces, Aegon draws his sword and hypes himself up with a speech, proclaiming himself the one true king of the Seven Kingdoms. Despite his powerful words, everyone knows fighting back would be a fool's errand. Aegon is one badly injured man against an entire army. Still, he is determined not to die like a coward, and gives his speech proudly.
To Aegon's surprise, his harsh words seem to be working. The Mooton forces appear genuinely afraid of what he has to say, further empowering Aegon as Tyland stands beside him with his sword drawn in solidarity.
However, as it turns out, the Mooton men are not afraid of Aegon, but of Sunfyre, his dragon. Aegon believed Sunfyre had died during the Battle of Rook's Rest, and even said an emotional goodbye to his dragon's corpse earlier in the season. However, as it turns out, Sunfyre survived, and, recognizing Aegon's voice, returned to his side. Sunfyre then burns the Mooton army, with Aegon laughing maniacally like a Bond villain all the while, prepared to crush all enemies in his wake now that his dragon, his most powerful ally and asset, is back by his side.
Aegon the Conquerer, meet Aegon the Comedian
Aegon's reunion with Sunfyre works in part because it's so funny. Aegon, a character who has spent this season doubting his prowess as a ruler and commander, finally sees the respect and fear he can command. However, as it turns out, it's not even him they're afraid of, but Aegon rolls with it.
The dramatic irony here is hard not to laugh at.
Additionally, Aegon's reaction to seeing Sunfyre once again is priceless. Glynn-Carney's choice to play the scene as over-the-top as possible results in a hysterical comedic beat, to see him laughing manically amid the fiery carnage. As impressive as the episode's intense dragon fight is the fact that House of the Dragon was able to successfully pull off a "He's standing right behind me, isn't he?" joke.
The comedy of A Song of Ice and Fire
House of the Dragon and its predecessor, Game of Thrones, rightfully earn credit for their dramatic plot twists, thoroughly developed and well-acted characters, and epic action sequences. However, both series rarely receive their flowers for just how funny they can be.
Throughout this season, Aegon and Larys have served as hilarious comic relief, with their banter throughout their travels often providing some levity in the otherwise dark season. The humor has also not just been limited to the two travelers, with some of the season's funniest moments taking place in the otherwise dramatic King's Landing storyline. For example, Rhaenyra's (Emma D'Arcy) delivery of "Absolutely not" when Ulf (Tom Bennett) asks to be named "Ser Ulf Targaryen" is hard not to laugh at.
Game of Thrones handled its comedy well throughout its run. Characters like Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), Olenna Tyrell (Diana Rigg), and Tormund (Kristofer Hivju) all act as comedic relief during the series, and the additional bits of humor help add some charm and personality amid the show's typical violence, death, and carnage.
The newest HBO Westeros show, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is arguably just as much of a comedy as a drama. The series' smaller scale helps the comedic bits land more, and it even opens with a poop joke. Ser Duncan the Tall's (Peter Claffey) delivery of "Stop raping, ser!" in the first scene of the first episode, "The Hedge Knight," quickly cues audiences in to just how funny this series will be.
In centering the comedy of Aegon's reunion with Sunfyre, House of the Dragon actively plays up one of its most underrated strengths. Often, the franchise's comedy, while strong, takes up less space on screen, sometimes falling behind the drama or action. The Sunfyre scene didn't have to be as funny as it was, making this bold choice pay off and honor the franchise's comedic prowess in a way it rarely does.
Make sure to tune into the House of the Dragon season 3 finale, airing on Sunday, August 9 on HBO Max.
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