Many House of the Dragon fans have been quick to point out similarities between Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), one of the most important figures in the series, and Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey), a key player from its predecessor, Game of Thrones. Both are devoted mothers who serve as queen consort at some point, and their respective shows simultaneously cast them in both an antagonistic and sympathetic light.
Both actresses masterfully walk that fine line, resulting in fully realized characters audiences can root against while still feeling for.
However, the most recent episode of House of the Dragon, "Tumbleton," helps differentiate the two women. In one quick conversation, Alicent shows the differences in how she rules, and in how she parents, from Cersei.
Alicent sent Daeron to Oldtown
Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) questions a semi-captive Alicent about her cousin, Ormund Hightower (James Norton), who seems to now be Rhaenyra's chief opponent after the war. Alicent clarifies that she barely knows the man, only confirming that her brother Gwayne (Freddie Fox) considered him cruel when they were young—though she was sure to mention Gwayne thought that of many—and that he's overly sensitive to odors.
Rhaenyra is confused about Alicent's lack of knowledge about her own family member, especially since she and her late husband, King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine), sent her son Daeron (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) to be his ward at Oldtown. Alicent clarifies that it was her decision to send Daeron away, saying that her first three children had been raised to be Targaryens, so her final, youngest son should learn what it means to be a Hightower.
Alicent genuinely believes some time away from the chaos of King's Landing is what's best for the boy, though this decision may have been influenced by not knowing Ormund's true nature.
Cersei's (very different) style of parenting
In contrast, Cersei is very protective of her children, needing to watch over them at all times. After the death of her eldest son, Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson), Cersei's desire to be with her children and check on them as frequently as possible increases.
In Game of Thrones season 2, when her brother Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) orchestrates a scheme to send her daughter Myrcella (then played by Aimee Richardson, with Nell Tiger Free taking over the role in season 5) to Dorne for an arranged marriage, Cersei is furious. She feels as though her daughter is being sent off to wed much as she was married off to Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy). Her own mariage relationship became toxic, so Cersei fears for Myrcella's safety without her mother around.
Although Tyrion (probably correctly) claims that Myrcella is safer in Dorne than she would be in King's Landing, Cersei still isn't calmed, insisting on remaining as close to her daughter as possible.
Later on in season 5, Cersei's youngest son, the now King Tommen Baratheon (Dean-Charles Chapman), under the influence of his wife, Queen Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer), suggests that Cersei return home to Casterly Rock. Cersei is mortified by the suggestion, declining in order to remain by Tommen's side to "help" him rule the Seven Kingdoms and protect him.
Cersei's new House of the Dragon foil
Cersei would likely have never in a million years willingly sent Tommen, or any child, to stay with a family member at Casterly Rock, like how Alicent sent Daeron to Oldtown. While Cersei thinks of herself as the chief form of protection for her children, Alicent understands the dangers of King's Landing, realizing that sometimes, the safest place for her children will be away from her.
Highlighting this chief distinction between Cersei and Alicent sneakily suggests a new foil for Cersei. As her rule begins, Rhaenyra begins to clash with the Faith of the Seven, much like Cersei has. Additionally, Rhaenyra sets up fall men within her small council, such as her newly appointed master of coin, Ser Torrhen Manderly (Dan Fogler), much like how Cersei regularly promotes allies only to tear them down when it's convenient to her, such as her treatment of Osney Kettleblack in the books.
While House of the Dragon has become somewhat famous for diverging from its source material, George R.R. Martin's book Fire & Blood, it is likely that the series will have a similar fate for Rhaenyra as Martin's original work. If so, establishing a connection between her and Cersei is a subtle way to foreshadow her future.
Make sure to keep tuning into House of the Dragon season 3, airing new episodes on Sundays on HBO and HBO Max.
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