The Blacks vs. The Greens: Who's more morally dubious in "The Burning Mill"

Season 2 of House of the Dragon is blazing hotter than a dragon’s breath on a cold winter night. The flames of war between the Blacks and the Greens are growing brighter, and with the latest episode, "The Burning Mill," the lines between right and wrong are getting blurrier.

Last week, we pit the characters of House of the Dragon against each other to see who came looking more morally sketchy in the second episode of season 2, "Rhaenyra the Cruel." The Greens came out on top. Alicent Hightower’s manipulations, Criston Cole’s shady dealings, Aemond Targaryen’s ambition, and Larys’ puppet mastery had them edging out the Blacks. Although they weren't far behind, what with Rhaenyra’s revenge-driven decisions and Daemon’s recklessness.

This newest episode didn't do the Greens any favors. Let's talk about it, shall we? Beware SPOILERS ahead!

Oh, Alicent.

Queen Alicent found out she made a grave mistake when she misinterpreted her husband King Viserys' dying words at the end of season 1 and used them as excuse to support her son Aegon's claim to the throne over her friend Rhaenyra's, even though Rhaenyra was the person Viserys always maintained he wanted to follw him onto the Iron Throne. She had a chance to change things for the better. But what did she do about it? Absolutely nothing. Refusing to act, even when you know you're wrong, only makes things worse. Alicent’s inaction has solidified her spot as the reigning queen of moral ambiguity.

Alicent’s decision (or lack thereof) to continue down her morally questionable path adds another layer to her character. She’s not just manipulative; she's also stubborn and unwilling to admit her faults. Forcing her daughter Helaena to attend Jaehaerys’ funeral was bad enough, but knowing the toll her mistake is taking and and still doing nothing to amend her actions? That's a new low.

Criston and Aemond: The plot thickens

Ser Criston Cole continues to be a thorn in the side of morality. Last week, he projected his guilt and shame onto Ser Arryk Cargyll and sent the knight of the Kingsguard on a suicide mission. His hypocrisy is glaring and his refusal to take responsibility for his actions infuriating. Criston’s moral compass isn’t just broken; it’s shattered.

Aemond, our brooding, power-thirsty wild card, is stepping up his game. He’s feeling the weight of his actions after Lucerys’ death, but instead of seeking redemption, he’s diving deeper into ambition and ruthlessness. Aemond’s guilt is overshadowed by his need to prove himself, making him even more dangerous. His moral compass? It’s spinning out of control like a rogue dragon, especially after leaving that Flea Bottom brothel with the most unreadable expression.

Speaking of the brothel scene, King Aegon wins the Jerk Award. The way in which he poked so much fun at Aemond during one of his most vulnerable (and nakey) moments will most likely come back to bite him on the ass at some point.

And let’s not forget Lord Larys, the master manipulator. His schemes are getting darker and his hold over King’s Landing is tightening. Larys has dirt on everyone and isn’t afraid to use it. He breathes moral ambiguity like air.

The Blacks: Still morally dubious, but...

On the other side of the battlefield, we have Queen Rhaenyra. She’s still out for blood after her son Lucerys' death, but her anger is becoming more calculated. She’s starting to realize that her revenge-driven decisions could lead her down a path of no return. While Rhaenyra’s strategies are emotionally charged, she’s showing signs of understanding the consequences of her actions. I mean, the fact that this woman disguised herself as a septa to try and freaking talk things out with Alicent instead of just jumping into war speaks volumes about her moral compass.

Daemon, ever the unpredictable rogue, continues to escalate conflicts with his impulsiveness. Hiring Blood and Cheese to exact revenge was a dark move that led to the death of little Prince Jaehaerys, staining his reputation further, but at least he didn't murder people left and right while taking Harrenhal...although he did punch out that one guy, even though the head of the castle welcomed him. Daemon’s methods are ruthless, but he's driven by love and loyalty...and of course, ambition.

Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake, remains crucial to the Blacks. His loyalty to Rhaenyra is unwavering, and his willingness to blockade and starve King’s Landing shows his ruthless side. Corlys is willing to sacrifice innocents for the cause, but his motives are rooted in a desire to see justice done for his family.

The Verdict: The Greens are still the most morally dubious players in Westeros

After the latest episode, "The Burning Mill," The Greens have solidified their lead. Alicent’s refusal to rectify her mistakes, Criston’s ongoing hypocrisy, Aemond’s growing ruthlessness, Aegon's horrible habits, and Larys’ manipulative schemes put them firmly ahead in the morally dubious department. Alicent’s inaction, despite knowing she’s wrong, only adds to the Greens’ moral downfall. Her stubbornness and unwillingness to change course make her actions even more reprehensible. Criston’s inability to face his guilt, Aemond’s spiraling ambition, Aegon being a complete jerk to his brother at the brothel, and Larys’ dark manipulations paint a picture of a faction deeply entrenched in moral ambiguity.

Meanwhile, the Blacks, while still making questionable decisions, are showing signs of self-awareness. Rhaenyra’s calculated strategies, Daemon’s complex motives, and Corlys’ loyalty-driven actions make them a shade less dubious than their Green counterparts.

As we move forward, the lines between right and wrong will blur even more. In the end, it’s not about who’s right or wrong; it’s still all about who can play the game of thrones better. With dragons, deceit, and death at every turn, one thing’s for sure: the Dance of the Dragons is just getting started. Let’s see just how much the scales tip after the upcoming episodes of House of the Dragon. Will the Greens maintain their morally dubious crown, or will the Blacks snatch it away with a dastardly deed of their own? One thing's certain: Westeros has never been murkier.

Tune into HBO or Max next Sunday, July 7 for the fourth episode in this deliciously scaley drama.

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