Tonight's new episode of House of the Dragon goes from zero to 100 as we finally get to see the Battle at Rook's Rest. Seriously, after I watched it for the first time, I pretty much forgot everything that happened before the big battle because it's just so all-consuming. Criston Cole marches his Green army to the castle of Rook's Rest and is shocked to see Aegon has decided to participate, riding in on his dragon Sunfyre, and the battle ends with at least one casualty of a major character. It's a wonderfully entertaining way to really introduce us to the Dance of the Dragons.
But while the most memorable part of this week's episode is the Battle at Rook's Rest, other important things do happen elsewhere. Daemon is still at Harrenhal, remember? As we see in the new episode, he's struggling pretty badly to get what he wants out of those around him, and he can't shake those pesky nightmares and visions. If anything, they're only getting worse with Alys Rivers involved. His goal is to raise an army from the houses in the Riverlands, but it's not working out the way he likely imagined.
After Daemon is woken up from another Rhaenyra dream by Ser Simon Strong at the top of the episode, he's shocked to see that a child is there to meet him. The boy tells him that he's the heir to Riverrun, but he lacks authority and is of no use to Daemon, who demands to meet with someone from House Blackwood next. Later, amid another creepy vision, he snaps back to reality to find himself meeting with a Willem Blackwood. Seriously, Daemon's losing it.
We met Willem Blackwood as a child courting Rhaenyra in season 1
You might not remember the name, but we've seen Willem Blackwood before. I was tipped off when he informs Daemon that he actually courted Rhaenyra years ago back when she was a teenager looking for a politically appropriate match, telling the newly-titled "King Consort" that he "always liked her spirit." So, when exactly did we see this Willem guy before? That would be in the fourth episode of season 1, "King of the Narrow Sea." Prior to her reunion with Daemon, the episode opens up with Rhaenyra entertaining a long list of men trying and find her future husband.
Now that we've seen the Battle of the Burning Mill, we can understand just how much hatred the Blackwoods and Brackens hold for each other. We see that in the season 1 episode, too. A young Willem Blackwood appears before Rhaenyra to vie for her hand in marriage, and though Rhaenyra is disappointed to see a child, it's not until Willem hears the words of a Bracken that he loses his cool. As he declares what he can do for Rhaenyra, an unnamed Bracken from the crowd begins making fun of Willem. After he calls him a "craven," Willem draws his sword as Rhaenyra decides to leave.
Rhaenyra hears commotion behind her and is shocked to see that Willem has killed the Bracken man, just like that. I guess he's right that he might've been able to protect her after all!
In season 2, a grown-up Willem tells Daemon that if they are able to bring justice to the Brackens, he'll give him his army for his cause. We'll see if that's the route Daemon will go or if he has other plans. At this point, his head is completely scattered, so I'm unsure what to expect from him next. Especially once he hears of the Battle at Rook's Rest.
The Targaryen civil war continues next week with the fifth episode of House of the Dragon season 2, and I can't wait for it! New episodes premiere every Sunday night on HBO and Max.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and Twitter account, sign up for our exclusive newsletter, and check out our YouTube channel.