The third episode draws us in slowly with some more minor characters. However, the story that is being told in the first few minutes of ‘The Burning Mill’ resonates deeply with the foundation of the plot of this season, or rather the show in its entirety.

The Blackwood’s and the Bracken’s, two families in the Riverlands, find themselves in a simple dispute that quickly escalates, leading to a large amount of death and devastation on both sides.

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This sets the tone for the episode further when Rhaenyra and Rhaenys have a very important conversation as they stand over the burial of Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk. Rhaenys offers both her counsel and warning at the gruesome outcome of a war between kin and dragons. She also points out that it is difficult to pinpoint what actually placed the first tear between the families. “Soon we will not remember what it was that began the war in the first place”, she says as she recounts one event after the other that tore at the ties of the unity between king Viserys’ children. Meanwhile in King's Landing, the council looks very different than just a few episodes ago. Ser Criston Cole has now taken Otto Hightowers place as hand, and Aemond has been called in as an official council member.

Tensions rise as the Greens, under the guidance of Ser Criston, make the choice to head for the Riverlands in an attempt to sway the remaining Black supporters to their own cause. Claiming Harrenhall is now the ultimate goal. Daemon, being leagues ahead on his dragon Caraxes, finds that claiming Harrenhall was no hard task as Simon Strong (great uncle to Larys Clubfoot, also known as the master of whispers) almost casually surrenders it to him over a shared dinner. But more awaits Daemon in the allegedly haunted castle of Harrenhall as he finds himself having strange dreams, one particularly involving a young Rhaenyra sewing the head of prince Jaehaerys back on his body. A disturbing scene, but a pleasantly surprising cameo from Milly Alcock, who played Rhaenerya in season 1 of the show. We are also very briefly introduced to a nameless character at Harrenhal, who prophesies to Daemon that “you will die here”. A strangely familiar sentence which immediately reminded me of Melisandre (Game of Thrones).

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While Rhaenyra is having issues finding common ground with her own council members, she gives Mysaria a place at her court as a reward for her heroics in the previous episode, warning the guards of the intruder Ser Arryk. We’re introduced to two more characters, the first one being Ser Gwayne Hightower, Alicent’s brother. And then very briefly, Ulf, who claims to be the bastard brother of Daemon and Viserys (I’m sure the showrunners plan on diving into this book storyline deeper and are beginning to set us up early on). Rhaeynera then sends Rheana away to Pentos with her remaining sons accompanied by four dragon eggs (could three of these possibly be the eggs that later hatch Daenerys’ dragons?!) As almost every member on both councils urge their leaders to plunge head first into war, there is still a faint spark of hope that this dispute can be settled in words before bloodshed (although, that may be a bit too late since blood has definitely been spilled). Rhaeynera heads out to King's Landing under the disguise of a septa, to privately meet with Alicent and plead for peace. However, this does not go as planned. Alicent and Rhaeynera do have a conversation, but are unable to reach an understanding and the heavy realization of Alicents misunderstanding of the King's final words, finally catches up to her.

I really enjoyed the recurring tone of the true devastation that can follow from conflict, no matter how long ago it began to sprout. We see this perfectly displayed in the way people speak of the feud between Blackwoods and Brackens. No one knows what started the breeding of this deep hatred, but it has carried on nonetheless, infecting generation after generation, many of whom are people who most likely had nothing to do with the first disagreement; whatever it may have been about. < Strong tells Daemon “sin begets sin begets sin”, echoing Rhaenys words. Both Blacks and Greens are now unable to stop blaming the other for the state of the present, and seem hell bent on continuing to repay the last sin with the next.

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I was overjoyed to finally see Rhaenys be a bit more involved in the plot this episode. I think her character is incredibly wise, and is possibly the only one that understands the decisions Rhaenyra faces. And of course, because Eve Best is a joy to watch on screen! Seeing how the women of the realm are playing their own part of the game is always great fun, in my opinion.

My biggest gripe with this episode is the conversation between Alicent and Rhaenyra. Although I absolutely love watching these two powerhouses (Olivia Cooke & Emma D’Arcy) on screen together, I think the realization of Alicent’s misunderstanding was…unnecessary? In my opinion (and in Rhaenys’ as well) this ordeal did not start with Alicent simply misunderstanding Viserys. This was a plot which seeds were sown way before that (everyone, refer to Otto Hightower).

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I also think the road to this moment between the two characters was so contrived, and it would have hit in the heart of the audience even harder if these words had never been exchanged. Part of the show I enjoy the most is the strained relationship between Rhaenyra and Alicent, and the secret fondness they both carry for each other, keyword being secret. I think it adds another layer of depth, having us as the audience know something the characters don’t. Was this scene necessary to finally drive Rhaeynera off the edge and into war? Perhaps. But I think this outcome could have been reached through a multitude of different roads. Aside from that, we seem to be back with both gore and sex, two things that are notoriously abundant in this and the previous show! The scene in the King Landing brothel might be the first of its kind to air on HBO, front and center nonetheless! Getting to see dragonriders is always a plus, and I really enjoyed those moments in this episode. Namely Bhaela on her dragon Moondancer as she descends on Ser Criston Cole and his host. Criston Cole does make it out alive, fortunately or unfortunately depending on where you stand on his character.

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Although I enjoyed the episode, and I’m waiting patiently with the rest of you, for all those important storylines to be established and set so that we can reap the fruits later on in the season. I must say that I wasn’t a huge fan of the pacing of this one. But due to the fact that we are still in the midst of unraveling this journey, I won’t yet be too harsh on the few elements that disappointed me, and try to keep in mind that this episode might be setting something very juicy up. Slow but steady, we go onward! My rating for this episode is 3/5.

RATING: 3/5