The beginning of this episode hurls us right into the aftermath of Prince Jaehaerys’ death.

There is a real sense of chaos and dread in King's Landing, that is masterfully built through cinematography and some great color grading. Dark, mute and solemn shades that help set the mood of what we are just stepping out of, or perhaps... what we are getting ready to step into?

Image courtesy of ©HBO.

As this tragedy has taken place, we are shown the guilt that comes along with it and how each of the characters begin to grapple with this unthinkable loss. Aegon and Helaena are both in shambles, albeit in very different ways. While Aegon shrieks for vengeance (stellar performance by Tom Glynn-Carney), Helaena sinks into an apathetic sort of grief. Alicent and Ser Criston Cole struggle to face the guilt of their involvement, or in Cole’s case, the lack of involvement. As blame is being set in every direction, and the accused and suspicious are many, the Hand of the King wastes no time in using this tragedy to their political advantage and decides the blame should be publicly put on Rhaenyra. Otto Hightower seems to know better than anyone, that you should never let a good crisis go to waste. Across the water at Dragonstone, Rhaenyra is facing the consequences of Daemon's decision. The two have harsh words where their motivations seem to clash, leading to a fall out between the two that we can not yet be certain, will ever be fully mended. As things transpire for the worse in the Red Keep, Aemond has escaped to find comfort in a King’s Landing brothel where he is being cradled by an older woman.

Image courtesy of ©HBO.

This episode also introduces us to new characters. We get to see more of the Hull brothers, Addam and Alyn, who’s arch is slowly but surely building. And since I’ve read the book, that is all I will say about them for now! We also get a quick glimpse of Hugh, who will come to be known as Hugh the Hammer, and the living conditions of his family. Being a resident of King’s Landing seems to never have been an easy task, no matter who sits the throne. Ser Criston Cole harnesses his own shame into confronting Ser Arryk of the kingsguard, convincing him to take on a suicide mission. Ser Arryk is sent to Dragonstone to slay Rhaenyra, while impersonating his twin to gain access. The twin brothers Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk had a split in their path at the end of season 1 when they both chose different sides of the conflict. This comes to a tipping point when the two brothers are forced to fight to the death. The point of collapse however, seems to be the last conversation between Otto Hightower and Aegon. Still having great difficulty with getting his grandson to see the larger picture, Otto finally snaps as he finds Aegon has no respect or patience for the process and procedure of ruling as King. This conversation spirals into a disagreement so intense, that Aegon eventually kicks Ser Otto Hightower (the hand to two Kings prior, might I add!) to the curb, donning Ser Criston Cole as his new Hand.

Image courtesy of ©HBO.

The second episode serves as an incredible add-on in the slowly simmering heat of this conflict. We are shown not only the fight that is sure to ensue between the Blacks and the Greens, but also how both sides are fighting amongst themselves. There is an underlying theme of parallels in this episode. My favorite one by far, are the ones between Helaena and Rhaenyra. As Rhaenyra is playing with her two children (Prince Aegon and Prince Viserys) after having heard the news of Prince Jaehaerys’ murder, we are reminded of Helaena sitting with her two children as they play. There is even a slight focus around the children’s toys. Which seem to be almost identical. Another parallel I truly enjoyed is the brief exchange between Ser Criston and Alicent, in which she asks him if he’s told anyone about their relationship in hopes of absolution. A clear and very clever shot at Ser Criston’s confession to Alicent in season 1 about breaking his oath.

But ultimately, this episode shows us the heavy weight of legacy, and the battle that these characters face within themselves as a result of the people that came before them. It is, possibly, the most relatable element of the entire episode and perhaps the tone that is being set for the rest of this season. Now, for some of the lower points of this episode. In my opinion, there was really only one. The battle between Ser Arryk and Ser Erryk. The notion of the sheer scale and grimness of pitting brother against brother is not lost on me. However, it does fall a bit flat. The reason being, we barely know them. Neither of the characters had enough screen time for this event to strike as hard as it should have. It did work great for the purpose of shock value, but failed in character depth and overall consequence. I will say, however, that the saving grace of this moment was the absolute sheer panic we experience as an audience, when we for a brief moment have no idea who is who as the situation escalates.

Image courtesy of ©HBO.

In terms of the acting, what can I say? It is truly a stellar cast. We have casting director Kate Rhodes James to thank for that! It was an absolute joy to finally see Rhys Ifans (Otto Hightower) flex his rage-chops, because he does it very well! Watching Emma D’acry and Matt Smith bump heads was also an absolute ride, and one that I am happy to get on anytime! This episode’s stand out goes to Olivia Cooke and her masterful performance of despair and duty, showing us how they hauntingly mirror each other.

As the season builds on, I can only hope we get to see more of what made this episode great, the complexity of lineage and the human factor, which is why we love this show.
And of course....more dragons!

My rating for S2E2 is:

RATING: 5/5