House of the Dragon season 1, episode 2 recap – “The Rogue Prince”

By Jonathon Wilson
Published: August 29, 2022 (Last updated: January 27, 2024)
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Summary

Another solid episode from House of the Dragon. Whilst there isn’t a “moment” like there was in the first episode, it’s an overall win.

This recap of the HBO series House of the Dragon season 1, episode 2, “The Rogue Prince,” contains spoilers.

After quite a brutal pilot episode, House of the Dragon is on the minds of a lot of viewers! But with more characters coming and going, it’s quite easy to lose track of who is who or what’s going on. So below is a recap of what happened in the second episode!

House of the Dragon season 1, episode 2 recap

Viserys learns that four ships have been lost; while others are calmer about it, Corlys is livid, and he wants action. So Rhaenyra has a thought — to send the dragon riders, including herself. But her idea quickly gets shut down. Alicent continues to make personal conversation with Viserys, during which Viserys voices his hope that he keeps their “talks” quiet from Rhaenyra. She agrees, and Alicent then comforts Rhaenyra as she mourns her mother’s death.

With the crown seen as being vulnerable, Corlys and Rhaenys, aka the Queen Who Never Was, suggest that Viserys marry their daughter, Lady Laena Velaryon. Later, Viserys asks Ser Otto for his advice, who simply remarks that Laena is young. When Viserys questions how Rhaenyra would feel if he married so soon, one of his followers says that her opinion doesn’t matter. Harsh. And when Viserys meets Laena, it becomes clear that his concerns about her youth are not exaggerated; she is only 12 years old.

Whilst they are alone, Rhaenys tells Rhaenyra that it, of course, bothers her that Laena and Viserys are being placed together. And Rhaenys claims to have no faith that Rhaenyra will be Queen. Instead, Rhaenys believes that no one will allow a woman to take the iron throne. Alicent brings Viserys gifts as she further tries to woo him. Viserys is taken away from Alicent after he learns that Daemon has stolen a dragon’s egg, seized Dragonstone, and surrounded himself with an army. 

When Viserys learns that the egg Daemon stole was the same one that Rhaenyra chose for Baelon’s cradle, he decides he will drag Daemon back to face justice. But as that’s a very dangerous move, Viserys must stay put. So, shortly afterward, Ser Otto meets with Daemon. Ser Otto demands that he leaves Dragonstone and banish his “w***e”. But Daemon will not back down, and he has his dragon fly above them to prove a point. However, Rhaenyra arrives seconds later on her own dragon. She speaks to Daemon and threatens him to kill her. But, of course, he doesn’t. 

The ending

Instead of there being any battle or conflict, Rhaenyra brings the dragon egg back to its rightful place. Daemon speaks with his wife; she recalls living in terror and does not want the same fear in her future. When Viserys learns that Rhaenyra went to Dragonstone, in other words, disobeyed him, he tries to scold her. Instead, their conversation turns to Aemma’s death. He tells his daughter that he needs to marry again to tighten the safety of their family. In the closing section of the episode, Viserys reveals that he intends to marry Alicent, to which Corlys reacts furiously, and Princess Rhaenyra storms out. Rather than take the high road, Corlys seemingly turns on Viserys I and meets with Daemon. 

What did you think of the HBO series House of the Dragon season 1, episode 2? Comment below.

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