Regent (House of the Dragon)
The Green Council chooses a regent after Aegon's injury.
"Regent," the fifth episode of *House of the Dragon*’s second season, aired on HBO and Max on July 14, 2024. Written by Ti Mikkel (her first script for the series) and directed by Clare Kilner (her fifth directorial credit), the episode takes its name from the council debate over who should rule in King Aegon’s stead after his near-fatal injuries at Rook’s Rest.
The episode opens with Criston Cole parading Meleys’ severed head through King’s Landing, but the starving smallfolk—blockaded by sea—fail to cheer. Aegon lies comatose and gravely wounded; his dragon Sunfyre is not expected to survive. Criston conceals Aemond’s role in the battle from Alicent. Alicent nominates herself as regent, but the Green Council elects Aemond, largely because of his sex. Aemond orders the city gates sealed as citizens, including blacksmith Hugh Hammer and his family, try to flee. Later, Helaena confronts Aemond before the Iron Throne, asking if the cost was worth it.
At Harrenhal, Daemon dreams of incest with his mother and later tells Alys he intends to claim the Iron Throne for himself, with Rhaenyra beside him. He and Willem Blackwood attempt to sway House Bracken, but they refuse. Daemon orders the Blackwoods to ravage Bracken lands, angering other Riverlords, who denounce him as a tyrant and withhold support.
At the Eyrie, Lady Jeyne Arryn is upset that no adult dragon was sent to protect the Vale as promised. Rhaena tries to placate her but fails, voicing her own frustration at being dragonless.
Without Rhaenyra’s knowledge, Jacaerys meets Lord Forrest Frey and his wife Lady Sabitha, who control a key crossing between north and south. Promising them Harrenhal, Jace secures their allegiance and passage for northern troops.
Rhaenyra sends Baela to Driftmark to ask Corlys to be her Hand. Mourning Rhaenys, he initially refuses, but Baela persuades him. On Dragonstone, Rhaenyra admits her inexperience in warfare to her council, but notes they share it, having lived only through the peaceful reigns of Viserys and Jaehaerys. On Mysaria’s advice, she sends maid Elinda Massey to King’s Landing as a spy and dispatches Ser Alfred Broome to Harrenhal to confer with Daemon. Initially frustrated with Jace’s disobedience, Rhaenyra praises his success with the Freys. They conclude their only hope against Vhagar lies in Dragonstone’s two unridden large dragons, Vermithor and Silverw
- Series
- House of the Dragon
- Season
- 2
- Episode
- 5
- Written by
- Ti Mikkel
- Directed by
- Clare Kilner
- Original air date
- July 14, 2024
- Network
- HBO and Max
Lore & Background
In the episode, Aegon returns to King's Landing severely injured from the battle at Rook's Rest, making him unable to continue ruling as king. The Green Council convenes to decide who will serve as regent during Aegon's recovery, between his mother Alicent and his brother Aemond. The council elects Aemond, primarily due to his sex. Aemond orders the city gates shut just as masses of citizens, including a blacksmith Hugh Hammer and his family, attempt to flee. Later, Helaena confronts Aemond in front of the Iron Throne, asking if it was worth the price.
Meanwhile, Jacaerys travels to the Twins to seek allegiance from House Frey. Rhaenyra appoints Corlys as her Hand, and Daemon attempts to win over House Bracken. At Harrenhal, Daemon dreams of incest with his mother and later discloses to Alys he intends to claim the Iron Throne for himself with Rhaenyra by his side. Daemon and Willem Blackwood try to win over House Bracken, but they refuse to yield. Daemon orders the Blackwoods to ravage the Bracken stronghold and lands, which aggravates other Riverlords who denounce Daemon as tyrant and refuse support.
Reader's Guide
The episode garnered a viewership of 1.2 million during its premiere night on linear television in the United States, a 0.6% decrease from the previous episode. It received generally positive reviews, with critics praising the direction, writing, character development, cast performances (particularly Olivia Cooke, Emma D'Arcy, Matt Smith and Ewan Mitchell), Daemon's scenes in Harrenhal, the smallfolk scenes in King's Landing and the final scene between Rhaenyra and Jacaerys. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 90% based on 20 reviews. Critics noted the episode's quieter moments as powerful, though some found it anticlimactic after the previous episode's battle. The episode introduced several new characters, including Lady Jeyne Arryn, Forrest Frey, and Lady Sabitha Frey.
Did You Know?
- The episode was written by Ti Mikkel, marking her first time as writer for the series.
- Clare Kilner directed the episode, her fifth directorial credit for the series.
- The episode introduced Amanda Collin as Lady Jeyne Arryn, Kenneth Collard as Forrest Frey, and Sarah Woodward as Lady Sabitha Frey.
- Nanna Blondell made a brief appearance as Daemon's second wife Laena Velaryon, following the previous episode.
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