Smallfolk

Lore & Background

In the episode, Aemond orders Criston Cole to march on Harrenhal, dismisses Alicent from the Green Council, and instructs Larys to summon Otto Hightower back. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra searches for someone with Targaryen ancestry to become Seasmoke's new rider; Addam of Hull is later chosen by Seasmoke himself. Mysaria sends Targaryen-bannered boats carrying food to King's Landing, earning the smallfolk's praise for Rhaenyra.

Reader's Guide

The episode received highly positive reviews from critics, with praise going towards the direction, writing, score, character development, Paddy Considine's guest return as Viserys, the riot in King's Landing, and cast performances (especially Ewan Mitchell, Emma D'Arcy and Matthew Needham). On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 89% based on 18 reviews, with an average rating of 8/10. The site's critical consensus says: 'Taking stock of how dynastic war impacts the people who don't sit on thrones, "Smallfolk" effectively fleshes out the characters existing on the margins -- while feeling a bit like a detour.' The episode marks the final appearance of recurring character Ser Steffon Darklyn (Anthony Flanagan).

Did You Know?

• The episode was written by Eileen Shim, her second writing credit for the series following 'The Lord of the Tides'.
• Paddy Considine returned uncredited as King Viserys Targaryen in Daemon's visions.
• The episode achieved a viewership of nearly 1.3 million during its premiere night on linear television alone, a 5.1% increase from the previous episode.
• The title refers to the common people of King's Landing who starve due to the Blacks' shipping blockade and riot against the Greens.