The Rogue Prince (House of the Dragon)
Second episode of House of the Dragon's first season.
"The Rogue Prince," the second episode of *House of the Dragon*'s first season, aired on HBO and HBO Max on August 28, 2022. Ryan Condal, the series co-creator, wrote the episode, while Greg Yaitanes directed it. Its title comes from George R. R. Martin's 2014 novelette of the same name.
In the episode, Prince-Admiral Craghas Drahar of the Triarchy attacks Westerosi ships in the Stepstones, earning the name "Crabfeeder" for leaving enemies to be eaten alive by crabs. Six months after Rhaenyra's naming as heir, Lord Corlys Velaryon demands action after four Westerosi vessels are destroyed, but King Viserys refuses open war. Rhaenyra suggests showing force but is instead tasked with choosing a new Kingsguard knight; she picks Ser Criston Cole, the only candidate with battle experience, over objections from Otto Hightower and Ser Harrold Westerling. Alicent secretly consoles Viserys and advises him to speak with Rhaenyra about remarrying. Corlys and Rhaenys propose Viserys marry their twelve-year-old daughter, Laena.
The Small Council learns Daemon has stolen a dragon egg intended for the late Prince Baelon and plans to marry his pregnant mistress, Mysaria. Otto confronts Daemon at Dragonstone, but Rhaenyra arrives on her dragon Syrax and persuades Daemon to return the egg. Viserys, angered by her disobedience, has a heartfelt discussion about remarrying to secure the succession. He then announces his intention to marry Alicent, shocking Rhaenyra and Corlys. Insulted, Corlys secretly meets Daemon and proposes an alliance to retake the Stepstones.
The episode was watched by 10.2 million U.S. viewers across all platforms on premiere night, a 2% increase from the premiere and the series' highest viewership to date. On linear television, 2.26 million viewers watched the first broadcast, with 3.5 million across four broadcasts. It received mostly positive reviews, with an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised the production design, performances by Milly Alcock and Matt Smith, and the confrontation at Dragonstone. Helen O'Hara of IGN rated it 8/10, calling that scene the best of the series so far. Rolling Stone's Sean T. Collins highlighted the performances of Paddy Considine and Alcock. Alec Bojalad of *Den of Geek* gave a mixed review, rating it two and a half out of five stars, calling it "talky" and weaker than the premiere, though he praised
- Series
- House of the Dragon
- Season
- 1
- Episode
- 2
- Air date
- August 28, 2022
- Writer
- Ryan Condal
- Director
- Greg Yaitanes
- U.S. premiere viewership
- 10.2 million
Lore & Background
The episode follows Prince-Admiral Craghas Drahar of the Triarchy attacking Westerosi ships in the Stepstones, earning the name Crabfeeder. Six months after Rhaenyra's anointing as heir, Lord Corlys Velaryon demands action from the Small Council after four Westerosi vessels are destroyed, but King Viserys refuses open warfare. Rhaenyra suggests showing force but is relegated to choosing a new Kingsguard knight, selecting Ser Criston Cole over protests.
Lady Alicent secretly consoles Viserys and advises him to speak with Rhaenyra about remarrying. Corlys and Rhaenys propose Viserys marry their twelve-year-old daughter Laena. Meanwhile, Daemon has seized Dragonstone, stolen the dragon egg intended for Prince Baelon, and declares his intention to marry his pregnant mistress Mysaria. Otto confronts Daemon, but Rhaenyra arrives on her dragon Syrax and persuades Daemon to return the egg.
Viserys announces his intention to wed Alicent, angering Rhaenyra and Corlys. Insulted, Corlys secretly meets with Daemon to propose an alliance to retake the Stepstones for mutual advantage.
Reader's Guide
The episode is significant as it surpassed the series premiere in viewership, becoming the most-viewed episode of House of the Dragon to date, with 10.2 million U.S. viewers on premiere night. It received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising its production design, the performances of Milly Alcock and Matt Smith, and the confrontation between Daemon and Rhaenyra at Dragonstone. The episode's focus on courtly machinations and dialogue drew mixed reactions, with some reviewers calling it "talky" but noting that the Dragonstone scene provided needed tension. The episode also introduced key plot developments, including Viserys's decision to marry Alicent and the secret alliance between Corlys and Daemon, setting up future conflicts. The title references George R. R. Martin's 2014 novelette, and the episode marked Greg Yaitanes's first work in the Game of Thrones franchise.
Did You Know?
- The episode's title is named after George R. R. Martin's 2014 novelette of the same name.
- It was the most-viewed episode of House of the Dragon to date, with 10.2 million U.S. viewers on premiere night.
- The episode was directed by Greg Yaitanes, marking his first time in the Game of Thrones franchise.
- On linear television alone, the episode was watched by 2.2 million viewers.
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