House of the Dragon S1 Episode 5 Review: Betrayal, Bloodshed, and a Dangerous Royal Wedding

Season 1, Episode 5 of ‘House of the Dragon’ is a transitional hour that centers on Rhaenyra’s political wedding to Ser Laenor Velaryon, the simmering tension with Ser Criston Cole and King Viserys’s worsening health. The episode deepens long‑running storylines and foreshadows the succession crisis to come.”

So, there are three important stories in this episode of “House of the Dragon.” The last story, in particular, has pretty long legs. The two make an arrangement to “dine where they see fit”; the phrase is a euphemism for private arrangements that many viewers interpret as an agreement to pursue their own sexual lives.. The king’s illness shapes the season’s arc and foreshadows the succession crisis that follows his eventual death. Do you think the episodes of this series have been getting more interesting?

Daemon Targaryen’s Murder of Lady Rhea Royce Explained

We see Daemon Targaryen’s depravity early in the season when he kills Lady Rhea Royce, a violent act that establishes his volatile character. She mocks him for not consummating their marriage. She is also on horseback. Her horse becomes startled and throws her off. While she is on the ground, he picks up a rock and smashes her skull. This is an important story, though it is a short scene, because we see the true character of Daemon. He is vain, volatile, and violent. His brother, King Viserys, is the only one who seems to recognize this.

Rhaenyra and Criston Cole’s Relationship Takes a Dramatic Turn

When Princess Rhaenyra gets going, she really gets going. She and Ser Criston Cole have a great deal of intercourse. He is very smitten with her and suggests they should run away together. He fantasizes about a place where they could go and be anonymous; however, she rebuffs him.

The rebuffing is actually pretty noteworthy. The two are on the boat on the way back to the Red Keep; the smitten Ser Criston Cole, looking gallant in his armour, stakes his claim for Rhaenyra’s hand in marriage. He suggests they run away together and that she leave the crown and everything else behind her. In a classic rebuff, Rhaenyra says, ‘I am the crown,’ to Ser Criston Cole, rebuffing his plea. Given all of the potential suitors for her hand in marriage (which she roundly rebuffed) and the passion of their relationship, this is surprising and jarring.

King Viserys Struggles With His Health Before Rhaenyra’s Wedding

In a story that will last all season, King Viserys is ill. His long, slow decline continues until he becomes incapacitated. He collapses as he exits a carriage right in front of the castle. The Maesters buzz around him, offering up leeches and medicine (he has been bled before, and it seems that remedy was common then).

Viserys is left with his Hand, Lyonel; Otto Hightower has been deposed as the Hand. Viserys wants to be known as a good King, and it’s clear he’s been trying his hardest over the season, but everything he touches turns to ash. However, the King does gather his strength in time for the royal wedding between Ser Laenor and Rhaenyra.

Why “House of the Dragon” Season 1 Episode 5 Is a Turning Point

In a very real sense, season one, episode 5 of “House of the Dragon” is transitional in nature. King Viserys is growing more and more ill, putting his succession in the forefront. Meanwhile, his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, after rebuffing several suitors, including Ser Criston Cole, who is in love with her, weds in a political arrangement.

You can watch this and other episodes of “House of the Dragon” on HBO Max