House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 5 Review: Rhaenyra is Losing Power
From the moment Rhaenyra took King’s Landing back, she’s been paranoid about people coming for her. House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 5, “Unbowed and Unbent,” proves she was right to feel that way.
Even though she’s taken back her kingdom, her enemies are advancing and gaining the traction that might bring her down. Her gut feelings, expressed to Daemon in High Valyrian, might be right to believe something bigger is coming.
And the truth is that Daemon is right. Rhaenyra is a woman, so there will always be people who oppose her. These acts of rebellion against her are mere proof of that.
There are a few things that must be addressed from House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 5, “Unbowed and Unbent,” but at the top of the list is Helaena’s behavior. She is one of the few characters who has never been afraid to stand up to Alicent.
Helaena is a much better mother than her mother ever was to her or her brothers. While it could be argued that she’s been selfish to remain pregnant when she knows her child will be a prisoner or a pawn, we cannot deny she’s always put her children first.
When Alicent urges her to run, Helaena’s first thought is her daughter. She is not willing to save her life if it means her daughter will be left behind. Unlike her mother, she’s not trying to use or discard her children for her own benefit.
Something must be said about Helaena’s character. Her authenticity and uniqueness have always made her stand out, and she’s one of those characters viewers end up falling in love with.
Even though Daeron has been raised by the Hightower family and continues to hear their stories from Ormund, he seems to be on the fence about their behavior and what his uncle is doing. Contrary to his brothers, he is more reserved about taking the throne from Rhaenyra and reclaiming it.
Nevertheless, Ormund continues to use his name and image to gain followers. By illegitimately naming him the new king, Ormund hopes people will join them and, eventually, bring Rhaenyra down.
But now that Daemon and Rhaenyra know the truth, Daeron’s life is in danger.
Even when fake Daeron was caught, Daemon wanted to kill him. Now that he’s discovered his men are being killed in “King” Daeron’s name, he won’t hesitate to kill his nephew if the opportunity arises. And, truthfully, Rhaenyra might not hesitate to kill her brother either if she believes this will put an end to the battles against her.
Seems like Alicent has lost her touch and all of her plans end in failure. First, her escape is stopped by Lady Mysaria. Then, she finds herself trapped in a tunnel with her daughter.
But what stands out the most is the way she talks to Lady Mysaria about Rhaenyra. The bond between Alicent and Rhaenyra has always been complicated, so she speaks from experience.
Her words come from what she’s lived with the queen and everything she knows about her past. Nevertheless, there seems to be a hint of jealousy when she mentions the way in which Rhaenyra treats Lady Mysaria, a way in which Alicent was once treated.
What does remain true is the fact that Rhaenyra and Daemon are two sides of the same coin. That was established during House of the Dragon Season 1, and it has never changed.
Aemond and Aegon are more similar than they think. The episode proves the two are blinded by hatred.
They both describe their childhood and their mother differently, focusing on their point of view. Even though they led a very privileged life, they both complain the other had it easier. This is the hatred that has pushed them to their misery.
But while Aegon slumps around, Aemond is regaining his strength alongside Alys. It will be interesting to see how this bond develops, and how this affects Rhaenyra’s regime.
What did you think of this episode of House of the Dragon? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!
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House of the Dragon airs Sundays at 9/8c on HBO MAX.
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Lara Rosales
By day, Lara Rosales (she/her) is a solo mom by choice and a bilingual writer with a BA in Latin-American Literature known as a Media Relations Expert. By night, she is a TV enjoyer who used to host a podcast (Cats, Milfs & Lesbian Things). You can find her work published on Eulalie Magazine, Geek Girl Authority, W Spotlight, Collider, USA Wire, Mentors Collective, Instelite, Noodle, Dear Movies, Nicki Swift, and Flip Screened.