Warning: Includes minor SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 3, based on Fire & Blood.
A recent tease regarding Aegon II Targaryen sets up some exciting changes forHouse of the Dragonseason 3. As the eldest son of the late King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, Aegon II and his faction took control of the Iron Throne at the end of season 1. He’s been the figurehead of the Greens side since, fighting against his half-sister Rhaenyra in the Targaryen civil war known asthe Dance of the Dragons. Actor Tom Glynn-Carney plays Aegon II inHouse of the Dragon’scast.
Tom Glynn-Carney recently spoke withAwards Buzzabout Aegon’s arc in season 3. Heshared that his character would be engaging in some much-needed self-reflection, developing Aegon beyond the immature, bratty, and dangerously insecure character we’ve seenso far. While audiences enjoyed the unhinged Aegon of early season 2 for his entertainment value, this arc sounds like it could be fruitful for the show’s overall quality, following up on his near-death injuries from the Battle of Rook’s Rest. Read the full quote below:
“I think what we start to see in Aegon as we go through this story is this quest for an understanding of who he is, and why he is the way he is. And answering a lot of questions for himself that later might lend themselves to him kinda leveling up as a human being and taking responsibility and casting light on those areas that were otherwise very shadowed and hidden in dusty corners within himself. So it’s a big journey of self-discovery…That’s how his arc seems to be coming together as the tapestry keeps being woven.”
Making Aegon A More Likable Character Is Great For House Of The Dragon Season 3
An Aegon Self-Reflection Arc Can Benefit The Show’s Ending
Let’s be clear, Aegon II has done terrible things inHouse of the Dragonthat can’t be redeemed. I’m hesitant to refer to anything as a “redemption arc” because of that, though the term is often attributed to characters like Theon Greyjoy or Jaime Lannister, who I believe also committed irredeemable acts. Thepurpose of making a character more self-reflective and likable isn’t to clean up their previous messes; it’s to allow the audience to sympathize(or see if they can sympathize) with someone who’s done something terrible.
There are no heroes in the Dance of the Dragons. It’s a civil war of egotism and self-righteousness driven by false prophecy.
I don’t want to be rooting for Aegon and/or the Greens by the end ofHouse of the Dragonseason 3, but I don’t want to be happy to see him die, either. Aegon shouldn’t be Joffrey or Ramsay.Balancing the scales of morality between the two sides will embrace what this show is about. There are no heroes in the Dance of the Dragons. It’s a civil war of egotism and self-righteousness driven by false prophecy. Aegon doesn’t need to be a saint, but having him show some regret while Rhaenyra gets more menacing would be fantastic.
House Of The Dragon Season 2 Leaned Too Heavily Into Its Rhaenyra Bias
The Greens Were Much More Sympathetic In Season 1
I’m not going to sit here and sayHouse of the Dragonseason 1 achieved some perfect balance betweenthe Greens and the Blacks, but it was undoubtedly more well-rounded. The story was always set from Rhaenyra’s perspective, with an opening sequence that related her toGame of Thrones’beloved Daenerys Targaryen, but there were still ebbs and flows in season 1. Even throughout the course of a single episode, the acts of Rhaenyra, Alicent, Daemon, or Otto could make one question who was doing the right thing.
Season 2, on the other hand, was Rhaenyra all the way. With Aegon in full Lord of the Seven Kingdoms mode, he was more obnoxious than ever (despite being entertaining), at least prior to Rook’s Rest. Aemond continued to be sporadic and dangerous, but seemed to lack some of the sympathetic qualities that made him compelling late in Season 1.
House Of The Dragon Season 2 Already Set Up Critical Rhaenyra Book Flaws
Rhaenyra Won’t Be A Hero Going Forward
Rhaenyra was wildly successful inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, remaining one of the most sympathetic protagonists in the show while also acquiring superior dragon numbers over her foes. However,episodes like “The Red Sowing” foreshadowed a downtrending arc for her, embracing more of the ruthlessness she’s known forin the books. Her cold stare while sending dozens of Targaryen bastards to their graves even felt reminiscent of Milly Alcock’s portrayal in early season 1.
Fire & Blood’shistory text format doesn’t often allow for protagonists and antagonists, which is part of what makes it such a compelling companion piece to theA Song of Ice & Firenovels. The next step for Rhaenyra is King’s Landing, which was also established inHouse of the Dragonseason 2’s finale. If the show continues to follow at least the primary beats of the book, she’s going to be run out of town by the smallfolk, another indication of her individual demise.
