House of the Dragon 3x03 "Rhaenyra Triumphant" review

    House of the Dragon season three should have begun on this episode because it is essentially a restarting of the series from a new status quo. I think this would have been a strong opening for the series entering its third year but now we have to deal with the fact we're already almost halfway through the third season. This is the last time I will comment on the fact that HBO's decision to cut the seasons into episode episode was a mistake, though. At least until we reach episode eight and I'm certain we're going to feel cheated of a full season. I'm sorry, I'm sorry (not sorry).

    The premise for this episode is that Rhaenyra has managed to establish herself as Queen of Westeros in name but not in actuality. Aegon has managed to escape to Harrenhal, Aegon is missing (but she declares him dead anyway), and there is now a third candidate with Daeron Targayren supported by Ormund Hightower. Ser Criston Cole's army is also out there with the renegade Lord Commander preferring death to surrender despite no indication that they have a chance of winning.

    Unfortunately, Rhaenyra's problems do not end with just the uniquely large number of kingly rivals she has. No, Rhaenyra also is lacking the royal treasury that was absconded with by the Lannister family. Worse, the city still has no bread and it is now no longer planting season. The number of issues facing the city that she doesn't have the resources to address are tremendous as is the fact the show is taking a surprising take: Rhaenyra is actually a terrible ruler.

    With so much prophecy and meaning hinging on the show being about how Rhaenyra was unfairly denied her throne based purely on sex, it's an interesting choice to have it clear that Rhaenyra doesn't know what the hell she's doing. Rhaenyra manages to alienate the Goldcloaks, the lesser nobility, her strongest allies (Daemon and Corlys), plus the dragon riders she's created all in the span of a single episode.

    Rhaenyra seems to adopt the attitude that she is a ruler by divine right and because of that there is no need to reward her followers, only punish her betrayers. This complete lack of acumen in the realm of politics is something that we know is going to bite the Queen who ever Was in the ass badly. However, it actually makes Cersei look like a more capable politician as she was someone who constantly cultivated alliances while punishing her enemies. The fact poor Corlys only wants new heirs after giving so much to her cause is especially galling.

    In conclusion, the seeds are already being sewn for the fall of Rhaenyra from power or at least losing all of her present gains. I think there's some really good moments in this episode like the false surrender of the Hightowers (reminding us they're honorless trash even when Rhaenyra is drowning), Corlys' explosion when Rhaenyra refuses to legitimize his bastards, and Daemon's insane plan to conquer all of the world. If nothing else, this season is moving at a far faster pace then season two.

9/10