Following the Battle of the Gullet, Rhaenyra faces loss and seizes power in King's Landing
Category: Arts & Culture
The second episode of House of the Dragon Season 3 aired on June 28, 2026, depicting the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet and culminating in Rhaenyra Targaryen's dramatic claim to the Iron Throne. The episode, titled "Queen's Landing," explores themes of grief, power, and the brutal realities of civil war in Westeros, drawing mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
As the episode opens, the consequences of the Battle of the Gullet are starkly evident. Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) is faced with the devastating news of her son Jacaerys's death, which weighs heavily on her as she grapples with the loss of two sons due to the civil war. The emotional turmoil is captured poignantly when Baela (Bethany Antonia) returns to Dragonstone with Jacaerys's body, prompting Rhaenyra to question the value of the crown in light of her personal losses. "What does the crown matter without my family?" she seems to ponder, as she navigates through denial, anger, and depression.
Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) returns from Harrenhal to support Rhaenyra, encouraging her to accept her losses and continue fighting. "Will you let them die in vain?" he asks, pushing her to rise from her grief. This moment of clarity helps Rhaenyra begin to transition from mourning to action, setting the stage for her ascent to power.
Meanwhile, the episode introduces Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell), who finds herself in a precarious position after her dragon inadvertently caused Jacaerys's death. Seeking refuge in the Vale, she is met with hostility from Lady Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin), who refuses to shelter her, highlighting the political ramifications of the Targaryen civil war.
Back on Driftmark, Alyn (Abubakar Salim) leads a search for Lord Corlys Velaryon, who had been cast overboard during the battle. Alyn is joined by Baela and Addam (Clinton Liberty), and they eventually find Corlys alive but winded. In a touching moment, Corlys acknowledges Alyn’s bravery and legitimizes him as a true Velaryon, reinforcing the family bonds that are central to the series.
The episode's events are framed within the broader narrative of the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war that pits the Targaryens against each other in a struggle for the Iron Throne. This conflict has been characterized by brutal battles and personal tragedies, as illustrated by the emotional stakes surrounding Rhaenyra's family. The loss of Jacaerys serves as a reminder of the high costs of ambition and power.
Critics have noted that the episode, like its predecessor, suffers from a lack of emotional depth and character development. The dialogue has been described as simplistic and uninspired, leading to a disconnect between the characters and the audience. This criticism echoes sentiments about the show’s declining quality compared to earlier seasons, where the dialogue was more evocative and richly crafted. The loss of George R.R. Martin's direct influence on the script has been cited as a contributing factor to these issues.
In a parallel storyline, Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) navigate their own challenges after being captured by Rhaenyra's loyalists. Their escape from captivity showcases the chaotic nature of the war, as they encounter Triarchy forces and decide to head to Rook's Rest, where Aegon's dragon Sunfyre is believed to be located.
As Rhaenyra prepares to take King's Landing, her Small Council has been reduced to two members, humorously dubbed the "Tiny Council." The tension builds as Rhaenyra defies their warnings and decides to confront her enemies directly. Upon her arrival in King's Landing, the Gold Cloaks, loyal to Daemon, betray their former allegiances, allowing Rhaenyra and Daemon to advance toward the Iron Throne.
The climactic moment arrives when Rhaenyra finally sits on the Iron Throne, but not without first executing Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), who has been imprisoned since the previous season. This act of violence marks a turning point for Rhaenyra, as she grapples with the implications of her newfound power. Critics have pointed out that this moment, intended to signify her strength, could instead be seen as a weakness, as she is forced to confront the moral cost of her ascent.
The episode ends with Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and her daughter Helaena entering the throne room to find Otto's decapitated body, a shocking sight that sets up future confrontations. The complex relationships and power dynamics between the characters promise to evolve as the season progresses, with Rhaenyra's claim to the throne likely to provoke more conflict.
As the series continues, viewers can expect more intense battles, emotional struggles, and the ever-present question of what it means to rule in a world fraught with betrayal and bloodshed. New episodes of House of the Dragon Season 3 premiere Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, culminating with a finale on August 9.