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House of the Dragon Writer Explains Rhaenys Episode 9’s Controversial Ending: “It’s Not Her War”

October 18, 2022

The team behind Dragon House explained the final scene of episode nine, amid viewers’ frustration that it was somewhat of an anti-climax.

On Sunday, October 16, the HBO show aired the penultimate episode of its first season, which explored the fallout from the death of King Viserys (Paddy Considine) in the previous episode.

*Spoilers follow – you have been warned*

Mistakenly believing that Viserys’ dying wish was for their son Aegon to succeed him as head, Alicent (Olivia Cooke) informs her father Otto (Rhys Ifans), who takes action to prevent Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) from take its rightful place. on the iron throne.

Throughout the episode, the Hightowers try to convince the people of King’s Landing, including Viserys’ sister, Rhaenys (Eve Best), that in the final moments of his life, he went against his unwavering desire to see Rhaenyra succeed him.

Rhaenys attempts to escape King’s Landing when she realizes the Hightowers are rushing the Coronation before Rhaenyra has a chance to stop her. Disguised as a shawl, Rhaenys walks away as Aegon is crowned – only to return on dragonback, clad in silver and red armor.

She rides Meleys from the Dragonpit, landing directly in front of the Hightowers, with Alicent protecting her son, believing death is imminent.

However, instead of ordering Meleys to breathe fire on the usurpers, which would have ended any civil war about to begin, she flies off, presumably to Dragonstone to inform a distraught Rhaenyra and Daemon (Matt Smith). of everything that happened.

This act left viewers feeling disappointed and frustrated. However. Best explained Rhaenys’ motivations behind her decision in a post-episode interview, telling Weekly entertainment: “This is the moment when she shows herself to be the greatest leader possible.”

Best said the moment was “the most merciful and gracious act”, adding, “It’s because she’s so smart and she ultimately chooses to do the right thing, which isn’t to destroy. It’s a really indulgent moment and kind of a loving moment, in a weird way.

Eve Best at the end of episode 9 of “House of the Dragon”

(HBO)

The actor continued, “She has suffered so much loss, and for herself and on behalf of so many others, the urge to destroy is so strong. And yet, the choice not to destroy becomes even stronger. It is the mark of greatness and [a] truly inspiring moment.

Best also said that an earlier scene between Alicent and Rhaenys inspired the decision to spare her life, as well as Alicent’s immediate protection of Aegon in what she believes to be her final moments.

“She comes across as a mother — I think Rhaenys sees that and respects that,” Best said.

Approaching the debate with The Hollywood Reporter, writer-producer Sara Hess said, “I think she just can’t do it. This is not his war. The fight is between these two sides and she is somehow not in it. She doesn’t feel like she’s the only one doing this. But you are right. If she just cremated everyone, it’s game over, Rhaenyra wins and we’re done here. But the cost is enormous. »

Alicent protecting Aegon in the final moments of “House of the Dragon” Episode 9

(HBO)

Meanwhile, fans were left in disbelief at a scene involving Larys (Matthew Needham) and Alicent’s feet.

“House of the Dragon” continues in the UK on Sky Atlantic on Mondays at 2am, before repeating at 9pm later that day. It is also available to watch on NOW.

Find all the talking points from the latest episode here.