In the most recent episode of House of Dragon, both the Blacks and the Greens finally find their footing. ‘Driftmark’ is the series’ saddest episode since it has both the Targaryens and the Velaryons grieving the loss of a loved one, and also because a dragon is claimed at the cost of an eye. It may appear like a risky political manoeuvre, but the marriage between Rhaenyra and Daemon creates an even more perilous relationship.
In a new special feature, the series’ actors and creators discuss the dynamic between them and their future implications. The episode opens with the sombre tone of Laena Velaryons’ burial, which quickly escalates into an awkward family situation. Directed by Miguel Sapochnik, the film follows a large cast of individuals as they try to find comfort in one another after suffering a devastating loss. He continues, “I guess in a sense we’re trying to forgive each other for all we’ve done wrong in the past.” But Rhaenyra and Daemon are there in the middle of all that.
They’ve found solace in each other’s company, sharing their shared experience of loss and sorrow. And there’s still a lot of spark between them. The connection between Matt Smith’s Daemon and Emma D’Arcy’s Rhaenyra has been a highlight of the show from the beginning. The latter is revealed when the Princess visits the royal room and sees the former already seated upon the Iron Throne. Later on, King Viserys designates Rhaenyra as his successor to prevent Daemon from assuming the throne.
They had an enormous affinity for each other and almost became close in Season 4, Episode 4 “King of the Narrow Sea,” despite the political power manoeuvres that should divide them. After losing their spouses or partners in the fire, they are able to find comfort in each other’s company. D’Arcy says that Rhaenyra’s experience of desertion is cyclical, saying, “It happens with her mom, dad, Alicent, Daemon. And this scenario seems to be about staring that wound in the eye. They go on to say that the pair “are made of the same substance, which is why they’re a poor match.” She said, “I think there’s a deadly chemistry.”
Ryan Condal, the show’s co-creator, says it best: “It’s all fun and games till somebody loses an eye.” In this scene, we witness an all-out brawl between the children, which results in Aemond losing an eye and, in her haste to get revenge, Alicent attacking Rhaenyra with the knife. A quote from Sapochnik: “Alicent loses her shit and it’s a delight to see.” However, when the legality of her offspring is openly questioned, Rhaenyra speaks out for them. Blacks and Greens are also quite publicly choosing sides for the first time. Rhaenyra, Daemon, and Corlys Velaryon are on one side, and Otto Hightower and Alicent are on the other. “That point of abandonment is healed,” D’Arcy says. After being lost for a long time, Rhaenyra is rescued by Daemon, giving her the strength to stand up for herself and her loved ones. And, instead of attempting to avoid them, you just sort of go right towards the allegations.” Rhaenyra and Daemon create a contract of marriage by the episode’s finale.
According to Sapochnik, The difficulties they’ve faced up to this point in their relationship are all magnified by their decision to finally consummate their partnership. With Daemon at her side, Rhaenyra’s power surges unexpectedly. These results show that Rhaneyra will be a persistent threat.
House of the Dragon airs new episodes every week on Sunday.