Episode 5 of House of the Dragon begins with an ominous gray sky hanging over the landscape. Lady Rhea ventures out alone, only to be confronted by a mysterious cloaked figure, dwarfed by the looming castle atop the hill behind him. It is Daemon, who has arrived unexpectedly to visit his wife.
She mocks him for his arrival, reminding him that their marriage has yet to be consummated and inquiring sarcastically about his intentions with the crown. His stern gaze is enough to prompt Rhea to grasp for her bow, but her horse, spooked by the tense atmosphere, bucks her off and flees, leaving her helpless and huddled on the ground.Off-screen, Daemon retrieves a rock and brings it down with force, shattering Rhea's skull.
Meanwhile, Viserys lies sickly in his bed, while Criston Cole's affection for Rhaenyra continues to grow. However, Alicent is far from content, as her father has been stripped of his position as Hand of the King. Standing in the courtyard, rain pouring down, he warns of a looming war that will ravage the land, especially if Rhaenyra assumes the throne.
Deep down, Alicent is aware of the horrors that lie ahead, but she cannot help but weep for her father as he is banished from the castle and forced to depart. She is torn between her loyalties and ponders the consequences of her choices as they unfold.
Eventually, Viserys manages to reach High Tide, where he is greeted, albeit coldly, by Lady Laena. Lord Corlys awaits him, noticeably delaying his bow and fixing his gaze on Viserys's hacking cough. The new Hand to the King is Lord Lyonel, who receives warm words of encouragement from Corlys. Then, the news reaches them that Rhea has been killed in a supposed "hunting accident," with her skull brutally crushed.
Viserys, deeply aware of the looming threat Daemon posed to the throne and uncertain about the loyalties of Alicent, hatched a plan to secure the future of his dynasty. He proposed a union between Ser Laenor, the son of the powerful Corlys, and Rhaenyra, his own daughter. However, Corlys harbored reservations about a woman ascending the throne, particularly Rhaenyra. Despite his misgivings, Viserys's eloquent persuasion and the tantalizing prospect of ushering in a Second Age for Dragons ultimately swayed Corlys to accept the arrangement.
Rhaenyra and Laenor, on the other hand, struck a private accord of their own. They decided to "dine where they saw fit" after fulfilling their duties to the Kingdom, a euphemism for pursuing their respective romantic interests. The show cleverly avoided explicitly spelling out their romantic entanglements, leaving it to the audience's imagination.
Laenor's heart was increasingly drawn to Ser Joffrey, and it seemed that Corlys and his wife were aware of his extracurricular affairs, as hinted by their cryptic conversation. The dialogue here was masterfully crafted, offering glimpses into the intricate web of relationships and intrigues.
On the return journey by boat, Criston Cole boldly declared his intentions for Rhaenyra's hand. He suggested they flee together, leaving the crown and all its entanglements behind. But Rhaenyra, determined and resolute, firmly rejected his offer. "I am the crown, Ser Criston," she retorted, her words a defiant declaration of her unwillingness to abandon her birthright.
Viserys managed to make his way back to King's Landing, but his strength was waning. As he emerged from the carriage, he collapsed, his exhaustion and frailty evident. Meanwhile, Criston Cole was summoned to face Alicent. He confessed to breaking his oath and having sex with Rhaenyra, acknowledging his guilt and asking for death rather than the torture that awaited him. Alicent, faced with this revelation, pondered her next move.As for Viserys, his strength has waned significantly. After the Maesters hovered around him, offering leeches and potions, he was left alone with his Hand, Lyonel. Deeply desiring to be remembered as a benevolent King, Viserys has striven diligently throughout the season, yet everything he touches seems to crumble to dust. However, the King summons his waning energy in anticipation of the royal wedding.
The big day arrives, and Ser Laenor and Rhaenyra take their respective roles with grace. Daemon, too, arrives in the midst of the festivities, smirking as he is escorted to a seat at the head table.
Just as Viserys begins his rousing speech, Alicent strides forward, clad in a stunning gown of green. The hue is a stark reminder of Oldtown's banners of war. Amidst the dancing and merriment, Alicent receives a subtle nod of support from her uncle, who whispers his allegiance to her.
Meanwhile, Ser Gerold Royce approaches Daemon with a stern expression. He demands that Daemon pay for his crimes, revealing that he is cousin to Rhea and knows the truth behind her untimely death. Daemon, however, is quick on the draw. With a cunning glint in his eye, he reminds Royce that Rhea was poised to inherit Runestone. With her demise, the inheritance has fallen to him. He intends to make his claim once the wedding festivities are over, effectively silencing Royce's accusations. Lyonel, who has been listening intently to the exchange, takes note of Daemon's cunning maneuver.
Laenor pieced together the truth, realizing that Rhaenyra had shared a secret liaison with Criston Cole. This revelation prompted Ser Joffrey to step forward, admitting that both he and Rhaenyra were deeply committed to their arranged marriage and it would be beneficial for both parties to keep the scandalous affair hush-hush.
However, Daemon, the unpredictable wildcard, made his move, approaching Rhaenyra on the bustling dancefloor. She boldly challenged him to slay the Kingsguard and whisk her away to Dragonstone if that was truly his desire. Suddenly, guards appeared, and chaos erupted in the hall, making it difficult to discern what had transpired.
In the midst of the commotion, Ser Criston Cole engaged in a fierce duel with Ser Joffrey, leaving the latter battered, bloodied, and lifeless on the floor. The wedding of Laenor and Rhaenyra took place in the wake of this tragic death, with Laenor struggling valiantly to hold back his tears.
Outside in the courtyard, Ser Criston was spared from taking his own life by the timely intervention of Alicent Hightower. Nevertheless, their efforts were not enough to save King Viserys, who collapsed as the newlyweds exchanged their vows, leaving the celebration shrouded in sorrow and uncertainty.
