The long-awaited third season of the HBO series begins with a devastating death—and only grows darker from there.
fter two seasons of political maneuvering, whispered conspiracies, and the occasional dragon-induced barbecue, House of the Dragon has finally delivered the goods. The highly anticipated third season kicks off with a full-blown conflagration that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. For those who have been waiting for the Dance of the Dragons to truly begin, the premiere is a spectacular (and devastating) payoff.
Spoiler Warning: This article discusses major plot points from the Season 3 premiere of House of the Dragon.
Rhaena and Aemond Targaryen: Victory, Villainy, and a Kiss That Shocked Fans
In the misty wilds of the Vale, Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell) attempts to claim the wild dragon Sheepstealer, successfully mounting the dragon before it flies and reminds her of its untamed nature.
Meanwhile, an unsettling power play unfolds in the Red Keep. With his brother King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) having fled the city, Prince Regent Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) has seized control. His mother, Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke), attempts to manipulate him into leaving King’s Landing to clear the path for Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy). Aemond relents, but not without kissing Alicent, who cannot react for fear for her life.
The premiere also introduces formidable new players on both sides, including the fierce Northman Roddy the Ruin (Tommy Flanagan) and the calculating Ormund Hightower (James Norton). From there, the narrative quickly converges on the Narrow Sea, the stage for the oncoming Battle of the Gullet—a clash of naval and aerial power that lives up to its bloody reputation.
Corlys Velaryon: The Sea Snake Leads the Battle of the Gullet
The clash is a frantic, chaotic affair. Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) proves his mettle by commanding the fleet loyal to Rhaenyra against the Triarchy’s armada, led by the vengeful yet compelling Admiral Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn). The intense fight becomes personal when Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) steps up to avenge his father, Lord Corlys, after witnessing him fall overboard. Alyn kills Lohar in a brutal confrontation.
While this naval victory is a win for Team Black, it comes at a terrible cost. The most significant blow falls from the sky in the form of Prince Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett) and his dragon, Vermax.
Jacaerys Velaryon: Another Son Lost for Rhaenyra
In a desperate attempt to protect his mother, Jacaerys locks Rhaenyra in her quarters, insisting he will lead the assault himself. Alongside Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia) on Moondancer, Jace takes Vermax into the fray. The tide turns when Rhaena arrives on the barely tamed Sheepstealer, whose wild nature causes chaos, inadvertently distracting Jace and his mount at a crucial moment. A scorpion bolt strikes the beast, sending it and its rider crashing into the sea. Jace surfaces, only to be met with a volley of arrows before sinking.
Aegon II and Larys Strong: Team Black’s New Captives?
Of course, this tragedy is compounded by yet another political coup. The episode also reveals that the wounded Aegon, who has been trying to flee the capital with the ever-scheming Larys Strong (Matthew Needham), has been captured by forces loyal to Rhaenyra. The deposed king has become a hostage…for now.
How things will turn out for these characters remains to be seen, but the third season of House of the Dragon opens with a promise of more to come—none of it gentle, all of it compelling.
