In the season 2 premiere, the new opening sequence captivates us with its timeless theme song, creating a stunning visual narrative that intertwines historical events into the fabric of storytelling.
It was great to see Lord Cregan Stark at the Wall and Prince Jacaerys Velaryon seeking aid for the Iron Throne's upcoming battles. While Fire & Blood enthusiasts might wish for more of Cregan, the series benefits from focusing sharply rather than sprawling across vast continents.
The first quarter of the season premiere unfolds with a smooth cadence: sweeping vistas segue into intimate conversations, each skillfully interwoven with crucial reminders of past events. From Winterfell to Dragonstone and then to Driftmark, the locations set the stage. Meanwhile, at Team Black headquarters, Daemon urges Princess Rhaenys to accompany him to King’s Landing to confront and slay Vhagar and Aemond. However, Rhaenys, fatigued from her patrols over Blackwater Bay, declines. She understands that Rhaenyra hasn't sanctioned this vendetta, as Rhaenyra is isolated in the Stormlands, scouring the wreckage for any trace of her son's body on the beach.
Helaena expresses fear about "the rats" and sure enough there are literal rodents scuttling through the castle corridors, as well as informants employed by Otto Hightower to spy on his own daughter. Ratcatchers are setting traps in the Red Keep, and ambitious figures like Larys Strong eliminate Otto's spies only to install their own. At times, Alicent is maneuvered as much as Aegon himself. Otto notices Alicent and her boyfriend/bodyguard Ser Criston arrive to the council meeting together, but thaat scandal is overshadowed by Aegon's arrival with young Jaehaerys in tow.
Aegon seems to have settled in to being King. He tries to embarrass Tyland Lannister by having the Master of Coin entertain his mischievous toddler with a pony ride during a cabinet meeting. Aegon believes the Greens can triumph in the war solely through their dragons, despite the opposing faction possessing more dragons. He appears to lack strategic foresight, or at least struggles with dragon tactics. Nonetheless, Aegon maintains a close relationship with Aemond. While warfare may not be his forte, he displays a keen interest in the socio-political aspects of governance.
On the opposite side is Queen Rhaenyra. Despite her fragile appearance and heartache, she remains a formidable presence. Returning to Dragonstone, she oversees Luke's funeral pyre and issues her commands. "I want Aemond Targaryen," she announces. While vague in detail, her directive carries an unmistakable sense of urgency. Daemon, naturally, is eager to comply. Besides blaming everyone else for Aegon's ascension, he needs a purposeful task to occupy himself.
In King's Landing, Daemon encounters Blood, a discontented guardsman, and Cheese, a literal rat-catcher of the Red Keep burdened with debts. He proposes to hire these two individuals to eliminate Aemond. The inept assassins infiltrate the Red Keep through underground tunnels and boldly stride through the throne room, mere steps from Aegon himself. Surprise! Upon reaching the royal bedchambers, Aemond is conspicuously absent. Instead, Blood and Cheese discover the nursery.
Helaena stands guard over her sleeping children when Daemon's henchmen arrive, offering to spare her and her daughter's lives in exchange for the head of the king's heir. "A son for a son" is chillingly simple. Eventually, Helaena reluctantly agrees, fleeing to seek her mother as the men carry out the gruesome act. Fortunately, we are spared witnessing the crime, only hearing it unfold from behind the nursery partition.
Now, neither Team Green nor Team Black will consider laying down their arms for any greater cause. There will be no negotiations, no divisions of power. Let the war rage on as season 2 unfolds!
