The second episode of House of the Dragon Season 3 is here. The episode deals with the aftermath of the brutal Battle of the Gullet. It shows two sides of Rhaenyra Targaryen (played by Emma D’Arcy). On one hand, she is a grieving mother mourning the loss of her son. On the other hand, she is a victorious queen, finally claiming her birthright – the Iron Throne.
It is a bittersweet moment. Rhaenyra has lost Crown Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, yet she finally steps into the role she has fought so long to secure. Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith beautifully capture the emotional weight of the scene as Rhaenyra and Daemon walk together towards the throne.
Rhaenyra finally claims the Iron Throne
The dragons finally roar and soar above the Red Keep. The Blacks have finally arrived.
It is the moment Rhaenyra and Daemon have waited for. After years of struggle, the doors to the throne room finally open before them. The sequence feels especially powerful because of the way the two characters move together. As Rhaenyra and Daemon enter the throne room, they appear almost inseparable – as though they have become a single force.
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Creating that effect required careful coordination between the actors. In the Inside the Episode featurette, Emma D’Arcy revealed that they worked closely with Matt Smith to synchronise their movements. They explained:
“With Matt we spoke a lot about movement as kind of one animal, allowing that shared DNA to synchronize their movement and their energy so that they’re this like force, this blowing wind that rushes into the castle.”
As they advance towards the throne, however, supporters of the Greens attempt to stand in their way. Although only a small group remains loyal to the former regime, they briefly create uncertainty over whether Rhaenyra will finally claim the Iron Throne.
Tom Cullen as Ser Luthor Largent and Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 (Credit: HBO Max)
Enter the Gold Cloaks
The sequence also serves as a reminder of Daemon’s enduring influence in King’s Landing.
Despite spending considerable time away from the capital, he is still remembered as the commander who shaped the City Watch. For a brief moment, it appears as though the Gold Cloaks have arrived to stop the Black Queen’s advance.
Instead, Ser Luthor Largent declares, “The City Watch remembers our Commander Daemon Targaryen and Queen Rhaenyra – the one true heir to the Iron Throne.”
Tom Cullen, who portrays Ser Luthor Largent, explained the significance of the moment in the Inside the Episode featurette:
“There’s this moment of suspense when the Gold Cloaks walk into the great hall and you’re not sure whether they’re here to kill Daemon or support them in this coup… they’re there to support Daemon because they’re old friends.”
The scene is more than Rhaenyra’s victory. It also highlights Daemon’s lasting authority in King’s Landing and the loyalty he continues to command years after leaving the City Watch.
What were your thoughts on Rhaenyra’s long-awaited arrival at the Iron Throne? Let us know in the comments.
