Warning: spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon episode 5.
House of the Dragon fans always knew the Green Wedding was going to be a bloody affair – but many were not prepared for the sheer level of violence and debauchery that ensued at the tumultuous feast.
In the latest episode of the Game of Thrones prequel, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) is betrothed to her cousin, Ser Laenor Velaryon (Theo Nate), as the two powerful Houses are finally united through marriage.
Their wedding celebrations begin with a grand feast at King’s Landing, after Rhaenyra turns down the chance to run away with her lover Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), while also coming to an understanding with Laenor that when they’re married, they’ll be free to galavant with anyone they wish.
At the feast, tensions are running high for a multitude of reasons, from Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) making a surprise arrival despite his previous banishment, to Ser Criston clearly feeling conflicted about his dalliance with the princess, which he confessed to the Queen, Lady Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey).
The mounting tension finally manifests into bloodthirsty violence after Laenor’s lover, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth (Solly McLeod) speaks to Ser Criston privately, revealing that he’s figured out what happened with Rhaenyra and wants them both to pledge each other to secrecy for their own protection.
While it initially seems as though Ser Criston may be able to suppress his anger… he then completely loses control, much to the horror of the guests at court.
What happens at the Green Wedding?
Following Daemon’s disruptive entrance at the wedding, he takes his niece Rhaenyra by the hand to the centre of the dancefloor, passionately grabbing her by the face as the King stares at them furiously.
Daemon asks Rhaenyra if marrying Laenor is what she really wants, implying that he’s still interested in making her his own wife.
However, before their conversation can go any further, a scuffle breaks out in the crowd, causing confusion and panic.
It’s eventually revealed that Ser Criston has launched an attack against Ser Joffrey, beating him so fiercely that he even punches the groom Ser Laenor away when he tries to defend his lover.
In scenes reminiscent of the dreaded Red Wedding from Game of Thrones and the moment Prince Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal) had his head crushed by The Mountain (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson), Criston completely destroys Joffrey’s face, leaving him dead and in a pool of his own blood on the floor.
Game of Thrones left with Red Wedding ‘flashbacks’
Many Game of Thrones fans couldn’t help but make parallels between the latest episode of House of the Dragon and the Red Wedding from the original series, with one person saying they had ‘Red Wedding PTSD’.
The Red Wedding saw Robb Stark (Richard Madden), his pregnant wife Talisa Stark (Oona Chaplin), his mother Lady Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) and their troops murdered by the Freys and the Boltons on behalf of the Lannisters at the wedding of Edmure Tully (Tobias Menzies) and Roslin Frey (Alexandra Dowling).
Several also recalled another gruesome GOT wedding, dubbed the Purple Wedding, where Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson) was poisoned at his own nuptials to Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer).
The important lesson being – NEVER attend a wedding in Westeros.
How will the Green Wedding lead into episode 6?
While the murderous violence of Ser Criston is one of the focal points of the Green Wedding, there were also several other happenings at the event that will lead directly to the events of episode six, which are due to take place next week after a 10-year time jump.
During the wedding in episode five, Alicent makes a decadent solo entrance in the hall decked out in green, making it abundantly clear that her allegiance lies with the House she was born into, House Hightower, as opposed to the Targaryens.
In the first footage released of episode six, new Alicent actor Olivia Cooke continues wearing her House’s signature shade, while appearing to insinuate to her husband King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine) that his eldest daughter, Rhaenyra (played by new actor Emma D’Arcy) has conceived her children outside of wedlock.
In episode five, Daemon was seen showing interest in Lady Laena Velaryon (Savannah Steyn), which she reciprocated – and their connection appears to have become more significant in the years that have passed.
Despite his faltering health, King Viserys is still alive by the time episode six comes around… but for how much longer?
We might already be halfway through the series, but we have a feeling the most deadly and ferocious battle is still yet to come.
House of the Dragon next airs on Monday at 2am on Sky Atlantic and NOW.
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